Last Time
When we last left Star Trek Discovery, I discussed what the repercussions of Zora’s recently discovered emotions might manifest themselves into. Well, right from the start of this episode, we found out. The team had working tirelessly to find the location of who created DMA. With the information gathered from Book’s brain scans, they had pinpointed the source as outside the galaxy. Zora had been analyzing this information and had come up with a location.
The only problem was, she was refusing to release it. Her explanation was that once given this data, Captain Burnham and crew would take off after the source. This would put them in danger and Zora could not allow that to happen. She was protective of the Discovery crew. Regardless of what her orders were. She would not reveal the location of those who created the DMA. She had become Dobby the House Elf. But instead of protecting Harry Potter, she was protecting the whole crew.
Weighing Zora’s Sentience
Meanwhile, the Federation has called for all member worlds and those who are in danger of the DMA to gather to discuss possible directions they could take. Captain Burnham and Book were to attend the conference while Commander Stamet, Captain Suru, Dr. Culber, Ensign Tal, Gray and Dr. Kovich discuss Zora’s refusal to share the coordinates of those who created the DMA. In the end, it would be Dr. Kovich’s recommendation that would hold sway. As he gathered information, it was Stamet who had the most problem with Zora’s refusal to comply with the captain’s orders. He believed it was the tip of the iceberg. The crew could find themselves at the whim of Zora’s emotional reactions to a problem. While he believed that Zora’s intentions were good, it didn’t change the fact that Zora could inflict real damage if the “feeling” arose.
Two Choices to Ponder
At the conference, one the two choices being suggested was to approach the unknown species as they would any first contact situation. Peacefully, at least at first, until the aliens revealed their true natures. The other choice, was to approach with weapons hot, shoot and ask questions later. It was the classic BANG! Freeze! Scenario. Naturally, this was favored by Book. He wanted justice for Kwejian. More importantly, he wanted to prevent from anyone else having to suffer what he did. This option was made more appealing when Ruan Tarka introduced his device that he claimed would destroy the DMA, thus ending the threat. The problem was that his device made use of a device that was outlawed by the Khitomer Accords. The possible damage it could cause made it a risky proposition. They decided to take a recess while all involved debated the choices in preparation to vote.
First Contact
Federation President Rillak wanted to go with the diplomatic approach. However, she also wanted to appear neutral in the debate. With that in mind, she wanted Captain Burnham to present the case for first contact initiatives. Burnham was reluctant to be the spokesman in these matters but if it came right down to it, she would. Although she knew it would be in direct contention to Book’s beliefs in the matter. Bringing to bear, as far as Book is concerned, the concerns his “father” had expressed to him last episode about Michael choosing the Federation OVER Kwejian.
The Big Stick
As for the opposing side, Tarka had made, what he considered, a compelling case for the aggressive approach…”The Big Stick.” However, he was self-aware enough to know he wasn’t exactly popular. So, it made sense for him to coerce Book into pushing his idea for him. Thinking the Kwejian sympathy card might push the idea across the finish line. Tarka also explained to Book, that it was his plan to stop the DMA, without damaging the power supply it was using. It was his hope to use it for him to get home to an alternate universe. So, he says. At this point, it’s hard to know for sure WHERE he actually stands. But Book knew where his beliefs lied. If the DMA could be stopped, he was all for that alternative.
The Kill Switch
Back on Discovery, the debate is still going on whether Zora’s sentience puts her in the category that, by Starfleet law, would require her removal from Discovery. To answer Commander Stamets concerns about Zora losing control, or more importantly, Discovery losing control of her, Zora offered them a solution. A fail-safe that Stamets or the Captain could use to basically “kill” Zora if they felt she was out of their control. Stamets was partly assuaged by this gesture but Dr. Culber, Gray and Ensign Tal were not. They did not feel it was their right to “kill” Zora when she didn’t agree with them.
A New Life Form
As they looked further, they found that Zora had a hidden subroutine that enclosed what were basically dreams. Visions of the crew, her family as far as she was concerned. In addition, they found that Zora had given herself her own core programming. That was the protection of the Discovery crew. The further they investigated, the more they realized that Zora was not just a sentient intelligence, she had become more than the sum of her parts, a new life-form. With that taken into consideration, the federation law that required removing her from Discovery no longer applied. But the question of how to proceed and to get Zora to reveal the coordinates remained.
The answer was brilliantly captured in a monologue between Captain Burnham talking to the conference about the virtues of first contact, connection and working together and Paul explaining the same to Zora and about trust. She considers his words and agrees to reveal the coordinates. At the same time, the conference votes to pursue Burnham’s peaceful, diplomatic approach. Much to the chagrin of Book and Tarka.
