SIMILITUDE


...test facing any captain, any crew, is the loss of a shipmate.
We've come here to honor one of our own.
In the time we knew him, he showed us just how much one life can truly matter.
We will never forget what he did for us and for the ship he loved so much.
We will go forward with renewed determination to complete this mission,
so that his sacrifice won't just have been for the people on this ship,
but for all the citizens of Earth.
We just re-route the system taps... compress the antimatter stream before it reaches the injectors.
That will stabilize the warp field?
Every simulation I run comes back with the same result.
We'll be able to cruise at warp 5.0 with no field fluctuation.
I'm talking about a ride so smooth you can build a house of cards on the warp reactor.
If we can maintain high warp for extended periods,
we can cover the Expanse more quickly.
Which boosts our chances of finding the Xindi weapon in time.
- To the left. - Oh, sorry.
You get me talking about the engines and I forget where I am.
Don't know what it is about fine-tuning a piece of machinery.
Lie on your back.
You know... you made this sound a whole lot worse than it is.
Advanced neuro-pressure can place great demands on the body.
I have to say, so far, it's a piece of cake.
We haven't gotten to the more challenging postures.
Well.
I'm always up for a challenge.
Breathe.
Tucker to the bridge.
Archer.
We're all set down here.
I'll need at least 4.9 to get the plasma hot enough to compress the stream.
- You heard the man, Travis. 4.9. - Aye, sir.
4.5...
4.6...
4.7...
4.8...
The warp field is fluctuating.
4.9...
Initializing stream compression.
Damn.... that's a beautiful sound.
Field fluctuations have dropped to zero.
I think we just got our second wind.
Something's flooding the intake manifolds.
Drop to impulse!
- I've lost helm control... - Trip! Status?
I've got a primary injector flare! I'm shutting down!
It's not responding, Captain!
The flare's causing a system-wide overload.
Fires reported on B and C Deck. emergency crews en route.
Helm control is still down.
Analysis.
Some kind of polaric field, approximately 11,000 kilometers in diameter.
Composition unknown.
I'll need more time to complete a detailed scan.
Is that what stopped us?
It's a logical conclusion.
Keep scanning.
Numerous injuries throughout the ship.
Mostly minor, except for one.
Commander Tucker. He's been taken to Sick Bay.
Report.
When we entered the field, nucleonic particles flooded the manifolds, causing the injector flare.
If Commander Tucker hadn't shut down the reactor, we could've had a breach.
How much time before we can get the engines back on line?
We're still running diagnostics.
The damage is significant. It could take weeks.
Commander Tucker's going to have his hands full.
You'll be supervising the repairs.
I've just come from Sick Bay. Trip's in a coma.
He has extensive neural damage.
Dr. Phlox says we have prepare for the possibility that Trip won't survive.
How is he?
His condition's unchanged.
I'd like to show you something.
This is one of the more interesting members of my little menagerie.
A Lyssarian Desevae.
Its epidermal layer secretes a viral suppressant that I use as a salve for cuts and bruises.
How does this relate to Trip?
The larvae had another, somewhat more controversial property.
When implanted with DNA from another species,
it exactly replicates that species' life cycle, albeit at a rapidly accelerated rate.
It becomes a clone.
Essentially, but one that is born, grows old and dies in approximately 15 days.
The Lyssarians call them "Mimetic Simbiots."
They are a closely guarded secret. Very few people know of their existence.
And you want to do this with Trip.
Use his DNA to grow a simbiot?
To harvest its neural tissue for a transplant.
There's no guarantee that human DNA will stimulate the larvae's growth cycle.
But as it stands now, it may be Commander Tucker's only hope for survival.
To ensure the tissue's compatibility, I'll have to wait
until the simbiot reaches Commander Tucker's present physical age.
Then, I can excise the tissue from a non-critical region of the simbiot's cerebrum.
It would experience no discernible side effects, and should be able to live out its normal life span.
