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.
- (EXHALES)
- Pull up Kwejian on the deep-space array.
- BURNHAM: What happened?
BOOK: My ship was hit by something.
The gravitational distortion.
BOOK: They're gone.
STAMETS: 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.
STAMETS: Zora, the captain wants to know
where we are with data analysis
from the void.
Have you determined
where the Ten-C live yet?
ZORA: 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 ,
each approximately parsecs wide.
That was a rhetorical question,
but thank you, Zora.
STAMETS: 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 , 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.
- (GRUDGE PURRING)
- BURNHAM: One of these days,
I'm gonna win her over. Just you wait.
(GRUDGE YOWLS SOFTLY)
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.
(CHUCKLES)
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.
STAMETS: Captain, requesting
your presence in Engineering.
- See?
- Here we go.
- Tell me you have some good news.
- STAMETS: Actually,
we have a problem.
Okay. What happened?
I'll let Zora explain.
- Zora?
- 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.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
(ORIGINAL STAR TREK THEME PLAYS)
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.
- (DOOR WHOOSHES OPEN)
- BOOK: 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.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
FEMALE: 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.
RILLAK: 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.
(AMPLIFIED): 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
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.
(GROANS, CONCERNED MURMURS)
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 thr*at.
We should assemble an armada
and mount an att*ck.
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 w*apon
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.
MALE: 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...
- (DIALOGUE FADES)
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.
- (CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING)
- Uh, group hug!
Come on, huddle up.
♪ ♪
Mr. Saru, please.
- Cancel music, Zora.
- (MUSIC STOPS)
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.
CULBER: 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 years.
If you did this, could Zora
choose her new form?
- Certainly.
- (DOOR WHOOSHES OPEN)
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.
- T'RINA: I believe we must.
Too many lives have been lost already.
We cannot be reckless.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Know your moment.
While you're debating whether
to approach this species
with w*r 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 , 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 w*apon capable of destroying it.
And unlike your efforts,
this will actually work.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
RILLAK: 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.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Boom!
(CHATTER CONTINUES)
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 w*apon,
then get out.
It'll all be over
in less than five seconds.
(INDISTINCT ARGUING)
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 expl*si*n.
TARKA: 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?
BURNHAM: It does.
They could see it as an act of w*r,
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 w*apon,
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.
(ALARMED CHATTER)
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.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
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.
- GRAY: Wait.
We can't just skip past
the failsafe. It's wrong.
STAMETS: 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.
ADIRA: Well, what about me?
I'm the first human host
to successfully join
with a symbiont.
The Trill wanted to k*ll me, too.
I don't want to k*ll 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 thr*at,
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 thr*at
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.
BURNHAM: 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 k*lling
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.
BOOK: 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 w*r, 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.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
We will now reconvene for the vote.
BOOK: Permission to
address the assembly.
RILLAK: 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
w*apon 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.
(ALL APPLAUDING)
RILLAK: Thank you, Mr. Booker.
Would a member of the assembly
speak on behalf of the opposing side?
(QUIET WHISPERING)
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.
CULBER: What does that mean?
STAMETS: It means that
area shouldn't exist.
ADIRA: I wrote it off as a holdover
from a -year-old system,
but, you know, maybe this is new.
Zora, what can you tell us
about this sector?
ZORA: 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.
ADIRA: That's Discovery.
CULBER: That's when
we came to the future.
SARU: 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.
SARU: These images are
a window into what she
values and prioritizes.
STAMETS: 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.
GRAY: That's true.
CULBER: 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.
BURNHAM: 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.
ZORA: 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.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
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.
(LAUGHING)
(CULBER SIGHS)
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.
Discovery is going to take
the lead on this.
- (DOOR CHIMES)
- Come.
- Um...
- (DOOR WHOOSHES SHUT)
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.
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.
SARU: 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... (CHUCKLES)
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... (CHUCKLES)
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.
- (CHUCKLES)
On feet.
Shut up. (GIGGLES)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
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.
- CULBER: Now,
I know they can take care of themselves.
- XI: I will look after them both.
- CULBER: Thank you.
I expect regular updates.
And I'll see you in a week.
Okay.
I love you both.
(ADIRA AND GRAY CHUCKLE)
(GRUDGE MEOWS)
We have 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?
- BOOK: It's tiny.
- TARKA: 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 seconds.
- Wait for it.
TARKA: 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.
(SIGHS)
- Zora, can you find...
- (GRUDGE MEOWS)
Grudge?
ZORA: 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.
sh*t.
- (ENGINE RUNNING)
- Book. No.
Please, no.
(ALARM BLARING)
Booker and Tarka must be stopped,
whatever the cost.
He become too close to this.
I believe that there is no one else
who could possibly correct his path.
How long do you need
to build the w*apon?
hours should do it.
This will stop the DMA.
No one else has to die.
This isn't an easy mission.
But it is critical that we succeed.
Booker's outside Federation territory.
He'll be without a w*apon,
without a badge, without authority.
And there maybe a few surprises.
- Let's get to it.
- Aye, Captain.
If Booker and Tarka succeed,
they risk provoking a highly
advanced species
capable of destroying us all.
It's where I get to say
I was born ready.
Something's coming. A life form.
Whatever we think we know
about Species Ten-C,
we're wrong.