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Melora (DS9 episode)
Encyclopedia
"Melora" is the 26th episode
of the science fiction
television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
.
and Melora Pazlar, an Elaysian whose species' physiology is generally incompatible with the strength of artificial gravity found on most humanoid communities, including Deep Space Nine
. As a result, Melora must use external mechanical apparatus to exist comfortably on the station. When she is in her quarters she can, and frequently does, adjust environmental settings to simulate her accustomed habitat. Because of her physical condition, Melora is argumentative, even rude, in insisting that she not be shown any undue accommodation. Nevertheless, Julian sees through Melora's barriers and the two become romantically involved.
Meanwhile, just as Quark
is about to conclude a very lucrative deal over some historical relics with a man named Ashrock, an old acquaintance of his named Fallit Kot walks into his bar. The two have history, with Kot declaring to Quark that he is on DS9 to settle certain "debts." Odo suspects Quark sold out Kot when the two were caught in a Romulan
larceny caper eight years ago, and now Kot is back to kill his former partner in crime. However, when questioned by Odo, Kot denies any ill intentions toward Quark.
Later in the episode, Bashir develops an application of a neuromuscular adaptation theory that could allow Melora to comfortably walk without the help of any of the equipment she currently uses. Even after successfully participating in tests of Bashir's new engineering technique, Melora has misgivings. If she goes through with the procedure, she will no longer be able to live in the low-gravity environment of her home world. Jadzia Dax
, during a survey mission with Melora to the Gamma Quadrant, compares her predicament to that of "The Little Mermaid
."
Back on DS9, Kot attacks Quark in his quarters, but Quark plays to Kot's greed by offering him 199 bars of gold-pressed latinum (the proceeds of his deal with Ashrock) in exchange for his life. Kot takes the deal, and they go to meet Ashrock at an airlock. Quark's deal is closed, but Kot shoots Ashrock and takes the relics in addition to the latinum. Kot forces Quark to go with him, and they come across Melora and Dax, who are returning from their survey. Kot takes all three hostage aboard the runabout
Orinoco.
Commander Sisko
orders the runabout to be held in a tractor beam. Kot demands they be released, shooting Melora to prove his point. Sisko lets them go but takes Julian and Chief O'Brien
with him in the runabout Rio Grande. The Orinoco is pursued through the Wormhole. Kot orders Dax to fire on the Rio Grande but as she refuses, she notices that Melora is not only still alive, but crawling toward a console controlling the ship's gravity. In her element after shutting down the gravity, Melora overpowers Kot, who is taken into custody. Sisko orders the runabouts to head for home.
After finally deciding against going through with Julian's neuromuscular procedure, Melora and Julian enjoy the chef's serenade at the Klingon
restaurant where they had their first date.
Episode
An episode is a part of a dramatic work such as a serial television or radio program. An episode is a part of a sequence of a body of work, akin to a chapter of a book. The term sometimes applies to works based on other forms of mass media as well, as in Star Wars...
of the science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe...
.
Overview
An young officer from a low-gravity planet is assigned to DS9; Dr. Bashir assists her in adapting to the station's normal gravity.Plot
The episode's story mainly consists of a relationship between Julian BashirJulian Bashir
Lieutenant Julian Subatoi Bashir, M.D., played by Alexander Siddig, is a main character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Bashir is the chief medical officer of space station Deep Space Nine and the USS Defiant.-Overview:...
and Melora Pazlar, an Elaysian whose species' physiology is generally incompatible with the strength of artificial gravity found on most humanoid communities, including Deep Space Nine
Deep Space Nine (space station)
Deep Space Nine is a fictitious space station, and is the eponymous primary setting of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It serves as a base for the exploration of the Gamma Quadrant via the Bajoran wormhole, and is a hub of trade and travel for the sector's denizens...
. As a result, Melora must use external mechanical apparatus to exist comfortably on the station. When she is in her quarters she can, and frequently does, adjust environmental settings to simulate her accustomed habitat. Because of her physical condition, Melora is argumentative, even rude, in insisting that she not be shown any undue accommodation. Nevertheless, Julian sees through Melora's barriers and the two become romantically involved.
Meanwhile, just as Quark
Quark (Star Trek)
Quark is a fictional character in the American television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The character, which was played by Armin Shimerman, was depicted as a member of an extraterrestrial race known as the Ferengi, who are stereotypically ultra-capitalist and only motivated by...
is about to conclude a very lucrative deal over some historical relics with a man named Ashrock, an old acquaintance of his named Fallit Kot walks into his bar. The two have history, with Kot declaring to Quark that he is on DS9 to settle certain "debts." Odo suspects Quark sold out Kot when the two were caught in a Romulan
Romulan
The Romulans are a fictional alien race in the Star Trek universe. First appearing in the original Star Trek series in the 1966 episode "Balance of Terror", they have since made appearances in all the main later Star Trek series: The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager...
larceny caper eight years ago, and now Kot is back to kill his former partner in crime. However, when questioned by Odo, Kot denies any ill intentions toward Quark.
Later in the episode, Bashir develops an application of a neuromuscular adaptation theory that could allow Melora to comfortably walk without the help of any of the equipment she currently uses. Even after successfully participating in tests of Bashir's new engineering technique, Melora has misgivings. If she goes through with the procedure, she will no longer be able to live in the low-gravity environment of her home world. Jadzia Dax
Jadzia Dax
Jadzia Dax , played by Terry Farrell, was a main character during the first six seasons of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine....
, during a survey mission with Melora to the Gamma Quadrant, compares her predicament to that of "The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid
"The Little Mermaid" is a popular fairy tale by the Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen about a young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea and her identity as a mermaid to gain a human soul and the love of a human prince...
."
Back on DS9, Kot attacks Quark in his quarters, but Quark plays to Kot's greed by offering him 199 bars of gold-pressed latinum (the proceeds of his deal with Ashrock) in exchange for his life. Kot takes the deal, and they go to meet Ashrock at an airlock. Quark's deal is closed, but Kot shoots Ashrock and takes the relics in addition to the latinum. Kot forces Quark to go with him, and they come across Melora and Dax, who are returning from their survey. Kot takes all three hostage aboard the runabout
Danube class starship (Star Trek)
The Danube class is a class of small, multi-purpose starships appearing in works of the Star Trek science-fiction franchise, primarily the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ....
Orinoco.
Commander Sisko
Benjamin Sisko
Benjamin Lafayette Sisko, played by Avery Brooks, is the main character of the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.-Early life and career:...
orders the runabout to be held in a tractor beam. Kot demands they be released, shooting Melora to prove his point. Sisko lets them go but takes Julian and Chief O'Brien
Miles O'Brien (Star Trek)
Miles Edward O'Brien, played by Colm Meaney, is Chief of Operations in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Before DS9, he appeared as a recurring transporter chief in Star Trek: The Next Generation...
with him in the runabout Rio Grande. The Orinoco is pursued through the Wormhole. Kot orders Dax to fire on the Rio Grande but as she refuses, she notices that Melora is not only still alive, but crawling toward a console controlling the ship's gravity. In her element after shutting down the gravity, Melora overpowers Kot, who is taken into custody. Sisko orders the runabouts to head for home.
After finally deciding against going through with Julian's neuromuscular procedure, Melora and Julian enjoy the chef's serenade at the Klingon
Klingon
Klingons are a fictional warrior race in the Star Trek universe.Klingons are recurring villains in the 1960s television show Star Trek: The Original Series, and have appeared in all five spin-off series and eight feature films...
restaurant where they had their first date.
Arc significance
- This is the first of two appearances of the singing Klingon chef (although the restaurant would be mentioned in other episodes).