Home > Star Trek: Voyager

Q2

00:00:01

Though it was a blatant violation of the Prime Directive,

00:00:04

Kirk saved the Pelosians from extinction, just as he had the Baezians and the Chenari, many years earlier.

00:00:11

Finally, in the year 2270,

00:00:14

Kirk completed his historic five-year mission, and one of the greatest chapters in Starfleet history came to a close.

00:00:22

A new chapter began when Kirk regained command of the Enterprise.

00:00:26

How many more chapters are there?

00:00:28

Thirty-four.

00:00:31

This was supposed to be a 20-minute presentation.

00:00:33

I was trying to be thorough.

00:00:36

I-I could shorten the report.

00:00:38

That won't be necessary.

00:00:40

You obviously know the subject matter.

00:00:42

Congratulations, Cadet.

00:00:44

You have just passed Early Starfleet History.

00:00:48

Thank you, Captain.

00:00:58

I would've failed him.

00:01:01

Kirk may have been a lowly human, but at least he had pizzazz.

00:01:05

That report made him sound about as exciting as a Vulcan funeral dirge.

00:01:09

Janeway to Security.

00:01:11

Don't bother.

00:01:12

I trapped your crew in a temporal loop.

00:01:15

They keep experiencing the last 30 seconds over and over.

00:01:18

Almost as monotonous as drone boy's essay.

00:01:20

Who are you?

00:01:22

I know he's grown since you last saw him, Kathy, but don't tell me you can't see the family resemblance.

00:01:29

This is my son...

00:01:31

Q.

00:03:24

I'm a little hurt you didn't recognize Junior.

00:03:26

You are his godmother, after all.

00:03:27

The last time I saw him, he was an infant.

00:03:29

Four years ago in human time.

00:03:31

You called me "adorable."

00:03:32

You remember?

00:03:34

I may have looked like an infant, but I was still a Q.

00:03:37

Maybe you should've picked a better godparent.

00:03:39

I wonder if it's too late to ask Jean-Luc.

00:03:40

What do you want, Q?

00:03:42

Oh, Junior's taking a little vacation from the Continuum.

00:03:45

-I recommended he spend it with you. -Why?

00:03:47

Oh, he's always been fascinated by the old man's stories about humanity.

00:03:52

I thought it was time he had some firsthand experience.

00:03:55

I am flattered that you would entrust me with your firstborn, but I really don't have time.

00:04:00

He's as quiet as a Zyznian church mouse.

00:04:03

You'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]

00:04:16

I make my own rules.

00:04:20

[sighs]

00:04:22

[Tuvok] I'm not detecting either Q.

00:04:24

I want to be alerted if they resurface.

00:04:26

Keep running scans.

00:04:28

Scan, scan, scan.

00:04:30

That's all you people ever do.

00:04:31

I've been through every deck on this ship, and do you know what I've seen?

00:04:36

Bipeds pushing buttons, bipeds replacing relays, bipeds running diagnostics.

00:04:43

When are you going to do something interesting?

00:04:45

Say hello to Q, everyone.

00:04:49

We could fly into fluidic space and fight species 8472... or we could detonate a few Omega molecules.

00:04:57

What do you say?

00:04:59

No.

00:05:02

20 minutes observing humanity. I'm already bored.

00:05:05

I guess I'm just going to have to amuse myself.

00:05:09

Torres to the Captain.

00:05:11

I need you in Engineering.

00:05:13

[sighs]

00:05:14

[harsh techno dance music blaring]

00:05:28

One dance, B'Elanna!

00:05:30

That's all I ask-- one dance.

00:05:43

If he doesn't stop his little light show, the warp core's going to breach.

00:05:46

Relax. It's a party.

00:05:48

This party is over.

00:05:50

Get your... guests off my ship.

00:05:53

I like you, Aunt Kathy.

00:05:54

You'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.

00:06:06

I could assemble a security team and attempt to take Engineering by force.

00:06:10

We all know that wouldn't do any good.

00:06:12

Besides, I'll bet that's exactly the kind of reaction he's hoping for.

00:06:16

He's doing everything he can to get under our skin.

00:06:19

If we deny him the satisfaction of a response, he may become bored and return to the Continuum.

00:06:28

[Q2] Talk about perfection.

00:06:32

If you're attempting to embarrass me, you won't succeed.

