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Star Trek Voyager
Subroutines
by Loran Wlodarski
(runetodda@hotmail.com)
STAR TREK : VOYAGER
SUBROUTINES
CAST
SPEAKING
NON-SPEAKING
SETS
* * *
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. MESS HALL
Several N.D. crewmen are staring out windows. An unknown
Ensign ENTERS and is greeted by NEELIX.
NEELIX
Hello, Ensign. Here for
refreshments or for the view?
ENSIGN
The view this time, but I’ll
take a cup of sweedock tea if
you have a moment.
NEELIX
Not a problem. One sweedock
tea coming right up.
Before Neelix strolls to the kitchen, he looks out a window
and seems mesmerized.
NEELIX
Beautiful.
EXT. SPACE – VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
Voyager orbits a dying, violent yellow sun. Numerous
sunspots, surge and loop prominences are visible.
* * *
INT. MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)
JANEWAY, CHAKOTAY and TUVOK are in their familiar positions
along with other N. D. personnel. The mainviewer is filled
with the image of the sun.
CHAKOTAY
Quite a sight. We don’t often
encounter a yellow star so
unstable.
JANEWAY
To think, the next time Federation
ships visit this sector, they may
a see a red giant instead of this
yellow sun.
CHAKOTAY
Thanks to the deployment of probes,
the Delta Flyer and Voyager, we’ve
already gathered enough data to
keep Star Fleet scientists occupied
for years. I’d say they’d be quite
pleased with us.
The Bridge SHUDDERS slightly. After a quiet pause, another
small shockwave SHAKES the Bridge.
CHAKOTAY
Feels like our friend is building
up for another eruptive flare.
TUVOK
The last solar flare measured
389,000 kilometers above the sun’s
photosphere. These readings
indicate the next flare will be
even stronger. I advise caution.
JANEWAY
It wouldn’t hurt to give ourselves
some extra breathing room. Helm,
back us off another 10,000
kilometers, one-half impulse power.
HELMSMAN
Aye, Captain.
CHAKOTAY
What about it, Delta Flyer, how
hot do you like it?
EXT. SPACE – (OPTICAL)
The Delta Flyer orbits the sun on the opposite side of
Voyager.
INT. DELTA FLYER
KIM, TORRES, SEVEN OF NINE and PARIS are engaged at their
stations. A quick shockwave ROCKS the craft.
PARIS
Oh, I like it hot, Voyager, but I
suppose moving off another 10,000
kilometers won’t affect my suntan
too much.
Paris makes the necessary course adjustments.
TORRES
These readings indicate a
tremendous build-up of pressure
somewhere on the sun, but I can’t
isolate the location. What’s
going on down there?
INT. BRIDGE
A vicious shockwave ROCKS the Bridge, temporarily
causing power to fluctuate.
JANEWAY
I didn’t like the sound of that.
CHAKOTAY
Perhaps we’ve worn out our welcome
here. Should we call it quits?
JANEWAY
Agreed. Delta Flyer, prepare for
departure.
EXT. SPACE – SUN (OPTICAL)
A massive eruptive prominence explodes outward from the sun
at an amazing speed.
INT. BRIDGE
The Bridge is SHOOK by a powerful shockwave that again dims
power and tosses crewmen around. The Helmsman hits his(her)
head hard off the companel.
JANEWAY
Times up. Helmsman, full impulse
power. Get us out of here.
The Helmsman is hunched over, head clearly bleeding.
HELMSMAN
(dazed)
Captain…?
Janeway, realizing what has happened, moves towards the
Helm. Another violent shockwave IMPACTS the Bridge, causing
Janeway to fall. She recovers and makes it to the controls.
JANEWAY
Prepare for emergency warp!
CHAKOTAY
Too late!
EXT. SPACE – VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
Voyager is hit head on by a blast of energy from the sun’s
discharge and is pushed along on its port side.
INT. MESS HALL
The crewmen in the Mess Hall are thrown to the ground
violently. Neelix is tossed over a table.
INT. BRIDGE
Most of the crew is off their feet as the Bridge continues
to SHUDDER. Janeway, on her knees, uses all her strength to
hold on to the Helm controls.
CHAKOTAY
Emergency power… to shields…
Chakotay drops out of his chair and doubles over in intense
pain. Other crewmen are suffering as well.
COMPUTER
Warning. Lethal radiation levels
in twenty-five seconds.
JANEWAY
Computer, autopilot mode!
COMPUTER
Warp and impulse engines are
offline. Warning. Lethal radiation
levels in twenty seconds.
Janeway taps her comm badge and collapses in agony.
JANEWAY
Janeway to anyone aboard Voyager.
Save this ship by any means
necessary… that’s… an order…
The Bridge crew fall into unconsciousness.
INT. DELTA FLYER (OPTICAL)
Kim, Seven of Nine and Paris are at their stations. Oddly,
Tuvok has replaced Torres.
TUVOK
A massive solar flare has struck
Voyager, causing…
An intense white light FLASHES inside the Delta Flyer as
the four disappear.
INT. BRIDGE
Kim, Tuvok, Seven of Nine and Paris are now standing on the
silent Bridge of Voyager. Shocked, they slowly glance
around. The Bridge crew appears to be dead.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. BRIDGE
Except for Paris, Tuvok, Kim and Seven of Nine, there is no
movement or sound aboard the Bridge.
PARIS
Excuse me, weren’t we just on the
Delta Flyer?
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes, we were…
Paris kneels to examine the unmoving Janeway.
KIM
Are they… dead?
PARIS
It’s hard to say, but judging by
these burns I’d say they’re all
suffering from severe radiation
sickness.
Paris moves towards Tactical to examine other crewmen.
KIM
Look at the mainviewer.
INT. MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)
The mainviewer is filled with an image of the incredible
solar energy blast that has struck Voyager. The image does
not move, as if it were a snapshot.
SEVEN OF NINE
It is the emission of solar energy
which has impacted with Voyager.
We seem to be frozen in time.
Tuvok examines a nearby companel.
TUVOK
Not entirely correct. According to
the ships’ chronometer, point zero
two seconds has elapsed since we
reboarded Voyager.
PARIS
Two one-hundredth of a second? Gee,
time flies when you’re having fun.
KIM
Who transported us here? How can
time have been affected by Voyager
coming in contact with a wave of
solar energy? Why aren’t we
affected by the radiation like the
rest of the crew is? This is
scientifically impossible.
SEVEN OF NINE
Our appearance here seems to prove
otherwise, Ensign.
TUVOK
You raise many worthy questions,
Mr. Kim. I believe a thorough
examination of the ship may aid
our quest for answers.
Paris is stunned by something he has seen by Tactical.
PARIS
I know we have enough imponderable
questions already, but take a look
over here.
Paris leads the others to the Tactical. There, unconscious
in the shadows of the floor is another Tuvok.
PARIS
Will the real Mr. Tuvok please
stand up?
Tuvok leans over to examine his duplicate.
TUVOK
Fascinating.
PARIS
I hope you have more to add than
that, because now that I think
about it, wasn’t B’Elanna on the
Delta Flyer instead of you?
TUVOK
(reflects for a beat)
I distinctly recall being on the
Delta Flyer a moment ago.
PARIS
(examines companel)
According to the ship’s log,
B’Elanna was aboard the Delta
Flyer… not you.
KIM
You’re not really Tuvok, are you?
Are you responsible for our
transportation here and for this
time slowdown?
TUVOK
I am Lieutenant Commander Tuvok.
PARIS
The hell you are! Then who’s that
on the ground?
TUVOK
I am unable to answer your
questions. All I can clearly
state is that I am Tuvok.
Paris grabs Tuvok by his uniform.
PARIS
What have you done with B’Elanna?
You tell us or so help me…
TUVOK
(with authority)
Ensign, control yourself. I am
as much at a loss to explain
our situation as you.
SEVEN OF NINE
I believe him.
Paris releases Tuvok and turns to Seven of Nine.
PARIS
You do?
KIM
So do I.
PARIS
Are you both nuts?
SEVEN OF NINE
I am in complete control of my
mental faculties, Mr. Paris. That
is why I believe Tuvok.
KIM
Tom, if there’s some… entity
behind all this, why would it be
so sloppy as to disguise itself as
Tuvok and not remove the real one?
SEVEN OF NINE
Perhaps we were meant to see this
incapacitated Tuvok. It may be a
clue as to our purpose on Voyager.
TUVOK
Our purpose is clear. We must find
a way to rescue Voyager.
KIM
Where do we even begin? We must
revive the rest of the crew soon.
They certainly can’t last much
longer with all the radiation
flooding the ship.
TUVOK
Our first order of business is to
search Voyager for further…
anomalies. When more facts have
been gathered, we can chart a
better course of action to follow.
KIM
We seem to have the ability to
retrieve computer data. Perhaps
we can still activate the Doctor.
TUVOK
Mr. Kim, complete an examination
of the Bridge and meet us at
Sickbay in thirty minutes.
SEVEN OF NINE
And the destination for the rest
of us?
TUVOK
I shall investigate Main
Engineering. Seven, review all
data available at Astrometrics
and Mr. Paris…
Paris moves past Tuvok and heads to the Turbolift.
PARIS
Mr. Paris will be searching for
B’Elanna. I’ll start in the
Shuttlebay.
Tuvok cuts in front of Paris to impede his progress.
TUVOK
Your concern for Lieutenant Torres
is noted. There is, however, much
more at stake here than the life
of one person.
Paris moves past Tuvok and makes his way into the
Turbolift.
PARIS
Just so there’s no mystery about my
feelings, I don’t trust you, Tuvok.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going
to try to find B’Elanna. I’ll meet the
rest of you at Sickbay.
Paris EXITS. Tuvok reacts.
INT. SHUTTLEBAY
Paris ENTERS and begins to check the main Shuttlebay
computer. No one else is around. There is no sign of the
Delta Flyer as well.
INT. ASTROMETRICS
Seven of Nine looks over data in Astrometrics. She stops
for a moment to look around, as if she heard or saw
something. A beat later, she continues to work on the
computer.
INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Tuvok ENTERS, being careful to avoid fallen and still
crewmembers. Looking around, Engineering appears to be
heavily damaged. Steam and other gases, frozen in mid-air,
spew from several areas. Tuvok examines a companel.
INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE SICKBAY
As Kim and Seven of Nine approach Sickbay from one end,
Tuvok comes from the other side. A moment after they meet,
they are joined by Paris. Kim turns to Paris.
KIM
Any sign of B’Elanna?
PARIS
(disappointed)
According to the computer, the
Delta Flyer and B’Elanna are not
aboard Voyager. I tried to hail
her and scan for the Delta Flyer
but came up empty. She’s… gone.
KIM
Not to make you feel worse, but
after examining the Bridge I
estimate that if normal time were
to continue… the crew would die
from radiation poisoning in eleven
seconds. Three seconds later,
Voyager’s shields will collapse and
the ship would be destroyed next.
TUVOK
It gets worse. We have minimal use
of thrusters but both warp and
impulse engines suffered extreme
damage. It will take approximately
fifty two hours to repair
propulsion to a point where Voyager
could escape the energy blast.
PARIS
But we’re at a slowed rate of time.
Maybe the four of us can expedite
the repairs.
TUVOK
Even with decelerated time, my
calculations show we could not
repair the engines before
Voyager would be destroyed.
KIM
(to Seven)
I hope at least you have something
upbeat to report.
SEVEN OF NINE
(seemingly disturbed)
I have nothing of value to add,
except I heard… a sound.
KIM
There is something else.
The crew stares at Kim. Kim seems reluctant to speak.
KIM
I looked at the Bridge log before
we arrived. Before she collapsed,
Captain Janeway issued one last
order: for someone to save
Voyager by any means necessary.
SEVEN OF NINE
Someone or something has responded
to her command. What we are
experiencing cannot be a natural
phenomenon.
PARIS
Another anomaly? I don’t know how
many more I can take. Well, let’s
see if Doc is home.
INT. SICKBAY
The crew ENTERS the darkened Sickbay and cautiously
begins to search.
KIM
Activate the Emergency Medical
Hologram.
Nothing happens.
PARIS
Hey Doc, where are you?
Seven looks into the Sickbay office and stops in her
tracks. Something she sees has caught her off-guard.
SEVEN OF NINE
I have located the Doctor.
The others join Seven. They are equally surprised.
INT. SICKBAY OFFICE (OPTICAL)
THE DOCTOR is frozen in place. He has just placed a
container on the desk and is gazing at his other arm. The
arm seems to be disintegrating. Kim examines the Doctor
first and activates a nearby companel.
KIM
The Doctor was already activated
during the solar flare up, working
on biocultures.
SEVEN OF NINE
The EMH appears to be is losing
cohesion. Why?
KIM
As far as I can guess, the
holographic emitters are being
corrupted by intense radioactive
bombardment. The Doctors’ program
is running through the emitters
and is being polluted by the
radiation as well. If normal time
was to resume now…
Kim runs calculations on the companel.
