Star Trek: Discovery (2017–…): Season 4, Episode 4 - Episode #4.4 - full transcript
Previously on
Star Trek: Discovery...
The killer is a Ni'Var citizen
and a Qowat Milat nun
known as J'Vini.
Starfleet remands the prisoner
to your custody
for extradition to Ni'Var.
First officer of the Credence.
He had two kids.
Then you know
they deserved justice.
I also know bringing Ni'Var
into the Federation
will benefit millions.
There must have been a sign
it was coming.
I missed it.
What you require
is freedom from guilt.
My mind to your mind.
It can be a little hard
to get out of your comfort zone
when you can barely get out
of the lab.
So getting the opportunity
to do this,
this could be really good
for me.
Are you... you?
I'm definitely me.
How do you feel?
Whole.
Captain's log,
stardate 865661.2.
It's been a week since
my mission with the Qowat Milat.
Since then we've stayed
in orbit over Ni'Var,
working with
the Ni'Var Science Institute
and the Federation Task Force
that's tracking and studying
the DMA.
No other inhabited worlds
have been threatened yet,
but of course that can change
at any moment.
Ni'Var has
fasttracked negotiations
to rejoin the Federation.
I haven't yet
heard how they're going.
We're all living in uncertainty.
Even for a crew as familiar
with the unknown as this one,
the stress is taking its toll.
I'm following
Dr. Culber's advice,
mandating downtime to help
with their psychological
and emotional wellbeing.
But Stamets won't let himself
slow down, even for a second.
He wants to solve this
for all of us, especially Book.
Book.
Even though the mind meld
with T'Rina helped at the time,
the peace he felt has been...
fleeting.
I've encouraged him
to talk to Dr. Culber,
but I feel him
pulling into himself.
A natural response
to grief, crisis,
all of this.
But he can't do this alone.
None of us can.
Captain,
President Rillak has requested
our presence on Ni'Var.
For the summit
with President T'rina?
Negotiations are coming
to a close.
Uh, but Admiral Vance
has fallen ill
with what I am told is
a Malindian stomach worm.
The accepted medical guidance is
to allow the worm to gestate
before extraction.
Mm. How long will that take?
24 hours.
We are to replace him
in his diplomatic capacity.
I would love to be there
when Ni'Var officially rejoins
the Federation,
but DMA analysis
has to take priority.
I'm sure she doesn't need
both of us.
Well, to clarify,
President Rillak did not imply
a choice in the matter.
Did she brief you
on how exactly
we're meant to participate?
Oh, we are to, and I quote,
"Remain silent and
look official, nothing more."
I still feel lost.
Your time with the Qowat Milat
wasn't helpful?
No, it was.
They have this whole
"absolute candor" thing.
So I kind of tried that
on myself.
And?
It's...
It's like, you know,
all these years,
I think I have been
on the straightline path
to the captain's chair
and just trying to get there
as fast as I could.
But now I think maybe...
Maybe you need to take a detour?
Yeah.
I have been trying
to step outside
my comfort zone.
I hunted down a nun.
I ate foods that I hate.
Have you ever tried
Rigelian rutabagas?
Because they are horrible,
so don't, seriously.
But these are
like little baby steps,
and I feel like I really need
to challenge myself.
Maybe I could volunteer
in Astrometrics,
or study medicine?
I don't know.
Seems to make you happy.
It might be a good idea
to clear your mind
before you make any choices.
That is... that is exactly
the problem.
My mind doesn't clear.
And then now
with all this
DMA craziness going on,
it's like...
You know, Dr. Kovich came to me,
looking for
a Discovery crew member
to lead some cadets
in a teambuilding exercise.
He's consulting
with Starfleet Academy.
Believes we have
something special to offer
since we served in a time
before the Burn.
How would I justify bailing
on Commander Stamets
to go lead an exercise?
The captain's requiring everyone
to take some downtime.
This would count as yours.
Go. Get inspired.
Okay.
Mm, here's hoping.
You know,
come to think of it,
can you do me a favor
when you go?
Why is Tilly ordering me to go
on a training exercise
for cadets?
I'm already an ensign.
Starfleet Academy is awesome.
Try and think of it
as part of your responsibility
as host.
Your supposed to add new
experiences to your symbiont.
Yeah, but Jovar taught
at the Academy before the Burn.
So, really, Tal's already got
that experience.
There's always
something new to learn.
And besides,
orders are orders.
All right. Well,
what are you gonna do today?
You know, other than
the zhian'tal exercises.
Mind and body connection is
everything,
especially when you have
a new body.
But then I really want
to check out
the crew games they're planning
in the forward lounge.
You barely know anyone.
I'll walk in, say hello.
Now I know someone. Easy.
You'll do the same
with the cadets.
I'm sorry, have you met me?
Can't have soup
without scanning it first.
I don't really know
how to do new without you.
So, this is
your chance to learn.
Okay. I'm going.
Or tomorrow, maybe?
Tomorrow, I think-
Discovery shuttle,
you are cleared for landing.
Ah, Kovich, to the right.
Lieutenant Tilly. Ensign Tal.
Welcome back
to Starfleet Academy.
Thank you, sir.
It's an absolute honor, uh...
Honestly, never thought I'd be
asked to do anything like this.
I was, I was the kid in class
who was asked to stop talking.
Front row, hand up,
that's me.
Ensign Tal.
You'll be on shuttlecraft 11.
The other cadets are
waiting there.
Why don't you
introduce yourself?
YYes, sir. Sounds good.
Cadet Cho, report...
Thank you for letting me
bring Adira along.
Uh, Dr. Culber thought
it could be beneficial.
They could use a little work
in the teambuilding department.
It's a problem we're seeing with
all of our Starfleet cadets.
That's why I'm consulting.
They may be the best
their worlds have to offer,
but they grew up isolated
and disconnected.
Many of them find it hard
to function as a team
with individuals
they don't already know,
especially those of species
they've never encountered.
But with the DMA...
Starfleet needs personnel
now more than ever,
but if people can't even
work together...
Precisely.
One might say
that today's exercise is
about the very future
of Starfleet.
Starfleet cadets...
You'll do great, Lieutenant.
Today's exercise will be
a typical survey mission.
Lieutenant Callum will be
taking us to Geryon,
which is an Mclass desert moon
orbiting Theta Helios.
Uh, once there, we will carry
out a full planetary analysis.
Yes!
So fun.
I think it's fun.
I mean, it's new worlds,
new things.
Like, "Hey, what's that?
Is that a new lifeform? What?"
Amazing.
So, okay, oonce we arrive,
we'll have six hours,
uh, at which point
we'll need to rendezvous
with the USS Armstrong,
uh, before heading back
to Federation Headquarters.
So, you guys have been
at the Academy
for a couple months now.
You probably know each other
pretty well
at this point, huh?
Um, not really.
Academics keep us pretty busy.
Well, this is
a teambuilding exercise,
so, um... I'll start.
Hello,
I am Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly.
I was born on Earth.
I do remember
my first training exercise.
Um, I dropped my utility kit
down a methane gas vent.
Who's next?
Anyone else?
We'll be dropping out of warp
in one minute.
In that case,
I should probably just give
you guys your assignments.
Okay, Ensign Tal,
Magnetospheric.
Cadet Harral, Geological.
Cadet Sasha, Microbial.
And Cadet Gorev, Atmospheric.
Um, I sort of thought
that you'd be
bringing me as your aide.
You know, to keep an eye
on the students,
make sure they don't drop
anything down a methane vent.
Yeah, I think, actually, for
this exercise, it's more useful
for you to think of yourself
as another cadet.
You still have a lot to learn.
What's happening?
We've been hit by
a rogue gammaray burst.
Engines are offline.
Helm's not responding.
Everybody, hold on to something.
I'm a trained pilot.
I can help.
No, Sasha, sit down.
