Home > Star Trek: Voyager
Q2
00:00:01Though it was a blatant violation of the Prime Directive,
00:00:04Kirk saved the Pelosians from extinction, just as he had the Baezians and the Chenari, many years earlier.
00:00:11Finally, in the year 2270,
00:00:14Kirk completed his historic five-year mission, and one of the greatest chapters in Starfleet history came to a close.
00:00:22A new chapter began when Kirk regained command of the Enterprise.
00:00:26How many more chapters are there?
00:00:28Thirty-four.
00:00:31This was supposed to be a 20-minute presentation.
00:00:33I was trying to be thorough.
00:00:36I-I could shorten the report.
00:00:38That won't be necessary.
00:00:40You obviously know the subject matter.
00:00:42Congratulations, Cadet.
00:00:44You have just passed Early Starfleet History.
00:00:48Thank you, Captain.
00:00:58I would've failed him.
00:01:01Kirk may have been a lowly human, but at least he had pizzazz.
00:01:05That report made him sound about as exciting as a Vulcan funeral dirge.
00:01:09Janeway to Security.
00:01:11Don't bother.
00:01:12I trapped your crew in a temporal loop.
00:01:15They keep experiencing the last 30 seconds over and over.
00:01:18Almost as monotonous as drone boy's essay.
00:01:20Who are you?
00:01:22I know he's grown since you last saw him, Kathy, but don't tell me you can't see the family resemblance.
00:01:29This is my son...
00:01:31Q.
00:03:24I'm a little hurt you didn't recognize Junior.
00:03:26You are his godmother, after all.
00:03:27The last time I saw him, he was an infant.
00:03:29Four years ago in human time.
00:03:31You called me "adorable."
00:03:32You remember?
00:03:34I may have looked like an infant, but I was still a Q.
00:03:37Maybe you should've picked a better godparent.
00:03:39I wonder if it's too late to ask Jean-Luc.
00:03:40What do you want, Q?
00:03:42Oh, Junior's taking a little vacation from the Continuum.
00:03:45-I recommended he spend it with you. -Why?
00:03:47Oh, he's always been fascinated by the old man's stories about humanity.
00:03:52I thought it was time he had some firsthand experience.
00:03:55I am flattered that you would entrust me with your firstborn, but I really don't have time.
00:04:00He's as quiet as a Zyznian church mouse.
00:04:03You'll forget he's even here.
00:04:07[sighing] Well, if you're going to stay, we'll need to lay down a few ground rules.
00:04:13[laughs]
00:04:16I make my own rules.
00:04:20[sighs]
00:04:22[Tuvok] I'm not detecting either Q.
00:04:24I want to be alerted if they resurface.
00:04:26Keep running scans.
00:04:28Scan, scan, scan.
00:04:30That's all you people ever do.
00:04:31I've been through every deck on this ship, and do you know what I've seen?
00:04:36Bipeds pushing buttons, bipeds replacing relays, bipeds running diagnostics.
00:04:43When are you going to do something interesting?
00:04:45Say hello to Q, everyone.
00:04:49We could fly into fluidic space and fight species 8472... or we could detonate a few Omega molecules.
00:04:57What do you say?
00:04:59No.
00:05:0220 minutes observing humanity. I'm already bored.
00:05:05I guess I'm just going to have to amuse myself.
00:05:09Torres to the Captain.
00:05:11I need you in Engineering.
00:05:13[sighs]
00:05:14[harsh techno dance music blaring]
00:05:28One dance, B'Elanna!
00:05:30That's all I ask-- one dance.
00:05:43If he doesn't stop his little light show, the warp core's going to breach.
00:05:46Relax. It's a party.
00:05:48This party is over.
00:05:50Get your... guests off my ship.
00:05:53I like you, Aunt Kathy.
00:05:54You've got gumption, but what you don't have is unlimited control of space, matter and time, which means I give the orders around here.
00:06:06I could assemble a security team and attempt to take Engineering by force.
00:06:10We all know that wouldn't do any good.
00:06:12Besides, I'll bet that's exactly the kind of reaction he's hoping for.
00:06:16He's doing everything he can to get under our skin.
00:06:19If we deny him the satisfaction of a response, he may become bored and return to the Continuum.
00:06:28[Q2] Talk about perfection.
00:06:32If you're attempting to embarrass me, you won't succeed.
00:06:35I'm just observing humanity.
00:06:41Aren't you going to scamper away, make some futile attempt to cover yourself?