Its 15-day life span.
I don't make this proposal lightly, Captain, but I'm obligated to provide you with all available options.
Come in.
We sent out an EV team.
They retrieved a sample of the substance accumulating on the hull.
Multiple hits with a plasma-rifle were required to dislodge it.
It's composed of highly-charged particles.
Mostly ferric ions.
But there are several elements that we can't identify.
And it's highly magnetic.
So far, the danger to the ship seems negligible.
But the longer we remain in the field, the more these particles build up.
Do whatever you have to do.
But we need to get those engines back on line.
Understood.
Regarding the Lyssarian procedure Doctor Phlox proposed.
May I ask if you've reached a decision?
I approved it.
Are you aware that the Lyssarian Prime Conclave has banned the creation of simbiots?
We don't answer to the Lyssarian Prime Conclave.
Simbiots are living, conscious entities.
We'll be growing a sentient being for the sole purpose of harvesting tissue.
I'm aware of the ethical implications.
If we weren't in the Expanse, maybe my decision would be different.
But... we've got to complete this mission.
Earth needs Enterprise.
Enterprise needs Trip.
It's as simple as that.
Captain's Starlog, Supplemental.
The engines are still down, and the nucleonic particles continue to build up on the hull.
It's been two days since Doctor Phlox initiated the procedure to grow the simbiot.
He's rather sensitive to light at this stage.
By tomorrow morning, if all goes well, we'll have a healthy baby boy on our hands.
A perfect genetic duplicate, right down to the birthmark on his right side.
He certainly sounds healthy.
And hungry.
Excuse me...
Oh, it's been some time since I've handled a newborn.
But I see I haven't lost my touch.
Three days ago, he was just another one of your creatures...
something you kept on a shelf.
He's certainly come a long way in a short while.
In a short while, he'll be a lot older.
Have you thought of where he's going to live?
Why not right here?
I can't think of a more stimulating environment for a developing young mind,
and I'll be able to keep a close watch on his development.
Sounds like you've found yourself a new roommate.
Now, all I need to do is find him a name.
The crew has been offering suggestions, but nothing sounds right.
Steven, Enrique, Dennis? Dennis?
You see my dilemma.
I'm sure you'll think of something.
Chief Medical Officer's Log.
After much deliberation, I have finally thought of a name for this newest addition to our crew...
It's all right, Sim.
It's all right.
Lucky for me, Denobulans require very little sleep.
I'm at a loss to understand how human adults endure the REM cycle interruptions
that accompany the teething stage.
Though I knew what to expect, I can't help but be astonished by Sim's rapid physical development.
A side note... I may have stumbled across an effective fertilizer for my Orsic fern.
"Those who have never seen a living Martian can scarcely
imagine the strange horror of its... appear... appearance..."
That's very good.
Can we just skip to the part where the Martian machines attack?
We just showed you this book.
How do you know about the Martian machines?
My mom read it to me.
Your mom?
Uh, huh... I think it's Chapter Ten.
It's become quite evident that Sim's remarkable scholastic progress goes
far beyond an aptitude for learning.
He's remembering things that happened to Trip when Trip was this age.
So, the older he grows, the more of Trip's life he'll recall.
There are some species that rely solely on genetic seque to pass on their cultural memories.
Evidently, humans have a similar capacity.
This could be an important discovery.
He certainly possesses Commander Tucker's curiosity.
This morning, he took apart my medical tricorder.
He's starting to look like Trip.
And he's beginning to ask questions.
"Where did I come from?"
"Where's my mother and father?"
"Why am I here?"
It's only been three days and he's already beginning to realize how different he is.
He's going to have to be told the truth... soon.
I gave the order that created him.
I should be the one to explain why.
There's nothing Porthos likes more than dinner time.
Can he do any tricks?
I haven't taught him any.
Mostly what he does is eat, sleep, and, uh, and not fetch.
Just fill it up halfway.
I used to have a dog.
