1 00:00:24,424 --> 00:00:27,360 Previously on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds... 2 00:00:27,427 --> 00:00:30,230 I read that the Aenar have a form of precognitive ability. 3 00:00:30,296 --> 00:00:32,332 I knew you were going to ask that. 4 00:00:32,399 --> 00:00:33,433 SPOCK: Hemmer may not be able to see, 5 00:00:33,500 --> 00:00:35,235 but his other senses compensate. 6 00:00:35,301 --> 00:00:37,170 UNA: You're keeping something in the pattern buffer. 7 00:00:37,237 --> 00:00:39,072 Rukiya. My daughter. 8 00:00:39,139 --> 00:00:40,407 A year ago, she was diagnosed 9 00:00:40,473 --> 00:00:41,608 with cygnokemia. 10 00:00:41,674 --> 00:00:43,176 Story time? 11 00:00:43,243 --> 00:00:44,477 You bet. 12 00:00:44,544 --> 00:00:46,679 You've read this, like, a hundred times. 13 00:00:46,746 --> 00:00:48,681 That doesn't mean that the ending 14 00:00:48,748 --> 00:00:50,817 couldn't miraculously change. 15 00:00:55,855 --> 00:00:58,658 M'BENGA: Chief medical officer's personal log. 16 00:00:58,725 --> 00:01:02,662 Stardate 2341.6. 17 00:01:02,729 --> 00:01:04,364 The Enterprise is conducting 18 00:01:04,431 --> 00:01:07,333 a routine survey of the Jonisian Nebula. 19 00:01:07,400 --> 00:01:09,769 There isn't a great deal for sickbay to do, 20 00:01:09,836 --> 00:01:12,705 so I've been continuing my own research. 21 00:01:12,772 --> 00:01:16,309 The patient's condition has not improved. 22 00:01:16,376 --> 00:01:19,612 Months have become days and have become hours. 23 00:01:19,679 --> 00:01:22,115 Every minute has become invaluable. 24 00:01:22,182 --> 00:01:24,584 She has so little time left. 25 00:01:24,651 --> 00:01:26,286 RUKIYA: Daddy, 26 00:01:26,352 --> 00:01:28,521 finish the story. 27 00:01:28,588 --> 00:01:31,124 I like it when you read the ending. 28 00:01:32,158 --> 00:01:33,660 You need to go back in, Rukiya. 29 00:01:33,726 --> 00:01:35,662 Just finish it with me. 30 00:01:35,728 --> 00:01:38,298 Please? 31 00:01:44,704 --> 00:01:46,272 "King Ridley 32 00:01:46,339 --> 00:01:48,441 "scanned the battlefield as Queen Neve's forces 33 00:01:48,508 --> 00:01:51,611 "approached the border of his kingdom. 34 00:01:51,678 --> 00:01:53,480 "Things were dark. 35 00:01:53,546 --> 00:01:55,248 "The king's chamberlain, 36 00:01:55,315 --> 00:01:59,319 "Sir Rauth, had turned against them. 37 00:01:59,385 --> 00:02:00,720 "Their only ally... 38 00:02:02,388 --> 00:02:04,190 "...Princess Thalia, 39 00:02:04,257 --> 00:02:06,359 "had fallen to the evil queen. 40 00:02:06,426 --> 00:02:07,827 "And now King Ridley 41 00:02:07,894 --> 00:02:09,696 -was gravely outnumbered and..." -I hate this part. 42 00:02:10,497 --> 00:02:12,499 But you wanted me to read it to you. 43 00:02:12,565 --> 00:02:13,800 I know. 44 00:02:13,867 --> 00:02:16,236 It's just I always wish the Huntress 45 00:02:16,302 --> 00:02:17,570 would come along and help. 46 00:02:17,637 --> 00:02:19,606 You know, like get together with Sir Adya 47 00:02:19,672 --> 00:02:22,542 -and rescue the king. -But that's not what happens. 48 00:02:22,609 --> 00:02:25,645 King Ridley is forced to choose. 49 00:02:25,712 --> 00:02:28,448 -Give up his greatest weapon... -The Mercury Stone. 50 00:02:28,515 --> 00:02:31,251 ...or rescue Princess Thalia. 51 00:02:31,317 --> 00:02:32,752 I know. 52 00:02:32,819 --> 00:02:35,722 But what if we could change the ending? 53 00:02:40,360 --> 00:02:42,395 (pages rustling) 54 00:02:44,697 --> 00:02:46,332 Someday, 55 00:02:46,399 --> 00:02:48,902 when you're a grown-up, 56 00:02:48,968 --> 00:02:51,538 you'll write your own stories. 57 00:02:52,305 --> 00:02:54,774 And you can have any ending you like. 58 00:02:54,841 --> 00:02:57,877 But I have to get better first, right? 59 00:02:57,944 --> 00:02:59,512 Yes. 60 00:03:00,980 --> 00:03:04,183 When I'm better, can I see your quarters? 61 00:03:04,250 --> 00:03:07,520 I'll take you to see the whole ship. 62 00:03:10,523 --> 00:03:12,559 I love you, Daddy. 63 00:03:13,526 --> 00:03:15,595 I love you, too. 64 00:03:18,264 --> 00:03:20,333 Always. 65 00:03:27,340 --> 00:03:28,841 Good night. 66 00:03:33,880 --> 00:03:35,915 ♪ ♪ 67 00:04:01,474 --> 00:04:03,509 ♪ ♪ 68 00:04:08,915 --> 00:04:10,583 -(coughing) -(alarm beeping) 69 00:04:10,650 --> 00:04:13,920 COMPUTER: Chemical 3-QND contained. 70 00:04:14,921 --> 00:04:16,356 (alarm stops beeping) 71 00:04:19,859 --> 00:04:22,595 (door whooshes open) 72 00:04:22,662 --> 00:04:24,797 Doctor, the shuttle crew landed several hours ago. 73 00:04:24,864 --> 00:04:25,898 Is there a reason they haven't been 74 00:04:25,965 --> 00:04:27,567 cleared for active duty yet? 75 00:04:27,634 --> 00:04:29,402 I'm sorry. 76 00:04:29,469 --> 00:04:32,672 (sighs) I must have gotten a little lost in my research. 77 00:04:33,973 --> 00:04:35,408 I'll get right to it. 78 00:04:35,475 --> 00:04:37,777 Are you getting any closer? 79 00:04:37,844 --> 00:04:39,545 No. 80 00:04:39,612 --> 00:04:42,482 The last thing I tried literally blew up in my face. 81 00:04:42,548 --> 00:04:44,584 Maybe you're pushing yourself too hard. 82 00:04:46,552 --> 00:04:48,554 Rukiya has been living in that transporter 83 00:04:48,621 --> 00:04:50,323 for too long. 84 00:04:50,390 --> 00:04:52,592 Much longer than I anticipated. 85 00:04:52,659 --> 00:04:54,927 And even so, 86 00:04:54,994 --> 00:04:56,996 her time is now running out. 87 00:04:57,964 --> 00:04:59,932 There has to be a cure. 88 00:05:00,900 --> 00:05:02,802 I just need to find it. 89 00:05:04,904 --> 00:05:08,708 I sympathize with your duties as a father. 90 00:05:08,775 --> 00:05:10,376 But I also have to remind you 91 00:05:10,443 --> 00:05:12,779 of your duties as our chief medical officer. 92 00:05:13,780 --> 00:05:15,715 Understood, Commander. 93 00:05:16,482 --> 00:05:19,419 I will ensure that the landing party 94 00:05:19,485 --> 00:05:20,753 is cleared for duty immediately. 95 00:05:20,820 --> 00:05:22,422 But first, why don't you get some rest. 96 00:05:22,488 --> 00:05:23,890 -(sighs) -You can see to the landing party 97 00:05:23,956 --> 00:05:25,558 -when you're feeling better. -I'm fine. 98 00:05:25,625 --> 00:05:27,593 Take it as an order then, Doctor. 99 00:05:27,660 --> 00:05:30,329 The crew isn't going anywhere. 100 00:05:30,396 --> 00:05:32,398 And neither is Rukiya. 101 00:05:34,734 --> 00:05:36,436 (sighs) 102 00:05:39,405 --> 00:05:40,540 Thank you, Una. 103 00:05:50,149 --> 00:05:51,651 Cadet Uhura informs me 104 00:05:51,718 --> 00:05:53,119 that all data buoys have been retrieved. 105 00:05:53,186 --> 00:05:55,421 And with that, our survey of the nebula 106 00:05:55,488 --> 00:05:57,390 appears to be complete. 107 00:05:57,457 --> 00:05:58,958 I could get used to this. 108 00:05:59,959 --> 00:06:01,027 Sir? 109 00:06:01,094 --> 00:06:02,662 PIKE: This. 110 00:06:03,629 --> 00:06:05,098 No battles. No chaos. 111 00:06:05,164 --> 00:06:08,768 Just scanning a nebula and focusing on the science. 112 00:06:08,835 --> 00:06:10,737 Nice change of pace, wouldn't you agree? 113 00:06:10,803 --> 00:06:13,039 Captain, you have repeatedly told me 114 00:06:13,106 --> 00:06:14,707 that humans have a superstition 115 00:06:14,774 --> 00:06:16,375 against calling attention to good things 116 00:06:16,442 --> 00:06:17,710 by saying them out loud. 117 00:06:17,777 --> 00:06:20,012 Why, Mr. Spock, 118 00:06:20,079 --> 00:06:22,782 I never took you for the superstitious type. 119 00:06:23,783 --> 00:06:26,652 Hmm. Erica, 120 00:06:26,719 --> 00:06:29,088 set a course for McNair Starbase. 