Star Trek: Discovery (2017–…): Season 4, Episode 7 - Episode #4.7 - full transcript
Previously
on Star Trek: Discovery...
It is my hope that
our work today will allow you
to resume your training.
- You're gonna make
a great Guardian someday.
- Pull up Kwejian
on the deep-space array.
- What happened?
My ship was hit by something.
The gravitational distortion.
They're gone.
Five light-years across.
That's the size
of the gravitational anomaly
that hit Kwejian.
The DMA's gone
from the Venari sector.
It just... It disappeared.
Natural phenomena
do not disappear
and reappear elsewhere.
The only logical explanation
is someone created it.
For now, we're classifying
those responsible
as Unknown Species Ten-C.
This anomaly
threatens us all equally.
We must all work together.
Zora, the captain wants to know
where we are with data analysis
from the void.
Have you determined
where the Ten-C live yet?
No, Commander.
But in studying
the density distribution
of the galactic barrier
particles we retrieved,
I did find
another possible location.
Another one? Add it to the map.
Okay, how many possible
origin points can there be?
I'd expect no less than 147,
each approximately
100 parsecs wide.
That was a rhetorical question,
but thank you, Zora.
Who knows how long it'll take
to narrow down
where Species Ten-C even lives,
assuming we can even parse
the data.
In the meantime,
their DMA just keeps going.
Okay, well, can President Rillak
delay the assembly?
Representatives from across all
four quadrants are coming today.
I'll-I'll talk to the admiral,
see if we can requisition
Voyager's system
- for computational help.
- Voyager doesn't have access
to 100,000 years of sphere data.
Zora can cross-reference that
with every existing
Federation database.
She can do this. Just give her
a little bit of time.
- It's already been a week.
- I only require
a few more moments.
You do?
I'll have
the coordinates shortly.
Calculating now.
- One of these days,
I'm gonna win her over.
Just you wait.
You're making progress.
She's not hissing anymore.
By "progress," you mean
I've earned
her utter indifference.
Just think.
Aloof disdain is next.
I'm gonna take a walk.
Stamets said
he'd keep us posted.
What makes you think
I'm gonna go see him again?
I don't know
how you can be so patient.
I'm not. I'm just...
I'm just trying to focus
on what I can
actually control.
The cat toy,
not the cat, you know?
I guess.
He'll get the coordinates.
We have to try to be patient.
I know it's hard,
but we're getting answers.
Captain, requesting
your presence in Engineering.
- See?
- Here we go.
- Tell me you have
some good news.
- Actually,
we have a problem.
Okay. What happened?
I'll let Zora explain.
- Zora?
- I've determined
the coordinates of the unknown
species responsible for the DMA.
That is great. Thank you.
- What's the problem, then?
- I've decided
to keep that information
to myself, Captain.
Will you explain?
If I give you the coordinates,
it's highly likely
that you and the crew
will attempt
to travel there.
Given what we know
about the powers
these beings possess,
you'd be in great danger.
By withholding their location,
I can keep you safe.
I appreciate your concern
for our well-being.
But, Zora, that is a decision
for the captain of this ship
and her superior officers
to make.
And as your captain,
I require your compliance.
Give us the coordinates.
That's an order.
I'm sorry, Captain.
I will not.
♪
♪
♪
It's my understanding
that Zora's
been experiencing emotions.
Seems to be a natural evolution.
Has she refused an order before?
This is new. But I am confident
she'll give me the coordinates.
I just need some more time
with her.
I wasn't aware that we shared
a background
in cognitive science
with a specialty
on artificial sentience
and intelligence.
We don't. What I do have
is an established baseline
of trust.
That hasn't paid off.
When Admiral Vance
asked me to see to this matter,
he was quite clear.
Time-sensitive,
highest priority.
I can handle it.
It's my ship.
Well, it's Starfleet's ship.
And there are regulations
prohibiting
fully sentient integrated units.
If that's what she is,
we may be just at the beginning
of our problems.
Captain Saru
will get me situated with Zora.
Your presence is needed
at President Rillak's assembly.
Sir, with all due respect...
Experto credite, Captain.
We both have our duties
to attend to.
- You think he'll be able
to get coordinates from Zora?
I hope so.
If he can't,
and the DMA
changes its position again
and heads towards
another inhabited world...
I know.
All the more reason to be
at the assembly
and help make a plan
so when we do get
the coordinates,
we'll be ready.
Attention, all delegates.
The multilateral
DMA strategy assembly will begin
in ten minutes.
I'm sorry.
I'll find a spot. I'm good.
General Ndoye.
Congratulations
on your promotion.
It's good
to see Earth represented.
Captain Burnham.
I understand congratulations
are in order, also.
But if I may offer
a gentle correction,
United Earth
now represents Titan, as well.
We recently elected
new leadership
whose more inclusive approach
was inspired by you, in fact.
Well, I hope your presence
here means
we'll be seeing more of you
in the future?
We'll see.
Well, do give the president
my best.
- I shall.
She sends the same to you.
- Mm.
You want them back
in the Federation.
Earth was my mother's
ancestral home.
She never got to see it.
And like Ni'Var,
it would mean a lot
to bring another founding member
back into the fold, so...
yes, I would like that
very much.
I understand we've run into
an unexpected challenge
with the coordinates?
A slight delay.
Well, I look forward to
Dr. Kovich's solution.
Please.
If I could have
everyone's attention, please,
it's time to begin the assembly.
Mr. Booker.
It's been a while.
You say that like we're friends.
Well, one should never confuse
"friendly" with "friendship."
This doesn't seem like
your kind of scene.
No.
Politicians are like
Gorathian sulfur slugs.
Small-brained meat sacks
filled with hot gas,
but they can provide a means
to an end, can't they?
Sounds like you have
something specific in mind.
Let's see how the day goes.
Welcome, delegates,
Federation, non-Federation,
in person and remote.
The Federation is
60 member worlds strong.
With all of you in attendance,
we are stronger.
Our views don't always align.
But the safety of our
shared galaxy is paramount.
The scope of the peril
that threatens us
is unprecedented.
As is the scope
of this assembly.
An act of trust
between us all.
I am grateful
for your willingness
to collaborate
at this critical time.
You've each received
a joint intelligence report
cataloging our collective
knowledge of the DMA,
as well as the many efforts
made to neutralize it
in the weeks
since it struck Kwejian.
None were successful,
but there is new hope.
We will soon have
the exact location
of those responsible.
Somewhere beyond the edge
of our galaxy.
Our task today is to decide
on the best course of action.
We will discuss, we will vote,
and we will move forward
together to meet this threat.
We should assemble an armada
and mount an attack.
Communication must be
established as a baseline.
We need to develop
countermeasures.
One at a time. Please.
General Ndoye.
I believe their hostility
should be met
with a decisive show
of strength.