His name was Bedford.
He was so big, I could ride him like a horse.
Is that right?
That's Zefram Cochrane.
He invented warp drive.
That's right, he did.
Doctor Phlox says your dad helped design the Warp V engine.
That's a picture of him right there.
And this is me on my first day of flight school.
Did you always want to be a starship captain?
As long as I can remember.
Why?
It's what I was meant to do.
Bet it's a fun job.
It has its moments.
Let me show you something.
Keep the nose up.
That's right.
It pulls a little to the left...
Trim the port aileron.
That feels better...
My dad says I should be an engineer.
My mom thinks I should study architecture.
But I want to do what you do.
Be a starship captain.
You know what's weird?
What?
My parents call me "Trip," but everyone here calls me "Sim."
Where's my mom and dad?
Are they back on Earth?
That's a little difficult to answer.
It's broken.
Nothing a little glue won't remedy.
I crashed it plenty of times myself.
I miss my parents.
Come with me.
Doctor Phlox says I'm not allowed to go in there.
It's okay.
He's Trip.
That's right.
My parents... they're not really mine... they're his?
Yes.
So... that time I put a garden snake in Lizzie's dollhouse... that wasn't me.
No.
So, I'm just some kind of copy of him?
You're more than that, Sim.
You have Trip's memories, but you also have your own memories,
the one's you're making here... on Enterprise.
How long have I lived here?
You were born only four days ago.
I feel older.
It's hard to understand, I know.
There's a part of you... something inside you... that Trip needs.
Doctor Phlox is going to have to perform an operation.
- Will it hurt? - Not at all.
You won't feel a thing.
Doctors always say that.
When Phlox says it, it's the truth.
Can we go fix the model now?
Sure.
Captain's Starlog, Supplemental.
Enterprise has been incapacitated for seven days, and during that time,
Sim has practically become a member of the crew.
I've assigned him to engineering, where he's been assisting T'Pol
in the ongoing effort to repair the engines.
Waveguides... for the primary port bypass.
Think I made some progress.
This looks promising.
They're showing A Night at the Opera tonight.
Marx Brothers.
I was wondering if you're planning to go.
I'll be reviewing the field coil equations.
They need to be finished in time for tomorrow's reactor test.
Oh.
What about dinner?
You want to grab a bite?
I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I have to work late into the evening.
Ensign Massaro is running a diagnostic on the plasma assembly.
I'd like you to assist her.
Yes, ma'am.
It's because I'm different, isn't it?
The reason you don't want to do anything with me.
I guess it must be weird... being with someone like me.
Five days ago, I was wearing diapers.
I simply believe that our attention should be focused on the ship's engines.
At least until the current situation is resolved.
I probably won't be around after the current situation is resolved.
- Archer to T'Pol. - Go ahead.
Would you please come to my ready room?
On my way.
Warp drive should be functional in two weeks.
I'm afraid that won't be soon enough.
Sir...?
According to Malcolm, the accumulation on the hull is generating a dia-magnetic field.
It's having a dampening effect.
The more the particulate builds up, the more powerful the field becomes.
In another four days, every system on the ship will be off-line.
If we don't make it out of here by then... we never will.
Key lime pie.
I suddenly realized it was my favorite dessert.
Now I know why.
Do these memories just come to you?
Well, the older I get, the more I remember.
It's like I've lived this whole other life.
I can't explain it.
I can't imagine it.
You wanted to ask me about something.
Do you think it's possible to redirect the phase-cannons so they can fire back onto the hull?
I suppose so. Why?
Well, I want to try and blast off enough of that particulate so we can open up the launch bay doors.
Is someone planning on going somewhere?
All we need to do is build up enough momentum to get the ship out of here, right?
Right.
Well, we've got two perfectly good engines sitting in the launch bay.
If we string a couple of grappler lines between the shuttlepods and the ship, we can tow ourselves clear.
The shuttlepods don't generate that kind of thrust.
