Saru narrates about the journey of life as he leaves for duty – the crew analyses the data from the sphere, Culbert gets use to being alive.
The CMO explains to Saru what she has been able to tell from Saru’s evolution, that he is losing his fear, which both troubles and fascinates Saru. Pike, Burnham and Tyler discuss the Red Angel’s motives.
The next red signal is detected – above Saru’s home world.
Saru tells Pike, Tyler and Burnham about their planet and the circumstances of him leaving. The Discovery comes out of warp of the planet. The signal has disappeared. Saru speaks out on the bridge against Pike’s decisions, including to not include Saru in the away team. Saru becomes confrontational, causing tension on the bridge until Burnham steps in and speaks to take Saru with her.
Culbert is still coming to terms with his new body as the away team beam down. Saru reconnects with his sister, who is amazed to see Burnham.
Saru’s sister rebukes Saru for abandoning them. Burnham tells her about the Red Angel. Suddenly the ground shakes as the Ba’ul approach. The away team beam back as the Ba’ul hail the ship. The Ba’ul demand the return the Kelpien they have. Saru speaks out against them against orders. 10 large ships approach Discovery. They also target Saru’s village. Saru is ordered off the bridge. He prepares to beam himself off the ship as Michael tries to stop him, but ultimately she lets him leave. The Ba’ul ships stand down and leave. On the Ba’ul ship, Saru and his sister are brought on board. His sister confirms that she saw him leave the planet, and wished she’d never see him again, as it would mean she was free. Suddenly some drones restrain Saru as a black dripping creature emerges from the centre of the room.
Using the data from the sphere, they establish the evolved Kelpien’s are actually the Ba’ul’s predators, as the Kelpien shoots spikes at the Ba’ul, stopped by a shield. After threatening to neutralise the only two Kelpiens with knowledge of the evolution, Saru escapes his restraints and escapes with his sister. He hails Discovery, who works out if they recreate the sphere symbol, they can trigger the evolution for the Kelpiens. Saru believes the newly evolved Kelpiens will use their rage to break the cycle, rather than oppress the Ba’ul.
On the planets surface a massive structure emerges, the one Saru was kept in. The Ba’ul prepare to commit genocide against the Kelpiens. Pike gives them an ultimatum, either allow Starfleet to negotiate a peace, or become Starfleet’s enemy. Before Starfleet can intervene, the Red Angel appears and launches an EMP wave to knock out the pylons, appearing to Saru and his sister.
The Kelpiens come to terms with their new life. Saru returns with a report of the Red Angel that he was able to perceive with his enhanced eyesight. Tyler is concerned about the power the entity has. Saru shows his sister his quarters and their home from space.
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