00:06:35

I'm just observing humanity.

00:06:41

Aren't you going to scamper away, make some futile attempt to cover yourself?

00:07:04

Coffee, black.

00:07:05

[Computer] Make it yourself.

00:07:07

[Neelix] You can thank Q's son.

00:07:10

He thought the computer needed more personality.

00:07:13

Charming.

00:07:16

I've been giving some thought to the Q situation.

00:07:21

Maybe ignoring him isn't the best solution.

00:07:24

I'm open to suggestions.

00:07:29

He may be omnipotent, but he's still a young man in need of guidance.

00:07:34

Perhaps if someone were to approach him as a friend.

00:07:37

You think he needs a mentor.

00:07:38

-Exactly. -Are you volunteering?

00:07:41

Well, I am good with children.

00:07:43

[chuckles] Q is no ordinary child.

00:07:47

I'm no ordinary mentor.

00:07:57

Can I help you, Kitchen Rat?

00:08:00

I thought you and I could spend some time together.

00:08:02

Ha! Excellent maneuver.

00:08:05

What are you watching?

00:08:06

What's it look like?

00:08:08

It's a battle between the Vojeans and the Wyngari.

00:08:10

We passed through that region a few months ago.

00:08:17

They were at peace.

00:08:19

Not anymore. Watch this.

00:08:25

You have to stop this.

00:08:27

It's not like there's anything else to do.

00:08:29

We could play Kadis-Kot.

00:08:31

Are there explosions in Kadis-Kot?

00:08:33

-Well, no... -Then I'm not interested.

00:08:42

Instead of hurting people, maybe you could help them.

00:08:47

The Wyngari are suffering a food shortage on their world.

00:08:50

-Maybe you could use your powers to... -You know what, Talaxian?

00:08:55

You talk too much.

00:08:57

[Doctor] His jaw's been fused and his vocal cords removed.

00:09:03

I might be able to undo some of the cosmetic damage, but only Q can restore his voice.

00:09:10

Janeway to the Bridge. Report.

00:09:11

[Q2] I've got a surprise for you, Captain. Come see.

00:09:17

Q said I should pay attention to how you humans act under pressure.

00:09:28

Is this enough pressure?

00:09:42

We're venting plasma.

00:09:43

Reroute power to aft shields and return fire.

00:09:46

You're just prolonging the inevitable.

00:09:48

We've defeated the Borg before. We'll do it again.

00:09:51

Not this time.

00:09:54

Weapons are off-line.

00:09:56

I'm losing thrusters.

00:09:57

Shields are down.

00:10:12

We were just getting to the good part.

00:10:14

If the Continuum's told you once, they've told you a thousand times...

00:10:18

Don't provoke the Borg!

00:10:22

Now... 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.

00:10:31

Excuse us, son.

00:10:33

The grownups need a moment in private.

00:10:39

He isn't so bad, once you get to know him.

00:10:41

He's just misunderstood.

00:10:42

He tried to kill my crew.

00:10:45

No one was hurt.

00:10:46

I-I repaired the damage to your ship.

00:10:48

I even gave your pet Talaxian his vocal cords back.

00:10:50

Everything's exactly as it was.

00:10:52

And how long do you think it will take your... son to come up with another way to amuse himself?

00:10:58

Oh...

00:11:01

If you knew he was dangerous, why did you send him here?

00:11:04

Ah, is this another lesson for humanity?

00:11:07

It's supposed to be a lesson for him.

00:11:09

Think back to my last visit.

00:11:11

I made you the offer of a lifetime.

00:11:13

Asking me to mate with you was hardly the offer of a lifetime.

00:11:16

If 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.

00:11:19

My point is, Junior was supposed to inspire peace and compassion, but instead of order, he's brought chaos.

00:11:27

He's been starting wars among innocent species, tampering with primordial gene pools, punching holes in the fabric of space-time.

00:11:34

Where's his mother been during all this?

00:11:36

She's been so humiliated by his antics, she's disowned him, and she's blamed me for everything.

00:11:42

I've managed to undo most of the damage, but that wasn't good enough for the Continuum.

00:11:46

They're hounding me to straighten the boy out.

00:11:49

That's why I brought him here, in hopes that your vaunted Starfleet ideals would rub off on him.

00:11:56

Obviously, that hasn't happened.

00:11:58

You can't just dump your child on someone and hope he learns something.

