The Orville

In light of the Kaylon attack,

the Moclans have proposed a new round of weapons upgrades

for all explorer-class vessels and above.

I would say that's a good idea.

The refit should only take a day or so.

We've also received a special request

from the Moclan Science Division.

You'll be picking up an engineer and transporting him

to a research vessel in the Nekkar System.

Sir, with all due respect, we're starting to feel

- like a taxi cab here. - I know.

But it's the least we can do in exchange for bigger guns.

- All right. - Have fun.

Halsey out.

I'll go start the meter.

30% power upgrade

to the plasma cannons,

20% increase in torpedo capacity.

Guys, this is great. Tell your team well done.

Unless you require further assistance, we will depart.

All good. You've more than exceeded our expectations.

I will escort you to the shuttle bay.

Keyali to Captain.

Mercer here. Go ahead.

Engineer Toren's transport is requesting permission to dock.

Permission granted.

Great. I'll show him to his quarters.

You sure you don't want me to take your bag?

- Looks like it's heavy. - No, I am fine.

So, how long have you two been together?

Korick and I have been mates for nine years.

That's amazing. I always love hearing that.

Gives us single people hope.

I understand that vessels such as this

are very... attentive toward their guests.

However, Toren and I would prefer to be left alone

- during our voyage. - No problem.

Well, these are your quarters.

If you'd like, I can show you around.

That will not be necessary.

Okay, then. Just give me a holler if you need anything.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

This was a mistake. If we are discovered...

We will not be.

The difficult part is complete.

We have evaded their scans, and they do not appear suspicious.

Nonetheless, we must remain vigilant.

You see?

All is well.

We have nothing to fear.

Hey, I need that for my house.

- It's mine. Get your own. - Topa, give it back.

We're supposed to share.

- I don't share with females. - Why not?

My papa says females are weak.

Well, your papa's stupid. Now give it back.

Hey.

Topa, no. We do not shove people.

- Olivia, you okay? - Yeah.

This isn't the first time that Topa's been disrespectful

to a female student.

But he crossed a line today.

Was he provoked in some way?

I don't think so, but even if that were the case,

it's unacceptable behavior.

Perhaps you should consider separating

the male and female children.

None of the other boys

have trouble getting along with the girls.

We apologize for our son's disruptive behavior.

We will speak with him.

Thank you.

Is it true that you had an altercation

with a fellow classmate?

- Yes. - Why?

She had a piece I needed.

Your teacher says you took it from her.

- And that you pushed her. - Yeah, so?

That was wrong, Topa.

But she's a female.

That makes no difference.

They're inferior.

It doesn't matter what they think.

- Where did you hear such things? - From Papa.

Go to your room, Topa.

We will discuss your punishment later.

- I didn't do anything wrong. - Go.

You do not make things easy.

I am simply teaching our son the traditional values

on which we ourselves were raised.

Klyden, has your time on this ship

not changed your perspective in any way?

It has obviously changed yours.

What harm can come from allowing him

to discover his own path?

Topa may decide he wants to live on Moclus one day.

In that event, we must tell him the truth of his origins.

- What happened to you must... - What happened to me

did not shatter my faith in our ways.

Perhaps when Topa is grown,

Moclus will not be so... intolerant.

Who are you to question our core beliefs?

You are only one Moclan.

What makes the rest of our society wrong

and your perverse vision right?

If it were up to you, our son would still be female.

I am sorry.

It is not my wish to hurt you.

- Bridge to Commander Bortus. - Yes.

Isaac has been tracking a power fluctuation on deck C.

We think our Moclan visitors may be tapping into the grid.

For what reason?

That's what we want you to go find out.

If they need extra power for some reason,

that's fine, but they need to ask first.

They can't just plug stuff in.

I am on my way, Commander.

Yes?

There is an unauthorized power drain

originating in these quarters.

The food synthesizer was set to a reduced precision.

My dinner was not flavorful enough,

so I increased the molecular resolution.

I was not aware that I needed permission.

Please stand aside.

You are siphoning power beyond regulation levels.

Please disconnect the device.

It is... sensitive research.

I would prefer to wait until we rendezvous with our vessel.

What are you carrying that would require such power?

You will open it.

Why are you hiding this infant?

She is our daughter.

We are fleeing Moclus.

We do not want her to undergo the corrective procedure

or to live in hiding as an outcast.

Where do you intend to go?

Retepsia.

Their government has granted us asylum.

The captain of the research vessel

has agreed to take us there.

I beg you not to report this.

Our child will be taken from us.

We love her just as she is.

You are asking me to lie to my captain.

Commander, I know of your trial.

I know you understand what is happening here.

The transport ship is only a few hours away.

All we ask is that you stay silent

until we leave.

No one must know.

Bortus to Commander Grayson.

- Go ahead. - Our Moclan visitors

required power for a stasis chamber

which contains perishable supplies.

I will provide them with an alternate power source.

Acknowledged. Thanks, Bortus.

We will not forget your kindness.

Bortus. What can I do for you?

I wanted to see how Topa was doing.

Well, no new incidents so far.

Hopefully, whatever you said to him has sunk in.

I'm optimistic.

I wish to remove him from class early today.

Sure. Any particular reason?

A family matter.

This will provide the power you require.

Thank you. Who is this?

My son, Topa.

May we come in?

It is all right, Korick.

He has promised not to speak

of what he sees here today.

Isn't that right, Topa?

Yes, Papa.

It is a female.

Her name is Mersa.

But there are no Moclan females.

Only a few are born every generation.

Some people fear them.

That is why her parents have chosen to conceal her.

Look at her, Topa.

She is not so different from you or I.

Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.

It's our pleasure. Good luck with your new assignment.

Good-bye, Commander.

Safe journey.

Mercer to Bortus.

Yes, Captain?

Please report to my office.

It's been brought to my attention that we may have had

an unauthorized passenger on board.

Yes.

That'll be all, Klyden.

I'm sorry, Papa. I didn't mean to tell.

It is all right, Topa. We will discuss it later.

Would you care to explain?

The infant was in stasis, and they did not want it known.

Because she was a girl.

Why did you hide it from us?