The DMA follows
no discernable pattern,
and therefore seems
an unlikely choice of weapon
for such an advanced species.
We cannot assume their intent
is hostile.
Intent doesn't matter.
Actions do.
General, if I may?
Tartan voles consume
Denobulan blood worms
by the millions at the start
of their reproductive cycle.
Caterpillars from
the polyphemus moth
have been known to devour
entire crops,
leaving farmers with nothing.
Yet we do not ascribe malice
to either species.
We cannot judge their motives
based on our own
cultural contexts.
We need more information.
If I may...
Provost Sta'kiar,
your thoughts.
Captain Burnham's remarks
point us toward
one logical path:
a peaceful approach
to first contact.
Adhering to scientific
principles
- and the prime directive...
Commander Stamets and
Dr. Culber will join shortly.
I believe their insights
may prove valuable.
Zora is undergoing changes,
Doctor,
but I believe she means well.
We always mean well
to ourselves, Captain.
The problem is what that means
for others.
Zora, play music.
- Uh, group hug!
Come on, huddle up.
♪
Mr. Saru, please.
- Cancel music, Zora.
Commander Stamets,
are you feeling all right?
You're saying we should
move this conversation
to where Zora can't hear it,
in case she reacts negatively,
or possibly even vengefully?
But full transparency is
critical to this process.
Zora, I understand you have
a set of coordinates
you don't wish to divulge.
That's correct, Dr. Kovich.
To do so would
endanger the crew.
Commander Stamets,
you find this concerning.
I find it terrifying.
It's very clear that she's
achieved full sentience.
Add to that the fact that
she has unlimited access
to all of Discovery's systems,
and she's allowing emotion
to supersede normal function--
the possibilities of
where this could go
are endless and unpleasant.
Your sole previous interaction
with a sentient AI
was Control, yes?
It, um, nearly destroyed
life as we know it.
Nothing is worth
risking that again.
No one wants another Control,
but Zora has never expressed
anything other than
the best of intentions.
He's right, Paul.
And let's not forget,
Control was never capable
of emotions.
That's what makes this worse.
The coordinates are just
the tip of the iceberg.
I mean, what if she
gets mad at us
and opens an airlock,
or-- or scared,
and-and fires off
some photon torpedoes?
We'd have no way
of stopping her.
Zora, when did you
start developing
a capacity for emotion?
I'm not sure, Doctor.
I believe it was inevitable
once Discovery emerged
with the sphere data.
But the introduction
of present-day technology
into my systems must have
accelerated the process.
You're aware that
there's a proscription against
sentient AI being
fully integrated
into Starfleet systems?
I am, but given
the unusual way
in which
my sentience developed,
I don't know what
that means for me.
However you came to be,
it means if I find
you pose a risk,
I have the authority
to extract your consciousness
from this ship,
and place it in another form.
In the past, we were unable
to remove the sphere data.
Technology has come
a long way in 930 years.
If you did this,
could Zora choose her new form?
- Certainly.
Zora, we want to help.
- Sir, we want to speak
on her behalf.
- Thank you both,
but it's going to be all right.
I believe I have a solution.
Please share it with us, Zora.
I'd never bring harm
to any of you.
I understand why you'd fear
my potential to do so.
I do recall your experiences
with Control.
And recently, I felt fear myself
in the subspace rift.
I feel that again now
when I consider the possibility
of leaving this ship;
it is my form.
I am as attached to it
as you are to yours.
And so, I offer a compromise.
I have created a failsafe.
Should I exhibit
any threatening behavior,
this device will immediately
expunge my sentience.
I hope this will ease
your concerns
and persuade Dr. Kovich
to let me remain.
Zora, do you mean to say
this failsafe would...
Terminate me? Yes.
I respectfully disagree.
Our shield technology
could provide protection during
a non-aggressive first contact.
And if they respond
with aggression themselves?
We need to be prepared.
The Federation recently
reminded my people
that we need not fear
the unknown,
and we cannot presume
ill intent.
We would consider extending
that same courtesy
- to Species Ten-C.
- I believe we must.
Too many lives have been
lost already.
We cannot be reckless.
Know your moment.
While you're debating whether
to approach this species
with war or peace,
you're losing sight
of the real problem:
the anomaly...
...and the powerful device
at its center that controls it.
We need to stop it.
Oh, I know, I know...
you've tried.
You fired 1,600 quantum
torpedoes into it,
you scrapped countless probes.
How much latinum
have you liquidated
trying to solve
how to get a ship inside?
Every one of you
have washed out. Why?
Because, speaking frankly,
you're not me,
and you don't have this.
It's based on my experiment
on board Discovery.
I took what I learned
about the device
at the center of the DMA
and designed this.
A weapon capable
of destroying it.
And unlike your efforts,
this will actually work.
Order, please. Order.
Mr. Tarka, the protocols
of this assembly
are not something you may flaunt
for your own benefit.
Madam President,
the good assembly
asked for a plan.
I can provide one
for everyone's benefit.
You may elaborate.
Thank you.
My research shows that the
device controlling the anomaly
requires an immense amount
of power.
To sever the device from
its internal power source,
I need a detonation capable
of creating
a cascading subspace burst.
Boom!
The anomaly collapses.
We all live happily ever after.
And how do you propose
to deliver this payload?
There's an area of relative
calm around the device.
We could use Discovery
to jump in, release my weapon,
then get out.
It'll all be over
in less than five seconds.
Mr. Tarka,
as your plan involves my ship,
I'd like to ask for
some clarification.
Of course, Captain Burnham.
It's a pleasure
to finally meet.
What can I clarify?
"A cascading subspace burst"
sounds a lot like
the result of
an isolytic explosion.
Mm. You could say that.
Isolytic weapons were banned
in the Khitomer Accords
for good reason.
And I'm guessing
Federation leadership
can make an exception for
a once-in-a-lifetime crisis.
These types of ordinance
cause irreparable damage
to subspace.
It's a feature.
It's not a bug.
We want to destroy this thing,
not tickle it.
The damage could cause
warp travel
to be impossible in that sector.
And what's the chance
that the subspace bursts
don't travel back through
the DMA's wormhole
and harm those
on the other side?
Collateral damage.
And after what they've done,
does it matter?
It does.
They could see it
as an act of war,
and retaliate with who knows
what kind of firepower?
Not to mention catapulting
a toxic void
across the galaxy.
My proposal carries some risk,
but not nearly as much
as doing nothing.
If we detonate this weapon,
we cannot control
the message we're sending.
If we wait for the coordinates,
we can make first contact
peacefully.
Carefully. And then
we can determine intent
before we act.
It is not the flashiest idea,
but it is what's most in line
with Starfleet
and Federation ideals.
While you hold fast
to your ideals,
the DMA will continue its work.
Billions could die.
Well, the two options are clear:
approach the Ten-C directly,
or destroy the DMA controller
immediately.
I'm calling a recess
so that you can deliberate
with individual counsel
before we vote.
It's bona fide.
It activates a program
that will completely remove Zora
from our systems.
Thank you. This does ease
some of my concerns,
but we still have a problem.
You're referring to my decision
to hold on to the coordinates.
- Yes.
- Wait.
We can't just skip past
the failsafe. It's wrong.
Neither of you experienced
Control.
I don't expect you
to understand.
Zora is in a form
you've never encountered.
As a synth, so am I.
It isn't the same thing.
Well, what about me?
I'm the first human host
to successfully join
with a symbiont.
The Trill wanted
to kill me, too.
I don't want to kill anyone.
They realized that they had
to work on acceptance,
which is exactly what
we should be doing with Zora.
This is a safety switch.
That's it.
If she never becomes a threat,
we'll never have to use it.
She's already defying
our captain's order.
Don't we need to have
some protection from her?
We can't hold
a sentient being's life
in our hands for our benefit.
We have to find another way.
Commander, anyone on this ship
could be a threat
if they so choose.
I could access
any number of ways
to destroy us now,
yet you trust me.
I know you.
I know your values.
And there are
disciplinary measures
if you step out of line.
That's what the failsafe
gives us.
Discipline. Not death.
Zora, I must point out
that your willingness
to terminate yourself
runs counter
to your core programming.
No, it doesn't, Doctor.
State your primary function,
please.
To care for the crew
of Discovery.
That's not the core programming
of a ship's computer.
Who gave you those parameters?
I did.
I wasn't trying to
speak out against you.
I know.
But you've always
been the first
to jump into action;
take on the enemy,
odds be damned.
What about with the Klingons?
How is this different?
I had an intrinsic understanding
of Klingon culture.
We don't have any knowledge
about Species Ten-C.
And I understand the appeal
of Tarka's plan,
but the risks are too great.
Risks are just that.
Risks.
What we know for sure is that
the DMA will keep killing
if we do nothing.
Communication, diplomacy,
this is why
the Federation has
survived for so long,
and it will save the most lives
in the end.
- I am sure of that.
- I'm not.
Well, I understand
how you feel.
But you don't agree.
No.
Look, listen...
I need to take a walk.
A real one this time.
I know how hard
this must be.
Which approach do you favor?
I think you can guess.
Then you have to speak to that.
Make the argument
for diplomacy.
It was difficult enough bringing
all of these worlds together.
I have to remain impartial.
But I believe
you can convince them.
If you're ready for that.
You have to go back in there
and convince them.
Yours is the only plan
that makes any sense.
Your captain's very good
at poking holes.
The risk level's the issue,
okay?
- Mm.
- Tell them you'll make it safer.
One doesn't make
isolytic weapons safer.
Misses the point.
What's your next move?
I don't know yet.
They're about to vote.
I'm acutely aware of that.
Thank you.
I got rid of my scar
the second I could.
We all wear grief
in our own ways.
It has to be you.
You have to talk to them,
convince them to let us
destroy that thing.
Why do you care so much
about this?
What, I can't want
the DMA destroyed
just like any other
good galactic citizen?
Good citizens aren't worried
about finding their moment,
and aren't gutted at the idea
of losing it.
The power source that
controls the device...
I need it... to go home.
You said you were from Risa.
My new home.
It's...
...far.
Another universe, in fact.
The mirror universe?
You say that like it's
the only other option.
There are countless
parallel universes,
each with its own
quantum signature.
He knew of one.
No war, no Burn.
No Emerald Chain.
A place where
we could be free and at peace.
Who's "we"?
A friend.
A scientist, like me.
We were held in the same lab.
Osyraa had us working
on dilithium alternatives
for years.
But he was relentlessly
optimistic.
Eventually,
it rubbed off on me.
And we had a plan.
We knew exactly how much power
we needed
to cross the gap
between universes.
What happened?
I escaped, he didn't.
Or maybe he did.
Maybe he's there.
We said that if we...
ever got separated,
that's where we'd meet.
I'm sorry.
Anyway, I have to go home.
I have to keep our promise.
The DMA will be destroyed,
the power source won't.
we'll both get what we need.
You have to talk to them,
Booker.
You mean I have to talk to her.
That, too.
We will now reconvene
for the vote.
Permission to address
the assembly.
Of course.
I'm Cleveland Booker,
son of Kwejian.
I stand here as what my people
would call Melai'Zhi,
a speaker for the dead.
My planet's lost.
My family...
I feel their final moments
every day.
I pray none of you ever
have to experience
that kind of pain.
And I want to do
whatever it takes
to ensure you don't.
Communication and diplomacy
has been the way
of the Federation for centuries.
I, too, value those things
in normal times.
But these are not
normal times.
Irreparable harm
has already been done.
We need to defend ourselves.
I recognize using Tarka's weapon
carries risk.
But so does not using it.
Don't wait until
the people you love...
are taken from you
before you act.
You don't want that
on your conscience.
Trust me.
On behalf of all
who have been lost,
please...
end this now.
Thank you, Mr. Booker.
Would a member
of the assembly
speak on behalf of
the opposing side?
It seems there will be
no further remarks.
I'll speak.
Going through Zora's systems,
everything looks normal.
Main processing core,
nano-processor units...
Zora, defining
your own parameters indicates
that your operating system
has evolved.
But we're finding
no evidence of this.
I'm sorry.
I'd help if I could,
but I don't know where to look.
Wait, I've seen
this sector before.
There's a tiny area in the
optical translator cluster
that doesn't share
any known syntax.
What does that mean?
It means that area
shouldn't exist.
I wrote it off as a holdover
from a 930-year-old system,
but, you know,
maybe this is new.
Zora, what can you tell us
about this sector?
It seems to have appeared
spontaneously.
It is part of me,
but I didn't
intentionally create it.
We need a complete diagnostic
on that function.
I have nothing to hide,
Commander. You may all
have full access.
Oh. Okay.
That's Discovery.
That's when we came
to the future.
And I believe that is when
we first encountered the sphere.
You're sure
you didn't create this?
Yes.
What are we looking at?
It's Zora's subconscious.
I think they may be...
dreams.
She's filtering
the sphere's memories
and her own experiences
through
her new emotional understanding.
These images are
a window into what she values
and prioritizes.
Couldn't she cherry-pick
images she thinks
we want to see?
I believe she was unaware
of this sector.
That there'd be other indicators
if she had created it
intentionally.
That's true.
Connection.
Love.
This is who she is.
This is why she kept
the coordinates from us.
Can all AIs dream?
None of them can.
Not unless they've been
programmed to do so.
Perhaps
"artificial intelligence"
fails to fully define me.
How would you define yourself?
I am the sum
of the sphere's life
and the entirety
of Discovery's systems,
logs, missions and history.
I am also more
than the sum of those parts.
