FADE IN:

1 INT: HOLODECK; SHAKESPEAREAN PLAY SCENE 1

DOCTOR playing balcony scene from "Romeo & Juliet" with hologram of SEVEN. Both are in full costume.

SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(to self) What’s in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.  So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called, retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title.  Romeo, doff thy name, and for thy name—which is no part of thee—  take all myself.

DOCTOR
(hiding) I take thee at thy word.  Call me but love and I’ll be new baptized.  Henceforth I never will be Romeo.

SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(surprised) What man art thou that, thus bescreened in night, so stumblest on my counsel?

DOCTOR
I know not how to tell thee who I am.  My name, dear saint, is...

Tremor rocks scene. Strange light passes over everything. Doctor’s image fizzles and fades for a moment, then comes back.

DOCTOR
Computer, freeze program.

Everything freezes, including Seven holo-character.

DOCTOR
What just happened?  What was that?

COMPUTER
A sensor beam of unknown parameters.

DOCTOR
A sensor beam?  From where?

COMPUTER
Sensor beam emanated from alien vessel directly ahead.

DOCTOR
(to self) Sounds like I may be needed back in reality. (to frozen Seven hologram)  Sorry, my dear Juliet. We’ll have to continue this another time.  Parting is such sweet sorrow.  (out loud) Computer, end program and transfer EMH back to Sickbay.  (pause)  Computer...?  End program and transfer EMH back to Sickbay.

COMPUTER
Unable to comply.  The EMH program is unavailable.

DOCTOR
What? I am so available! I’m right here!  Transfer me to Sickbay immediately!

COMPUTER
Unable to comply.

2 INT. BRIDGE 2

Main Screen shows a beautiful, radiant alien spaceship ahead.  Bridge lights are flickering.  JANEWAY rushes out of Ready Room.

JANEWAY
Report!

TUVOK
Alien vessel has appeared directly ahead, Captain.  Sensors did not detect its approach.

CHAKOTAY
It just suddenly appeared in our path.  It must have been cloaked or something.

TUVOK
We were probed with a powerful sensor beam of some kind.  It has disrupted many of our sub-systems.  No permanent damage.

KIM
Everything should be back on-line momentarily, Captain.

JANEWAY
Raise shields.  Any sign of hostile intent?

TUVOK
None that I can detect.

SEVEN
If they truly wished us harm, they likely would have fired by now.

PARIS
I’m glad to hear that.  If that was only a sensor beam that just popped all our circuits, I’d hate to see what their weapons could do.

CHAKOTAY
Shields are up.  I have phasers on-line, in case we need them.

KIM
They’re hailing us, Captain.

JANEWAY
On Screen.

Pair of attractive HUMANOIDS, MALE and FEMALE, appear on main screen.

PLEETOS (MALE HUMANOID - ON SCREEN)
(cheerfully)  Welcome to the Okreepon Republic!  You are strangers to our eyes.  We have never seen your like before.

JANEWAY
(a little more at ease)  Thank you.  I am Captain Janeway, of the Federation Starship Voyager.  We are explorers, a long way from home.  We’re on a peaceful mission.

PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
Explorers!  Wonderful!  We too are explorers.  Perhaps we can learn from each other!  I am Pleetos, Captain of the patrol ship Rayceen, and this is my wife, Arginess.

ARGINESS (ON SCREEN)
(makes welcoming hand gestures) Welcome to our space, distant travelers.  We thank the fortunes that have brought us together, and we offer you the hospitality of our happy race.

JANEWAY
You are very kind.  Thank you both.

Bridge lights flicker and darken for a moment.

JANEWAY (CONT.)
Please pardon the mess.  Your sudden appearance startled us, and I’m afraid your sensor beam has ruffled our feathers a bit.

PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
I’m very sorry, Captain.  I am most embarrassed. We’ve been having trouble with raiders along our borders of late, so it is our policy to remain hidden and scan any unfamiliar ships as thoroughly as possible.  Your vessel seems robust.  I trust we have not damaged it..?

JANEWAY
(jocular) It’s quite all right, thanks...  I think we’ll survive!

Bridge lights and sounds return to normal.

TUVOK
(raising eyebrow) Indeed.  All major systems are operational.

PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
Wonderful!  Captain, I propose we meet properly, face to face, and share our experiences.  We are eager to learn all about your people and your world, and to tell you of ours.  I hope you have time to linger with us awhile.

JANEWAY
Of course, Captain Pleetos.  We were hoping to pass through your space on the way to our home.  If we can have your blessings to do so, we would certainly welcome your escort, and your company, along the way.

PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
Excellent!  May I transport over to speak with you in person, Captain?  You would be welcome to send anyone you wish to explore our modest vessel.

JANEWAY
That sounds reasonable to me.  Could we have a little time to prepare for you?  I’ll have my people send the coordinates.

PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
Certainly, Captain.  I will need some time to prepare also.  After all, we didn’t expect you anymore than you expected us!  Please feel free to proceed on your way, and we will follow alongside.

JANEWAY
Very good Captain Pleetos, Thank you.  I look forward to our meeting.

PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
As do I, Captain!  As do I!

Aliens vanish from the screen, replaced by image of their ship again.

JANEWAY
(to all) I want the senior staff assembled in the Briefing Room in five minutes.  Helm, continue on our original course and speed.  ...and keep a close eye on that ship.  If it does anything even remotely suspicious, I want to know about it.

3 INT: HOLODECK; SHAKESPEAREAN PLAY SCENE 3

DOCTOR is pacing around the frozen Romeo & Juliet set.

DOCTOR
Doctor to Captain Janeway...   Doctor to Mister Paris...   Doctor to anyone!  Computer, open a channel to the Bridge.

COMPUTER
Unable to comply.  Holo-characters cannot operate beyond Holodeck parameters.

DOCTOR
But I’m not a hologram!  I mean...  I’m not a Holodeck hologram!  I am the Emergency Medical Hologram, and I order you to transfer me to Sickbay at once!

Shakespearean set fades away and is replaced by a gloomy dungeon scene. Doctor’s Romeo costume changes to his regular uniform. Costume of the frozen SEVEN hologram changes from that of Juliet to a black, leather cat suit.  She holds a whip.  Seven hologram reanimates, cracks whip at Doctor.

SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(snarling) Silence, you pathetic, whining worm!  Stop your sniveling!  (gestures to floor with whip) Now... drop to your knees and worship Mistress Seven!

OFF Doctor's reaction...

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

 ACT ONE

FADE IN:

4 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 4

At warp speed, with the Okreepon spaceship following alongside.

5 INT: HOLODECK, DUNGEON SCENE 5

DOCTOR
(shocked, disbelieving) Seven..?

SEVEN HOLOGRAM
You heard me, you ugly slug!  On... your... knees...  Now! (cracks whip)

SCHINDLER (O.C.)
(from behind Doctor) Yes, Mistress Seven!  I will obey!

Doctor spins around and sees a man kneeling on the floor, facing the SEVEN hologram with bowed head.

DOCTOR
(confused) Ensign Schindler..?

SCHINDLER
I have been very bad, Mistress.

SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(cracks whip again) Then you shall be punished!  Now... crawl to me!

DOCTOR
(disparagingly) Sorry Ensign, but I need to interrupt your... entertainment.  I need your help to get out of here.  (Schindler ignores Doctor)  Ensign?   Ensign, I’m talking to you...

Doctor reaches to touch Schindler on the shoulder, but his hand passes through Schindler like a ghost. Doctor stares at his own hand in disbelief.

DOCTOR
What’s going on? What’s happened to me..?

6 INT. BRIEFING ROOM 6

SENIOR STAFF seated around table.  JANEWAY enters.

JANEWAY
Okay, let’s get... (looks around) Wait a minute...  Where’s the Doctor?

CHAKOTAY
I don’t know.  I assumed he was on his way.  I sent him a notification of this meeting.

JANEWAY
(taps com badge) Janeway to the Doctor.  We need you in the main briefing room, on the double. (pause) Doctor, respond please.  (pause) Computer, locate the Doctor.

COMPUTER
The EMH program is off-line.

JANEWAY
(impatient) Well then, activate the EMH and have him report to the Briefing Room, pronto.

COMPUTER
Unable to comply.  The EMH program is not available.

JANEWAY
Not available?  That’s odd...  B’ellana, would you check that out, please?

TORRES
(nodding) Aye, Captain.  (TORRES exits)

JANEWAY
Okay then, let’s get started.  First order...  Damage.

CHAKOTAY
No major damage.  All primary systems are sound.  Some minor sub-systems are still not fully operational.  The replicators on decks 9 and 10 won’t work, and we’ve lost all power in section 4 of deck 11.  I’m beginning to think the Doctor is another casualty.  Anyway, everything should be back on-line within the hour.

TUVOK
Defensive systems are fully operational, should we need them.

JANEWAY
All right, good.  Keep me posted.  Next business...  our new friends.  What do we know about them?

SEVEN
This species is unfamiliar to the Borg.

TUVOK
I have done preliminary scans of their ship.  Their technology seems to be at least comparable to ours in most respects.

PARIS
They seem kind of nice, but that sensor beam packed a lot of punch for a scan.

TUVOK
Agreed.  They scanned us very deeply.  They may have gotten as far as the computer core, but I can detect no evidence of a security breach.  I do not believe that any critical encryption was compromised.

JANEWAY
That’s good to know.  Anything else unusual?  Guesses?  Gut feelings?

NEELIX
I have to say, Captain, they do seem very friendly.

JANEWAY
I agree, Mister Neelix, they do seem hospitable.  We could use a break, so I hope they are what they seem.  Well, I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt.  We’ll invite them over then, unless someone sees a reason not to...?  (staff shakes heads)  Okay then, it’s settled.  Now, we’ll need someone to go over there.  Any volunteers?

CHAKOTAY
I’d like to volunteer, Captain.  I haven’t been off the ship in a while.

JANEWAY
All right, good.  I’ll call our hosts and extend the welcome mat.  Chakotay, meet me in the Transporter Room in twenty minutes.  Dress uniform.  Everyone else, dismissed.