KIM
(lowers head, continues)
If normal time was to resume his
program would be totally destroyed
in six seconds.
PARIS
This is not good.
TUVOK
Mr. Paris, you have received
training from the Doctor in the
past. Logically, the task of
reviving the crew must fall upon
you.
PARIS
I don’t think my limited medical
knowledge is good enough to save
the entire crew! The only one who
might be able to help is the
Doctor. We need him activated now.
DOCTOR (O. S.)
Please state the nature of the
medical emergency.
The Doctor emerges from the shadows outside the
Sickbay office. Kim, Paris, Seven of Nine and Tuvok can
clearly see there is another Doctor frozen in place in the
Sickbay office.
Off their reaction.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. SICKBAY
Kim, Paris, Seven of Nine and Tuvok move from the Sickbay
office and approach the Doctor, who has just appeared from
nowhere.
DOCTOR
Mr. Paris?
Paris is dumfounded.
DOCTOR
Mr. Paris, you called for me. What
is the nature of the medical
emergency?
PARIS
I’d say this time the medical
emergency is you.
Paris points to the Sickbay office. The Doctor is
aghast.
INT. SICKBAY OFFICE (OPTICAL)
The Doctor walks sheepishly up to the frozen likeness
of himself.
DOCTOR
This is not possible… what is
going on here?
KIM
Doc, can you explain any of this?
The Doctor keeps his eyes glued to the likeness of
himself.
DOCTOR
I am a doctor, Mr. Kim, not a
spiritualist. Out-of-body
experiences are beyond the realm
of my programming.
The Doctor finally gets the strength to look away from the
frozen image.
TUVOK
You are the Doctor, are you not?
DOCTOR
Of course I am! This other Doctor
must be a trick of some kind.
Tuvok reflects deeply.
TUVOK
I may have a theory.
The others quickly crowd around.
KIM
Let’s hear it!
TUVOK
I have no logic to support my
thoughts, Mr. Kim. Until I do, it
would be unwise of me to discuss…
PARIS
Come on, Tuvok! If you can explain
any of this, then tell us.
TUVOK
Very well, but you may not like
what I have to say.
PARIS
I don’t like anything about this
whole scenario! At least you’ll be
consistent.
TUVOK
I see a pattern developing. There
is an entity, a force behind
all that is happening to us.
This force seems to be giving us
only the minimum personnel needed
rescue Voyager.
PARIS
That can’t be right. B’Elanna is
not here and we most certainly
need her to repair the engines.
TUVOK
As I previously stated, the
engines cannot be repaired in time.
Therefore, Lieutenant Torres is
not needed.
PARIS
We’re caught in a huge energy
surge! Of course we need the
engines to escape!
TUVOK
Perhaps… but I must note that some
thrusters are still operational.
PARIS
Thrusters? They can’t possibly
help us!
SEVEN OF NINE
Then there must be another way.
PARIS
Another way to escape a force of
energy thousands of kilometers
long? Without engines?
TUVOK
And yet it must be done, or
Voyager will be destroyed.
PARIS
(angered)
Don’t you think I know that…
The Doctor barges between Tuvok and Paris.
DOCTOR
Pardon me, but can we back up for
a moment? You mentioned a force
possibly manipulating us… what
force?
PARIS
God. Q. The tooth fairy. We don’t
know Doc, take your pick.
DOCTOR
Mr. Paris, this is no time for
juvenile antics, not while
I’m… disintegrating just a few
meters away. We must pool our
talents if we are to survive.
SEVEN OF NINE
(to Tuvok)
If Lieutenant Torres is not needed,
why are the rest of us here?
TUVOK
We each have a specific task to
perform. The Doctor is here to
cure the crew. Ensign Kim, an
expert with holographic technology
is certainly meant to save the
Doctor. Since no one knows this
ship’s navigational capacities
like Mr. Paris, it is his
responsibility to clear Voyager
out of the energy surge.
Seven of Nine turns to Tuvok.
SEVEN OF NINE
And our tasks?
TUVOK
Of yours, I am uncertain. I believe
I am needed at Tactical. Tactical,
although damaged, is still
operational while the engines are
not. That is why I was switched on
the Delta Flyer with Torres.
KIM
How is Tactical going to help us?
You certainly can’t use weapons to
help us… can you?
Tuvok walks towards the Sickbay doors to leave.
TUVOK
I do not know… yet. Mr. Paris,
meet me on the Bridge when you are
finished here.
Tuvok EXITS. Paris leans against a companel, confused.
PARIS
I can’t think of a thing to do.
I feel so useless.
KIM
(slaps Paris on the back)
Come on, Tom. Have some faith in
yourself. You can do this!
PARIS
I don’t even know how to start.
KIM
It’s like all the other challenges
we’ve faced. You need to dive
right into this problem and you’ll
think of something.
PARIS
Dive right in, huh? I’m more
likely to sink, not swim.
Paris suddenly gains a look of confidence.
PARIS
(smiling, continuing)
No, I don’t need to dive into this
situation, I need to surf!
An excited Paris EXITS, leaving Kim bewildered.
KIM
Poor Tom. He’s finally lost it.
DOCTOR
Ensign, the mental health of Tom
Paris is not your immediate
problem… I am.
KIM
You mean what Tuvok said about me
helping you? I hate to be blunt,
Doctor, but he’s wrong. I can’t
save your program.
DOCTOR
(alarmed)
And why not?
INT. SICKBAY OFFICE (OPTICAL)
Kim walks back to view the dissolving image of the Doctor.
The other Doctor reluctantly trails behind.
KIM
Doc, you’re already dispersing
from radioactive contamination.
DOCTOR
Wouldn’t shutting down my program
end the problem?
KIM
It would take much more than that.
Your program is so polluted that
it would immediately have to go
through a defragmentation and
reinitializing phase to regenerate
the damage.
DOCTOR
My program has built in safeties
that would automatically repair
itself.
KIM
Sure, but even if you shut down
right now Voyager is still trapped
in this energy flow. Its radiation
will continue to flood the ship,
and that radiation will interfere
with your programs ability to
regenerate itself.
DOCTOR
So that’s it? You’re giving up?
KIM
No… you never gave up on me when
I needed you. Listen Doc, I can’t
promise any results, but I’ll see
what I can do.
DOCTOR
(grateful)
Thank you, Mr. Kim. I’m sure
you’ll do your best.
Kim walks to a back companel and begins calculations.
The Doctor takes one more look at his image and moves
out of the office. The Doctor almost runs into Seven of
Nine on his hasty retreat from the Sickbay office.
