Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001): Season 2, Episode 22 - Innocence - full transcript
Tuvok crashes on a planet where he finds some children who know that they are all going to die.
Tuvok to Voyager.
Voyager, do you read?
- You must lie still.
- I can't feel my legs.
Several of your vertebrae
are fractured.
- Isn't there anything you can do?
- Our supplies are inadequate.
We must wait for Voyager to find us.
My whole body is numb.
I want you
to slow your breathing and relax.
Try not to move.
All this time, I thought I was so lucky.
No family back home, nobody to miss.
Now it seems sad
not to leave anybody behind.
Ensign Macormak
would miss you a great deal.
You think so?
I was never really sure how she...
Don't be frightened. I won't hurt you.
- Let me go!
- Will you run if I do?
No.
- My name is Tuvok. \Who are you?
- Tressa. You don't look like us.
I am not a member of your race.
I am Vulcan.
I thought this moon was uninhabited.
Do you live here?
We came here on a ship,
but it crashed, like yours.
- Where are your parents?
- Dead. Is he dead, too?
- Yes.
- What were you doing?
I put a stasis field around him
to protect him until I can take him back.
Why?
Some cultures consider an appropriate
burial to be a sign of respect.
Is there anyone else here with you?
It's all right.
- There is no one looking after you?
- Everyone else died. We're alone.
There is no reason to be afraid.
I will see that you get home safely.
Captains log, supplemental.
I've sent out parties to analyse
the mineral deposits around Drayan II,
and I've arranged a meeting
with the planet's leader.
Nobody has had contact
with the Drayans for decades.
Are they hostile?
No. Just very private.
Deck 4. My professor said that
the first minutes of contact are crucial.
I'd feel better if we knew what to expect.
Often you must go in blind. It's exciting.
As a science officer,
I envied that privilege of the captain.
I envied it so much I almost went back
to the Academy for remedial training.
We were sent to make contact
with the Tarkannans.
I studied them and asked
to be part of the diplomatic team.
Coming face to face with them,
I made the gesture for hello,
not realising that males and females
use different movements.
I was propositioning the ambassador.
Energise.
I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway.
Welcome aboard
the Federation starship Voyager.
First Prelate Alcia.
May this day find you at peace
and leave you with hope.
That's a blessing
from our ancient scrolls.
That means, "Peace in your heart,
fortune in your steps."
It's very gracious of you
to agree to meet with us.
We don't often engage in dialogue
with alien races,
but your story of
crossing the galaxy intrigued me.
I'll tell you all about our journey
and my crew.
- Perhaps you'd like to see our ship.
- Thank you.
Our warp core can operate
for up to three years before refuelling.
It's equipped with a compositor
which recrystalises the dilithium.
We can never be sure
when we'll find a new supply.
I'm sorry my chief engineer isn't here.
She's surveying the moons
around Drayan.
I find it interesting
that you chose this to show me first.
Do you consider technology
to be your highest achievement?
Not as an end in itself.
The purpose of all this
is to help us gain knowledge
of the universe and its people.
Our ancestors were brilliant scientists.
They were continually developing
better, smarter machines,
until technology became
more important than people.
Society would have self-destructed
if it weren't for the Reformation.
My great-grandfather helped
to return us to ourselves.
Since that time,
we've remained isolated
to avoid those who might
lead us down the wrong path.
Some human cultures
have done the same.
- Will he be all right in there?
- Yes.
I have secured his body.
We were fortunate to have escaped
with only bruises.
- The Attendants protected us.
- Attendants?
The people on our ship.
They got us to the escape pod.
- Can we go now? I want to go.
- Are we going to fly on your ship?
He said it was a shuttle, not a ship.
We cannot leave yet.
My shuttle needs repairs.
- Can't you fix it?
- I believe so.
I am more concerned
with the electrodynamic turbulence.
What's electro turbulence?
A thermal inversion gradient
is causing unpredictable currents
in the atmosphere.
Those currents caused my shuttle
to crash, and I assume yours as well.
I must find a way
to navigate through the turbulence.
- Will that take a long time?
- It may. You must be patient.
I don't want to stay here.
I don't like it here.
That doesn't change our situation,
nor does it give us a solution.
- You don't have to be so mean.
- It isn't my intention to be mean.
I wish
to give you a realistic assessment.
Vulcans never shield
their children from the truth.
That would only hinder
their ability to cope.
- I'm hungry.
- There are rations in the shuttle.
- What's "rations"?
- Concentrated nutritional supplements.
- I want takka berries.
- With cherel sauce.
We have only rations.
I must begin working on my shuttle.
We have four hours
of daylight remaining.
- We can't be here at night!
- The morrok comes!
- Is that an animal?
- It's what takes you when you die.
It lives here. In the cave.
I'm not detecting any life-forms
other than us.
It's here. It will come.
Have you ever seen this creature?
You can only see it when it comes
for you. Then it's too late.
- Your anxiety is causing you to...
- It took the others!
Jarren and Fayla -
the other children on the ship.
The morrok took them while we slept.
And tonight it will take us.
The Federation consists
of over 150 different worlds
who have agreed to share
their knowledge and resources.
Visitors. Welcome to sickbay.
I'm the chief medical officer.
- This is First Prelate Alcia of Drayan II.
- It's an honour to meet you.
We don't receive distinguished guests...
unless there's been an accident.
Nothing unfortunate will happen to you.
But if it did
you'll be in very capable hands.
We are fully equipped to provide
a wide variety of treatments,
from removing a splinter
to resequencing a strand of DNA.
And our research facilities
are the most advanced in Starfleet.
Very impressive.
And this man isn't even
a biological life-form.
He's a computer-generated
holographic projection.
My people believe that physical matter
is only an illusion.
The body is not the true self,
only a representation.
One of our greatest philosophers, Plato,
wrote that what we see around us
are only poor shadows of ideal objects.
That is similar to our teachings.
Our connection to a higher plane
is more important than this brief
existence, however real it seems.
There's an incoming message
for the First Prelate.
- Would you like to use my office?
- Yes, thank you, Doctor...
I'm afraid it's just Doctor.
- Patch it through to the Doctor's office.
- Acknowledged.
You did very well! She was impressed.
Kes has been coaching me
on my diplomatic skills.
- It shows.
- We'll have to open negotiations,
find out what they might want
in exchange for the polyferranide.
I've been called away
on an emergency.
- Can we help?
- No, thank you.
You continue on your journey.
It's been interesting.
We hoped to learn more about you.
It's our custom to avoid
close contact with outsiders.
I choose to honour that tradition.
Goodbye, Captain.
I hope you find your way home.
- Was it something I said?
- We have no intention of interfering.
She made her wishes clear.
If we're not welcome, we'll go.
Recall the scouting parties.
We'll find our polyferranide
somewhere else.
Where did you last see them?
By the big tree,
when we went to sleep last night.
- Were they injured?
- Jarren hurt his hand.
- But both were able to walk?
- Yes.
Did they get up during the night?
You think they wandered off,
but they didn't.
The morrok took them. They're gone.
They aren't within scanning range.
That is all we know for certain.
We have to get away from here.
- Please can we go?
- I'm scared.
Children, you're allowing
your fears to guide you.
You must control your own imagination.
- But the morrok!
- Yes, that is one possibility.
However, your emotions are preventing
you from judging how unlikely it is.
- I can't help it. I'm scared.
- I believe you can help it.
Vulcan children learn to detach
themselves from their emotions.
- How?
- Focus on the object of your fear.
Picture the morrok in your minds.
That image is accompanied
by an emotional response.
What is that feeling like?
- It makes my stomach all tight.
- I want to run, but my legs won't work.
If you could see that emotion,
what would it look like?
Like a big black cloud, with thunder
and lightning all around us.
Imagine a strong wind
is pushing that cloud away.
Watch as your fear grows more distant.
It is no longer a part of you.
Once you detach yourself
from your emotional responses,
you come closer to controlling them.
Eventually, they will be eliminated.
Do you live without feeling anything?
More accurately,
we strive to control our feelings.
- You don't get scared? Ever?
- No.
- Even when your shuttle crashed?
- Correct.
What if there was a big tardeth
coming after you...
The circumstances are irrelevant.
We approach every situation logically.
I must begin work on my shuttle.
We will resume the search
for the other children soon.
I expect you to sit quietly
and not touch any of the equipment.
We promise.
Elani, please put that down.
- Let me have it!
- No! I found it!
Be careful with that!
You will stay here...
and you will stay here.
Where do I sit?
But I want to sit next to you.
- Why do your ears look like that?
- All Vulcans have similar ears.
- Why?
- Many millennia of evolution.
- Do they make you hear better?
- No.
Where do Vulcans live? Is it far away?
My homeworld is
on the other side of the galaxy.
- Elani, I asked you not to play with that.
- Sorry.
- What are you doing?
- Helping her to meditate.
Close your eyes and imagine
all the energy in your body
is flowing to the point
where your fingertips meet.
Nothing else you hear
or feel is important.
Let the outside world fade away.
You exist only inside your mind.
- Do you have any children?
- Be quiet.
We're trying to attain a meditative state.
- But I want to know!
- I have four children. Now concentrate.
- What are they like?
- Well-behaved.
They had mastered
heightened awareness at your age.
If Vulcans don't feel anything,
does that mean you don't love them?
My attachment to my children
cannot be described as an emotion.
They are part of my identity.
- I am incomplete without them.
- I bet they miss you, too.
- I have to scratch my nose.
- You may.
- Tuvok!
- Yes.
- I hear something.
- Is it a ship?
I believe so.
- Who is it?
- The sensors aren't fully functional.
I'm trying to identify the ship
by its shield harmonics.
Is somebody coming to save us?
It is not a shuttle from Voyager.
The pattern of the harmonics matches
those in orbit around Drayan.
Your people
have come looking for you.
We have to hide.
You can't let them find us here.
I don't understand.
I thought you wanted to go home.
They won't take us home.
They made us come here.
- For what purpose?
- They sent us here to die.
- We have to go.
- If they find us, we'll all die.
- Please, Tuvok.
- Why would they want to harm you?
- Please! They're coming!
- Help us!
Two of them are coming this way.
- What are you doing?
- Hiding us from their scanners.
Why do you think they'll kill you?
That's what this place is for.
They bring children here
for the final ritual.
- Then the morrok takes them away.
- No one ever comes back.
It is illogical for a society
to kill its children.
The scrolls say we should be happy,
that when we die our energy is set free.
Is it true? Is that what really happens?
Vulcans believe that a person's katra,
what some might call a soul,
exists after the body dies.
Do you believe that?
When I was younger,
I accepted it without question.
In recent years,
I have experienced doubts.
I believe there is more within us
than science has yet explained.
I know we should have more faith.
It's wrong to be afraid of death.
There is nothing wrong
in choosing to live.
- Will you help us?
- Until I can understand your situation,
it would be best
to get you back to Voyager.
Torres and Neelix just got back.
There's still no word
from Tuvok and Bennet.
I'm not picking up their shuttle.