121 00:06:30,056 --> 00:06:31,824 Drinks are on me. 122 00:06:31,891 --> 00:06:33,126 Course set 123 00:06:33,192 --> 00:06:35,762 and ready for warp on your mark, sir. 124 00:06:36,763 --> 00:06:37,897 You gonna say the thing? 125 00:06:38,898 --> 00:06:40,666 Hit it. 126 00:06:40,733 --> 00:06:42,468 (whirring) 127 00:06:42,535 --> 00:06:44,103 (whirring powers down) 128 00:06:45,638 --> 00:06:46,973 I said "hit it." 129 00:06:47,039 --> 00:06:50,877 I'm hitting it, Captain, but... (chuckles) 130 00:06:50,943 --> 00:06:52,178 we're not moving. 131 00:06:52,245 --> 00:06:53,646 Mitchell, what's going on with my ship? 132 00:06:53,713 --> 00:06:55,181 All systems are in the green, sir, 133 00:06:55,248 --> 00:06:57,116 but we're frozen in place. 134 00:06:57,183 --> 00:06:58,785 -Mr. Spock? -SPOCK: Scans indicate 135 00:06:58,851 --> 00:07:00,019 a minor synchrotron flux 136 00:07:00,086 --> 00:07:01,654 emanating from inside the nebula. 137 00:07:01,721 --> 00:07:03,523 Perhaps that has affected our warp capabilities. 138 00:07:03,589 --> 00:07:05,158 Or... 139 00:07:05,224 --> 00:07:06,893 Or? 140 00:07:06,959 --> 00:07:08,895 Perhaps you did, indeed, jinx it. 141 00:07:09,695 --> 00:07:11,831 Let's hope that's all we have to worry about, Mr. Spock. 142 00:07:11,898 --> 00:07:13,065 Pike to Engineering. 143 00:07:13,132 --> 00:07:14,801 We still got a warp core down there? 144 00:07:14,867 --> 00:07:16,736 Despite our lack of motion, the warp core 145 00:07:16,803 --> 00:07:18,504 seems to be functioning within normal parameters. 146 00:07:18,571 --> 00:07:20,706 Perhaps the nebula has merely affected 147 00:07:20,773 --> 00:07:22,708 our ability to achieve a static warp bubble. 148 00:07:22,775 --> 00:07:24,544 Suggest we engage impulse thrusters 149 00:07:24,610 --> 00:07:26,212 until we are clear of its gravitational influence. 150 00:07:26,279 --> 00:07:29,048 HEMMER: I concur with Mr. Spock's plan. 151 00:07:29,115 --> 00:07:30,917 Great. Let's do it. 152 00:07:30,983 --> 00:07:33,019 -Transferring power to impulse. -(whirring) 153 00:07:33,085 --> 00:07:36,055 Ortegas? Get us out of here. 154 00:07:36,122 --> 00:07:39,859 Kissing this nebula goodbye, take two. 155 00:07:41,227 --> 00:07:43,763 -(rumbles) -(grunts) 156 00:07:47,266 --> 00:07:49,602 Bridge to Dr. M'Benga. Emergency. 157 00:07:49,669 --> 00:07:50,803 Lieutenant Ortegas is injured. 158 00:07:50,870 --> 00:07:52,572 On my way, Captain. 159 00:07:53,940 --> 00:07:55,041 Bridge. 160 00:08:02,815 --> 00:08:04,851 (indistinct chatter) 161 00:08:17,897 --> 00:08:20,600 -Hi. -(whispers): Move! 162 00:08:27,139 --> 00:08:29,542 All hail the king! 163 00:08:29,609 --> 00:08:31,077 ALL: The king. 164 00:08:35,748 --> 00:08:37,817 What the hell? 165 00:08:42,955 --> 00:08:44,991 PIKE: Space. 166 00:08:45,992 --> 00:08:48,527 The final frontier. 167 00:08:50,296 --> 00:08:54,133 These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. 168 00:08:55,134 --> 00:08:57,937 Its five-year mission: 169 00:08:58,004 --> 00:09:01,173 to explore strange new worlds... 170 00:09:03,142 --> 00:09:05,711 ...to seek out new life 171 00:09:05,778 --> 00:09:09,215 and new civilizations, 172 00:09:09,282 --> 00:09:13,286 to boldly go where no one has gone before. 173 00:09:13,352 --> 00:09:15,588 ♪ ♪ 174 00:09:43,716 --> 00:09:45,751 ♪ ♪ 175 00:10:11,744 --> 00:10:13,779 ♪ ♪ 176 00:10:34,700 --> 00:10:35,835 I came to see Ortegas, but... 177 00:10:35,901 --> 00:10:38,971 Ortegas...? 178 00:10:39,038 --> 00:10:40,239 I... 179 00:10:40,306 --> 00:10:42,274 You mean Sir Adya. Come, come. 180 00:10:42,341 --> 00:10:44,276 Sir Adya? 181 00:10:44,343 --> 00:10:45,711 From the book? 182 00:10:47,446 --> 00:10:50,216 The book, sire? 183 00:10:50,282 --> 00:10:52,985 Is this some kind of a joke, Captain? 184 00:10:53,052 --> 00:10:55,087 If it is jokes you desire, 185 00:10:55,154 --> 00:10:57,023 I could summon the court jester. 186 00:10:57,089 --> 00:10:59,759 -Summon the court jest... -No. 187 00:10:59,825 --> 00:11:01,193 Hold the jester! 188 00:11:01,260 --> 00:11:02,795 M'BENGA: It's just... 189 00:11:02,862 --> 00:11:04,430 You're all dressed up like characters 190 00:11:04,497 --> 00:11:06,732 from the book I've been reading to my... 191 00:11:08,801 --> 00:11:12,004 Well, Ortegas is Sir Adya. 192 00:11:13,005 --> 00:11:14,673 And you are clearly 193 00:11:14,740 --> 00:11:17,009 Sir Amand Rauth? 194 00:11:17,076 --> 00:11:20,079 Your loyal chamberlain. 195 00:11:22,181 --> 00:11:24,183 Was this your idea? 196 00:11:24,250 --> 00:11:27,920 My idea to... what, sire? 197 00:11:28,888 --> 00:11:30,923 Mm, perhaps it would be best 198 00:11:30,990 --> 00:11:33,726 if you took a seat, King Ridley. 199 00:11:33,793 --> 00:11:36,862 Maybe I should sit. 200 00:11:37,863 --> 00:11:40,766 Perhaps Your Highness is parched. 201 00:11:40,833 --> 00:11:43,069 A sip of wine would refresh you. 202 00:11:43,135 --> 00:11:44,737 ORTEGAS: What are you doing? 203 00:11:44,804 --> 00:11:47,706 I'm just trying to help our poor, tired king. 204 00:11:47,773 --> 00:11:49,442 Where did the wine come from, Rauth? 205 00:11:49,508 --> 00:11:50,876 PIKE: Let's see. 206 00:11:50,943 --> 00:11:52,011 It came from beside the carafe. 207 00:11:52,078 --> 00:11:54,780 It is my sworn duty 208 00:11:54,847 --> 00:11:56,348 to tend to the king's well-being. 209 00:11:56,415 --> 00:11:57,783 He shall drink nothing 210 00:11:57,850 --> 00:12:00,219 I have not tasted first. 211 00:12:00,286 --> 00:12:01,887 And as chamberlain, 212 00:12:01,954 --> 00:12:04,323 the king's health is my greatest concern. 213 00:12:05,224 --> 00:12:08,360 Your words could polish the finest of apples, Sir Rauth. 214 00:12:08,427 --> 00:12:10,429 Perhaps they are better suited... 215 00:12:10,496 --> 00:12:11,730 Ow. 216 00:12:11,797 --> 00:12:12,865 ...to the kitchen. 217 00:12:13,866 --> 00:12:15,968 I need a moment. Computer, 218 00:12:16,035 --> 00:12:19,205 are you registering any abnormal readings on the bridge? 219 00:12:19,271 --> 00:12:22,074 -"Computer"? -He obviously means 220 00:12:22,141 --> 00:12:23,309 The Oracle. 221 00:12:23,375 --> 00:12:25,111 (whispers): Computer? 222 00:12:34,954 --> 00:12:37,156 The explosion. 223 00:12:37,223 --> 00:12:41,026 Perhaps the 3-QND is causing me to hallucinate. 224 00:12:41,827 --> 00:12:44,763 -I need to get to sickbay. -To sickbay. 225 00:12:44,830 --> 00:12:47,233 Uh, sorry, Your Highness. Where is this bay? 226 00:12:47,299 --> 00:12:49,368 And, ooh, do I need to commandeer a ship? 227 00:12:51,237 --> 00:12:52,938 I knew 228 00:12:53,005 --> 00:12:54,874 this dreadful fog was a bad omen as soon as it appeared. 229 00:12:54,940 --> 00:12:56,275 Fog? 230 00:12:56,342 --> 00:12:58,010 What fog? 231 00:12:58,077 --> 00:13:01,413 A mysterious smoky wall. 232 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:04,850 It has engulfed the entire kingdom, sire. 233 00:13:04,917 --> 00:13:06,986 Poisonous air. 234 00:13:07,052 --> 00:13:10,823 I wager it's a curse sent by Queen Neve. 235 00:13:10,890 --> 00:13:12,291 Sorcery is a coward's weapon. 