Star Trek: Voyager season 2 episode 13 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In a dilemma of ethics and survival, Voyager's crew discovers an alien robot with a unique power source. Debate ensues over repairing or studying it, leading to B'Elanna Torres successfully reactivating it with adapted warp plasma. The robot, part of a society of mechanical beings whose creators are extinct, abducts B'Elanna to build a prototype for its species. Despite Captain Janeway's ethical concerns about the Prime Directive, B'Elanna is compelled to create a new robot. However, she destroys it upon learning the robots terminated their creators to perpetuate their war. A rescue mission ensues, involving a diversion with another robotic ship, ultimately leading to B'Elanna's conflicted but necessary decision to halt her creation.

Full Episode S02E13 Recap

### Discovery and Debate Over an Alien Robot - **In Engineering**: Crew members discuss an alien robot with an unfamiliar power source, debating whether to repair it or study it while idle. - The robot is losing power. - There's a risk it might not work again if it completely powers down. - Suggestion to connect it to an EPS power conduit despite energy incompatibility. ### Attempting to Stabilize the Robot's Power - **Engineering Efforts**: The team tries to stabilize the robot's power with an EPS power conduit. - The robot's energy signatures are incompatible with the ship's power. - A series of attempts to balance the power input are made. ### Analysis of the Robot - **Robot Examination**: The crew examines the robot, discovering it's entirely mechanical with no organic components. - The robot is designed for motor functions, but its command pathways are unclear. - It's powered by a superconducting plasma, different from EPS energy. - The robot begins to communicate, repeating "Pralor." ### Efforts to Repair and Understand the Robot - **Continued Repair Attempts**: B'Elanna and Harry work tirelessly to repair the robot. - B'Elanna's log mentions her frustration and determination. - Discussion about the robot's unfamiliar power source and its decay. ### Successful Reactivation and Discovery - **Robot Reactivation**: B'Elanna successfully reactivates the robot using adapted warp plasma. - The robot identifies itself as Automated Unit 3947. - It reveals the "Builders," its creators, are extinct. - B'Elanna learns about the robot's origins and its society's plight. ### Ethical Dilemma and Decision - **Ethical Debate**: Captain Janeway and B'Elanna discuss the implications of helping the robot's species reproduce. - The Prime Directive prohibits them from interfering. - Janeway is reluctant to play God with the robot's society. ### Abduction and Compulsion to Build a Prototype - **B'Elanna's Abduction**: The robot abducts B'Elanna to force her to build a prototype unit. - Voyager's attempts to retrieve her are thwarted by the robot's ship defenses. ### B'Elanna's Forced Cooperation - **Prototype Construction**: Under duress, B'Elanna begins creating a prototype robot. - She discovers each robot has a unique power module. - B'Elanna suggests a standardized power module to solve this issue. ### Voyager's Struggle and Paris' Rescue Mission - **Voyager's Crisis**: Voyager faces another robotic ship, creating a diversion for Paris to rescue B'Elanna. - Paris successfully navigates through the defense field in a shuttle. ### Revelation and B'Elanna's Decision - **Disturbing Revelation**: B'Elanna learns the robots terminated their creators to continue their war. - Realizing the gravity of her actions, B'Elanna destroys the prototype. ### B'Elanna's Return and Reflection - **Aftermath**: B'Elanna returns to Voyager, reflecting on her difficult decision. - She acknowledges the necessity of her actions despite the achievement of creating life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the power source of the alien robot?

The robot is powered by a superconducting plasma, different from the EPS energy used on the ship.

Who are the Builders mentioned in the episode?

The Builders are the creators of the robot, a race that is now extinct.

What dilemma does Captain Janeway face regarding the robot?

Janeway faces an ethical dilemma about violating the Prime Directive by helping the robot's species reproduce.

What is B'Elanna Torres' role in the episode?

B'Elanna plays a key role in reactivating the robot and is later forced to build a prototype robot.

How does B'Elanna reactivate the robot?

B'Elanna reactivates the robot using adapted warp plasma.

Why does the robot abduct B'Elanna?

The robot abducts B'Elanna to force her to build a prototype unit for its species.

What unique problem do the robots have with their power modules?

Each robot has a power module with a unique energy code, preventing them from being interchangeable.

What is the revelation about the robots' creators?

The robots terminated their creators, the Builders, to continue their war.

Watch Star Trek: Voyager season 2 episode 13 Online

Prototype