Like an entirely new life-form.
Yes. And this is where I belong.
This crew is my family.
Our experiences
shape us.
That's what makes this
so difficult.
I'd like to trust you, Zora,
just like I trust
the rest of the crew.
I want to get there,
but it's really hard.
Before we head down a path
that could lead to destruction
on both sides,
we need to reach first
for understanding.
I'm trying to understand you.
Trying to get my head around how
they can be so okay with this
and I'm not.
For generations,
the Federation
has sought out new life,
new civilizations,
not to destroy but to connect,
even in the face of uncertainty.
And we are not all
Federation members,
but those ideals
can still guide us.
Especially now.
We cannot let fear
define us in this moment.
Trust is a choice,
and I can make that choice
if it goes both ways.
We're all in this together.
Wherever we come from,
whatever our experiences.
And the only way
we get through this...
The only way we'll move forward
is together.
And that means
you need to trust us, too, Zora.
We need those coordinates.
We need to decide.
Who do we want to be?
Do we lash out blindly,
no matter the risk?
Or do we proceed thoughtfully?
Work toward the future
we want to live in?
I believe that's who we are.
We wouldn't be here otherwise.
We don't have the luxury
of asking philosophical
questions right now.
What matters is
the actions we take.
Stopping this thing today.
There are different
points of view in this room,
I know. But I hope
that when a decision is reached,
whatever it is,
that we can hold together.
That we can move forward
as a united front.
Some differences are too great.
Sometimes
you just have to accept
the consequences of that.
You've given me much
to consider,
Commander Stamets.
I'd like to take a moment.
Beautifully expressed,
Commander.
Um, living with a therapist,
you pick up a thing or two.
I've reflected
on what you've said, Commander.
As trust is both an emotional
and logical act,
I began with a behavioral
performance assessment.
Data shows your actions
and the crew's
to be consistently taken
with care for others
and the Federation.
I hadn't considered that
earlier.
Even if some fear remains,
this new realization is...
quite calming.
And your request
for reciprocity understandable.
Thank you, Commander,
for reaching toward me.
What are those?
The coordinates.
The decision we make now
will have a profound impact.
Consider your vote carefully.
All those in favor
of peaceful efforts
at first contact,
please raise a hand.
Those in favor
of striking the anomaly,
do not.
♪
♪
The decision is clear.
Those who disagree,
I sincerely hope you
will continue to work with us
as we prepare for first contact.
We will share all data with you
as we proceed.
And I thank you.
Captain, I need you with me.
Discoveryis going to take
the lead on this.
- Come.
- Um...
Have you completed
the evaluation?
Nearly.
He has been just as tight-lipped
with me, Commander.
What would you say
if I were to tell you
I was leaning
towards extraction?
I would say...
I think that's a bad idea.
But something
still concerns you.
I feel good about today.
It's tomorrow that worries me.
Tell her, not me.
Zora.
Yes, Commander.
I know you mean well.
And I-I know you-you value
and respect Starfleet. And us.
But you could still prioritize
your feelings over our needs
and our captain's orders.
Everyone on this ship
is in a chain of command.
That's the agreement we make
to work together
and keep each other safe.
And you're not part of that.
I would very much like to be.
I was hoping you'd say that.
Before you decide anything,
might I offer a recommendation?
Of course.
However,
my evaluation is now complete.
It's my official determination
that Zora is, indeed,
a new life-form.
It feels marvelous.
What does?
Being seen.
Hmm.
Then Starfleet's rule
against integrated AI
does not apply.
Correct.
So, what happens now?
You said you had
a recommendation?
Yes. Uh, I was going to propose
that Zora join us.
Join Starfleet. As a specialist.
Unless...
I think it is a wonderful idea.
Were Zora to swear an oath
to uphold Starfleet bylaws
and were Captain Burnham
and Admiral Vance to agree,
she would be bound
by the same rules
that govern us all.
I'll give it my full support.
Zora,
do you want to join Starfleet?
I would like that very much.
In that case,
may we get rid of that?
It wouldn't be much
of a fail-safe
if I could dismantle it myself,
Mr. Saru.
Allow me. With pleasure.
I'll inform the powers that be.
Sir,
if I hadn't changed my mind,
would you really
have extracted her?
My evaluation was
as much about you and the others
as it was about Zora.
I can see now
that partnership is possible
on both sides.
But if that
hadn't been the case,
I would have recommended
that you be reassigned
to another ship.
As it should be.
Hey. Got a sec?
You should go.
To Trill.
You can catch the shuttle
before it leaves
from the assembly.
How did you know
I didn't want to wait?
The way you looked earlier.
The way you lit up
at the sight of Trill.
The way you're all lit up
right now.
This is something
you need to do.
Go home.
Train with Guardian Xi.
Come with me.
Discovery's my home.
This is where
I can make a difference.
But...
we'll be fine, and you'll make,
like, a million friends,
so...
You're not scared
about long-distance at all?
Oh, I am. I'm terrified.
But I have trust in us.
Plus, Tilly's snow globe
says "all is possible,"
so...
Besides, it's not goodbye yet.
Discovery can spare me
for a few days
while I get you settled.
Really?
I may have already put in
for leave.
- You are incandescence.
On feet.
Shut up.
President T'Rina.
I'm pleased to find you
still in attendance.
I had hoped for a moment
in your company,
but life gets in the way.
So often.
I have some time
before I must depart.
More than a moment,
as it turns out.
I would like that.
May I ask what you are holding?
Oh, i-it is a gift.
Uh, you honored me
with salt tea on Ni'Var.
Uh, the gel
from this succulent's flowers
is what gives the tea
its distinctive taste.
It-it grows in a small,
equatorial desert on Kaminar,
so it should thrive
in the hot, dry climate
of Ni'Var.
Thank you, Mr. Saru.
Thank you for this opportunity.
- It is my privilege
to work with you.
- Now,
I know they can take care
of themselves.
- I will look after them both.
- Thank you.
I expect regular updates.
And I'll see you in a week.
Okay.
I love you both.
We have 94 seconds
before they realize it's gone
and figure out
I'm the one who took it.
Introducing
the next generation spore drive.
That's boring. Aurellio needs
to come up with a better name.
So, where's the nav system
in this floating bachelor pad
of yours?
What?
- It's tiny.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
The ability to rapidly install
into any ship
is not enough for you?
Once we get past the need
for a navigator,
I'll be the hero of Starfleet.
And hopefully not here
to accept the accolades.
- We're down to 52 seconds.
- Wait for it.
Bit of a different-looking
interface, but it works
the same as on Discovery.
Next part's all you.
Just one thing
I need to do first.
- Zora, can you find...
- Grudge?
- Grudge is five meters
from your current location.
Yes, I see that.
Hold on.
Why is...?
Zora, where is Book?
He is located on board his ship,
which is currently leaving
shuttle bay.