236 00:13:12,358 --> 00:13:14,059 Give me a clean kill 237 00:13:14,126 --> 00:13:15,861 by sword any day. 238 00:13:16,862 --> 00:13:18,164 Really? 239 00:13:18,230 --> 00:13:20,866 -Uh... -Where are you going? 240 00:13:20,933 --> 00:13:22,968 -Sire? -I'm going to get a medical... 241 00:13:24,937 --> 00:13:26,505 A magical device. 242 00:13:26,572 --> 00:13:28,507 Called a tricorder. 243 00:13:28,574 --> 00:13:30,476 It will give me some answers. 244 00:13:31,977 --> 00:13:33,445 Just stay here. 245 00:13:33,512 --> 00:13:36,282 -Both of you. -(door whooshes open) 246 00:13:39,185 --> 00:13:42,221 (door whooshes shut) 247 00:13:47,626 --> 00:13:49,862 (insects trilling) 248 00:13:54,667 --> 00:13:57,503 -My king. -My liege. 249 00:14:07,680 --> 00:14:11,283 It is wonderful to see you, King Ridley. 250 00:14:11,350 --> 00:14:13,852 What brings you to my sanctuary? 251 00:14:16,622 --> 00:14:18,857 I'm looking for this. 252 00:14:20,125 --> 00:14:22,294 Some sort of... 253 00:14:22,361 --> 00:14:24,496 healing stone? 254 00:14:24,563 --> 00:14:27,967 M'BENGA: Its readings indicate I'm perfectly healthy. 255 00:14:28,033 --> 00:14:29,401 Readings? 256 00:14:31,303 --> 00:14:33,305 Allow me to examine you. 257 00:14:40,212 --> 00:14:41,380 (gasps softly) 258 00:14:41,447 --> 00:14:44,116 (exhales shakily) 259 00:14:44,183 --> 00:14:46,318 So much pain. 260 00:14:46,385 --> 00:14:48,587 -(exhales) -It weighs down your spirit. 261 00:14:48,654 --> 00:14:51,223 You should have come to me sooner. 262 00:14:54,560 --> 00:14:58,597 And what does your device say of me? 263 00:14:59,398 --> 00:15:02,601 -It seems your dopamine levels are highly elevated. -Dopamine? 264 00:15:02,668 --> 00:15:04,536 (footsteps approaching) 265 00:15:05,537 --> 00:15:07,039 My king. 266 00:15:07,106 --> 00:15:09,108 I know you said not to follow, 267 00:15:09,174 --> 00:15:12,111 but Princess Thalia insisted. 268 00:15:22,254 --> 00:15:24,056 (exhales) 269 00:15:24,123 --> 00:15:26,058 My dear, 270 00:15:26,125 --> 00:15:27,126 brave King Ridley. 271 00:15:27,192 --> 00:15:28,994 I'm so grateful 272 00:15:29,061 --> 00:15:30,029 to have finally found you. 273 00:15:30,095 --> 00:15:31,930 Queen Neve 274 00:15:31,997 --> 00:15:33,465 has invaded my kingdom. 275 00:15:33,532 --> 00:15:35,134 She's obsessed 276 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:36,368 with the Mercury Stone. She thinks I have it. 277 00:15:36,435 --> 00:15:38,237 Her Crimson Guard 278 00:15:38,304 --> 00:15:41,573 captured my throne and imprisoned my subjects. 279 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:43,275 I mean, I scarcely escaped with my life, 280 00:15:43,342 --> 00:15:46,378 not to mention my poor little Runa. 281 00:15:46,445 --> 00:15:48,280 -Isn't that right? -That, uh... 282 00:15:48,347 --> 00:15:49,615 -LA'AN: Mommy loves you so much. -That is terrible. 283 00:15:49,682 --> 00:15:51,517 LA'AN: I know 284 00:15:51,583 --> 00:15:55,187 you have the Mercury Stone safely in your keeping. 285 00:15:55,254 --> 00:15:56,455 I... 286 00:16:00,626 --> 00:16:02,261 (growls softly) 287 00:16:02,328 --> 00:16:04,296 Sure. 288 00:16:04,363 --> 00:16:06,065 Yes. 289 00:16:06,131 --> 00:16:08,267 The stone is safe. 290 00:16:08,334 --> 00:16:10,002 Heed me. 291 00:16:10,069 --> 00:16:12,471 If you do not harness the stone's powers 292 00:16:12,538 --> 00:16:15,074 to capture and stop Queen Neve, 293 00:16:15,140 --> 00:16:17,609 she will have all of us in chains. 294 00:16:17,676 --> 00:16:21,013 Your kingdom will fall as mine has. 295 00:16:22,348 --> 00:16:25,584 Uh, what is this? 296 00:16:25,651 --> 00:16:28,587 This does not look like the Mercury Stone. 297 00:16:28,654 --> 00:16:30,689 You are very perceptive. 298 00:16:30,756 --> 00:16:32,491 It is not. 299 00:16:32,558 --> 00:16:34,526 (chuckles softly) Oh! 300 00:16:34,593 --> 00:16:37,296 (laughing) Oh! 301 00:16:38,797 --> 00:16:41,200 You have another weapon in your mighty arsenal. 302 00:16:41,266 --> 00:16:45,471 Oh! Brutal Queen Neve stands nary a chance, Runa, does she? 303 00:16:45,537 --> 00:16:49,174 My Princess Runa applauds you. (high-pitched exclaiming) 304 00:16:51,176 --> 00:16:55,547 What are her dopamine levels? 305 00:16:56,648 --> 00:16:58,717 Also higher than normal. 306 00:16:58,784 --> 00:17:00,486 LA'AN: Is that bad? 307 00:17:00,552 --> 00:17:02,454 Is it good? 308 00:17:02,521 --> 00:17:04,323 It's curious. 309 00:17:04,390 --> 00:17:07,793 It's a sign of heightened neurological activity. 310 00:17:08,827 --> 00:17:11,797 My king, the princess is right. 311 00:17:11,864 --> 00:17:15,367 If you're not prepared to use the power of the stone, 312 00:17:15,434 --> 00:17:19,571 then allow me to lead an attack against the Crimson Guard. 313 00:17:19,638 --> 00:17:22,574 -Their heads will roll. -(La'An gasps) 314 00:17:22,641 --> 00:17:26,078 Perhaps we could refrain from any unnecessary head chopping. 315 00:17:26,145 --> 00:17:29,148 Oh. That's disappointing. 316 00:17:29,214 --> 00:17:30,816 -(footsteps approaching) -HEMMER: Lieutenant Mitchell, take your hands 317 00:17:30,883 --> 00:17:34,119 off me. I'm your superior officer. 318 00:17:34,186 --> 00:17:37,189 -The Crimson Guard. -(gasps) 319 00:17:37,256 --> 00:17:39,825 Let me go. I'll have you court-martialed. 320 00:17:39,892 --> 00:17:41,560 Silence. Did you think your crimes 321 00:17:41,627 --> 00:17:43,562 would go unpunished, wizard? 322 00:17:43,629 --> 00:17:45,264 I'm not a wizard. 323 00:17:45,330 --> 00:17:47,566 -I'm the chief engineer. -You wear a wizard's robes. 324 00:17:47,633 --> 00:17:49,268 HEMMER: This is absurd. I don't know 325 00:17:49,334 --> 00:17:51,670 where these came from. They just appeared. 326 00:17:51,737 --> 00:17:53,572 Proof of your powers, wizard. 327 00:17:53,639 --> 00:17:58,377 LA'AN: Halt your dark deeds, accursed Crimson Guard! 328 00:17:58,444 --> 00:18:02,080 Your hour of cruelty is at an end, 329 00:18:02,147 --> 00:18:03,549 for King Ridley is here 330 00:18:03,615 --> 00:18:06,652 to strike fear in your evil hearts. 331 00:18:10,289 --> 00:18:12,324 Um... 332 00:18:17,463 --> 00:18:20,299 Uh, release Caster the Wizard at once. 333 00:18:20,365 --> 00:18:23,602 We don't answer to you, false king. 334 00:18:23,669 --> 00:18:25,504 Unless you're here 335 00:18:25,571 --> 00:18:27,473 to surrender the Mercury Stone. 336 00:18:27,539 --> 00:18:30,542 But what about the Letter of Accords? 337 00:18:30,609 --> 00:18:33,779 Are not Lady Audrey's woods neutral territory 338 00:18:33,846 --> 00:18:35,514 by royal agreement? 339 00:18:36,482 --> 00:18:38,650 You have no rights here. 340 00:18:38,717 --> 00:18:40,686 The king speaks the truth. 341 00:18:40,752 --> 00:18:43,388 Queen Neve no longer acknowledges 342 00:18:43,455 --> 00:18:44,823 the Letter of Accords. 343 00:18:44,890 --> 00:18:47,459 These are now her woods, 344 00:18:47,526 --> 00:18:48,727 and it won't be long 345 00:18:48,794 --> 00:18:50,529 before your kingdom is hers, too. 346 00:18:54,733 --> 00:18:56,268 (Hemmer grunting) 347 00:18:58,670 --> 00:19:00,372 -Hemmer. -HEMMER: Dr. M'Benga, 348 00:19:00,439 --> 00:19:03,509 please, help me. Everyone else has lost their minds. 349 00:19:03,575 --> 00:19:05,177 (gasps) 350 00:19:06,478 --> 00:19:09,481 My king, perhaps it is time 351 00:19:09,548 --> 00:19:11,517 to unleash the stone's power. 