That's an order.
Protective shielding deployed.
Can you get auxiliary
systems working?
Negative. We're going down.
Brace for impact! Brace!
Everyone okay?
Help me.
Oh. No, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
Don't move, don't move, don't.
Okay, II'm gonna cut away
the uniform,
gain access to the wound.
It's gonna be okay.
Uh, thisthis wraps around
and then we suture it
until we can get some help.
Here.
Is he gonna make it?
No.
USS Armstrong. Come in.
Armstrong, this is Starfleet
Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly.
We are on a training mission.
Acknowledge.
I think the gammaray burst
would've knocked out the comms.
Let's see where we are.
Shouldn't this be a desert moon?
We were headed for Geryon,
Mclass moon.
This is...
This is Kokytos, Lclass moon.
We landed on the wrong moon?
Lclass is breathable
but environmentally hostile.
Okay, come on. This is
obviously part of the exercise.
We're in a holo simulation,
right?
No.
I'm sorry.
I wish I could say yes.
This is real. This is happening.
The emergency distress beacon,
that would've activated
upon impact.
Right? So, um, Gorev.
You check life support systems
for me.
Sasha, you said you're a pilot,
right?
See if you can get some
flight systems back on line.
Harral, you're with me.
We're gonna get
longrange comms back on.
I'll try to get sensors working.
Good, thank you.
Hey, watch it.
You see me working here.
Hey.
Hey, this is not the time.
Stay out of it.
Hey, hey. Whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa.
No, no, no, no.
We're not doing this. No.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Calm down.
It is gonna be okay. Okay?
Once we get systems
back on line,
we will call the Armstrong.
They'll pick us up.
They're not expecting us
for six hours.
A lot can happen in six hours.
Okay, uh, you know what?
I know you guys weren't into
the whole introductions thing
before,
but we are doing it,
now, while we work.
Got it?
Harral, on comms, now.
Adira.
Adira, you go first.
Uh, tell us about yourself.
Um, I'm... I'm Adira Tal.
I grew up on a generation ship,
and now I am an ensign
on Discovery.
Great. Sasha, you next.
Go ahead.
Val Sasha.
Grew up in a colony on Titan.
Learned to pilot when I was 12.
And coming to the Academy was
the first time I'd met
any nonhumans before.
Gorev.
Taahz Gorev.
After the Burn,
my family was stranded
in Emerald Chain territory.
We weren't treated very well.
Harral.
Orion.
Which means I have to work twice
as hard to be taken seriously.
If you check my file,
you'll see I'm top of the class.
Right. Good.
Now we all know each other
a little better.
Go team.
Sir?
It appears you have a fan, Saru.
Friends, colleagues.
The last four months have seen
a series of summits
such as this,
and it is
my great privilege to say
that we have now come to the end
of this historic process.
The Federation has reviewed the
final points of the Agreement.
We are fully satisfied
and prepared to welcome Ni'Var
back into the Federation.
President Rillak,
we, too, are glad to be nearing
the restoration of our alliance.
However, there is one final
matter we must discuss.
The reality of
the gravitational anomaly,
and the threat it poses
to our galaxy,
has shifted many things
recently.
For all of us.
I am aware that this will
come as a surprise.
However, we will require
an amendment to the Agreement,
allowing for Ni'Var's immediate
and unconditional withdrawal
from the Federation
should the need arise.
An exit clause?
I'm sure you are also aware,
this is unprecedented.
Madam President, I must
remind you that before the Burn,
Ni'Var and other worlds
felt the Federation had grown
so disconnected from its members
that it was unable to consider
their individual needs.
Trust was eroded.
The repercussions are
still being felt.
We cannot accept a rejoining
without measures in place
that protect us
from such a situation
arising again.
This is a different time,
Madam President.
Be that as it may,
we stand firm.
The Federation would never
force any world
to remain a member.
Ni'Var is proof of that.
However, unconditional
withdrawal is not acceptable.
That would give Ni'Var
all the benefits of membership
while the Federation would bear
all of the risks associated
with its exit.
Furthermore, such a precedent
would allow other worlds
to request similar clauses.
A weaker Federation
would result.
It is illogical to rejoin
an organization
that seeks to impose conditions
on our judgment.
Perhaps we have moved
too quickly in these talks.
If I may.
With the tremendous strides made
to reach this point,
it's illogical to forfeit
over one issue.
Ni'Var has endured
without the Federation
for a century.
We will continue to do so.
Madam President.
There is a difference
between enduring and thriving.
President T'Rina,
may I propose a recess?
Very well.
The objections President T'Rina
raised have existed
for over a hundred years.
It's not just the DMA,
something else is going on.
Talk to her and
see if you can find out what.
Politics are not our place.
Join me, Captain.
I know this was Michael's idea.
How do you feel about that?
The mind meld helped.
I'm fine.
She says you're
still not sleeping.
Perhaps we could
talk about that?
It's Grudge. Yeah.
She's been
especially needy lately.
Oh, it's a rough life.
You ever been to
a standing funeral?
El muerto parado.
No?
It's an, uh...
an uncommon Earth tradition,
but one my family practiced.
When a family member dies,
their body is embalmed
and then posed in a position
that best evokes their life.
My, um, tío Cesar was
this infamous card shark.
And so, my family wanted to
place him at a poker table.
And it was all going fine,
till my cousins and I
snapped off his thumb
trying to place the cards
in his hand.
What did you do?
I used all my medical training,
and I reattached it.
And then broke off
his index finger.
We couldn't stop laughing,
that whole funeral long.
I didn't expect that.
Well, in conventional therapy,
I'm not supposed to share
personal things, but...
as crewmates, we already know
too much about each other, so...
Sometimes the personal helps.
Look, I get it.
Grief is complicated.
It takes many forms.
I need to let myself
experience it
however it comes, right?
I was devastated
when my tío died.
I was so angry,
and I went to
that funeral determined
that nothing was gonna
make me feel better.
If you're willing, I'd like to
try something different
with our remaining time.
As long as I can keep
my fingers.
Mm.
President T'Rina.
Thank you for
the traditional Kelpien tea.
I thought you might enjoy
a taste of home.
I am dismayed the situation is
so difficult.
If I can be of assistance,
you need only ask.
Many would be happy
to see Ni'Var
and the Federation rejoined,
myself included.
I, too, share this sentiment.
But I am bound
first and foremost
by obligations to my own people.
There is nothing more I can do
if the Federation is
unwilling to compromise.
Of course.
I understand.
Now, if you will excuse me,
I intend to use the remaining
recess for meditation.
These are delicate matters.
President T'Rina and I are
not just representing ourselves
but also a whole host
of other interests.
There must be
a way to compromise.
All eyes are on us, Captain.
Were I to offer a compromise,
it would project weakness.
Listen to me well.
My hands are tied.
With no other options,
it would seem that
we are done here.
I think President Rillak
wants us
to find a solution
to this mess.
I felt something similar
from President T'Rina.
This summit has become
political theater,
I'm sure of it.
That must be why she found
a way for us to be here today,
to cut through that.
Then you do not believe that
Admiral Vance fell ill?
Do you?
Why us?
That's what we have to
figure out.
Okay, where are we at?
I've managed to stabilize
life support at 70%.
All flight systems are fried.
We can't fly.
Well, uh, what about comms?
Checked every channel,
every frequency.
Nothing.
Yeah, well,
just keep trying, then.
Theta Helios has 46 moons.
Without comms,
how's anyone supposed to find
a 12meter shuttle?
And we only have three days
of emergency rations.
Okay. Freaking out won't help.
Okay? I've lived enough lives
to know this could be worse,
so, let...
Thanks, Admiral.
I feel so much better now.
Okay, Ensign,
how are the sensors coming?
They're back on line,
but I'm getting
some weird readings.