Heavy solar flare activity is
causing electrodynamic disturbance.
We found a vein of pure polyferranide,
three kilometres long.
When was your last contact
with the other team?
- Hours ago. Is there a problem?
- We can't reach them.
They were going to check out
the outermost moons.
Can you find their ion signature?
I'm reading one
on heading 151, mark 8.
- That's where Neelix and I went.
- And another 20 degrees to starboard.
Set a course.
We can't see anything through
the turbulence in the atmosphere.
- The Drayan ship hasn't responded.
- Is our signal getting through?
They're receiving it.
- Continue hails.
- This desecration dishonours us.
- I don't understand.
- This moon is our "crysata".
Your presence is forbidden.
We've come to look for
one of our shuttles. It's missing.
We found it. The pilot is dead.
There were two men on board.
Did you find both?
No. Only one.
If there's someone else on this moon,
transport him back to your ship.
This kind of disturbance is why
we avoid contact with outsiders.
I should have known better
than to indulge my curiosity.
- The shuttle crash was an accident.
- One which I expect you to correct.
What's the status of the transporters?
We can't lock onto anything. It would be
easier to send down another shuttle.
No. That would only make
things worse.
I'll keep working on it.
How can you be thirsty again
after four drinks of water?
- Aren't you going to sleep?
- I can go days without rest.
You cannot.
It's warmer by the fire.
Go back and try to sleep.
Do not worry. I have run
several thorough scans of the area.
There are no other life-forms present
within five kilometres.
Maybe the morrok
doesn't show up on the scans.
I am also keeping watch on all of you.
If there is trouble, I'll come immediately.
We can't sleep.
- Apparently not.
- It's so dark.
I think the fire's going out.
You should look.
I added more wood
less than half an hour ago.
However, it might be wise
to check it again.
I always have my hair brushed
before bed.
- I like to hear a story.
- Tell us about the fire beast of Sullus.
I never understood the practice of
describing ferocious beasts at bedtime.
Don't Vulcans tell bedtime stories?
If my children had difficulty sleeping,
I'd play music.
- I like music.
- I don't have my lute.
- What's that?
- It is a five-stringed instrument,
tuned on a diatonic scale.
It can be very soothing.
My youngest son
was particularly fond of it.
He always used to ask me to play
"Falor's Journey".
It is a tale of enlightenment,
consisting of 348 verses.
It may not be necessary
to include the complete narrative.
Falor was a prosperous merchant,
who went on a journey
to gain greater awareness.
Through storms he crossed the Voroth
Sea to reach the shores of Raal,
where old T'Para offered truth.
TUVOK!
They're gone.
- You might want to see this.
- Have you found the shuttle?
We found two,
both crashed on the surface.
The sensor resolution is low.
This looks like our shuttle.
- I guess the other one is Drayan.
- We've had indications of lifesigns.
A while ago there were four of them.
Now there are only two.
I've been working on the transporters.
It isn't possible to get a pattern lock.
We must consider other options.
I want a full analysis of the atmosphere
and a way to get a shuttle down there.
Then let's hope
we won't need to try it.
There were no other life-forms
or unusual energy readings all night.
It was the morrok.
Why don't you believe me?
Very well. I'll investigate.
Wait here while I look inside the cave.
But if you go in there,
you won't come out.
I will take every possible precaution.
I believe you
can be responsible with this.
Aim like this and press here to fire. I'll
seal the shuttle's door while I'm gone.
No, Tuvok! Don't leave me
all by myself! Please!
If there is anything in the cave,
we will learn what has been happening.
It is important to gather
as much information as possible.
I'm scared.
We fear what we do not understand.
Our best defence is knowledge.
You must trust me, Tressa.
I'll return shortly.
- Promise?
- I will not abandon you.
What did you see in there?
I realise it may frighten you,
but you must hear the truth.
I did not find the other children,
nor do I know what happened to them.
I'm going to be next, aren't I?
There's nothing we can do about it.
The disappearances
have occurred at night.
We will leave before the sun sets.
I'll really be quiet this time.
I won't touch anything.
That would make it difficult for you
to assist me with repairs.
The Drayans
have sent another shuttle down.
There must be 20 people
on the surface.
I can't tell if the original two life-forms
are still there.
How many search parties
could it take to find two people?
There's a break in the turbulence.
I'm picking up a com-signal.
- Tuvok to Voyager. Do you read?
- We read you. Are you OK?
- Yes. But Ensign Bennet is dead.
- We know.
We're having trouble with the Drayans.
They insist on sending their own search
parties.
- Yes. I have been avoiding them.
- Why?
I have a young girl with me
who claims they've come to kill her.
I was reluctant to believe it, but several
other children have disappeared.
- Captain, the signal's breaking up.
- What happened to the other children?
They have disappeared.
Something on this moon is responsible.
We must leave here.
I'm attempting to repair...
Scan his shuttle.
Will he be able to get out?
There's no structural damage.
Some power fluctuations.
- He should be able to take off.
- What if they can't?
Hail the Drayan ship.
- Captain.
- First Prelate.
You have a damaged ship on the
surface and there may be survivors.
- I'd like to offer to help find them.
- You've been intrusive enough.
The people on the surface
may be in trouble.
You must be concerned for their safety.
There's no reason to fear for anyone's
safety on the crysata.
It's a blessed haven, unspoilt,
which is why I can't allow you to go
there under any circumstances.
Then I'll be taking a shuttle to
the surface without your permission.
- That's completely unacceptable.
- It's necessary.
If you launch a shuttle
I will send one after you.
It's not my intention
to provoke a conflict.
Then leave.
I will, as soon as my crew
is back on this ship.
Janeway out.
Lieutenant, you're with me.
Mr Kim, I need your report.
The Drayan shuttles are using
some kind of dielectric field
to protect them from the turbulence.
We could generate that
with our shuttle's warp coils.
It might be rough, but we can make it.
- Captain...
- I know the risks.
But if there's any hope left for
a diplomatic solution, I must be there.
Let's get through the preflight quickly.
Thrusters, impulse engines, warp drive.
- All propulsion systems are nominal.
- Shields, phasers, inertial dampers.
We've got the basics. Computer,
initiate co-launch sequence.
Or we could just skip preflight
altogether.
Not recommended
but sometimes necessary.
I'm taking the warp drive off-line
and setting up the dielectric field.
It's holding but we'll have to keep
an eye on the stabiliser integrity.
Janeway to bridge. Depressurise
the shuttle bay and open the doors.
I'm picking up a Drayan shuttle
on an intercept course.
Can we outrun them?
The dielectic field is weakening
our structural integrity.
If we go much faster we'll break up.
We're improvising. They're not.
We're on their turf. They have every
advantage. They may not fire on us.
I'll test that theory in a few seconds.
They're entering weapons range.
Raise shields and stand ready
to power the weapons.
Thrusters and impulse engines
are functional. We're ready to go.
What about the electro...
the currents that made the ships crash.
A dielectric field should allow us
to pass through them.
But be prepared for turbulence.
Initiating prelaunch sequence.
Number-3 thruster is failing.
The Drayan shuttle's closing fast.
They'll overtake us before we land.
Maybe they're still willing to talk.
Let's hope the ones on the surface
feel that way.
We'll be through this ionosphere soon.
Sensors are clearing up.
I'm reading Tuvok's shuttle.
He's trying to lift off but there's trouble
with the thrusters.
And there's a Drayan search party
approaching his location.
I see them. They're all around us!
We've got to go! Now!
Please move away from the console.
- You did it! You saved me!
- That may be a premature conclusion.
We have minimal shields
and no functional weapons.
When we clear the atmosphere
we can be transported aboard Voyager.
Then what?
You may request asylum with the
Federation. Then we can protect you.
I want to stay with you.
- The Drayan shuttle is hailing us.
- You have one of our children.
- I want to speak to her.
- She believes you intend to kill her.
- Is that true?
- The child is confused.
- I only want to help her.
- You want me to die.
I understand
how confusing this must be.
Return and I will
answer your questions.
No. I'm not going back there.
I'm staying with Tuvok.
- We can resolve this aboard Voyager.
- Unacceptable.
If you attempt to take her back
to your ship I will stop you.
Do what you will.
Very well. Fire!
We weren't hit.
I believe that was a warning.
Phasers locked on the Drayan shuttle.
Don't fire. We might be able to transport
Tuvok from here.
- There's too much interference.
- We can get a com-signal through.
Tuvok, we're on our way to the surface.
We'll intercept you soon.
It may be too late.
I'm losing power rapidly.
- Another hit will force me to land.
- Go down. We'll follow you.
It's getting dark.
What's going to happen to me?
All I can tell you is
I will be here with you.
Don't make this difficult.
She's been frightened enough.
She fears
being kept here against her wishes.
This is a critical time.
I can't allow you to interfere.
I regret it's come to this.
- You have your crew member. Now go.
- I will not leave without Tressa.
She has asked for my protection.
You don't understand
the harm you're doing.
This child wants to live.
We're going to help her.
It is not a choice. This is her time.
Tressa has reached the end of her life.
- She has barely begun it.
- She is 96 years old.
Tressa, these people are outsiders.
They don't understand how we live.
They see us as strange because
their ageing process is reversed.
Please. You don't belong with them.
I'm here to help you.
No. Leave me alone.
It's natural to be frightened.
You're stepping into the unknown.
You weren't meant
to face this time alone.
We weren't alone. Tuvok was here.
He stayed with us
and made us feel safe.
He told us there was no morrok
and that we shouldn't be afraid.
He took care of us.
Even when we didn't behave
as well as Vulcan children.
He was right about the morrok.
It only exists in stories.
At this age, they are easily confused.
Their memories are clouded.
Near the end of life, we reach a stage
of complete innocence.
We free ourselves from all
responsibilities to this life and leave it.
Tressa doesn't seem to be ready.
Perhaps she needs more time.
That's not for you or me to decide.
This biological process
begins the day we are created.
The energy contained within our bodies
remains cohesive for a limited time
and then it is released.
- Nothing can change that.
- Nothing?
- No. It's the natural course of life.
- Why did Tressa have to stay here?
We believe this is where
the first spark of life was created.
We're all compelled
to return here at the end,
to complete the cycle
and rejoin the infinite energy.
- Tressa, do you feel it calling to you?
- Tuvok?
She can offer you
better guidance than I.
- You said you'd protect me.
- I cannot protect you from life's end.
Nor would I try.
Vulcans consider death
to be the completion of a journey.
There is nothing to fear.
I won't be afraid.
Not if you are with me.
May this night see you safely home.
Attending a child on the crysata
is an honourable role.
You have fulfilled it well.
The final moment of life is
the most sacred, most private time.
I hope you accept my sincere apologies
for disturbing your traditions.
Perhaps we've each
misjudged the other.
I would hate to let that ruin
any possibility of friendship.
We must leave them.
Can your shuttle make it back to
Voyager? We should wait for you.
No. I'll be fine.
We'll wait here as long as you like.
I know it's time.
My only regret is leaving my family.
My grandson.
