Original subtitles

Previously on Star Trek: Discovery...

I am going to accept President Rillak's offer

to serve as a Federation ambassador.

I want to be with you.

I know what I stand for, I know what I believe in.

I'm not apologizing for that.

I want you to be my Number One.

I got a second chance once. This is yours.

Young Adira has been joined with a Trill symbiont.

Welcome to the Circle.

Once they join with a host,

that host has the ability to access the memories of all former hosts.

It is my hope that our work today will allow you to resume your training.

You're gonna make a great Guardian someday.

Come with me.

Discovery's where I can make a difference.

You're not scared about long distance?

I have trust in us.

We've been calling them the Progenitors.

Somehow, Doctor Vellek found their technology.

When he disappeared 800 years ago, its location was lost with him.

Moll and L'ak don't have this part of the clue,

so they're on their way to Betazed.

What is this?

We need to find the other four pieces

to complete the map of clues to the Progenitors' technology.

And the poem tells us where to go next.

"A world like no other,

where two souls entwine."

- I suppose... - Trill.

We're going to Trill.

They're smart, slippery as hell,

don't give a damn about anyone but themselves.

Meet Moll and L'ak.

Let's just say I know more about the spirits

my abuela used to pray to than I do about these two.

Her name is Malinne.

She's the daughter of my mentor Cleveland Booker IV.

Which makes her the closest thing to family I've got left.

We need to know what we're getting into before we get to Trill.

What have you learned about L'ak?

Sorry, Captain, still nothing on L'ak.

What about Moll?

Born on Callor V, rough place. Cleveland left when she was eight.

He used to talk about how much he wanted to fix things with her.

Never got the chance.

We did some digging.

Found out she lost her mother at 14,

joined a courier guild at 17

and did at least two stints in an Emerald Chain lockup.

She's been through a lot.

And always comes out on top.

If we run into them in Trill, won't be pretty.

Yeah, I know what you're about to say.

And it's a Federation world. I have to bring in a uniformed team.

But if they do show up, I'll be an asset, knowing what I do now.

And this is where you say

my personal connection to her makes you nervous.

Convince me it shouldn't.

I'm learning from my choices.

I wouldn't be here otherwise,

so if you're concerned with what's personal, Michael,

this is how I get my life back.

Let me go to Trill with you.

Okay.

I'll think about it.

I'll see you in there.

Long day already?

No, I just couldn't sleep.

Brings up a lot of big questions.

You too, huh?

Tossing and turning all night.

Have you tried Vulcan meditation yet? Helped you as a kid.

Do you remember every detail anyone's ever told you?

It's part of my job.

All right, what have we got?

A very big planet.

Trill has a surface area of 500 million square kilometers.

So, the question is, where in all that area

are we gonna find our next clue?

Commander Stamets has been working on the tricorder

recovered from the Romulan ship.

No help yet.

And we've been analyzing the poem from Lyrek and...

We used a decryption algorithm

to try and find any coded messages in the language syntax.

Nothing there, but we did find this on the metal piece you recovered.

We realized that these markings are consistent

with the patterns of Trill facial spots.

Which are unique to the individual.

As unique as fingerprints in humans

or dorsal ridges in Saurians.

We asked Zora to try to locate a possible match, so, Zora?

This is Jinaal Bix.

His facial markings correspond precisely

with the markings on the clue retrieved from Lyrek.

He lived 800 years ago, at the same time as the Romulan scientist.

So, this clue points to a person.

But Jinaal wasn't your average Trill.

I think he was a symbiont host.

It would be unusual for one to live 800 years,

but not completely unheard of.

You think it could still be alive?

If so, then its current host would have all the memories of Jinaal Bix,

and we'd be able to ask them a lot of questions.

And the Guardians should have records to help us find the current host.

Ensign Tal, Doctor Culber, I want you with me on the away team.

Lieutenant Tilly, let me know when the sensors pick up L'ak and Moll

back on Lyrek.

Can't imagine it'll be too much longer.

Book, suit up. You're coming with.

Captain, the new crew member's here.

Okay, I'll meet him in my ready room. Be ready to go in ten.

We've got a head start, we need to use it.