SEVEN OF NINE
You have a disturbed look to your
face when you see the other image
of yourself. Explain.
DOCTOR
Are you blind? I’m dying in there
and there’s nothing I can do about
it. Seeing it up-close… with my
own eyes… it’s like somebody just
walked on my grave.
SEVEN OF NINE
You will have no grave in all
likelihood, Doctor. You are a
hologram. Even if you did…
DOCTOR
(annoyed)
It’s an expression, Seven.
SEVEN OF NINE
I see.
Seven of Nine stares at the Doctor.
DOCTOR
Seven, is there something I can
help you with?
SEVEN OF NINE
Actually, the opposite applies. I
believe my task is to aid you.
DOCTOR
You help me?
SEVEN OF NINE
I don’t know why, but I’m certain
you will need my assistance with
the treatment of the crew.
DOCTOR
Yes, the crew. Let’s see what
their condition is.
The Doctor and Seven of Nine move to a companel where the
Doctor begins to operate it. The Doctor turns to Seven Nine
in disbelief.
DOCTOR
This is terrible!
The Doctors fumbles through some medical instruments
till he grabs a portable medical scanner.
DOCTOR
I need to see one of the afflicted
crewmen personally. Come with me.
INT. HALLWAY
The Doctor (wearing his mobile emitter) and Seven of Nine
walk through a dark hallway until they find an unconscious
crewman on the floor. The Doctor scans the victim.
DOCTOR
This is worse than I thought. The
entire crew is about to die from
radiation poisoning seconds after
normal time is restored!
SEVEN OF NINE
You must cure them.
DOCTOR
Easy for you to say. If we can’t
escape the energy blast we’re
caught in quickly, then there’s
nothing I can do.
SEVEN OF NINE
You must assume that Tuvok and Mr.
Paris will find an expedient way
to remove us from the energy wave.
DOCTOR
Even if they did, I’d have only
seconds to save the entire ship!
It’s ludicrous to think I can save
some 140 individuals in two or
three seconds. I can’t be at
more than one place at a time…
Seven of Nine begins to open her mouth and point towards
the Sickbay, but the Doctor interrupts her.
DOCTOR
(continuing)
I can’t be in 140 places at once.
SEVEN OF NINE
Then use environmental controls to
flood the ship with hyronalin.
DOCTOR
It’s not that easy. Voyager has
crew members aboard that will
violently react to hyronalin. I
know for certain that Talaxians
die from hyronalin exposure.
SEVEN OF NINE
A percentage of the crew may need
to be lost to revive the majority.
DOCTOR
Unacceptable! We must start out by
thinking how to save one hundred
percent of the crew.
SEVEN OF NINE
It may not be possible.
DOCTOR
(has an idea)
Seven, I know what your task is.
SEVEN OF NINE
You wish for me to devise a plan
to save the entire crew, all at
one time?
DOCTOR
Yes. I will come up with an
individual treatment for each
crewmen and you will find a way to
deliver it to them all at once.
SEVEN OF NINE
Very well.
DOCTOR
Then we’re partners?
The Doctor extends his open hand. Seven of Nine hesitates
for a moment but soon shakes the Doctors hand.
SEVEN OF NINE
Partners.
The Doctor hands his medical scanner to Seven of Nine as
the two begin to walk away. As the two move away from the
crewman, he (she) begins to PHASE out of place, like
he (she) is about to disappear. This phenomenon goes
unnoticed by the Doctor and Seven of Nine as they have
their backs to the crewman.
DOCTOR
First, we’ll have to scan every
single person aboard Voyager,
then…
SEVEN OF NINE
(interrupting)
Doctor, did you hear a noise?
DOCTOR
No… did you?
SEVEN OF NINE
It is… nothing. Please continue
with your strategy.
As the two walk on, the crewman PHASES out of sync
more before reverting to normal.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. MESS HALL
The Mess Hall doors open and Seven of Nine ENTERS. She
looks over the darkened room. Like elsewhere, the crew are
frozen in place, their bodies locked in pain. She
approaches Neelix, who is on his knees with arms gripping
his sides in agony. After scanning the sight, Seven of Nine
moves towards another crewman, leaving Neelix behind.
INT. BRIDGE
Tuvok and Paris are busy working at separate companels. The
Doctor ENTERS via the Turbolift, armed with a medical
scanner and wearing his mobile emitter.
TUVOK
May we be of service to you?
DOCTOR
No thank you. Seven and I are
scanning every crew member to
determine the optimal treatment for
each person. I know you’re busy so
I won’t be but a moment here.
PARIS
Actually, you’re just in time to
hear my big announcement.
TUVOK
I take it you have found a way to
remove Voyager from harms way
without propulsion?
PARIS
(triumphantly)
I have.
DOCTOR
This ought to prove interesting.
Tuvok and the Doctor give Paris their full attention.
PARIS
Tuvok, are you familiar with
surfing?
TUVOK
If you are referring to the water
sport involving controlled planing
on the sloping section of a wave as
it moves towards shore, yes I am. I
have surfed the silver waters of
Tedus-Torn Prime, for example.
DOCTOR
(to Tuvok)
You never mentioned surfing
before. That seems more like
something Mr. Paris would do.
PARIS
(surprised)
Tuvok, I surfed on Tedus-Torn
Prime. The trip was a birthday
present to me.
TUVOK
(confused)
It was one of the few enjoyable
present you ever received from
your father, correct?
PARIS
That’s right.
TUVOK
I possess that memory as well.
DOCTOR
Tuvok, you’re not gaining some
mental link to Mr. Paris, are you?
TUVOK
I certainly hope not.
PARIS
Let’s… figure out how you
acquired my memory later. Right
now, look at the mainviewer.
INT. MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)
A complete image of the energy blast fills the screen.
A small image of Voyager indicates the location of the ship
in comparison to the huge energy wave.
PARIS
To be a successful surfer, you
need to understand the ocean.
Many people look at the ocean and
view it as one solid mass of water.
Yet, it isn’t. An ocean is filled
with waves, whirlpools, eddies and
currents that twist and pull the
water in all directions.
TUVOK
You are about to compare the
energy blast of the solar flare to
an ocean. It looks like a unified
object, but it too is laced with
numerous waves and currents.
PARIS
That’s right!
TUVOK
Ingenious. You propose to “surf”
Voyager out of the energy blast on
a single thermal wave.
PARIS
Look at the viewscreen again.
INT MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)
The image of the energy blast is altered. It now shows
the wave is composed of hundreds of bands of energy,
all of them twisted together but flowing in numerous
directions. The area where Voyager is located is enlarged.