352 00:19:11,583 --> 00:19:14,620 I... don't actually have the stone. 353 00:19:14,686 --> 00:19:17,723 -What? -M'BENGA: But I know who might. 354 00:19:17,789 --> 00:19:20,526 That wizard, Caster? 355 00:19:20,592 --> 00:19:22,327 He knows where it is. 356 00:19:24,363 --> 00:19:25,864 We must rescue him. 357 00:19:28,467 --> 00:19:30,802 Absolutely. Good plan. 358 00:19:30,869 --> 00:19:32,704 Fantastic. 359 00:19:33,872 --> 00:19:36,608 PIKE: Queen Neve will be keeping Wizard Caster here 360 00:19:36,675 --> 00:19:38,944 in the deepest part of her dungeon 361 00:19:39,011 --> 00:19:42,180 at the center of her realm 362 00:19:42,247 --> 00:19:43,549 surrounded by her most powerful forces 363 00:19:43,615 --> 00:19:45,417 and weapons. 364 00:19:45,484 --> 00:19:47,419 My good king, you mustn't go. 365 00:19:47,486 --> 00:19:50,622 You will surely fall victim to her most terrible magics. 366 00:19:50,689 --> 00:19:52,824 PIKE: The princess is shrewd, 367 00:19:52,891 --> 00:19:54,359 as always. 368 00:19:54,426 --> 00:19:57,262 Staging a rescue would be unwise. 369 00:19:57,329 --> 00:19:59,965 Diplomacy might be more prudent. 370 00:20:00,032 --> 00:20:02,801 I'm sorry, but we need the Mercury Stone. 371 00:20:02,868 --> 00:20:04,703 And it's hard to hear 372 00:20:04,770 --> 00:20:07,606 -over the sound of your trembling boots. -That's enough. 373 00:20:09,274 --> 00:20:10,842 We're going to try diplomacy. 374 00:20:12,477 --> 00:20:15,514 If that doesn't work, then you can cut something in half. 375 00:20:15,581 --> 00:20:17,449 Thank you, sire. 376 00:20:17,516 --> 00:20:19,384 Starfall is thirsty. 377 00:20:19,451 --> 00:20:20,786 Ridiculous name for a sword. 378 00:20:20,852 --> 00:20:22,220 -You're ridiculous. -M'BENGA: You are both 379 00:20:22,287 --> 00:20:24,289 going to escort me to Queen Neve. 380 00:20:25,757 --> 00:20:28,927 With as little bickering as possible, please. 381 00:20:30,028 --> 00:20:32,497 And what of me, my Lord? 382 00:20:32,564 --> 00:20:34,433 -And Runa? -(Runa whining) 383 00:20:34,499 --> 00:20:36,301 She should stay here. 384 00:20:37,102 --> 00:20:40,639 And, um, you should stay to protect her. 385 00:20:41,673 --> 00:20:43,775 (chuckles): Oh, a wise plan, 386 00:20:43,842 --> 00:20:46,378 my king. We shall await your return. 387 00:20:47,412 --> 00:20:49,448 And if you should fall in battle, 388 00:20:49,514 --> 00:20:51,483 I will sing... 389 00:20:52,451 --> 00:20:54,920 ...an epic song... 390 00:20:56,788 --> 00:21:03,629 ♪ Of mourning. ♪ 391 00:21:03,695 --> 00:21:05,731 (sustaining note) 392 00:21:10,035 --> 00:21:11,570 (La'An vocalizes) 393 00:21:12,537 --> 00:21:14,606 Great. 394 00:21:14,673 --> 00:21:17,042 Okay. 395 00:21:17,109 --> 00:21:18,577 Let's go. 396 00:21:18,644 --> 00:21:21,680 I think I might be more useful staying... 397 00:21:21,747 --> 00:21:23,582 -M'BENGA: Oh, man! -All right. 398 00:21:23,649 --> 00:21:26,585 ORTEGAS: This forest is full of Crimson banners. 399 00:21:26,652 --> 00:21:29,788 Queen Neve grows more brazen by the day. 400 00:21:34,459 --> 00:21:36,395 We are not alone. 401 00:21:42,801 --> 00:21:44,736 Step forward. 402 00:21:44,803 --> 00:21:46,338 Slowly. 403 00:21:50,876 --> 00:21:53,645 Please point that elsewhere. 404 00:21:57,916 --> 00:21:59,818 Pollux the Wizard? 405 00:21:59,885 --> 00:22:01,687 King Ridley. 406 00:22:01,753 --> 00:22:03,755 I'm surprised to find you here, 407 00:22:03,822 --> 00:22:07,492 though I cannot say if I think it foolish or brave. 408 00:22:07,559 --> 00:22:09,027 Right. 409 00:22:09,094 --> 00:22:11,930 Well, we're looking for the Wizard Caster. 410 00:22:12,931 --> 00:22:14,900 Ah. A fool's errand, then, 411 00:22:14,966 --> 00:22:16,902 for he is now in the hands of Queen Neve. 412 00:22:16,968 --> 00:22:18,570 ORTEGAS: And what is to keep us 413 00:22:18,637 --> 00:22:21,406 from simply marching in there and taking him? 414 00:22:22,407 --> 00:22:24,076 The Swamp of Infinite Deaths. 415 00:22:24,142 --> 00:22:26,878 -Oh, that is not a good swamp. -SPOCK: Alas, 416 00:22:26,945 --> 00:22:29,548 the only way to her kingdom takes you straight through it. 417 00:22:29,614 --> 00:22:31,883 Oh. Oh, turn back then? 418 00:22:31,950 --> 00:22:34,886 -Yes? No? -I would die infinite deaths 419 00:22:34,953 --> 00:22:37,389 to no longer hear your whining. 420 00:22:37,456 --> 00:22:39,891 Are you sure, Pollux, 421 00:22:39,958 --> 00:22:42,728 that there is no way for you to help us? 422 00:22:42,794 --> 00:22:45,030 -Why should I help you? -M'BENGA: Because 423 00:22:45,097 --> 00:22:47,632 Caster is your brother? 424 00:22:47,699 --> 00:22:49,568 -He is? -I had no idea. 425 00:22:49,634 --> 00:22:51,036 How did you know? 426 00:22:51,103 --> 00:22:52,904 I read it in a book. 427 00:22:52,971 --> 00:22:56,541 And you would... help Caster? 428 00:22:56,608 --> 00:22:58,810 Not merely use him for his power? 429 00:22:58,877 --> 00:23:01,413 If you lead us through the swamp, 430 00:23:01,480 --> 00:23:04,049 I promise to free him. 431 00:23:05,050 --> 00:23:06,618 Hmm. 432 00:23:08,053 --> 00:23:10,088 I shall aid you, then. 433 00:23:10,155 --> 00:23:12,924 There is a way around the swamp. A secret way. 434 00:23:12,991 --> 00:23:15,060 A dark way. 435 00:23:15,127 --> 00:23:16,895 Follow me. 436 00:23:16,962 --> 00:23:18,997 (leaves rustling) 437 00:23:24,002 --> 00:23:26,605 Queen Neve has my brother Caster in her dungeons. 438 00:23:26,671 --> 00:23:28,707 This tunnel should lead us there. 439 00:23:30,709 --> 00:23:33,145 Are you sure we can trust him? 440 00:23:33,211 --> 00:23:35,514 No. 441 00:23:35,580 --> 00:23:37,482 I'm sure we can't trust him. 442 00:23:37,549 --> 00:23:39,451 But that's okay. 443 00:23:39,518 --> 00:23:42,854 This is still the only way to get to Caster. 444 00:23:42,921 --> 00:23:45,090 ORTEGAS: If you say so, sire. 445 00:24:10,282 --> 00:24:13,451 Welcome to my kingdom. 446 00:24:13,518 --> 00:24:16,788 Now kneel before me. 447 00:24:17,756 --> 00:24:19,124 Yes, of course. 448 00:24:20,158 --> 00:24:23,528 ORTEGAS: My king, we have been led into a trap. 449 00:24:23,595 --> 00:24:25,597 I suspected as much. 450 00:24:25,664 --> 00:24:27,132 You knew? 451 00:24:27,199 --> 00:24:29,501 Loosely. 452 00:24:29,568 --> 00:24:31,136 In any case, I knew 453 00:24:31,203 --> 00:24:33,605 Queen Neve should be entering the story right about now. 454 00:24:33,672 --> 00:24:36,107 And I knew I should have stayed in the castle. 455 00:24:36,174 --> 00:24:38,877 It's always safer at home. Ow. 456 00:24:38,944 --> 00:24:42,480 Welcome, King Ridley. 457 00:24:42,547 --> 00:24:46,017 Now, where is the Mercury Stone? 458 00:24:47,986 --> 00:24:50,856 Could be anywhere, really. 459 00:24:52,324 --> 00:24:54,559 Fine. 460 00:24:54,626 --> 00:24:57,762 I'll let my torturers drag its location out of you, then. 461 00:24:57,829 --> 00:24:59,030 They love their work. 462 00:24:59,097 --> 00:25:02,667 They're very... thorough. 463 00:25:04,069 --> 00:25:06,104 They look everywhere. 464 00:25:07,005 --> 00:25:11,042 I promise you'll be compensated well for your loyalty, sorcerer. 465 00:25:11,109 --> 00:25:13,645 Thank you, Queen Neve. 466 00:25:13,712 --> 00:25:15,881 You wanted to see my brother? 467 00:25:15,947 --> 00:25:17,883 Now you can join him. 468 00:25:17,949 --> 00:25:19,918 In the dungeon. 