You remind me of him sometimes.
You will still be with them
in their thoughts.
As you will be in mine.
Voyager, do you read?
- You must lie still.
- I can't feel my legs.
Several of your vertebrae
are fractured.
- Isn't there anything you can do?
- Our supplies are inadequate.
We must wait for Voyager to find us.
My whole body is numb.
I want you
to slow your breathing and relax.
Try not to move.
All this time, I thought I was so lucky.
No family back home, nobody to miss.
Now it seems sad
not to leave anybody behind.
Ensign Macormak
would miss you a great deal.
You think so?
I was never really sure how she...
Don't be frightened. I won't hurt you.
- Let me go!
- Will you run if I do?
No.
- My name is Tuvok. \Who are you?
- Tressa. You don't look like us.
I am not a member of your race.
I am Vulcan.
I thought this moon was uninhabited.
Do you live here?
We came here on a ship,
but it crashed, like yours.
- Where are your parents?
- Dead. Is he dead, too?
- Yes.
- What were you doing?
I put a stasis field around him
to protect him until I can take him back.
Why?
Some cultures consider an appropriate
burial to be a sign of respect.
Is there anyone else here with you?
It's all right.
- There is no one looking after you?
- Everyone else died. We're alone.
There is no reason to be afraid.
I will see that you get home safely.
Captains log, supplemental.
I've sent out parties to analyse
the mineral deposits around Drayan II,
and I've arranged a meeting
with the planet's leader.
Nobody has had contact
with the Drayans for decades.
Are they hostile?
No. Just very private.
Deck 4. My professor said that
the first minutes of contact are crucial.
I'd feel better if we knew what to expect.
Often you must go in blind. It's exciting.
As a science officer,
I envied that privilege of the captain.
I envied it so much I almost went back
to the Academy for remedial training.
We were sent to make contact
with the Tarkannans.
I studied them and asked
to be part of the diplomatic team.
Coming face to face with them,
I made the gesture for hello,
not realising that males and females
use different movements.
I was propositioning the ambassador.
Energise.
I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway.
Welcome aboard
the Federation starship Voyager.
First Prelate Alcia.
May this day find you at peace
and leave you with hope.
That's a blessing
from our ancient scrolls.
That means, "Peace in your heart,
fortune in your steps."
It's very gracious of you
to agree to meet with us.
We don't often engage in dialogue
with alien races,
but your story of
crossing the galaxy intrigued me.
I'll tell you all about our journey
and my crew.
- Perhaps you'd like to see our ship.
- Thank you.
Our warp core can operate
for up to three years before refuelling.
It's equipped with a compositor
which recrystalises the dilithium.
We can never be sure
when we'll find a new supply.
I'm sorry my chief engineer isn't here.
She's surveying the moons
around Drayan.
I find it interesting
that you chose this to show me first.
Do you consider technology
to be your highest achievement?
Not as an end in itself.
The purpose of all this
is to help us gain knowledge
of the universe and its people.
Our ancestors were brilliant scientists.
They were continually developing
better, smarter machines,
until technology became
more important than people.
Society would have self-destructed
if it weren't for the Reformation.
My great-grandfather helped
to return us to ourselves.
Since that time,
we've remained isolated
to avoid those who might
lead us down the wrong path.
Some human cultures
have done the same.
- Will he be all right in there?
- Yes.
I have secured his body.
We were fortunate to have escaped
with only bruises.
- The Attendants protected us.
- Attendants?
The people on our ship.
They got us to the escape pod.
- Can we go now? I want to go.
- Are we going to fly on your ship?
He said it was a shuttle, not a ship.
We cannot leave yet.
My shuttle needs repairs.
- Can't you fix it?
- I believe so.
I am more concerned
with the electrodynamic turbulence.
What's electro turbulence?
A thermal inversion gradient
is causing unpredictable currents
in the atmosphere.
Those currents caused my shuttle
to crash, and I assume yours as well.
I must find a way
to navigate through the turbulence.
- Will that take a long time?
- It may. You must be patient.
I don't want to stay here.
I don't like it here.
That doesn't change our situation,
nor does it give us a solution.
- You don't have to be so mean.
- It isn't my intention to be mean.
I wish
to give you a realistic assessment.
Vulcans never shield
their children from the truth.
That would only hinder
their ability to cope.
- I'm hungry.
- There are rations in the shuttle.
- What's "rations"?
- Concentrated nutritional supplements.
- I want takka berries.
- With cherel sauce.
We have only rations.
I must begin working on my shuttle.
We have four hours
of daylight remaining.
- We can't be here at night!
- The morrok comes!
- Is that an animal?
- It's what takes you when you die.
It lives here. In the cave.
I'm not detecting any life-forms
other than us.
It's here. It will come.
Have you ever seen this creature?
You can only see it when it comes
for you. Then it's too late.
- Your anxiety is causing you to...
- It took the others!
Jarren and Fayla -
the other children on the ship.
The morrok took them while we slept.
And tonight it will take us.
The Federation consists
of over 150 different worlds
who have agreed to share
their knowledge and resources.
Visitors. Welcome to sickbay.
I'm the chief medical officer.
- This is First Prelate Alcia of Drayan II.
- It's an honour to meet you.
We don't receive distinguished guests...
unless there's been an accident.
Nothing unfortunate will happen to you.
But if it did
you'll be in very capable hands.
We are fully equipped to provide
a wide variety of treatments,
from removing a splinter
to resequencing a strand of DNA.
And our research facilities
are the most advanced in Starfleet.
Very impressive.
And this man isn't even
a biological life-form.
He's a computer-generated
holographic projection.
