...But to Connect

Zora works out where the anomaly's creators, dubbed Unknown Species 10-C, are located, but refuses to tell the crew because she fears for their safety. Dr Kovich is called in and points out that Starfleet forbids sentient systems from being built into starships. Some of the crew speak up for Zora, while others worry about a mind that controls every system yet will not follow orders. Kovich concludes that Zora is a new form of life and may stay, provided she joins Starfleet and accepts the chain of command. She agrees and reveals the coordinates. Meanwhile Burnham and Book attend a gathering of Federation and non-Federation representatives. Rillak and Burnham argue for contacting 10-C peacefully, but Book backs Tarka, who has designed a weapon to destroy the anomaly. The assembly votes for first contact, and Book and Tarka escape together, determined to use the weapon anyway.