7 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 7

At warp speed, with the Okreepon spaceship following alongside.

8 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM 8

JANEWAY and CHAKOTAY enter in dress uniforms.  SUPERNUMERARY at console.

JANEWAY
Energize.

Supernumerary taps console.  PLEETOS materializes on pad, smiling.

JANEWAY
Welcome aboard the USS Voyager.  We extended to you the hospitality of our happy races.

PLEETOS
(makes grateful arm gestures) Thank you, Captain.  I am honored to be here.

JANEWAY
Allow me to introduce my first officer, Commander Chakotay.  You mentioned earlier that we could visit your ship.  I was hoping he could have that privilege.

PLEETOS
Of course, Captain.  Yes, he’ll do nicely. Please feel free to go over at your convenience.  Just beam to the same coordinates from which I came.

CHAKOTAY
There’s no time like the present.  With your permissions, Captains, I’ll head over.

PLEETOS
Enjoy yourself, Commander.  I trust you will find our vessel intriguing.

CHAKOTAY
Thank you.  (to Janeway) I’ll report back within the hour, Captain.  (he climbs onto transporter pad) Energize. (dematerializes)

JANEWAY
(gesturing toward door) Now, if you’d like, I’ll show you around a bit.

ARGINESS
(cheerful) Thank you, Captain.  I have been looking forward to this!

Janeway and Pleetos EXIT.

9 INT.  HOLODECK; BIG BAND NIGHT CLUB SCENE 9

KIM, dressed in tuxedo, playing clarinet in front of large band, which is labeled "The Harry Kim Orchestra."  Hologram of SEVEN dressed in evening gown is nearby, singing a big band era tune.  DOCTOR watches from the sidelines, seated at a table.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
Doctor’s personal log.  I have been trapped in the holodeck for over four hours now.  The Computer will not respond to my commands to shut myself down, or to transfer me out of here.  I can't make myself seen or heard by anyone who enters the holodeck, and I can’t leave the holodeck through the door because my Mobile Emitter is back in Sickbay.  Last time I go anywhere without that!  I’ve found I can access the holodeck control panel, but only when no programs are running, which, unfortunately, isn’t very often.  I suppose my only recourse is to wait and hope someone notices that I’m missing, and that they’ll get me out of here soon.  In the meantime, I’ve discovered a disturbing, yet uncomfortably familiar, trend in our crew’s entertainment tastes...

DOCTOR
(chin supported on forearm, looking bored) Computer, exactly how many representations of Seven of Nine are there in the holo-buffer?

COMPUTER
There are currently sixteen representations of Seven of Nine.

DOCTOR
Sixteen! (to self, rolling eyeballs) I guess I can feel a little less guilty now. (out loud) Okay then, other than me, how many representations of the Doctor are there?

COMPUTER
There is only one other representation of the Doctor.

DOCTOR
One?!  Well... so what... I’m a doctor, not a celebrity...

Song and music end.  Kim and Seven bow, audience applauds.

KIM
(to Seven) Outstanding as always, my dear.  (out loud) Computer, end program.

Everything vanishes except Kim & Doctor. Kim EXITS. Doctor follows, but when he gets to door, he tries to stick his hand across the threshold.  The Doctor’s hand begins to vanish on the other side, so he pulls it back in.  Doors shut.

DOCTOR
Damn!  Well, at least maybe now I can find some answers before someone else shows up.

Doctor moves to console and begins tapping controls.

10 INT. BRIDGE 10

JANEWAY ENTERS, moves to TORRES, who is working at console.

JANEWAY
B’ellana, Any word on our wayward Doctor?

TORRES
Not yet, Captain.  His program is not in the sickbay memory buffer, where it should be when he’s deactivated.  His back-up program is there, if we need to restart him.  There’s no record of him being deleted though, so I think he’s somewhere in the system.  I’m just having trouble finding him for some reason.

JANEWAY
Okay, keep at it.  Let me know if you find anything.

TORRES
(nods) Understood. (returns to work)

Janeway moves to TUVOK.

TUVOK
Our guest, Captain..?

JANEWAY
...is with Seven getting a tour of Astro-metrics right now.  I must say, they seem like a very enlightened race.  I can’t remember the last time I met such a warm and friendly people.

TUVOK
I concur.  Their intellect seems to be on a par with that of Vulcan’s, and their benevolence mirrors the best that humanity has to offer.

JANEWAY
He’s invited us to stop by and visit their home world, which we’ll be passing near. He’s shown me some images of it.  It looks like a beautiful planet, Tuvok.

TUVOK
...and our response?

JANEWAY
(shrugs) It would be rude to decline, and it’s not really out of our way.  Pleetos said they’d help us replenish our supplies.  It would be a good break for the crew.  We haven’t been to any M-class planets in a while.  I think we could stand to spend a few days in such good company, don’t you?

TUVOK
I believe it would be illogical to pass up this opportunity, Captain.

JANEWAY
Who am I to question logic?   I’ll give our answer then.  (addresses PARIS, at helm) Mister Paris... Any word from Chakotay?

PARIS
No, ma’am.  But we have a lock on his bio-emitter.  He seems fine over there.

JANEWAY
Open a channel.  Voyager to Commander Chakotay.  (pause)  Voyager to Chakotay, respond please.

CHAKOTAY appears on the main screen. He is smiling broadly.

CHAKOTAY
(very cheerful) Hello, Captain!  Good to see you.  How are things over there?

JANEWAY
(staid) Just fine, thanks.  I was about to ask you the same question.

CHAKOTAY
Couldn’t be better.  These people are wonderful.  They certainly know how to treat their guests!

JANEWAY
Good, I’m glad everything is working out. I look forward to seeing your full report.  When are you coming back?

CHAKOTAY
If you don’t mind, Captain, they’ve invited me to spend the night, and I’d like to take them up on it.  They have some zero-gravity beds here that put our bunks to shame.

JANEWAY
(thinks it over, then shrugs) Well, we can’t compete with that.  Have a pleasant evening then, Commander.  Report back in the morning.

CHAKOTAY
Will do, Captain.  You have a good night also.  Chakotay out.  (Chakotay vanishes from screen.)

11 INT: HOLODECK; STARFLEET HEADQUARTERS, BANQUET ROOM 11

SENIOR STAFF wearing dress uniforms, assembled in a rough circle, drinking champagne, laughing and chatting.  DOCTOR inspects hologram of himself.

DOCTOR
Well, at least I found my lone alter ego.  (smiles at Neelix) Kudos to Mister Neelix.  Say, I look good in a dress uniform!  (looks at Doctor hologram’s chest) I wonder how they pinned a medal on a hologram?

JANEWAY
(joining group) Congratulations, Mister Neelix.  (jocular) Oops, I forgot...  It’s Ensign Neelix now, isn’t it?

NEELIX
(smiling) Yes Ma’am, Captain.  Oops, I forgot, it’s Admiral now, isn’t it?

PARIS
Oh, stop it you two.  We all got promotions.  Stop hogging the spotlight.

JANEWAY
Yes, who would have guessed that getting promoted would be so easy.  All we had to do was get a starship from one side of the galaxy to the other.

NEELIX
...and meet some mighty strange folks along the way!

SEVEN
(to Neelix, vaguely jocular) Some stranger than others...

NEELIX
Oh, come now Seven.  That’s no way to talk about a fellow ensign!

TORRES
(to all) I just can’t believe they gave medals to Chakotay and me.

CHAKOTAY
Yes, I figured we’d get ten to twenty!  I thought a pardon was generous, but this... (tugs at medal on his shirt)

KIM
(a little drunk) Look, who cares about the medals... or the promotions...  We’re home! We made it! That’s what’s important!

ALL
(raising glasses) Here! Here!

DOCTOR HOLOGRAM
I’d like to make a toast, if I may...

DOCTOR
It’s about time you said something...

DOCTOR HOLOGRAM
(raises glass) To our fine and lovely Captain, whose leadership inspired us across the cosmos.  To our crew, who had the wisdom to follow her. To the good ship Voyager, for having the mettle to carry us all home.  And finally, and most important, to home itself.  May we never be far from it again.

ALL, EXCEPT NEELIX
(raising glasses) Here! Here!

DOCTOR
(smugly, to self) I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Crew continues chatting and laughing.  Neelix wanders away from them, with a somber expression.  He goes to a large window that looks out over the Golden Gate Bridge.  The Doctor notices him leave the group, and follows.

DOCTOR
What’s the matter, Neelix?  Didn’t you like my toast?

ALIXA (O.C.)
(from behind) What’s the matter, Neelix?

Doctor and Neelix turn around to see a young Talaxian woman behind them.

NEELIX
(not surprised, melancholy) Alixa...  It’s good to see you.  Thanks for coming.

ALIXA
How could I not come see my own brother at his finest hour?  I am so proud of you, Neelix.  You look so handsome in your uniform.  But I see you are sad.  Why..?

NEELIX
(sighs) Because of that, mostly. (gestures out window) Earth is a lovely planet.  The people here are wonderful.  But this... this isn’t my home.  It isn’t Talaxia.

ALIXA
But you left Talaxia behind long ago... after the war.  You said there was nothing there for you...  after your family was killed...  After I died...

NEELIX
(somber, looking out window) I know, I know...  I died too, on that day, Alixa.  I died inside.  and I stayed dead for a long time.  Until I met Kes.  She was so gentle and kind to me. (voice begins to crack) She taught me to live again. (sighs, looks back at crew)  The crew of Voyager...  I love them.  I love them now like I loved my family once.  Like I loved you.  But I only joined them to be with Kes.  By God, if she had joined the Borg instead, I would have followed her there.

ALIXA
But Kes is gone now, Neelix.  She left you...

NEELIX
Yes.  Kes is gone.  She had to leave.  I don’t blame her for that.  But by then, I was too far from Talaxian space to go home.  And I had already adopted these fine people as my new family. (sighs) But I’ll probably never see my world again, nor another like me.  I am surrounded here by friends.  by family.  but I feel alone.  so very alone.  Sometimes I wish I had never...  (pauses, chokes back tears, shakes off emotion)  Oh, why do I do this to myself...?!  Sulking and whining about the past, here in a fabricated future!  Some morale officer I am!   Computer, end program.

ALIXA
Good-bye, Neelix.  I am always here for you, if you need me.

Everything vanishes except Neelix and the Doctor.

NEELIX (CU)
(quietly, melancholy, to self-) I know you are, Alixa...  I know...

OFF Neelix's melancholy expression...

FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
 ACT TWO

FADE IN:

12 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 12

Warp speed, now with 3 alien spaceships following alongside.

JANEWAY (V.O.)
Captain’s log, supplemental.  Lieutenant Torres has still not been able to recover the Doctor.  Two more Okreepon vessels have now joined in our escort, and some more of their crew have beamed over to visit Voyager.  Their home world is only a day’s journey away now.  I’m looking forward to seeing it.  If the images of it they’ve shown us capture even half its beauty, it will be a difficult place to leave behind.

13 INT. CAPTAIN’S READY ROOM 13

JANEWAY, PLEETOS and ARGINESS sit talking, sipping coffee.

PLEETOS
Thank you for allowing my wife to join me over here, Captain.  I am such better company with her at my side.

JANEWAY
Oh, nonsense.  If only more of the people we’ve met so far in this part of the galaxy were as cordial as you have been.  but... you’re welcome all the same.

PLEETOS
I am merely returning the kindness that you and your people have shown to us.

ARGINESS
Does your husband not travel with you, Captain?

JANEWAY
I’m not married, Arginess.  Even if I was, it’s not likely he would be here with me.  I was engaged to be married back home, but...  well, that would be difficult now.

ARGINESS
Oh, how very unfortunate.  I am sorry if I have brought up a painful memory.

JANEWAY
No, no...  Not at all.  I’ve learned to live with the cards I’ve been dealt.  But I won’t deny a twinge of envy though... that you two have each other...  and a home so close by.  I’m starting to forget what those things are like...

PLEETOS
(sets down cup, leans forward) If I may be so bold, Captain.  Arginess and I have been talking.  You may consider staying with us.  Our preliminary scans show that our races are very compatible... more alike than different.  If you cannot get back to your home in reasonable time, you may think about staying with our people.  I cannot speak for my government, but I can't imagine that such enlightened and charming people as yourselves would be unwelcome to stay as long as you wished.

JANEWAY
That’s very kind of you, Captain Pleetos.  I will certainly give that the fullest consideration when the time comes.  I’m sure you can understand the gravity of that decision, and it wouldn’t be one to be taken lightly.

PLEETOS
Oh, of course, Captain, of course...  Please take all the time you need to decide.  In the meantime, you may stay as long as you desire.  But I’m almost willing to guarantee you, Captain, once you set foot on our beautiful world, you won’t find yourself able to leave it.

14 INT. HOLODECK; VULCAN HOUSEHOLD SCENE 14

TUVOK, holding a book, sitting next to a bed in which lies a young VULCAN CHILD of about 10 years.  The DOCTOR sits in the background, watching.

CHILD
What book do you bring tonight, Master Tuvok?

TUVOK
It is an ancient Terran text, attributed to a human named Homer.  It is called "The Odyssey."

CHILD
What is it about?

TUVOK
It concerns a man named Odysseus... his long search for his home after a distant journey to sea, and the many obstacles he overcomes along the way.

CHILD
That sounds like you, and your adventures aboard Voyager.

TUVOK
You are astute for one so young.  Yes, I am aware of the semblance.

CHILD
Did you ever read this book to your children, Master Tuvok?

TUVOK
No... (seems almost sad)  No, I had not.

CHILD
Then why read to me a book you would not read to your own kin?

TUVOK
That is a valid question.  The answer is complex.  You see, the last time I had the opportunity to read to my own children was many years ago.  At that time, I considered most human works of literature to be folly; full of pointless emotional abstractions.  They often said in thirty words what could have been said in three, all in pursuit of a notion they call artistic expression.  I considered such things to be an affront to logic, and therefore unworthy of my children’s ears.

CHILD
Yet not unworthy of mine...

TUVOK
You misunderstand.  It is the book that has been elevated in my convictions.

CHILD
How so, Master?

TUVOK
As you have noted, my situation on Voyager in not unlike the plight of this book’s protagonist.  As you will discover as I read it to you, he begins his long journey with a closed mind.  His opinions of himself are unjustifiably inflated.  He fancies himself superior to other people and other cultures, even to his own gods.

CHILD
It is illogical to believe in gods.

TUVOK
Perhaps.  But it is also illogical not to believe in them.  This is the paradox of the logical mind.  You cannot prove everything, neither can many things be disproved.  Therefore, it is important to keep a mind open to ideas that fall outside the realm of pure logic.  As much as we Vulcans may find it distasteful, the universe often presents us with illogical situations.  I have run into more of these... situations during my years on Voyager than I had in my entire existence prior.  It has been this experience with illogical events that has broadened my understanding of the universe, and my place within it.

CHILD
So you now see this human book as more significant than you once did?

TUVOK
Correct. Although written in words that are confusing and self-contradicting, I have found this book, and similar works written by emotion-centered races, to have value beyond entertainment.  They provide insights into the sentient mind that an equation cannot.

CHILD
It is too bad you did not know this before you were separated from your children.  Is that why you have conjured up my image?

TUVOK
Possibly.  It is regretful that I will never have the chance to read such books to my own children. I hope they are able to find, without my guidance, the enlightenment I would share with them.

CHILD
Do not be concerned thus, Master Tuvok.  They will do well for themselves.  How can they do otherwise?  They carry within them the best that is you...  the best that is Vulcan.  They will live long, and they will prosper.  and perhaps someday, with what the humans call luck, you will read to your grandchildren as you would have read to your own... as you would read to me now.

TUVOK
That would be a fortunate outcome... a fortunate outcome indeed. Shall I begin?

CHILD
Proceed, Master.

TUVOK
(opens book and reads) "Tell me, Muse, of that man, who wandered far and wide, after he sacked the sacred citadel of Troy, and many were the men whose towns he saw and whose minds he learned, and many were the woes he suffered in his heart upon the deep, striving to win back his own life, and to return to his family..."

15 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 15

Warp speed, with 3 alien spaceships following alongside.

16 INT. CAPTAIN’S READY ROOM 16

JANEWAY at desk, looking at computer screen.  Door chime.

JANEWAY
Come in.

NEELIX enters.

NEELIX
You asked to see me, Captain?

JANEWAY
Yes, Neelix, please...  have a seat.

NEELIX
(sits) Thank you, Captain.  What are you looking at there?  They look like the images of the Okreepon home world.

JANEWAY
Yes, they are.  I can’t believe how lovely their world is.   The colors are so vivid, they hardly look real.   Like something from a dream.

NEELIX
Yes...  It does seem like a lovely place.  I’m looking forward to seeing it.  I hope we can stay awhile.

JANEWAY
We’ll stay as long as we need to.  I don’t think the Okreepons will mind.  ...or the crew.

NEELIX
So what did you want to see me about, Captain?

JANEWAY
Oh yes...  first, let me thank you for your help today.

NEELIX
(modestly) Oh, Captain... Just being the best ambassador I can be, that’s all.

JANEWAY
The Okreepon’s were very impressed with you.  In fact, they’ve specifically invited you over to their vessel.  They’ve sent some more of their people over here, so it’s only fair that we send someone else to visit them. Of course it’s up to you to go or not.

NEELIX
Me?  really?  Oh, sure...  That would be wonderful!  They are such nice people, Captain.  I suppose we shouldn’t let the Commander have all the fun now, should we? uhhh... When do I go?

JANEWAY
Whenever you’re ready. Just report back on a regular basis.  You know the routine.

NEELIX
Oh yes, of course, of course...  Commander Tuvok has instructed me extensively on away mission protocols.  Well, I’ll get started then.  This is so exciting! (stands, moves toward exit) Oh, I’d better pick up something from the mess hall.  It would be ill-mannered to pop over without a...  a... fruit basket or something.  Oh, I wonder if the Doctor would mind if I borrowed his holo-camera.  Since he’s not using it right now...  (muses to self) Do I even know how to use that darn thing..?

Neelix EXITS, still muttering to himself.

JANEWAY
(quietly to self, smiling) Dismissed, Mister Neelix.

Janeway returns to looking at pictures.  After a moment, she pauses, sighs, stands up, walks over to a mirror on wall, and gazes into it.

17 INT. HOLODECK; EMPTY 17

DOCTOR is working at control panel.

DOCTOR
Computer, can you display the Bridge for me? (image of Bridge appears).  Excellent! Can you put me through to it?

COMPUTER
Unable to Comply. Holo-characters cannot operate beyond Holodeck parameters.  (Doctor silently mimics along with the computer’s words in a mocking gesture.)

DOCTOR
I don’t see the Captain on the bridge.  I wonder where she is?

Holodeck doors OPEN.  JANEWAY enters.

JANEWAY
Computer, initiate program Janeway-5, password 3452GX.

Old-fashioned psychiatrist’s office appears.  DR. FREUD sits in chair holding pad and pencil.  A couch is nearby.

JANEWAY
Hello, Doctor.

DOCTOR
Captain!  You can see me!  Thank goodness, I was beginning to think I’d never...

Janeway walks right through the Doctor, like a ghost.

FREUD
Kathryn...  It’s good to see you.  You haven’t been by in awhile.

JANEWAY
I know...  Sorry, Doctor Freud.  Things have been kind of hectic of late.

DOCTOR
(turns and sees Freud, disappointed) Oh...

FREUD
You’re in luck, my appointment for this hour didn’t show up, so if you like, you can catch me up on things. (gestures toward couch) Let me get your file. (pulls file from nearby drawer and opens it.)  So tell me Kathryn, what’s the latest in...  (glances at file) the Delta Quadrant..?

JANEWAY
(sits on couch) Oh, the usual... galactic intrigue, temporal anomalies, hostile aliens...

FREUD
You have been facing these things for some years now, yes?  With some measure of success, it would seem.