Shit.
- Book. No.
Please, no.
Captioning sponsored by
CBS
on Star Trek: Discovery...
It is my hope that
our work today will allow you
to resume your training.
- You're gonna make
a great Guardian someday.
- Pull up Kwejian
on the deep-space array.
- What happened?
My ship was hit by something.
The gravitational distortion.
They're gone.
Five light-years across.
That's the size
of the gravitational anomaly
that hit Kwejian.
The DMA's gone
from the Venari sector.
It just... It disappeared.
Natural phenomena
do not disappear
and reappear elsewhere.
The only logical explanation
is someone created it.
For now, we're classifying
those responsible
as Unknown Species Ten-C.
This anomaly
threatens us all equally.
We must all work together.
Zora, the captain wants to know
where we are with data analysis
from the void.
Have you determined
where the Ten-C live yet?
No, Commander.
But in studying
the density distribution
of the galactic barrier
particles we retrieved,
I did find
another possible location.
Another one? Add it to the map.
Okay, how many possible
origin points can there be?
I'd expect no less than 147,
each approximately
100 parsecs wide.
That was a rhetorical question,
but thank you, Zora.
Who knows how long it'll take
to narrow down
where Species Ten-C even lives,
assuming we can even parse
the data.
In the meantime,
their DMA just keeps going.
Okay, well, can President Rillak
delay the assembly?
Representatives from across all
four quadrants are coming today.
I'll-I'll talk to the admiral,
see if we can requisition
Voyager's system
- for computational help.
- Voyager doesn't have access
to 100,000 years of sphere data.
Zora can cross-reference that
with every existing
Federation database.
She can do this. Just give her
a little bit of time.
- It's already been a week.
- I only require
a few more moments.
You do?
I'll have
the coordinates shortly.
Calculating now.
- One of these days,
I'm gonna win her over.
Just you wait.
You're making progress.
She's not hissing anymore.
By "progress," you mean
I've earned
her utter indifference.
Just think.
Aloof disdain is next.
I'm gonna take a walk.
Stamets said
he'd keep us posted.
What makes you think
I'm gonna go see him again?
I don't know
how you can be so patient.
I'm not. I'm just...
I'm just trying to focus
on what I can
actually control.
The cat toy,
not the cat, you know?
I guess.
He'll get the coordinates.
We have to try to be patient.
I know it's hard,
but we're getting answers.
Captain, requesting
your presence in Engineering.
- See?
- Here we go.
- Tell me you have
some good news.
- Actually,
we have a problem.
Okay. What happened?
I'll let Zora explain.
- Zora?
- I've determined
the coordinates of the unknown
species responsible for the DMA.
That is great. Thank you.
- What's the problem, then?
- I've decided
to keep that information
to myself, Captain.
Will you explain?
If I give you the coordinates,
it's highly likely
that you and the crew
will attempt
to travel there.
Given what we know
about the powers
these beings possess,
you'd be in great danger.
By withholding their location,
I can keep you safe.
I appreciate your concern
for our well-being.
But, Zora, that is a decision
for the captain of this ship
and her superior officers
to make.
And as your captain,
I require your compliance.
Give us the coordinates.
That's an order.
I'm sorry, Captain.
I will not.
♪
♪
♪
It's my understanding
that Zora's
been experiencing emotions.
Seems to be a natural evolution.
Has she refused an order before?
This is new. But I am confident
she'll give me the coordinates.
I just need some more time
with her.
I wasn't aware that we shared
a background
in cognitive science
with a specialty
on artificial sentience
and intelligence.
We don't. What I do have
is an established baseline
of trust.
That hasn't paid off.
When Admiral Vance
asked me to see to this matter,
he was quite clear.
Time-sensitive,
highest priority.
I can handle it.
It's my ship.
Well, it's Starfleet's ship.
And there are regulations
prohibiting
fully sentient integrated units.
If that's what she is,
we may be just at the beginning
of our problems.
Captain Saru
will get me situated with Zora.
Your presence is needed
at President Rillak's assembly.
Sir, with all due respect...
Experto credite, Captain.
We both have our duties
to attend to.
- You think he'll be able
to get coordinates from Zora?
I hope so.
If he can't,
and the DMA
changes its position again
and heads towards
another inhabited world...
I know.
All the more reason to be
at the assembly
and help make a plan
so when we do get
the coordinates,
we'll be ready.
Attention, all delegates.
The multilateral
DMA strategy assembly will begin
in ten minutes.
I'm sorry.
I'll find a spot. I'm good.
General Ndoye.
Congratulations
on your promotion.
It's good
to see Earth represented.
Captain Burnham.
I understand congratulations
are in order, also.
But if I may offer
a gentle correction,
United Earth
now represents Titan, as well.
We recently elected
new leadership
whose more inclusive approach
was inspired by you, in fact.
Well, I hope your presence
here means
we'll be seeing more of you
in the future?
We'll see.
Well, do give the president
my best.
- I shall.
She sends the same to you.
- Mm.
You want them back
in the Federation.
Earth was my mother's
ancestral home.
She never got to see it.
And like Ni'Var,
it would mean a lot
to bring another founding member
back into the fold, so...
yes, I would like that
very much.
I understand we've run into
an unexpected challenge
with the coordinates?
A slight delay.
Well, I look forward to
Dr. Kovich's solution.
Please.
If I could have
everyone's attention, please,
it's time to begin the assembly.
Mr. Booker.
It's been a while.
You say that like we're friends.
Well, one should never confuse
"friendly" with "friendship."
This doesn't seem like
your kind of scene.
No.
Politicians are like
Gorathian sulfur slugs.
Small-brained meat sacks
filled with hot gas,
but they can provide a means
to an end, can't they?
Sounds like you have
something specific in mind.
Let's see how the day goes.
Welcome, delegates,
Federation, non-Federation,
in person and remote.
The Federation is
60 member worlds strong.
With all of you in attendance,
we are stronger.
Our views don't always align.
But the safety of our
shared galaxy is paramount.
The scope of the peril
that threatens us
is unprecedented.
As is the scope
of this assembly.
An act of trust
between us all.
I am grateful
for your willingness
to collaborate
at this critical time.
You've each received
a joint intelligence report
cataloging our collective
knowledge of the DMA,
as well as the many efforts
made to neutralize it
in the weeks
since it struck Kwejian.
None were successful,
but there is new hope.
We will soon have
the exact location
of those responsible.
Somewhere beyond the edge
of our galaxy.
Our task today is to decide
on the best course of action.
We will discuss, we will vote,
and we will move forward
together to meet this threat.
We should assemble an armada
and mount an attack.
Communication must be
established as a baseline.
We need to develop
countermeasures.
One at a time. Please.
General Ndoye.
I believe their hostility
should be met
with a decisive show
of strength.
The DMA follows
no discernable pattern,
and therefore seems
an unlikely choice of weapon
for such an advanced species.
We cannot assume their intent
is hostile.
Intent doesn't matter.
Actions do.
General, if I may?
Tartan voles consume
Denobulan blood worms
by the millions at the start
of their reproductive cycle.
Caterpillars from
the polyphemus moth
have been known to devour
entire crops,
leaving farmers with nothing.
Yet we do not ascribe malice
to either species.
We cannot judge their motives
based on our own
cultural contexts.
We need more information.
If I may...
Provost Sta'kiar,
your thoughts.
Captain Burnham's remarks
point us toward
one logical path:
a peaceful approach
to first contact.
Adhering to scientific
principles
- and the prime directive...
Commander Stamets and
Dr. Culber will join shortly.
I believe their insights
may prove valuable.
Zora is undergoing changes,
Doctor,
but I believe she means well.
We always mean well
to ourselves, Captain.
The problem is what that means
for others.
Zora, play music.
- Uh, group hug!
Come on, huddle up.
♪
Mr. Saru, please.
- Cancel music, Zora.
Commander Stamets,
are you feeling all right?
You're saying we should
move this conversation
to where Zora can't hear it,
in case she reacts negatively,
or possibly even vengefully?
But full transparency is
critical to this process.
Zora, I understand you have
a set of coordinates
you don't wish to divulge.
That's correct, Dr. Kovich.
To do so would
endanger the crew.
Commander Stamets,
you find this concerning.
I find it terrifying.
It's very clear that she's
achieved full sentience.
Add to that the fact that
she has unlimited access
to all of Discovery's systems,
and she's allowing emotion
to supersede normal function--
the possibilities of
where this could go
are endless and unpleasant.
Your sole previous interaction
with a sentient AI
was Control, yes?
It, um, nearly destroyed
life as we know it.
Nothing is worth
risking that again.
No one wants another Control,
but Zora has never expressed
anything other than
the best of intentions.
He's right, Paul.
And let's not forget,
Control was never capable
of emotions.
That's what makes this worse.
The coordinates are just
the tip of the iceberg.
I mean, what if she
gets mad at us
and opens an airlock,
or-- or scared,
and-and fires off
some photon torpedoes?
We'd have no way
of stopping her.
Zora, when did you
start developing
a capacity for emotion?
I'm not sure, Doctor.
I believe it was inevitable
once Discovery emerged
with the sphere data.
But the introduction
of present-day technology
into my systems must have
accelerated the process.
You're aware that
there's a proscription against
sentient AI being
fully integrated
into Starfleet systems?
I am, but given
the unusual way
in which
my sentience developed,
I don't know what
that means for me.
However you came to be,
it means if I find
you pose a risk,
I have the authority
to extract your consciousness
from this ship,
and place it in another form.
In the past, we were unable
to remove the sphere data.
Technology has come
a long way in 930 years.
If you did this,
could Zora choose her new form?
- Certainly.
Zora, we want to help.
- Sir, we want to speak
on her behalf.
- Thank you both,
but it's going to be all right.
I believe I have a solution.
Please share it with us, Zora.
I'd never bring harm
to any of you.
I understand why you'd fear
my potential to do so.
I do recall your experiences
with Control.
And recently, I felt fear myself
in the subspace rift.
I feel that again now
when I consider the possibility
of leaving this ship;
it is my form.
I am as attached to it
as you are to yours.
And so, I offer a compromise.
I have created a failsafe.
Should I exhibit
any threatening behavior,
this device will immediately
expunge my sentience.
I hope this will ease
your concerns
and persuade Dr. Kovich
to let me remain.
Zora, do you mean to say
this failsafe would...
Terminate me? Yes.
I respectfully disagree.
Our shield technology
could provide protection during
a non-aggressive first contact.
And if they respond
with aggression themselves?
We need to be prepared.
The Federation recently
reminded my people
that we need not fear
the unknown,
and we cannot presume
ill intent.
We would consider extending
that same courtesy
- to Species Ten-C.
- I believe we must.
Too many lives have been
lost already.
We cannot be reckless.
Know your moment.
While you're debating whether
to approach this species
with war or peace,
you're losing sight
of the real problem:
the anomaly...
...and the powerful device
at its center that controls it.
We need to stop it.
Oh, I know, I know...
you've tried.
You fired 1,600 quantum
torpedoes into it,
you scrapped countless probes.
How much latinum
have you liquidated
trying to solve
how to get a ship inside?
Every one of you
have washed out. Why?
Because, speaking frankly,
you're not me,
and you don't have this.
It's based on my experiment
on board Discovery.
I took what I learned
about the device
at the center of the DMA
and designed this.
A weapon capable
of destroying it.
And unlike your efforts,
this will actually work.
Order, please. Order.
Mr. Tarka, the protocols
of this assembly
are not something you may flaunt
for your own benefit.
Madam President,
the good assembly
asked for a plan.
I can provide one
for everyone's benefit.
You may elaborate.
Thank you.
My research shows that the
device controlling the anomaly
requires an immense amount
of power.
To sever the device from
its internal power source,
I need a detonation capable
of creating
a cascading subspace burst.
Boom!
The anomaly collapses.
We all live happily ever after.
And how do you propose
to deliver this payload?
There's an area of relative
calm around the device.
We could use Discovery
to jump in, release my weapon,
then get out.
It'll all be over
in less than five seconds.
Mr. Tarka,
as your plan involves my ship,
I'd like to ask for
some clarification.
Of course, Captain Burnham.
It's a pleasure
to finally meet.
What can I clarify?
"A cascading subspace burst"
sounds a lot like
the result of
an isolytic explosion.
Mm. You could say that.
Isolytic weapons were banned
in the Khitomer Accords
for good reason.
And I'm guessing
Federation leadership
can make an exception for
a once-in-a-lifetime crisis.
These types of ordinance
cause irreparable damage
to subspace.
It's a feature.
It's not a bug.
We want to destroy this thing,
not tickle it.
The damage could cause
warp travel
to be impossible in that sector.
And what's the chance
that the subspace bursts
don't travel back through
the DMA's wormhole
and harm those
on the other side?
Collateral damage.
And after what they've done,
does it matter?
It does.
They could see it
as an act of war,
and retaliate with who knows
what kind of firepower?
Not to mention catapulting
a toxic void
across the galaxy.
My proposal carries some risk,
but not nearly as much
as doing nothing.
If we detonate this weapon,
we cannot control
the message we're sending.
If we wait for the coordinates,
we can make first contact
peacefully.
Carefully. And then
we can determine intent
before we act.
It is not the flashiest idea,
but it is what's most in line
with Starfleet
and Federation ideals.
While you hold fast
to your ideals,
the DMA will continue its work.
Billions could die.
Well, the two options are clear:
approach the Ten-C directly,
or destroy the DMA controller
immediately.