The proximity scans show
there are thousands
of lifeforms just outside.
And they seem to be gathering.
What the hell is that?
Whatever it is,
it's not good.
Somebody get a tricorder out.
What are we looking at?
Uh, it's a Tuscadian Pyrosome.
It's a, it's a colony species
made up
of thousands of
interconnected zooid lifeforms.
It primarily preys on, uh,
bioluminescent crustaceans,
uh, tracking them
via electromagnetic signatures.
That's the same signature used
by our equipment.
No, no, no. Put it down.
Shut down your gear.
Turn off all the equipment.
It can't see us
with our equipment off.
Did it go away?
If it did, it'll be back.
What do we do now?
We can't use comms.
We will freeze before anyone
figures out what's happened.
Okay. We got to get out
of this valley.
There is a ridge up there.
If we can get up there,
we can catch a signal
and use our personal comms
to contact the Armstrong.
And we'll have a vantage point,
if we need to see
the jellyfish from hell
before it gets to us.
You want us to go
across all that?
Yeah.
They're not ready for this.
I'll go alone.
II can move fast,
and I will work better
on my own.
No. I can do it.
I have survival training.
No, you're both crazy.
We should stay put.
Let them risk their lives
if they want.
No one is going anywhere alone.
Whatever we do, from now on,
we are doing it together.
Let's move.
Damn it.
Doesn't look like anything yet.
This is a waste of time.
Take a breath.
Try again.
You think I don't know
what this is?
What is it?
A sad attempt to try
and replicate
Kwei'tholum'Kwei.
Kwei'tholum'Kwei?
The Kwejian healing ritual.
This is nothing like it.
How is it different?
We're healed by our planet.
For Kwei'tholum'Kwei,
you need sand
from the bed of
the Mameckx'sha River.
You need to ask the Tulí Forests
for their blessings.
You need the Great Storms
of Naillem'kwai to make...
That is programable matter
made to look like sand,
because you're nothing
but cheap tricks that you got
from reading a damn holoPADD.
You think you've substituted
my home
with this rubbish?
It'll never be the same.
It'll never work.
It won't be the same.
Of course not.
Kwejian was...
one of the most beautiful places
in the known galaxy.
Its loss is devastating.
Profound.
And you won't heal
the way you would've before.
You will never feel
the relief of Kwei'tholum'Kwei
again.
I don't know how much longer
I can take this.
How long am I supposed to do it?
A longass time.
Enter.
Thank you for seeing me.
Of course, but I must ask,
have you come as a friend
or a representative
of the Federation?
No, I am here
of my own volition,
while Captain Burnham seeks
audience with President Rillak.
We believe she will reconsider
her position.
I have been meditating
on a question:
Is trust of another's commitment
to a shared goal enough,
despite the scars of history?
Trust is a journey.
The anomaly has ignited old
and new fears alike.
Some have responded with
a turn toward isolationism,
including the Vulcan Purists.
In return for their support,
which is vital to my coalition,
they have demanded
a logical framework
to hold the Federation
accountable.
This exit clause provides it.
Oh.
Thank you for trusting me.
I will leave you
to your thoughts.
But...
if you'll permit me,
another time,
I would like to learn more
about your meditative technique.
May I ask why?
You weigh questions of politics.
I weigh questions of place,
purpose.
In such uncertainly
as we are all experiencing,
I'm finding it
much more challenging
than I had anticipated.
Place your hands out,
palms up.
It is called
a threshtor kashek.
It means "shared mind."
The type of meditation
we teach our children
while they are learning.
Close your eyes.
Your eyes are meant
to remain closed,
Captain Saru.
Take a deep breath.
Lieutenant Christopher, connect
me with the president, please.
Aye, Captain. One moment.
What is it, Captain?
We're preparing to leave orbit.
Then I'll be direct.
Mr. Saru is working
to get President T'Rina
back to the table.
When she returns,
we have to be prepared
with a compromise.
Well, I have a proposal.
What could you suggest
that we haven't
already considered?
We've been at this
for four months.
At the end of the day,
we both know that
politics comes down to votes,
which is why you and President
T'Rina are taking positions
that have been agreed upon
by your respective delegations.
Neither of you can budge
from those positions
or you'll lose
the support you need.
But if a third party presents
a compromise,
now you are not budging.
Now you're just listening.
All right, Captain.
What have you got?
Keep an eye out
for the pyrosome.
Okay. What the hell was that?
Spider lightning.
It's a lightning
that travels kilometers.
We don't want to be anywhere
near that when it strikes.
You've seen this before?
No, but Kasha Tal did and
barely lived to talk about it.
I see it! The creature,
coming right beh...
What the hell?
Damn thing's hunting us.
It can't see us
with our equipment off.
But we got to keep moving
to stay ahead of this storm.
But the lightning's
rolling in too fast.
We won't make it to the ridge.
If we pick up the pace,
we can get there
ahead of the lightning.
Stop acting like you are
the expert.
Calm down.
You don't know any more about
this moon than the rest of us.
We're too exposed out here.
We need to find a cave
and, uh, ride out the storm.
Oh, there's a genius idea.
Let's trap ourselves in a cave,
make it easier
for the monster to corner us.
We don't have time
to stand around and argue.
All right? I'm going.
This is ridiculous.
If they're going,
I'm going, too.
What about sticking together?
Adira, stop. Stop it!
All of you.
Listen, you know, I'm usually
a very upbeat person,
bubbly, some would say.
But right now I have one job:
it's keeping all of you alive.
So we're staying together.
Adira!
I can't move.
I'm stuck!
I can't get out.
Stay still, you're okay.
You're okay.
We have to do something
before that gets here.
Uh, okay, okay.
Give me the emergency kit.
Now! Come on.
Here, Adira, grab it.
You got it.
Okay, everybody grab a piece.
Sasha, you grab them.
You got it?
One, two, three, pull!
Pull!
Pull!
Almost.
Keep going. Heave!
Pull!
Keep going! Come on.
It's working.
Don't let go!
We got you.
Keep going. Almost there.
Almost.
Almost there.
Keep going. Closer! Almost!
Keep going.
Keep going, keep going!
Got you!
You... you good?
You good? Okay?
Okay, good, we got this.
The ridge is right there.
We can make it.
Once we turn the comms on,
that thing will sense us.
Listen, we can do this.
We just have to work together
as a team.
The same way we just did
for Adira.
Sure as hell would be easier
if we didn't
have to count on an Orion.
Hey.
I'm just saying,
he wanted to hide
in a cave.
That's what
we're trained to do.
Just admit it.
We seek shelter.
You only look out
for yourself.
Hey, enough! Enough.
The Burn is in the past,
all right?
You got to decide now--
are we gonna work together
as a crew or not?
When I was ten,
an Emerald Chain raiding party
commandeered my family's
food replicators
because they could.
I watched my grandmother
starve to death.
I had to bury the body because
my parents were too weak
from giving me their food.
Now you expect me
to work with him?
I hear you.
Have you ever asked him about
his history with the Chain?
Tell him.
There is common ground here,
but you'll never find it
unless you talk to each other.
Uh, his father
was Bashorat Harral.
What?
WhWho's that?
Uh, he was an activist.
He drafted the Emancipation Bill
for the enslaved,
which was part of the armistice
that the Emerald Chain
eventually proposed
to the Federation.
He died a political prisoner
before he could see
any of that happen.
My father always said
being an Orion meant
we had an even greater
responsibility
to speak out against
what the Chain was doing.
Sorry for
shutting you down earlier.
The cave wasn't a bad idea.
That's good.
That's really good, you guys.
You're talking.
We need so much more of that.
Right now, we need to make it
to that ridge. Right?
You with me?
Yeah.
Yes.
Come on, guys, you're Starfleet
now. It's "Aye."
Aye!
Nice work, cadets.
Let's go. Move out!