469 00:25:28,727 --> 00:25:31,029 I can't take it anymore, I tell you! 470 00:25:31,096 --> 00:25:33,098 The walls! 471 00:25:33,164 --> 00:25:35,533 The walls are starting to close in on me! 472 00:25:35,600 --> 00:25:38,203 Hemmer, am I glad to see you. 473 00:25:38,270 --> 00:25:40,238 Are we the only two crew members who are unaffected? 474 00:25:40,305 --> 00:25:42,140 -It would appear so. -Do you have 475 00:25:42,207 --> 00:25:44,843 any idea why everyone's acting so strangely? 476 00:25:44,910 --> 00:25:47,012 They're all playing characters from a children's book 477 00:25:47,078 --> 00:25:50,148 -called The Elysian Kingdom. -A children's book? 478 00:25:50,215 --> 00:25:53,585 -How do you know this? -Because I read it to my daughter. 479 00:25:53,652 --> 00:25:55,787 It's a long story. 480 00:25:55,854 --> 00:25:59,557 The important question to ask is why you and I aren't affected 481 00:25:59,624 --> 00:26:01,192 and why they are. 482 00:26:01,259 --> 00:26:04,162 I thought the important question is 483 00:26:04,229 --> 00:26:06,331 where is the Mercury Stone? 484 00:26:06,398 --> 00:26:09,200 -Stone? -M'BENGA: It's a weapon. 485 00:26:09,267 --> 00:26:11,937 But it's fictional. From the book. 486 00:26:12,003 --> 00:26:14,973 -Where is this weapon? -Well, in the book, Caster 487 00:26:15,040 --> 00:26:17,142 helps King Ridley to find it. 488 00:26:17,208 --> 00:26:21,046 -I have no idea how to find it. -I know. I came to rescue you 489 00:26:21,112 --> 00:26:23,081 because you're the only other person unaffected, 490 00:26:23,148 --> 00:26:26,051 which means you can help solve the real problem. 491 00:26:26,117 --> 00:26:28,620 How do we undo all of this? 492 00:26:28,687 --> 00:26:30,255 Where were you when it started? 493 00:26:30,322 --> 00:26:32,290 In Engineering. 494 00:26:32,357 --> 00:26:33,959 I had just checked the warp engines, 495 00:26:34,025 --> 00:26:35,727 and I suddenly felt... 496 00:26:35,794 --> 00:26:37,228 I don't know, 497 00:26:37,295 --> 00:26:39,998 a consciousness press against my own. 498 00:26:40,065 --> 00:26:41,900 Luckily, my years of telepathic training 499 00:26:41,967 --> 00:26:43,234 allowed me to block it. 500 00:26:43,301 --> 00:26:45,036 Consciousness? 501 00:26:45,103 --> 00:26:46,738 Coming from where? 502 00:26:46,805 --> 00:26:48,239 I didn't have time to figure it out. 503 00:26:48,306 --> 00:26:50,208 I assume I'm able to keep my memories 504 00:26:50,275 --> 00:26:52,610 because of my telepathic abilities. 505 00:26:52,677 --> 00:26:55,180 Have you considered, Doctor, the entity I sensed 506 00:26:55,246 --> 00:26:57,148 might have pulled the story from your mind? 507 00:26:57,215 --> 00:26:59,150 But why? 508 00:26:59,217 --> 00:27:01,753 Impossible to know without asking. 509 00:27:01,820 --> 00:27:03,088 Hemmer, 510 00:27:03,154 --> 00:27:05,156 do you think you can make contact 511 00:27:05,223 --> 00:27:06,825 with this entity again? 512 00:27:06,891 --> 00:27:08,827 Contact with it is unpleasant. 513 00:27:08,893 --> 00:27:10,795 That's why I blocked it. 514 00:27:10,862 --> 00:27:13,832 It felt as if my brain were being squeezed through my nose. 515 00:27:13,898 --> 00:27:16,201 I did that to a man once. 516 00:27:16,267 --> 00:27:17,969 HEMMER: I was, however, 517 00:27:18,036 --> 00:27:20,972 able to sense that the entity's not on another ship 518 00:27:21,039 --> 00:27:24,009 but rather a part of the nebula itself. 519 00:27:24,075 --> 00:27:26,144 Do you think if we access the ship's scanner array, 520 00:27:26,211 --> 00:27:27,679 we can learn more about this entity? 521 00:27:27,746 --> 00:27:29,347 It's quite possible. 522 00:27:29,414 --> 00:27:31,049 Engineering is close by. 523 00:27:31,116 --> 00:27:33,184 I can control the ship's systems from there. 524 00:27:33,251 --> 00:27:35,186 We have to find a way out of here first. 525 00:27:35,253 --> 00:27:36,721 And fast. 526 00:27:36,788 --> 00:27:38,023 Maybe I can get us out of here 527 00:27:38,089 --> 00:27:40,191 with the help of some powerful magic 528 00:27:40,258 --> 00:27:41,826 called science. 529 00:27:49,300 --> 00:27:51,436 What would a human magician say? 530 00:27:51,503 --> 00:27:53,271 Abracadabra. 531 00:27:53,338 --> 00:27:56,107 Abracadabra. I like it. 532 00:27:56,174 --> 00:27:58,143 Don't look. It'll blind you. 533 00:27:58,209 --> 00:27:59,444 What about you? 534 00:27:59,511 --> 00:28:01,746 I am a wizard. 535 00:28:09,354 --> 00:28:10,989 (metal clangs) 536 00:28:13,425 --> 00:28:15,293 Oh, thank goodness. 537 00:28:15,360 --> 00:28:16,728 Oh! 538 00:28:23,501 --> 00:28:26,237 Not bad, wizard. 539 00:28:26,304 --> 00:28:28,073 I like this... 540 00:28:28,139 --> 00:28:30,842 science. 541 00:28:38,850 --> 00:28:40,852 What do you mean 542 00:28:40,919 --> 00:28:42,887 that the prisoners have escaped? 543 00:28:42,954 --> 00:28:46,357 The wizard conjured his way out of the cell. 544 00:28:46,424 --> 00:28:50,095 And yet you stand here cowering 545 00:28:50,161 --> 00:28:52,864 -instead of going after them. -MITCHELL: I was 546 00:28:52,931 --> 00:28:54,933 -about to. -UHURA: You were about to? 547 00:28:56,267 --> 00:29:00,004 You were about to lose your head. 548 00:29:02,307 --> 00:29:05,777 Be grateful your queen is feeling merciful today. 549 00:29:05,844 --> 00:29:08,847 I will give you another chance to earn my favor. 550 00:29:12,884 --> 00:29:15,019 Pollux, 551 00:29:15,086 --> 00:29:17,522 would you be so kind as to take my Crimson Guard 552 00:29:17,589 --> 00:29:19,390 and bring back my prisoners 553 00:29:19,457 --> 00:29:21,759 before I toss you in the dungeon in their place? 554 00:29:21,826 --> 00:29:24,195 As you wish, my liege. 555 00:29:29,334 --> 00:29:31,870 (door whooshes open) 556 00:29:31,936 --> 00:29:33,438 (door whooshes shut) 557 00:29:35,440 --> 00:29:38,076 Once inside, I can block the door. 558 00:29:38,143 --> 00:29:41,012 That should give us time to access the ship's scanner array. 559 00:29:41,079 --> 00:29:42,814 And what ship, pray tell, 560 00:29:42,881 --> 00:29:44,349 are you speaking of? 561 00:29:44,415 --> 00:29:46,284 Spock. 562 00:29:46,351 --> 00:29:48,786 M'BENGA: Pollux. 563 00:29:51,122 --> 00:29:52,457 Get out of our way. 564 00:29:52,524 --> 00:29:53,958 Or what? 565 00:29:54,025 --> 00:29:55,560 You're unarmed. 566 00:29:59,030 --> 00:30:00,431 (grunting) 567 00:30:03,168 --> 00:30:05,136 I have armed myself. 568 00:30:07,906 --> 00:30:09,307 (grunting) 569 00:30:10,375 --> 00:30:12,544 It would seem Adya has this fight well under control. 570 00:30:12,610 --> 00:30:15,346 Perhaps I would serve you best from the safety of the castle. 571 00:30:16,147 --> 00:30:18,883 -M'BENGA: Sure. -Thank you, sire! 572 00:30:19,884 --> 00:30:21,219 Really? 573 00:30:21,286 --> 00:30:24,255 Sir Rauth isn't exactly known for his bravery. 574 00:30:24,322 --> 00:30:25,957 (grunting) 575 00:30:56,187 --> 00:30:57,889 (grunting) 576 00:31:09,100 --> 00:31:10,635 This isn't over. 577 00:31:10,702 --> 00:31:12,270 UNA: Yes, it is. 578 00:31:13,638 --> 00:31:16,107 What's happening? Who is this? 579 00:31:16,174 --> 00:31:18,876 Z'ymira the Huntress. 580 00:31:20,645 --> 00:31:22,614 She's an ally. 581 00:31:24,616 --> 00:31:26,217 Z'ymira. 