00:12:02

-I can't? -He needs to be parented.

00:12:04

And how exactly am I supposed to do that?

00:12:07

Q is the first child born in the Continuum, which makes me the first parent.

00:12:11

I don't even know where to begin.

00:12:13

You could start by spending time with him.

00:12:16

[groans]

00:12:17

Parenthood is more than just cleaning up your child's messes.

00:12:22

You need to set an example.

00:12:24

It's the only way he'll learn.

00:12:26

Of course.

00:12:27

Once he begins to know me better, he'll idolize me.

00:12:30

Then he'll do anything I say.

00:12:32

Kathy.

00:12:35

You're a genius.

00:12:39

[Paris] I've made a full sensor sweep.

00:12:42

There'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.

00:12:51

You have the Bridge.

00:13:00

[gasps]

00:13:01

I take it back-- you're not a genius.

00:13:03

I should've known better than to take the advice of a human.

00:13:06

Q!

00:13:07

Your brilliant plan didn't work.

00:13:09

I smothered the boy with attention, spent every waking moment with him, but things only got worse.

00:13:14

You've been gone for less than ten minutes.

00:13:17

On your temporal plane, maybe, but in Q time, we've spent years together.

00:13:22

Now he's embarrassed to be seen with me, and it's all your fault.

00:13:26

My fault?

00:13:27

Tell me how you plan to rectify the situation.

00:13:31

[sighs]

00:13:33

What happened after you left Voyager?

00:13:36

Well, Q got away from me and rearranged the tectonic plates on Bozel Prime.

00:13:42

Did you punish him?

00:13:43

Well, I tried to get him to apologize to all 16 billion Bozelians, but he got angry and stopped talking to me.

00:13:50

So you gave in to him.

00:13:52

I told him he could shift as many continents as he liked, as long as no one got hurt.

00:13:58

You'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.

00:14:07

Consequences?

00:14:09

Hmm.

00:14:11

Kathy, I take it back.

00:14:13

You are a genius.

00:14:24

I think that's long enough.

00:14:29

What was that for?

00:14:31

What's wrong-- you didn't enjoy life as an Oprelian amoeba?

00:14:34

No. I was shapeless and slimy.

00:14:38

The only thing to eat was paramecia.

00:14:40

-[spits] -Sounds unpleasant.

00:14:43

I'm sure you'll do whatever you can to avoid returning to that petri dish.

00:14:47

What are you talking about?

00:14:48

The Continuum and I have come to an agreement about your future.

00:14:53

Either you become an upstanding citizen of the cosmos, or you'll be sentenced to eternity as an amoeba.

00:15:00

How's that for consequences?

00:15:02

You'd turn your own son into a microscopic life-form?

00:15:07

You have one week to change your ways.

00:15:09

I suggest you make the most of it.

00:15:12

Fine.

00:15:13

I'll see you in seven days.

00:15:18

[laughing]

00:15:20

We've temporarily relieved you of your powers, to ensure that you're on your best behavior with the Captain.

00:15:27

You're leaving me here?

00:15:28

I thought we agreed that you were going to take a more active role.

00:15:32

I'd like to, Kathy, but we both know that you're a million times the parent I am.

00:15:38

I'm not a parent.

00:15:40

Well, maybe not in a biological sense, but you're certainly a mommy to this crew.

00:15:45

Just look how quickly you housebroke that Borg drone.

00:15:47

It's taken years... for Seven to become an individual.

00:15:52

You're asking me to change your son in one week?

00:15:56

I'm sure you'll think of something.

00:15:59

What if she doesn't?

00:16:01

Then it's single-cellular city for you, my boy.

00:16:07

I'm getting off this ship.

00:16:14

Janeway to Security.

00:16:17

What you no longer have, Q, is unlimited control of space, matter and time, which means I give the orders around here.

00:16:25

Do I make myself clear?

00:16:29

Your quarters.

00:16:39

[laughs]

00:16:40

The petri dish was less cramped.

00:16:42

Get some sleep, you're going to need it.

00:16:44

What for?

00:16:45

I'm preparing a curriculum for you to follow while you're here.

00:16:49

You're going to learn respect and responsibility.

00:16:52

Don't tell me you're actually going through with Q's plan.

00:16:56

I may not approve of his methods, but, for once, his heart seems to be in the right place.

00:17:02

I think his desire to help you is genuine.

00:17:05

He abandoned me on an antiquated flying machine run by primates.

00:17:10

We primates are your only hope.

00:17:16

Seven days?

00:17:19

How hard could it be?

00:17:26

Seven of Nine will be instructing you in spatial causality.

00:17:29

You will learn how your actions can have widespread repercussions.

00:17:32

I read the padd.

00:17:33

You're going to tell me how I can't create anomaly A without causing phenomenon B, which, in turn, affects civilization C, right?

00:17:45

I'm Icheb.

00:17:46

Oh, I know who you are.

00:17:48

You're the drone with the Kirk fixation.

00:17:50

You would be wise to follow Icheb's example.

00:17:52

By applying himself, he's become a valued member of this crew.

00:17:56

Can I see you naked again?

00:18:07

Computer, 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.

00:18:16

Come anywhere near it, and we'll attack you.

00:18:18

You can't intimidate us.

00:18:20

We've as much right to mine that dilithium as you do!

00:18:23

What are you doing here, Starfleet?

00:18:26

Computer, freeze program.

00:18:30

I assume you're familiar with these species.

00:18:31

Nausicaan, Bolian, Cardassian, Romulan,

00:18:34

Ferengi, and Bajoran.

00:18:36

They're fighting over the mining rights to a planetoid.

00:18:39

Your job is to settle the dispute.

00:18:42

These aliens mean nothing to me.

00:18:44

What do I care if they can't get along?

00:18:47

One of your responsibilities as a Q is to maintain order in the universe, right?

00:18:51

So I've been told.

00:18:53

Well, if you can't help these races come to an agreement, there might be a war.

00:18:58

The Alpha Quadrant would be thrown into chaos.

00:19:03

Why don't we try running the first scenario together?

00:19:07

I don't need your help.

00:19:09

I can do this myself.

00:19:13

If you want to try... be my guest.

00:19:16

I'll be back in 30 minutes to check on your progress.

00:19:20

And remember--

00:19:22

Security is right outside.

00:19:29

Computer, resume program.

00:19:31

The planetoid is in Nausicaan space.

00:19:34

-It belongs to us now. -You can't intimidate us.

00:19:37

We have as much right to mine that dilithium as you do.

00:19:43

Aren't you supposed to be supervising our young guest?

00:19:47

He says he doesn't need supervision.

00:19:49

And you accepted that?

00:19:50

Of course not.

00:19:51

I'm just giving him the chance to fail.

00:19:54

Then he'll have to ask for some help.

00:19:56

Sounds like a good strategy. Let me know how it goes.

00:19:59

[applause]

00:20:02

[indistinct conversation]

00:20:04

Settling 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.

00:20:13

How's that for order in the universe?

00:20:17

Welcome. It's so nice to see you this evening.

00:20:20

I hope you're hungry. Step right up.

00:20:23

There's plenty for everyone. Enjoy!

00:20:26

Do you ever stop?

00:20:28

Oh, I'm sorry.

00:20:31

I forgot.

00:20:32

My talking annoys you.

00:20:34

Too bad you can't just... [snaps fingers]

00:20:37

...shut me up again, huh?

00:20:40

Crewman Biddle, where have you been hiding yourself?

00:20:44

-I haven't seen you in days! -If it isn't drone boy.

00:20:47

You come to put me to sleep with another one of your presentations?

00:20:50

Actually, I was wondering if you'd like to participate in some recreational activities.

00:20:54

I don't have the time.

00:20:56

Aunt Kathy's forcing me to write an historical essay on the Q Continuum.

00:21:00

That's a challenging subject.

00:21:02

I've never written an essay before. I don't know where to start.

00:21:06

The origin of the Q seems like the most logical place, followed by an analysis of their interaction with humanity.

00:21:13

You could conclude with a description of the events that led you to Voyager.

00:21:17

Would you mind writing some of this down for me?

00:21:19

I'll get a padd.

00:21:24

Insightful, informative.

00:21:28

I'm impressed.

00:21:30

-Too bad you didn't write it. -What do you mean?

00:21:33

I'd recognize Icheb's style anywhere.

00:21:37

He gave me a few notes on my first draft, that's all.

00:21:41

I negotiated a peace treaty between six belligerent species in just 13 minutes.

