A sh'pod lands. Phlox examines Quantum and finds no changes since his last exam. Quantum wonders at Phlox coming all the way from Denobula to give him a check-up. "You didn't tell him?" Phlox asks. P'Tail wearily shakes her head. Phlox says that he returned to Denobula to consider searching for Quantum's Qure. "And consulted with some of the finest neurosurgeons and quantum theorists on Denobula. [Hee! "Quantum Theorists"! Theorists studying Quantum. Shout-out? Maybe.] My colleagues believed there was no way to destroy these parasites, short of vaporizing you in a subspace implosion. They assured me the technology to do what was required did not exist, and they were correct. It took almost a decade to develop and now I'm ready to put it to the test," Phlox finishes. Quantum stares from Phlox to P'Tail as Phlox explains that the energy needed can only be obtained from a warp engine on a starship. "We're going to Enterprise," P'Tail tells him. To vaporize you!

Enterprise. A boatswain blows his whistle. The crew is all lined up (aw!), and Trip greets Quantum as the airlock door opens: "It's good to see you, sir." Quantum shakes his hand. "Captain Tucker. I don't think you need to call me 'sir' anymore." "Old habits," Trip grins. They greyed him up a bit too. I feel "eh" about that. Trip's younger than Quantum and might not be grey yet. A receding hairline might have made more sense. Trip explains away the mood lighting as due to the fact that they're running on reserve power. Quantum asks how long he's been in command. Trip thinks for a bit: "Nine years. I've got some people who would like to say hello." Quantum steps into the corridor and sees the crew all lined up, Reed first. Reed shakes Quantum's hand and tells him he's looking well. We find out that Reed has been promoted to captain and is taking over Ramirez's post on the Intrepid. Quantum jokingly asks if everyone went out and got their own ships in his absence. "Not everyone," a bobbed Hoshi says, stepping forward. They hug tightly. Double "aw"! Trip invites him to a reception in the Mess, but Phlox says they have to go to Engineering first. Quantum nods. Hoshi looks sad. It's much better than looking bored. I should know.