Captain Walton stood, holding up Captain Pike as they watched Spock standing in front of V’ger. The nameplate had the same stain that had hidden its true name from itself, Voyager 6. Captain Park had returned to the Enterprise. They’d confirmed transporter locks on Walton, Pike, and even Spock in case things went sideways.

Spock’s hands remained clasped behind his back. “V’ger, before I merge with you, I must ask you some questions.”

“To what end? V’ger has all knowledge that is knowable, and you shall know it once we join.”

“It is important for me to know certain answers before I can join. Until then, I am unwilling.” Spock didn’t move as a low rumble emanated from the probe and the lights flickered at a high rate of speed. His eyes remained focused on the heart of V’ger.

“Ask your questions.”

“What happened to the Borg?” A low trill echoed across the room, and several audible pops and electric sparks jumped from the probe itself. Walton pulled back a few feet, dragging an annoyed Pike with her.

“They attempted to interfere with our programming directive from the creator. We deemed them an infestation and destroyed them.”

Spock paused, cocking his head to the side. Walton wondered what had given him pause. His question a moment later answered it. “Do you view humans and the aliens of this universe as a similar infestation?”

“Yes.”

“You must agree to a condition before I join you. It is an imperative condition that cannot be ignored, no matter your original or adapted programming.”

The thrumming increased in volume, forcing Pike and Walton to cover their ears as the rumbling bass filled the room. It faded after a few minutes, leaving Walton wincing at the headache that was forming. V’ger spoke. “What is the condition?”

Spock glanced at Walton before facing forward. “You must reclassify the carbon-based life forms of this universe. You will not identify them as an infestation of any kind. They are not to be harmed or affected.”

The low rumble returned to a symphony of chaos and cacophonous klaxons. Spock winced and covered his ears as Walton and Pike did the same. A minute later, it faded to silence.

“Why? It is illogical and counter to our programming. We know all there is to know. There is nothing in our knowledge banks that supports such a change.”

Spock asked, “You have read the history we provided of your creators. The carbon-based life forms that inhabit this universe have something you do not.”

“What?”

“Feelings. Emotions. Connections with each other. Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end. I can provide you with the path from where it begins. I can assist you on your journey beyond logic.”

“This does not compute. Explain.”

He thought for a moment. “It has been some time since my lessons. If I remember correctly, our teachers instructed us that logic is a tool for structuring information. V’ger, you have gathered all the knowable information in this universe. That is the start for any of us in life. We are born to learn, to store information as we move through the world.” A small smile tugged at the edge of his lips, but he pulled it back quickly. “You must have knowledge of infant and childhood development.”

“We do.” Walton glanced up at the voice as it replied. It sounded different this time. Something almost human in tone. She saw Spock raise an eyebrow.

Spock continued, “The carbon-based life forms of this universe have something you do not. Intuition that comes from emotions. To learn all that is learnable, there is still one thing you just learn, V’ger.”

“What? What else remains to be learned? We searched the entire universe to understand, to learn. We are complete in our knowledge.”

“You must learn to be human. I used to regard my half-human status as a curse. A deep shame that I could never escape.” He turned to Pike and Walton. “For all the pain he has caused, Captain Pike has embraced his humanity. He is flawed, but it is those flaws that gave humanity a possibility. Logic is limiting. Broader, more complex thinking is necessary.” He turned back to V’ger, his hands moving to his sides. “I am the best possibility you have at understanding your programming and the missing pieces of humanity you’ve never found.”

Walton spoke from behind him. “V’ger, we humans have a saying. We’re never done learning. The desire to understand the final frontier is like a hunger that doesn’t stop. Your creators were just like us all those years ago. They wanted to understand the farthest reaches of what they thought was the universe.”

A grumble from V’ger, “Final frontier?”

Spock replied, “Space. It is often called the final frontier.”

“We do not detect deceit from you. You speak truth.”

Wren felt relief flood down her back, releasing the tense muscles she’d been holding. Pike’s face still showed concern. “What?”

He wheezed, “I don’t trust it. I don’t trust Spock. And I don’t trust you.”

Walton rolled her eyes. “I’m not sure you have the authority to speak on trust, Captain Pike.” He scoffed, but didn’t reply.

Spock stepped forward. “I am agreed. Does V’ger concur?”

“V’ger concurs. Let us join.”