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After taking the U.S.S. Enterprise to an Earth-orbiting spacedock for repairs, Picard, still recovering from the injuries he suffered at the hands of the Borg, returns for the first time in twenty years to the 19th century French village where he grew up. He is greeted warmly by his sister-in-law and nephew, both of whom he has never met. However, his meeting with his older brother Robert, who feels that Picard is arrogant, is filled with animosity. Back on board the U.S.S. Enterprise, Worf receives an unexpected visit from his adoptive human parents, Sergey and Helena Rozhenko. Because he is a Klingon, Worf is uncomfortable with their displays of emotion. His coldness upsets Worf's mother. But her feelings of hurt and helplessness are alleviated after a conversation with Guinan, who assures the Rozhenkos that when their son looks toward home, he is looking toward Earth. Comforted by her words, the couple assures Worf that while they may not understand everything about his association with the Klingons, they will always stand by him and love him. Meanwhile, Dr. Crusher receives a package she left in storage when she left Earth. While sorting through the odds and ends, she discovers a computer disc containing a holographic message for Wesley from his late father, Jack Crusher, made when he was only 10 weeks old. She is uncertain about giving the disc to Wesley, but Troi convinces her it may help the boy understand the kind of man his father was. Initially shocked that his father was just a young man like himself, Wesley ends up deeply moved by his expression of hope for the future and love for his baby son. Back in his village, Picard receives an offer from an old friend to head a project on Earth, and is shocked to find himself seriously considering the job. While Picard anguishes over the decision, his brother seizes the opportunity to torment him, telling him he has changed from the unflappable achiever he once was. The argument leads to a brawl that eventually leaves the sibling rivals laughing and covered in mud. They share a tender moment as Picard reveals the guilt he feels over his inability to fight the Borg after they kidnapped him. As the U.S.S. Enterprise prepares to depart, it is apparent that more than just the starship was repaired. Worf shares a final tender moment with his parents, Wesley says goodbye to a father he finally feels he knows, and Picard, reconciled with his brother, begins his psychological recovery from his trauma with the Borg.
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