Life, Itself (episode)

Trapped inside a mysterious alien portal that defies familiar rules of time, space, and gravity, Captain Burnham must fight Moll – and the environment itself – in order to locate the Progenitors' technology and secure it for the Federation. Meanwhile, Booker puts himself in harm's way to help Burnham survive and Rayner leads the USS Discovery in an epic winner-takes-all battle against Breen forces. (Series finale)

Summary

Teaser

Inside of the tunnel that the portal led to, Captain Michael Burnham awakens on a lighted pathway through a series of windows into other worlds. The pathway and windows aren't linear with parts of it being on the celling, running sideways, and running horizontally. Burnham tries to raise the USS Discovery, but receives no response. Burnham tells the ship if it can hear her that she made it through the portal, but Burnham can't explain what she's looking at right now. Burnham attempts to scan the area, but the readings that she gets don't make sense either. Burnham picks up an energy signature from a bright light further down the tunnel and she guesses that that's where the Progenitors' technology is. Drawing her phaser, Burnham notes that she hasn't seen any sign of any of the Breen that had entered the portal or Moll, and the computer reports that there are inconclusive readings on any life signs. Burnham takes a leaf off of a tree next to the path, and reports to Discovery that there seems to be a series of windows that are acting as gateways to other worlds. Burnham guesses that this place was used as a lab to test lifeforms in different environments or that it's how the Progenitors seeded life throughout the galaxy.

Burnham sets out down the tunnel and releases the leaf into an energy field at one of the windows. When Burnham passes through the energy field, she gets sucked off of the pathway and into the world that it's displaying amidst a storm. On the ground nearby is the dead body of one of the two Breen soldiers who had entered the portal. Struggling against the wind, Burnham spots the gateway that she had fallen through in the sky and attempts to contact Discovery again before being attacked by the other Breen soldier. The two fight as the winds increase to hurricane speeds, lifting off of the ground and fighting while grasping onto a large rock. Burnham eventually knocks the soldier off of the rock, causing him to get blown away by the storm. Moments later, the windspeed drops and Burnham times the next gust to boost her jump back up to the tunnel. However, the Breen soldier has returned to the tunnel too, but he's shot dead by Moll who emerges from the gateway with a Breen rifle.

Burnham notices that someone nicked Moll's femoral artery, and Moll quips that it was a fair trade because she bashed his helmet in in return. Burnham tosses Moll her dermal regenerator, warning the other woman that she will bleed out within the hour if Moll doesn't close her wound up which she does. Moll guesses that Burnham knows how to get through this place as she did the entire clue trail which Burnham acknowledges, but she refuses to do it as Moll's prisoner. Burnham points out that Moll doesn't have a choice, not if she wants to get L'ak back. "Drop your weapon. Or shoot me and spend the rest of your life trying to get out of here. Your choice," challenges Burnham. Moll reluctantly lowers her gun, stating that it's as good of a deal as Burnham is going to get. Burnham accepts it for now and the two women set out to get what they came for.

Act One

On Discovery, Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly reports to Commander Rayner that there's still no sign of Burnham from inside of the portal. Commander Lorna Jemison reports that there's still too much interference for her to get a transporter lock on the portal which Tilly states is because of the gravitational fields from the binary black holes. A tractor beam is the only way to get the portal, but for that, they have to be in range. Lieutenant Commander Asha warns that that will take time as Discovery has a lot of debris to navigate. Lieutenant Commander Gen Rhys reports the good news that Ruhn's dreadnaught is damaged from Discovery ramming its shuttle bay, meaning that they still have time before the Breen dreadnaught will be after them again, although Rayner guesses that it won't be long. Lieutenant Naya reports that Primarch Tahal's fleet will arrive in 60 minutes which means that Discovery must get the portal and be out by then. However, the dreadnaught is sending out at least 40 Breen fighters to attack Discovery, complicating matters. Rayner orders all auxiliary power diverted to the shields and for Asha to stay on the portal as their mission doesn't change. The fighters begin attacking Discovery, rocking the bridge with explosions.

On the USS Federation, Saru argues with Admiral Charles Vance about his plan to use a shuttle equipped with the new pathway drive to intercept Tahal's fleet. Saru points out that Tahal will reach Discovery in 60 minutes, and she cannot learn of the Progenitors' power. However, Saru believes that his strategy will convince her to turn her fleet around. Vance is skeptical as Saru's strategy involves disabling his shuttle's photon torpedoes, thus leaving himself defenseless, but Saru believes it to be a necessary action as diplomacy can't succeed if both parties threaten violence. Vance can't in good conscience order someone to take Saru on this mission, but Commander Nhan volunteers as the crew of Discovery is family to them both. Saru points out that they have to at least try, and they don't have any other options. Nhan reports that the pathway drive is calibrated and they're good to go and Vance finally concedes, telling the two former Discovery crewmembers that the Federation is counting on them both.

Inside of the tunnel, Moll is confused by the fact that no matter how far she and Burnham walk, they're no closer to the end of the tunnel. Burnham asks if Moll intends to shoot her once they have the technology, but Moll states that she won't if Burnham lets her have it. Burnham is willing to use the technology to resurrect L'ak, but only after the Federation learns how to safely use it. Moll admits that she doesn't trust the Breen any more than she does the Federation, but the Breen at least have a vested interest in her plan to bring L'ak back which the Federation doesn't. Burnham has seen the future that's ahead for everyone if they don't protect the Progenitors' power, and she refuses to let the Breen anywhere near it. Burnham attacks Moll and the two women fight through the tunnel and on different worlds, including one with a forest with purple leaves and another one that's on fire.

Outside, Discovery is being chased by the Breen fighters and Jemison has lost visual on the portal. Rhys warns that the Breen fighters are gaining on them, and Rayner orders Asha to take evasive action. Asha warns that she can't lose the fighters without going to warp, but Cleveland Booker points out that they'll lose Burnham if they go to warp. A torpedo impact drains the shields to 60 percent and Naya detects a large region of high-energy plasma orbiting around one of the black holes which the ship is heading right for. If they create one spark too many, the whole thing will blow, meaning that it's a bad idea to fly through there. Asha changes course, and Tilly warns Rayner that they've suffered moderate structural damage and minimal injuries, but Discovery can't take much more of this.

Rayner realizes that the situation is similar to the avalanche on Q'mau: the mission has changed. If Discovery keeps going, they'll never make it, and the Breen will get both their captain and the Progenitors' technology. Rayner announces a change of plans: Discovery will destroy the Breen fighters first and then come back for the portal. Booker asks for a shuttle, proposing that he gets the portal while Discovery handles the Breen. Although Rhys protests that Booker won't survive very long out there, Booker is sure that he can slip past while the fighters are distracted by the starship. Rayner orders Linus to prepare a shuttle for Booker, but Tilly warns him that Booker will need help as the shuttles aren't designed for the level of radiation that's outside and Rayner instructs Engineering to find a way for him not to get irradiated to death, wishing Booker luck.