My people believe that physical matter
is only an illusion.
The body is not the true self,
only a representation.
One of our greatest philosophers, Plato,
wrote that what we see around us
are only poor shadows of ideal objects.
That is similar to our teachings.
Our connection to a higher plane
is more important than this brief
existence, however real it seems.
There's an incoming message
for the First Prelate.
- Would you like to use my office?
- Yes, thank you, Doctor...
I'm afraid it's just Doctor.
- Patch it through to the Doctor's office.
- Acknowledged.
You did very well! She was impressed.
Kes has been coaching me
on my diplomatic skills.
- It shows.
- We'll have to open negotiations,
find out what they might want
in exchange for the polyferranide.
I've been called away
on an emergency.
- Can we help?
- No, thank you.
You continue on your journey.
It's been interesting.
We hoped to learn more about you.
It's our custom to avoid
close contact with outsiders.
I choose to honour that tradition.
Goodbye, Captain.
I hope you find your way home.
- Was it something I said?
- We have no intention of interfering.
She made her wishes clear.
If we're not welcome, we'll go.
Recall the scouting parties.
We'll find our polyferranide
somewhere else.
Where did you last see them?
By the big tree,
when we went to sleep last night.
- Were they injured?
- Jarren hurt his hand.
- But both were able to walk?
- Yes.
Did they get up during the night?
You think they wandered off,
but they didn't.
The morrok took them. They're gone.
They aren't within scanning range.
That is all we know for certain.
We have to get away from here.
- Please can we go?
- I'm scared.
Children, you're allowing
your fears to guide you.
You must control your own imagination.
- But the morrok!
- Yes, that is one possibility.
However, your emotions are preventing
you from judging how unlikely it is.
- I can't help it. I'm scared.
- I believe you can help it.
Vulcan children learn to detach
themselves from their emotions.
- How?
- Focus on the object of your fear.
Picture the morrok in your minds.
That image is accompanied
by an emotional response.
What is that feeling like?
- It makes my stomach all tight.
- I want to run, but my legs won't work.
If you could see that emotion,
what would it look like?
Like a big black cloud, with thunder
and lightning all around us.
Imagine a strong wind
is pushing that cloud away.
Watch as your fear grows more distant.
It is no longer a part of you.
Once you detach yourself
from your emotional responses,
you come closer to controlling them.
Eventually, they will be eliminated.
Do you live without feeling anything?
More accurately,
we strive to control our feelings.
- You don't get scared? Ever?
- No.
- Even when your shuttle crashed?
- Correct.
What if there was a big tardeth
coming after you...
The circumstances are irrelevant.
We approach every situation logically.
I must begin work on my shuttle.
We will resume the search
for the other children soon.
I expect you to sit quietly
and not touch any of the equipment.
We promise.
Elani, please put that down.
- Let me have it!
- No! I found it!
Be careful with that!
You will stay here...
and you will stay here.
Where do I sit?
But I want to sit next to you.
- Why do your ears look like that?
- All Vulcans have similar ears.
- Why?
- Many millennia of evolution.
- Do they make you hear better?
- No.
Where do Vulcans live? Is it far away?
My homeworld is
on the other side of the galaxy.
- Elani, I asked you not to play with that.
- Sorry.
- What are you doing?
- Helping her to meditate.
Close your eyes and imagine
all the energy in your body
is flowing to the point
where your fingertips meet.
Nothing else you hear
or feel is important.
Let the outside world fade away.
You exist only inside your mind.
- Do you have any children?
- Be quiet.
We're trying to attain a meditative state.
- But I want to know!
- I have four children. Now concentrate.
- What are they like?
- Well-behaved.
They had mastered
heightened awareness at your age.
If Vulcans don't feel anything,
does that mean you don't love them?
My attachment to my children
cannot be described as an emotion.
They are part of my identity.
- I am incomplete without them.
- I bet they miss you, too.
- I have to scratch my nose.
- You may.
- Tuvok!
- Yes.
- I hear something.
- Is it a ship?
I believe so.
- Who is it?
- The sensors aren't fully functional.
I'm trying to identify the ship
by its shield harmonics.
Is somebody coming to save us?
It is not a shuttle from Voyager.
The pattern of the harmonics matches
those in orbit around Drayan.
Your people
have come looking for you.
We have to hide.
You can't let them find us here.
I don't understand.
I thought you wanted to go home.
They won't take us home.
They made us come here.
- For what purpose?
- They sent us here to die.
- We have to go.
- If they find us, we'll all die.
- Please, Tuvok.
- Why would they want to harm you?
- Please! They're coming!
- Help us!
Two of them are coming this way.
- What are you doing?
- Hiding us from their scanners.
Why do you think they'll kill you?
That's what this place is for.
They bring children here
for the final ritual.
- Then the morrok takes them away.
- No one ever comes back.
It is illogical for a society
to kill its children.
The scrolls say we should be happy,
that when we die our energy is set free.
Is it true? Is that what really happens?
Vulcans believe that a person's katra,
what some might call a soul,
exists after the body dies.
Do you believe that?
When I was younger,
I accepted it without question.
In recent years,
I have experienced doubts.
I believe there is more within us
than science has yet explained.
I know we should have more faith.
It's wrong to be afraid of death.
There is nothing wrong
in choosing to live.
- Will you help us?
- Until I can understand your situation,
it would be best
to get you back to Voyager.
Torres and Neelix just got back.
There's still no word
from Tuvok and Bennet.
I'm not picking up their shuttle.
Heavy solar flare activity is
causing electrodynamic disturbance.
