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We should do our own 'star trek voyager'

Thanks!

Yes, it is the Film People that we require. I think the meerkats might be the best all around option. More technically feasible than animation, more engaging than audio only.

If any one of you reading this have a camera, please speak up! In terms of production crew, it's only a puppeteer, and someone to be camera operator/video editor that we require!
 
I know, I was speaking in terms of production crew. But yes, the meerkats being purchased is definitely a priority! :lol:
 
^^Good heavens... so many ideas. Since I am computer illiterate, I'll just keep writing, if only to see if I can keep Lipton's interest AND I need to get to somewhere Lynx thinks is worthwhile.

ACT 5 end of scene 4 (think of it as a short recap)

(B'Elanna watches as Janeway reaches into her jacket and pulls out a small bundle. The Captain carefully unwraps it and holds it in the palm of her hand. It's a small black metal bar, outlined with a rectangle of gold. Inside the golden rectangle were four gold pips.)
Janeway: (lovingly polishes the bar with the corner of its cloth wrapper) My...... mother gave me this the day of my father's funeral. She........ thought it would come in handy one day... (Janeway chuckles) ....when I was promoted... (she reaches up to wipe her eyes with the back of her hand) Anyway.... I'd like you to have it.
B'Elanna: (B'Elanna's eyes open wide as Janeway lowers the gift into her open palm.) Oh.. my... Captain... I ... I ... couldn't! I'll never... I mean...
Janeway: (reassuringly) B'Elanna -- This is one of the few things I've carried with me for the last 20 years. From post to post... from ship to ship... across half the Delta Quadrant. It means more to me than anything I have.....I really want You to have it.
B'Elanna: (whispers as she looks to Janeway) Kathryn. This is a family heirloom. I'm HONORED, truely,. But this should stay in your family. (B'Elanna tries to hand the gift back to Janeway) You should give this to your sister.
Janeway: (puts her hand over B'Elanna's, causing B'Elanna's hand to close over the insignee) I just did.

(B'Elanna turns to look at Janeway, and then back at their closed hands. She fought to maintain control, but could not. Slowly she let her head drop onto Janeway's shoulder, and she began to gently weep.)

(Thats how Chakotay found them 2 hours later. The tears of both women now dried. Leaning back against the bulkhead, fast asleep.)

ETA: For those of you who do not know about the Captain's yacht at the bottom of Voyager's hull. http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Aeroshuttle
http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/File:Aeroshutlle_CGI_model_disembarkation.jpg


Scene Five
Flight deck of the Aerowing. Janeway is at the controls. Day 11. 9am

Janeway: (all business) Janeway to Voyager.... initiate separation procedure on my mark........ Mark!
Chakotay's voice: (coldly formal) Voyager to Aerowing.... Separation is complete. We're shutting down our warp core and await our tow.
Janeway: (slapping commands into her side console) Acknowledged, Voyager......... Engaging tractor beam now.....

(The lower powered Aerowing latches onto the Mighty starship and begins to tow it through the distortion waves that had kept it at bay for 11 days. Five hours later... they arrive at the Array.)

Scene Six
Aerowing Flight deck. Day 11. 2:11 pm

Janeway: (stiff with formality) Aerowing to Voyager. I will disengage the tractor beam. 5 seconds from my mark..... Mark!
Chakotay's voice: (no emotion) Acknowledged, Aerowing. We are powering up our core to 3 %.
Tuvok's voice: Gravimetric distortions are holding steady, Commander. The Captain may proceed.
Janeway: (gets out of the pilot's seat and begins to pull on the environmental suit. She picks up the portable shield generator and barks an order to the computer) Energize!

Scene Six
The Array. Day 11. 2:15 pm

(Janeway stands before the alien computer consoles, inputting multiple commands, activating touch pads. A monitor flares to life, and she sees an exterior shot of Voyager on screen).

Janeway: Janeway to Voyager. The Array is ready. How about you?

(The exterior shot of Voyager on the monitor now switches to a bridge shot of Voyager. Chakotay is in the center. Tuvok & Neelix can be seen behind his right shoulder. Seven and Harry behind and to his left. Tom is in the foreground.)

Chakotay: (stoical, chin held high) We're ready, Captain.
Janeway: (swallows hard, but manages to keep her voice even.) Q'Plah, Commander. Take good care of our crew.

(With that, she moves to switch the monitor back to the exterior shot of Voyager. A few keystrokes later... a transwarp conduit appears suddenly next to her ship... Voyager.)

Chakotay's voice: (strong) B'Elanna... bring the core to 100%... Tom.... Take us in.

(She watches as Voyager leaps into the conduit... as is gone.)

Janeway: (Janeway briefly reaches her hand out to the monitor and caresses it.) Goodbye my friends.

(Then quickly, she is all work again. Monitoring Voyager's progress through the conduit... adjusting it as needed to avoid errant comets and smoothing away wormholes which otherwise would destroy her ship. Finally, when she was sure they were safely in the Alpha Quadrant, she reopened the threshold and then shut down the conduit. She had the Aerowing transport her away from the Array, and checked the time. 3:08 pm)

Scene Seven
Aerowing Flight deck. Day 11. 3:08 pm

(Janeway quickly sheds and disposes of her irradiated environmental suit. She drops wearily into the pilot's seat.)