In Engineering, Lieutenant Commander Paul Stamets and Ensign Adira Tal provide Booker with a device to attach to the shuttle's deflector array which will boost the shuttle's built-in radiation protection. However, at a certain point, Booker just won't survive even with the added protection. Adira states that it will increase the absorption capacity of shields against high velocity subatomic particles for at least an hour and Doctor Hugh Culber gives Booker an injection to counteract any radiation sickness. To everyone's shock, Culber announces that he's coming with Booker, telling his husband that he just knows somehow that Booker is going to need his help. Culber explains that ever since he hosted the consciousness of Jinaal Bix, Culber has been trying to figure out what this change inside of him means. This may or may not give him the answers, but Culber knows that he can help Booker. Stamets finally agrees, and Culber promises his family that he will return.

Inside of the tunnel, Burnham and Moll are beginning to tire out from their fight, and Burnham warns the other woman that they're both going to die in here if they keep fighting like this. Burnham suggests that they both stand down instead, and she'll get them out. "I know what it's like to lose somebody who means everything to you. I do. But thankfully I got him back. So, I promise you I will do everything in my power to help you and L'ak. But I need you to trust me." Although Moll refuses to trust the Federation, Burnham isn't asking her to do that. Burnham is giving Moll her word, not the Federation's. Moll agrees and throws away her weapons on Burnham's instructions. Burnham orders Moll to get rid of her portable pattern buffer as well, but Moll reveals that it holds L'ak's body as Moll had wanted to know that her husband would be safe. Satisfied, Burnham directs Moll to follow her.

On Discovery, Linus reports that Booker's shuttle is on its way and Asha confirms that the Breen fighters are focusing on Discovery, and Booker is in the clear. With Booker focusing on the portal, Rayner switches from defense to offense. Tilly reveals that while there's way too many fighters for them to pick them off one by one, she has been reviewing the data from that plasma region and Tilly thinks that there's a way for Discovery to use it against the Breen. Realizing Tilly's plan, Naya calls it genius: lure the fighters into the plasma region and ignite it, taking out all of the Breen fighters at once. Rhys warns Rayner that they would need to get out of there before igniting the plasma region which would require perfect timing, but without any better options, Rayner has Asha set a course for the plasma.

Inside of the tunnel, Burnham explains to Moll that at every step of the trail, they had to think like the individual who hid each piece of the clues. In here, they must do the exact same thing and think like the Progenitors. While the race went extinct 4 billion years ago, gravity and space function differently in here, suggesting that the Progenitors may have existed beyond the dimensions that they do. As a result, they need to look beyond three dimensions and find what's beyond what they can see. Burnham studies the negative space at the edge of one of the lights which is a shadow with nothing to create it. She had at first thought was an optical illusion, but when Burnham waves her hand through it, a gateway opens to a field of large yellow flowers, and the two women pass through it.

Act Two

Using its pathway drive, Saru's shuttle catches up to Tahal's fleet which consists of three Breen dreadnaughts. Nhan drops the shuttle down to regular warp speed and positions it before the dreadnaughts which arm weapons. In his official capacity as an Ambassador of the United Federation of Planets, Saru hails Tahal, pointing out that the shuttle's own weapons are disarmed, and they pose no threat to her. An incredulous Tahal responds to the hail, and Saru explains that it was necessary because she had been ignoring President Laira Rillak's attempts at diplomacy.

Saru acknowledges that Tahal is right that the Federation normally has no role to play in a war between Primarchs, but a Starfleet ship is currently engaged in battle with a Breen dreadnaught and Tahal's arrival risks escalating that conflict into a war with the Federation. Such a war would not serve Tahal's interests, so the most prudent choice would be for Tahal to return her attention to the Breen Imperium throne. However, Tahal is suspicious that Saru would engage with dreadnaughts that are so vastly superior and that a Starfleet ship would do the same thing, near black holes no less. Tahal surmises that there must be something of great interest to the Federation there, so it might be of interest to her as well. Saru counters with a deal where if Tahal reverses course, the Federation will establish a trade route from her border through the L'Tar Nebula. Tahal's sole access to such this trade route would bolster her claim to the throne, but she is uninterested and orders Saru to depart. Nhan asks if that's it, but Saru tells her "not at all. She gave me the information we need, now I must determine how we use it."

Burnham and Moll make their way through the field and Burnham's scan reveals that they're standing on the Progenitors' technology: it's this entire place. Burnham realizes that a pile of rocks in the field is actually a monument as one of the scientists who had discovered the technology was killed here trying to use the power. The two approach a center disk from which an interface console rises, sensing their presence. Moll begins to move the triangular pieces on the interface, but Burnham stops her, recalling the phrase that the Mindscape AI had given her: "build the shape of the one between the many." Moll suggests that the answer is nine which is the number that you need to build a bigger triangle, the many building the one, but Burnham is doubtful as the clue was between the many not with the many. Moll suggests that it could be a translation error, but Burnham recalls how the scientists left had left a message with each clue. The messages all had cultural context, were about honoring difference and self-reflection and they were about the deeper meaning to things, so Burnham is sure that it's not a translation error.

Burnham wants to get this back to the Federation before they try to use it, before she suddenly picks up a garbled transmission from Booker telling Burnham that he's on a shuttle with Culber, they're almost at the portal, and they're coming to get her. Unable to respond, Burnham tries to amplify the signal, but she's knocked out from behind by Moll who can't wait any longer. Moll releases L'ak's body from her portable pattern buffer and promises him that she will figure out how this thing works and bring him back. Moll brings the pieces together into a larger triangle and the interface glows, but causes her hands to stick to it before electrocuting Moll. Energy beams shoot into the air from the disks at the end of each of the three pathways leading to the center disk.

Outside, Discovery enters the plasma region, chased by the Breen. Booker reports that he and Culber have almost made it to the portal, but something is happening to it. The portal begins pulling energy from one of the black holes with a rocky structure growing around it to protect the portal. Naya warns that if one of the black holes loses mass, it'll throw the entire area into gravitational chaos. Rayner warns Booker that he has a gravity problem, ordering Booker to secure the portal and promising to be there as fast as they can. The last of the fighters enter the plasma region behind Discovery and Rhys launches a spread of three photon torpedoes into the plasma. The plasma detonates in a massive explosion that consumes the Breen fighters. After a moment, Rhys confirms that all 40 fighters were destroyed by the explosion. Rayner orders Tilly to get a team on repairs and Asha to get Discovery to the portal immediately. However, a new problem arises: the dreadnaught is now back in commission, it's heading directly for Booker and the portal, they're gonna beat Discovery there and Discovery can't jump ahead of it as there's still too much debris for the ship to land safely.

Rayner orders Asha to set a course to intercept the dreadnaught and informs Booker and Culber of the new problem and he orders the shuttle to grab onto the portal and hold it until Discovery can come to get them. Culber detects that whatever process just started is pulling the portal towards the black hole and if they don't get to it before the portal crosses the event horizon, the portal will be gone for good. Now in range, Booker tries to lock the shuttle's tractor beam onto the portal without success as the portal's repelling the beam. Culber suddenly orders Booker to synchronize to the portal's subspace resonance frequency which he identifies as 5.1732. Booker is surprised by Culber's sudden knowledge as he's a doctor, not a physicist and there's tens of thousands of frequencies, but while Culber can't explain his inexplicable knowledge, he can sense that it'll work. Booker follows Culber's instructions, and the tractor beam successfully locks onto the portal, much to the delight of the two men. As the shuttle shakes violently, Booker tries to get them out of there, but it's taking all of the shuttle's available power just to keep the portal steady. With Burnham still inside of the portal, they have no choice but to just hold on and keep the portal stabilized where it currently is.

On Saru's shuttle, Nhan informs him that Tahal is giving them 30 seconds to leave, or they'll be destroyed. Saru taunts Tahal into calling him back but calling her just as cowardly as the Starfleet admirals had believed because of Tahal's unwillingness to take a step towards a future with the Federation. Saru warns the Primarch that if she takes his life and continues this expedition, she will never claim the throne of the Imperium. Saru may have arrived as an emissary of the Federation, but he is a Kelpien first and foremost. Kelpiens are predators and Saru has studied Tahal like prey. Starfleet Intelligence had rumors of Tahal's bases in the L'Tar Nebula, but the Primarch has confirmed that they exist by refusing the Federation's help to secure a trade route.

Saru has the ear of numerous planets in that region, and many are currently preparing to attack Tahal's bases without mercy unless Saru orders them to stand down. While they would lose thousands of lives, Tahal would be weakened, allowing the other Primarchs to strike and thus costing her the throne. The only way for Tahal to avoid that outcome is for her to turn her fleet around. Tahal believes that Saru is bluffing as he doesn't have that kind of power, but Saru challenges the Primarch to look into his eyes and find even the slightest glimmer of doubt. After a moment, Tahal declares that '"you are insane," but withdraws her fleet. Impressed, Nhan quips that Saru needs to remind her never to play him in Ferengi rummy and wonders if that's the end of it. However, Saru isn't so sure and orders Nhan to take the shuttle out of warp and to cloak it so that they can keep a careful watch for any tricks that Tahal is trying to pull. Discovery may yet need Saru and Nhan's help.

In the structure, Burnham regains consciousness as she receives another transmission from Booker warning her that they're all in danger because something happened and something that the portal started doing is causing gravitational chaos. Booker and Culber have taken some damage, but they are not letting go. Burnham manages to pull Moll off of the interface and then tries to help everyone by stopping whatever the portal is doing. Concentrating on the puzzle before her, Burnham realizes that "the one between the many" refers to the triangle created by the negative space between the pieces when they are all put together, similar to how the negative space next to the light acted as the gateway to the area where the interface is located.

The interface activates and Burnham appears in a darkened version of the same area. To Burnham's surprise and amazement, one of the Progenitors approaches her and declares that she's been waiting for her.

Act Three

The Progenitor reveals that while her species went extinct billions of years ago, but both of their minds are here in this liminal space-time adjacent to the Progenitor's own. The Progenitor explains that it is her duty to share instructions on how to operate this technology, and it's going to take Burnham time to learn. Overwhelmed, Burnham stops the Progenitor and asks if whatever this place is doing to her own space-time can be stopped, explaining that Moll had used the interface and activated something that's altering gravity in Burnham's space-time which is endangering everyone that Burnham cares about. The Progenitor explains that Burnham had engaged the safety protocol while Moll did not, causing moll to be shocked. However, Moll will likely survive, and the others have time. Time works differently inside of the structure and in Burnham's time the technology is merely gathering the power that it needs to perform its function: designing and creating life.

Burnham asks if the technology can be used to restore life, but the Progenitor reveals that while a new being can be created to be replace a lost one, it would only be genetically identical. The new being would lack the memories and the fundamental essence of the being that it was replacing. However, the speed and scale of creation is adjustable if Burnham wants to try. Burnham is alarmed by this news as it means that someone could use this technology to engineer an army. The Progenitor confirms this, admitting that similar concerns are why the Progenitors had only used the life creation technology to seed life, rather than outright creating it which Burnham may have seen evidence of in the tunnel that brought her here. To Burnham's shock, the Progenitor reveals that her race did not create those worlds or the technology, they simply found it like Discovery and the scientists before them did. "We theorize that whoever created this created us. But perhaps it goes even further back. A cycle of creators and creations countless times over, this place predates them all," explains the Progenitor. The Progenitor leads Burnham away from the interface to show her something.

On the shuttle, the shields have dropped to 5 percent and the radiation has reached dangerous levels. Booker intends to hold onto the portal until Discovery arrives, or the shuttle comes apart, but he urges Culber to allow Booker to beam him out since Culber has a family waiting for him. However, Culber refuses to leave unless he absolutely has to, intending to stay for as long as he can. Culber reveals that he had known how to grab the portal because Culber suddenly gained access to one of Jinaal's memories which revealed that the scientists had encountered the same problem when they had started building the structure around the portal and how they had solved the issue. Culber has never had access to any of Jinaal's memories since zhian'tara ended before now and he's left wondering why that particular memory popped up now, and how he knew that he had to come with Booker. While Culber was hoping for an answer to the questions that his experiences with Jinaal have left him with, there isn't one. Not long ago that would've driven Culber crazy, but now he's content with the beauty of the mystery and just glad that his knowledge was able to help.

As Discovery races towards the dreadnaught with 5 minutes until interception, Saru makes contact with the news that Tahal's fleet has reversed course. However, Tahal left behind a cloaked scout ship which Saru and Nhan are now following. Presumably, the scout ship's mission is to learn what the Federation is so determined to keep from the Breen and if it learns about the Progenitors' technology, Tahal will return with an army to claim it for herself. If Discovery is forced to jump away, Saru and Nhan will pursue the portal as best as they can.

Tilly points out that Discovery is incapable of destroying the much more powerful dreadnaught and they can't let the scout report back either, putting the crew into a seemingly no-win scenario. Rayner decides that their only option is to take both Breen ships off of the field of battle and proposes the audacious plan of using the spore drive to jump the Breen ships instead of Discovery. Stamets and Adira realize that theoretically if they quantum entangle the spores and they were separated by distance and Discovery were to jump, then the spores would jump whatever was between them. While they would need two poles to extend the entanglement field between, they can separate the saucer section from the secondary hull and place them on either side of the dreadnaught, but they only have two and a half minutes to pull this off in. Rayner orders Stamets to jump the Breen to the galactic barrier which the Breen will need a couple of decades to get back to Breen space from at warp speed. The Breen will be stranded for decades, but they'll live, which is more than they gave Rayner's family. The crew confirms their readiness and Rayner orders black alert and informs Saru that he has 2 minutes to get the scout ship in the vicinity of the dreadnaught. Nhan decloaks the shuttle and fires on the scout ship in order to get it to pursue them.

The Progenitor shows Burnham around, telling her that she is only the second being to ever make it this far. The other was the Betazoid neuroscientist Dr. Marina Derex who believed that civilization wasn't yet ready for this technology. The Progenitor agreed to wait if Derex would build a path to better prepare the next visitor for the possibility. That next visitor is Burnham who will become the steward of the technology. Burnham knows that no single being should control this much power, but the Progenitor believes that Burnham has proven herself to be worthy of it. Derex and the Progenitor had discussed the path that the scientists were going to lay out for those who came after them and Burnham has traveled it, learned its lessons, and faced her darkest sides. While all sentient beings, the Progenitor included, are afraid and lost sometimes, some strive to be the best of themselves, a quality that the Progenitor sees in Burnham.

As Burnham argues with the Progenitor, Discovery performs a saucer separation, placing one half above and below the Breen ship respectively. The Breen scout ship chases Saru's shuttle towards the dreadnaught on an attack run before the shuttle suddenly turns around and races in the opposite direction while Booker and Culber continue to stabilize the portal with their shuttle. As explosions rock the bridge, Rayner gives the order, and Stamets engages the spore drive. Caught between the two halves of Discovery, the Breen dreadnaught and the Breen scout ship execute a spore jump to the galactic barrier, ending the battle. On all three Federation ships, everyone celebrates their victory.

Burnham questions how anyone can know the right way to use this technology, to bring peace to the galaxy and not more conflict. "That is a question only a steward can answer. You must ask yourself what is most meaningful to you. There are, of course, many possible answers. Some find meaning in the advancement of science. Some in devotion to duty. Some through connection and love. Others in the beauty of the unknowable. Some in family and community. Or in their capacity for change. Their strength in the face of great challenges. I found my meaning in embracing difference. You see, we were alone in the cosmos, a single sentient culture. Our wish was to create a diversity of beings in the galaxy, a richness of variation. Now it is your turn to consider what is most meaningful to you," declares the Progenitor.

Burnham admits that she's been struggling with what is most meaningful to her and she needs more time to think about it, but Burnham can't do it while her friends are in danger. The Progenitor agrees to return Burnham to her present moment where Burnham can stop the technology by removing her hands from the interface. They will continue her training when or if Burnham comes back. Burnham is surprised by how simple it all is and that it truly is her choice, but the Progenitor has faith that Burnham will choose wisely. Touching Burnham's head, the Progenitor gives her a vision of the evolution of life starting from when the Progenitors seeded it to the present moment before returning Burnham to her present moment. Burnham tends to Moll, sadly sharing with her the heartbreaking news that L'ak cannot be resurrected. Burnham returns L'ak's body to Moll's pattern buffer and then helps her to her feet. As the two women leave, the interface vanishes once again to wait for the next person to find it.

Act Four

The portal returns to normal as the technology deactivates and Booker picks up Burnham and Moll's life signs inside of the portal and he beams them aboard the shuttle. Booker reports that Discovery is beaten up but okay, much to Burnham's relief. Burnham told Booker that she had heard him while she was inside and thanks Booker for holding on. Rayner reports that Discovery is coming to get them, and Stamets is ready to receive the portal in the shuttle bay. Burnham orders Rayner and Stamets to meet her in her captain's ready room as there's something that she needs to share with everyone.

Back in uniform, Burnham beams into her ready room where she happily greets Saru and Burnham teases her old friend about the return of "Action Saru." Stamets reports that the data from Burnham's tricorder shows that this is the greatest scientific discovery of their lifetime. Burnham reveals that she met one of the Progenitors and saw the last 4 billion years and all of the incredibly complex events that had to happen for all of them to be alive right here and right now. As a result of that powerful experience, Burnham has realized that they already have infinite diversity and infinite combinations, and this technology is no longer needed, and they need to let it go. Burnham's announcement sparks an uproar amongst her crew, particularly with Stamets who wants to study it, but Burnham is firm on her decision. The Progenitor trusted Burnham to make this choice and she's sure that the admiral and the president will agree with her. One by one, Saru, Rayner, Stamets, and Adira all agree, although Stamets is visibly disappointed. Once the others are gone, Adira comforts Stamets by pointing out that this mission has been really amazing, and he's learned a lot which may be enough and is really all that he can control in the end.

Discovery uses a tractor beam to release the portal from the shuttle bay and fling it into the event horizon of one of the black holes where it vanishes as Burnham makes a ship wide announcement:

"This is Captain Burnham. I wanna commend you all on a job well done. In safeguarding this technology, placing it beyond the event horizon, we trust that what the Progenitors created for us is enough, and we trust that those who came before, who developed this power, must have the ability to recreate it should they still exist and should they wish to do so."

Discovery jumps back to the Federation and Booker visits Moll in sickbay where she is receiving treatment before being taken to the brig. Booker tells Moll that when he lost everything, he didn't know how he would find his way back, but Booker did, and he hopes that Moll will too eventually. Moll pretends not to be affected by Booker's words, and he suggests that maybe someday she'll stop hating the name Cleveland Booker too. With a smile, Moll tells Booker not to count on that. Nhan isn't sure how long Moll will be locked up for, but she has standing orders to bring her to Doctor Kovich afterwards. Apparently, Kovich has plans for Moll.

Burnham beams into Kovich's office and he informs her that the Red Directive has officially been closed, all records will be classified, and no one will ever know that the technology existed. Burnham is familiar with how those things work now and she has heard that Kovich is going to be seeing Moll one of these days. Kovich admits that Moll is a capable individual whose talents could prove to be useful, so he'll give her the choice of working for him. Burnham guesses that Moll will be getting a device that grants her access to the Infinity Room should she accept, and offers her own back to Kovich. Stating that he's lived many years and many lives and met few individuals who have impressed and infuriated him as much as Burnham has, Kovich tells her to keep it, just in case.

Looking around at Kovich's collection of artifacts, while includes a genuine 21st century legal pad, a bottle of Chateau Picard, Geordi La Forge's original VISOR, and Benjamin Sisko's baseball, Burnham realizes that "Kovich" is just a code name and asks who he really is. Kovich admits that his real name is a bit of a Red Directive in and of itself, but Burnham is a familiar with those too now and formally introduces herself to him. Kovich does the same a moment later, introducing himself as "Agent Daniels, USS Enterprise and other places. Nice to meet you."

Several weeks later, Saru -- who has returned to Starfleet and been promoted to admiral -- marries T'Rina in a beautiful setting on a beach. Having apparently changed his opinion on the President of Ni'Var marrying Saru, Duvin presents the newlyweds to the attendees which include Admiral Vance, Commander Nhan, the Discovery crew, and at least three other Kelpiens. Looking around at the guests and the wide variety of species that they're from, Saru tells Burnham that he can't help but think of their common ancestor, the Progenitors, and that they are all in the most fundamental ways, connected, something that Burnham agrees with. As she leaves, Vance approaches to give Saru and T'Rina his congratulations.

Rayner reveals that he and Burnham have inspired Tilly who explains that she saw how much Rayner changed and grew under Burnham, something that reminded Tilly of herself and Adira. As a result, Tilly's realized that what Starfleet Academy has been missing is a mentorship program and so she's going to start one. An amused Burnham quickly excuses herself because Tilly referred to Rayner as "crabby" and has to explain herself to him.

Burnham finds Booker who is late to the wedding because had a run-in with some Talaxian pirates on his way back. The two briefly flirt, and Burnham asks if he had found a place to plan the World Root cuttings that he was given by the Eternal Gallery and Archive. Booker reveals that he had planted them on Sanctuary Four, the same planet that they took Molly to on their first adventure together. The two briefly reminisce about that adventure and Booker reveals that Molly had a baby, much to Burnham's delight.

Booker takes Burnham outside to talk alone and he thanks her because this mission helped Booker to find his way and he feels hope again. As of yesterday, Booker's remaining sentence is commuted and he is now a free man once again, although Booker and Grudge are still figuring out what they're going to do next. "Future is a scary word for me, too. But you're here. You're alive. That's more than a lot of people have. I'm lucky... and I'm grateful. I was gonna wait until after the reception, but we're here, now, and you should know... I never stopped. I love you," declares Burnham. Booker returns the sentiment, and after some light teasing, the two kiss, resuming their relationship. Burnham's infinity pin goes off, signaling that Kovich has another mission for her. Agreeing that it could be fun, Burnham and Booker leave to accept this new quest together.

Epilogue

Decades later, a grey-haired Burnham, who is now a four-star Admiral and married to Booker, awakens at her family's homestead on Sanctuary Four. Her husband joins her, bringing Burnham the first ever honeycomb from their Gexara bees to go with her morning coffee. The honeycomb sinks into the coffee instead of melting, leaving the coffee tasting disgusting, and the two laugh. It's a big day and Booker offers to go with her, but a visibly troubled Burnham feels like she should go alone.

As Burnham works on the house's fence, she receives a message that her shuttle is about to arrive. Alice, a deer-like creature, approaches the fence, but Burnham reprimands her for wanting what she can't have despite there being hills for days in the area. The shuttle arrives, scaring off Alice, and the pilot who beams down is Burnham and Booker's son Leto, much to the surprise and delight of his parents. Leto explains that he pushed his trip to Crepuscula back a day so that he could be the one to fly his mother. Leto's parents compliment him on being a newly-minted captain and Burnham promises to see her husband in a couple of days. With a touch of her combadge, Burnham changes into her Starfleet uniform and departs with her son. The shuttle flies over the beautiful vista of Sanctuary Four, past the new World Root, and engages its pathway drive in-atmosphere.

Leto tells his mother that Tilly says hi, having run into Burnham's old friend at Federation Headquarters while he was meeting with Admiral Vance. As of last week, Tilly is officially the longest-tenured instructor at Starfleet Academy ever. Burnham reassures her son that it's okay to feel nervous while getting your own command. Leto admits that he's been thinking about the first speech that he's going to give to his crew and how he's going to inspire them. Burnham recalls how the Progenitor had asked her what was most meaningful to her, something that Burnham had always looked for in every mission that she went on. The pips can bring pressure, but they're supposed to, and at the end of the day, every member of a crew has to find their own sense of meaning. Leto asks his mother how she would answer that question now, and Burnham tells him "just being here. You know... Sometimes life, itself, is meaning enough. How we choose to send the time that we have. Who we spend it with. You. Book. And the family I found in Starfleet. On Discovery. In time, you and your crew will become family, too." Burnham promises her son that he's got this and they fist bump.

The shuttle arrives at Starfleet Headquarters which is now made up of two additional Pax-class ships in an expanded configuration alongside the Federation. In Archer Spacedock sits Discovery, now returned to its original 23rd century configuration. As the shuttle flies overhead, DOTs remove the A from the old ship's registry. "Last dance. I'm just glad I'm the one leading her final mission. And that I'll have a chance to say goodbye," remarks Burnham wistfully.

Burnham walks onto Discovery's bridge and is greeted by Zora. Zora asks what their mission is as Burnham walks around the bridge nostalgically which has also been returned to its original configuration. Burnham explains that she's going to bring the ship to a set of coordinates in deep space, and then Burnham and Zora's crew will leave. After that, Zora and Discovery will wait. This is a Red Directive mission, and all that Burnham knows is a word that she heard in passing: Craft. However, Burnham doesn't know if Craft will refer to a person or a vessel. Zora realizes that she won't ever see Burnham again after this which Burnham confirms, guessing that this mission will take longer than her lifetime. "Everything ends someday. But there will be a new beginning when you come back," Burnham promises the AI. Burnham suggests that when Zora does eventually return, she can find the crew's descendant's and meet the next generation of her family. "It has been a hell of a journey," comments Burnham as she takes one final look around. The Federation has many wonderful possibilities ahead because of all of their efforts.

With the ship nearly ready for departure, Burnham sits in the captain's chair for the very last time and fondly reminisces about her time commanding Discovery. Burnham envisions herself younger embracing the various members of her crew who went on this amazing journey with her for so many years. Zora confirms that she's ready and Burnham declares with a massive smile "last time then. Let's fly."

With Starfleet gathered in an honor guard formation, Discovery leaves spacedock for the last time and jumps away on its final mission to wait for a thousand years for Craft.

Memorable quotes

"Discovery do you read? Do you read? If you can hear me, I made it through the portal. And I cannot explain what I'm looking at right now. Readings don't make sense, either. But I am picking up an energy signature. There's this bright light. That has to be where the Progenitors' technology is. Okay. I'm on my way to secure it now. I haven't seen any of the Breen that came in here. Or Moll."

- Burnham attempts to contact Discovery

"Oh, hello, gravity."

- Burnham after a harrowing experience

"I assume you know how to get through this place."
"What makes you think that?"
"You did the entire clue trail. Must've learned something."
"Maybe. But I won't do it as your prisoner."
"You're in no position to negotiate."
"Neither are you, if you want a chance to bring L'ak back. Drop your weapon. Or shoot me and spend the rest of your life trying to get out of here. Your choice."
"It's as good a deal as you're gonna get."
"Fine. For now. Let's go get what we came for."

- Moll and Burnham form an alliance with each other

"Discovery is running out of time."
"Tahal will reach them in 60 minutes. She cannot learn of the Progenitors' power. I believe my strategy will convince her to turn her fleet around."
"A strategy based on disabling your shuttle's photon torpedoes."
"Diplomacy cannot succeed if both parties threaten violence."
"You'll be defenseless. I cannot in good conscience order my officer to take you on this mission."
"Doesn't have to be an order, sir. I volunteer."
"The crew of Discovery is family to us both, Admiral. We must try, and we have no other options."
"The pathway drive is calibrated. We're good to go."
"The Federation is counting on you, Ambassador. On both of you."

- Vance, Saru and Nhan arguing about Saru's plan to attempt to get Tahal to turn her fleet around

"So, what happens after we find the tech? You shoot me?"
"Not if you let me have it."
"If there's a way to bring L'ak back, the Federation will make it happen. After we learn how to safely use it."
"I don't trust the Federation, or the Breen for that matter. But at least they have a vested interest in getting me what I want."
"I've seen the future that's ahead for all of us if we don't protect that power."
"Only so much you or the Federation can control."
"Maybe. But there's no way I'm letting the Breen anywhere near it."
"We'll see about that."

- Burnham and Moll argue about what's going to happen to the technology once they have it

"This is like the avalanche all over again."
"Sir?"
"Q'mau. Mission changed, Burnham saw it. If we keep going, we'll never make it. The Breen will get her and the tech. Change of plans. We take out the fighters first, come back for the portal."

- Rayner and Tilly as the situation requires a change in plans

"Give me a shuttle. I'll get the portal, you handle the Breen."
"You wouldn't survive five seconds out there."
"With Discovery distracting them, I can slip past. Hey. Let me do this."
"Linus, prepare a shuttle."
"Aye, Commander."
"Sir, our shuttles are not designed to withstand the level of radiation that's out there. He'll need help."
"Engineering, find a way for Booker not to get irradiated to death. Good luck."

- Booker, Rhys, Rayner, Linus, and Tilly discuss Booker's plan

"And I'm coming with you."
"What? No, come on, it's too dangerous."
"A pilot can always use an extra pair of hands."
"Hugh, what are you talking about?"
"Paul, this isn't a debate. Book is gonna need me. I don't know how I know it, but I do."
"There are black holes out there, Hugh."
"I have to do this. Hey. Ever since Jinaal, I've been trying to figure out what it means, this change inside of me, or whatever it is. I'm not sure if this will give me the answers, but it might. And at the very least, I can help him. I know I can."
"Okay."
"I'm coming. I'll be okay, I promise."
"Okay, let's do this."

- Culber, Booker, and Stamets argue about Culber's need to go on the mission

"If we keep fighting like this, we're both gonna end up dying in here."
"You got a better idea?"
"Stand down. I'll get us out. I know what it's like to lose somebody who means everything to you. I do. But thankfully I got him back. So, I promise you I will do everything in my power to help you and L'ak. But I need you to trust me."
"And the Federation."
"No. Me. I give you my word."
"All right. All right. How do we get through?"
"Weapons first. Right boot. You've been trying to get to it. And your pattern buffer."
"If there were weapons in there, I'd have used them already."
"Then why do you have it? L'ak. You have L'ak in there."
"I needed to know he'd be safe."
"Okay. Follow me."

- Burnham and Moll reach an agreement

"So, on every step of the trail, finding the clue required thinking like the individual who hid it. We have to do the same here and think like the Progenitors."
"They went extinct 4 billion years ago."
"But if you look around, gravity and space function differently in here. It suggests that they may have existed beyond the dimensions that we do, so we have to look beyond three dimensions... and find what's beyond what we can see. The negative space here at the edge of this light. It's a shadow with nothing to create it. I thought it was an optical illusion at first, but... "
"Holy shit."

- Burnham and Moll figure out how to navigate the structure

"Primarch Tahal, this is Ambassador Saru of the United Federation of Planets. As you can see, our own weapons are not armed. We pose no threat. I request an audience."
"Sir?"
"She will respond."
"Okay, then. Here we go."

- Saru hails Tahal with Nhan watching

"Ambassador Saru, are you insane?"
"Not to the best of my knowledge, but I do require your attention. And this was necessary as you failed to respond to President Rillak's efforts at diplomacy."
"The Federation has no role to play in a conflict between Primarchs."
"That would be true, were a Starfleet vessel not presently engaged with a Breen dreadnaught. Your arrival risks escalating that conflict into war with the Federation, which will not serve your interests. The most prudent choice would be to return your attention to the Imperium throne."
"I am curious, why would you engage with dreadnaughts that are so vastly superior? For that matter, why would a Starfleet ship do the same in the vicinity of black holes, no less? Something there must be of great interest to the Federation. It might be of interest to me as well."
"You speak of maybes and mights. I offer certainty. If you reverse course, the Federation will formally establish a trade route from your border through the L'Tar Nebula. Your sole access to this route would bolster your claim to the throne."
"Your offer is of no interest. You may depart. This audience is over."

- Tahal and Saru negotiate

"Sir, is that... is that it?"
"Not at all. She gave me the information we need, now I must determine how we use it."

- Nhan and Saru discuss the results of the initial negotiation

"Where are we now? Is the technology here?"
"We're standing on it. The technology, it's this entire place."
"Strange place for a pile of rocks."
"It's a monument. One of the scientists was killed here. Trying to use the power."

- Moll and Burnham make two surprising discoveries

"When I found the last clue, I was given a phrase: "build the shape of the one between the many." I think these triangles are the many."
"Nine. That's the number you need to create a larger triangle. The many building the one."
"No, the message was "between the many," not -- not "with.""
"Could it be a translation error?"
"No. The scientists... they left messages with every clue. They had cultural context. They were honoring difference and self-reflection. It was all about meaning. Deeper meaning. Looking beneath the surface. I... It's definitely not an error. We need to get this back to the Federation before we try to use it."

- Burnham and Moll try to figure out the interface using the Mindscape AI's clue

"Synchronize to the portal's subspace resonance frequency."
"What?"
"5.1732."
"There are tens of thousands of frequencies. How could you possibly know that?"
"I know, I'm a doctor, not a physicist, but... this will work. I can't explain it, I just feel it. Trust me, please."
"Ok, Doc. Synchronizing now."

- Culber and Booker, attempting to get a tractor lock on the Progenitors' portal

"Primarch Tahal, I came here because I believed you would have the courage to take a step toward a future with the Federation, but you are just as cowardly as our admirals believed you to be. We will leave now knowing that truth."
"No, Ambassador, you will not leave. You have sealed your fate."

- Saru taunts Tahal into calling him back

"If you take my life and continue this expedition, you will never claim the throne of the Imperium. I may have arrived as an emissary of the Federation, but I am Kelpien first and foremost. My species are predators, and I've studied you like prey. Your bases in the L'Tar Nebula were rumored in Federation Intelligence. Now I know they exist, or you would have welcomed our help to secure a trade route."
"Clever, yet I fail to see why that should intrigue me."
"Because, Primarch, I have the ear of numerous planets in that region. Even now, many are preparing to attack your bases without mercy unless I order them to stand down."
"They would lose thousands of lives."
"And you will be weakened, allowing the other Primarchs to strike. That will cost you the throne. The only way to avoid such an outcome is to turn your fleet around."
"You are bluffing. You do not have that kind of power."
"Don't I? Look into my eyes and tell me if you see even the slightest glimmer of doubt."

- Saru, bluffing Tahal into backing down

"You are insane."

- Tahal's conclusion about Saru

"They're changing course. Remind me never to play you in Ferengi rummy. Do you really think that's it?"
"She would like us to believe as much. Take us out of warp. We should cloak and watch carefully. Discovery may yet need our assistance."

- Nhan and Saru discuss their apparent success

"All right, okay. "The shape of the one between the many." The scientists figured this out on their own, and all they knew was what they saw. Here, in this place. Every clue has prepared us for this. One last test. "The one between the many." "The one between the many." The shadow. It's the negative space. One between many. In the negative space between them."

- Burnham figures out the interface puzzle

"You're one of the Progenitors."
"I've been waiting for you." "How is this possible? Aren't you..."
"Dead? Yes. My species went extinct billions of years ago. But our minds -- yours and mine -- are here, in this liminal space-time adjacent to my own."
"Why did you bring me here?"
"It is my duty to share instructions on how to operate this technology. It's going to take you some time to learn. We should begin."

- Burnham, meeting a Progenitor

"Time functions differently in here. In your present moment, the technology is merely gathering the power it requires to perform its function: designing and creating life."
"Can it be used to restore life?"
"A new being can replace a lost one. But though the new replacement would be genetically identical, it would share none of its memories, none of its fundamental essence. Still, the speed of creation is adjustable, as is scale, if you wish to try."

- The Progenitor and Burnham discuss the limits of the technology

"Wait, if speed and scale can be controlled, somebody can use this to engineer an army."
"A brick is just a brick. It can create a home or destroy a body. That's why we chose only to seed life. You may have seen evidence of it in the tunnel that brought you here."
"Those were all worlds you created?"
"No. We found them here."
"You found them? You didn't build this?"
"We theorize that whoever created this created us. But perhaps it goes even further back. A cycle of creators and creations countless times over, this place predates them all."

- Burnham and the Progenitor, discuss the true scope and origins of the technology

"How'd you know how to grab it? The portal?"
"A memory of Jinaal's. The scientists ran into the same problem when they started to build the structure around it."
"I thought you didn't have access to his memories."
"I don't. This is the first time it's ever happened, and I'm... I'm sitting here wondering why that one? Why now?"
"Right."
"How did I know that I had to come with you? I was hoping for an answer, but... there isn't one. Not long ago that would've driven me crazy."
"Yeah. Yeah. I remember."
"It's still a process, but... maybe there's something... kind of beautiful about the mystery."
"Right."
"I don't know. I just... I'm glad I could help."

- Booker and Culber discuss the source of Culber's inexplicable knowledge

"Ambassador Saru, tell me I don't have more to worry about right now."
"Primarch Tahal and her fleet have reversed course, Commander. However, she did leave a scout vessel to continue on. It is cloaked, presumably intent on learning what the Federation is so determined to keep from them. We are following its course."
"Sir, if that scout catches wind of the Progenitors' tech, Tahal's coming back here with an army."
"I know."
"If you must jump to safety, we will pursue the portal as best we can."
"Hang tight, we'll get back to you."

- Rayner, Saru and Tilly discuss the latest developments regarding Tahal

"Can't destroy the dreadnaught. And we can't let the scout report back either."
"Only move -- take 'em both off the field of battle."
"But how?"
"Like Saru said, we jump. Say we disable all of the safeguards, all of 'em, on the spore drive, could we jump something that's not Discovery?"
"Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Absolutely, absolutely not. Um... Maybe."

- Tilly and Rayner discuss Rayner's audacious plan to deal with the Breen

"Um, sir, uh, where do we jump them to? The -- the Breen, that is."
"Galactic barrier. Take 'em a couple decades to get back, but they'll live. That's more than they gave my family."

- Stamets and Rayner discuss where to send the Breen to

"Attention. This is Commander Rayner. We're gonna take a hell of a risk. If it doesn't work, well... Good crew. I appreciate the trust. We ready?"
"Aye, sir."
"Ambassador Saru, you got two minutes to get Tahal's scout in the vicinity of the dreadnaught."
"Understood, Commander."
"Black alert."
"Sounds like it's time to decloak and open fire. Invite the Breen scout to pursue. Decloaking now."

- Rayner, The Crew, Saru, and Nhan put their plan into motion

"I am so honored to share this with you. You are only the second being to make it to me. The other was Dr. Derex. A Betazoid, I believe."
"Yes."
"She believed that civilization wasn't ready for this technology yet. I agreed to wait if she would build a path to better prepare the next visitor for the possibility. And that visitor is you. You will become its steward."

- The Progenitor and Burnham discuss the past and the future

"No single being should control this kind of power."
"Dr. Derex and I discussed the path. And you have traveled it. You've learned it's lessons, and you've faced your darkest sides."
"Yes, and I'm far from perfect. I'm afraid. Lost sometimes."
"Every sentient being, myself included, is all of those things. Yet some strive to be the best of themselves. I see that in you."
"It's not just about me. Right now, a battle is waging out there. My crew is risking their lives to protect this portal. To protect us, to protect this technology. How can I -- how can any one of us know the right way to use it? To bring peace and not more conflict?"
"That is a question only a steward can answer. You must ask yourself what is most meaningful to you. There are, of course, many possible answers. Some find meaning in the advancement of science. Some in devotion to duty. Some through connection and love. Others in the beauty of the unknowable. Some in family and community. Or in their capacity for change. Their strength in the face of great challenges. I found my meaning in embracing difference. You see, we were alone in the cosmos, a single sentient culture. Our wish was to create a diversity of beings in the galaxy, a richness of variation. Now it is your turn to consider what is most meaningful to you."
"I have been struggling with that."

- Burnham and the Progenitor discuss the responsibility that comes with the technology

"I need time... to think about this. I, uh... I can't do that while my friends are in danger."
"Then I shall return you to your present moment. You may stop the technology by removing your hands from the interface."
"It's that simple?"
"Important things often are. We will finish your training when, or if, you next join me."
"So, it's truly my choice to decide whatever I think is right with this?"
"I have faith that you will choose wisely."

- Burnham gives the Progenitor her choice

"What happened? Can we save him?"
"Noth -- Nothing here... can bring him back. I'm so sorry. We need to go."

- Moll gets the bad news from Burnham

"I heard you in there. Thank you for holding on."
"Always."

- Burnham and Booker are reunited

"Why do I get the feeling Action Saru came out today?"
"He may have."

- Burnham and Saru are reunited

"I met one of the Progenitors. I saw the last 4 billion years. And all the incredibly complex events that had to happen for me to be alive. For any one of us, each one of us, to be alive right here, right now. It was... powerful. And I realized... we already have infinite diversity and infinite combinations. There's no need for this technology anymore."

- Burnham reveals her experiences and ultimate decision

"Wait a minute, y -- you... you're not saying... we should leave it here?"
"Oh, no. It's too powerful for one person or one culture to access or control. I think we need to let it go."
"Captain, we have orders."
"We need to study it. W -- We need to understand it. I -- It..."
"This is not about your legacy, Commander."
"I didn't say mine."
"I'd give anything to see the look on Vance's face when you tell him that." "We have a duty..." "I understand."
"Stop. The Progenitor trusted me to make this decision. I'll talk to the admiral and the president. I know they'll agree. It's the right thing to do."
"I get it... mostly."

- Burnham's announcement causes an uproar from Rayner, Stamets, and Saru

"This is Captain Burnham. I wanna commend you all on a job well done. In safeguarding this technology, placing it beyond the event horizon, we trust that what the Progenitors created for us is enough, and we trust that those who came before, who developed this power, must have the ability to recreate it should they still exist and should they wish to do so."