The fact that you are both here
means you are ready
to look forward.
That has never been in dispute.
Yet you're allowing past
mistakes to define that future.
Logic dictates that
the lessons we learn
should inform our choices.
Choices are never
purely logical, are they?
There's always emotions.
If I may reference
my own history,
the Culling of my family,
my ancestors.
It will always be a personal
challenge for me
to trust the Ba'ul.
Yet I cannot deny that
Kaminar is far stronger
now that it is united.
And couldn't the same be said
about Ni'Var?
The divisions between
the Vulcans and Romulans
were so vast and lasted
so many millennia
that they forgot they were
the same species.
Even your ancestry
is a testament to hope.
The Cardassians waged war
against Bajor and humanity,
and now, today,
all three are at peace.
Because they were willing
to grow and change together.
Your words are inspiring,
Captain Burnham.
But words alone
are not sufficient.
I understand that you
and Captain Saru
are here to propose
a compromise.
We are.
Within Starfleet,
disputes between
highranking officers
can be resolved by a committee,
whose sole purpose
is to provide objectivity
and guide both parties
to a resolution.
We propose a committee--
independent
of Federation leadership--
to conduct regular reviews
will all member worlds.
Not just Ni'Var.
Ni'Var has already
refused any oversight
that does not include
one of its own citizens.
Is that any more egregious
than insisting Starfleet
be given a voice
within a civilian quorum?
If you would,
allow me to serve
on this committee.
I am a citizen of Ni'Var,
trained in logic,
witness to your history,
and I am an officer
in Starfleet.
Captain of a starship
and citizen of the Federation.
I will be the bridge between you
until you no longer need it.
This proposal is acceptable
to the Federation.
It is an elegant solution.
The storm will interfere with
our personal transporters,
so it'll take at least
60 seconds for the Armstrong
to get a lock
and beam us up.
I hope they can hear us.
They have to.
They will.
60 seconds is long enough
for it to get to us.
We have to distract it.
I'm gonna turn on my comms,
and I'm gonna run.
Draw its attention.
That's a terrible idea.
Agreed.
Okay, you guys saved my life.
All right? I owe you.
And someone's got to do it.
You know I'm right.
Yeah.
You are right.
You are right.
Someone's got to do it,
so it's gonna be me.
Wait...
That's an order, ensign.
Once I'm clear,
you turn on comms.
You call, keep calling.
Don't stop.
You got this.
We've all got this, okay?
Now, on my mark.
Are you ready?
Aye, Lieutenant.
The minute you get a signal,
call the Armstrong.
Adira Tal
to U.S.S. Armstrong.
Come in.
Armstrong, acknowledge.
Okay, no. It's too close to her.
We have to help.
Fire phasers to draw it off.
Holy shit!
Here comes the other one.
They're coming right at us!
Keep firing.
Armstrong, acknowledge.
Please acknowledge.
This is Captain Imahara
of the U.S.S. Armstrong.
It's them!
Armstrong, get us the hell
out of here!
Armstrong!
Ensign Moore, please report
to briefing room seven.
Ensign Moore,
briefing room seven.
I just finished reading
the Armstrong's report.
The loss of Lieutenant Callum
is a tragedy.
Frankly, I'mI'm amazed
any of you survived.
Well, the cadets
really pulled it together
when it mattered.
Honestly, any of them would be
an excellent addition
to any crew.
And when that opportunity comes,
they'll have you
to thank for it.
You know, when Discovery
first arrived,
no one here trusted you.
It wasn't just that you were
in a 930yearold starship
and had never heard of the Burn,
it was the way
you carried yourselves,
like you grew up in a world
that believes
anything is possible.
Quite frankly, itit stung.
And is exactly what
this new generation
of cadets needs
as the Federation rebuilds.
Well, after what
you've just endured,
I can understand that an offer
to teach at the Academy
is unlikely to fall
on willing ears,
but the opening is there.
Anytime.
Thank you, sir.
I never thought
that I'd say this,
but I think that
I'm glad I came.
II just... I...
I think I might have actually
made some friends today.
I wish I knew how to do it
without nearly getting
eaten by a blob,
but...
You know, you are one of the
most brilliant people
that I have ever met.
Do you ever wonder why
you start with "I can't"
when it comes to making
new connections?
Just seems kind of impossible.
Well,
when I see you,
and I see everything
that you have been through
and accomplished,
you're a reminder to me
that everything is possible.
Welcome home, Madam President.
Thank you, President Rillak.
Billions of futures
have been changed
thanks to what
we've done here today.
I must commend both of you
on a job well done.
Madam President, thank you
for taking this first step
with the Federation.
If I may,
there's a matter on my mind.
You are curious about
the Qowat Milat sister, J'Vini--
if she will face justice
for her actions?
Yes, ma'am.
J'Vini will go to Pijar,
a monastic world
in the Pella system.
There she will devote herself to
deep rehabilitative meditation
under your mother's
careful guidance.
They leave tonight.
My mom said she had
big news for me.
J'Vini helped rebuild
Dr. Burnham's life.
Now it seems their roles
are reversed.
In time, she will also
make amends to the family
of the slain Starfleet officer.
I hope this sets
your mind at ease.
Thank you.
Captain Saru.
Will you join me for tea?
It would be my pleasure.
For someone
who dislikes politics,
you show an aptitude for it.
I assume the admiral
made a miraculous recovery?
Well, now that you mention it,
he was looking, well, better
last time I saw him.
Hmm.
I received a piece
of intelligence this morning
indicating the exit clause
request was coming.
I had to protect my source.
President T'rina.
Mmhmm.
If you wanted my help,
you could have just asked me.
Truth be told...
I wasn't sure you were
the right person for the job.
But I'm glad you were.
I appreciate that.
I know transparency
isn't always possible
in your position.
But it is what I need
to best serve you
and the Federation.
So if you could be more
forthcoming in the future,
I would appreciate that
as well.
Understood, Captain.
I will see you back at
headquarters in a few days.
Wow.
Guess I've got a lot
to work out.
What do I do with it?
Well, when the mandala's
finished, it's...
...wiped away.
You do this yourself?
Are there...
are there things
you need to wipe away?
Sure.
You want to talk about it?
Someday.
Come.
I heard about what happened
on the mission.
How are you doing?
You know,
crash into an ice moon,
stranded in an electrical storm,
chased by
a fleshmelting alien, so...
typical day.
I know there's been
something on your mind
We haven't really sat
in here together
since you became captain.
Right.
Remember when we first
became roomies?
I was so scared to bunk
with a famous mutineer.
I think I, like,
I think I laid awake at night
because I was scared
you were gonna, like,
knife me in the back
or something.
Well, you snored like crazy.
I had to get the computer
to block out the frequency
so I could get any sleep.
So sorry!
I only blocked it out
for a few days,
and then I...
I kind of started liking it.
Really?
Really.
You're weird.
You want to go back,
don't you?
I do.
Why?
Because getting
my lieutenant pips
was the worst day of my life.
You know, II never
could figure out
how my mother
became a diplomat.
She was such a hardass at home.
No compromise.
She had everything planned out.
She had my whole life
planned out.
So when I told her that
I wanted to join Starfleet
instead of
the diplomatic corps, sh...
So I always thought that
I was doing this for me.
But then, when I got
the pips...
all of a sudden
I realized, like,
my mom is 900 years
in the past.
She's never gonna
see me wear them.
And I started wondering
if this is what I really wanted,
or if I just
really wanted to be seen.
You know.
And that was humbling.
But I think it could be
a useful perspective
for a teacher.
Well...
I'll miss seeing
your face every day.
No.
It's not forever.
You'll still see me around
Fed HQ.
Right.
And then, you know,
if it's really bad,
I can get Zora to record me
while I'm sleeping
so you can listen to me snoring
like I know you love to do.
I said I kind of liked it.