Welcome aboard, Commander.

At your service, Captain.

I trust your quarters are satisfactory.

They're fine. A little smaller than I'm used to,

but then again, I'm used to having your job.

That was meant as a joke, to break the ice.

Mm. "Break the ice." That's an Earth idiom.

I'm reporting to a human captain. I like to be prepared.

We're about to jump to Trill, and while I'm on the surface,

I'll ask for you to do one-on-ones with the crew.

No need. I've read their files.

I'd like you to connect with them in person.

There are better ways to use me,

like tracking Moll and L'ak, for one.

I think we can both agree that connection is not exactly where my skill set lies.

Connection isn't a skill, it's a choice.

The only interaction my crew has had with you was on Q'Mau,

and it's left some skeptical about my decision to bring you on.

This is your chance

to show them why you're right for the job.

To "break the ice."

One-on-ones, it is.

Everyone, this is First Officer Commander Rayner.

Lieutenant Naya,

Lieutenant Arav,

Commander Rhys,

Commander Asha

and Lieutenants Gallo,

Linus

and Christopher.

You'll meet Owosekun, Detmer and the rest of the crew in a little bit.

For now, we have some place to be.

Black alert.

Can't believe I'm gonna see Gray.

It's been, like, six months of holo chats where we pretend like everything's normal,

and it's obviously not.

Do I, um... Do I look okay?

- Please tell me I look okay. - You look great, kid.

How many raktajinos have you had?

Two. I... I... Three.

Might be four, I don't know. I just...

I really want everything to be perfect today.

Hey, give him my love, will you?

Ensign Tal, Captain's asking for you on the bridge.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Uh, yeah, this jumble of numbers from the Romulan tricorder,

I can't make sense of.

I was talking about Adira.

Come on, space dad, six months apart,

and then being that nervous to see him.

You were young once. You know what that means.

Okay, that's not my business.

No.

Trouble in paradise, genius.

Six months of trying to act like everything's normal?

That kid's like a lamb off to the slaughterhouse right now.

- What? - Yeah.

No. It'll be fine. They're fine.

- Should I be worried? - Eh.

Everyone's on a journey.

We come together, we come apart.

Wow.

I just sounded like a woo-woo asshole.

Nah, they'll be fine, but everything's got a half-life, so...

Lieutenant Christopher, request permission to transport to Trill.

I'm sorry, Captain.

They're denying your request to beam down.

- For what reason? - They wouldn't say.

Guardian Xi would like to speak with you.

- Put him through. - Aye, Captain.

Guardian Xi, is there a problem?

There is.

The information you seek has been protected for centuries.

Before we assist,

there is a question you must answer.

I'm not sure you understand the stakes here...

This is not a matter for debate.

You must answer the question.

Then you better ask it.

Where does the fourth point?

What the hell kind of question is that?

I can say nothing further. Where does the fourth point?

It's a riddle.

It's a reference to the poem we found on Lyrek.

The hidden fifth stanza led us here.

The fourth stanza seemed to point to Betazed.

The answer is Betazed.

That is correct.

I can tell you now that the symbiont you seek is indeed still alive.

Its current host, Kalzara Bix,

she will speak to no outsider

unless they answer that riddle.

Have others come looking?

No, you are the first.

Your team may transport to the Caves of Mak'ala.

I will bring her shortly.

Before you go, is there anything else you can tell us about her?

Or the symbiont or the poem on Lyrek?

I've never heard of Lyrek, Captain,

and I know nothing of any poem.

My duty was simply to ask the question and verify the answer.

From here forward, all will be up to you.

Welcome.

Kalzara is eager to meet you.

- You knew the answer. - Yes.

We are here for the clue. We understand you have it.

I have been waiting for you nearly my whole life,

but I cannot help you.

Only Jinaal can.

The original host?

Didn't he die hundreds of years ago?

Jinaal joined with our symbiont

so that it could carry his secrets across the ages

until a worthy seeker arrived.

He requires that you speak with him directly.

Please.

The symbiont is tired and longs to rest. So do I.

How are we supposed to do this?

A zhian'tara.

It's a ritual that allows Jinaal's consciousness

to transfer to another body for a limited time.

