In Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 2, Captain Michael Burnham ponders the emergence of a novel purpose as the gravity of her new mission to uncover the Progenitors' power begins to weigh heavily on her shoulders. Meanwhile, the Discovery vessel labors to rid itself of the sand infestation left by Q'Mau. Elsewhere in the galaxy, Burnham is summoned to a tribunal convened for Rayner, who stands accused of reckless behavior. Despite her reluctance to become embroiled in the matter, Burnham concedes that she had disagreed with Rayner's actions and had voiced her displeasure. Admiral Vance and President Rillak express their dissatisfaction with Rayner, and when he accuses them of neglecting potential threats, his future within the Starfleet hangs precariously in the balance.
Vance checks in with Burnham to ensure that Book is not serving as a distraction, and Burnham sets to work with Hugh and Paul, piecing together clues left by the enigmatic Dr. Vellek. Adira and Tilly brief Burnham and Saru on the significance of the shadow cast by the twin moons, revealing an ancient Promellian necropolis. However, an energy field poses a challenge, necessitating a deviation from their intended beam-in location.
Burnham and Saru brace themselves for their final mission together and head towards the pyramid. Saru offers advice on selecting his successor as first officer, suggesting that Burnham seek someone who stands their ground, akin to Book. A sudden spike in the electromagnetic field alarms Tilly, but Burnham assures her that there is no cause for concern. However, their tranquility is shattered as killer drones emerge from the head of a colossal, collapsed four-eyed alien statue, forcing them to flee for their lives.
On the disco floor, Adira and Tilly's debate over the best course of action was intense. Rayner, ever the strategist, holographically interposed himself into the discussion, his insights based on his profound knowledge of how the ancient Promellians might have powered their automated security system.
They hatched a daring plan, overloading a phaser within the giant statue's head. Saru, agile as ever, dodged the drone's blasts while using his quills to dispatch them with precision. Meanwhile, Burnham planted the bomb, buying them precious time.
As the clock ticked down, the drones were poised to power up again. Burnham and Saru arrived at the location the clues had led them to, only to find no trace of an ancient power source. But Saru's keen senses detected something else - traces of writing, a Romulan poem etched into the surface.
Burnham, tapping into her intuitive abilities, discerned that there were only four verses visible on the pillar. Then, beneath the pillar, they stumbled upon the final verse, a revelation that sent them scrambling to beam out at the very last second before the EM defense field came roaring back to life.
In the lab, their discovery was revealed to be a match for a mysterious symbol in the diary. This was the first of five pieces of a map that would lead them to the Progenitors.
The episode drew to a close with Burnham checking in with Vance. He congratulated her on the day's successful mission. As for Rayner, he had been asked to retire, but Burnham stood up for him, defending his actions and offering him a lifeline as her new XO. She was deeply impressed by how he had contributed to the Lyrek mission and believed he deserved a second chance.