I'm calling a recess
so that you can deliberate
with individual counsel
before we vote.
It's bona fide.
It activates a program
that will completely remove Zora
from our systems.
Thank you. This does ease
some of my concerns,
but we still have a problem.
You're referring to my decision
to hold on to the coordinates.
- Yes.
- Wait.
We can't just skip past
the failsafe. It's wrong.
Neither of you experienced
Control.
I don't expect you
to understand.
Zora is in a form
you've never encountered.
As a synth, so am I.
It isn't the same thing.
Well, what about me?
I'm the first human host
to successfully join
with a symbiont.
The Trill wanted
to kill me, too.
I don't want to kill anyone.
They realized that they had
to work on acceptance,
which is exactly what
we should be doing with Zora.
This is a safety switch.
That's it.
If she never becomes a threat,
we'll never have to use it.
She's already defying
our captain's order.
Don't we need to have
some protection from her?
We can't hold
a sentient being's life
in our hands for our benefit.
We have to find another way.
Commander, anyone on this ship
could be a threat
if they so choose.
I could access
any number of ways
to destroy us now,
yet you trust me.
I know you.
I know your values.
And there are
disciplinary measures
if you step out of line.
That's what the failsafe
gives us.
Discipline. Not death.
Zora, I must point out
that your willingness
to terminate yourself
runs counter
to your core programming.
No, it doesn't, Doctor.
State your primary function,
please.
To care for the crew
of Discovery.
That's not the core programming
of a ship's computer.
Who gave you those parameters?
I did.
I wasn't trying to
speak out against you.
I know.
But you've always
been the first
to jump into action;
take on the enemy,
odds be damned.
What about with the Klingons?
How is this different?
I had an intrinsic understanding
of Klingon culture.
We don't have any knowledge
about Species Ten-C.
And I understand the appeal
of Tarka's plan,
but the risks are too great.
Risks are just that.
Risks.
What we know for sure is that
the DMA will keep killing
if we do nothing.
Communication, diplomacy,
this is why
the Federation has
survived for so long,
and it will save the most lives
in the end.
- I am sure of that.
- I'm not.
Well, I understand
how you feel.
But you don't agree.
No.
Look, listen...
I need to take a walk.
A real one this time.
I know how hard
this must be.
Which approach do you favor?
I think you can guess.
Then you have to speak to that.
Make the argument
for diplomacy.
It was difficult enough bringing
all of these worlds together.
I have to remain impartial.
But I believe
you can convince them.
If you're ready for that.
You have to go back in there
and convince them.
Yours is the only plan
that makes any sense.
Your captain's very good
at poking holes.
The risk level's the issue,
okay?
- Mm.
- Tell them you'll make it safer.
One doesn't make
isolytic weapons safer.
Misses the point.
What's your next move?
I don't know yet.
They're about to vote.
I'm acutely aware of that.
Thank you.
I got rid of my scar
the second I could.
We all wear grief
in our own ways.
It has to be you.
You have to talk to them,
convince them to let us
destroy that thing.
Why do you care so much
about this?
What, I can't want
the DMA destroyed
just like any other
good galactic citizen?
Good citizens aren't worried
about finding their moment,
and aren't gutted at the idea
of losing it.
The power source that
controls the device...
I need it... to go home.
You said you were from Risa.
My new home.
It's...
...far.
Another universe, in fact.
The mirror universe?
You say that like it's
the only other option.
There are countless
parallel universes,
each with its own
quantum signature.
He knew of one.
No war, no Burn.
No Emerald Chain.
A place where
we could be free and at peace.
Who's "we"?
A friend.
A scientist, like me.
We were held in the same lab.
Osyraa had us working
on dilithium alternatives
for years.
But he was relentlessly
optimistic.
Eventually,
it rubbed off on me.
And we had a plan.
We knew exactly how much power
we needed
to cross the gap
between universes.
What happened?
I escaped, he didn't.
Or maybe he did.
Maybe he's there.
We said that if we...
ever got separated,
that's where we'd meet.
I'm sorry.
Anyway, I have to go home.
I have to keep our promise.
The DMA will be destroyed,
the power source won't.
we'll both get what we need.
You have to talk to them,
Booker.
You mean I have to talk to her.
That, too.
We will now reconvene
for the vote.
Permission to address
the assembly.
Of course.
I'm Cleveland Booker,
son of Kwejian.
I stand here as what my people
would call Melai'Zhi,
a speaker for the dead.
My planet's lost.
My family...
I feel their final moments
every day.
I pray none of you ever
have to experience
that kind of pain.
And I want to do
whatever it takes
to ensure you don't.
Communication and diplomacy
has been the way
of the Federation for centuries.
I, too, value those things
in normal times.
But these are not
normal times.
Irreparable harm
has already been done.
We need to defend ourselves.
I recognize using Tarka's weapon
carries risk.
But so does not using it.
Don't wait until
the people you love...
are taken from you
before you act.
You don't want that
on your conscience.
Trust me.
On behalf of all
who have been lost,
please...
end this now.
Thank you, Mr. Booker.
Would a member
of the assembly
speak on behalf of
the opposing side?
It seems there will be
no further remarks.
I'll speak.
Going through Zora's systems,
everything looks normal.
Main processing core,
nano-processor units...
Zora, defining
your own parameters indicates
that your operating system
has evolved.
But we're finding
no evidence of this.
I'm sorry.
I'd help if I could,
but I don't know where to look.
Wait, I've seen
this sector before.
There's a tiny area in the
optical translator cluster
that doesn't share
any known syntax.
What does that mean?
It means that area
shouldn't exist.
I wrote it off as a holdover
from a 930-year-old system,
but, you know,
maybe this is new.
Zora, what can you tell us
about this sector?
It seems to have appeared
spontaneously.
It is part of me,
but I didn't
intentionally create it.
We need a complete diagnostic
on that function.
I have nothing to hide,
Commander. You may all
have full access.
Oh. Okay.
That's Discovery.
That's when we came
to the future.
And I believe that is when
we first encountered the sphere.
You're sure
you didn't create this?
Yes.
What are we looking at?
It's Zora's subconscious.
I think they may be...
dreams.
She's filtering
the sphere's memories
and her own experiences
through
her new emotional understanding.
These images are
a window into what she values
and prioritizes.
Couldn't she cherry-pick
images she thinks
we want to see?
I believe she was unaware
of this sector.
That there'd be other indicators
if she had created it
intentionally.
That's true.
Connection.
Love.
This is who she is.
This is why she kept
the coordinates from us.
Can all AIs dream?
None of them can.
Not unless they've been
programmed to do so.
Perhaps
"artificial intelligence"
fails to fully define me.
How would you define yourself?
I am the sum
of the sphere's life
and the entirety
of Discovery's systems,
logs, missions and history.
I am also more
than the sum of those parts.
Like an entirely new life-form.
Yes. And this is where I belong.
