The Borg have returned, in another attempt to conquer Earth. Disregarding orders, Capt. Picard and the new Enterprise-E rush to save the Federation Home World, only to get sucked back in time with the Borg as they attempt to interfere with the course of human kind's evolution into a peaceful, unified race.

The character Zefram Cochrane was first seen in the original series episode _"Star Trek" (1966) {Metamorphosis (#2.9)}_ played by Glenn Corbett. There are differences between the original Cochran and this character, most notably Kirk's identification of "Zephram Cochrane of Alpha Centauri?" but they are both noted space flight pioneers. This Zefram Cochrane role was actually written for James Cromwell. Tom Hanks was also considered for the role, but was unavailable as he was filming That Thing You Do! (1996). Glenn Corbett could not reprise the role, he died from lung cancer in 1993.

Cmdr. William Riker:
We finished our first sensor sweep of the neutral zone.


Captain Jean-Luc Picard:
Oh, fascinating. Twenty particles of space dust per cubic meter, 52 ultraviolet radiation spikes, and a class-2 comet. Well, this is certainly worthy of our attention.

Continuity: When Picard destroys the Borg Queen's skull, his reflection can be seen to stand up, but in the next shot he is still kneeling.