Paris walks up to point out his plan.
PARIS
Here you have the location of
Voyager on the energy blast. If
we can get Voyager to this thermal
wave…
(points to a thermal wave up
and to the right of Voyager)
…we could “surf” the ship out in
less than five seconds.
DOCTOR
Mr. Paris, wouldn’t riding that
thermal wave require inputted
thruster adjustments in a blink of
an eye? One mistake, and the ship
would be ripped to shreds. Even
you could not be that precise.
PARIS
You’re right, I couldn’t. But the
computer is fast enough to adjust
the ship’s direction once we reach
the thermal wave. I just need to
write a flawless program for the
computer to follow.
TUVOK
Your thermal wave is still thirty
kilometers away and facing the
opposite direction of Voyager.
For your plan to work, the ship
would have to be turned around and
moved upwards. How do you propose
we accomplish this feat?
PARIS
Well, I can’t think of everything.
Guess I’ll leave that problem in
your capable hands, Mr. Tuvok.
TUVOK
There may be a way…
DOCTOR
If your plan is even half as
dangerous as Mr. Paris’, I don’t
want to hear it. But if it means
anything, good luck.
TUVOK
Thank you, Doctor, but I will need
skill, not luck.
DOCTOR
If you will excuse me, I must
proceed with my medical scans and
report back to Sickbay.
INT. ENGINEERING
Seven of Nine ENTERS Engineering and begins to scan her
crewmates. The scene is eerie and dark.
INT. BRIDGE
Tuvok works the Tactical computer. Paris finishes his work
on another companel and moves closer to Tuvok.
PARIS
Tuvok, about my conduct earlier on
the Bridge, I was…
TUVOK
(interrupting)
…out of line for a Star Fleet
officer. Yes, I know.
PARIS
Look, I just don’t know what got
into me back there…
TUVOK
The strain of the situation would
be great for most, Mr. Paris, you
need not explain anymore.
PARIS
(surprised)
Thank you, Tuvok. Can I ask you a
question now? Do you still think
something is behind all this?
TUVOK
(still working on companel)
I find this hard to admit, but I
believe there is a force working
with us now, guiding us. This goes
against all my mental training, for
I have no logic to back up such a
theory.
PARIS
(intrigued)
You mean, you’re going on a gut
feeling rather than almighty Vulcan
logic? Hearing that makes this
whole mess almost worthwhile.
TUVOK
My theory is based on something
different than a feeling, different
than logic. I simply know there is
an outside force at work here. I
cannot explain how or why I know.
Paris walks to position himself by the unconscious
bodies of Janeway and Chakotay.
PARIS
Then why doesn’t this force revive
more of the crew? Having Janeway
and Chakotay now could only benefit
us, right?
TUVOK
Perhaps the force behind this is
limited, unable to assist us any
further. In its judgment we five
may represent the best use of its
finite power, given the current
circumstances.
PARIS
Could this be some sort of test?
Maybe we’re under observation right
now as some creature evaluates us
under the worst possible conditions.
TUVOK
The Federation has been tested in
the past by several species, but I
believe that is not the purpose of
this disaster. Again, I cannot
explain…
As Tuvok speaks, he suddenly sees something on the
mainviewer. He walks past Paris and approaches it.
PARIS
Tuvok?
INT. MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)
Paris joins Tuvok near the viewscreen. It still
contains the simulation of Voyager pressed against the
blast of solar energy.
TUVOK
Your simulation is exceptional, Mr.
Paris, except for one flaw.
PARIS
And that flaw would be…?
TUVOK
You have the port side of Voyager
in direct contact with the energy
eruption. That is not the case or
the hull would be compromised.
Our shields are in direct contact
with the energy, not the hull.
PARIS
That look in your eyes, Mr. Tuvok.
You’re on to something!
TUVOK
Indeed.
Tuvok moves back to Tactical and begins furious
calculations on the companel. Paris watches from a
distance, trying to figure out what Tuvok is up to.
INT. SICKBAY
Ensign Kim works on a companel when the Doctor ENTERS.
KIM
Doctor. How are you?
DOCTOR
(with satire)
Depends on which Doctor you’re
asking.
The Doctor returns his scanner to a table. Although he
does not want to, he looks at the Sickbay office.
DOCTOR
Ensign Kim!
The alarming tone of the Doctor makes Kim jump from
station and rush to his side.
INT. SICKBAY OFFICE (OPTICAL)
The image of the Doctor in the Sickbay office seems
more deteriorated than before. Instead of just the
hand dissolving, most of the chest area has dissipated
as well. Both react to the sight.
DOCTOR
Why do I look worse than before?
KIM
Because approximately three seconds
has passed since we first appeared
on Voyager. You only have about
three more seconds at normal time
left before… well, you know.
DOCTOR
Before I cease to exist? This is
not the news I was hoping to hear.
KIM
I’m sorry, Doctor. I’m trying,
but I still can’t find a way to
protect your program once we shut
you down.
DOCTOR
What about placing a level ten
forcefield around Sickbay? That
would certainly limit radiation
leakage into my program.
KIM
All emergency power has been
diverted to shields so there’s no
way to do that. At the most, I
could muster up a level ten
forcefield a few millimeters wide.
That wouldn’t help unless…
(Kim looks at the arm of
the Doctor and smiles)
You’re wearing your mobile emitter!
DOCTOR
I’ve been traversing every crawl
space in Voyager, searching for
crewmen to scan. You know I need
my mobile emitter to gain access
to most sections of the ship.
KIM
The mobile emitter! That’s the key!
The Doctor finally understands.
DOCTOR
If I were directly downloaded into
the mobile emitter, you could
erect the forcefield around it!
KIM
The emitter is just small enough
to be protected with what little
power there is to spare.
DOCTOR
Wonderful. When do we begin?
KIM
Begin?
DOCTOR
Yes, to download my program and
erect the forcefield. I don’t have
much time left.
KIM
Time… that’s a problem now…
Kim moves back to the companel he was working on.
DOCTOR
What’s the matter now?
KIM
The Doctor in the Sickbay office
seems to exist in a realm of time
I cannot control. Normal time has
to resume for our plan to work,
and if it did no one would be fast
enough to download you and to
erect a forcefield.
DOCTOR
Mr. Paris ran into a similar
situation, so he is creating a
computer program to take over
navigation.
KIM
Interesting. We do have access to
the computer for some reason.
Perhaps I can write a program that
would automatically protect you if
normal time were to resume.