It cannot be a joined host,

but others from your team may serve as a vessel.

I should warn you, however, that it can be an emotionally overwhelming experience.

Captain, Jinaal can use me.

"Emotionally overwhelming" is what I do best.

Are you sure?

It's decided then.

Gray, you can help me prepare.

It will be a valuable addition to your training.

Yes, Guardian.

Oh, T'Rina. Good morning.

I have brought you a gift for your new office,

a favinit plant.

Oh, it's quite lovely.

Oh.

Thank you.

I can imagine what a transition this must be.

After so many years with Discovery as your home.

Yes, well,

I do miss them all,

but I am excited for this new challenge,

and, I will admit, a bit trepidatious.

No, I have been asked to speak at today's resource committee meeting

on behalf of the planets I represent.

The position I will advocate is a controversial one.

I have no doubt you will perform your duties commendably.

Shall we?

There is something else I wish to discuss, of a personal nature.

Our engagement announcement.

I reviewed the draft,

and there is one phrase which I believe may warrant reconsideration.

"The handsome and erudite Captain Saru."

If it embarrasses you, we will remove it,

but it is accurate to say that you are both.

If there is nothing else you would change, I will have it sent out within the day.

Please. It is all very exciting.

Madam President.

I am ready with your briefing for today's session.

Thank you, Mr. Duvin.

This is, of course, Captain Saru. I don't believe you two have met.

It is a pleasure.

Our announcement is prepared, with one small edit.

Once I have made that, you may transmit to the appropriate outlets.

Today, Madam President?

- Yes. - Of course.

Ambassador.

When you are ready, I shall see you inside.

Yes.

Excuse me, sir?

Lieutenant Tilly.

Captain Burnham asked me to show you around the ship

to facilitate introductions.

Ah, she gave me a chaperone.

Uh, not sure I would agree with that choice of words, but...

Introductions can wait.

I'm combing through sensor data for any signs of Moll and L'ak's ship.

That is the top priority from an operational perspective.

If I could have permission to speak freely, sir.

Zora's already monitoring scanners in real time.

Crew cohesion is a top priority as well,

and, uh, so...

Plus, it's Captain's orders.

I didn't, Lieutenant.

Sorry, didn't what?

Give you permission to speak freely.

But I can walk and chew gum.

- That is an Earth expression. - Uh...

Yeah, no, it is. I just, I don't know...

I'm not running all over the ship.

They can report to me here in the science lab.

Active duty roster introductions, 1100 hours.

Schedule five minutes with each of them.

- Hi. - Hi.

- Uh, do you have a little time now, or... - Yeah, just finished.

Uh...

Am I allowed to hug you while you're on duty?

Quick. No one's looking.

Hi.

I haven't actually touched you in months.

Um...

Uh, the...

The captain said that we might have some time off after this,

and I was wondering if maybe I could see your quarters,

- or meet some of the other trainees? - Sure.

And, well, maybe

there's some things we should talk about too.

Yeah.

We are ready to begin.

The transference is complete.

Jinaal's consciousness is within him.

What year is it?

3191.

It's good to meet you, Jinaal.

I'm Captain Burnham of the USS Discovery.

I love what they've done with the uniform.

It's a little formal, though.

- Do you mind? - Not at all.

What about you?

You're not Starfleet.

Unaffiliated professional associate.

Ah.

Got it.

You solved the poem and the riddle.

Very impressive, making it this far.

And now you're here for the clue.

- Yes. You have it? - No.

But I can take you to it,

if you don't mind me getting this uniform a little dirty.

I hid it in the canyons, not too far from here.

800 years ago?

Oh, don't you worry, Professional Associate.

It'll still be there.

I hide things very well.

Well, we can beam there.

We have personal transporters now.

Oh, I don't remember the coordinates.

I just remember the path.

Besides, I can't tell you how much I miss the feeling

of a nice, long walk.

- We don't have time. - It'll be fine.

Ensign, uh, stay with Kalzara and keep comms open.

- Aye, Captain. - Come on, keep up.

You have a lifetime.

I only have a few hours.

Wow. This guy really works out.

My world needs a new starbase.

We have all heard what's happening with the Breen.

