On a remote science outpost, stone orbs are bringing fantasies to life. Tendi starts her first day as a Senior Science Officer Trainee.

We move back into the familiar ‘planet of the week’ scenario as the Cerritos tries to broker a treaty between rock-like inhabitants and scientists who are literally petrified during their studies. But the main conflict comes from the planet’s abilities to tap into a person’s dreams or nightmares.

The ensigns are clearing up the planet surface by gathering up glowing eggs, directly in competition with a crew from the USS Carlsbad. This is all happening while they try to ignore the advances of their fantasises – Mariner has the hots for an Andorian ‘babe’ in a bikini and Rutherford is being seduced by science poster girl Dr Leah Brahms (Susan Gibney reprising her role from The Next Generation).

A secondary plot finds Tendi on her first day as a trainee, though she’s disappointed with her mentor and is struggling how to achieve what she needs to do – to get the captain’s attention. It’s good to see the character getting her own personal moments, contrasting the chaos taking place down on the planet.

Verdict: A solid episode with a comfortably familiar premise that’s well executed. 7/10

Nick Joy