discovered its simple
20th-century programming--
collect all data possible.
Learn all that is learnable.
Return that information
to its creator.
Precisely, Mr. Decker.
The machines
interpreted it literally.
They built this entire vessel...
so that Voyager could actually
fulfill its programming.
And on its journey back...
it amassed so much knowledge...
it achieved consciousness itself.
It became a living thing.
Kirk unit.
V'Ger awaits the information.
Enterprise...
order up the ship's
computer library records...
on the late 20th-century
NASA probe Voyager 6.
Specifically, we want
the old NASA code signal...
that instructs the probe
to transmit its data.
- And fast, Uhura, fast.
-Aye, sir.
That's what it's been signaling--
its readiness
to transmit its information.
And there's no one on Earth...
who could recognize the old signal
and send a response.
The creator does not answer.
V'Ger.
V'Ger.
V'Ger!
We are the creator.
That is not logical.
Carbon units
are not true life-forms.
We will prove it.
We will make it possible for you
to complete your programming.
Only the creator
could accomplish that.
Enterprise?
We have just received
the response code, Captain.
Set the Enterprise transmitter
on appropriate frequency...
and transmit the code now.
Transmitting.
5-0-4...
3-2-9...
3-1 -7...
5-1 -0...
and the final sequence.
That should trigger
Voyager's transmitter.
Voyager is not transmitting
its data, Captain.
The creator must join with V'Ger.
Uhura, repeat the final sequence.
The creator must join with V'Ger.
Voyager is not transmitting,
Captain...
because it did not receive
the final sequence.
Jim, we're down to ten minutes.
Enterprise, stand by.
- The antenna leads are melted away.
- Yes, Captain, just now.
By V'Ger itself.
- Why?
- To prevent reception.
Of course.
To bring the creator here.
To finish transmitting
the code in person.
To touch the creator.
Capture God?
V'Ger's liable to be in for
one hell of a disappointment.
Perhaps not, Doctor.
Captain.
V'Ger must evolve.
Its knowledge has reached the limits
of this universe. It must evolve.
What it requires of its god, Doctor,
is the answer to its question--
Is there nothing more?
What more is there
than the universe, Spock?
Other dimensions.
Higher levels of being.
The existence of which
cannot be proven logically.
Therefore, V'Ger is incapable
of believing in them.
What V'Ger needs
in order to evolve...
is a human quality--
our capacity to leap beyond logic.
Joining with its creator
might accomplish that.
You mean this machine wants to
physically join with a human?
Is that possible?
Let's find out.
Decker.
I'm gonna key the final sequence
through the ground test computer.
You don't know
what that'll do to you!
Yes, I do, Doctor.
Decker, don't.
Jim, I want this.
As much as you wanted
the Enterprise, I want this.
Captain.
Spock, did we just see the beginning
of a new life-form?
Yes, Captain.
We witnessed a birth.
Possibly a next step
in our evolution.
I wonder.
Well, it's been a long time
since I delivered a baby.
I hope we got this one off
to a good start.
I hope so too.
I think we gave it the ability to
create its own sense of purpose...
out of our own human weaknesses...
and the drive that compels us
to overcome them.
And a lot of foolish human emotions.
Right, Mr. Spock?
Quite true, Doctor.
Unfortunately, it will have to
deal with them as well.
Interrogative from Starfleet.
They're requesting damage and injury
reports and complete vessel status.
Report two casualties.
Lieutenant Ilia.
Captain Decker.
- Aye, sir.
- Correction.
They're not casualties.
They--
List them as missing.
Vessel status: fully operational.
Aye, sir.
Mr. Scott, shall we give
the Enterprise a proper shakedown?
I would say it's time
for that, sir, aye.
We can have you back on Vulcan
in four days, Mr. Spock.
Unnecessary, Mr. Scott.
My task on