They're growing increasingly dangerous as the warring factions vie for control.

Which is why it is vital that all member worlds receive fair attention,

including yours.

While adopting this change would delay your starbase,

I would also suggest and support

an immediate increase in patrols in your sector,

subject to President Rillak's approval, of course.

In such a scenario, would you consider your security needs

to be appropriately addressed?

Yes. That would be satisfactory.

In that case, all in favor?

All opposed?

The revision has been adopted.

Thank you. Let's take a short recess.

May I have a word?

- Of course. - Ah.

Ah.

How may I help you, Mr. Duvin?

I am curious what, if anything, President T'Rina has told you

of the conflicts her coalition has had with the Vulcan Purists.

Oh, I know there has been conflict.

Indeed.

And as you were speaking, I found myself wondering

how they might make political fodder out of your remarks.

What you said could be seen as a criticism of Ni'Var, itself a larger world.

And the fact that President T'Rina voted with you makes it...

She did not vote with me.

She voted according to her own values and the needs of the Federation.

While that may be true,

appearances matter.

In politics, they are often all that matters.

Typically, I would speak with her directly,

but I fear her logic is clouded by both her love for you

and her strong disapproval of the Vulcan Purists.

Therefore, logic and reason dictates that I approach you.

As you live in a near-constant state of emotional compromise,

you are therefore better equipped to behave logically.

With respect,

your argument is a touch circuitous.

I am not sure I am clear on your point.

My point is that President T'Rina's betrothal

to someone from another world brings with it many complications.

Its announcement at this time

would be like adding a spark to a keg of cabrodine.

And in case I'm once again being unclear,

the president's political future would be the keg.

For starters, how did you get the clue?

Did you know Dr. Vellek?

Were you with him when he found the Progenitors' technology?

You ask a lot of questions.

How about we just enjoy the walk, smell the air?

We don't have time to smell the air, okay?

Others are coming, and they're way less friendly.

If they got their hands on what you're hiding, it would be a disaster.

What was that?

An itronok, a carnivorous quadruped

about three times your height, extremely vicious.

I studied them while I was still alive. These canyons are their hunting grounds.

Yeah. That seems like something you could've mentioned before.

Would that have changed your mind?

Anyone sane knows to stay away from this place,

which made it perfect for hiding the clue.

These answers you want,

if I give them to you, they might cost you your life.

You sure it's worth it?

We've already risked our lives to come this far.

We're sure.

All right.

800 years ago, the Federation president brought together

six scientists in secret:

me, Doctor Vellek and four others, Federation and non-Federation.

Don't ask me their names. I won't tell you.

I will tell you that our mission was

to research the Progenitors and their message.

The one Captain Picard found.

Yes.

It took years, but eventually led us to a sector of deep space

where we found a technology

beyond anything we'd ever seen.

One of our group tried to activate it.

He was killed.

It was horrible.

After that, the rest of us made a pact.

Told the president that we'd hit a dead end,

destroyed all of our research,

removed our names from every database we could access.

And we hid the location of what we found.

Why didn't you give it to the Federation for safekeeping?

The Dominion War was raging.

Everyone saw an enemy in everyone else.

And we knew that technology could be used for great destruction.

Protecting it became the focus of our lives.

Nothing was more important.

That was way closer.

We'd better pick up the pace.

Sir?

Moll and L'ak are at Lyrek.

Uh, I know, sir. Zora told me.

Commander Rhys is here for his meeting, so I'll give you two some privacy.

No need for that. Stay.

In 20 words or less, tell me something about yourself

I couldn't read in your file.

I'm a real ship-head.

Love the Crossfield, but something about the curves

of a 23rd-century Constitution class just gets me.

That was 22 words.

Thank you. Dismissed.

The worst thing I've ever seen in the sickbay was a Bynar

with a Dakalan bore worm eating its synaptic processor.

Growing up on Bajor, my nicknames were "Full Monopoly"

and "Bluff Master," so, yeah,

I'm pretty much unbeatable at tongo.

Saurians reproduce asexually, but we do not meet our progeny.

They're instead raised by the community.

I've laid three clutches.

Okay.

