Enterprise2001

Captain Jonathan Archer:
A cure, Doctor? Have you found a cure?

Dr. Phlox:
[after some hesitation] Even if I could find one, I'm not sure it would be ethical.

Captain Jonathan Archer:
Ethical?

Dr. Phlox:
We'd be interfering with an evolutionary process that has been going on for thousands of years.

Captain Jonathan Archer:
Every time you treat an illness, you're interfering. That's what doctors do.

Dr. Phlox:
You're forgetting about the Menk.

Captain Jonathan Archer:
What about the Menk?

Dr. Phlox:
I've been studying their genome as well, and I have seen evidence of increasing intelligence - motor skills, linguistic abilities. Unlike the Valakians, they appear to be in the process of an evolutionary awakening. It may take millennia; but the Menk have the potential to become the dominant species on this planet.

Captain Jonathan Archer:
And that won't happen as long as the Valakians are around?

Dr. Phlox:
If the Menk are to flourish, they need an opportunity to survive on their own.

Captain Jonathan Archer:
Well, what are you suggesting? We choose... one species over the other?

Dr. Phlox:
All I'm saying is that we let nature make the choice.

Captain Jonathan Archer:
The hell with nature. You're a doctor. You have a moral obligation to help people who are suffering.

Dr. Phlox:
[firmly] I'm also a scientist; and I'm obligated to consider the larger issues. 35,000 years ago, your species co-existed with other humanoids, isn't that correct?

Captain Jonathan Archer:
[sighs] Go ahead.

Dr. Phlox:
What if an alien race had interfered and given the Neanderthals an evolutionary advantage? Fortunately for you, they didn't.

Captain Jonathan Archer:
I appreciate your perspective on all of this. But we're talking about something that might happen. *Might* happen thousands of years from now. They've asked for our help. I am not prepared to walk away, based on a theory.

Dr. Phlox:
Evolution is more than a theory. It is a fundamental scientific principle. Forgive me for saying so - but I believe your compassion for these people is affecting your judgment.

Captain Jonathan Archer:
My compassion guides my judgment.

Dr. Phlox:
Captain...

Captain Jonathan Archer:
Can you find a cure?

[Phlox hesitates]

Captain Jonathan Archer:
Doctor?

Dr. Phlox:
[after a long pause] I already have.