JANEWAY
Yes...  yes, I have, I suppose...  But now I’m facing something that’s even more of a challenge...  and frankly, it’s got me worried.

FREUD
And this is...?

JANEWAY
Friendly aliens.

FREUD
Friendly aliens?  This is an undesirable thing...?  Tell me more about these... friendly aliens.

JANEWAY
We met them just this morning.  I have to confess Doctor, they seem to be the most pleasant beings we’ve met so far in our travels.  They’ve invited us to stop by their home planet.  A beautiful place...

DOCTOR
(standing behind Janeway) Oh really?  Well for such pleasant people, their scanners sure have an attitude problem...

FRUED
So what troubles you about this, Kathryn?

JANEWAY
What troubles me is that my crew is tired, Doctor.  Very tired...  We’ve been away from Earth, lost over here in the Delta Quadrant for nearly 6 years now.  They’ve barely had any contact with home, and I believe most of them have all but given up any real hope of Voyager ever getting back.  At least not before they grow old or die.  They try to put up a brave facade, but I can see it.. in their eyes. They’re exhausted.. emotionally.. mentally. That’s why hostile aliens are easier to deal with.

FRUED
Easier?  I don’t think I understand.

JANEWAY
When Voyager is in danger, or under attack, the crew is single-minded in their determination to survive.  They follow my orders not because they have to, but because they want to.  Because the good of the ship depends on it.  But when we come across a welcoming race, or a planet that is a lot like Earth, I know many of them think about staying... about abandoning the long journey home...  about putting down roots in a new place...  about starting fresh.  At first I saw it only in the faces of those who don’t have strong ties back home, but more and more I see it the eyes of the others.  They’re giving up hope of seeing their families and friends again, Doctor. They’re so... so... tired of being bottled up in this ship.  They need a real home.  They deserve a real home.  And tonight, I saw that same look in the eyes of someone I’ve never seen it in before.

FRUED
And this was...?

JANEWAY
A woman I saw in the mirror....

FRUED
You are thinking of settling with these friendly aliens?

JANEWAY
Well, it’s a bit early to make a decision of that magnitude.  I mean, we haven’t even seen their planet yet, except in pictures.  But they invited us to stay with them as long as we wish.  Forever, if we want.  I haven’t told the crew that yet.  But I owe it to them to tell them...  and to let them decide.  I got us lost here, and I want to get them home, but I can’t force them to stay in this ship for the rest of their lives.  They need to decide their own fate.  The Federation once gave me command of their lives.  But that was long ago, and the Federation is so very far away now...

DOCTOR
Don’t worry, Captain.  We would follow you to the edge of galaxy and back.  Most of us anyway...  The crew doesn’t follow you because of regulations or rank.  We follow because we want to follow...  Because we believe in you...

JANEWAY
I just think it’s time I...

TORRES' COM VOICE
(interrupting) Torres to Captain Janeway.

JANEWAY
(taps badge) Janeway here, go B’ellana.

TORRES' COM VOICE
Captain, I’ve got something on the Doctor. I think you’ll want to see this.

JANEWAY
Very good, I’ll be right there. Janeway out. (to Freud) Sorry doctor, I’m afraid we’ll have to continue another time.  How much do I owe you?

FREUD
It’s all right, Kathryn. Don’t worry about the fee for today, our session was so short.

DOCTOR
(to Janeway, gleeful) Tell B’ellana that if she gets me out of here soon, I’ll pay her a hundred strips of latinem!

JANEWAY
(to Freud) Thank you, doctor.  Thanks for listening.  It’s good to be able to talk to someone about these things.

FREUD
That’s what I’m here for, Kathryn.  And don’t wait so long before coming again.

JANEWAY
(standing) I’ll try doctor.

Janeway walks toward exit, but halfway to door she accidentally kicks over a pile of small metal bars on the floor.  She picks one up and examines it.

FRUED
What is it, Kathryn?

JANEWAY
Latinem strips...  They’re all over the place.  There must be a hundred of them...  I wonder why these are here?  They aren’t part of this program.  (shakes head) Oh well, no time to investigate now.  I’ll have to run a diagnostic later.

Janeway drops latinem, continues toward exit.  Doctor kneels down, picks up a piece of latinem and examines it, astounded.

JANEWAY
Computer, end program.

Everything vanishes, including latinem in Doctor’s hand. Janeway exits.

OFF Doctor's astounded reaction...

FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
 ACT THREE

FADE IN:

18 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 18

At warp speed. Three Okreepon spaceships following alongside.

19 INT: BRIDGE 19

TORRES working at control panel.  JANEWAY enters.

JANEWAY
What have you got, B’ellana?

TORRES
It took me awhile, but I’ve found the Doctor.  Look... (points to screen of flowing data)

JANEWAY
That looks like the holodeck memory buffer.

TORRES
It is.  ...and our Doctor is floating around inside it.

JANEWAY
But the Doctor visits the holodeck often.  He hasn’t disappeared before.

TORRES
I know.  But look, somehow most of the identifying tags on his program have been wiped-out.  Now the computer thinks he’s just another holo-character, and he’s lost the ability to govern his own movements in the system.  Without his identifier tags, I couldn’t find him with a regular search.  I was only able to pick him out from all the other hundreds of holo-characters in the buffer because his memory files are so huge.

JANEWAY
(jocular) Are you saying our Doctor has a fat head..?

TORRES
(smiles) I think I should withhold comment on that one...

JANEWAY
So why isn’t he in the holodeck?  I was just there...  I didn’t see him.

TORRES
Well, he isn’t bonded to any particular holo-program, so he’s just sort of drifting around the memory buffer, not able to appear in any programs.

JANEWAY
I assume we can get him out of there?

TORRES
I think so, but it’s going to take time.  His sub-routines are all over the place.  It’ll take me awhile to isolate them all for a proper shutdown sequence.  I could force a manual shutdown of his program right now, but an improper shutdown on a program as complex as the Doctor will have severe consequences. Worst case scenario is, if we lose him, we can always activate his back up program.  He’ll just lose all memory since his last back-up, about 3 weeks ago.

JANEWAY
Well, we’ll save that for plan B.  Let’s try to get him out in a kinder, gentler manner before we yank him out by the collar.  Is he in any danger in there?

TORRES
I don’t think so.  Not for the time being, anyway.  His sub-routines are unbounded, so they may start to break off if he’s left floating around in there too long.

JANEWAY
Okay, if that starts to happen, let me know and we’ll have to try to flush him out with plan B.  Would it be better for him if we shut down the holodecks?

TORRES
I don’t think that’s necessary.  Not right now, anyway.  When it comes time to shut him down, then we would need to clear the holodecks.

JANEWAY
Okay, keep on it.  and keep me posted please.  (starts to leave, then has thought, and turns back to Torres)  B’ellana...  Is he conscious in there?

TORRES
Conscious..?  I don’t know..  I hadn’t thought about that.  I don’t think so...  If he is, I doubt he’d be able to make much sense of anything... floating around anchor-less in cyber-space like that.

JANEWAY
Okay...  It was just a thought.  Carry on.

20 INT: CORRIDOR 20

PARIS and KIM walking, dressed in colorful 20th century golf clothes, each with a bag of golf clubs over his shoulder.

KIM
Come on, Tom...  When can we play Augusta?

PARIS
Patience, my friend, patience. Augusta is a very aggressive course.  You’re still wet behind the ears, Harry.  Trust me, you need to take this one divot at a time.

KIM
I guess I should just be grateful that you don’t have me putting through miniature windmills anymore...

PARIS
Complaints, complaints...  You’re an ace on the green now, Harry.  Have some faith in the grand-master, will ya?  We’ve just got to work on that nasty hook of yours now.  After that, well... maybe, just maybe, someone might mistake you for a golfer.

They run into SEVEN at a junction.  All three continue down corridor together.  Seven is working with a data-pad.

KIM
Hey... Seven.  How are you?

SEVEN
(barely glancing away from pad) Busy.  I was required to demonstrate a number of Voyager’s functions to the Okreepons.  As a result, I am behind in my usual duties.

PARIS
Too bad...  Harry and I are gonna shoot the links at Saint Andrews.  Yes sir, there’s nothing like a relaxing game of golf after a hard day’s work. (jocular) We could use a good caddie...

SEVEN
Golf..?

PARIS
You don’t know what golf is..?  Good God, didn’t they teach you anything in Borg school?  It’s only the most perfect game ever invented.

SEVEN
(still concentrating on datapad) Elaborate.

KIM
It’s an ancient earth game.  Tom taught it to me a couple of months ago.  I thought it sounded sort of silly when he first explained it, but it’s really kind of addicting once you get into it.

SEVEN
I do not have time for games, silly or otherwise.  There is work to be done.

PARIS
(jocular) All work and no play makes Seven a dull drone...

SEVEN
Dull is irrelevant.  While you may find it worthwhile to squander away hours in the holodeck, I find my time better spent on more practical activities. (stops walking, turns, looks at Paris) ...and besides, judging from that attire, I do not believe I wish to become involved in...  golf.

PARIS
Hey! These are authentic 20th century golf duds.  I replicated them from the historical archives. I did my research.

SEVEN
(looks closely at Paris’ shirt) There is a small reptile depicted on your garment.

PARIS
(looks down at shirt) Oh yeah... that... I haven’t quite figured that out yet...

SEVEN
(slightly condescending) Then your research is incomplete. (continues walking)

PARIS
(follows) Look, Seven... you’re missing the whole point.  It’s not about wasting time, or clothing, or little lizards...  It’s about having fun. It’s about getting out there in the sunshine, driving your ball hard, and keeping it below par.

SEVEN
Par..?

KIM
Par is an established number of times, for each hole, that you’re allowed to hit the ball.  The more you can keep your hits below par, the better.

SEVEN
(stopping at door to Astro-metrics) So if I understand the concept of golf correctly, the fewer times one hits the ball, the better one is doing?

PARIS
(stopping also) Exactly!  See Harry, there’s hope for her yet...