When Nilsson left for her new post on Voyager,

she gave me her pet tribble, and...

Oh, don't worry. It's been neutered.

Last time I did this, they gave me chips.

Okay, I'll save my drag racing story for next time.

It was nice meeting you.

Uh, they were in the middle of a sentence, sir.

I got the gist.

Sir, if you only spend 30 seconds with each crew member, how can you...

The meetings are exactly as long as they need to be, Lieutenant.

I'll send Commander Owosekun in.

Mm-hmm.

Understood. Uh, keep me posted.

What's going on?

Our sensors on Lyrek.

Might be some trouble coming.

But it's nowhere near here yet, so...

So that's good news, right?

Well, I hope so.

You said there was something that you wanted to talk to me about?

Yeah, I just... I just...

It seems like you've been doing really well.

And I've been good too.

Great, actually.

But I think we both feel like things seem different between us.

Holo's just not the same.

No, you're right.

You're right. Um, things have felt very different.

I think that's why I was so nervous to see you.

Because I knew we'd have to talk about it,

and I don't know how to start that conversation.

But, I mean, it makes sense, right?

We literally used to be connected.

And now, I'm following my path here, and you're following yours on Discovery.

Mm.

It's a big change.

Maybe we just need to see each other more often.

So, I can put in for more leave,

and I can even ask about transferring.

I wouldn't want you to do that for me.

Just like you wouldn't want me to give this up for you.

Yeah.

No, you're right.

I'm not sure what else to do.

Well, I mean, if things aren't working the way they are right now,

maybe we could try something different.

Like, there are so many kinds of relationships.

I don't know if I can do this any other way.

So does that mean...

Are we saying we're breaking up?

I, uh... Yeah, I guess.

I guess so.

I think you're right. I think this is the right thing.

- This is the right thing. - Ooh.

But I'll always be here for you.

No matter what.

Well, me too.

Always.

You know where the technology is.

Why not just tell us so we can secure it?

We can actually skip this whole clue trail.

No.

We created the clues so that no one could reach the end

unless they follow the full path.

We wanted the power to be found,

but only by a worthy seeker,

and only when the time was right.

A time of peace when species have evolved enough

to use it only for good.

So tell me, in 3191,

has that time come?

This is a time of peace, yeah.

- You don't look so sure. - Oh, I am.

But I can't promise you it'll last.

Advancement isn't linear.

I do know that the Federation is driven by a will to do good.

Most sentient beings are.

There are plenty who would disagree with that.

Good outweighs the bad.

Truly believe that.

I think you and your fellow scientists must have believed it too.

Otherwise, you wouldn't have left these clues.

You would've destroyed all evidence it ever existed.

That, Captain, is a very fair point.

Book, what is it?

Oh.

An ina raptor, itronok prey.

Fresh kill. They're closer than I thought.

Have your phasers ready.

We might have company soon. How close are we?

Right around this corner.

Okay. There.

That's where the clue is hidden.

There's a carving.

Just below it is a crack that opens into a compartment I built into the rock.

That's it.

- Yeah. - Wait!

They can cloak?

Their scales control the way light refracts.

That's another thing you could've mentioned, Jinaal.

- Ooh! - Take cover!

Whoa, the hits just keep on coming.

Once agitated, they don't back down. We have to go. Now!

No, we can't. We need the clue.

- You're not getting it tonight. - What? There has to be a way.

There's no way. We stay, we die.

This body, your friend, dies.

I'm not gonna let that happen.

Jinaal.

Damn it.

We have to find a way past it.

See if you can communicate with it.

I can't. Connection's a two-way process. It's blocking me.

- Could you pick up anything? - Yeah. It's really pissed off.

Hmm. We didn't need empathy powers to tell us that.

Time for plan B, then?

- On the count of three. - Hey.

Is it on three or after three?

Like, is it, "One, two, three,"

or, "One, two, three, go"?

Second option. One, two, three, go.

- Hey! - Go then.

Hurry up!

- I can't see it anymore! - Keep looking.

There you are.

Michael, there's another one!

I need more time!

Michael!

Come on. Over there.

Come on, go!

Oh.

Go in there.

They must have found that poem on Lyrek, right?