00:07:04Coffee, black.
00:07:05[Computer] Make it yourself.
00:07:07[Neelix] You can thank Q's son.
00:07:10He thought the computer needed more personality.
00:07:13Charming.
00:07:16I've been giving some thought to the Q situation.
00:07:21Maybe ignoring him isn't the best solution.
00:07:24I'm open to suggestions.
00:07:29He may be omnipotent, but he's still a young man in need of guidance.
00:07:34Perhaps if someone were to approach him as a friend.
00:07:37You think he needs a mentor.
00:07:38-Exactly. -Are you volunteering?
00:07:41Well, I am good with children.
00:07:43[chuckles] Q is no ordinary child.
00:07:47I'm no ordinary mentor.
00:07:57Can I help you, Kitchen Rat?
00:08:00I thought you and I could spend some time together.
00:08:02Ha! Excellent maneuver.
00:08:05What are you watching?
00:08:06What's it look like?
00:08:08It's a battle between the Vojeans and the Wyngari.
00:08:10We passed through that region a few months ago.
00:08:17They were at peace.
00:08:19Not anymore. Watch this.
00:08:25You have to stop this.
00:08:27It's not like there's anything else to do.
00:08:29We could play Kadis-Kot.
00:08:31Are there explosions in Kadis-Kot?
00:08:33-Well, no... -Then I'm not interested.
00:08:42Instead of hurting people, maybe you could help them.
00:08:47The Wyngari are suffering a food shortage on their world.
00:08:50-Maybe you could use your powers to... -You know what, Talaxian?
00:08:55You talk too much.
00:08:57[Doctor] His jaw's been fused and his vocal cords removed.
00:09:03I might be able to undo some of the cosmetic damage, but only Q can restore his voice.
00:09:10Janeway to the Bridge. Report.
00:09:11[Q2] I've got a surprise for you, Captain. Come see.
00:09:17Q said I should pay attention to how you humans act under pressure.
00:09:28Is this enough pressure?
00:09:42We're venting plasma.
00:09:43Reroute power to aft shields and return fire.
00:09:46You're just prolonging the inevitable.
00:09:48We've defeated the Borg before. We'll do it again.
00:09:51Not this time.
00:09:54Weapons are off-line.
00:09:56I'm losing thrusters.
00:09:57Shields are down.
00:10:12We were just getting to the good part.
00:10:14If the Continuum's told you once, they've told you a thousand times...
00:10:18Don't provoke the Borg!
00:10:22Now... I want you to give Aunt Kathy your word,
00:10:25-you won't do it again. -Oh, he won't do it again, because he's leaving now.
00:10:31Excuse us, son.
00:10:33The grownups need a moment in private.
00:10:39He isn't so bad, once you get to know him.
00:10:41He's just misunderstood.
00:10:42He tried to kill my crew.
00:10:45No one was hurt.
00:10:46I-I repaired the damage to your ship.
00:10:48I even gave your pet Talaxian his vocal cords back.
00:10:50Everything's exactly as it was.
00:10:52And how long do you think it will take your... son to come up with another way to amuse himself?
00:10:58Oh...
00:11:01If you knew he was dangerous, why did you send him here?
00:11:04Ah, is this another lesson for humanity?
00:11:07It's supposed to be a lesson for him.
00:11:09Think back to my last visit.
00:11:11I made you the offer of a lifetime.
00:11:13Asking me to mate with you was hardly the offer of a lifetime.
00:11:16If you hadn't turned me down, I wouldn't have been forced to mate
00:11:18-with that other Q. -Oh, get to the point.
00:11:19My point is, Junior was supposed to inspire peace and compassion, but instead of order, he's brought chaos.
00:11:27He's been starting wars among innocent species, tampering with primordial gene pools, punching holes in the fabric of space-time.
00:11:34Where's his mother been during all this?
00:11:36She's been so humiliated by his antics, she's disowned him, and she's blamed me for everything.
00:11:42I've managed to undo most of the damage, but that wasn't good enough for the Continuum.
00:11:46They're hounding me to straighten the boy out.
00:11:49That's why I brought him here, in hopes that your vaunted Starfleet ideals would rub off on him.
00:11:56Obviously, that hasn't happened.
00:11:58You can't just dump your child on someone and hope he learns something.
00:12:02-I can't? -He needs to be parented.
00:12:04And how exactly am I supposed to do that?