You know you love it!
Let's not get crazy.
Captioning sponsored by
CBS
Star Trek: Discovery...
The killer is a Ni'Var citizen
and a Qowat Milat nun
known as J'Vini.
Starfleet remands the prisoner
to your custody
for extradition to Ni'Var.
First officer of the Credence.
He had two kids.
Then you know
they deserved justice.
I also know bringing Ni'Var
into the Federation
will benefit millions.
There must have been a sign
it was coming.
I missed it.
What you require
is freedom from guilt.
My mind to your mind.
It can be a little hard
to get out of your comfort zone
when you can barely get out
of the lab.
So getting the opportunity
to do this,
this could be really good
for me.
Are you... you?
I'm definitely me.
How do you feel?
Whole.
Captain's log,
stardate 865661.2.
It's been a week since
my mission with the Qowat Milat.
Since then we've stayed
in orbit over Ni'Var,
working with
the Ni'Var Science Institute
and the Federation Task Force
that's tracking and studying
the DMA.
No other inhabited worlds
have been threatened yet,
but of course that can change
at any moment.
Ni'Var has
fasttracked negotiations
to rejoin the Federation.
I haven't yet
heard how they're going.
We're all living in uncertainty.
Even for a crew as familiar
with the unknown as this one,
the stress is taking its toll.
I'm following
Dr. Culber's advice,
mandating downtime to help
with their psychological
and emotional wellbeing.
But Stamets won't let himself
slow down, even for a second.
He wants to solve this
for all of us, especially Book.
Book.
Even though the mind meld
with T'Rina helped at the time,
the peace he felt has been...
fleeting.
I've encouraged him
to talk to Dr. Culber,
but I feel him
pulling into himself.
A natural response
to grief, crisis,
all of this.
But he can't do this alone.
None of us can.
Captain,
President Rillak has requested
our presence on Ni'Var.
For the summit
with President T'rina?
Negotiations are coming
to a close.
Uh, but Admiral Vance
has fallen ill
with what I am told is
a Malindian stomach worm.
The accepted medical guidance is
to allow the worm to gestate
before extraction.
Mm. How long will that take?
24 hours.
We are to replace him
in his diplomatic capacity.
I would love to be there
when Ni'Var officially rejoins
the Federation,
but DMA analysis
has to take priority.
I'm sure she doesn't need
both of us.
Well, to clarify,
President Rillak did not imply
a choice in the matter.
Did she brief you
on how exactly
we're meant to participate?
Oh, we are to, and I quote,
"Remain silent and
look official, nothing more."
I still feel lost.
Your time with the Qowat Milat
wasn't helpful?
No, it was.
They have this whole
"absolute candor" thing.
So I kind of tried that
on myself.
And?
It's...
It's like, you know,
all these years,
I think I have been
on the straightline path
to the captain's chair
and just trying to get there
as fast as I could.
But now I think maybe...
Maybe you need to take a detour?
Yeah.
I have been trying
to step outside
my comfort zone.
I hunted down a nun.
I ate foods that I hate.
Have you ever tried
Rigelian rutabagas?
Because they are horrible,
so don't, seriously.
But these are
like little baby steps,
and I feel like I really need
to challenge myself.
Maybe I could volunteer
in Astrometrics,
or study medicine?
I don't know.
Seems to make you happy.
It might be a good idea
to clear your mind
before you make any choices.
That is... that is exactly
the problem.
My mind doesn't clear.
And then now
with all this
DMA craziness going on,
it's like...
You know, Dr. Kovich came to me,
looking for
a Discovery crew member
to lead some cadets
in a teambuilding exercise.
He's consulting
with Starfleet Academy.
Believes we have
something special to offer
since we served in a time
before the Burn.
How would I justify bailing
on Commander Stamets
to go lead an exercise?
The captain's requiring everyone
to take some downtime.
This would count as yours.
Go. Get inspired.
Okay.
Mm, here's hoping.
You know,
come to think of it,
can you do me a favor
when you go?
Why is Tilly ordering me to go
on a training exercise
for cadets?
I'm already an ensign.
Starfleet Academy is awesome.
Try and think of it
as part of your responsibility
as host.
Your supposed to add new
experiences to your symbiont.
Yeah, but Jovar taught
at the Academy before the Burn.
So, really, Tal's already got
that experience.
There's always
something new to learn.
And besides,
orders are orders.
All right. Well,
what are you gonna do today?
You know, other than
the zhian'tal exercises.
Mind and body connection is
everything,
especially when you have
a new body.
But then I really want
to check out
the crew games they're planning
in the forward lounge.
You barely know anyone.
I'll walk in, say hello.
Now I know someone. Easy.
You'll do the same
with the cadets.
I'm sorry, have you met me?
Can't have soup
without scanning it first.
I don't really know
how to do new without you.
So, this is
your chance to learn.
Okay. I'm going.
Or tomorrow, maybe?
Tomorrow, I think-
Discovery shuttle,
you are cleared for landing.
Ah, Kovich, to the right.
Lieutenant Tilly. Ensign Tal.
Welcome back
to Starfleet Academy.
Thank you, sir.
It's an absolute honor, uh...
Honestly, never thought I'd be
asked to do anything like this.
I was, I was the kid in class
who was asked to stop talking.
Front row, hand up,
that's me.
Ensign Tal.
You'll be on shuttlecraft 11.
The other cadets are
waiting there.
Why don't you
introduce yourself?
YYes, sir. Sounds good.
Cadet Cho, report...
Thank you for letting me
bring Adira along.
Uh, Dr. Culber thought
it could be beneficial.
They could use a little work
in the teambuilding department.
It's a problem we're seeing with
all of our Starfleet cadets.
That's why I'm consulting.
They may be the best
their worlds have to offer,
but they grew up isolated
and disconnected.
Many of them find it hard
to function as a team
with individuals
they don't already know,
especially those of species
they've never encountered.
But with the DMA...
Starfleet needs personnel
now more than ever,
but if people can't even
work together...
Precisely.
One might say
that today's exercise is
about the very future
of Starfleet.
Starfleet cadets...
You'll do great, Lieutenant.
Today's exercise will be
a typical survey mission.
Lieutenant Callum will be
taking us to Geryon,
which is an Mclass desert moon
orbiting Theta Helios.
Uh, once there, we will carry
out a full planetary analysis.
Yes!
So fun.
I think it's fun.
I mean, it's new worlds,
new things.
Like, "Hey, what's that?
Is that a new lifeform? What?"
Amazing.
So, okay, oonce we arrive,
we'll have six hours,
uh, at which point
we'll need to rendezvous
with the USS Armstrong,
uh, before heading back
to Federation Headquarters.
So, you guys have been
at the Academy
for a couple months now.
You probably know each other
pretty well
at this point, huh?
Um, not really.
Academics keep us pretty busy.
Well, this is
a teambuilding exercise,
so, um... I'll start.
Hello,
I am Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly.
I was born on Earth.
I do remember
my first training exercise.
Um, I dropped my utility kit
down a methane gas vent.
Who's next?
Anyone else?
We'll be dropping out of warp
in one minute.
In that case,
I should probably just give
you guys your assignments.
Okay, Ensign Tal,
Magnetospheric.
Cadet Harral, Geological.
Cadet Sasha, Microbial.
And Cadet Gorev, Atmospheric.
Um, I sort of thought
that you'd be
bringing me as your aide.
You know, to keep an eye
on the students,
make sure they don't drop
anything down a methane vent.
Yeah, I think, actually, for
this exercise, it's more useful
for you to think of yourself
as another cadet.
You still have a lot to learn.
What's happening?
We've been hit by
a rogue gammaray burst.
Engines are offline.
Helm's not responding.
Everybody, hold on to something.
I'm a trained pilot.
I can help.
No, Sasha, sit down.
That's an order.
Protective shielding deployed.