582 00:31:26,284 --> 00:31:28,219 Adya. 583 00:31:31,222 --> 00:31:33,024 You said you would call on me. 584 00:31:33,091 --> 00:31:34,959 -Been a busy time. -ORTEGAS: A raven 585 00:31:35,026 --> 00:31:36,227 would be too much trouble? 586 00:31:36,294 --> 00:31:37,562 Can we not do this now? 587 00:31:37,629 --> 00:31:39,230 I saved your life. That's something, right? 588 00:31:39,297 --> 00:31:43,067 As grateful as I am for whatever this is, 589 00:31:43,134 --> 00:31:45,003 but we really should be hurrying on to Engineering. 590 00:31:45,069 --> 00:31:48,239 Yes. We should put an end to this fantasy 591 00:31:48,306 --> 00:31:51,009 before someone seriously gets hurt. 592 00:31:51,976 --> 00:31:54,512 This is most unusual. 593 00:31:54,579 --> 00:31:58,216 When I scan the nebula, I find evidence of a single life form, 594 00:31:58,283 --> 00:32:00,385 including brain activity, and yet 595 00:32:00,451 --> 00:32:02,987 there is no sign of a physical body. 596 00:32:04,289 --> 00:32:06,557 A consciousness without a body. 597 00:32:06,624 --> 00:32:08,660 Floating in space. 598 00:32:09,427 --> 00:32:13,331 With the power to create a new reality? 599 00:32:13,398 --> 00:32:15,466 Sounds almost like you're describing a god. 600 00:32:16,768 --> 00:32:19,070 Doctor, are you familiar 601 00:32:19,137 --> 00:32:21,306 with the theory of the Boltzmann brain? 602 00:32:21,372 --> 00:32:24,208 I recall learning something about it in university. 603 00:32:24,275 --> 00:32:25,977 A Boltzmann brain 604 00:32:26,044 --> 00:32:28,980 is a theoretical, spontaneously generated consciousness. 605 00:32:30,348 --> 00:32:33,151 It may be we have just encountered one. 606 00:32:35,320 --> 00:32:37,588 So one day... 607 00:32:37,655 --> 00:32:39,624 out of nothing, 608 00:32:39,691 --> 00:32:42,160 an all-powerful being just... 609 00:32:42,226 --> 00:32:44,262 appears? 610 00:32:46,297 --> 00:32:48,299 And this consciousness has somehow trapped 611 00:32:48,366 --> 00:32:50,234 our ship in the nebula? 612 00:32:50,301 --> 00:32:51,636 And turned the crew 613 00:32:51,703 --> 00:32:53,338 into the characters from a book I've read? 614 00:32:53,404 --> 00:32:55,640 At least it made you the hero. 615 00:32:58,176 --> 00:32:59,677 Let's say you're right. 616 00:32:59,744 --> 00:33:02,213 How do we get it to stop? 617 00:33:02,280 --> 00:33:04,115 Because until we do, 618 00:33:04,182 --> 00:33:05,583 we are stuck here. 619 00:33:05,650 --> 00:33:07,652 Perhaps you are the problem. 620 00:33:07,719 --> 00:33:10,521 It's recreating a story you read. 621 00:33:10,588 --> 00:33:13,358 It is possible the entity is reading your brainwaves. 622 00:33:13,424 --> 00:33:17,061 If we can find a way to sever that connection, 623 00:33:17,128 --> 00:33:18,696 like by hurting you, 624 00:33:18,763 --> 00:33:20,765 the entity might let the Enterprise go. 625 00:33:20,832 --> 00:33:23,501 You dare to threaten my king? 626 00:33:23,568 --> 00:33:25,269 Stand down, Adya. 627 00:33:25,336 --> 00:33:27,372 I can shoot him with an arrow if that helps. 628 00:33:29,340 --> 00:33:30,775 I don't really understand what's going on. 629 00:33:30,842 --> 00:33:32,677 I thought the point was to hurt the king. 630 00:33:32,744 --> 00:33:34,312 What's wrong with you? 631 00:33:34,379 --> 00:33:36,614 I have sworn an oath to protect him. 632 00:33:36,681 --> 00:33:38,616 You'll just never understand that, will you? 633 00:33:38,683 --> 00:33:40,685 I am Huntress of the Forest. 634 00:33:40,752 --> 00:33:42,587 I swore my allegiance to no one but her. 635 00:33:42,653 --> 00:33:44,122 You know that. 636 00:33:44,188 --> 00:33:46,491 Sometimes I wonder if we have anything 637 00:33:46,557 --> 00:33:48,493 -in common. -HEMMER: Perhaps it is 638 00:33:48,559 --> 00:33:50,561 your differences which drew you together. 639 00:33:52,163 --> 00:33:54,565 M'BENGA: Hold on a second. 640 00:33:54,632 --> 00:33:56,167 Something's wrong here. 641 00:33:56,234 --> 00:33:57,502 Your Majesty? 642 00:33:57,568 --> 00:34:00,037 This is not how the story goes. 643 00:34:00,104 --> 00:34:01,773 The two of you-- 644 00:34:01,839 --> 00:34:04,675 Adya, Z'ymira-- you don't even know each other. 645 00:34:04,742 --> 00:34:06,711 Not to contradict you, 646 00:34:06,778 --> 00:34:08,713 but we know each other quite, 647 00:34:08,780 --> 00:34:10,815 quite well. 648 00:34:10,882 --> 00:34:12,683 Quite well. 649 00:34:12,750 --> 00:34:14,786 But you're not supposed to. 650 00:34:16,120 --> 00:34:18,423 The two of you never actually meet 651 00:34:18,489 --> 00:34:20,525 in the book. 652 00:34:21,793 --> 00:34:24,395 Except... Rukiya. 653 00:34:26,397 --> 00:34:29,067 Rukiya? Is she a character? 654 00:34:29,133 --> 00:34:30,835 She's my daughter. 655 00:34:32,270 --> 00:34:34,472 She has always hated 656 00:34:34,539 --> 00:34:36,707 how the story ended. 657 00:34:36,774 --> 00:34:39,544 She wanted Sir Adya and Z'ymira to team up. 658 00:34:39,610 --> 00:34:42,113 I told her when she grew up she could 659 00:34:42,180 --> 00:34:44,749 become a writer and give herself the ending she wanted. 660 00:34:44,816 --> 00:34:46,784 Are you suggesting... 661 00:34:46,851 --> 00:34:49,086 the entity did not take the story from you, 662 00:34:49,153 --> 00:34:51,189 but rather from your daughter? 663 00:34:54,759 --> 00:34:56,594 Where is Rukiya? 664 00:35:16,581 --> 00:35:18,516 She's gone. 665 00:35:36,567 --> 00:35:39,770 She was beamed out of the buffer at 08:45 hours this morning. 666 00:35:42,206 --> 00:35:44,675 To... somewhere on the ship. 667 00:35:45,476 --> 00:35:48,179 But it won't give me her exact location. 668 00:35:48,246 --> 00:35:50,381 That's very odd. 669 00:35:50,448 --> 00:35:52,483 Hemmer... 670 00:35:52,550 --> 00:35:54,519 my daughter is very sick. 671 00:35:54,585 --> 00:35:57,555 The longer she stays out of the buffer, 672 00:35:57,622 --> 00:36:00,224 the faster her illness will progress. 673 00:36:01,759 --> 00:36:04,228 -She's dying. -I'm so sorry, Doctor. 674 00:36:05,329 --> 00:36:06,898 Let me help. 675 00:36:08,633 --> 00:36:10,568 We have to find her. 676 00:36:10,635 --> 00:36:12,303 I'm starting to think she might be 677 00:36:12,370 --> 00:36:14,772 the only one who can put an end to all this. 678 00:36:24,615 --> 00:36:27,485 The Mercury Stone is a girl? 679 00:36:34,992 --> 00:36:37,595 If this is true... 680 00:36:37,662 --> 00:36:39,430 I shall take her from him. 681 00:36:39,497 --> 00:36:41,832 And make her my own. 682 00:36:41,899 --> 00:36:44,268 How will you do that, my liege? 683 00:36:47,438 --> 00:36:48,873 No. No, no, no, no. 684 00:36:48,940 --> 00:36:51,409 Unhand me, you brute. Ow. 685 00:36:51,475 --> 00:36:54,245 No, no, no, no, no, no. I'm too young to die. 686 00:36:54,312 --> 00:36:55,413 Oh! 687 00:36:55,479 --> 00:36:56,914 (whimpering) 688 00:36:56,981 --> 00:36:58,482 Please. 689 00:36:58,549 --> 00:37:01,419 I beg you... spare me. 690 00:37:03,888 --> 00:37:07,425 Whether you live or die depends entirely on you, 691 00:37:07,491 --> 00:37:08,826 Sir Rauth. 692 00:37:08,893 --> 00:37:10,728 What do you want from me? 693 00:37:11,963 --> 00:37:14,498 Your loyalty. 694 00:37:17,301 --> 00:37:19,737 Oh. 695 00:37:26,377 --> 00:37:28,980 (chuckling) 696 00:37:39,590 --> 00:37:40,591 (beeps) 697 00:37:40,658 --> 00:37:43,494 The forest calls. 698 00:37:50,368 --> 00:37:52,536 Damn it! 699 00:37:53,638 --> 00:37:55,673 Doctor? 