DOCTOR
And the computer is the answer to
a dilemma I face, for if I’m
taken off-line who would be left
to treat the Voyager crew? I can
download the scans that Seven and
I made and instruct the computer
on how to save each crewman.
KIM
Sounds like we’ve both got a lot
of work to do.
Kim and the Doctor begin to work on companels.
INT. HALLWAY (OPTICAL)
Seven of Nine finds another fallen crewman in a darkened
hallway. She then hears a noise in the shadows and turns to
face the invisible menace.
SEVEN OF NINE
Show yourself.
A section of wall down the hall begins to PHASE out of
place. Then, like a dam bursting, the phasing in the walls
streak towards Seven of Nine. She drops her scanner and
dashes away from the phenomenon. The entire hallway appears
as though it’s dissolving. Seven of Nine doubles over in
pain. A beat later, the pain is gone and the hallway
appears normal.
SEVEN OF NINE
(taps comm badge)
Seven of Nine to Tuvok.
TUVOK (COM VOICE)
This is Tuvok.
SEVEN OF NINE
We have another problem.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. SICKBAY
Seven of Nine lies on a bed while the Doctor performs tests
on her. Tuvok, Kim and Paris stand nearby.
TUVOK
I have verified my findings with
the ship’s computers. Since our
arrival on Voyager, there has been
fifty occurrences of molecular
instability. The last one
encountered by Seven was the
longest and most severe incident.
KIM
Seven, describe how you felt when
you encountered the instability.
SEVEN OF NINE
(sits up in bed)
I was frightened, as though my
very existence was about to end.
DOCTOR
My scans reveal no indications of
fear, Seven. Heart rate, blood
pressure, all are normal.
SEVEN OF NINE
The feeling was real!
DOCTOR
I suppose my equipment may be
faulty. At least you seem fully
recovered now.
SEVEN OF NINE
Then I must report back to duty.
DOCTOR
You do seem to be in perfect
health, but I need to verify one
more scan.
Tuvok, Kim and Paris huddle for a makeshift conference. In
the background the Doctor checks a companel.
PARIS
Any theories on this instability?
TUVOK
It could mean our stay on Voyager
is nearing an end. Normal time may
begin at any moment.
KIM
We better finish with our work
soon.
TUVOK
I concur. Mr. Paris, please
accompany me to the Bridge.
PARIS
Let’s go.
The Doctor is by Seven of Nine, looking at a companel. In
the background, Kim moves to another companel while
Paris and Tuvok EXIT.
DOCTOR
(mumbles)
Not another mystery…
Seven gets out of bed to view the information.
SEVEN OF NINE
Am I ill, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Absolutely not, in fact you’re in
peak physical shape, exactly like
you were six days ago when I last
gave you a complete check-up.
SEVEN OF NINE
And this alarms you?
DOCTOR
I do not exaggerate when I say
you’re in the exact physical
condition now as six days ago.
It’s medically incongruent that
these separate scans would match
so perfectly.
SEVEN OF NINE
Obviously, your equipment is
malfunctioning. Excuse me Doctor,
I have calculations to perform on
the scans we gathered.
Seven walks O. S., leaving the Doctor to ponder the new
mystery by himself.
INT. BRIDGE
Tuvok and Paris stand near Tactical, looking at the
viewscreen image created by Paris earlier.
TUVOK
As you know, we need to turn
Voyager one-hundred and eighty
degrees around, then move the
vessel thirty kilometers to reach
the safety of the thermal wave.
PARIS
And I also remember we have no
engines to propel us.
TUVOK
But, we still have limited shields
which we can use to move Voyager.
PARIS
Our shields can move Voyager?
TUVOK
Observe.
INT. MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)
Tuvok adds shields to the computer image of Voyager on the
mainviewer.
TUVOK
The normal shield pattern forms an
even, protective cocoon around
Voyager. But, what if I were to
alter the shape of this cocoon?
For example, if the shape of the
port stern shield were more
triangular and four times the
length of the forward shields…
The computer image of the shields change to demonstrate
Tuvok’s example. The new shape of the shields push Voyager
away from the energy blast.
PARIS
Oh, that is good! Voyager is like
a boat that’s been wedged against
a rock. You’re using the shields
like an oar, to push Voyager off
the rock and spin us around.
TUVOK
Precisely. Once we are facing the
proper direction, I can then alter
the shape of the shields further
to push us up and over to the
thermal wave.
PARIS
Tuvok, how can you possibly alter
the shields fast enough to reach
the thermal wave? You’d have to
move Voyager thirty kilometers in
about two seconds.
TUVOK
I cannot, but the computer can. I
must create a detailed program for
the computer to follow, just as
you must do.
PARIS
There are so many variables. If we
miss just one…
TUVOK
(interrupting)
Do not miss any, Mr. Paris. That
is an order.
PARIS
Okay. Now that we settled that…
Tuvok and Paris begin work on different companels.
INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
Seven examines data on a companel when the Doctor strides
past.
SEVEN OF NINE
Doctor. I have created a new
chemical mixture that can be
released into the environmental
controls. It will cure ninety-one
percent of the crew.
The Doctor reviews the work.
DOCTOR
Your so-called cure doesn’t revive
the other nine percent of the
crew because it kills them.
The Doctor manipulates the computer controls.
SEVEN OF NINE
You just deleted my work.
DOCTOR
Haven’t we been through this? When
you agreed to assist me, I made it
clear that we must rescue ALL of
the sick aboard Voyager. I will
not allow you to save one crewman
by sacrificing another.
SEVEN OF NINE
Saving ninety-one percent of the
crew, under these circumstances…
DOCTOR
(interrupting)
Is still not good enough! Thanks
to our scans, I have developed
treatments for everyone here.
It’s up to you to deliver the
medication to everyone some way
other than environmental controls.
SEVEN OF NINE
You ask for too much.
DOCTOR
And that will be the excuse you
give to the friends and family of
the nine percent you failed to
save? There must be another way.
Think, Seven. What other system
on Voyager could we use besides
environmental controls?
Seven begins working on a companel furiously.
SEVEN OF NINE
The transporters are still
functional. Yes… it can work.
DOCTOR
The transporters? You mean to
beam the treatments directly into
the bodies of the crew? Has this
been done before?
SEVEN OF NINE
Normally, such a procedure would
fail, but we know the location of
every person aboard Voyager. If I
wrote a program, matching your
treatments with the coordinates of
the crew, the computer could do
the rest.
Before their eyes, the companel begins to PHASE out of
existence. A beat later before they can react, the companel
appears normal.
DOCTOR
I suggest you write your program
fast.
