Plot

Riker's exact duplicate is discovered on Nervala IV. His first order of business: resume his relationship with Deanna. Second order: obey orders from his superior - himself.

Riker's exact duplicate is discovered on Nervala IV. The enterprise is visiting Nervala to pick up scientific data from researchers who were forced to leave 8 years ago. Riker was involved in the evacuation by the ship Potemkin 8 years ago and almost didn't make it off the surface due to the atmospheric distortion that impedes normal transporter function. Transporters are far more efficient now, plus Data and Geordi have figured out windows when the atmospheric distortion will be at its minimum.

Data analyses that a first window will open in the Atmosphere for 26 minutes, to safely transport people up and down. And 2 additional windows will open in the next 3 days, and no other window for the next 8 years, when the planet's orbit will bring it close enough to the sun to De-phase the distortion field.

When Riker and the away team beam down, they find Riker2 on the surface, who says he is the real Riker. It seems he was formed during the transporter malfunction at the last evacuation.

Riker orders Worf to take Riker2 to the Enterprise. Beverly announces Riker2 to be a genetic equivalent of Riker. He is not a clone, since there is no genetic drift. Their brain scan patterns are also identical. Brain scan patterns are formed from childhood experiences and are as unique as fingerprints.

Geordi and Data figure out that the transport chief was having trouble beaming Riker. So, he initiated another beam, by which time he got Riker on his pad. He shut down the second beam, but instead of dissipating, it bounced off the planet atmosphere and reached the pad on the surface, where Riker2 materialized. Both are real.

His first order of business: Riker2 resumes his relationship with Deanna. Deanna tells Riker2 that in the last 8 years Riker got more involved in his career and their relationship suffered. She no longer loves Riker. But Riker2 says that memories of Deanna kept him alive for 8 years. Riker2 says that his feelings towards Deanna have not changed.

Second order: obey orders from his superior - himself. Riker2 offers to help Riker to fix the base computer to retrieve the scientific data. He beams down with the away team on the 2nd opening. The computers are damaged, and no amount of tinkering helps.

Riker2 says that the team will need to go underneath the station where the core memory banks are located. The planet has had a lot of seismic activity over the last 8 years and thus there is no indication of the amount of damage done to the structures underneath. Riker prefers to try and access the console from above. Riker2 offers to stay behind and complete the task before the 3rd window opens, while the away team beams out before the 2nd window closes. Riker orders Riker2 to beam out with them as it is too dangerous. Riker2 beams up, but presents his plan to Picard, who approves. This makes Riker furious. Riker still disagrees with Riker2's plan, but agrees to follow the orders of his Commanding Officer Picard.

Meanwhile Riker2 continues to pursue Deanna and she is convinced that Riker2 still has strong feelings for her. They end up having sex. Riker2 gets an opportunity to be posted on the Federation ship Gandhi. Deanna is again disappointed that Riker2 chose his career over her.

At the 3rd opening Riker and Riker2 beam down with Data and Worf. Riker and Riker2 go below the station, into the caves to access the core memory banks. Riker2 falls when a bridge collapses in the caves, and only quick reflexes from Riker save his life. They restore the data from the memory banks and beams up.

The Enterprise delivers Riker2 to the Gandhi. Riker2 changes his name to Thomas.