SEVEN
Then I wish the two of you an enjoyable game.  However, keep in mind that no matter how skillfully you play, your scores will not prevail over mine, as I will not hit the ball even once.  Good-evening, gentlemen.

Seven exits corridor into ASTRO-METRICS.  Paris and Kim look at each other, dumbfounded for a moment, then continue walking....

PARIS
(shaking head) Women... They’ll never understand golf. Not in a million years.

KIM
She did have a point though...

PARIS
Hey, who’s side are you on anyway?!

20a INT: ASTROMETRICS 20a

Door shuts behind SEVEN as she enters from her encounter with Paris & Kim in the corridor. She exhales deeply and looks around the room. The conversation with them has stirred uneasy thoughts within her.

21 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 21

At warp speed. Three Okreepon spaceships following alongside.

22 INT: HOLODECK; EMPTY, NO PROGRAM RUNNING 22

DOCTOR is working feverishly at the control panel.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
Doctor’s personal log.  I’m still trapped inside this photonic purgatory.  I’ve discovered that I have the ability to influence holo-programs in subtle ways, but I can’t seem to control it.  When I deliberately try to make something happen, there is no effect.  It’s as if only my subconscious has a voice here.  At least now I’ve finally found some quiet time to access the control panel.

Doctor hears holodeck doors open behind him, O.C.

DOCTOR
Oh, come on!  At this hour!  Don’t any of you people lead real lives?  How am I supposed to find a way out of here if you all keep...

Doctor turns, realizes SEVEN has entered.  He falls silent.

SEVEN
Computer, initiate program Seven of Nine Gamma.  Password 1962RB.

Forest glade scene from the FLOTTER holo-novel appears.  Scene is attractive, but drab in color.  Seven walks in.  Doctor follows.

DOCTOR
This looks like little Naomi Wildman’s holo-novel.  She showed it to me once.  This was written for children.  I guess you copied this from hers, huh?  Now what were the names of those two characters again? (snaps fingers as he tries to remember)

SEVEN
(calling out) Flotter!  Trevis!  Report to this location immediately!

Nearby hedges rustle, and FLOTTER and TREVIS come bounding out. They run to Seven and cower behind her.  They look back at hedges in fear.

TREVIS
Help us, Annika!

FLOTTER
Yes, help us Annika!  It’s after us!

SEVEN
(turning her head to address them) Explain.

FLOTTER
There’s a monster after us!

TREVIS
It’s right behind us!  We have to hide!

SEVEN
(looks at hedge) I find that highly improbable.  Describe this... monster.

TREVIS
It’s horribly ugly!  It’s hideous!

FLOTTER
It’s got big ugly horns, and big yellow nasty teeth!

SEVEN
Can you be more precise?

FLOTTER
Okay, okay.  Sure... Let’s see...  It looks a lot like...  a lot like...  like that!! (points to rustling hedge)

TREVIS
(terrified) It’s here!!

Flotter and Trevis cower further behind Seven, shaking with fear.  Hedge rustles again, then a small billy-goat emerges and bah’s.

SEVEN
(caviling sigh) You may stand down from your defensive postures.  It is merely a Capra hircus.

FLOTTER
A what...?!

TREVIS
It sounds even more ferocious when she says it!

SEVEN
Your apprehensions are unjustified.  Observe.

Seven walks over to goat, picks some grass, and feeds it to goat.

TREVIS
Oh... He doesn’t seem so bad!

FLOTTER
Yeah, look!  He was just hungry, that’s all.  That’s why he was after you, tree-boy...  Looking for a snack!

TREVIS
He was not!  I’ll bet he was thirsty!  That’s why he was chasing you, bubble-breath!

FLOTTER
Was not!  He was chasing you!

TREVIS
Not me, you!

SEVEN
(impatient) Silence, both of you!  Now... you promised I could see them today.

TREVIS
See what..?

FLOTTER
(shoves Trevis lightly) You know very well what she means!

TREVIS
Oh yeah, I remember...  sorry.  I must be tired from saving you both from the monster.  Okay, this way, follow me...

Trevis and Flotter lead. Seven follows.  Doctor walks alongside.

DOCTOR
Annika, huh?  You don’t even let any of the crew call you that.  You’re a complex woman, Seven.  Just when I’m beginning to think I have you figured out...

They round a corner and find a dog suckling young puppies.  Seven kneels, picks up one of the puppies. She smiles very slightly as she strokes it.

FLOTTER
Careful now, they’re still very young.  So what do you think?  Aren’t they as wonderful as I said they would be?

SEVEN
They are...  aesthetically agreeable.

TREVIS
Great!  That’s great! (aside, to Flotter) Ummm... what does that mean..?

FLOTTER
(giggling) She thinks they’re cute!

TREVIS
Oh!  Great!  That’s Great!  Hey Annika, wanna play Kotiskot with me?

SEVEN
(attention on puppy) Perhaps another time.  I wish to experience these infant canines now.

FLOTTER
(to Trevis) She beats you every time anyway.  Why do you keep playing her?

TREVIS
(defensive) I’ve just been having an unlucky streak lately, that’s all.

FLOTTER
Thirty-six games?  That’s not a streak, that’s a record.

TREVIS
Well I could beat you, aqua-boy!

FLOTTER
Could not, bark breath!

TREVIS
Could so!

SEVEN
(interrupting, annoyed) You two may wish to flee once again.  I believe I hear a real monster approaching now.  A Lepus Cuniculus, if I’m not mistaken...

FLOTTER
(looks around) I don’t hear anything...

TREVIS
(suspicious) Yeah, me neither...

SEVEN
My auricular implant allows me to detect sounds beyond your range of hearing.  Rest assured, a Lepus Cuniculus is approaching.  and trust me, you do not want to be around one of those.

FLOTTER
(looking around, nervously) You know...  I think I do hear something now...

TREVIS
Yeah, m-m-me too.  and it sounds pretty big.

FLOTTER
...a-a-and close!

TREVIS
(panicky) Flotter, do you think I could outrun a Lepus Cuni...  whatever-she-said?

FLOTTER
I don’t know...  I don’t have to...  All I have to do is outrun you... (taps Trevis on chest)

Nearby hedge begins to rustle.  Flotter runs away, shrieking in horror.

TREVIS
Hey!  Wait for me!  Follow us, Annika!  We’ll save you!  We know all the good hiding spots!

Trevis runs away, screaming also. Seven watches as they flee. Hedge rustles again, and a small white bunny rabbit emerges.  Seven looks at rabbit, smiles slightly, then returns her attention to the puppies. Doctor kneels down beside her.

DOCTOR
(glancing at rabbit) It was nice of you to warn them.  They might have been torn to bits.  I see your sense of humor is developing nicely. (watches Seven stroke puppy)  I guess Borg maturation chambers don’t make for much of a childhood, do they?  It’s funny...  you seem so strong and confident all the time.  It makes it so easy to forget that you were robbed of your childhood.  I never had one either.  I never really missed it, but... I’m not really human.  You are, though.  There’s not just a woman behind all that bio-mechanical technology.  There’s a child in there too.  A child that never had the chance to play with other children ...or puppies.  I’m glad you found a way to feed that inner child, Seven.  I might have suggested some sort of therapy like this for you, but...  I guess I assumed you would have refused.  You probably would have.  Some answers you just have to find on your own. (sighs)  I shouldn’t be here...  I shouldn’t be seeing this.  This is a part of you that you don’t want anyone else to see.  I have no right to intrude. (pause) I have a part of me like that too.
DOCTOR (CONT.)
I care for you, Seven.  I’m not sure why...  Perhaps because we are so alike in many ways.  I just wish I could find the courage to tell you how I feel...  I wish you could see the affections I keep hidden from you... somehow...

As the Doctor speaks the last line, roses silently and gracefully unfold into bloom on the plain, green hedge behind him.  Neither he, nor Seven, notice them.

TORRES' COM VOICE
(interrupting) Torres to Seven of Nine.

SEVEN
(taps com badge) Seven here.

TORRES' COM VOICE
Seven, Can you report to the Bridge?  I need your help with the Doctor.  I almost had him ready to extract, but his program suddenly went haywire.  It’s all over the memory buffer again.  It’s like every one of his sub-routines just fired-up at once.

SEVEN
Acknowledged.  I am on my way. (to puppy) You remain here with your maternal unit.  I will return later.

She puts down the puppy, stands and walks toward exit. Doctor stands also, but doesn't follow.  As she passes by the hedges, they all bloom with flowers in her wake. Doctor sees the flowers and is astounded, but Seven doesn't notice, since it happens behind her.

SEVEN
Computer, end program.

Everything vanishes, except the Doctor, and a few rose petals that flutter to the floor at his feet. Seven exits. Doctor picks up a couple of the fallen petals, but they quickly vanish in his hand.

DOCTOR
(sadly, quietly) Good-bye, Seven.  I’ll be right here...   if you need me...

OFF Doctor's melancholy expression...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE
 ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

23 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 23

Warp speed, with 3 alien spaceships following alongside.

24 INT: HOLODECK; EMPTY 24

DOCTOR is sitting on floor, in corner, looking melancholy. PARIS enters, carrying a data-pad.

DOCTOR
(melancholy, indolent) Good morning, Mister Paris.  It’s a little early for you to be up and about, isn’t it?

PARIS
Computer, initiate program Paris-12, Password 1963FV.

DOCTOR
(disinterested, sarcastic) Where to today, Ensign? The south of France? Some tropic isle? The pleasure domes of Risa?

A Klingon temple room scene materializes, with torches blazing.  An elderly KLINGON PRIEST snoozes on a throne.

KLINGON
(awakens, gruffly) Ah...  It is you again.  The human man-child who covets the troubled half-Klingon, B’ellana.  I remember you...  You came to me once, seeking advice on how to court her.  I warned you then, boy, that the Klingon heart was a prize festooned with thorns.  But I see you did not heed my words.  You have already impaled yourself upon her quills.  I can see the wounds in your soul.  You wear them as manifest as you would lacerations of the flesh.

