1996-02-19: Q Continuum Road Metaphor

A better, fair use extract from ST:VOY S02E18 that presents the metaphor to help others understand why human lives are so frequently recycled. 19 February 1996. [Desert road] JANEWAY: This is the Q Continuum? A road in a desert? Q: I told you so. QUINN: This is a manifestation of the Continuum that we hope falls within your level of comprehension. This way.... [Roadside building] (A man and woman in 20s clothes are playing croquet on an immaculate lawn, with planets for balls. A scarecrow in Starfleet uniform stands nearby. The sign over the door says Never Closes and the clock has no hands. A man puffing on a pipe is reading a book called The Old while a young woman reads a magazine called The New. Someone plays the Continuum Galaxy pinball machine. The group walk past a panting bloodhound.) JANEWAY: Good afternoon. QUINN: I apologize for their lack of hospitality, Captain. We’re not used to visitors here. In fact you are the only ones who’ve ever come. TUVOK: Then what is the purpose of the road? QUIN