Star Trek Picard 1x03 The End is the Beginning - Plot synopsis: A flashback reveals how, in the aftermath of the synth attack on Mars, Picard demanded that Starfleet either agree to his evacuation plan or accept his resignation.
They chose the latter; his executive officer Raffi, who suspected Romulan involvement in the attack, was fired.
In the present, Picard asks Raffi for help; she throws him out, but recommends a pilot for his mission, Chris Rios.
Meanwhile, aboard the Borg cube, project director Hugh, a former Borg drone, takes Soji to see a group of Romulan former drones.
One of the reclaimed Romulans declares Soji to be "the destroyer" and tries to kill herself; Soji stops her.
Narek's sister warns him not to get emotionally attached to Soji.
Picard, Laris, and Zhaban are attacked by Zhat Vash operatives.
They kill all but one, who also calls Soji "the destroyer" under interrogation, before dissolving in a pool of acid.
Dr. Jurati is approached by Commodore Oh, who demands to know what was said during Jurati's meeting with Picard.
Jurati decides to join Picard on his journey.
They board Rios' ship, La Sirena, and find Raffi already there.
She directs them to the planet Freecloud, where she believes Bruce Maddox is located.