Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Previously on Strange New Worlds...

All I ever wanted since I first saw the stars

was to join Starfleet.

I'm an Illyrian. I've committed a Federation offense.

If you shelter me they could come after you, too.

I welcome that discussion.

I'm arresting Commander Una Chin-Riley

for violations of our anti-genetic

modification directive.

I didn't ask for this job.

- You need a lawyer. - She won't respond.

She won't take my calls either.

This is not a plum case.

I'm gonna talk to her myself, face-to-face.

Just hang in there, Number One.

That's an order. Pike out.

She needs a hospital.

That is out of the question.

- Her leg isn't healing. - It will.

It's going to get infected.

If we go into the hospital, they might see her

fighting infection. They'll run tests to find out.

- Mom? - I know, baby.

I know it hurts.

You're gonna be okay.

I promise.

It needs to get set or it won't heal.

Her system can't handle it.

She is a child. She needs a doctor.

Look, if we go to the hospital now, they'll see,

and we'll lose everything.

Her life will be ruined, all of ours.

We'll figure this out. She'll be okay.

Una will be okay.

Starfleet would like to offer a deal.

Plead guilty to knowingly submitting false information

to Starfleet by failing to disclose

your genetic modification status,

and we'll accept dishonorable dismissal.

No prison time.

Dishonorable dismissal?

No exile. You'll still be a free Federation citizen.

Starfleet is willing to seal your records

and look the other way.

They want to cover their mistake.

They are grateful for your service.

Una, you don't want to drag this out.

And you don't want others to get dragged in.

It's a fair deal.

It's a good deal, given the evidence.

She's right. We won't get better.

This charge can carry two years imprisonment

at the minimum.

Don't you think we should sidebar this conversation?

That's a good idea.

Take some time,

talk it over with your counsel.

How can he counsel me when he works for you?

Captain's personal log, stardate 2393.8.

I have traveled to the Vaultera Nebula

to find legal help for my first officer.

The atmosphere here is not suitable for human life.

The locals, however, have adapted.

Yes, he's still here.

Yes, I told him.

No, he did not.

Okay.

- Counselor Ketoul still can't see you today. - I can wait.

I told you she's booked.

She has a deposition, then an arraignment.

I can wait.

I don't think that you can.

Try me.

Fine, fine, fine. Okay!

Ugh!

You can take off your mask, Mr. Pike.

The air is safe for you now.

I knew you were stubborn,

I just didn't think you were stupid.

This planet is inhospitable to all but...

Except to Illyrians.

Genetically engineered to survive in this...

charming environment.

You would think that would allow us a measure of privacy.

Should have returned my calls.

And you should learn to take a hint.

Or do they not teach reading the room at the Academy?

Been a while since I was at the Academy,

so I don't recall.

Una needs your help.

Starfleet Command found out that she's Illyrian.

It was only a matter of time before she was outed.

Starfleet will never let an Illyrian serve. Not openly.

But that is not my problem, Mr. Pike.

Now, I really do have a busy day.

Neera.

I don't know what happened between you two,

but she's your friend.

Una Chin-Riley is not my friend, and neither are you.

- Please leave. - I know why you feel the way you do about Starfleet,

the Federation, all of us.

I saw some things.

On a research mission to an abandoned Illyrian colony,

we found out that it wasn't so... abandoned.

I saw what can happen to Illyrians

who reverse their genetic modification

just so the Federation will accept them.

Old fears can be hard to let go of,

but we were wrong about Illyrians. All of us.

I was wrong.

Congratulations. You discovered empathy.

Let me know when the rest of your Federation catches up.

They're going to dismiss her.

Everything she's strived for, her life's work,

her entire career.

Everything that she's contributed.

Dishonorable dismissal is getting off easy.

Starfleet race laws are draconian.

She's lucky she isn't getting charged with sedition.

Yes, Mr. Pike, I am familiar with her case.

The proceedings are sealed.

I make it my business to know what happens

behind closed doors.

Many of my clients' lives depend on it.

Now, if that will be all.

How's that working out for you?

- The cases against the Federation. - Excuse me?

See, I do my homework, too.

Ten cases thrown out or overturned

in two years for insufficient evidence?

Good cases, too, as far as I can tell.

Take this case.

If you win, half the quadrant will know it.

And it'll bring your other cases more attention.

Maybe the attention that they deserve.

Are you attempting to bribe me, Mr. Pike?

I'm trying to convince you.

I'm trying to save an old friend.

And maybe do some good here.

Are you? Or are you gonna

let whatever happened between you and Una

get in the way of your life's work?

Just take a look at the case file.

You?

I doubt you'd even break a sweat.

You're a piece of work, Pike.

Yeah.

But you still haven't said no.

Visitor.

Neera!

I had to see it for myself.

I said this would happen.

After 25 years, the first thing you say to me

is "I told you so"?

I didn't think you'd...

I'm not here for a reunion.

Tell me the story of the story.

Short version, your words.

Until two months ago, my record with Starfleet

was spotless.

When they didn't know, they didn't care.

The only thing that's changed

is that they know the truth.

And that you lied about it.

Must be nice.

What's that?

It's just, some Illyrians have modifications

they can't hide, and some of us refuse to.

Neera, I should have...

Please proceed, Commander.

So then somebody turned me in,

and now Starfleet is asking me to hide again,

so that no one has to know

an Illyrian climbed the ranks of Starfleet.

It'll be like it never happened.

- Like I never happened. - So?

You had your playtime, acting like one of them.

Accept your dismissal, take your licks and go home.

No.

Why not?

Because I shouldn't have to hide anymore.

None of us should.

I know I should have done better.

I didn't stand up when I should have.

I'm standing up now.

I'll tell opposing counsel their deal is rejected.

Thank you.

Don't. I'm not doing this for you,

I'm doing this for me.

And for all the Illyrians who can't or just won't

pretend to not be who they really are...

so they can run away to Starfleet.

Una rejected my deal.

Good.

Do you know how hard it was to get that deal approved?

I called in every favor.

And do you think that was easy?

Because I can tell you it was not.

Maybe you should have thought about that

before arresting her.