00:12:07Q is the first child born in the Continuum, which makes me the first parent.
00:12:11I don't even know where to begin.
00:12:13You could start by spending time with him.
00:12:16[groans]
00:12:17Parenthood is more than just cleaning up your child's messes.
00:12:22You need to set an example.
00:12:24It's the only way he'll learn.
00:12:26Of course.
00:12:27Once he begins to know me better, he'll idolize me.
00:12:30Then he'll do anything I say.
00:12:32Kathy.
00:12:35You're a genius.
00:12:39[Paris] I've made a full sensor sweep.
00:12:42There's no sign of any more Borg vessels.
00:12:46-The boy? -He's gone.
00:12:48[sighs] I am going to my quarters.
00:12:51You have the Bridge.
00:13:00[gasps]
00:13:01I take it back-- you're not a genius.
00:13:03I should've known better than to take the advice of a human.
00:13:06Q!
00:13:07Your brilliant plan didn't work.
00:13:09I smothered the boy with attention, spent every waking moment with him, but things only got worse.
00:13:14You've been gone for less than ten minutes.
00:13:17On your temporal plane, maybe, but in Q time, we've spent years together.
00:13:22Now he's embarrassed to be seen with me, and it's all your fault.
00:13:26My fault?
00:13:27Tell me how you plan to rectify the situation.
00:13:31[sighs]
00:13:33What happened after you left Voyager?
00:13:36Well, Q got away from me and rearranged the tectonic plates on Bozel Prime.
00:13:42Did you punish him?
00:13:43Well, I tried to get him to apologize to all 16 billion Bozelians, but he got angry and stopped talking to me.
00:13:50So you gave in to him.
00:13:52I told him he could shift as many continents as he liked, as long as no one got hurt.
00:13:58You're not going to do your son any favors by indulging him.
00:14:02-[scoffs] -You need to make him understand that there are consequences to his actions.
00:14:07Consequences?
00:14:09Hmm.
00:14:11Kathy, I take it back.
00:14:13You are a genius.
00:14:24I think that's long enough.
00:14:29What was that for?
00:14:31What's wrong-- you didn't enjoy life as an Oprelian amoeba?
00:14:34No. I was shapeless and slimy.
00:14:38The only thing to eat was paramecia.
00:14:40-[spits] -Sounds unpleasant.
00:14:43I'm sure you'll do whatever you can to avoid returning to that petri dish.
00:14:47What are you talking about?
00:14:48The Continuum and I have come to an agreement about your future.
00:14:53Either you become an upstanding citizen of the cosmos, or you'll be sentenced to eternity as an amoeba.
00:15:00How's that for consequences?
00:15:02You'd turn your own son into a microscopic life-form?
00:15:07You have one week to change your ways.
00:15:09I suggest you make the most of it.
00:15:12Fine.
00:15:13I'll see you in seven days.
00:15:18[laughing]
00:15:20We've temporarily relieved you of your powers, to ensure that you're on your best behavior with the Captain.
00:15:27You're leaving me here?
00:15:28I thought we agreed that you were going to take a more active role.
00:15:32I'd like to, Kathy, but we both know that you're a million times the parent I am.
00:15:38I'm not a parent.
00:15:40Well, maybe not in a biological sense, but you're certainly a mommy to this crew.
00:15:45Just look how quickly you housebroke that Borg drone.
00:15:47It's taken years... for Seven to become an individual.
00:15:52You're asking me to change your son in one week?
00:15:56I'm sure you'll think of something.
00:15:59What if she doesn't?
00:16:01Then it's single-cellular city for you, my boy.
00:16:07I'm getting off this ship.
00:16:14Janeway to Security.
00:16:17What you no longer have, Q, is unlimited control of space, matter and time, which means I give the orders around here.
00:16:25Do I make myself clear?
00:16:29Your quarters.
00:16:39[laughs]
00:16:40The petri dish was less cramped.
00:16:42Get some sleep, you're going to need it.
00:16:44What for?
00:16:45I'm preparing a curriculum for you to follow while you're here.
00:16:49You're going to learn respect and responsibility.
00:16:52Don't tell me you're actually going through with Q's plan.
00:16:56I may not approve of his methods, but, for once, his heart seems to be in the right place.
00:17:02I think his desire to help you is genuine.
00:17:05He abandoned me on an antiquated flying machine run by primates.
00:17:10We primates are your only hope.
00:17:16Seven days?
00:17:19How hard could it be?