- Sir, is that a question for me, sir? - No.

- Didn't think so. - Sorry I'm late.

I was working on the data from the Romulan tricorder,

and I think I finally figured it out.

As long as it's mission-critical, use as many words as you'd like.

Uh, well, um, the thing is,

I hadn't accounted for half-life.

The Progenitors' technology is several billion years old,

so, of course that would result in significant decay

of numerous isotopes.

I don't fully understand it yet, but the technology is...

It could have incredible applications.

One could use it to design new life-forms,

accelerate evolution, modify ecosystems.

And, if it can create life,

then, in theory, it might even be possible

to reanimate dead organisms.

That sounds like it'd be very dangerous in the wrong hands.

Well, yes, but think of all the good it could do in the right ones!

It could make even the spore-drive discovery

inconsequential by comparison.

Commander, you have any more data to share?

Um...

No, I guess not.

Then your 20 words are up. You're dismissed.

Nice to meet you too, Commander.

Okay. What?

What?

I haven't seen him that excited in so long.

Why did you have to shut him down like that?

I got the information I needed. Now I'm moving on.

- Oh. - Who's next?

Ey. Uh...

Since you won't give me permission to speak freely, I'm just gonna take it.

Captain Burnham, she sees something in you,

but for the life of me, I have no idea what it is.

So, how about this? How about I'm next? Here are my 20 words.

You're on a new ship, fresh off a demotion,

trying to hide how hard that is

by being a giant...

Oh, that's 20 words, so...

Excuse me, sir. I have work to do.

Uh, T'Rina, I have been considering our engagement announcement.

I believe the...

It has not yet gone out?

No, but within a few hours.

Ah. Uh...

I wonder if perhaps

we should consider postponing.

Well, it is a very busy time for you.

And, of course, there is my new position.

A public declaration may bring undue pressure.

And as I recall, a wise Vulcan once said,

"To rush a sehlat is to risk a goring."

Duvin spoke with you, did he not?

I...

He did.

He advised me not to announce.

I took that into account and decided otherwise.

So now he turns to you.

He seemed quite clear that it would not be in the interest

of your political career.

I employ Duvin because he is a shrewd political operator,

but that does not mean that he, or anyone else, including you,

understands my own interests better than I.

But if you would experience a challenge from the Vulcan Purists,

we must consider that.

I simply wish to protect you in all ways that I can.

It is unclear to me what would have given you the impression

that I'm in need of a caretaker.

Excuse me, President T'Rina.

President Rillak is ready for you.

There is work to attend to.

Excuse me. I must go.

Uh...

Okay. We have to get the barb out.

All right?

Then I'm gonna hit it with the dermal regenerator.

It's gonna stop the bleeding.

- On the count of three. - Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Three.

What happened to after three, Michael?

Doesn't hurt as much when you're not expecting it.

I'm sorry.

Hey, over there.

Those aren't rocks.

- Those are eggs. - Right.

They're protecting their young just like any parent would.

Then there's no justification for antagonizing them,

no matter what's hidden here.

Jinaal was right.

We're gonna have to come back for the clue.

All right. Let's beam out.

We can catch up to him on the canyon.

- That's not good. - We're too close to the rock.

The mineral composition is interfering with the transporter signal.

- Okay. What do you want to do? - Okay.

Um...

I got an idea.

Basic xenoanthropology:

Show respect to the one you're studying.

Michael, don't.

- Trust me. - Don't do it.

Have you lost your mind?

Our phasers made us seem like a threat.

Try to communicate with them again. Now.

Tell them we're sorry and that we are leaving.

They're letting us go.

We'll find another way to get that clue.

Jinaal!

I've missed this.

The simple pleasure of gazing at the stars.

I see you survived.

Skin of our teeth.

You knew that was their nesting ground, didn't you?

And you had us draw our phasers to incite them.

Why?

I had to know what you'd do

when you encountered a life-form vastly different than your own.

Would you just see an enemy,

or would you try to connect?

That's vital for whoever gets the Progenitors' technology.

As is the belief in the potential for goodness in all beings.

Proceed wisely, Captain.

Associate.

And the carving on the rock face?

I believe you'd call that a red herring.