SEVEN OF NINE
That is… your best advice of the
day, Doctor.
INT. BRIDGE
Paris is finished working on his companel. He approaches
Tuvok to speak.
PARIS
I’m done.
TUVOK
Are you certain?
PARIS
(nodding)
I’m certain. Do you need a hand?
TUVOK
That will not be necessary. My
task is nearly complete.
PARIS
Then I’ll check on the others to
see if they need my help.
TUVOK
Very well.
Paris heads for the Turbolift.
INT. TURBOLIFT (OPTICAL)
Paris ENTERS the Turbolift.
PARIS
Sickbay.
The computer beeps its acknowledgement of the command.
As the Turbolift moves, the roof begins to PHASE. The
phenomenon creeps down the walls, unbeknownst to Paris
at first. When Paris senses what is going on, the
phasing has nearly surrounded him. Paris reaches for
the control pad but it warps as well. Even the floor
near his feet begins to phase.
PARIS
Computer, emergency stop. Open
Turbolift doors!
The Turbolift comes to a halt and the doors open.
INT. HALLWAY
Paris leaps out of the Turbolift and rolls into the
hallway. When he looks up, the Turbolift is normal.
Paris taps his comm badge.
PARIS
Tuvok, this is Paris.
INT. BRIDGE
Tuvok is working at Tactical when he hears the hail.
He taps his comm badge to answer.
TUVOK
Report, Mr. Paris.
PARIS (COM VOICE)
Something weird just happened in
the Turbolift. You better keep
your eyes open, it started near
the Bridge.
Tuvok turns his head as if he heard a noise.
TUVOK
Acknowledged. Tuvok out.
Tuvok moves to where Janeway and Chakotay lay. Their bodies
are PHASING in and out of existence. Tuvok kneels to closer
examine the warping and is dramatically overtaken by pain.
Tuvok puts his hand in front of his face to see that it too
is DISSOLVING. A beat later, the phasing has stopped. Tuvok
rises to his feet and looks at his hand again. It is solid.
He again looks at the body of Janeway.
TUVOK
Of course.
(touches his comm badge)
This is Tuvok. I need everyone to
report to the Bridge immediately.
INT. BRIDGE
Seven of Nine, the Doctor, Paris and Kim walk out of the
Turbolift and ENTER the Bridge. Tuvok is near the
Captains chair.
TUVOK
I have the answers we seek.
KIM
You mean, you’ve actually solved
this mystery?
TUVOK
At first, I could not. Logic
abandoned us the moment we arrived
from the Delta Flyer. There were
inconsistencies here that defied
all rules of nature. Then I
recalled an ancient Vulcan saying,
stating that if the foundation of
an event was not based in logic,
the event could not exist.
The crew reacts.
PARIS
What are you saying? Because none
of this is logical we don’t exist?
TUVOK
It is the only explanation. You,
me, this ship. None of it is real.
Off crew’s reaction.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
INT. BRIDGE
Tuvok has just announced his shocking revelation.
PARIS
Tuvok, you claim we’re not real.
Then what is this? What are we?
TUVOK
Mr. Kim, will you please check the
status of the ships’ holodecks.
Kim moves to his companel and accesses the data.
KIM
Someone is running a program on
Holodeck Two, but the emitters are
being corrupted by radiation and
are about to shut down…
(suddenly realizes the
truth after a pause)
I understand! WE’RE the program
running on Holodeck Two, and the
phasing we’ve encountered is due
to radiation deterioration, isn’t
it?
TUVOK
When my hand dissolved a moment
ago, it reminded me of the
Doctor’s hand dissipating in
Sickbay. I realized then that I
too was a hologram, facing
extinction much like the true
Doctor is on the real Voyager. The
radiation has nearly destroyed our
program. We will shut down in
approximately one-tenth of a
second.
KIM
It would take me days to design a
simulation this complex, yet the
computer says that all this was
created and running for only five
point one seconds.
TUVOK
It would take the real Harry Kim
days to create this, but not the
main computer on Voyager. It
processes billions of information
bits in a nanosecond.
DOCTOR
I see. The Captain ordered Voyager
to be saved by any means necessary.
The computer, detecting the entire
crew was incapacitated, decided it
had to intervene immediately.
PARIS
Let me get this straight. The
computer takes control over the
entire ship and in a crisis it
decides to take a vacation in
Holodeck Two?
TUVOK
The computer could not comprehend
how to execute Captain Janeway’s
command. It needed more guidance
yet the crew was unable to help it.
Tuvok walks up to each crewman he names.
TUVOK
(continuing)
It needed the medical abilities of
the Doctor, the unorthodox
navigational talent of Tom Paris,
the holographic expertise of Harry
Kim, the knowledge of all ship
systems that Seven possesses and
the tactical skills of Tuvok.
SEVEN OF NINE
With the crew either unconscious
or not on board, the computer did
the next best thing — it created
images of those it needed the most.
TUVOK
Using every bit of data from
personal logs to medical records,
the computer constructed us, set
up this holographic Voyager based
on real circumstances and let us
think up the ideas it could not
devise on its own. But the
radiation created errors.
PARIS
Yes. Like when the computer
accidentally put my logs of the
surfing trip on Tedus-Torn Prime
in the hologram of Tuvok.
DOCTOR
(to Seven of Nine)
And that’s why your medical scans
were the same as six days ago. The
computer based you solely on those
medical records.
TUVOK
The computer taxed itself to its
limits, having no extra memory
available for other crewmates. We
were its only hope.
DOCTOR
Wait, am I not already a hologram?
Paris slaps the Doctor’s back lightly.
PARIS
Correction, Doc. You are a
hologram of a hologram.
DOCTOR
Can my existence be anymore
complex?
SEVEN OF NINE
Time has never slowed down then.
It’s been proceeding normally but
our perception of time is vastly
different inside the main computer.
TUVOK
Correct, although time is almost
at an end for us.
SEVEN OF NINE
We must complete our mission and
rescue Voyager before time expires.
We are… subroutines in the computer
matrix. Our completed assignments
must be set in motion immediately.
The five line up in order.
KIM
Let’s do it. Computer.
(the computer beeps)
Initiate Kim Program One: transfer
of the Emergency Medical Hologram
to the mobile emitter with level
ten forcefield protection.
TUVOK
Computer.
(the computer beeps)
Initiate Tuvok Program One: shield
modifications to guide Voyager to
the thermal wave.
PARIS
Computer.
(the computer beeps)
Initiate Paris Program One:
thruster adjustments to ride
Voyager along the thermal wave.