- Burnham's address to the crew as the portal is ejected into one of the black holes

"Not in the mood for a speech."
"I just came to see how you were doing."
"Well, I hear my brig has a window. What is there not to be excited about?"
"You know, after I lost everything... I didn't know how I'd find my way again. But I did. I hope you will, too."
"Still not in the mood."
"If ever you need me, I'll be here. And who knows? You know, maybe someday you might even stop hating the name Cleveland Booker."
"Don't count on it."

- An imprisoned Moll is visited by Booker

"I've lived many years, Captain, and many lives. I've met few who have impressed me but also aggravated me as much as you."

- Kovich to Burnham

"If I may, sir, Kovich is a code name, isn't it? Who are you, really?"
"My real name is a bit of a Red Directive in and of itself."
"Well, I'm familiar with those now too. Captain Michael Burnham, USS Discovery."
"Agent Daniels, USS Enterprise and other places. Nice to meet you."

- Burnham, getting Kovich to reveal his true identity

"Now, I see all who are here, and I cannot help but think of the Progenitors, our shared ancestor. A reminder that we are all, in the most fundamental ways, connected."

- Saru gets philosophical at his wedding

"Captain, Lieutenant Tilly was just saying we've inspired her."
"Huh."
"Well, he's grown so much since he's been on board, and I was just saying that your relationship reminds me of me and Adira but, well, with ages reversed and, um, more crabbiness. But the dynamics themselves, that one-on-one connection, it made me realize, that is what we're missing at Starfleet Academy: a mentorship program. So, I'm gonna start one."
"That's a wonderful idea."
"I think so, too. But... Did you just call me crabby?"

- Rayner and Burnham have inspired Tilly

"Hey, that World Root from the Archive, did you find somewhere to plant it?"
"Sanctuary Four. Same place we took Molly. Remember?"
"Yeah, she almost ate me, so, hard to forget."
"She had a baby, by the way."
"What? Really?"
"Yeah."
"Well, that's great."

- Burnham and Booker reminisce about their first adventure together

""Future" is a scary word for me, too. But you're here. You're alive. That's more than a lot of people have. I'm lucky... and I'm grateful. I was gonna wait until after the reception, but we're here, now, and you should know... I never stopped."
"You love me."
"I love you."
"I love you, too. Possibly since the moment we met."
"You were annoying as hell back then."
"And you still loved me."
"I did."
"Can we just do this? You and me, no matter what?"
"And Grudge?"
"Unless you want your leg clawed to bits in your sleep."
"You and me and Grudge it is."

- Burnham and Booker fix their relationship

"Kovich? Impeccable timing."
"Guess he's got another mission. Would you want to?"
"Could be fun."
"It might."
"I'm sure Saru would understand."
"Yeah, you got all dressed up, though."
"So did you. But never hurts to look good wherever you go."
"What are we waiting for? Let's see what the future holds."

- Burnham and Booker set off on a new quest together

"Hills for days, and all you want is what you can't have. It's fenced for a reason, Alice."

- Burnham to the local wildlife

"It's okay to feel nervous. Getting your own command."
"I've been thinking about what I'm gonna say. That -- that first speech to my crew. I want them to be inspired, you know?"
"A long time ago, someone asked me what was most meaningful to me. I had always looked for it in whatever mission I was on. Of course you have no idea what I'm talking about."
"None whatsoever."
"Those pips can bring pressure. But they're supposed to. And at the end of the day, every member of your crew has to find their own sense of meaning."
"So, do you know how you'd answer that question now?"
"Yeah, just being here. You know... Sometimes life, itself, is meaning enough. How we choose to send the time that we have. Who we spend it with. You. Book. And the family I found in Starfleet. On Discovery. In time, you and your crew will become family, too."
"So, you're saying I got this?"
"You do, Leto. You do."

- Burnham gives her son Leto advice

"Last dance."
"Hmm?"
"Nothing. I'm just glad I'm the one leading her final mission. And that I'll have a chance to say goodbye."

- Burnham and Leto after she sees Discovery

"If you don't mind my asking, what exactly is our mission?"
"I'm gonna bring you to a set of coordinates in deep space. Then me and your crew will leave. After that, you wait."
"For what?"
"This is a Red Directive. We both know how transparent those are. I did hear a word in passing. "Craft." I'm not sure if that's a person or a vessel or..."
"Well, I'll find out eventually."
"Really gonna miss you, Zora."
"I won't see you again after this, will I?"
"I'm guessing your wait will be longer than my lifetime."
"I'm not sure how to feel about that."
"Everything ends someday. But there will be a new beginning when you come back. You can find our descendants. Meet the next generation of your family."
"I would love that."

- Zora and Burnham discuss Discovery' final mission

"It has been a hell of a journey."
"Indeed it has. The Federation has so many wonderful possibilities ahead because of you and your crew."
"Because of all of us."

- Burnham and Zora as Discovery prepares to depart

"Feels like home. So many memories."
"For us both."

- Burnham reminiscing with Zora as she takes the captain's chair for the very last time

"All right. Are you ready, Zora?"
"I am."
"Last time, then. Let's fly."

- Burnham and Zora, taking Discovery out on a Red Directive mission in deep space, last lines of the series

Background information

Title

By 1 January 2024, this episode's title had been revealed by the Writers Guild of America West. [1]^(X) [2]
The title was officially confirmed on 20 March 2024. [3]

Story and script

Sets and props

The design of the set where Burnham meets with the Progenitor was influenced by MC Escher. [4]

Special effects

The effects used to create the fire planet were so intense that someone called emergency services to report a fire. [5]

Cast and characters

Sonequa Martin-Green (Michael Burnham) is the only actor to appear in every episode of the series.
Executive producer and co-showrunner Michelle Paradise has a voice-over cameo role in this episode as the Starfleet officer who informs Admiral Burnham about the shuttle arriving to pick her up.

Continuity

Kovich identifies himself as Agent Daniels of the USS Enterprise "and other places". This is a reference to the mysterious time traveler and temporal agent from the 31st century, Daniels, who appeared in Star Trek: Enterprise.
Among the items on display in Kovich's office are a bottle of Chateau Picard, Geordi La Forge's original VISOR, Benjamin Sisko's baseball, and Kathryn Janeway's microscope, implying that Kovich also has a connection to the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager.
The final scene in which the USS Discovery is returned to its original configuration and sent into deep space on a Red Directive mission to wait for "Craft" is a reference to Star Trek: Short Treks's "Calypso", in which Discovery and Zora, after being abandoned for nearly a thousand years, are found by Craft.
This episode's opening sequence features visual elements from previous seasons' opening sequences.

Production

The additional sixteen-minute epilogue was added to the episode after Paramount decided not to renew Discovery for another season. It was filmed in late April 2023, five months after production wrapped on the episode. [6]

Reception

An advance screening of this episode took place on 29 May 2024, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills at 9:30 pm. [7]
This episode made the list of Nielsen's Top 10 'Most Watched' streaming shows from 27 May 2024-2 June 2024. [8]

Links and references

Starring

With

Tig Notaro as Jett Reno

and

David Ajala as Cleveland Booker

Guest starring

Previous episode:

"Lagrange Point"

Star Trek: Discovery

Season 5

Next episode:

Final episode in series