We found a vein of pure polyferranide,
three kilometres long.
When was your last contact
with the other team?
- Hours ago. Is there a problem?
- We can't reach them.
They were going to check out
the outermost moons.
Can you find their ion signature?
I'm reading one
on heading 151, mark 8.
- That's where Neelix and I went.
- And another 20 degrees to starboard.
Set a course.
We can't see anything through
the turbulence in the atmosphere.
- The Drayan ship hasn't responded.
- Is our signal getting through?
They're receiving it.
- Continue hails.
- This desecration dishonours us.
- I don't understand.
- This moon is our "crysata".
Your presence is forbidden.
We've come to look for
one of our shuttles. It's missing.
We found it. The pilot is dead.
There were two men on board.
Did you find both?
No. Only one.
If there's someone else on this moon,
transport him back to your ship.
This kind of disturbance is why
we avoid contact with outsiders.
I should have known better
than to indulge my curiosity.
- The shuttle crash was an accident.
- One which I expect you to correct.
What's the status of the transporters?
We can't lock onto anything. It would be
easier to send down another shuttle.
No. That would only make
things worse.
I'll keep working on it.
How can you be thirsty again
after four drinks of water?
- Aren't you going to sleep?
- I can go days without rest.
You cannot.
It's warmer by the fire.
Go back and try to sleep.
Do not worry. I have run
several thorough scans of the area.
There are no other life-forms present
within five kilometres.
Maybe the morrok
doesn't show up on the scans.
I am also keeping watch on all of you.
If there is trouble, I'll come immediately.
We can't sleep.
- Apparently not.
- It's so dark.
I think the fire's going out.
You should look.
I added more wood
less than half an hour ago.
However, it might be wise
to check it again.
I always have my hair brushed
before bed.
- I like to hear a story.
- Tell us about the fire beast of Sullus.
I never understood the practice of
describing ferocious beasts at bedtime.
Don't Vulcans tell bedtime stories?
If my children had difficulty sleeping,
I'd play music.
- I like music.
- I don't have my lute.
- What's that?
- It is a five-stringed instrument,
tuned on a diatonic scale.
It can be very soothing.
My youngest son
was particularly fond of it.
He always used to ask me to play
"Falor's Journey".
It is a tale of enlightenment,
consisting of 348 verses.
It may not be necessary
to include the complete narrative.
Falor was a prosperous merchant,
who went on a journey
to gain greater awareness.
Through storms he crossed the Voroth
Sea to reach the shores of Raal,
where old T'Para offered truth.
TUVOK!
They're gone.
- You might want to see this.
- Have you found the shuttle?
We found two,
both crashed on the surface.
The sensor resolution is low.
This looks like our shuttle.
- I guess the other one is Drayan.
- We've had indications of lifesigns.
A while ago there were four of them.
Now there are only two.
I've been working on the transporters.
It isn't possible to get a pattern lock.
We must consider other options.
I want a full analysis of the atmosphere
and a way to get a shuttle down there.
Then let's hope
we won't need to try it.
There were no other life-forms
or unusual energy readings all night.
It was the morrok.
Why don't you believe me?
Very well. I'll investigate.
Wait here while I look inside the cave.
But if you go in there,
you won't come out.
I will take every possible precaution.
I believe you
can be responsible with this.
Aim like this and press here to fire. I'll
seal the shuttle's door while I'm gone.
No, Tuvok! Don't leave me
all by myself! Please!
If there is anything in the cave,
we will learn what has been happening.
It is important to gather
as much information as possible.
I'm scared.
We fear what we do not understand.
Our best defence is knowledge.
You must trust me, Tressa.
I'll return shortly.
- Promise?
- I will not abandon you.
What did you see in there?
I realise it may frighten you,
but you must hear the truth.
I did not find the other children,
nor do I know what happened to them.
I'm going to be next, aren't I?
There's nothing we can do about it.
The disappearances
have occurred at night.
We will leave before the sun sets.
I'll really be quiet this time.
I won't touch anything.
That would make it difficult for you
to assist me with repairs.
The Drayans
have sent another shuttle down.
There must be 20 people
on the surface.
I can't tell if the original two life-forms
are still there.
How many search parties
could it take to find two people?
There's a break in the turbulence.
I'm picking up a com-signal.
- Tuvok to Voyager. Do you read?
- We read you. Are you OK?
- Yes. But Ensign Bennet is dead.
- We know.
We're having trouble with the Drayans.
They insist on sending their own search
parties.
- Yes. I have been avoiding them.
- Why?
I have a young girl with me
who claims they've come to kill her.
I was reluctant to believe it, but several
other children have disappeared.
- Captain, the signal's breaking up.
- What happened to the other children?
They have disappeared.
Something on this moon is responsible.
We must leave here.
I'm attempting to repair...
Scan his shuttle.
Will he be able to get out?
There's no structural damage.
Some power fluctuations.
- He should be able to take off.
- What if they can't?
Hail the Drayan ship.
- Captain.
- First Prelate.
You have a damaged ship on the
surface and there may be survivors.
- I'd like to offer to help find them.
- You've been intrusive enough.
The people on the surface
may be in trouble.
You must be concerned for their safety.
There's no reason to fear for anyone's
safety on the crysata.
It's a blessed haven, unspoilt,
which is why I can't allow you to go
there under any circumstances.
Then I'll be taking a shuttle to
the surface without your permission.
- That's completely unacceptable.
- It's necessary.
If you launch a shuttle
I will send one after you.
It's not my intention
to provoke a conflict.
Then leave.
I will, as soon as my crew
is back on this ship.
Janeway out.