Hmm.

Never understood that.

Herrings aren't even red.

- I think that's the point. - Ah.

I still don't get it.

Out of curiosity, if we hadn't proven worthy,

would you have let the itronoks kill us?

- To protect the Progenitors' power? - Uh-huh.

Yes.

These are the coordinates for the next clue?

They are. Good luck, Captain.

T'Rina, um,

might you have a moment?

I have been terribly uneasy since our tea.

I have given it much thought

and have come to realize

that what I was trying to do was not what you asked for,

nor what you needed.

I apologize.

I accept.

The matter is already in the past.

Does that response trouble you?

No. Quite the opposite.

I feared a far worse outcome.

You see,

I have never experienced conflict

with someone I love in this way.

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship

and not to be feared.

Hmm.

It is a natural part of political life, as well.

Duvin is correct.

The announcement will enflame the Vulcan Purists.

But if it were to come out that we were engaged and had not announced,

that would erode my citizens' trust.

That would make it seem as though I was hiding something,

and we have nothing to hide.

In that case,

I would like to announce as soon as possible.

And if difficulties arise,

it will be my honor to stand beside you to face them.

Zhian'tara has ended.

Jinaal has left you.

Jinaal feels deep gratitude

for the extra moments of life you have given him.

The experience was, um...

Well, I don't have the words.

I am glad you found what you needed, Captain.

So am I.

There are some very dangerous people that won't be.

I'm sorry. We think that they're on their way here.

I can assist with a team for protection.

No need. Trill security is more than capable of handling them.

Okay. Doctor Culber, you should beam to sickbay for a checkup.

You should beam back too. Have Doctor Pollard take a look at your leg.

Adira.

I'll see you back on board.

Kalzara, thank you for everything.

Thank you, for now I can rest.

Welcome to Red's. I'll be right back for your order.

That looks radioactive.

I realize we did not get off on the best foot today, Lieutenant,

but leadership and friendship are two different beasts.

Professional distance keeps the distinction clear.

My crew understood that.

We had a shorthand, a mutual trust.

Well, in my experience, sir, it helps

if the crew believes you actually care about them.

Hmm.

Hmm.

Commander Rhys has an extensive and comprehensive interest in starships

that goes far beyond the tactical.

If he wanted, he could have a bright future in the Command division.

Pollard has stared into the void and made it blink.

Nothing frightens that woman.

Linus cares deeply for tradition and stability,

evident in his dedication to his people's child-rearing ways.

And Reno, well...

Shall I go on?

Analyzing them is not the same as connecting with them,

or showing them respect.

- Respect has to be earned. - I agree, sir.

And that goes both ways.

Hmm.

We are making preparations to jump to the coordinates from the clue.

But they're in Tzenkethi space,

so we can't go until the diplomats clear the way.

Ah, red tape, your favorite.

Today must have been something.

Yeah.

Having another consciousness inside of me?

I mean, I was there, but I wasn't.

How is that even possible?

How does that work?

How do I begin to explain any of that?

I suppose you can't.

At least not with the science we have now.

Doesn't mean it's unknowable.

Right?

Maybe.

Makes me think of my abuela.

She was a doctor too.

She filled her home with religious icons:

Catholic Church, Buddhism, Santeria,

all sorts of faiths.

She used to tell me that it was a reminder

that not everything has to have an answer.

And I'm not sure I'm okay with that.

Yeah, I get that.

What do you mean?

Jinaal said something as we were walking back,

and he was right.

I am searching.

This technology,

it's the closest that we'll ever get

to the beings who designed life as we know it.

Maybe by the end of the journey,

we will find the answers we need.

Both of us.

The life of a symbiont is a journey that spans centuries.

Each host it passes through changes it,

and it changes each in return.

The lesson this teaches us

is that every life is a journey.

A series of changes.

We must work to understand those we encounter on ourjourney.

We must choose to connect.

Notjust with others...

but, also, with ourselves.

Sometimes we fail.

Sometimes we succeed.

Either way, we must keep trying.

Because we have to.

Because we're all looking for meaning in our lives.

And in the end,

the connections we make

will lead us there.

Thank you, Gray.

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