Thirty Days (Star Trek: Voyager)

"Thirty Days" is the eighth episode of the fifth season of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Voyager. It first aired on the UPN network on November 4, 1998.

The episode focuses on Lieutenant Tom Paris, who, after a series of disciplinary infractions, is demoted and confined to the aquatic penal colony on the planet Hanon IV. The Hanonians, a pre-warp civilization, are attempting to manipulate their planet's weather through a technologically unstable and ethically questionable terraforming project, which threatens the safety of the indigenous aquatic life.

During his confinement, Paris witnesses the detrimental effects of the Hanonians' weather control device on the local inhabitants. He attempts to alert the colony's warden, Warden Tuvok (also a Starfleet officer, undercover), to the dangers. However, Tuvok, under strict orders not to interfere with the Hanonians' development, initially dismisses Paris's concerns.

As the situation escalates and the aquatic life begins to suffer severe consequences, Paris ultimately disobeys Tuvok's orders and takes direct action to sabotage the weather control device. This act of defiance earns him additional time in confinement, but ultimately leads to the cessation of the Hanonians' destructive project.

The episode explores themes of ethical responsibility, the Prime Directive, and the consequences of technological advancement without regard for its impact on the environment. It also examines the relationship between Tom Paris and Tuvok, highlighting their contrasting personalities and approaches to problem-solving. The title refers to the length of Tom Paris's initial confinement.