00:21:47

When Commander Chakotay left the room, you altered their personality subroutines to make them more agreeable.

00:21:55

We may be common bipeds, but we're not stupid.

00:22:01

Your training is over. Go back to your room and wait for your father to return.

00:22:05

If you don't help me, the Continuum will turn me into an amoeba.

00:22:09

I wanted to help you, but instead of trying to live up to your potential, you cheated.

00:22:15

Do you think it's easy to live up to my potential?

00:22:18

I was supposed to be the savior of the Q Continuum.

00:22:22

Tell me, how do you save a race that's already omnipotent?

00:22:25

Those were the Qs' expectations, not mine.

00:22:29

All I asked was that you make a sincere effort, but you weren't even willing to try.

00:22:34

Please, Aunt Kathy... you're my only hope.

00:22:39

Well, I'm glad you finally realize that.

00:22:43

Now, if your motives are sincere,

00:22:46

I'm willing to give you another chance.

00:22:48

But step out of line again, and I'm through with you, understood?

00:22:52

Understood.

00:22:53

Dismissed!

00:23:08

Captain's Log, Stardate 54704.5.

00:23:12

It's been four days since my ultimatum to the young Q,

00:23:15

and he appears to be making progress.

00:23:17

His instructors inform me that he's taking on

00:23:19

his assignments with new determination,

00:23:21

and he's made a concerted effort to be more courteous to the crew.

00:23:24

It's hard to believe this is the same brazen young man

00:23:27

that came aboard a few days ago.

00:23:29

[Q2] Captain?

00:23:31

This is for you.

00:23:33

It's a new draft of my essay.

00:23:35

I 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."

00:23:45

If the essay is half as clever as the title,

00:23:47

I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

00:23:52

Lieutenant Paris has offered to give me a piloting lesson.

00:23:55

I thought you might like to join us.

00:23:56

Oh, thanks, but I have to help Crewman Chell scrub the plasma conduits.

00:24:01

I think you've earned a break.

00:24:04

This is the only time off I'm giving you.

00:24:06

I suggest you take advantage of it.

00:24:07

Yes, ma'am.

00:24:11

[Q2] Piloting lesson, huh? Where are we going?

00:24:20

Steady...

00:24:22

Ease up a little on the thrusters.

00:24:26

In case you forgot, I'm mortal now.

00:24:29

I'd appreciate it if you didn't fly us into a rock.

00:24:33

Maybe Q could take over for a little while.

00:24:36

What do you say? You want a turn at the wheel?

00:24:38

Ordinarily, 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]

00:24:54

Uh, did I do something wrong?

00:24:55

Just a little ion imbalance in the impulse drive.

00:24:59

Nothing to worry about.

00:25:01

Well, it's very distracting. Can't you fix it?

00:25:03

Well, I could, but we'd have to go back to Voyager and run diagnostics.

00:25:07

If you two don't mind cutting your lesson a little short.

00:25:12

That won't be necessary.

00:25:14

In 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.

00:25:26

Hmm.

00:25:29

[sighs]

00:25:37

Oh, you can't get away from me that easily.

00:25:39

It's only been five days. Why are you back?

00:25:41

Oh, I thought I'd just pop in and check on Junior.

00:25:44

I'm not an entirely uninvolved father, you know.

00:25:46

Well, he got off to a pretty shaky start,

00:25:49

-but he's made some progress since then. -Really!

00:25:51

He's been working extremely hard.

00:25:54

We're talking about the same Q?

00:25:56

If you don't believe me, maybe you should see for yourself.

00:26:01

The 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,

00:26:09

I've begun to perceive it in another context-- a home.

00:26:12

I look forward to the day when I return there and make that perception a reality.

00:26:21

Well?

00:26:23

Huh?

00:26:24

What did you think?

00:26:26

Oh, it's very nice.

00:26:27

Nice?

00:26:29

Yes, I especially liked the part about the Continuum.

00:26:32

The entire essay was about the Continuum.

00:26:35

Yes, and it's very nice.

00:26:38

I'm late for my temporal mechanics lesson.

00:26:40

Q...

00:26:43

Well, if there's nothing else, I'll be on my way.

00:26:45

He worked so hard on that paper.

00:26:47

The least you could have done was tell him you were proud of him.

00:26:50

But I'm not.

00:26:51

[groans]

00:26:52

And frankly, it's a little hard to be impressed with any of the boy's accomplishments.

00:26:57

He's been here for five days, and what have you taught him?

00:27:00

How to scribble essays and play with holograms.

00:27:02

What's next, basket weaving?

00:27:04

Whether 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.

00:27:10

Potential isn't going to be enough for the Continuum.

00:27:13

Then what will be enough?

00:27:15

The boy needs to demonstrate nothing less than... exemplary Q-ness.

00:27:19

And what exactly is Q-ness?

00:27:21

Oh, 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]

00:27:46

Come in.

00:27:50

I wanted to see how you were.

00:27:54

I'm perfectly fine.

00:27:56

Why wouldn't I be?

00:27:58

I thought you might be upset by Q's reaction to your essay.

00:28:04

He's impossible to please.

00:28:06

I don't care what he thinks.

00:28:14

We have two days left.

00:28:15

Let's make the most of them.

00:28:21

Aunt Kathy... do you think the Continuum will be any more impressed with me than Q was?

00:28:29

That's what I thought.

00:28:35

If the Continuum decides they won't take you back,

00:28:39

I'll ask them to let you stay here.

00:28:43

I don't think they care where an amoeba spends eternity.

00:28:45

That's not what I meant.

00:28:49

I'll ask them to let you remain human.

00:28:55

I appreciate that... but I don't want to be human.

00:29:02

I want to be a Q... like my father.

00:29:16

[Q2] Itchy! Are you in here? Itchy?

00:29:20

What can I do for you, Q-Ball?

00:29:23

I need your help.

00:29:29

Remember that ion imbalance

00:29:32

Lieutenant Paris mentioned during our lesson?

00:29:34

We're going to repair it for him.

00:29:36

Did you get permission?

00:29:37

That would ruin the surprise.

00:29:39

The surprise?

00:29:41

The Captain's been encouraging me to take more initiative.

00:29:43

I want to show her I can do things for others without being asked.

00:29:47

I'll help you, on one condition.

00:29:50

Name it.

00:29:51

You won't refer to me as "Itchy" in front of the senior officers.

00:29:58

I've realigned the last pair of power couplings.

00:30:02

You can start the preignition sequence.

00:30:05

Understood.

00:30:10

I'm not detecting any ion fluctuations.

00:30:14

We did it.

00:30:15

You can power down the engine now.

00:30:17

[engine rumbling]

00:30:20

Q?

00:30:23

What are you doing?

00:30:26

You're gonna love this.

00:30:27

I once learned how to open a spatial flexure, using nothing more than a deflector array.

00:30:33

"Flexure"?

00:30:34

It's like a tunnel through space.

00:30:36

I'm going to open one to the Clevari system.

00:30:39

Just wait till you see the females. They're spectacular.

00:30:41

We need the Captain's permission to leave Voyager.

00:30:44

Do you think she'd give it to us?

00:30:46

No.

00:30:47

Then there's no point in asking.

00:30:50

You've been doing so well.

00:30:52

Why break the rules now?

00:30:55

I'm bored.

00:30:56

Icheb to Security.

00:30:58

They can't hear you.

00:31:00

I've dampened all outgoing communications.

00:31:05

Just sit back, Itchy.

00:31:07

Enjoy the ride.

00:31:19

What's the real reason you're doing this?

00:31:21

I'm getting out of here before my father can put me back in that petri dish.

00:31:24

The Q are omnipotent. They'll find you.

00:31:28

I may not have my powers anymore, but I know plenty of cosmic nooks and crannies we can hide in.

00:31:35

Voyager has locked onto us with a tractor beam.

00:31:37

They're so predictable.

00:31:41

They're opening some sort of spatial rift off their port bow.

00:31:44

It's disrupting the tractor beam.

00:31:46

Compensate.

00:31:56

They're gone.

00:32:01

[sighs]

00:32:11

Welcome to the Clevari system.

00:32:16

What would you like to do first?

00:32:17

Take a dip with the mermaids of Golos Prime?

00:32:20

Challenge the warrior goddess of Fekdar to a grappling contest?

00:32:23

What I want is to return to Voyager.

00:32:25

Forget that dreary ship, with its rules and regulations.

00:32:29

We can do anything we want here.

00:32:31

Go back to Voyager.

00:32:33

Apologize to the Captain. She'll help you.

00:32:35

It's too late. She said one more violation,

00:32:38

I'll be thrown off her ship. I'm pretty sure this qualifies.

00:32:40

[alarm beeping]

00:32:44

What's wrong?

00:32:46

There's a vessel approaching.

00:32:52

You're trespassing in Chokuzan space.

00:32:54

We were just leaving.

00:32:56

Our laws require that you be incarcerated,

00:32:58

pending an investigation.

00:33:00

How long will that take?

00:33:02

Disengage your engines and prepare to be boarded.

00:33:06

We should do as he says.

00:33:09

Why, just because he has a bigger ship?

00:33:12

Because Captain Janeway has taught us to respect the laws of other cultures.

00:33:16

I should have known better than to bring you along.

00:33:25

You're going to get us killed!

00:33:27

Did you expect me to surrender?

00:33:28

He might have locked us up for years.

00:33:30

You don't know that.

00:33:32

There's no time for a debate. I need you at Tactical.

00:33:40

Shields are down to 30 percent.

00:33:44

-Sixteen percent. -I'm opening another flexure!

00:33:46

We'll go to the Zozek system.

00:33:48

The girls aren't as attractive, but we have to make some compromises.

00:33:55

[grunting]

00:33:59

Icheb!

00:34:02

I'm detecting another rift forming... approximately 5,000 kilometers directly ahead.

00:34:08

A 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.

00:34:17

We need to get Icheb to Sick Bay.

00:34:22

His 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]

00:34:33

Is this a bad time?

00:34:35

Tell him.

00:34:38

Icheb stole a shuttle from Voyager.

00:34:41

I tried to stop him, but he kidnapped me, and he started a fight with another ship.

00:34:45

He stole the shuttle, and he attacked the other vessel.

00:34:48

Is that true, son?

00:34:51

Please, Q, just save him.

00:34:53

Don't be absurd.

00:34:55

You're not going to help him?

00:34:57

Like Aunt Kathy said, you're never going to learn anything if you don't face the consequences of your actions.

00:35:02

If your little playmate has to die to teach you a lesson, so be it.

00:35:13

I know you can hear me, Q.

00:35:15

-Come back! Q! -You're wasting your time.

00:35:19

He's the only one who can save Icheb.

00:35:22

No, he isn't.

00:35:26

You're going back to that ship you attacked.

00:35:28

You're going to apologize for what you did, and you're going to plead with them for the information we need to save Icheb.

00:35:34

Look at what they did to him.

00:35:36

If I go back, they'll do the same to me.

00:35:38

[Doctor] What do you care?

00:35:39

By this time tomorrow, you'll be an amoeba.

00:35:41

Well, I'd rather be an amoeba than a corpse!

00:35:43

That would be easier, wouldn't it?

00:35:45

No expectations to live up to. No one to disappoint.

00:35:49

[sighs]

00:35:51

I'm a failure as a Q and a human.

00:35:54

If I'm a single-celled organism, at least I can't hurt anybody.

00:35:57

Why did you come back here?

00:36:00

To escape the Chokuzan.

00:36:03

You could've used your technology to take you anywhere, but you came back here to us.

00:36:09

Why?

00:36:12

I probably hit the wrong control.

00:36:15

[sighs]

00:36:16

Icheb is the only friend I've ever had.

00:36:20

I brought him back here because I thought you could save him.

00:36:23

Obviously, I was mistaken.

00:36:24

The only mistake you made was running away.

00:36:27

You have a chance to do the right thing now.

00:36:30

Don't waste it.

00:36:40

The attack on your vessel was entirely my fault.

00:36:43

Icheb had nothing to do with it, but he's the one who's dying.

00:36:47

I-I take full responsibility for what happened.

00:36:50

I'll do anything you ask.

00:36:52

Just help my friend.

00:36:54

My crew and I will repair any damage he did to your ship.

00:36:58

Are you the adult responsible for this child?

00:37:04

I suppose I am.

00:37:06

[sighs]

00:37:07

We'll accept his apology

00:37:09

and give you the information you need to save his accomplice.

00:37:15

But you will be punished for their crime.

00:37:20

She didn't have anything to do with it.

00:37:22

In our culture, adults are accountable

00:37:24

for the actions of their children.

00:37:26

I attacked your ship.

00:37:28

I should be punished for it, not her.

00:37:31

You don't even know what the punishment is.