Lieutenant, you're with me.
Mr Kim, I need your report.
The Drayan shuttles are using
some kind of dielectric field
to protect them from the turbulence.
We could generate that
with our shuttle's warp coils.
It might be rough, but we can make it.
- Captain...
- I know the risks.
But if there's any hope left for
a diplomatic solution, I must be there.
Let's get through the preflight quickly.
Thrusters, impulse engines, warp drive.
- All propulsion systems are nominal.
- Shields, phasers, inertial dampers.
We've got the basics. Computer,
initiate co-launch sequence.
Or we could just skip preflight
altogether.
Not recommended
but sometimes necessary.
I'm taking the warp drive off-line
and setting up the dielectric field.
It's holding but we'll have to keep
an eye on the stabiliser integrity.
Janeway to bridge. Depressurise
the shuttle bay and open the doors.
I'm picking up a Drayan shuttle
on an intercept course.
Can we outrun them?
The dielectic field is weakening
our structural integrity.
If we go much faster we'll break up.
We're improvising. They're not.
We're on their turf. They have every
advantage. They may not fire on us.
I'll test that theory in a few seconds.
They're entering weapons range.
Raise shields and stand ready
to power the weapons.
Thrusters and impulse engines
are functional. We're ready to go.
What about the electro...
the currents that made the ships crash.
A dielectric field should allow us
to pass through them.
But be prepared for turbulence.
Initiating prelaunch sequence.
Number-3 thruster is failing.
The Drayan shuttle's closing fast.
They'll overtake us before we land.
Maybe they're still willing to talk.
Let's hope the ones on the surface
feel that way.
We'll be through this ionosphere soon.
Sensors are clearing up.
I'm reading Tuvok's shuttle.
He's trying to lift off but there's trouble
with the thrusters.
And there's a Drayan search party
approaching his location.
I see them. They're all around us!
We've got to go! Now!
Please move away from the console.
- You did it! You saved me!
- That may be a premature conclusion.
We have minimal shields
and no functional weapons.
When we clear the atmosphere
we can be transported aboard Voyager.
Then what?
You may request asylum with the
Federation. Then we can protect you.
I want to stay with you.
- The Drayan shuttle is hailing us.
- You have one of our children.
- I want to speak to her.
- She believes you intend to kill her.
- Is that true?
- The child is confused.
- I only want to help her.
- You want me to die.
I understand
how confusing this must be.
Return and I will
answer your questions.
No. I'm not going back there.
I'm staying with Tuvok.
- We can resolve this aboard Voyager.
- Unacceptable.
If you attempt to take her back
to your ship I will stop you.
Do what you will.
Very well. Fire!
We weren't hit.
I believe that was a warning.
Phasers locked on the Drayan shuttle.
Don't fire. We might be able to transport
Tuvok from here.
- There's too much interference.
- We can get a com-signal through.
Tuvok, we're on our way to the surface.
We'll intercept you soon.
It may be too late.
I'm losing power rapidly.
- Another hit will force me to land.
- Go down. We'll follow you.
It's getting dark.
What's going to happen to me?
All I can tell you is
I will be here with you.
Don't make this difficult.
She's been frightened enough.
She fears
being kept here against her wishes.
This is a critical time.
I can't allow you to interfere.
I regret it's come to this.
- You have your crew member. Now go.
- I will not leave without Tressa.
She has asked for my protection.
You don't understand
the harm you're doing.
This child wants to live.
We're going to help her.
It is not a choice. This is her time.
Tressa has reached the end of her life.
- She has barely begun it.
- She is 96 years old.
Tressa, these people are outsiders.
They don't understand how we live.
They see us as strange because
their ageing process is reversed.
Please. You don't belong with them.
I'm here to help you.
No. Leave me alone.
It's natural to be frightened.
You're stepping into the unknown.
You weren't meant
to face this time alone.
We weren't alone. Tuvok was here.
He stayed with us
and made us feel safe.
He told us there was no morrok
and that we shouldn't be afraid.
He took care of us.
Even when we didn't behave
as well as Vulcan children.
He was right about the morrok.
It only exists in stories.
At this age, they are easily confused.
Their memories are clouded.
Near the end of life, we reach a stage
of complete innocence.
We free ourselves from all
responsibilities to this life and leave it.
Tressa doesn't seem to be ready.
Perhaps she needs more time.
That's not for you or me to decide.
This biological process
begins the day we are created.
The energy contained within our bodies
remains cohesive for a limited time
and then it is released.
- Nothing can change that.
- Nothing?
- No. It's the natural course of life.
- Why did Tressa have to stay here?
We believe this is where
the first spark of life was created.
We're all compelled
to return here at the end,
to complete the cycle
and rejoin the infinite energy.
- Tressa, do you feel it calling to you?
- Tuvok?
She can offer you
better guidance than I.
- You said you'd protect me.
- I cannot protect you from life's end.
Nor would I try.
Vulcans consider death
to be the completion of a journey.
There is nothing to fear.
I won't be afraid.
Not if you are with me.
May this night see you safely home.
Attending a child on the crysata
is an honourable role.
You have fulfilled it well.
The final moment of life is
the most sacred, most private time.
I hope you accept my sincere apologies
for disturbing your traditions.
Perhaps we've each
misjudged the other.
I would hate to let that ruin
any possibility of friendship.
We must leave them.
Can your shuttle make it back to
Voyager? We should wait for you.
No. I'll be fine.
We'll wait here as long as you like.
I know it's time.
My only regret is leaving my family.
My grandson.
You remind me of him sometimes.
You will still be with them
in their thoughts.
As you will be in mine.