‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Recap – ‘Rosetta’

Written by Shae Rufe

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 411 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The Rosetta Stone was a defining moment in human history. Its discovery led to the translation and understanding of Egyptian Hieroglyphs and forever changed the world as we know it. Similarly, Discovery is looking for much the same in a way to communicate with the 10-C. With limited time, they are in dire need of finding both a way to communicate and relate to the 10-C as well, as a way into the hyper barrier they’ve set around themselves. It’s a race against the clock before the DMA hits Earth, Ni’Var and Titan, killing billions of people.
 
The pressure is on, and some are questioning Michael’s methods. Heading down to a dead planet seems like a lost cause to a few delegates. However, Michael is strong on her belief that there has to be something they can use on the planet. She heads down with Dr. Culber, Saru, and Detmer. It’s a capable group that can hold their own and work out what might be left of the 10-C’s home, if this was their home. Shortly after arriving on the planet, however, Saru begins to experience hallucinations and a panic response. There is, however… nothing there, not really. A massive bone left behind tells a story of nothing but destruction.

When his panic becomes too great, Dr. Culber steps in to help, only to start experiencing the same things as Saru. There are little answers as they make their way into the only standing structure. It’s here they discover little clusters of dust, and Michael is suddenly hit with her own fear and delusions. Whatever is happening, their suits aren’t able to filter it out, mostly because their suits don’t know how or what is hitting them. It’s Detmer that figures out what’s happening and reprograms the suits. The dust on the planet holds powerful emotions, signals left behind by the 10-C, similar to scent markers or better yet, a way to communicate. Michael tests that theory by turning her suit’s filter off and purposefully exposing herself to another type of dust. This one doesn’t fill her with fear, instead it fills her with love, safety. Michael experiences joy from this and confirms that this is a way they can communicate with the 10-C. Empathy is a powerful thing.

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​Meanwhile, Book and Tarka need a way into the 10-C’s hyper barrier and they’re going to latch themselves onto Discovery to do so. Tarka has a program that will essentially numb Zora’s sensors, so she won’t notice them. The only downside is they have to upload the program onto Discovery themselves. Sneaking aboard is easy, they do that while Michael is off ship. Tarka tackles engineering while Book finds General Ndoye. He knows the general sides with him and Tarka, and Book believes she could be a valuable ally.
 
In doing so, he’s putting them at risk, but it’s a risk worth taking. Book just wants to shut down the 10-C, while Tarka wants their technology. Ndoye is reluctant but willing to help Book, he’s truthful about wanting to only shut down the DMA and not hurt Discovery or her crew in the process. It doesn’t take much to convince the General. Tarka on the other hand sneaks into engineering, empties it, and applies his program, almost undetected. Except Reno kind of finds him, and inadvertently gets taken hostage. Book discovers this when he gets back to his ship, and he’s not happy about it.

With Stamets having the readings for the chemicals left behind by the 10-C, he’s able to find more and can begin to decipher them. Saru points out that the 10-C might know exactly what the DMA is doing to their home and might not care, and that is a terrifying thought really. Still, they have to push forward. Michael also confronts Hugh and gets the Doctor to admit that he’s not okay or doing well. Michael confidently empathizes and reminds him that he’s not alone. They’ll work this all out together, and that is how Discovery, and her crew always handles things. Together.

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