Zora’s Status
With the problem of the hidden coordinates decided, there was still Dr. Kovich’s assessment of Zora that hadn’t been completed. Commander Stamets and Suru waited for Kovich’s final recommendation. Kovich asked Stamets how he would feel if his decision was leaning toward extraction. Paul thought it would be a mistake. Yet, even while saying that, Dr. Kovich recognized that Paul still had doubts. He suggested that Paul take them up with Zora. Paul explained to Zora that part of what makes the crew work well together, was that they took the same oath. To Starfleet, the Federation, and each other. There were rules that governed them all. Zora was outside of that. But, if given the opportunity, would she be willing to join them, join Starfleet? Zora was happy to make that oath.
A New Crewmember
This was acceptable to Paul and both Captain Suru and Dr. Kovich. He had decided that Zora was, indeed, a new life form. With that in mind, this solution had his full support. Paul, out of curiosity, asked Dr. Kovich what would have happened had he maintained his position on Zora. Kovich said, that his evaluation was as much about Paul and the crew as it was about Zora. If Paul had not felt he could work with Zora, Kovich would have recommended that PAUL had been reassigned to another ship. Paul considered this and said that if that had happened, he would have accepted that decision. As it is, if both Captain Burnham and Admiral Vance agreed, Discovery had a valuable new crewmate, and they now had the coordinates to initiate first contact.
Back to Trill
With the Zora situation now decided, Ensign Tal and Gray were back in the lounge. During the examination of Zora’s “dreams,” Trill had been shown. Gray had noticeably reacted when Trill was recognized, and this hadn’t escaped Adira’s notice. She suggested that Gray make a sojourn back to Trill to continue his Guardian training. At first Gray was reluctant, especially since it meant leaving Adira. But Adira was insistent, and explained that she would go with, at least for the first day or so. Just to make sure Gray was settled. Gray could train with Guardian Xi and they would be fine. Their relationship was strong enough to handle distance. At least Adira hoped.
Ladies’ Man
With the council’s business complete, Captain Suru went to visit President T’Rina. He brought a plant from Kaminar as a gift to her. Due to the plant’s preference for a warm climate, he surmised that it would thrive on Ni’var. T’Rina seemed pleased (as pleased as a Vulcan woman could) with the gift. That Suru is such a ladies’ man.
To be Continued
As for Book, it appeared that the council’s decision was not unexpected. Tarka came aboard Book’s ship, carrying a new, more compact version of the jump drive. It was their intention to pursue Tarka’s plan, despite of the council’s decision. He left his cat, Grunge with Captain Burnham and apologized for his decision. But he hoped she would take care of Grunge. As far as Michael was concerned, this was only done because Book doubted, he would return. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Michael transported to the hangar, just in time to see Book’s ship jump. He was gone.
Thoughts
With the decision for the show to take a brief, mid-season hiatus, this episode served as a cliff-hangar to keep things interesting. It was effective. I always find it fascinating for an episode to hold thrall when there is no action going on. No space battles, no explosions, no life-or-death struggles. Just dialogue. But in this case, for me…it really worked. The whole discussion of Zora’s disposition had some similarities to TNG’s exploration of Data. The debate of whether Zora or Data was property that they could do what they wish or if they had advanced beyond that scope. In both cases, the decision was made for their own choice to be made. Zora, decided to become a member of Starfleet. Data decided to continue to be a member of Starfleet and make his own choices as far as what his future held.
As I mentioned earlier, the intermittent scene jumps between Captain Burnham and Commander Stamets dialogue about connection and togetherness was a powerful scene and worked so well together. It was a masterful editing job and emphasized the connection between the Federation and its ideas and what Zora wanted to become.
Mid-Season Hiatus
So, now that we have a bit of a break, with the next episode not releasing until February 10th. An excellent time for those who haven’t caught up with Season 4 to do so. In the meantime, both Lt. Tilly and now Gray have gone their own ways. In both cases, I’m sure that we will see them again. Suru is trying to use his charm on President T’Rina…and it appears to be working. You go, Suru!
Zora is now a specialist with Discovery. Should be interesting if this development makes for any future issues for the crew. Plus, we have Book and Tarka running off to whatever agenda that he has in mind. I’m still not sure what that is. We only know what TARKA said it was. Don’t necessarily trust him. But it puts Michael in an awkward position, if their actions are averse to the Federations plan of diplomacy. Which it no doubt is. Book’s imaginary father’s prophecy looking more and more like a possibility. Well, we’ve got until February to find out. As for “…But to Connect,” I enjoyed the back and forth and the cliff-hangar ending, despite its lack of blood and guts action. I give it 4.5 out of 5.
Star Trek Discovery can be seen on Paramount+. The next episode will be released on February 10th. We’ll see you there. In the meantime, saddle back up to Star Trek Prodigy, which comes back January 6th, also on Paramount+.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