PARIS
(places data-pad on nearby table) I beg your forgiveness, Master {Klingon name}, that I did not distance myself from her as you advised.  I couldn’t help it.  I love B’ellana.  And I know she loves me.

KLINGON
(looks away, gives dismissive wave) Bah! The story book blather of humans...  If, as you say, you truly love each other so, then all should be well between you, yes?  What need have you of my counsel?  You ignored my guidance once. Why seek you it again?

PARIS
Well, you see... We’ve been having some problems...  B’ellana and I... lately... communicating, I suppose...  I try to share with her so much of me.  I tell her everything I do.  Everything I think about...  my desires...  my dreams...  but she doesn’t reciprocate.  At least, not as much as I hope...  She hides a lot of herself from me.  She won’t talk much about her feelings.  She keeps them bottled up inside her.  She won’t open up to me, no matter what I do.  No matter what I say.  It has me worried.

KLINGON
I think it is you that are having problems, human. She loves you more than you understand. That much is obvious, even to someone as antiquated as I.

PARIS
That she won’t talk to me means she loves me more than I understand?  I don’t get it. That doesn’t make sense.

KLINGON
(terse) Of course not!  Why should it make sense  ...to a human.  Your people have a grievous habit of seeing other races in the light you shine upon them.  Look at me, Terran.  What do you see?  What do you really know of my people?  ...of B’ellana’s people.

PARIS
Oh, I don’t know...  some things I learned in Starfleet training.  A few insights B’ellana shared with me.  I know you guys don’t like to talk about yourselves much.  You prefer the strong, silent image.   Well, except when you’ve gotten into the blood-wine. then you’re a little more talkative.  You’re big on honor and discipline. and then I guess there’s that whole anger thing too.

KLINGON
(stands, furious) Anger thing..?!! {barks a Klingon expletive} Your words are a kite in a storm, human!  My people are angry like these flames are tepid! (clutches nearby torch with bare hand, extinguishing it, then hurls smoldering stick at Paris’ feet) For a thousand years have my people sought their fortunes in blood.  We have conquered races and worlds you don’t even know existed.  Like hell-borne wraiths we swept out from Kronos and plundered the galaxy, driving softer cultures before us like chaff upon the wind!  And why do we do this?  Why do we not settle, and turn soil, like the peace-lovers we slaughter?  Because of the rage!  The Klingon heart embodies a fury unlike any you can possibly imagine.   It burns inside us like a furnace, and we must loose it upon others, least we turn it upon ourselves.  This is what the woman keeps from you, human!  This is what she conceals from your frail eyes and your coxcomb ears.  Trust me, it cannot be easy for her.  (pauses for a beat, then calmer and with mocking tone-) Tell me, man-boy, she loves you roughly, yes?  Her passion bruises your tender flesh, does it not?  Believe me, if she wasn’t holding back, you would not be standing here before me now.  She loves you, human.  Enough to deny herself the true extent of her passions.  I can think of no greater gift she could give, and I see no-one here before me worthy of it.  Yet you stand before me now, seeking advice on how to wrest more from her. (turns away) I have none to give...

PARIS
I... I don’t know what to say.

KLINGON
(turning back) That is evident!  Go, human, and ponder my words.  Go!  Go romance your Klingon woman.  Whisper your gentle words in her primal ear.  Give her roses, and pray she doesn’t gnaw the bramble.  It might leave blood-stained kisses on that pretty face of yours.  Be gone now!  My ire grows with each passing moment you stand before me, and you are too simple a target for even a fossil like me...

PARIS
Okay, okay...  I get the hint!  Thanks for the advice. Computer, end program.  Let’s do this again, real soon...

Everything vanishes but Paris and Doctor.

PARIS
...when Stova-Kor freezes over! Jeez, the things we do for love.  That was really just too intense before breakfast. Man, do I need some coffee.

Paris EXITS.  Doctor walks toward control panel, but notices something on floor.  Looks down and sees the data-pad, which Paris had accidentally left behind.  The Doctor kneels down beside it.

DOCTOR
(to self) Hmmm...  Mister Paris is sure to come back for this. (out loud) Computer, I know I can’t transfer myself out of the holodeck, but could I transfer myself to something inside the holodeck?  For example, this data-pad..?

COMPUTER
Negative.  Data-pad possesses insufficient capacity to hold program.

DOCTOR
Okay...  But if I could get something in here that did have enough memory, could I transfer my program to it?

COMPUTER
Affirmative.

DOCTOR
Excellent!  Now we’re making progress!  I just have to lure something in here that will hold all my gigabits, that’s all!  Now what could that be? hmmmm...

Doctor’s arm suddenly fizzles and fades for second, then comes back.

DOCTOR
(worried) Oh-oh...  that’s not good...

25 INT: BRIDGE 25

TORRES working at control panel.  SEVEN ENTERS, approaches Torres.

TORRES
Morning...  regenerate well?

SEVEN
Good morning.  Yes, thank you. (watches as Torres taps console) Have you made any further progress with the Doctor?

TORRES
(yawns) A little.  I stabilized him enough by 0200 hours so that I could get a few winks of shut eye.  Thanks for your help last night.  I wouldn’t have gotten any sleep at all without it.

SEVEN
You are welcome.  What is the Doctor’s current status?

TORRES
Not great... I’m afraid he’s starting to unravel again.  If I can’t corral all his sub-routines within the next few hours, we’re going to have to shut him down manually, or risk losing him completely. (yawns widely this time)

SEVEN
May I be of further assistance?

TORRES
Well, some of his corporeal pattern controls have started to break up.  I’m kind of busy holding together his neuralgic functions.  Maybe you can see if you can keep his body in one piece.

SEVEN
Understood. (begins typing at panel, notices Torres yawn again)  It would appear your winks were insufficient.

TORRES
Yeah, well, Tom was in the mood to talk again last night.  What is it with men these days, anyway?  All they want to do is share their feelings all the time.

SEVEN
(somewhat smugly) Interpersonal relationships consume time and energy disproportionate to their return. I have found it better to avoid them.

TORRES
Well, I’m not saying it’s all bad.  Tom has his...  moments.  You should at least try an interpersonal relationship before you give up on them completely.

SEVEN
Unnecessary.  I have already determined through observation that such diversions lead to inefficiencies.  Of the couples I have observed, all have shown a decline in productivity subsequent to commencing the relationship.

TORRES
(stops working, defensive) So what are you saying?  That Tom and I have been slacking off since we’ve been seeing each other?

SEVEN
I cannot quantify the term slacking off, however your performance factor has declined by point three percent since the initiation of your relationship with Ensign Paris.

TORRES
(angry) Look, Seven, it’s really getting old the way you’re always finding fault with everyone.  Even if those numbers of yours are correct, there could be lots of other explanations...

SEVEN
(dispassionate) I have adjusted for all reasonable variables.

TORRES
(angrier) Fine!  You want to make your little studies of productivity, that’s great. Just keep them to yourself, okay?

SEVEN
As you wish.  I desire only to get Voyager’s crew as efficient as possible.

TORRES
(snapping angrily) Seven, the only thing you need to get is...

KIM enters via nearby turbo-lift, approaches Seven and Torres, unintentionally interrupting the argument.

KIM
(cheerfully) Ladies! How's my favorite Borg and Klingon this morning?!

TORRES
(calms a bit) Why, some of us are fine, Harry. (glares at Seven)...and as I was just saying, others of us need to get a life.  Do me a favor, Harry, watch the Doc for a couple of minutes, will ya?  I’m gonna go get some coffee...  See if I can’t lower the ol’ productivity rating another point or two.

Torres EXITS to turbo-lift.

KIM
(confused, to Seven) What..?! What’d I say..?!  What just happened?!

SEVEN
(slightly miffed) I believe Lieutenant Torres was sharing her feelings. (returns to tapping control panel)

26 INT: HOLODECK; EMPTY 26

DOCTOR is working at control panel.

DOCTOR
(to self) There must be some way I can get something in here that I can download myself to.  Think, man, think!

Doors open and JANEWAY, PLEETOS, ARGINESS and 2 other Okreepons enter. Janeway carries a data-pad.

JANEWAY
...and this is our holodeck. (jocular) Chakotay and Neelix tell me this is the one technology in which we’ve got you beat, so I’ve saved it for last!

DOCTOR
(sarcastic) Well, well... these must be our new friends that everyone’s talking about. Hi, I’m the ship’s doctor.  I’d shake your hand, but that muscle-bound scanner of yours has banished me to never-never land. You’ll have to settle for my caustic commentary.

PLEETOS
(looking around room) Impressive, Captain.  Yes, your people have been describing this to us, and we’ve been looking forward to seeing it.

ARGINESS
What will you show us, Captain?

JANEWAY
Well, you’ve impressed us with beautiful images of your world.  I thought I’d return the favor and show you some images of our modest planet, Earth.

PLEETOS
(smiling broadly) Wonderful, Captain!  We are eager.  Please proceed.

JANEWAY
Certainly...  This is a program that our good Doctor, who you haven’t met yet do to technical problems, put together for us several months ago.  No-one really asked him to, but...  well, he enjoys putting together these sort of exhibitions and then subjecting us...  err, I mean, exposing us..  to them.  Anyway, without him here to provide his usual, ummmm...  in-depth narration, we might get through this by dinner time.  Computer, run program Doctor 42.  Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the Grand Canyon...

DOCTOR
(offended) Humph!  Fine, see if I make anymore efforts to expand your minds!

Scene changes to vista of Grand Canyon.  As soon as it does, the appearance of the 4 Okreepons change from humanoids to grotesque aliens.  Doctor stumbles back, horrified.  Janeway keeps talking, not seeing any change.  While Janeway speaks, the Doctor tries to get her attention by waving his hands in front of her face, and even through her body, but to no avail.