We'd never build up enough momentum to get clear of the field in time.
Leave that to me.
Can I come in?
Did you have a chance to look at my calculations?
I reviewed them thoroughly.
And?
A fusion overburn has never been attempted with a shuttlepod engine.
That doesn't mean it won't work.
I agree.
Despite the risks, I believe it's our best option.
So you're going to recommend the plan to the Captain?
I already have.
Was there something else?
You and Trip used to spend a lot of time here together.
I was instructing him in the practice of Vulcan neuro-pressure.
I remember.
We were lying right there, working on the neural nodes of each other's feet,
talking about the warp engines, how I was hoping to modify them.
How Commander Tucker was hoping to modify them.
Right. Commander Tucker.
You know, he was really starting to enjoy those sessions with you.
They were helping him sleep.
I'm not sure that's the only reason.
What do you mean?
Was there ever anything between you and Trip?
If you're referring to a romantic relationship, no.
The reason I ask is...
Well...
You're all I think about, if you know what I mean, and I'm not talking about an adolescent crush.
That was...
Well, that was two days ago.
This is much more serious, the way I feel about you.
Anyway, what's driving me crazy is, I don't know if these feelings are mine... or his.
I can't answer that.
I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable.
I'm not uncomfortable.
I just thought I should tell you this while I still had the chance.
Come in.
I want to pilot one of the shuttlepods.
That's out of the question.
It's my plan. I think I should have a say in how it's implemented.
This is a dangerous procedure.
You've never flown a shuttlepod before.
Yes, I have.
Trip has thousands of hours of flying time, and I have his memories.
I can't jeopardize this ship on the strength of those memories.
Mayweather and Reed will pilot the shuttlepods.
I want you to coordinate from the bridge.
T'Pol will assist you.
You're worried something will happen to me, aren't you?
You want to make sure I'm around because you need part of my brain.
Yeah.
That's part of it.
So your concern for my safety is really about saving Trip.
My main concern is that this plan work.
If we don't make it out of here in the next six hours, it won't matter whether Trip survives or not.
We'll all be dead.
I've realigned the targeting scanners.
They're set for close proximity.
Phase-cannons are charged and ready.
Try the doors.
They're still frozen.
Archer to Shuttlepods One and Two.
You are clear to launch.
Acknowledged.
Shuttlepod Two, acknowledged.
Whenever you're ready.
Set the overburn ratio.
We'll start at oh-point-one-seven-five.
Acknowledged.
Oh-point-one-seven-five.
Prepare to initiate on my mark.
Now.
1,000 kilodynes.
Thrust vector holding steady.
Come on.
2,000 kilodynes.
Engine temperature's rising!
I'm reading zero forward momentum.
2,500 kilodynes.
Engine temperature is nearing critical.
We're still not moving.
Come on!
Increase the overburn ratio another 30%.
Captain?
Go ahead.
Increasing 30%.
I've got a temperature warning light.
I'm reading 500 degrees above critical!
Their systems are overloading.
Sim?
A few more seconds.
They won't last a few seconds.
Sorry, Sim.
Archer to shuttlepods.
We're moving.
.62 kilometers per hour.
12 kilometers per hour.... and accelerating.
How much do we need?
At this speed, we'll emerge from the field in 6.1 hours.
That's good enough.
Archer to Shuttlepods One and Two... come on home.
Well done.
Thanks, Captain.
You wanted to see me?
There's been a development.
I'm listening.
Sim won't survive the transplant.
You told me you can remove the tissue without harming him.
That assessment was based on simbiots grown from Lyssarian DNA.
My tests on Sim show that human-based simbiots are not as resilient.
If I excise the quantity of neural tissue I need to save Commander Tucker...
Sim will die.
I'm sorry, Captain.
Why not give up my life?
I've only got... five, six days left anyway.
That isn't how we see it.
Let me ask you something, Doc.
When you researched Lyssarian larvae, did you come across any references... to the Velandran Circle?