00:17:26Seven of Nine will be instructing you in spatial causality.
00:17:29You will learn how your actions can have widespread repercussions.
00:17:32I read the padd.
00:17:33You're going to tell me how I can't create anomaly A without causing phenomenon B, which, in turn, affects civilization C, right?
00:17:45I'm Icheb.
00:17:46Oh, I know who you are.
00:17:48You're the drone with the Kirk fixation.
00:17:50You would be wise to follow Icheb's example.
00:17:52By applying himself, he's become a valued member of this crew.
00:17:56Can I see you naked again?
00:18:07Computer, run Diplomacy Scenario 12-Alpha.
00:18:10[holodeck doors open]
00:18:12[Man] The planetoid is in Nausicaan space.
00:18:14-It belongs to us now. -After you.
00:18:16Come anywhere near it, and we'll attack you.
00:18:18You can't intimidate us.
00:18:20We've as much right to mine that dilithium as you do!
00:18:23What are you doing here, Starfleet?
00:18:26Computer, freeze program.
00:18:30I assume you're familiar with these species.
00:18:31Nausicaan, Bolian, Cardassian, Romulan,
00:18:34Ferengi, and Bajoran.
00:18:36They're fighting over the mining rights to a planetoid.
00:18:39Your job is to settle the dispute.
00:18:42These aliens mean nothing to me.
00:18:44What do I care if they can't get along?
00:18:47One of your responsibilities as a Q is to maintain order in the universe, right?
00:18:51So I've been told.
00:18:53Well, if you can't help these races come to an agreement, there might be a war.
00:18:58The Alpha Quadrant would be thrown into chaos.
00:19:03Why don't we try running the first scenario together?
00:19:07I don't need your help.
00:19:09I can do this myself.
00:19:13If you want to try... be my guest.
00:19:16I'll be back in 30 minutes to check on your progress.
00:19:20And remember--
00:19:22Security is right outside.
00:19:29Computer, resume program.
00:19:31The planetoid is in Nausicaan space.
00:19:34-It belongs to us now. -You can't intimidate us.
00:19:37We have as much right to mine that dilithium as you do.
00:19:43Aren't you supposed to be supervising our young guest?
00:19:47He says he doesn't need supervision.
00:19:49And you accepted that?
00:19:50Of course not.
00:19:51I'm just giving him the chance to fail.
00:19:54Then he'll have to ask for some help.
00:19:56Sounds like a good strategy. Let me know how it goes.
00:19:59[applause]
00:20:02[indistinct conversation]
00:20:04Settling the planetoid predicament didn't take very long, so I used the rest of the time to convince the Cardassian to apologize for the occupation of Bajor.
00:20:13How's that for order in the universe?
00:20:17Welcome. It's so nice to see you this evening.
00:20:20I hope you're hungry. Step right up.
00:20:23There's plenty for everyone. Enjoy!
00:20:26Do you ever stop?
00:20:28Oh, I'm sorry.
00:20:31I forgot.
00:20:32My talking annoys you.
00:20:34Too bad you can't just... [snaps fingers]
00:20:37...shut me up again, huh?
00:20:40Crewman Biddle, where have you been hiding yourself?
00:20:44-I haven't seen you in days! -If it isn't drone boy.
00:20:47You come to put me to sleep with another one of your presentations?
00:20:50Actually, I was wondering if you'd like to participate in some recreational activities.
00:20:54I don't have the time.
00:20:56Aunt Kathy's forcing me to write an historical essay on the Q Continuum.
00:21:00That's a challenging subject.
00:21:02I've never written an essay before. I don't know where to start.
00:21:06The origin of the Q seems like the most logical place, followed by an analysis of their interaction with humanity.
00:21:13You could conclude with a description of the events that led you to Voyager.
00:21:17Would you mind writing some of this down for me?
00:21:19I'll get a padd.
00:21:24Insightful, informative.
00:21:28I'm impressed.
00:21:30-Too bad you didn't write it. -What do you mean?
00:21:33I'd recognize Icheb's style anywhere.
00:21:37He gave me a few notes on my first draft, that's all.
00:21:41I negotiated a peace treaty between six belligerent species in just 13 minutes.
00:21:47When Commander Chakotay left the room, you altered their personality subroutines to make them more agreeable.
00:21:55We may be common bipeds, but we're not stupid.
00:22:01Your training is over. Go back to your room and wait for your father to return.
