In this episode, Dr. Bashir and Jadzia Dax travel to a planet that was attacked by the Jem’Hadar 200 years earlier. In order to make an example of its people, the Jem’Hadar infected them with an incurable disease called the “blight” that leaves spidery black lesions on the body that at a random time (usually before adulthood) will “quicken” into a spreading red form that results in a slow, painful death. Dr. Bashir is unsuccessful in finding a cure, but does find a vaccine for pregnant women that protects their babies.

Affirmation: How precious is each remaining day in my life! How grateful I am for each new opportunity to grow, to love, to receive, and to give back even more.

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This is a great episode that explores the concept of heaven. The Vhnori believe that people ascend to the Next Emanation by entering a pod that transports them to the great beyond when they are dying, sick or lonely.  Harry Kim and the Star Trek crew call that into question when they discover the bodies are really transported to orbiting astroids.   Is this heaven?  Kim end ups taking the place of a Vhnorian and actually dying and being brought back on the Enterprise.   Captain Janeway orders Kim off duty for a couple of days to put his recent adventure in perspective. He resists, but she tells him that it is too easy in Starfleet to just carry on, and objectify each new, “extraordinary experience” as all in a day’s work. She urges him to take the time to appreciate what he’s been through.  Meanwhile, Torres determines that the Voyager sensors were detecting slight energy emissions from the newly appearing bodies, adding to a complex and dynamic energy field that inundated the asteroid field — a possible indication of the next emanation.

Affirmation: It is only my own tunnel vision that hides the deeper layers of existence from me. I will open myself to new ways of seeing , and see my life anew.

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In this fifth Star Trek movie, Dr. McCoy relives his greatest emotional trauma - his father’s death (he euthanised his father to end his pain, but learned afterwards that a cure had been developed a short time later). Spock also accepts the experience, reliving his birth (being half bred of Vulcan and Human, he was never fully accepted by his father). However, Kirk denies Sybok, telling him that the pain experience is what makes them Human.

Affirmation: I will strive to develop a lifestyle that preserves and celebrates the sanctity of all Life, even as it preserves and celebrates my own.

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This episode reminded us that humans, and Vulcans, need a challenge to survive. One of the best lines from the show was when McCoy was questioned as to whether he really is a doctor, and he replies: ” Do you want to see how fast I can put you in the hospital?”

Affirmation: I will face whatever Life sends my way, knowing that the rewards are in the effort, not the outcome.

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