Can you get auxiliary
systems working?
Negative. We're going down.
Brace for impact! Brace!
Everyone okay?
Help me.
Oh. No, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
Don't move, don't move, don't.
Okay, II'm gonna cut away
the uniform,
gain access to the wound.
It's gonna be okay.
Uh, thisthis wraps around
and then we suture it
until we can get some help.
Here.
Is he gonna make it?
No.
USS Armstrong. Come in.
Armstrong, this is Starfleet
Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly.
We are on a training mission.
Acknowledge.
I think the gammaray burst
would've knocked out the comms.
Let's see where we are.
Shouldn't this be a desert moon?
We were headed for Geryon,
Mclass moon.
This is...
This is Kokytos, Lclass moon.
We landed on the wrong moon?
Lclass is breathable
but environmentally hostile.
Okay, come on. This is
obviously part of the exercise.
We're in a holo simulation,
right?
No.
I'm sorry.
I wish I could say yes.
This is real. This is happening.
The emergency distress beacon,
that would've activated
upon impact.
Right? So, um, Gorev.
You check life support systems
for me.
Sasha, you said you're a pilot,
right?
See if you can get some
flight systems back on line.
Harral, you're with me.
We're gonna get
longrange comms back on.
I'll try to get sensors working.
Good, thank you.
Hey, watch it.
You see me working here.
Hey.
Hey, this is not the time.
Stay out of it.
Hey, hey. Whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa.
No, no, no, no.
We're not doing this. No.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Calm down.
It is gonna be okay. Okay?
Once we get systems
back on line,
we will call the Armstrong.
They'll pick us up.
They're not expecting us
for six hours.
A lot can happen in six hours.
Okay, uh, you know what?
I know you guys weren't into
the whole introductions thing
before,
but we are doing it,
now, while we work.
Got it?
Harral, on comms, now.
Adira.
Adira, you go first.
Uh, tell us about yourself.
Um, I'm... I'm Adira Tal.
I grew up on a generation ship,
and now I am an ensign
on Discovery.
Great. Sasha, you next.
Go ahead.
Val Sasha.
Grew up in a colony on Titan.
Learned to pilot when I was 12.
And coming to the Academy was
the first time I'd met
any nonhumans before.
Gorev.
Taahz Gorev.
After the Burn,
my family was stranded
in Emerald Chain territory.
We weren't treated very well.
Harral.
Orion.
Which means I have to work twice
as hard to be taken seriously.
If you check my file,
you'll see I'm top of the class.
Right. Good.
Now we all know each other
a little better.
Go team.
Sir?
It appears you have a fan, Saru.
Friends, colleagues.
The last four months have seen
a series of summits
such as this,
and it is
my great privilege to say
that we have now come to the end
of this historic process.
The Federation has reviewed the
final points of the Agreement.
We are fully satisfied
and prepared to welcome Ni'Var
back into the Federation.
President Rillak,
we, too, are glad to be nearing
the restoration of our alliance.
However, there is one final
matter we must discuss.
The reality of
the gravitational anomaly,
and the threat it poses
to our galaxy,
has shifted many things
recently.
For all of us.
I am aware that this will
come as a surprise.
However, we will require
an amendment to the Agreement,
allowing for Ni'Var's immediate
and unconditional withdrawal
from the Federation
should the need arise.
An exit clause?
I'm sure you are also aware,
this is unprecedented.
Madam President, I must
remind you that before the Burn,
Ni'Var and other worlds
felt the Federation had grown
so disconnected from its members
that it was unable to consider
their individual needs.
Trust was eroded.
The repercussions are
still being felt.
We cannot accept a rejoining
without measures in place
that protect us
from such a situation
arising again.
This is a different time,
Madam President.
Be that as it may,
we stand firm.
The Federation would never
force any world
to remain a member.
Ni'Var is proof of that.
However, unconditional
withdrawal is not acceptable.
That would give Ni'Var
all the benefits of membership
while the Federation would bear
all of the risks associated
with its exit.
Furthermore, such a precedent
would allow other worlds
to request similar clauses.
A weaker Federation
would result.
It is illogical to rejoin
an organization
that seeks to impose conditions
on our judgment.
Perhaps we have moved
too quickly in these talks.
If I may.
With the tremendous strides made
to reach this point,
it's illogical to forfeit
over one issue.
Ni'Var has endured
without the Federation
for a century.
We will continue to do so.
Madam President.
There is a difference
between enduring and thriving.
President T'Rina,
may I propose a recess?
Very well.
The objections President T'Rina
raised have existed
for over a hundred years.
It's not just the DMA,
something else is going on.
Talk to her and
see if you can find out what.
Politics are not our place.
Join me, Captain.
I know this was Michael's idea.
How do you feel about that?
The mind meld helped.
I'm fine.
She says you're
still not sleeping.
Perhaps we could
talk about that?
It's Grudge. Yeah.
She's been
especially needy lately.
Oh, it's a rough life.
You ever been to
a standing funeral?
El muerto parado.
No?
It's an, uh...
an uncommon Earth tradition,
but one my family practiced.
When a family member dies,
their body is embalmed
and then posed in a position
that best evokes their life.
My, um, tío Cesar was
this infamous card shark.
And so, my family wanted to
place him at a poker table.
And it was all going fine,
till my cousins and I
snapped off his thumb
trying to place the cards
in his hand.
What did you do?
I used all my medical training,
and I reattached it.
And then broke off
his index finger.
We couldn't stop laughing,
that whole funeral long.
I didn't expect that.
Well, in conventional therapy,
I'm not supposed to share
personal things, but...
as crewmates, we already know
too much about each other, so...
Sometimes the personal helps.
Look, I get it.
Grief is complicated.
It takes many forms.
I need to let myself
experience it
however it comes, right?
I was devastated
when my tío died.
I was so angry,
and I went to
that funeral determined
that nothing was gonna
make me feel better.
If you're willing, I'd like to
try something different
with our remaining time.
As long as I can keep
my fingers.
Mm.
President T'Rina.
Thank you for
the traditional Kelpien tea.
I thought you might enjoy
a taste of home.
I am dismayed the situation is
so difficult.
If I can be of assistance,
you need only ask.
Many would be happy
to see Ni'Var
and the Federation rejoined,
myself included.
I, too, share this sentiment.
But I am bound
first and foremost
by obligations to my own people.
There is nothing more I can do
if the Federation is
unwilling to compromise.
Of course.
I understand.
Now, if you will excuse me,
I intend to use the remaining
recess for meditation.
These are delicate matters.
President T'Rina and I are
not just representing ourselves
but also a whole host
of other interests.
There must be
a way to compromise.
All eyes are on us, Captain.
Were I to offer a compromise,
it would project weakness.
Listen to me well.
My hands are tied.
With no other options,
it would seem that
we are done here.
I think President Rillak
wants us
to find a solution
to this mess.
I felt something similar
from President T'Rina.
This summit has become
political theater,
I'm sure of it.
That must be why she found
a way for us to be here today,
to cut through that.
Then you do not believe that
Admiral Vance fell ill?
Do you?
Why us?
That's what we have to
figure out.
Okay, where are we at?
I've managed to stabilize
life support at 70%.
All flight systems are fried.
We can't fly.
Well, uh, what about comms?
Checked every channel,
every frequency.
Nothing.
Yeah, well,
just keep trying, then.
Theta Helios has 46 moons.
Without comms,
how's anyone supposed to find
a 12meter shuttle?
And we only have three days
of emergency rations.
Okay. Freaking out won't help.
Okay? I've lived enough lives
to know this could be worse,
so, let...
Thanks, Admiral.
I feel so much better now.
Okay, Ensign,
how are the sensors coming?
They're back on line,
but I'm getting
some weird readings.
The proximity scans show
there are thousands
of lifeforms just outside.