00:22:05If you don't help me, the Continuum will turn me into an amoeba.
00:22:09I wanted to help you, but instead of trying to live up to your potential, you cheated.
00:22:15Do you think it's easy to live up to my potential?
00:22:18I was supposed to be the savior of the Q Continuum.
00:22:22Tell me, how do you save a race that's already omnipotent?
00:22:25Those were the Qs' expectations, not mine.
00:22:29All I asked was that you make a sincere effort, but you weren't even willing to try.
00:22:34Please, Aunt Kathy... you're my only hope.
00:22:39Well, I'm glad you finally realize that.
00:22:43Now, if your motives are sincere,
00:22:46I'm willing to give you another chance.
00:22:48But step out of line again, and I'm through with you, understood?
00:22:52Understood.
00:22:53Dismissed!
00:23:08Captain's Log, Stardate 54704.5.
00:23:12It's been four days since my ultimatum to the young Q,
00:23:15and he appears to be making progress.
00:23:17His instructors inform me that he's taking on
00:23:19his assignments with new determination,
00:23:21and he's made a concerted effort to be more courteous to the crew.
00:23:24It's hard to believe this is the same brazen young man
00:23:27that came aboard a few days ago.
00:23:29[Q2] Captain?
00:23:31This is for you.
00:23:33It's a new draft of my essay.
00:23:35I know you didn't ask for one, but I felt I owed it to you for giving me a second chance.
00:23:40"I, Q: An Insider's View of the Continuum."
00:23:45If the essay is half as clever as the title,
00:23:47I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
00:23:52Lieutenant Paris has offered to give me a piloting lesson.
00:23:55I thought you might like to join us.
00:23:56Oh, thanks, but I have to help Crewman Chell scrub the plasma conduits.
00:24:01I think you've earned a break.
00:24:04This is the only time off I'm giving you.
00:24:06I suggest you take advantage of it.
00:24:07Yes, ma'am.
00:24:11[Q2] Piloting lesson, huh? Where are we going?
00:24:20Steady...
00:24:22Ease up a little on the thrusters.
00:24:26In case you forgot, I'm mortal now.
00:24:29I'd appreciate it if you didn't fly us into a rock.
00:24:33Maybe Q could take over for a little while.
00:24:36What do you say? You want a turn at the wheel?
00:24:38Ordinarily, a Q wouldn't demean himself by operating primitive machinery, but these aren't ordinary circumstances.
00:24:48[chuckles]
00:24:49[clears throat]
00:24:52[alarm beeps]
00:24:54Uh, did I do something wrong?
00:24:55Just a little ion imbalance in the impulse drive.
00:24:59Nothing to worry about.
00:25:01Well, it's very distracting. Can't you fix it?
00:25:03Well, I could, but we'd have to go back to Voyager and run diagnostics.
00:25:07If you two don't mind cutting your lesson a little short.
00:25:12That won't be necessary.
00:25:14In fact, I barely hear it anymore. Do you hear it?
00:25:17-Hear what? -[laughs]
00:25:24-Going up? -I'll catch the next one.
00:25:26Hmm.
00:25:29[sighs]
00:25:37Oh, you can't get away from me that easily.
00:25:39It's only been five days. Why are you back?
00:25:41Oh, I thought I'd just pop in and check on Junior.
00:25:44I'm not an entirely uninvolved father, you know.
00:25:46Well, he got off to a pretty shaky start,
00:25:49-but he's made some progress since then. -Really!
00:25:51He's been working extremely hard.
00:25:54We're talking about the same Q?
00:25:56If you don't believe me, maybe you should see for yourself.
00:26:01The Continuum has been perceived in a variety of ways-- a dreary desert road, a blood-soaked battleground-- but with the help of Voyager's crew,
00:26:09I've begun to perceive it in another context-- a home.
00:26:12I look forward to the day when I return there and make that perception a reality.
00:26:21Well?
00:26:23Huh?
00:26:24What did you think?
00:26:26Oh, it's very nice.
00:26:27Nice?
00:26:29Yes, I especially liked the part about the Continuum.
00:26:32The entire essay was about the Continuum.
00:26:35Yes, and it's very nice.
00:26:38I'm late for my temporal mechanics lesson.
00:26:40Q...
00:26:43Well, if there's nothing else, I'll be on my way.
00:26:45He worked so hard on that paper.
00:26:47The least you could have done was tell him you were proud of him.
00:26:50But I'm not.
00:26:51[groans]
00:26:52And frankly, it's a little hard to be impressed with any of the boy's accomplishments.
00:26:57He's been here for five days, and what have you taught him?
00:27:00How to scribble essays and play with holograms.
00:27:02What's next, basket weaving?
00:27:04Whether you're willing to admit it or not, your son has made progress here. He has the potential to be a better Q than you will ever be.
00:27:10Potential isn't going to be enough for the Continuum.
00:27:13Then what will be enough?
00:27:15The boy needs to demonstrate nothing less than... exemplary Q-ness.
00:27:19And what exactly is Q-ness?
00:27:21Oh, it's impossible for your minuscule mind to comprehend, but I know Q-ness when I see it, and this... is not it.
00:27:30[Q teleports]
00:27:38[door chimes]
00:27:45[sighs]
00:27:46Come in.
00:27:50I wanted to see how you were.
00:27:54I'm perfectly fine.
00:27:56Why wouldn't I be?
00:27:58I thought you might be upset by Q's reaction to your essay.
00:28:04He's impossible to please.
00:28:06I don't care what he thinks.
00:28:14We have two days left.
00:28:15Let's make the most of them.
00:28:21Aunt Kathy... do you think the Continuum will be any more impressed with me than Q was?
00:28:29That's what I thought.
00:28:35If the Continuum decides they won't take you back,
00:28:39I'll ask them to let you stay here.
00:28:43I don't think they care where an amoeba spends eternity.
00:28:45That's not what I meant.
00:28:49I'll ask them to let you remain human.
00:28:55I appreciate that... but I don't want to be human.
00:29:02I want to be a Q... like my father.
00:29:16[Q2] Itchy! Are you in here? Itchy?
00:29:20What can I do for you, Q-Ball?
00:29:23I need your help.
00:29:29Remember that ion imbalance
00:29:32Lieutenant Paris mentioned during our lesson?
00:29:34We're going to repair it for him.
00:29:36Did you get permission?
00:29:37That would ruin the surprise.
00:29:39The surprise?
00:29:41The Captain's been encouraging me to take more initiative.
00:29:43I want to show her I can do things for others without being asked.
00:29:47I'll help you, on one condition.
00:29:50Name it.
00:29:51You won't refer to me as "Itchy" in front of the senior officers.
00:29:58I've realigned the last pair of power couplings.
00:30:02You can start the preignition sequence.
00:30:05Understood.
00:30:10I'm not detecting any ion fluctuations.
00:30:14We did it.
00:30:15You can power down the engine now.
00:30:17[engine rumbling]
00:30:20Q?
00:30:23What are you doing?
00:30:26You're gonna love this.
00:30:27I once learned how to open a spatial flexure, using nothing more than a deflector array.
00:30:33"Flexure"?
00:30:34It's like a tunnel through space.
00:30:36I'm going to open one to the Clevari system.
00:30:39Just wait till you see the females. They're spectacular.
00:30:41We need the Captain's permission to leave Voyager.
00:30:44Do you think she'd give it to us?
00:30:46No.
00:30:47Then there's no point in asking.
00:30:50You've been doing so well.
00:30:52Why break the rules now?
00:30:55I'm bored.
00:30:56Icheb to Security.
00:30:58They can't hear you.
00:31:00I've dampened all outgoing communications.
00:31:05Just sit back, Itchy.
00:31:07Enjoy the ride.
00:31:19What's the real reason you're doing this?
00:31:21I'm getting out of here before my father can put me back in that petri dish.
00:31:24The Q are omnipotent. They'll find you.
00:31:28I may not have my powers anymore, but I know plenty of cosmic nooks and crannies we can hide in.
00:31:35Voyager has locked onto us with a tractor beam.
00:31:37They're so predictable.
00:31:41They're opening some sort of spatial rift off their port bow.
00:31:44It's disrupting the tractor beam.
00:31:46Compensate.
00:31:56They're gone.
00:32:01[sighs]
00:32:11Welcome to the Clevari system.
00:32:16What would you like to do first?
00:32:17Take a dip with the mermaids of Golos Prime?
00:32:20Challenge the warrior goddess of Fekdar to a grappling contest?
00:32:23What I want is to return to Voyager.
00:32:25Forget that dreary ship, with its rules and regulations.
00:32:29We can do anything we want here.
00:32:31Go back to Voyager.
00:32:33Apologize to the Captain. She'll help you.
