In the first part of this episode, a captive Riker learned to his horror that Picard had joined a band of mercenaries who looted galactic archeology sites and sold their ill-gotten gains to the highest bidder. By the time part two rolled around, both Riker and the audience had been assured that Picard was merely posing as an outlaw to prevent the villains from getting their hands on a dangerous Vulcan artifact. Likewise pretending to cast his lot with the looters, Riker assists Picard in his efforts, which may well result in death for both men. Written by Ronald D. Moore from a story by Naren Shankar, part two of "Gambit" originally aired October 23, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide