Strange Energies

With Mariner and her mother, Captain Freeman, now working together, the Cerritos makes a second contact visit to Apergos. Mariner's unofficial power-washing project uncovers an ancient device that blasts Commander Ransom with strange energy. He gains godlike powers and, like Gary Mitchell before him, quickly lets them go to his head: he reshapes the landscape, turns locals into devoted Ransomites and finally becomes a giant floating head menacing the ship. Mariner and Freeman realise that what Ransom really craves is recognition, and between flattery, a kick from Mariner and a boulder dropped by Dr T'Ana, he is returned to normal. Meanwhile Tendi becomes convinced that Rutherford's personality has changed since his implant was reset, and her increasingly wild treatments end in a heartfelt reconciliation. On the Titan, Boimler finds life under Captain Riker thrilling and terrifying in equal measure. Back on the Cerritos, Freeman and Mariner agree to stop working together.