Trekipedia

The Better Man

Dr. McCoy must save the life of the daughter he never knew!

• Stardate 7591.4
• Released December1994

When the planet Empyrea, a colony of genetically perfected human beings, demands that the Federation remove a science station which has been in place for nearly twenty years, the Starship Enterprise is assigned to transport to the planet the Federation ambassador who negotiated with the Empyreans long ago—an ambassador who was once Dr. McCoy‘s closest friend, but is now a bitter rival.

On Empyrea, McCoy discovers Anna, a daughter he never knew he had. McCoy soon realizes that the isolationist Empyreans must not learn her father is an off-worlder, and that her genes are less than “perfect.” As relations with the Empyreans collapse around him, McCoy must find a way to save his newfound daughter from the harshest penalty her planet can impose!

Written by Howard Weinstein

Cast:

• AdmiralJames T. Kirk
• Commander Spock
• Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy
• Commander Montgomery Scott
• Lieutenant Commander Hikaru Sulu
• Lieutenant Commander Nyota Uhura
• Lieutenant Pavel Chekov

Guest Cast:

• Elizabeth
• Anna

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Excerpt

“Empyrean laws forbid procreation with anyone not from our world.”

Elizabeth’s gaze found McCoy’s again. “Anna’s father was not Empyrean.”

The doctor’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Does she know?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No one does. But it’s about to be revealed, and I won’t be able to stop it. I’m sure to be dismissed as President… Anna and I could both be banished from Empyrea”—her voice wavered—”even executed.”

“Can’t you get in touch with her father? I’m sure he’d help if he could.”

“That’s what I’m hoping,” she said, clenching and unclenching her jaw, trying to control her fears. “That’s why you’re here, Leonard. That’s why I asked for you to come.”

“Me? What can I do?” He really had no clue at all.

She shrugged helplessly. “I don’t know. But…” Her voice shrank to a whisper. “You see… you are Anna’s father.”