Unfortunately, the test proves a failure, and he will not get another chance at one, for a few days later, he is to turn 60; and on Kaelon Two, everyone who reaches the age of 60 kills him or herself in the Resolution. Lwaxana is outraged by this fact, and when Picard makes it clear that he will not interfere in the planet's local affairs, first tries to beam down herself and then goes into hysterics until Deanna comforts her.
After Lwaxana and Timicin end up spending an evening together (and not particularly vertically, or so it's implied), he tries to explain the custom of the Resolution to her. Unfortunately, she considers the custom barbaric, pure and simple, and despite valiant attempts by both sides, neither will change their views. However, when Timicin's analysis of the failed test turns up some promising options, he suddenly realizes that no one else has the knowledge to carry on his work and possibly save his world, and requests asylum on the Enterprise.
B'Tardat, the Science Minister on Kaelon Two, is outraged, and sends up two warships to ensure that the Enterprise cannot leave the system with Timicin on board. Timicin quickly finds that his decision isn't as easy as he thought, for the planet below will not accept any further reports from him, so that even if he finds a solution they will not accept it. The final straw comes when his daughter Dara beams on board to insist that he return-she cannot bear the thought, she says, of him being laid to rest anywhere but next to her mother, and she is ashamed of him.
Timicin realizes that he is not the man to forge a cultural revolution, and agrees to return to Kaelon Two. Lwaxana, however, as a loved one, beams down with him to take part.