Station log, stardate 47573.1.
To respond to questions about setting up colonies,
Chief O'Brien and l are surveying nearby star systems.
- lf it's an imposition... - No, sir, it's fine.
- You're sure? - l'm sure, Commander.
l'll enjoy working with Jake.
Don't make it easy for him, Chief.
He has to know what it takes to make it in Starfleet.
l'll have him up to his elbows in thorium grease.
He placed in the lower third of his group in mechanical aptitude.
- Good for him. So did l. - You?
- Come on. - No, it's true.
lt wasn't until l got to the front l found talents
l never knew l had.
l had to get a field transporter operational in 10 minutes
or wind up a Cardassian prisoner of war.
l didn't know a transporter from a turbolift in those days,
but in 9 minutes, 53 seconds l got that thing to work.
l got 13 men off Setlik lll. Next thing l know l'm a tactical officer.
- That's how l got the gold suit. - Jake's ready for a new suit, too.
He grows a centimetre each week.
He struck me out with a curveball the other day.
- They grow up in a hurry, don't they? - That they do.
l think l've got one. Computer, set a new heading.
- 41 mark 301. - Confirmed.
lt's an M-Class. 160 million kilometres from Orellius Minor.
Should be a perfect place to set up a colony.
Someone's beaten us to it.
- Life-forms? - Human life-forms.
l see nothing about a colony in the Orellius system.
- Trying hailing frequencies. - Moving into orbit.
No response.
l'm picking up a duonetic field.
lt may be blocking communications.
Let's introduce ourselves to our neighbours.
Yours too?
Even the self-diagnostics aren't working. lt's plain dead.
Sisko to Rio Grande. Computer, respond.
There's no EM activity at all around here.
- Any idea why? - l'm not sure.
lt might have something to do with that duonetic field.
l hope you find more of those talents you never knew you had...
Don't move!
And put your hands up.
Turn around. Slowly.
- They're from Starfleet. - Mind if we put our hands down?
The uniforms have changed.
Or have l forgotten what they look like?
My name is Joseph.
Vinod's the one with the sharp object.
- Benjamin Sisko, Miles O'Brien. - How did you get here?
We were going to ask you that.
We were surveying for habitable
planets and picked up your life signs.
We were on our way to Gemulon V 10 years ago.
Our ship developed problems
and we had to land for repairs.
Once we got here, nothing worked.
We've been stuck here ever since. l guess you are, too.
We have a ship in orbit.
- We can get you all out. - This is our home.
But you just said it yourself.
Nothing works.
We still do. We'll show you.
Run ahead and tell your mother...
we have guests.
Come.
Erewon-class personnel transport.
Now we just call it the Cabin.
After all this time. Visitors.
Alixus, meet Ben and Miles.
Welcome to our community.
Are there others?
A runabout in orbit. Hopefully it will attract attention.
ls that a new vessel?
They commissioned them two years ago.
They're a short-range interstellar craft about a quarter the size of your cabin.
l was the engineer aboard the Santa Maria.
You'll have a lot to talk about. All of us have questions.
Who won the soccer? ls Golanga still playing?
They replaced his knee four years ago, but he wasn't the same.
Who was it that won last year?
What are women's fashions like back home now?
Chief, you're the married one.
My wife has been replicating longer dresses lately.
That means l'll have to alter everything l own.
That may just be the styles she sees on Deep Space 9.
On Deep Space 9?
l'm sure Ben and Miles will be happy to tell us everything later.
The first thing l'd like to do is try the EM systems.
We gave up any hope of that years ago.
We noticed a low-level duonetic field in the area.
lt appeared on our sensors when we landed.
Our engines failed the instant we hit the surface.
lt was impossible to track down the source.
The marshes around us are filled with astatine deposits.
That's the only explanation we have.
But we've done pretty well without tricorders,
EM converters and comlinks, haven't we?
The human body is a powerful tool.
We can plough the crops, harvest the fields,
construct the walls that we need for protection.
Weave the clothes that we need.
We've rediscovered what man is capable of without technology.
lt hasn't been easy.
We've had some bitter winters
and we've lost some dear friends.
But we're proud of what we've accomplished.
You have every right to be.
Are we all going to leave when the others rescue them?
That's something each of us is going to have to think about.
Are you going to leave, Alixus?
Speaking for myself, no. l'll never leave.
l'll never want what we have in our community to change.
lt means too much to me.
But while you are here, you're welcome to everything we have.
All we ask is that you contribute.
We all work for our supper.
lt tastes sweeter when you do.
We'll do our part.
Joseph, would you find them some bunks?
Two more strong, healthy men, Vinod.
That could mean an awful lot to this community.
Do you know an Admiral Mitsuya?
Best poker player in the fleet, next to me.
He's diverting to stop at DS9
to talk about Cardassian foreign policy?
That's just an excuse to get Benjamin in a game.
We'd better hail the Rio Grande and get them back this way.
l've worked two lifetimes on Benjamin's poker.
- He just can't learn to bluff. - That's odd.
l know. You'd think Benjamin...
The Rio Grande. lt's not responding to our hails.
Commander?
l'm reading one of the books our host has written.
Alixus is quite a prolific author.
A bunch of these were left in my room, too.
l haven't looked at them. What does she write about?
She has something to say on just about everything.
Economic and political analysis, literary critiques.
She's spent her life examining the human condition.
- What's her prognosis? - Not very good.
She's says we have become fat, lazy and dull.
My wife told me something similar last week.
''The common conceit that the human species has evolved is ludicrous.
''What gains we have made have come at the cost of our core identities.
''Man has lost touch with his true power.''
Sounds like it took a crash landing for her to find her paradise.
Have you found anything to help contact the runabout?
There's nothing to find. Waveguides, baffle plates.
You name it, it's gone. The ship's been through a junkyard.
- What happened to it all? - We threw it away.
Since none of it worked,
to us it was mere useless junk.
Alixus felt its presence was a reminder of who you used to be.
We had to abandon our dependence upon technology.
Removing every trace of it made it easier.
As an engineer, you must have had some problems with that.
l was the last convert.
But as time passed, l realised Alixus was right.
She was helping us discover a new philosophy of life together.
We needed one to survive.
Every one of us is better for it.
We are a part of each other's lives.
We've renewed a sense of community
that man left behind centuries ago.
Joseph, Meg's fever's getting worse.
The new herb doesn't seem to be helping at all.
An insect here transmits a disease
we haven't found a cure for.
We've lost three to it already.
Have you found anything in the forest?
We've searched everywhere for the right fungus or root.
lf it keeps spreading, she'll die.
The kit in the runabout could take care of this.
We've got to restore the comlink.
lt would be a waste of time.
The duonetic field inhibits energy flow,
but it's a form of energy, too.
We could modify our communicators to run on the field.
- Do you think you could? - No!
lf you want to put your efforts to good use, search the forest.
This is primitive medicine...
May l see you outside, please?
Such talk isn't constructive.
l'm talking about saving one of your followers.
No one follows me. They follow their hearts.
My heart tells me to try to get back to my ship.
lf we'd had that attitude,
we wouldn't do what's necessary to survive here:
find the plants and herbs that cure disease.
We've conquered 17 illnesses
with man's most powerful resource: his ingenuity.
While we're debating this, a woman is dying.
- We're doing everything we can. - No, we're not.
l won't have you disrupting
everything this community has worked for.
l don't intend to stay here any longer than necessary.
Let's not bring up the Starfleet rescue party again.
Until they come, you'll have to do things our way.
l'd strongly advise you get rid of that uniform.
By mid afternoon, it gets hot in the fields.
The Rio Grande's been spotted.
Details are coming in from Starfleet.
A Romulan vessel reported seeing an abandoned runabout.
Markings NCC-72452.
That's our ship.
- Travelling at warp two. - With no one on board?
They want to know if we can investigate.
Signal them affirmative.
- l already have. - Runabout pad C.
You've got a real talent for this, Ben.
My father was a chef. He grew all his own vegetables.
My brothers and l were sent out to the gardens every day.
The others had only eaten replicated food before they got here.
The flavour of our foods surprised them.
But not you?
My mother wouldn't let me eat replicated food.
What?
l can't help thinking what my wife would say
- if she saw me doing this. - Why?
Around my house, l'm known as the Black Thumb.
The only way l could get anything to grow was to marry a botanist.
A botanist?
You should have seen her arboretum on the Enterprise.
That's where l asked her to marry me. She'd love it here.
- Maybe you'll bring her some day. - She wouldn't want to leave.
That's OK, too.
Get him into the shade.
Chew these. They'll help you regain your strength.
- What did he do to deserve this? - He stole a candle.
- How long was he in there? - Since yesterday.
ln that hell box?
ls this part of your philosophy?
l'm sure you've had to discipline crew members.
Discipline is one thing. Torture is another.
The first thing we accepted was the need to establish rules.
All of us, including Stephan, approved of this punishment
as necessary and fair. How are you, Stephan?
l'll be all right.
l'm sorry, Alixus, that l let down the community.
The matter is closed.
Go inside. Get some rest.
Thank you, Alixus.
Stephan won't steal another candle. Neither will anyone else
who saw him here today. ln time you'll understand.
This is an effective way to maintain law and order in our community.
l get the impression she expects us to be here for a while.
lf there's a way to adapt the energy in the duonetic field,
- l want you to find it. - Yes, sir.
- ls there anything you need? - No, l don't think so.
l'm sorry. Alixus doesn't believe in doors.
We all take it for granted now. You'll get used to it.
Hopefully, l won't be here long enough.
- You don't like it here? - lt's not what l'm used to.
Alixus reminded us that it wasn't easy for us, either.
She's told us to be patient with you.
Your muscles must be sore from all the work today.
This is oil from the xupta tree.
- lt's wonderfully soothing. - Thanks, l'll try some.
Would you like me to massage you with it?
l don't think so. Thanks, anyway.
lt'll make you feel a lot better. Let me show you.
Did she send you here?
Did she send you here to make love to me?
Ben, come in.
l was writing about you and Miles.
l understand you're quite a chef.
That's the first core behaviour l've seen from you.
Does that chapter come before or after sexual procurement?
You're talking about Cassandra?
Did you send her to my room? l think you're contemptible.
lnteresting. Contemptible.
Try and see it through our eyes just for a moment, Ben.
Cassandra came to me. She was worried.
- She sensed you weren't happy. - She was right about that.
She was concerned that all you see here is hardship
She wanted you to share in our joy as well.
You sent her to win my devotion?
l suggested she might make it easier for you to join our community.
The choice was hers. Cassandra really likes you, Ben.
lt's fortunate that all these books of yours
aren't on padds like the other materials the colonists brought.
- l used to print them myself. - l'm not surprised.
Vinod says you never ate replicated food.
l'm not sure l see the connection.
You never had much use for technology, did you?
lt's interesting how you crashed on a planet
that fit your philosophy of life so well.
l've started writing a book about our experiences.
l've been wondering if, in the ancient religions of man,
there is something to explain
how sometimes fate delivers us exactly where we need to be.
Perhaps one day you'll even feel the hand of God on your shoulder.
You won't give a millimetre.
Look at you. Still in your uniform,
wanting to get back to your station with its artificial gravity
and sterilised air.
You are so disconnected from your core identity, Ben.
There is a better way.
How can we help you see it?
Perhaps good hard work is the answer.
- Vinod. - Yes, mother?
Ben will be standing watch tonight.
- Are you all right, Commander? - Tired, but l'll be fine.
- Any luck on your end? - The duonetic field is a mystery.
l can't believe it's generated by astatine deposits.
Ready for some breakfast? We have some lovely fruit.
We found this growing along the riverbank.
lt's some kind of native pear.
Will you be able to work your shift in the field today?
You had him up all night, standing watch.
lf you'd like to be relieved of your duties, just ask.
- l'll work my shift. - Good.
We're so short-handed out there.
You should do yourself a favour.
Change into more comfortable clothes.
You'll be pleased to know Meg seems better this morning.
Joseph is optimistic about a new combination of herbs he's trying.
We're picking up a ship ahead.
lt's the Rio Grande, moving at warp 1.3.
Once we're abeam, l'll transport over.
- Like hell you will. - l'm the ranking officer.
- At warp, l wouldn't volunteer. - You've got a better idea?
l'm the science officer. lt's my job to have a better idea.
What are you doing?
l'm trying an old rope trick l learned on Earth once.
A talented Hopi l knew did things with a rope you wouldn't believe.
lt's an old American art form.
You're suggesting we rope the Rio Grande at warp?
With a tractor beam.
Once we pull it back to impulse, won't the strain rip both hulls apart?
lf the assembly teams did their jobs, we'll probably make it.
lf they had an off day, we'll have a problem.
lt's our best shot.
Unless, as a ranking officer, you have a better idea.
We're within tractor range. Locking on.
Engaging impulse engines.
Remind me to thank the assembly teams.
All stop. Computer, ready transporter.
Meg has died.
Suddenly, quietly.
No one was prouder of what we've accomplished here than Meg.
Her dedication to this community
and to us was an inspiration,
which is why l find myself so troubled today
by an act that by its very nature defiles her memory.
Vinod?
All of us have welcomed our new arrivals,
but they continue to reject us.
Despite their agreement to respect our fundamental way of life,
this man has committed the worst offence that can be committed
against this community. He has wasted precious time
that could have been put to productive use.
Miles was discovered trying to activate his technological devices
so he could return to his ship.
He wanted the medical equipment to save Meg's life.
Thank you, Joseph.
l knew you'd feel that way and l'm glad you said it.
All of us can see the danger these two represent.
Our very own Joseph defending what he knows is wrong.
He knows that if we spent our energy all these years trying to escape,
we'd all be dead today.
This is good, a test of our convictions.
And we will survive.
- You're not putting him in there? - No, l'm not.
You are his commanding officer. l hold you responsible for his actions.
- l'm putting you in there. - Wait a minute...
No signs of resistance.
The logs have been erased. Someone else was here.
Maybe Sisko and O'Brien beamed off before the ship was boarded.
Why would somebody send the runabout off at warp?
They were trying to destroy it.
The hull's been exposed to intense gamma radiation.
lf we retrace the course,
it takes us right back to...
- An F-type star. - Orellius Minor.
The ship could only be coming from Orellius Minor
if someone tried to fly it into the star.
lf the trajectory were slightly off,
the star would have deflected it in a new direction.
Computer, send a tractor beam to the Orinoco.
With a little luck, we'll find the warp signature the engines left.
Tractor beam in place.
Course laid in for the Orellius system.
Engaging warp engines.
Please.
This is painful for me, too.
l want so much to give you water, to let you lie down,
to sleep, but l can't.
Not without your help.
l know it's too difficult to speak right now. Just rest.
Change doesn't come easy to you, Ben.
l realise it. l'm not expecting a miraculous conversion.
Change will come by itself if you're open to it.
But you have to show us that you're open to it.
A good start would be to get rid of the uniform.
l'll leave you these clothes.
Once you've changed, you can have this water.
Join us, Ben.
Miles?
- What are you doing here? - l need your help, Joseph.
With what?
There's nothing l can do. Please don't ask me.
l've got to track down that duonetic field.
We told you. There are astatine deposits.
That's not it. lf it were, we'd all be out of here already.
lt's something else.
l've figured a way to get to the source.
You want me to look the other way while you leave?
She'd put you in the box, wouldn't she?
Then do me a favour.
Look down at that hematite deposit l just discovered.
- Miles... - l can do it so it won't hurt at all.
l owe you one, my friend.
You finally got one of us out of our uniform.
Move it.
Where's Alixus? Get her out here.
Get him some water.
Do you know why this phaser is working now?
l shut down the duonetic field that was stopping it working.
An artificially created duonetic field.
Sisko to Rio Grande.
Computer, respond.
Your ship is no longer in orbit, Ben. l destroyed it.
l assume that means you control the duonetic field.
l helped invent it.
Many scientists are sympathetic to my philosophies.
lt was no accident we developed problems near this planet.
We were always on our way here, Joseph.
l chose it months in advance.
lt was far away from any trade route, completely isolated.
lt was perfect for our ideal community.
l hoped when we landed we would never leave.
You lied to us. You've been lying to us for ten years.
Yes, but perhaps a lie can lead to a more important truth.
Would any of you have learned who you really are
at the core if you hadn't come here?
Joseph, you would have been a repair man all of your life.
Cassandra, you would have been a clerk in some closed-in room.
And Stephan, my friend,
you probably would have been in prison by now.
Look at yourselves. Look at what you've become.
What you've achieved here
has redefined your potential,
the potential of man.
Just as l knew it would.
You are the living proof.
What of the dead?
What of Meg and the others?
Only my son knows how l have suffered
as l watched each of them die.
You were willing to let them die for your theories.
You'll answer for what you've done.
l'm prepared to go with you.
Casualties were inevitable.
l had to accept that from the start.
What if your son were sick?
Would you let him die, too?
Yes.
For the sake of the community.
l did it all for the community.
Kira to Sisko. Are you all right, Commander?
Everything is under control, Major.
Stand by to begin multiple transports.
Acknowledged.
We have room for all of you on the runabout.
lf you have anything you want to bring with you, get it now.
Miles.
This is our home.
Whatever Alixus may be guilty of,
she did give us our community.
l'm not sure if we'll leave the device on now we know it's there.
We'll have to decide if we want to establish contact with the outside world.
But Alixus is right:
we have found something here
that none of us is willing to give up.
lt's time for those of us who don't belong here to leave, Ben.
Four to beam up, Major.
Come.

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