Cytherian probe

Cytherian probe

TheCytherian probe was a type ofspaceprobe built by theCytherians to seek out otherspecies and bring them to theirhomeworld. The probe was able to move atimpulse andwarp velocities without emittingparticles or generating asubspace field, indicating its propulsion technology to be utterly alien to theFederation. It was highly resistant tophasers but could be destroyed by a number of maximum-yieldphoton torpedoes.

In2367, a Cytherian probe unsuccessfully attempted to contact theArgus Array, disabling the Array'scomputer in the process. When theUSSEnterprise-D arrived and sent itsshuttleFeynman to investigate, the probe attempted to contact the shuttle computer and its occupants,Geordi La Forge andReginald Barclay. La Forge was protected by hisVISOR, while Barclay was affected. The probe then pursued theEnterprise, necessitating its destruction by a spread of photon torpedoes.

After having hisbrain reprogrammed by the probe, Barclay exhibited greatly increased intelligence and a compulsion to bring theEnterprise to the Cytherian homeworld, thus fulfilling the probe's mission. (TNG: "The Nth Degree")