00:32:35It's too late. She said one more violation,
00:32:38I'll be thrown off her ship. I'm pretty sure this qualifies.
00:32:40[alarm beeping]
00:32:44What's wrong?
00:32:46There's a vessel approaching.
00:32:52You're trespassing in Chokuzan space.
00:32:54We were just leaving.
00:32:56Our laws require that you be incarcerated,
00:32:58pending an investigation.
00:33:00How long will that take?
00:33:02Disengage your engines and prepare to be boarded.
00:33:06We should do as he says.
00:33:09Why, just because he has a bigger ship?
00:33:12Because Captain Janeway has taught us to respect the laws of other cultures.
00:33:16I should have known better than to bring you along.
00:33:25You're going to get us killed!
00:33:27Did you expect me to surrender?
00:33:28He might have locked us up for years.
00:33:30You don't know that.
00:33:32There's no time for a debate. I need you at Tactical.
00:33:40Shields are down to 30 percent.
00:33:44-Sixteen percent. -I'm opening another flexure!
00:33:46We'll go to the Zozek system.
00:33:48The girls aren't as attractive, but we have to make some compromises.
00:33:55[grunting]
00:33:59Icheb!
00:34:02I'm detecting another rift forming... approximately 5,000 kilometers directly ahead.
00:34:08A vessel is emerging.
00:34:10-It's the Flyer. -They're hailing.
00:34:12-On screen. -Aunt Kathy...
00:34:14-Don't you "Aunt Kathy" me. -Yell at me later.
00:34:17We need to get Icheb to Sick Bay.
00:34:22His cells are being necrotized by some form of omicron radiation, but I can't treat his injuries without knowing more
00:34:29-about the weapon that caused them. -[portal opening]
00:34:33Is this a bad time?
00:34:35Tell him.
00:34:38Icheb stole a shuttle from Voyager.
00:34:41I tried to stop him, but he kidnapped me, and he started a fight with another ship.
00:34:45He stole the shuttle, and he attacked the other vessel.
00:34:48Is that true, son?
00:34:51Please, Q, just save him.
00:34:53Don't be absurd.
00:34:55You're not going to help him?
00:34:57Like Aunt Kathy said, you're never going to learn anything if you don't face the consequences of your actions.
00:35:02If your little playmate has to die to teach you a lesson, so be it.
00:35:13I know you can hear me, Q.
00:35:15-Come back! Q! -You're wasting your time.
00:35:19He's the only one who can save Icheb.
00:35:22No, he isn't.
00:35:26You're going back to that ship you attacked.
00:35:28You're going to apologize for what you did, and you're going to plead with them for the information we need to save Icheb.
00:35:34Look at what they did to him.
00:35:36If I go back, they'll do the same to me.
00:35:38[Doctor] What do you care?
00:35:39By this time tomorrow, you'll be an amoeba.
00:35:41Well, I'd rather be an amoeba than a corpse!
00:35:43That would be easier, wouldn't it?
00:35:45No expectations to live up to. No one to disappoint.
00:35:49[sighs]
00:35:51I'm a failure as a Q and a human.
00:35:54If I'm a single-celled organism, at least I can't hurt anybody.
00:35:57Why did you come back here?
00:36:00To escape the Chokuzan.
00:36:03You could've used your technology to take you anywhere, but you came back here to us.
00:36:09Why?
00:36:12I probably hit the wrong control.
00:36:15[sighs]
00:36:16Icheb is the only friend I've ever had.
00:36:20I brought him back here because I thought you could save him.
00:36:23Obviously, I was mistaken.
00:36:24The only mistake you made was running away.
00:36:27You have a chance to do the right thing now.
00:36:30Don't waste it.
00:36:40The attack on your vessel was entirely my fault.
00:36:43Icheb had nothing to do with it, but he's the one who's dying.
00:36:47I-I take full responsibility for what happened.
00:36:50I'll do anything you ask.
00:36:52Just help my friend.
00:36:54My crew and I will repair any damage he did to your ship.
00:36:58Are you the adult responsible for this child?
00:37:04I suppose I am.
00:37:06[sighs]
00:37:07We'll accept his apology
00:37:09and give you the information you need to save his accomplice.
00:37:15But you will be punished for their crime.
00:37:20She didn't have anything to do with it.
00:37:22In our culture, adults are accountable
00:37:24for the actions of their children.
00:37:26I attacked your ship.
00:37:28I should be punished for it, not her.
