This episode was inspired by "Raise the Titanic!" Writer Ronald D. Moore started with the premise of a mystery ship from the past that holds a secret within it, and considered the consequences if Riker was on that ship-what was Will protecting?
Writer Ronald D. Moore noted that the themes of honor and loyalty were similar to the time Wesley Crusher participated in a cover-up. Loyalty over duty. But Wesley didn't have the benefits of a good record to atone for an early-career mistake like Riker did here.