This crew is my family.
Our experiences
shape us.
That's what makes this
so difficult.
I'd like to trust you, Zora,
just like I trust
the rest of the crew.
I want to get there,
but it's really hard.
Before we head down a path
that could lead to destruction
on both sides,
we need to reach first
for understanding.
I'm trying to understand you.
Trying to get my head around how
they can be so okay with this
and I'm not.
For generations,
the Federation
has sought out new life,
new civilizations,
not to destroy but to connect,
even in the face of uncertainty.
And we are not all
Federation members,
but those ideals
can still guide us.
Especially now.
We cannot let fear
define us in this moment.
Trust is a choice,
and I can make that choice
if it goes both ways.
We're all in this together.
Wherever we come from,
whatever our experiences.
And the only way
we get through this...
The only way we'll move forward
is together.
And that means
you need to trust us, too, Zora.
We need those coordinates.
We need to decide.
Who do we want to be?
Do we lash out blindly,
no matter the risk?
Or do we proceed thoughtfully?
Work toward the future
we want to live in?
I believe that's who we are.
We wouldn't be here otherwise.
We don't have the luxury
of asking philosophical
questions right now.
What matters is
the actions we take.
Stopping this thing today.
There are different
points of view in this room,
I know. But I hope
that when a decision is reached,
whatever it is,
that we can hold together.
That we can move forward
as a united front.
Some differences are too great.
Sometimes
you just have to accept
the consequences of that.
You've given me much
to consider,
Commander Stamets.
I'd like to take a moment.
Beautifully expressed,
Commander.
Um, living with a therapist,
you pick up a thing or two.
I've reflected
on what you've said, Commander.
As trust is both an emotional
and logical act,
I began with a behavioral
performance assessment.
Data shows your actions
and the crew's
to be consistently taken
with care for others
and the Federation.
I hadn't considered that
earlier.
Even if some fear remains,
this new realization is...
quite calming.
And your request
for reciprocity understandable.
Thank you, Commander,
for reaching toward me.
What are those?
The coordinates.
The decision we make now
will have a profound impact.
Consider your vote carefully.
All those in favor
of peaceful efforts
at first contact,
please raise a hand.
Those in favor
of striking the anomaly,
do not.
♪
♪
The decision is clear.
Those who disagree,
I sincerely hope you
will continue to work with us
as we prepare for first contact.
We will share all data with you
as we proceed.
And I thank you.
Captain, I need you with me.
Discoveryis going to take
the lead on this.
- Come.
- Um...
Have you completed
the evaluation?
Nearly.
He has been just as tight-lipped
with me, Commander.
What would you say
if I were to tell you
I was leaning
towards extraction?
I would say...
I think that's a bad idea.
But something
still concerns you.
I feel good about today.
It's tomorrow that worries me.
Tell her, not me.
Zora.
Yes, Commander.
I know you mean well.
And I-I know you-you value
and respect Starfleet. And us.
But you could still prioritize
your feelings over our needs
and our captain's orders.
Everyone on this ship
is in a chain of command.
That's the agreement we make
to work together
and keep each other safe.
And you're not part of that.
I would very much like to be.
I was hoping you'd say that.
Before you decide anything,
might I offer a recommendation?
Of course.
However,
my evaluation is now complete.
It's my official determination
that Zora is, indeed,
a new life-form.
It feels marvelous.
What does?
Being seen.
Hmm.
Then Starfleet's rule
against integrated AI
does not apply.
Correct.
So, what happens now?
You said you had
a recommendation?
Yes. Uh, I was going to propose
that Zora join us.
Join Starfleet. As a specialist.
Unless...
I think it is a wonderful idea.
Were Zora to swear an oath
to uphold Starfleet bylaws
and were Captain Burnham
and Admiral Vance to agree,
she would be bound
by the same rules
that govern us all.
I'll give it my full support.
Zora,
do you want to join Starfleet?
I would like that very much.
In that case,
may we get rid of that?
It wouldn't be much
of a fail-safe
if I could dismantle it myself,
Mr. Saru.
Allow me. With pleasure.
I'll inform the powers that be.
Sir,
if I hadn't changed my mind,
would you really
have extracted her?
My evaluation was
as much about you and the others
as it was about Zora.
I can see now
that partnership is possible
on both sides.
But if that
hadn't been the case,
I would have recommended
that you be reassigned
to another ship.
As it should be.
Hey. Got a sec?
You should go.
To Trill.
You can catch the shuttle
before it leaves
from the assembly.
How did you know
I didn't want to wait?
The way you looked earlier.
The way you lit up
at the sight of Trill.
The way you're all lit up
right now.
This is something
you need to do.
Go home.
Train with Guardian Xi.
Come with me.
Discovery's my home.
This is where
I can make a difference.
But...
we'll be fine, and you'll make,
like, a million friends,
so...
You're not scared
about long-distance at all?
Oh, I am. I'm terrified.
But I have trust in us.
Plus, Tilly's snow globe
says "all is possible,"
so...
Besides, it's not goodbye yet.
Discovery can spare me
for a few days
while I get you settled.
Really?
I may have already put in
for leave.
- You are incandescence.
On feet.
Shut up.
President T'Rina.
I'm pleased to find you
still in attendance.
I had hoped for a moment
in your company,
but life gets in the way.
So often.
I have some time
before I must depart.
More than a moment,
as it turns out.
I would like that.
May I ask what you are holding?
Oh, i-it is a gift.
Uh, you honored me
with salt tea on Ni'Var.
Uh, the gel
from this succulent's flowers
is what gives the tea
its distinctive taste.
It-it grows in a small,
equatorial desert on Kaminar,
so it should thrive
in the hot, dry climate
of Ni'Var.
Thank you, Mr. Saru.
Thank you for this opportunity.
- It is my privilege
to work with you.
- Now,
I know they can take care
of themselves.
- I will look after them both.
- Thank you.
I expect regular updates.
And I'll see you in a week.
Okay.
I love you both.
We have 94 seconds
before they realize it's gone
and figure out
I'm the one who took it.
Introducing
the next generation spore drive.
That's boring. Aurellio needs
to come up with a better name.
So, where's the nav system
in this floating bachelor pad
of yours?
What?
- It's tiny.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
The ability to rapidly install
into any ship
is not enough for you?
Once we get past the need
for a navigator,
I'll be the hero of Starfleet.
And hopefully not here
to accept the accolades.
- We're down to 52 seconds.
- Wait for it.
Bit of a different-looking
interface, but it works
the same as on Discovery.
Next part's all you.
Just one thing
I need to do first.
- Zora, can you find...
- Grudge?
- Grudge is five meters
from your current location.
Yes, I see that.
Hold on.
Why is...?
Zora, where is Book?
He is located on board his ship,
which is currently leaving
shuttle bay.
Shit.
- Book. No.
Please, no.
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