And they seem to be gathering.
What the hell is that?
Whatever it is,
it's not good.
Somebody get a tricorder out.
What are we looking at?
Uh, it's a Tuscadian Pyrosome.
It's a, it's a colony species
made up
of thousands of
interconnected zooid lifeforms.
It primarily preys on, uh,
bioluminescent crustaceans,
uh, tracking them
via electromagnetic signatures.
That's the same signature used
by our equipment.
No, no, no. Put it down.
Shut down your gear.
Turn off all the equipment.
It can't see us
with our equipment off.
Did it go away?
If it did, it'll be back.
What do we do now?
We can't use comms.
We will freeze before anyone
figures out what's happened.
Okay. We got to get out
of this valley.
There is a ridge up there.
If we can get up there,
we can catch a signal
and use our personal comms
to contact the Armstrong.
And we'll have a vantage point,
if we need to see
the jellyfish from hell
before it gets to us.
You want us to go
across all that?
Yeah.
They're not ready for this.
I'll go alone.
II can move fast,
and I will work better
on my own.
No. I can do it.
I have survival training.
No, you're both crazy.
We should stay put.
Let them risk their lives
if they want.
No one is going anywhere alone.
Whatever we do, from now on,
we are doing it together.
Let's move.
Damn it.
Doesn't look like anything yet.
This is a waste of time.
Take a breath.
Try again.
You think I don't know
what this is?
What is it?
A sad attempt to try
and replicate
Kwei'tholum'Kwei.
Kwei'tholum'Kwei?
The Kwejian healing ritual.
This is nothing like it.
How is it different?
We're healed by our planet.
For Kwei'tholum'Kwei,
you need sand
from the bed of
the Mameckx'sha River.
You need to ask the Tulí Forests
for their blessings.
You need the Great Storms
of Naillem'kwai to make...
That is programable matter
made to look like sand,
because you're nothing
but cheap tricks that you got
from reading a damn holoPADD.
You think you've substituted
my home
with this rubbish?
It'll never be the same.
It'll never work.
It won't be the same.
Of course not.
Kwejian was...
one of the most beautiful places
in the known galaxy.
Its loss is devastating.
Profound.
And you won't heal
the way you would've before.
You will never feel
the relief of Kwei'tholum'Kwei
again.
I don't know how much longer
I can take this.
How long am I supposed to do it?
A longass time.
Enter.
Thank you for seeing me.
Of course, but I must ask,
have you come as a friend
or a representative
of the Federation?
No, I am here
of my own volition,
while Captain Burnham seeks
audience with President Rillak.
We believe she will reconsider
her position.
I have been meditating
on a question:
Is trust of another's commitment
to a shared goal enough,
despite the scars of history?
Trust is a journey.
The anomaly has ignited old
and new fears alike.
Some have responded with
a turn toward isolationism,
including the Vulcan Purists.
In return for their support,
which is vital to my coalition,
they have demanded
a logical framework
to hold the Federation
accountable.
This exit clause provides it.
Oh.
Thank you for trusting me.
I will leave you
to your thoughts.
But...
if you'll permit me,
another time,
I would like to learn more
about your meditative technique.
May I ask why?
You weigh questions of politics.
I weigh questions of place,
purpose.
In such uncertainly
as we are all experiencing,
I'm finding it
much more challenging
than I had anticipated.
Place your hands out,
palms up.
It is called
a threshtor kashek.
It means "shared mind."
The type of meditation
we teach our children
while they are learning.
Close your eyes.
Your eyes are meant
to remain closed,
Captain Saru.
Take a deep breath.
Lieutenant Christopher, connect
me with the president, please.
Aye, Captain. One moment.
What is it, Captain?
We're preparing to leave orbit.
Then I'll be direct.
Mr. Saru is working
to get President T'Rina
back to the table.
When she returns,
we have to be prepared
with a compromise.
Well, I have a proposal.
What could you suggest
that we haven't
already considered?
We've been at this
for four months.
At the end of the day,
we both know that
politics comes down to votes,
which is why you and President
T'Rina are taking positions
that have been agreed upon
by your respective delegations.
Neither of you can budge
from those positions
or you'll lose
the support you need.
But if a third party presents
a compromise,
now you are not budging.
Now you're just listening.
All right, Captain.
What have you got?
Keep an eye out
for the pyrosome.
Okay. What the hell was that?
Spider lightning.
It's a lightning
that travels kilometers.
We don't want to be anywhere
near that when it strikes.
You've seen this before?
No, but Kasha Tal did and
barely lived to talk about it.
I see it! The creature,
coming right beh...
What the hell?
Damn thing's hunting us.
It can't see us
with our equipment off.
But we got to keep moving
to stay ahead of this storm.
But the lightning's
rolling in too fast.
We won't make it to the ridge.
If we pick up the pace,
we can get there
ahead of the lightning.
Stop acting like you are
the expert.
Calm down.
You don't know any more about
this moon than the rest of us.
We're too exposed out here.
We need to find a cave
and, uh, ride out the storm.
Oh, there's a genius idea.
Let's trap ourselves in a cave,
make it easier
for the monster to corner us.
We don't have time
to stand around and argue.
All right? I'm going.
This is ridiculous.
If they're going,
I'm going, too.
What about sticking together?
Adira, stop. Stop it!
All of you.
Listen, you know, I'm usually
a very upbeat person,
bubbly, some would say.
But right now I have one job:
it's keeping all of you alive.
So we're staying together.
Adira!
I can't move.
I'm stuck!
I can't get out.
Stay still, you're okay.
You're okay.
We have to do something
before that gets here.
Uh, okay, okay.
Give me the emergency kit.
Now! Come on.
Here, Adira, grab it.
You got it.
Okay, everybody grab a piece.
Sasha, you grab them.
You got it?
One, two, three, pull!
Pull!
Pull!
Almost.
Keep going. Heave!
Pull!
Keep going! Come on.
It's working.
Don't let go!
We got you.
Keep going. Almost there.
Almost.
Almost there.
Keep going. Closer! Almost!
Keep going.
Keep going, keep going!
Got you!
You... you good?
You good? Okay?
Okay, good, we got this.
The ridge is right there.
We can make it.
Once we turn the comms on,
that thing will sense us.
Listen, we can do this.
We just have to work together
as a team.
The same way we just did
for Adira.
Sure as hell would be easier
if we didn't
have to count on an Orion.
Hey.
I'm just saying,
he wanted to hide
in a cave.
That's what
we're trained to do.
Just admit it.
We seek shelter.
You only look out
for yourself.
Hey, enough! Enough.
The Burn is in the past,
all right?
You got to decide now--
are we gonna work together
as a crew or not?
When I was ten,
an Emerald Chain raiding party
commandeered my family's
food replicators
because they could.
I watched my grandmother
starve to death.
I had to bury the body because
my parents were too weak
from giving me their food.
Now you expect me
to work with him?
I hear you.
Have you ever asked him about
his history with the Chain?
Tell him.
There is common ground here,
but you'll never find it
unless you talk to each other.
Uh, his father
was Bashorat Harral.
What?
WhWho's that?
Uh, he was an activist.
He drafted the Emancipation Bill
for the enslaved,
which was part of the armistice
that the Emerald Chain
eventually proposed
to the Federation.
He died a political prisoner
before he could see
any of that happen.
My father always said
being an Orion meant
we had an even greater
responsibility
to speak out against
what the Chain was doing.
Sorry for
shutting you down earlier.
The cave wasn't a bad idea.
That's good.
That's really good, you guys.
You're talking.
We need so much more of that.
Right now, we need to make it
to that ridge. Right?
You with me?
Yeah.
Yes.
Come on, guys, you're Starfleet
now. It's "Aye."
Aye!
Nice work, cadets.
Let's go. Move out!
The fact that you are both here
means you are ready
to look forward.