DOCTOR
Computer.
(the computer beeps)
Initiate EMH Program One: medical
scanning and radiation treatment
for ships’ crew.
SEVEN OF NINE
Computer.
(the computer beeps)
Initiate Seven of Nine Program One:
direct beaming of medication into
the Voyager crew.
TUVOK
Computer, enable Voyager Rescue
Hologram Program. Priority Alpha.
Begin… now.
A brilliant white FLASH fills the Bridge as the scene
dissolves.
INT. BRIDGE – REAL VOYAGER
As before, most of the crew is off their feet as the Bridge
continues to SHAKE. Janeway, on her knees, uses all her
strength to hold on to the Helm controls.
CHAKOTAY
Emergency power… to shields…
Chakotay drops out of his chair and doubles over in
pain. Other crewmen are suffering as well.
COMPUTER
Warning. Lethal radiation levels
in twenty-five seconds.
JANEWAY
Computer, autopilot mode!
COMPUTER
Warp and impulse engines are
offline. Warning. Lethal radiation
levels in twenty seconds.
Janeway taps her comm badge and collapses in agony.
JANEWAY
Janeway to anyone aboard Voyager.
Save this ship by any means
Necessary… that’s… an order…
The Bridge crew falls into unconsciousness.
COMPUTER
Working.
The ship continues to SHAKE violently but the crew does not
move. Five point two seconds pass.
COMPUTER
Command acknowledged. Initiating
Voyager Rescue Hologram Program,
Priority Alpha.
INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
The Doctor’s office SHAKES repeatedly, forcing the
Doctor to put down a bioculture on a table. He looks
at his arm in horror as it and his chest area begins
to disappear. Suddenly he is redirected to the mobile
emitter and a tiny level ten forcefield surrounds it.
EXT. SPACE – VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
Voyager is pressed against the energy surge on its
port side when the shields change shape and size,
bouncing the vessel around and up some distance to the
beginning of a thermal wave.
EXT. SPACE – VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
Voyager rides on top of the thermal wave for a few
seconds with the thrusters helping to keep the ship
balanced. Voyager spins away to safety.
EXT. SPACE – ENERGY SURGE (OPTICAL)
The huge energy blast continues to travel through space
without Voyager.
INT. SICKBAY
Various Sickbay computers turn on by themselves as the
computer accesses crew information.
INT. MESS HALL (OPTICAL)
The ship has ceased shaking, although everyone appears
unconscious or in agony. The sound of medicine
MATERIALIZING into the crew is heard, then the suffering
ends. Neelix breathes deeply and staggers to his feet.
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The Bridge has stopped shaking but the crew continues
dying. The sound of medicine MATERIALIZING into the crew
can be heard, then the suffering ends. Chakotay rises and
assists Janeway up.
COMPUTER
(the computer beeps)
Voyager Rescue Hologram Program
complete.
TORRES (COM VOICE)
Delta Flyer to Voyager. Please
respond!
JANEWAY
(takes a breath)
Go ahead.
INT. MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)
The image of Torres on the Delta Flyer appears on the
viewscreen.
TORRES
You’re alive?! We thought you were
destroyed for sure. How did you
escape?
JANEWAY
B’Elanna, I have no idea…
INT. MESS HALL
Paris, Seven of Nine, Chakotay, Tuvok and Janeway are
seated at a table. They are then joined by the Doctor
(wearing the mobile emitter) and Torres.
CHAKOTAY
How goes the repairs, Lieutenant?
TORRES
Impulse engines are fully
functional. Warp drive will be
on-line in thirty hours.
JANEWAY
And you, Doctor? I understand we
came within seconds of losing you
forever.
DOCTOR
My program has repaired the damage
done by the radiation. I’m back
to my old self.
Janeway signals for the two to sit and join them.
JANEWAY
I still can’t understand how the
computer steered us through the
solar blast without engines.
DOCTOR
Or how it decided to rescue me and
developed the strategy to beam
radiation therapy directly into
your bodies.
Kim enters the Mess Hall and walks to the group. In his
hand he holds several PADDS.
JANEWAY
I had Mr. Kim run a complete
diagnostic on the computer.
Perhaps he has some answers.
Kim stands next to Janeway and hands her a PADD.
KIM
This is amazing, Captain.
Janeway examines the PADD. She is surprised.
JANEWAY
(handing PADD to Chakotay)
The last thing I did before
blacking out was to order the ship
to saved by any means necessary.
The computer, it seems, activated
a Holodeck for five point two
seconds right after my command.
CHAKOTAY
(examines PADD)
Whatever it learned in those few
seconds, it was enough to save us.
Mr. Kim, were you able to retrieve
this program?
KIM
No sir. It was badly damaged by
radiation and collapsed a
nanosecond later. I was only able
to recover fragments of data.
JANEWAY
Did you learn anything from the
fragments?
KIM
(hands a new PADD to Janeway)
Only that Tuvok is quite a surfer.
TORRES
(to Tuvok)
Don’t tell me you surf? That
sounds like something Tom would be
good at.
TUVOK
I was unaware that I possessed any
surfing prowess, but given my
physical conditioning and mental
alertness I assume I would excel
at the sport.
PARIS
Oh really? Meet me at Holodeck One
at nineteen hundred hours and
we’ll see about that.
JANEWAY
(examines the second PADD)
Odd. There are bits of information
on Tom, Tuvok, Harry, the Doctor
and Seven, as if the computer used
them as models in a holographic
program.
CHAKOTAY
I feel somehow obligated to the
computer for rescuing us, but how
do you express thanks to a
computer?
JANEWAY
How about this: computer.
(the computer beeps)
I hereby nominate you for the Star
Fleet medal of bravery. What do
you think about that?
The computer makes a razzing noise.
COMPUTER
That statement does not compute.
CHAKOTAY
(to Janeway)
At least you tried.
Neelix comes to the group with a tray full of drinks.
Once close enough, he hands each person a glass.
NEELIX
I couldn’t help but overhear you,
Captain, so I opened a bottle of
Talaxian rose champagne. I’ve been
saving it for a special occasion.
TORRES
You’re proposing a toast?
NEELIX
Certainly, for I understand what
has transpired here. You see,
we interact with the computer
everyday and fill it with our
knowledge, ideas and passions. In
times of trouble we turn to it,
so it’s little wonder that the
computer turned to us when it
faced a crisis. In a way, we are
the computer and the computer is
us.
JANEWAY
I’ll certainly drink to that.
Janeway raises her glass, followed by the others.
JANEWAY
To the computer.
The crew drinks to the computer.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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