tlynch@nntp-server.caltech.edu (Timothy W. Lynch) (05/09/91)
WARNING: The following post contains spoiler information regarding this week's TNG episode, "Half a Life". Those not wishing to know what happens during the course of the show had better get off. Lwaxana Troi is on board, and quickly takes a shine to Timicin, a scientist from Kaelon 2 who's on board to conduct tests critical to revitalizing his planet's aged sun. Timicin, surprisingly, takes a shine to her as well, although not quite as strong as Lwaxana's. Unfortunately, the test proves a failure, and he will not get another chance at one, for a few days later, he is to turn 60; and on Kaelon 2, everyone who reaches the age of 60 kills him or herself in "the Resolution". Lwaxana is outraged by this fact, and when Picard makes it clear that he will not interfere in the planet's local affairs, first tries to beam down herself and then goes into hysterics until Deanna comforts her. After Lwaxana and Timicin end up spending an evening together (and not particularly vertically, or so it's implied), he tries to explain the custom of the Resolution to her. Unfortunately, she considers the custom barbaric, pure and simple, and despite valiant attempts by both sides, neither will change their views. However, when Timicin's analysis of the failed test turns up some promising options, he suddenly realizes that no one else has the knowledge to carry on his work and possibly save his world, and requests asylum on the Enterprise. B'Tardat, the Science Minister on Kaelon 2, is outraged, and sends up two warships to ensure that the Enterprise cannot leave the system with Timicin on board. Timicin quickly finds that his decision isn't as easy as he thought, for the planet below will not accept any further reports from him, so that even if he finds a solution they will not accept it. The final straw comes when his daughter Dara beams on board to insist that he return--she cannot bear the thought, she says, of him being laid to rest anywhere but next to her mother, and she is ashamed of him. Timicin realizes that he is not the man to forge a cultural revolution, and agrees to return to Kaelon 2. Lwaxana, however, as a loved one, beams down with him to take part. NEXT WEEK: Alien parasite transplants and a love interest for Bev. We'll see... Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu "Freedom is that feeling of pride you get when you hear that YOUR senator...has been found not guilty of all charges." --Mark Russell -- Copyright 1991, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask...