Stardate: 44474.5 The Federation science team on Ventax II has been taken hostage. Alerted by the science station's distress call, the Enterprise arrives to investigates. There it finds the Ventaxians in a state of panic. According to their mythology, their ancestors made a deal with Ardra, a figure reminiscent of the Devil, one thousand years ago. Having seemingly fulfilled her part of the bargain, Ardra returns to lay claim to the planet.

Will has girl problems after a date with Jazz's domineering sister, who's ready to pick out a china pattern before the night is over.

Mac helps out on an archelogical dig for Alexander the Great's tomb. But the expedition seems to be followed by bad luck. Several incidents nearly causes a shut-down. Then Mac finds clues leading to Alex's tomb.

Ten years ago Murphy was banned from the White House press conferences. To top off her story on the education crisis, Murphy decides she needs a quotation from the "Education" president. When she manages to get a pass, she loses her voice two days before the conference.