JANEWAY
It’s a vast gorge cut in the Earth’s crust by a river over eons of time.  It’s 217 miles long, it varies in width between 4 and 18 miles, and it’s over a mile deep in some places. (one of the aliens makes horrible croaking noises) Oh yes, Agriness, I agree.  No-one can look upon this without feeling some sense of awe. (another alien sounds off) I assure you Pleetos, these colors have not been retouched.  You’re looking at the canyon as it appears shortly after sunrise, but as the day progresses you’ll find that the colors shift beautifully with the passing sun.  Here, I think I can move this image ahead a few hours and you’ll be able to see for yourselves... (fiddles with data-pad)

TUVOK (-- OVER COM)
Tuvok to Captain Janeway.

JANEWAY
Janeway here.  Go Tuvok.

TUVOK (-- OVER COM)
Captain, I apologize for interrupting you and your guests, however I have Commander Chakotay on the com and he has requested to speak with you immediately.

JANEWAY
That’s all right, Tuvok. Patch it down here to the holodeck.  (to aliens) I hope you don’t mind, this should only take a moment.  Computer, end program.

Grand Canyon vanishes. Aliens revert back to humanoid appearance.

PLEETOS
Not at all.  We like the Commander.

JANEWAY
Go ahead Tuvok, put Chakotay through.

Large image of CHAKOTAY’S face appears in front of group.  Doctor leaps back in terror as he sees it, but Janeway and the Okreepons do not react.  During following dialog, image of Chakotay’s face alternates between what Janeway sees, and what Doctor sees.  To Janeway, Chakotay looks normal.  To the Doctor, Chakotay looks drugged.  He is covered and pierced with tubes, wires and gadgets.  Chakotay speaks the same words in both images, but to the Doctor, he is obviously being forced to say the words.

CHAKOTAY
(Cheerful) Captain! I apologize for the interruption.

JANEWAY
No problem at all, Commander.  How are things over there?

CHAKOTAY
It’s still wonderful over here, Captain. These people are the most wonderful, warm and friendly race I’ve ever encountered.

PLEETOS
(falsely modest) Oh Captain, the Commander is much too generous with his words...

DOCTOR
Yes, MUCH too generous! Captain, listen to me! You have to get Chakotay off that ship!

JANEWAY
I can’t say I disagree, Chakotay.  Is Mister Neelix there with you?

DOCTOR
Neelix is over there, too...?!!

CHAKOTAY
You bet Captain, he’s right here.

NEELIX comes into view.  Same double image effect as Chakotay.

NEELIX
Hi Captain!  Thanks for sending me over here.  I’m having the time of my life!

JANEWAY
I take it you agree with the Commander’s assessment of our hosts...

NEELIX
Oh, yes Ma’am!  I once fancied myself a pretty good host, but I tell you, I’ve got a lot to learn from these people!  You should taste their food!  It’s...  It’s...  oh, I can’t even begin to describe it!

DOCTOR
I’ll bet you can’t!

JANEWAY
Well, I certainly look forward to trying it.  So what did you need to talk about?

CHAKOTAY
Oh yes, our Okreepon hosts have just been informed by their government that an entire fleet of ships has been dispatched to escort us on the last leg of our journey to their home world.   Their version of an honor guard, it would seem.  Since Captain Pleetos wasn’t here, I thought I’d call and tell you myself.  They’ll be intercepting us in about 2 hours.  I just wanted to make sure their arrival wouldn’t startle you.

JANEWAY
Okay, good.  That’s very nice of them, though it is entirely unnecessary.  Make sure you extend our gratitude.  Thanks for letting me know.  Please report back when they arrive.

CHAKOTAY
Will do Captain! Chakotay out.

Image of Chakotay and Neelix vanish.

PLEETOS
I hope you don’t mind, Captain.  I had requested the escort myself.

JANEWAY
Well, thank you Captain, but again it was entirely unnecessary.  Anyway, shall we return to our slide show...?

PLEETOS
(false eagerness) Oh yes Captain, please!

DOCTOR
I’d really rather you didn’t...  The lighting doesn’t bring out their best features.

JANEWAY
Let’s see... (fiddles with data-pad)  If I recall, we hadn't even gotten out of the Grand Canyon yet...

DOCTOR
(backing away from group, frustrated) Captain, don’t you see?  We have to get Chakotay and Neelix off that ship!  We have to change course before that alien fleet intercepts us!  Can’t anyone see this but me? How can I get anyone to listen!

OFF the Doctor's dismayed expression...

FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
 ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

27 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)  27

Warp speed, with 3 alien spaceships following alongside.

28 INT: HOLODECK; EMPTY 28

DOCTOR is working feverishly at control panel.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
Doctor’s personal log.  I have to find a way out of the holodeck so I can warn the crew about the alien impostors before their fleet intercepts Voyager.  I must get something in here that I can download my program to.  I’m running out of ideas. It’s no wonder that I’m starting to feel a little frazzled...

Doctor’s image fizzles for a beat, and then returns to normal.

DOCTOR
(looks at hands) Come on!  This is hard enough without my hands disappearing!  What else can possibly go wrong?

Doors open and ENSIGN SCHINDLER enters.

DOCTOR
For god's sake Ensign, not now!  I don’t have time for your shenanigans!

SCHINDLER
Computer, initiate program Schindler-1.  Password 6979SM.

Dungeon scene with MISTRESS SEVEN hologram materializes.

DOCTOR
Ensign! Don’t you see? I have work to do!  I have to find something that I can transfer my program to, I don’t have time for your silly games!  I need...

SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(interrupts by cracking whip) Worship me, you pathetic slug!

DOCTOR
(looks at Seven, gets idea) I need Seven!  Ensign!  You’re a genius!  Computer, is the memory capacity of Seven of Nine’s neural-implants enough to hold my program?

COMPUTER
Affirmative.  However, data intake of that magnitude will overload neural-implants in approximately nine minutes.

DOCTOR
Oh... (wrings hands) I don’t think I have any choice though.  I can’t think of any other way. (Doctor fizzles again) Damn! I’m running out of time!

29 INT: BRIDGE 29

SEVEN and TORRES working at console.  JANEWAY, PLEETOS and ARGINESS enter.  Alarm chimes from control panel.

JANEWAY
Report, Lieutenant.

TORRES
It’s the Doctor, Captain.  We’re losing him.  I think it’s time for plan B.

JANEWAY
All right, get to it.  Mister Kim, anybody in the holodecks?

KIM
(checks panel) Yes, Ma’am. Ensign Schindler is in holodeck two.

JANEWAY
(to com) Janeway to Schindler.  I’m sorry to interrupt but I need you to exit the holodeck.  We’ve got to purge the Doctor now. (SCHINDLER acknowledges over com) B’ellana, how long?

TORRES
It’ll be nap time for the Doctor in about two  minutes, Captain.

30 INT: HOLODECK; EMPTY, NO PROGRAM RUNNING 30

SCHINDLER exiting. The DOCTOR stands near the door, ushering him out.

DOCTOR
(sarcastic, to Schindler) Thanks for visiting Doctor Deviant’s dungeon of delight! Tell your friends about us! (doors shut. Doctor moves to panel) Computer, on my mark I’ll need you to initiate a Borg {tech} signal. That should get Seven’s neural-receptors to open.  As soon as they do, I want you to transfer my program to the memory area of her neural-implant.  I’m entering the codes and frequencies necessary to do that. (types on panel)

COMPUTER
Acknowledged.

DOCTOR
How long did you say it would take before my program permanently damages her neural-implant?

COMPUTER
Approximately nine minutes.

DOCTOR
Okay, when you transfer me to her memory, set my program to automatically self-delete after eight minutes. Got that..?

COMPUTER
Affirmative.

DOCTOR
(to self) Okay, now I just have to get her down here.   Computer, initiate program Seven of Nine-Gamma, Password 1962RB.  Set it so that it can only be shut down manually from this location.

FLOTTER Holo-novel glade scene appears.

DOCTOR
This should get her attention...

31 INT: BRIDGE 31

SEVEN and TORRES at console. JANEWAY, PLEETOS & ARGINESS chatting.

JANEWAY
(to Pleetos) We should be coming upon your welcome armada in about fifteen minutes, Captain.  I'll be interested to see... (Alarm chimes from Torres' control panel) What’s going on?

TORRES
We were just getting ready to purge the Doctor, Captain, but a program has started up on holodeck 2. (confused) But there’s no-one in the holodeck.

JANEWAY
Which program is it..?

TORRES
It’s a personal program, Captain.  It’s designated as.. (reads display, then looks up at Seven) Seven of Nine-Gamma?

SEVEN
(surprised) I... I do not know why that program has engaged, Captain.  I shall terminate it immediately.  (taps panel, then looks up, shaking head) I cannot terminate the program remotely, Captain.  With your permission, I will go to the holodeck and shut it down from there.

Janeway curtly nods her okay, and Seven exits.

32 INT: HOLODECK; FLOTTER HOLO-NOVEL GLADE SCENE 32

SEVEN enters, moves to panel and types.  FLOTTER scene vanishes.

SEVEN
(to com) Seven of Nine to Bridge.  The holodeck is now clear.  You may proceed.

DOCTOR
(steps behind Seven) I’m sorry, Seven. I don’t think this is going to be very pleasant ..for either of us.  (looks up) Computer, initiate Borg {tech} signal.

Signal noise is heard. Implant over Seven’s eye glows. Doctor vanishes. Seven clutches head, gasps in pain, then falls to floor.

33 INT: BRIDGE 33

Another alarm chimes on console near TORRES.

JANEWAY
(slightly annoyed) Now what...?

TORRES
(confused) I...  I don’t know, Captain.  I was just about to extract the Doctor, and suddenly he just vanished!  He’s not in the holo-buffer anymore.  He’s gone!

34 INT: HOLODECK; EMPTY 34

SEVEN sitting on floor, propped against the wall.  She is moaning in pain, disorientated and dazed.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
Seven...? Seven...?  Can you hear me?

SEVEN
(weak) Who is there? I cannot see you.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
It’s me, the Doctor.  I’m inside your neural-cortex.  I had to transfer myself here from the holo-deck buffer.  It was the only way I could get out.

SEVEN
(pressing fingers to temples) Pain!!

DOCTOR (V.O.)
I know, I know... I’m sorry!  But I need your help.  We have to expose these aliens for what they really are, and right now!  Do you think you can get to the Bridge?  I’ll explain on the way.