That has never been in dispute.
Yet you're allowing past
mistakes to define that future.
Logic dictates that
the lessons we learn
should inform our choices.
Choices are never
purely logical, are they?
There's always emotions.
If I may reference
my own history,
the Culling of my family,
my ancestors.
It will always be a personal
challenge for me
to trust the Ba'ul.
Yet I cannot deny that
Kaminar is far stronger
now that it is united.
And couldn't the same be said
about Ni'Var?
The divisions between
the Vulcans and Romulans
were so vast and lasted
so many millennia
that they forgot they were
the same species.
Even your ancestry
is a testament to hope.
The Cardassians waged war
against Bajor and humanity,
and now, today,
all three are at peace.
Because they were willing
to grow and change together.
Your words are inspiring,
Captain Burnham.
But words alone
are not sufficient.
I understand that you
and Captain Saru
are here to propose
a compromise.
We are.
Within Starfleet,
disputes between
highranking officers
can be resolved by a committee,
whose sole purpose
is to provide objectivity
and guide both parties
to a resolution.
We propose a committee--
independent
of Federation leadership--
to conduct regular reviews
will all member worlds.
Not just Ni'Var.
Ni'Var has already
refused any oversight
that does not include
one of its own citizens.
Is that any more egregious
than insisting Starfleet
be given a voice
within a civilian quorum?
If you would,
allow me to serve
on this committee.
I am a citizen of Ni'Var,
trained in logic,
witness to your history,
and I am an officer
in Starfleet.
Captain of a starship
and citizen of the Federation.
I will be the bridge between you
until you no longer need it.
This proposal is acceptable
to the Federation.
It is an elegant solution.
The storm will interfere with
our personal transporters,
so it'll take at least
60 seconds for the Armstrong
to get a lock
and beam us up.
I hope they can hear us.
They have to.
They will.
60 seconds is long enough
for it to get to us.
We have to distract it.
I'm gonna turn on my comms,
and I'm gonna run.
Draw its attention.
That's a terrible idea.
Agreed.
Okay, you guys saved my life.
All right? I owe you.
And someone's got to do it.
You know I'm right.
Yeah.
You are right.
You are right.
Someone's got to do it,
so it's gonna be me.
Wait...
That's an order, ensign.
Once I'm clear,
you turn on comms.
You call, keep calling.
Don't stop.
You got this.
We've all got this, okay?
Now, on my mark.
Are you ready?
Aye, Lieutenant.
The minute you get a signal,
call the Armstrong.
Adira Tal
to U.S.S. Armstrong.
Come in.
Armstrong, acknowledge.
Okay, no. It's too close to her.
We have to help.
Fire phasers to draw it off.
Holy shit!
Here comes the other one.
They're coming right at us!
Keep firing.
Armstrong, acknowledge.
Please acknowledge.
This is Captain Imahara
of the U.S.S. Armstrong.
It's them!
Armstrong, get us the hell
out of here!
Armstrong!
Ensign Moore, please report
to briefing room seven.
Ensign Moore,
briefing room seven.
I just finished reading
the Armstrong's report.
The loss of Lieutenant Callum
is a tragedy.
Frankly, I'mI'm amazed
any of you survived.
Well, the cadets
really pulled it together
when it mattered.
Honestly, any of them would be
an excellent addition
to any crew.
And when that opportunity comes,
they'll have you
to thank for it.
You know, when Discovery
first arrived,
no one here trusted you.
It wasn't just that you were
in a 930yearold starship
and had never heard of the Burn,
it was the way
you carried yourselves,
like you grew up in a world
that believes
anything is possible.
Quite frankly, itit stung.
And is exactly what
this new generation
of cadets needs
as the Federation rebuilds.
Well, after what
you've just endured,
I can understand that an offer
to teach at the Academy
is unlikely to fall
on willing ears,
but the opening is there.
Anytime.
Thank you, sir.
I never thought
that I'd say this,
but I think that
I'm glad I came.
II just... I...
I think I might have actually
made some friends today.
I wish I knew how to do it
without nearly getting
eaten by a blob,
but...
You know, you are one of the
most brilliant people
that I have ever met.
Do you ever wonder why
you start with "I can't"
when it comes to making
new connections?
Just seems kind of impossible.
Well,
when I see you,
and I see everything
that you have been through
and accomplished,
you're a reminder to me
that everything is possible.
Welcome home, Madam President.
Thank you, President Rillak.
Billions of futures
have been changed
thanks to what
we've done here today.
I must commend both of you
on a job well done.
Madam President, thank you
for taking this first step
with the Federation.
If I may,
there's a matter on my mind.
You are curious about
the Qowat Milat sister, J'Vini--
if she will face justice
for her actions?
Yes, ma'am.
J'Vini will go to Pijar,
a monastic world
in the Pella system.
There she will devote herself to
deep rehabilitative meditation
under your mother's
careful guidance.
They leave tonight.
My mom said she had
big news for me.
J'Vini helped rebuild
Dr. Burnham's life.
Now it seems their roles
are reversed.
In time, she will also
make amends to the family
of the slain Starfleet officer.
I hope this sets
your mind at ease.
Thank you.
Captain Saru.
Will you join me for tea?
It would be my pleasure.
For someone
who dislikes politics,
you show an aptitude for it.
I assume the admiral
made a miraculous recovery?
Well, now that you mention it,
he was looking, well, better
last time I saw him.
Hmm.
I received a piece
of intelligence this morning
indicating the exit clause
request was coming.
I had to protect my source.
President T'rina.
Mmhmm.
If you wanted my help,
you could have just asked me.
Truth be told...
I wasn't sure you were
the right person for the job.
But I'm glad you were.
I appreciate that.
I know transparency
isn't always possible
in your position.
But it is what I need
to best serve you
and the Federation.
So if you could be more
forthcoming in the future,
I would appreciate that
as well.
Understood, Captain.
I will see you back at
headquarters in a few days.
Wow.
Guess I've got a lot
to work out.
What do I do with it?
Well, when the mandala's
finished, it's...
...wiped away.
You do this yourself?
Are there...
are there things
you need to wipe away?
Sure.
You want to talk about it?
Someday.
Come.
I heard about what happened
on the mission.
How are you doing?
You know,
crash into an ice moon,
stranded in an electrical storm,
chased by
a fleshmelting alien, so...
typical day.
I know there's been
something on your mind
We haven't really sat
in here together
since you became captain.
Right.
Remember when we first
became roomies?
I was so scared to bunk
with a famous mutineer.
I think I, like,
I think I laid awake at night
because I was scared
you were gonna, like,
knife me in the back
or something.
Well, you snored like crazy.
I had to get the computer
to block out the frequency
so I could get any sleep.
So sorry!
I only blocked it out
for a few days,
and then I...
I kind of started liking it.
Really?
Really.
You're weird.
You want to go back,
don't you?
I do.
Why?
Because getting
my lieutenant pips
was the worst day of my life.
You know, II never
could figure out
how my mother
became a diplomat.
She was such a hardass at home.
No compromise.
She had everything planned out.
She had my whole life
planned out.
So when I told her that
I wanted to join Starfleet
instead of
the diplomatic corps, sh...
So I always thought that
I was doing this for me.
But then, when I got
the pips...
all of a sudden
I realized, like,
my mom is 900 years
in the past.
She's never gonna
see me wear them.
And I started wondering
if this is what I really wanted,
or if I just
really wanted to be seen.
You know.
And that was humbling.
But I think it could be
a useful perspective
for a teacher.
Well...
I'll miss seeing
your face every day.
No.
It's not forever.
You'll still see me around
Fed HQ.
Right.
And then, you know,
if it's really bad,
I can get Zora to record me
while I'm sleeping
so you can listen to me snoring
like I know you love to do.
I said I kind of liked it.
You know you love it!
Let's not get crazy.
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