00:37:31You don't even know what the punishment is.
00:37:33It might be torture,
00:37:35or even execution.
00:37:36I don't care, if it means saving my friend.
00:37:43[laughs]
00:37:46Well done, Junior.
00:37:48[laughs]
00:37:50I'm proud of you.
00:37:52Surprise!
00:37:55[laughs]
00:37:56I wish you could see the look on your faces.
00:37:58Oh, wait. You can.
00:38:02We don't have time for your games.
00:38:05We need to find the real people I attacked.
00:38:07You just did.
00:38:08I was the Chokuzan you fired on.
00:38:11What kind of horrible joke...?
00:38:13Not a joke. A test.
00:38:15I knew the pathetic little exercises you had him performing would not impress the Continuum.
00:38:21So, when he escaped your clutches, I devised a real test.
00:38:25It was touch and go there for a moment, but you passed with flying colors.
00:38:31What about Icheb?
00:38:32Your Doctor will discover he's made a miraculous recovery.
00:38:35Now then, if we're all finished here, it's Judgment Day for Junior.
00:38:48We're ready, Your Honor.
00:38:50In the case of The Continuum vs. Q, we, the Continuum, have found that Q has not made sufficient progress to warrant the reinstatement of his powers.
00:39:01Objection. What about my test?
00:39:04What about it?
00:39:06Q was willing to sacrifice himself to save his friend.
00:39:08Surely that counts for something.
00:39:10It was Q who endangered the boy's life in the first place.
00:39:14However, in deference to the aforementioned act of contrition, the defendant will not be transformed into an Oprelian amoeba.
00:39:23Oh, good.
00:39:24[Judge] Instead... he will suffer the next worst fate-- remaining human.
00:39:35[booms]
00:39:36Court is adjourned.
00:39:41This is an outrage! They can't do this to me!
00:39:59-[door chimes] -Come in.
00:40:02Do you have a moment?
00:40:07A few days ago, you offered to let me remain on Voyager.
00:40:12I know I've made a few mistakes since then, and you probably don't want me around, but if it's all right with you...
00:40:19I'd like to continue my training.
00:40:22But you have nothing left to prove to the Continuum.
00:40:26But there's a lot I still need to prove to you.
00:40:30What about your father?
00:40:35You don't honestly believe we'll see him again, do you?
00:40:37He obviously doesn't want me around.
00:40:39Why else would he have left me here... twice?
00:40:41[Q teleports]
00:40:43The question you should be asking is why I keep coming back.
00:40:47Now, I'm sorry I left so abruptly, but the Continuum's verdict demanded an immediate appeal.
00:40:52I told them I refuse to belong to any Continuum that wouldn't accept my son as a member.
00:40:59We're a package deal.
00:41:01You left the Continuum for me?
00:41:03Oh, don't be ridiculous. I'm the only one holding that place together.
00:41:06And when they realized they might lose me, they crumbled like a Gelbian sand sculpture.
00:41:13They're going to return my powers?
00:41:15They already have.
00:41:19For you, Captain, for all your help.
00:41:24Thank you.
00:41:29Now that you're a Q again,
00:41:31I thought we might spend some quality time together.
00:41:33I want to show you the cosmos the way it was meant to be seen.
00:41:37We've tried that already.
00:41:38Things will be different this time.
00:41:41I promise.
00:41:45Now run along.
00:41:47I'll meet you on Golos Prime.
00:41:50After I've had a few moments alone with the Captain.
00:41:53I'll see you soon, Aunt Kathy.
00:41:55I certainly hope so.
00:41:59So, the Continuum "crumbled like a Gelbian sand sculpture."
00:42:04Yes.
00:42:05Some of them even got on their knees and begged me to stay.
00:42:08-It was pathetic. -[both laugh]
00:42:13If you must know, I had to agree to a few minor conditions.
00:42:17Oh? Such as?
00:42:19Eternal custody of the boy.
00:42:21[clears throat]
00:42:22Wherever the little brat goes, I go with him.
00:42:24I hope he won't spoil too much of your fun.
00:42:27[chuckles] Oh, before I leave,
00:42:30I did a little homework for you.
00:42:34Consider it a thank you for everything you did for Junior.
00:42:38Not that I don't appreciate it, but this will only take a few years off our journey.
00:42:43Why not send us all the way?
00:42:48What sort of an example would I be setting for my son if I did all the work for you?
00:42:53[Q teleports]
00:42:56[Chuckles]