manufactured it
- and how to deal with them.
- Fine.
Let's get her to sickbay.
I'm programmed to observe and record
only the normal functions
of the carbon-based units.
The... examination
is a normal function.
You may proceed.
(McCoy)
Micro-miniature hydraulics.
Sensors.
And molecule-sized
multiprocessor chips.
- And take a look at this.
- Osmotic micro-pump. Right here.
Even the smallest body functions
are exactly duplicated.
Every exocrine system is the same,
too.
Even eye moisture.
Dec-ker.
Fascinating. Not "Decker unit".
Gentlemen.
Will.
- What happened to her?
- Captain.
This probe may be our key
to the aliens.
- Probe? Ilia?
- Exactly.
It is a programmed mechanism.
Its body duplicates our Navigator
in precise detail.
Suppose that beneath its programming
Ilia's memory patterns
are duplicated with equal precision.
- They had a pattern to follow.
- lndeed.
They may have followed it
too precisely.
Ilia's memory, her feelings
of loyalty, obedience, friendship,
might all be there!
(Spock) You did have
a relationship with Lt llia.
That probe in another form
is what killed llia!
Commander!
Will. We're locked in an alien vessel
six hours from Earth orbit.
Our only contact with our captor
is that probe.
If we could control it, use it.
I have recorded enough here.
You will now assist me further.
The Decker unit can assist you
with much greater efficiency.
Carry on with your assignment,
Mr Decker.
Aye, sir.
I am concerned with that being
our only source of information.
Captain's log, stardate 74 14. 1.
Our best estimates
place us four hours from Earth.
No significant progress thus far
reviving Ilia memory patterns
within the alien probe.
This remains our only means
of contact with our captor.
(Decker) All those vessels
were called Enterprise.
The carbon units use this area
for recreation.
This is one of the games.
What types of recreation does
the crew aboard your vessel enjoy?
The words "recreation"
and "enjoy"
have no meaning to my programming.
Ilia enjoyed this game.
She nearly always won.
Good.
He's using audio-visual association.
This device serves no purpose.
Why does Enterprise require
the presence of carbon units?
Enterprise
could not function without them.
More data concerning
this functioning is necessary
before carbon units
can be patterned for data storage.
What does that mean?
When my examination is complete,
all carbon units
will be reduced to data patterns.
Within you
are the memory patterns of...
a certain carbon unit.
If I can help you
to revive those patterns,
you could understand
our functions better.
That is logical. You may proceed.
(Dr Chapel) I remember Lt llia
once mentioning she wore that.
Put it on.
On Delta. Remember?
(Dr Chapel) llia?
Dr Chapel.
Will?
Ilia.
(McCoy) Commander.
Commander!
This is a mechanism.
Ilia, help us
make direct contact with V'Ger.
I cannot.
This Creator V'Ger's looking for.
What is it?
V'Ger does not know.
Computer, commence recording.
Capt Kirk, these messages
will detail my attempt
to contact the aliens.
I intend to calculate
acceleration rate
to coincide with the opening
of the V'Ger orifice.
This should facilitate
a better view of the interior.
Starfleet signals
are growing in strength, sir.
They still have the intruder
on their monitors.
- It's decelerating.
- Confirmed.
Lunar beacons indicate intruder
on a course into Earth orbit.
Sir, airlock four has been opened.
A thruster suit is reported missing.
A thruster suit?
That's Spock.
Damn him! Bring him back here.
No, wait.
- Get a fix on his position.
- Aye, sir.
I have penetrated the next chamber
of the aliens' interior.
I'm witnessing some sort
of dimensional image
which I believe is a representation
of V'Ger's home planet.
I'm passing through
a connecting tunnel.
Apparently
a kind of plasma-energy conduit.
Possibly, a field coil
for a gigantic imaging system.