They were a group of Lyssarian scientists who conducted illegal experiments on simbiots.
They claimed to have developed an enzyme that stopped the rapid aging process.
Is there any truth to it?
Why do you think he kept it a secret?
Doctor?
The enzyme is experimental, with very little empirical evidence to suggest that it works.
That's why I didn't mention it.
There's not much evidence, but it exists.
The fact is, I may not have to grow old and die in a week.
There's a chance that I can live out a normal life span.
I can't change what happened to him...
but maybe I can change what's going to happen to me.
Come in.
How long have you been staying here?
I was on the way to my room last night, but... I came here instead.
These are Trip's quarters.
Which is where I belong.
I have his memories.
I have his feelings. I have his body.
How am I not Trip?
Commander Tucker is lying in Sick Bay.
Then what am I?
Just something you grew in a lab?
Does that make it easier for you to condemn me to death?
If you refuse to go through with this, you'll be condemning Trip to death.
I didn't put him in a coma.
No... but you can save him.
In a way, I will... by saving myself.
Phlox says there's almost no chance that the enzyme will work.
My life is at stake!
Any chance is worth taking!
But at what cost?!
It'll take a day to synthesize the enzyme.
By that time, your neural tissue won't be compatible with Trip's anymore.
He'll die.
I know.
I can't let that happen.
So, what are you going to do?
Drag me down to Sick Bay?
Force me onto a bio-bed at gunpoint?
If you truly have all of Trip's memories... you know the answer to that.
I don't have to tell you what's at stake.
I must complete this mission, and to do that, I need Trip!
Trip!
I'll take whatever steps necessary to save him.
- Even if it means killing me. - Even if it means killing you.
You're not a murderer.
Don't make me one.
I was wondering if there's anything I could still do.
Maybe there's a panel I could install or something.
I've got a few hours to kill before my operation.
You wish to spend your last hours in Engineering?
Why not?
The two things I care about most are in this room.
If you'd like, the A-3 injector port needs replacing.
I'll get right on it.
- What's the problem? - Someone's rerouted the launch bay controls.
We're shut out.
Archer to Launch Bay; come in.
Captain, I'm reading one person in there.
I was all ready to do it.
What stopped you?
Where the hell was I going to go?
We're nowhere near any habitable planet.
Didn't really want to spend the rest of my life floating around in a shuttlepod.
Which doesn't even have any toilet facilities.
Can you imagine a lousier way to spend your old age?
Cooped up in that thing?
Peeing in a bottle?
Actually, I can imagine a worse fate.
What would that be?
Being stuck in there with Malcolm.
Damn. This is a screwed-up situation.
I can't argue with you there.
A lifetime in eight days.
It's not that I'm scared of dying.
It's just that... I can't imagine not being here tomorrow.
You want to know what really stopped me?
What?
My sister.
And she was my sister as much as Trip's.
I believe that.
I don't want what happened to her to happen to anyone else.
That's why I gave the order to create you.
Do me a favor when this is over.
If Commander Tucker decides to do any more modifications to the engines... tell him to watch his ass.
Yes?
We're ready for you.
On my way.
May I come in?
I just wanted to say... how much your absence will affect the crew...
How much it will affect me.
I appreciate that.
All in all... I've had a pretty good life.
I couldn't have asked for a better going away present.
I'm sorry I doubted you, Doc.
No need to apologize.
Yes, there is.
You see, I don't just remember Trip's childhood.
I remember mine.
You made a damned good father.
You were a damned good son.
You said to me once that commanding a starship was what you were meant to do.
I guess this is what I was meant to do.
Good luck, Captain.
Thanks.
You owe me one.
We will never forget what he did for us and for the ship he loved so much.
We will go forward with renewed determination to complete this mission,
so that his sacrifice won't just have been for the people on this ship...
but for all the citizens of Earth.


Předcházející epizoda

Seznam epizod

Následující epizoda