A transporter malfunction combines Tuvok and Neelix into one person.
Summary
On a scout mission, Tuvok and Neelix are collecting plant specimens to bring back to Voyager. As they return, a bizarre transporter malfunction merged the two crew members into one organism: Tuvix.
Possessing both Tuvok's Vulcan logic, and Neelix's charming personality, he quickly integrates with the crew, and is a better officer and chef for the accident. However, the loss of two of her closest friends causes Kes much grief, which is increased by Tuvix's presence.
The Doctor identifies that one of the orchids that they were transporting from the surface with them was the catalyst for their merging. Using lysosomal enzymes, the plant was able to symbiotically scramble both of them, and create one organism. The crew attempt the same with various plant combinations, and come up with a variety of weird and wonderful creations. However, all attempts to undo the change are met with catastrophe.
Ensign Kim comes up with a way of radioactively-labeling one half of Tuvix's genome, so the transporter can separate the two individuals, and successfully tests it on some plant subjects. However, Tuvix is uncooperative about sacrificing his life to save two crew members.
The Captain orders Tuvix to undergo the procedure, and, after a struggle on the bridge, he is led to sickbay. Reaching sickbay, The Doctor tells the captain that he will not perform a procedure that is essentially murder, especially as Tuvix is explicitly refusing to undergo it. Janeway performs the procedure herself, and is successful. Tuvix is gone, but Tuvok and Neelix are both restored to normal. While Kes is overjoyed to have her partner and mentor both back, Janeway simply acknowledges the two and leaves, knowing that she will need to live with the moral consequences of her actions.
Log Entries
- Captain’s log, stardate 49655.2. Our sensors have located a variety of flower which may prove to be a valuable nutritional supplement. I have sent Mister Neelix and Mister Tuvok to collect samples.
- Chief Medical Officer’s log, supplemental. Extensive microcellular scans on the merged humanoid have thus far yielded no clue as to either a cause or a method of separation.
- Captain’s log, stardate 49678.4. It’s been two weeks since the transporter accident that created Mister Tuvix. And while it’s still not entirely clear that he’s with us permanently, he’s certainly been doing his best to settle in. The crew seems to be growing accustomed to his presence, and he’s proving to be a very able tactical officer who isn’t afraid to express his opinions. While he’s forging relationships with many of the officers, he seems to be keeping a respectful distance from Kes, allowing her to adjust to the circumstances on her own terms. As for my relationship with Tuvix, I’ve found him to be an able adviser, who skillfully uses humor to make his points. And although I feel a bit guilty saying it, his cooking is better than Neelix’s. My taste buds are definitely happy to have him around.
Memorable Quotes
"A name... I can see why The Doctor's finding it so difficult to choose one... why don't you call me... Neevok? Wait... this is better... how about Tuvix!"
- - Tuvix
"... I've been poked and prodded in organs I didn't even know I had!"
- - Tuvix on The Doctor's examination
"Do you mind telling me what's going on here, crewman?"
"We're making dinner."
"I see. Alright, everybody out!"
"On whose authority?"
"Chief of security or Head Chef, take your pick. Out, out, out!"
- - Tuvix and a crewmember, upon arrival in the mess hall
"Sex!"
"I beg your pardon?"
- - Tuvix and Janeway
"At what point did he become an individual, and not a transporter accident?"
- - Janeway
Background Information
- The original title for this episode was "Symbiogenesis".
- Voyager's science laboratory is seen for the first time in this episode.
Video and DVD releases
- UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 2.10, 7 October 1996.
- As part of the VOY Season 2 DVD collection.
Links and References
Guest Stars
- Tom Wright as Tuvix
- Simon Billig as Hogan
Co-Stars
Uncredited Co-Stars
- Tarik Ergin as Ayala
- Louis Ortiz as Culhane
- Kerry Hoyt as Fitzpatrick
References
Andorian amoeba, annular confinement beam; botanical science; DNA, egg; flour; monster, Swinn, symbiogenesis; X-ray; water
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Star Trek: Voyager Season 2 |
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