SEVEN
(gets up) I believe so. I will try.

Seven EXITS.

35 INT: CORRIDOR 35

SEVEN is walking along, but very awkwardly.

SEVEN
Doctor, I am accustomed to sharing my thoughts with others, but not my body.  If you will kindly leave motor control to me.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
I’m trying! Old habits are hard to break.

Seven staggers, almost falls, catches herself on wall.

SEVEN
I am very disoriented. It is difficult to function. (touches head) The pain... (grimaces) is... is intolerable!

DOCTOR (V.O.)
You’ll need a pain suppressant if we’re going to make it. Sickbay is just ahead.

36 INT: SICKBAY 36

PARIS is showing around two humanoid OKREEPONS.  SEVEN ENTERS.

PARIS
Hi Seven. Wow, you don’t look so hot.

SEVEN
(as the Doctor would speak) Mister Paris!  What have you done to my Sickbay?!  It’s a mess!

PARIS
Your Sickbay? Since when? But hey, if you want it, make yourself at home.

SEVEN
(regains composure) No... No thank you. I am just here to pick up some instructional programs the Doctor had prepared for me. I believe they are in his office.  May I?

PARIS
(shrugs) Be my guest...

Seven enters office, watches through window as Paris and aliens talk.

SEVEN
Doctor, please refrain from using my tongue without my permission.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
I’m sorry.  It just slipped out.  You’ll find some pain suppressant over there.

Seven prepares hypo and injects herself.  She gasps in relief.

DOCTOR (V.O.) (CONT.)
There, that’s better. Hey, I think I can adjust your ocular implant so you can see our guests without their makeup on.  Just a second...  Don’t make a face now!

POV - Seven. The two humanoids near Paris blur, then transform to their true, grotesque aspect. Paris keeps talking with them, not noticing any change.  Return camera to Seven.

SEVEN
(repulsed) I recognize them now. Species #####. They use advanced isomorphic projection technology to entrap other species for study, and they are less than compassionate to their subjects.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
So I’ve noticed...  Can we stop them?

SEVEN
A simple {tech} burst should disrupt their projected facades.  I can generate one from Astro-metrics.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
Well, let’s get going then.  You’re the one with the legs!

Seven EXITS.

37 INT: ASTRO-METRICS 37

SEVEN ENTERS, awkwardly, looking dazed and disoriented again.

SEVEN
I am growing faint again, Doctor.  The pain has returned.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
The suppressant is wearing off already. I need to get out of you now, or you’ll be permanently brain damaged.  Transfer me back to the holo-buffer, right away.

SEVEN
(checking panel) There is no time.  Sensors show the alien fleet is only moments away.  If Voyager is to evade them in time, I must initiate the {tech} pulse immediately.  Voyager’s well-being is paramount to my own. (starts tapping console, pauses) You... you do not agree... I can feel it.  You...

DOCTOR (V.O.)
(awkwardly, embarrassed) Seven...   I...

SEVEN
(curtly) I know, Doctor...  I know.  Say nothing.  We must discuss this, but now is not the time.  Initiating {tech} burst. Hold on in there, Doctor.

She taps panel. Energy surge flashes from console knocking her over.

38 INT: BRIDGE 38

KIM
I have Chakotay on the line, Captain.

JANEWAY
On screen.

CHAKOTAY appears on main viewer, looking normal.

CHAKOTAY (-- ON SCREEN)
Captain, their fleet is approaching.

JANEWAY
We see them, Commander.  We’re vacuuming the red carpet as we speak.  Have you had a chance to...

Energy burst flashes through Bridge. When it hits PLEETOS and ARGINESS, they transform to their alien selves.  Chakotay’s image changes to the bound and drugged version the Doctor saw earlier.

JANEWAY
What the hell...?!

CHAKOTAY (--ON SCREEN)
(weakly) Captain...  help us...

TUVOK and KIM draw phasers on aliens, but the aliens dematerialize.

KIM
(checking display) They’ve beamed off the ship, Captain!  All of them...

JANEWAY
Follow their lead, Harry.  Can you get a lock on Chakotay and Neelix?

KIM
(taps furiously at console) Got ‘em, Captain!  They’re in Sickbay!

39 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 39

Energy burst radiates out from Voyager.  When it strikes the 3 Okreepon ships, their beautiful guises are blown away, and more sinister-looking versions remain.  The 3 ships open fire on Voyager.

40 INT: BRIDGE 40

Bridge rocks from alien fire and muffled explosions are heard.

TUVOK
They are firing, Captain.  Shields are up and holding.

JANEWAY
Return fire.  Helm, evasive maneuvers, get us the hell out of here!

41 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 41

Voyager and alien ships exchange fire. Voyager flees, aliens follow.

42 INT: ASTRO-METRICS 42

CU - SEVEN, angle from directly overhead. She is lying on floor, face up, dazed, quivering, nose bleeding. During following dialog, camera pulls back slowly, exposing first her body, then surrounding Astro-metrics lab. Sounds of battle and combat chatter are heard in the background. Background noises fade out as the dialog progresses.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
Seven...  Seven, can you hear me...?

SEVEN
(weakly, in pain) Doc...  tor...

DOCTOR (V.O.)
No, don’t speak. Save your strength. They’ll be coming to help you soon. Don’t worry, you’re going to be all right.

COMPUTER
Eight Minutes.  Initiating EMH deletion sequence.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
(quietly) I have to go now, Seven. My time is up. There isn’t room for me here anymore. There never really was.  I don’t think you’re going to remember much of these last few minutes.  I wish I could remember them forever...  having been so close to you...  having been a part of you.  But I won’t remember any of it.  That part of me, those moments, will be lost.  My mind is going, Seven.  I can feel it being erased.  I can feel it.

SLOW DISSOLVE TO:

43 EXT: SPACE (OPTICAL) 43

Stars streaking toward camera at warp speed.  No ships visible.

DOCTOR (V.O. - CONTINUED)
(slowly, fading to whisper) Eyes, look your last.  Arms, take your last embrace, and lips, oh you, the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss.   Good-night...  Annika.  a thousand times...  Good-night...

Computer chimes faintly, indicating the Doctor is gone.  Stars continue to streak by silently for a few beats, then Voyager slips into frame, moving slowly away from camera at warp.

JANEWAY (V.O.)
Captain’s Log, Star-date xxxxx.  We have eluded our alien pursuers and are back on our original heading.

44 INT: SICKBAY 44

Camera pans over CHAKOTAY & NEELIX asleep in bunks, bandaged, nurse tending to them. Camera moves to SEVEN sitting on table, DOCTOR scanning her.

JANEWAY (V.O. - CONTINUED)
We lost the Doctor’s primary program, so I have ordered his back up initiated to treat Chakotay and Neelix. He also has a third patient that we weren’t expecting.

JANEWAY ENTERS and moves to Doctor and Seven.

JANEWAY
How are the patients, Doctor?

DOCTOR
Well, I pulled enough tubes and wires out of the Commander and Mister Neelix to build my own Borg cube, but I think they’ll make a full recovery.  A few days of rest ought to do it.

JANEWAY
(looks at Seven) ...and our hero here?

DOCTOR
...is much better off than those two.  She’s suffered some neurological trauma that I can’t explain, but I don’t see any permanent damage.  Aside from a probable headache, she should be fit for duty.  ...if she feels up to it.

SEVEN
I do.    Hero, Captain...?

JANEWAY
The {tech} burst that exposed the aliens originated in Astro-metrics.  That’s where we found you, alone and unconscious.  The log indicates you triggered it.

SEVEN
I...  I have no memory of that event...

JANEWAY
What do you remember?

SEVEN
I... was in the holodeck...  I had just shut it down when...  after that I...   I... recall pain...  and, somehow... comfort...   then I was here. (shakes head) I am sorry, Captain.  I cannot explain further. (both look at Doctor)

DOCTOR
Well don’t look at me, I had nothing to do with it. I understand that I was stuck in the holodeck the whole time.  Speaking of memories, I’ve lost almost a month’s worth.  I do hope someone is going to catch me up on events around here.

JANEWAY
Don’t worry, Doctor.  We’ll make sure you’re fully briefed.  Carry on.  Keep me posted on their recovery.  If anyone needs me, I’ll be in Engineering.

Janeway EXITS.   Doctor puts away scanner.

SEVEN
May I be dismissed now, Doctor?

DOCTOR
Yes, I think so.  But please regenerate for a few hours longer than usual.

SEVEN
I will comply. (hops off table) Good-night, Doctor. (turns to leave. pauses.  quietly, to self, with confused demeanor) Good-night... a thousand times, good-night...

DOCTOR
...a thousand times the worse to want thy light.  Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 1.  What brings this up?

SEVEN
(uncertain) I.. I do not know.  I do not know why those words are in my thoughts. (shakes head, starts toward door, pauses again and turns back) Doctor, you are an expert in Shakespearean theater, are you not?  I understand you maintain some plays on the holodeck.

DOCTOR
I... dabble in the barb’s verse from time to time. (suspicious) Why..?

SEVEN
I would be curious to learn more about those works. Perhaps you could enlighten me, as you have with so many other subjects.  Perhaps you know a role that might be suitable for me to attempt.

DOCTOR
Uh, Yes... I think I know just the one.

SEVEN
Then I look forward to your mentoring.  Perhaps we could begin this evening.  If you are available...?

DOCTOR
Yes...   Yes, this evening then...

Seven nods, turns and EXITS.

DOCTOR
(Exhales deeply in relief, then gets look of anxious realization) Oh-oh, I've got to make some revisions to that play! and quick!  Nurse, take over here!  Computer, transfer EMH to Holodeck 2!

Doctor VANISHES.  After a couple of beats, Doctor REAPPEARS. He looks around, spots his mobile emitter on a nearby table, picks it up, smiles, sticks it on his sleeve and gives a curt nod of satisfaction.  Doctor EXITS through door, whistling "You are my sunshine."

45 EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL) 45

Voyager slowly moving away from camera at warp speed, with VO of Doctor's continued whistling.