00:37:33

It might be torture,

00:37:35

or even execution.

00:37:36

I don't care, if it means saving my friend.

00:37:43

[laughs]

00:37:46

Well done, Junior.

00:37:48

[laughs]

00:37:50

I'm proud of you.

00:37:52

Surprise!

00:37:55

[laughs]

00:37:56

I wish you could see the look on your faces.

00:37:58

Oh, wait. You can.

00:38:02

We don't have time for your games.

00:38:05

We need to find the real people I attacked.

00:38:07

You just did.

00:38:08

I was the Chokuzan you fired on.

00:38:11

What kind of horrible joke...?

00:38:13

Not a joke. A test.

00:38:15

I knew the pathetic little exercises you had him performing would not impress the Continuum.

00:38:21

So, when he escaped your clutches, I devised a real test.

00:38:25

It was touch and go there for a moment, but you passed with flying colors.

00:38:31

What about Icheb?

00:38:32

Your Doctor will discover he's made a miraculous recovery.

00:38:35

Now then, if we're all finished here, it's Judgment Day for Junior.

00:38:48

We're ready, Your Honor.

00:38:50

In 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.

00:39:01

Objection. What about my test?

00:39:04

What about it?

00:39:06

Q was willing to sacrifice himself to save his friend.

00:39:08

Surely that counts for something.

00:39:10

It was Q who endangered the boy's life in the first place.

00:39:14

However, in deference to the aforementioned act of contrition, the defendant will not be transformed into an Oprelian amoeba.

00:39:23

Oh, good.

00:39:24

[Judge] Instead... he will suffer the next worst fate-- remaining human.

00:39:35

[booms]

00:39:36

Court is adjourned.

00:39:41

This is an outrage! They can't do this to me!

00:39:59

-[door chimes] -Come in.

00:40:02

Do you have a moment?

00:40:07

A few days ago, you offered to let me remain on Voyager.

00:40:12

I 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...

00:40:19

I'd like to continue my training.

00:40:22

But you have nothing left to prove to the Continuum.

00:40:26

But there's a lot I still need to prove to you.

00:40:30

What about your father?

00:40:35

You don't honestly believe we'll see him again, do you?

00:40:37

He obviously doesn't want me around.

00:40:39

Why else would he have left me here... twice?

00:40:41

[Q teleports]

00:40:43

The question you should be asking is why I keep coming back.

00:40:47

Now, I'm sorry I left so abruptly, but the Continuum's verdict demanded an immediate appeal.

00:40:52

I told them I refuse to belong to any Continuum that wouldn't accept my son as a member.

00:40:59

We're a package deal.

00:41:01

You left the Continuum for me?

00:41:03

Oh, don't be ridiculous. I'm the only one holding that place together.

00:41:06

And when they realized they might lose me, they crumbled like a Gelbian sand sculpture.

00:41:13

They're going to return my powers?

00:41:15

They already have.

00:41:19

For you, Captain, for all your help.

00:41:24

Thank you.

00:41:29

Now that you're a Q again,

00:41:31

I thought we might spend some quality time together.

00:41:33

I want to show you the cosmos the way it was meant to be seen.

00:41:37

We've tried that already.

00:41:38

Things will be different this time.

00:41:41

I promise.

00:41:45

Now run along.

00:41:47

I'll meet you on Golos Prime.

00:41:50

After I've had a few moments alone with the Captain.

00:41:53

I'll see you soon, Aunt Kathy.

00:41:55

I certainly hope so.

00:41:59

So, the Continuum "crumbled like a Gelbian sand sculpture."

00:42:04

Yes.

00:42:05

Some of them even got on their knees and begged me to stay.

00:42:08

-It was pathetic. -[both laugh]

00:42:13

If you must know, I had to agree to a few minor conditions.

00:42:17

Oh? Such as?

00:42:19

Eternal custody of the boy.

00:42:21

[clears throat]

00:42:22

Wherever the little brat goes, I go with him.

00:42:24

I hope he won't spoil too much of your fun.

00:42:27

[chuckles] Oh, before I leave,

00:42:30

I did a little homework for you.

00:42:34

Consider it a thank you for everything you did for Junior.

00:42:38

Not that I don't appreciate it, but this will only take a few years off our journey.

00:42:43

Why not send us all the way?

00:42:48

What 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]