700 00:37:56,474 --> 00:37:58,709 I take it you've had no luck finding her. 701 00:37:59,710 --> 00:38:00,811 No. 702 00:38:00,878 --> 00:38:03,347 I have not. 703 00:38:03,414 --> 00:38:05,449 Someone... 704 00:38:07,585 --> 00:38:09,654 ...something... 705 00:38:09,720 --> 00:38:12,023 took her out of the buffer and hid her. 706 00:38:12,089 --> 00:38:14,325 Perhaps we are thinking of this 707 00:38:14,392 --> 00:38:15,926 the wrong way. 708 00:38:15,993 --> 00:38:18,029 Where would your daughter want to go? 709 00:38:21,966 --> 00:38:24,835 My quarters are down here. 710 00:38:24,902 --> 00:38:26,971 Rukiya always said she wanted to see them. 711 00:38:27,038 --> 00:38:30,441 Your Majesty, I am so glad to see you alive and safe. 712 00:38:30,508 --> 00:38:33,477 No thanks to your cowardice. 713 00:38:33,544 --> 00:38:35,413 I lament. 714 00:38:35,479 --> 00:38:37,081 I am not a fighter. 715 00:38:37,148 --> 00:38:39,016 But what purpose would my death have served, 716 00:38:39,083 --> 00:38:41,018 if it merely led to King Ridley's downfall? 717 00:38:41,085 --> 00:38:43,054 You would worm your way out of anything, wouldn't you? 718 00:38:43,120 --> 00:38:46,457 Please... now is not the time to fight. 719 00:38:46,524 --> 00:38:48,592 We need to get into my quarters right away. 720 00:38:51,796 --> 00:38:53,097 Open. 721 00:38:53,164 --> 00:38:56,067 (doors whoosh open) 722 00:39:02,573 --> 00:39:05,342 I am sorry, my liege. 723 00:39:12,883 --> 00:39:14,952 Did you really think 724 00:39:15,019 --> 00:39:16,821 I was going to let you destroy 725 00:39:16,887 --> 00:39:19,990 everything I've worked for, King Ridley? 726 00:39:27,732 --> 00:39:30,134 ORTEGAS: I should have known you would betray us, Rauth. 727 00:39:32,036 --> 00:39:34,105 Truthfully, I should have known it as well... 728 00:39:35,539 --> 00:39:37,808 ...since that's what he does in the book. 729 00:39:37,875 --> 00:39:39,810 Don't beat yourself up about it. 730 00:39:39,877 --> 00:39:41,712 I am sorry, Your Majesty. 731 00:39:41,779 --> 00:39:43,748 But she promised me your kingdom and... 732 00:39:43,814 --> 00:39:45,449 who could turn that down? 733 00:39:45,516 --> 00:39:47,418 -(stomps) -All right. 734 00:39:47,485 --> 00:39:49,420 As you were not willing to bend 735 00:39:49,487 --> 00:39:52,089 to my will, I found someone who would. 736 00:39:52,156 --> 00:39:53,557 Give up, dear brother. 737 00:39:53,624 --> 00:39:55,493 Your powers are no match for mine. 738 00:39:55,559 --> 00:39:57,495 There is no reason you have to die. 739 00:39:57,561 --> 00:39:59,930 Pollux is right. 740 00:39:59,997 --> 00:40:01,766 All I want 741 00:40:01,832 --> 00:40:03,768 is King Ridley's secret weapon. 742 00:40:03,834 --> 00:40:06,537 This so-called... 743 00:40:06,604 --> 00:40:08,105 Mercury Stone. 744 00:40:08,172 --> 00:40:09,707 (chuckles) 745 00:40:09,774 --> 00:40:11,642 The girl in his quarters. 746 00:40:11,709 --> 00:40:14,745 Let us have her, and I'll let you and Caster live. 747 00:40:17,748 --> 00:40:20,818 You shall not touch my daughter. 748 00:40:20,885 --> 00:40:22,686 Or I will bring the might of my kingdom 749 00:40:22,753 --> 00:40:24,989 down upon your heads. 750 00:40:25,055 --> 00:40:27,792 HEMMER: He's right, Queen Neve. 751 00:40:31,662 --> 00:40:33,564 Turn away now, 752 00:40:33,631 --> 00:40:36,467 or I'll unleash the full power 753 00:40:36,534 --> 00:40:39,503 of my powerful wizard... 754 00:40:40,805 --> 00:40:42,039 ...powers. 755 00:40:46,043 --> 00:40:48,779 I'll... I'll... I'll... 756 00:40:48,846 --> 00:40:50,714 send you to the Event Horizon. 757 00:40:50,781 --> 00:40:52,516 A dark realm 758 00:40:52,583 --> 00:40:54,685 full of chaos and monsters 759 00:40:54,752 --> 00:40:57,054 and... 760 00:40:58,289 --> 00:41:00,658 There is no such place, My Queen. He's bluffing. 761 00:41:06,997 --> 00:41:08,199 (grunting) 762 00:41:08,265 --> 00:41:10,034 What are you doing? 763 00:41:10,100 --> 00:41:11,936 (grunting) 764 00:41:12,002 --> 00:41:14,038 Abra... 765 00:41:14,104 --> 00:41:15,539 -(beeps) -cadabra! 766 00:41:22,546 --> 00:41:24,748 (chuckles) 767 00:41:24,815 --> 00:41:26,183 Nice wizard powers. 768 00:41:26,250 --> 00:41:28,219 I found this in Sickbay. 769 00:41:28,285 --> 00:41:29,920 I set it to trigger the transporter. 770 00:41:29,987 --> 00:41:31,555 They're in Cargo Bay 12. 771 00:41:31,622 --> 00:41:33,991 Once again, the magic 772 00:41:34,058 --> 00:41:36,260 of science prevails. 773 00:41:37,228 --> 00:41:38,662 Too much? 774 00:41:38,729 --> 00:41:39,930 I know. 775 00:41:39,997 --> 00:41:42,800 Sir Adya, guard my quarters. 776 00:41:45,769 --> 00:41:47,805 With my life, Sire. 777 00:41:52,042 --> 00:41:54,044 (door whooshes open) 778 00:41:54,111 --> 00:41:57,214 Daddy, you made it! 779 00:42:20,938 --> 00:42:24,108 There's no trace of cygnokemia. 780 00:42:24,174 --> 00:42:26,210 You're healthy. 781 00:42:27,611 --> 00:42:29,313 How? 782 00:42:29,380 --> 00:42:31,949 My friend made me better. 783 00:42:32,016 --> 00:42:33,984 Your friend? 784 00:42:34,051 --> 00:42:36,320 She woke me up, and we've been playing. 785 00:42:36,387 --> 00:42:37,888 I could see you, Daddy. 786 00:42:37,955 --> 00:42:39,323 You did such a good job. 787 00:42:39,390 --> 00:42:41,058 Did you have fun? 788 00:42:41,125 --> 00:42:43,661 I did. 789 00:42:43,727 --> 00:42:45,663 But it's time to stop playing. 790 00:42:45,729 --> 00:42:48,032 Can we put everything back the way it was? 791 00:42:48,098 --> 00:42:50,968 Why? My friend said we could play as long as I want. 792 00:42:51,035 --> 00:42:53,771 Your friend doesn't mean to, 793 00:42:53,837 --> 00:42:56,307 but she's hurting my friends. 794 00:42:56,373 --> 00:42:58,909 They need to return to their lives. 795 00:42:58,976 --> 00:43:01,779 Do I have to go back into the buffer, Daddy? 796 00:43:03,314 --> 00:43:05,349 I don't know. 797 00:43:07,251 --> 00:43:09,286 Frankly, I don't understand what's happening. 798 00:43:11,689 --> 00:43:13,123 Rukiya. 799 00:43:14,692 --> 00:43:16,627 Can I talk to your friend? 800 00:43:16,694 --> 00:43:19,296 It doesn't really work that way. 801 00:43:19,363 --> 00:43:21,298 Perhaps... 802 00:43:21,365 --> 00:43:24,668 I can be of some assistance. 803 00:43:26,370 --> 00:43:28,005 You said if you tried to connect 804 00:43:28,072 --> 00:43:29,940 to the consciousness again, it could kill you. 805 00:43:30,007 --> 00:43:32,042 I know, but... 806 00:43:32,109 --> 00:43:34,378 maybe if Rukiya told her friend we need to talk, 807 00:43:34,445 --> 00:43:38,315 the entity might be more inclined to cooperate. 808 00:43:42,386 --> 00:43:44,855 They'd like to talk to you if that's okay. 809 00:43:44,922 --> 00:43:46,991 If you would like, 810 00:43:47,057 --> 00:43:49,860 you may speak through me. 811 00:43:49,927 --> 00:43:52,730 Please be gentle. 812 00:43:59,403 --> 00:44:02,172 (distorted voice): You must not take the child. 813 00:44:03,841 --> 00:44:06,110 We don't mean you any harm. 814 00:44:06,176 --> 00:44:08,379 But I need you to stop this fantasy. 815 00:44:10,014 --> 00:44:11,882 You're putting my crew in danger. 816 00:44:11,949 --> 00:44:13,684 The needs of your crew are inconsequential. 817 00:44:13,751 --> 00:44:16,720 You must protect the child. 818 00:44:16,787 --> 00:44:19,189 You have an attachment to Rukiya. 819 00:44:19,256 --> 00:44:21,225 We are alike. 820 00:44:21,291 --> 00:44:23,327 She was lonely. 821 00:44:23,394 --> 00:44:25,429 Like me. 822 00:44:27,064 --> 00:44:29,299 Lonely? 823 00:44:29,366 --> 00:44:31,668 How did you know? 824 00:44:31,735 --> 00:44:33,871 When I probed your ship, 825 00:44:33,937 --> 00:44:36,340 I felt her imprisoned in your machine. 826 00:44:36,407 --> 00:44:38,242 I sensed her loneliness. 827 00:44:38,308 --> 00:44:40,444 It matched my own. 828 00:44:40,511 --> 00:44:42,913 I created this world for her. 829 00:44:42,980 --> 00:44:45,849 To give her a piece of her childhood 830 00:44:45,916 --> 00:44:47,918 you didn't allow. 831 00:44:47,985 --> 00:44:50,287 I was trying to protect her. 832 00:44:50,354 --> 00:44:53,323 Everything I did was to keep my daughter alive. 833 00:44:54,525 --> 00:44:56,860 I was looking for a cure. 834 00:44:56,927 --> 00:44:58,862 But I'm all better now, Daddy. 835 00:44:58,929 --> 00:45:00,998 And I thank you for that. 836 00:45:01,065 --> 00:45:03,233 But whatever you are doing 837 00:45:03,300 --> 00:45:05,736 to create this fantasy, 838 00:45:05,803 --> 00:45:08,172 the crew cannot live like this. 839 00:45:08,238 --> 00:45:09,940 You have to let them go. 840 00:45:10,007 --> 00:45:11,842 If I leave, 841 00:45:11,909 --> 00:45:14,078 the child will die. 842 00:45:14,144 --> 00:45:16,814 My being near her cures her. 843 00:45:16,880 --> 00:45:19,950 If I release the ship and the child goes with you, 844 00:45:20,017 --> 00:45:22,252 she will grow sick again. 845 00:45:22,319 --> 00:45:24,421 The ship cannot stay here. 846 00:45:24,488 --> 00:45:26,924 Then you must make a choice. 847 00:45:26,990 --> 00:45:29,293 The crew or your daughter. 848 00:45:30,461 --> 00:45:33,230 You can't ask me to do that. 849 00:45:33,297 --> 00:45:35,165 I had fun out here. 850 00:45:35,232 --> 00:45:38,001 But I'll go back into the buffer if you want me to, Daddy. 851 00:45:40,370 --> 00:45:42,339 There must be another way. 852 00:45:42,406 --> 00:45:44,241 There is. 853 00:45:44,308 --> 00:45:47,478 You could leave and she could stay. 854 00:45:48,946 --> 00:45:51,181 How would she live? 855 00:45:51,248 --> 00:45:53,283 It is her body that is ill. 856 00:45:53,350 --> 00:45:56,487 But her consciousness could join with me. 857 00:45:56,553 --> 00:46:00,023 She would be free of sickness. 858 00:46:00,090 --> 00:46:02,526 She will never know death. 859 00:46:04,995 --> 00:46:07,064 Daddy? 860 00:46:13,036 --> 00:46:15,139 Your friend. 861 00:46:15,205 --> 00:46:17,374 She wants you to go with her. 862 00:46:17,441 --> 00:46:19,810 Can you come, too, Daddy? 863 00:46:23,547 --> 00:46:25,449 You know how in the story 864 00:46:25,516 --> 00:46:27,518 King Ridley has the Mercury Stone? 865 00:46:27,584 --> 00:46:30,053 He wants to keep it. 866 00:46:30,120 --> 00:46:32,156 It protects him. 867 00:46:32,222 --> 00:46:34,258 Makes him happy. 868 00:46:35,292 --> 00:46:37,361 Until he learns 869 00:46:37,427 --> 00:46:39,897 that it has a soul. 870 00:46:39,963 --> 00:46:42,132 And that it will die 871 00:46:42,199 --> 00:46:44,234 if he holds onto it. 872 00:46:51,074 --> 00:46:53,110 He has to let it go. 873 00:46:55,145 --> 00:46:57,281 Even though it means 874 00:46:57,347 --> 00:46:59,383 he won't be happy anymore. 875 00:47:03,887 --> 00:47:06,223 You're my Mercury Stone. 876 00:47:09,259 --> 00:47:12,596 Remember I told you you could write your own stories someday? 877 00:47:12,663 --> 00:47:14,965 Maybe that someday is now. 878 00:47:16,967 --> 00:47:19,002 But it's up to you. 879 00:47:25,108 --> 00:47:27,444 I want to. 880 00:47:30,581 --> 00:47:33,150 Okay, brave girl. 881 00:47:33,217 --> 00:47:34,918 I love you, Daddy. 882 00:47:38,255 --> 00:47:41,058 I love you, too, baby. 883 00:47:41,124 --> 00:47:43,160 Always. 884 00:47:45,662 --> 00:47:47,898 (gasping) 885 00:47:49,032 --> 00:47:50,934 (Hemmer grunting) 886 00:48:03,113 --> 00:48:05,115 (giggles) 887 00:48:05,182 --> 00:48:07,918 It tickles, Daddy. 888 00:48:48,225 --> 00:48:50,160 Rukiya? 889 00:48:50,227 --> 00:48:52,296 Hello, Daddy. 890 00:48:53,764 --> 00:48:55,666 Thank you. 891 00:48:55,732 --> 00:48:57,968 For everything. 892 00:48:58,035 --> 00:49:01,405 You were right-- I've been creating my own adventures. 893 00:49:01,471 --> 00:49:04,341 I wish I could tell you what I've seen. 894 00:49:04,408 --> 00:49:06,176 Seen? 895 00:49:06,243 --> 00:49:08,145 You just left. 896 00:49:08,211 --> 00:49:11,682 Moments for you have been years for me and Debra. 897 00:49:12,683 --> 00:49:14,551 Debra. 898 00:49:14,618 --> 00:49:16,620 You named the entity after... 899 00:49:16,687 --> 00:49:19,122 Mom. 900 00:49:19,189 --> 00:49:21,224 Oh. 901 00:49:23,694 --> 00:49:25,729 Oh... 902 00:49:30,500 --> 00:49:32,536 You look... 903 00:49:32,602 --> 00:49:34,638 so much like her. 904 00:49:34,705 --> 00:49:36,707 Do I? 905 00:49:38,608 --> 00:49:41,144 I'm happy. 906 00:49:41,211 --> 00:49:43,146 I'm safe. 907 00:49:43,213 --> 00:49:45,382 You did the right thing. 908 00:49:45,449 --> 00:49:47,484 Someday we'll see each other again. 909 00:49:47,551 --> 00:49:49,753 I know we will, but... 910 00:49:49,820 --> 00:49:52,589 you have to live your own life now. 911 00:49:52,656 --> 00:49:54,691 Create your own stories. 912 00:49:56,126 --> 00:49:58,028 Promise me you'll be happy. 913 00:49:59,830 --> 00:50:01,598 I promise. 914 00:50:12,642 --> 00:50:14,678 (Hemmer groaning) 915 00:50:21,451 --> 00:50:24,020 I have the worst headache. 916 00:50:27,224 --> 00:50:29,326 Doctor... 917 00:50:29,393 --> 00:50:31,428 am I in your quarters? 918 00:50:32,529 --> 00:50:34,097 You don't remember? 919 00:50:34,164 --> 00:50:36,199 The last thing I recall... 920 00:50:37,134 --> 00:50:40,137 ...is becoming stuck in the Jonisian Nebula. 921 00:50:41,538 --> 00:50:43,306 (groaning) 922 00:50:43,373 --> 00:50:45,075 M'BENGA: Chief medical officer's 923 00:50:45,142 --> 00:50:47,811 personal log, supplemental. 924 00:50:47,878 --> 00:50:50,213 None of the crew remember what happened. 925 00:50:50,280 --> 00:50:51,581 The entity's doing. 926 00:50:51,648 --> 00:50:53,216 My daughter's doing. 927 00:50:53,283 --> 00:50:54,618 I'm sure. 928 00:50:54,684 --> 00:50:56,586 The surveillance logs are blank. 929 00:50:56,653 --> 00:51:00,223 It's as if every one of them lost five hours. 930 00:51:00,290 --> 00:51:01,725 Except for me. 931 00:51:01,792 --> 00:51:04,294 UNA: Joseph? 932 00:51:11,701 --> 00:51:13,503 Rukiya? 933 00:51:13,570 --> 00:51:15,605 She's fine. 934 00:51:17,474 --> 00:51:19,509 She's alive. 935 00:51:21,478 --> 00:51:23,513 She's safe. 936 00:51:24,748 --> 00:51:27,317 But, Una, 937 00:51:27,384 --> 00:51:30,220 I have been through something... 938 00:51:30,287 --> 00:51:32,556 extraordinary. 939 00:51:32,622 --> 00:51:35,192 And no one on the ship remembers. 940 00:51:39,763 --> 00:51:42,732 You know what happened in the missing five hours. 941 00:51:45,268 --> 00:51:47,404 Sounds like a hell of a story. 942 00:51:47,471 --> 00:51:49,506 It is. 943 00:51:52,242 --> 00:51:54,344 It begins... 944 00:51:54,411 --> 00:51:56,446 like all good stories. 945 00:51:56,513 --> 00:51:59,516 Once upon a time. 946 00:51:59,583 --> 00:52:01,685 Captioning sponsored by CBS 947 00:52:01,751 --> 00:52:04,154 Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org