(Comm beeps.)

Janeway: Computer, identify source of transmission.
Computer's voice: Incoming Hail from Subspace.
Janeway: (tired) Janeway here.

(Kurros appears on her view screen..)

Kurros: Impressive, Captain. And to think you did it all without our help... too bad.
Janeway: Don't cry crocodile tears over me, Kurros. There's no point. I didn't need you to protect me from the radiation. You see... I'm dying anyway. 4 weeks, 4 months... it's pretty much all the same to me.
Kurros: Ahh, yes.... the Nasty Phage..(he chuckles at Janeway's doubletake) Forgive me, Captain. But we accessed the file Seven downloaded. It explains a lot, and it saddens me to tell you... we actually HAVE a cure for the Phage...
Janeway: (scoffs) For a price!
Kurros: Nothing in life is free, Captain...
Janeway: (shakes head) Sorry, Kurros. I just happen to think your price is TOO high... sell my soul for the right to join you and extort precious resources from desperate civilizations... Noooooo, I think I'll pass.

(Janeway then orders the Aerowing into warp, on a course away from the Array.)

Kurros: (patronizingly) I don't know where you think you are going in such a hurry, Captain.
Janeway: (trying not to look at his face on the monitor, searches for an appropriate heading) As long as it's away from you, Kurros, its good enough for me.
Kurros: (reads his console and sees her new course) Captain... Captain???? Change your heading immediately! You are on a direct course for a class G star! Captain?!
Janeway: (nonchalantly continues to monitor her flight console) Yes, Kurros.
Kurros: Didn't you hear me?
Janeway: (turning to check sensor readings on the gravimetric distortions... and increasing her warp speed as they allow) Of course I did. I'm on course, Kurros. I'm making sure that I leave this life on MY terms... Not when the phage, or the radiation... or even when YOU decide.
Kurros: (blusters) We'll beam you out!
Janeway: (smiles) I don't think so... but feel free to try.
Kurros: (impotently) But... but... but....
Janeway: (looks at the man with the purple face on her monitor) Kurros... its been "fun"... but I've got to go now... and I REALLY don't want YOUR voice to be the last thing I hear when I die..... Janeway out.

(Kurros' picture fades as the channel is cut. Janeway leans back in the seat and sighs.)
(Silence)

Janeway: Computer... replay all comm traffic with Voyager from time index 0900.
Chakotay's voice: Voyager to Aerowing -- Separation is complete. We're shutting down our warp core and await our tow.
Janeway's voice: Acknowledged, Voyager. Engaging tractor beam now.

(A star, still millions of kilometers away, was now visible in the Aerowing's front viewport.)

Chakotay's voice: Acknowledged, Aerowing. We are powering up our warp core to 3 %
Tuvok's voice: Gravimetric distortions are holding steady, Commander. The Captain may proceed.
Janeway's voice: Acknowledged, Voyager.

(Janeway reaches down into a side pocket and brings out a small box. She opens it, and removes a silver pocket watch. She cradles it briefly, and sighs at its significance. Carefully she hangs it from her uniform.)

Janeway's voice: Janeway to Voyager. The Array is ready. How about you?
Chakotay's voice: We're ready, Captain.
Janeway's voice: Q'Plah, Commander. Take good care of our crew.
​
(The monitor ends on the scene of Voyager leaping into the Transwarp conduit. Janeway backs up the recording to stop on the image of Chakotay standing on the bridge. She pauses it there, and keeps looking at it as the brightness of the onrushing sun begins to fill the Aerowing and finally causes her to close her eyes.)

(Suddenly -- from seemingly nowhere -- a voice rings out.)

Voice: Brava.... Brava! Oh KATHRYN! You've never ceased to shock and amaze me... I can not begin to tell you what an absolute JOY you've been these last 7 years!

(Janeway's eyes open wide as the sound of ancient memory roars in her head. She stands and turns to face this new threat. Eyes still partially blinded by the sun, Janeway focuses on the figure behind her.)

Janeway: (simply drawls) Hello........ Seska.

Thus ends hour 1: "Out of the Mouth of Babes"
 
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HOUR TWO begins: EYES OPEN

TEASER
Scene One
Flight Deck on the Aerowing.

(Kathryn Janeway has just stood up from the pilot's seat and turned to face the woman 6 feet behind her.)

Janeway: (Slowly drawls) Hello.... Seska!

(Janeway sits back down, as Seska walks towards the front of the flight deck. She stops to stand just behind Janeway's left shoulder, and bends down to peer out the front viewscreen at the onrushing sun.)

Seska: You know, Kathryn... if you decrease the magnification and increase the chromatic shielding of the viewscreen... (she turns to look at Janeway) then you won't go blind before you die.

(Feigning boredom at the suggestion, Janeway nevertheless makes the corrections. She can now see Seska without squinting.)

Janeway: (Admirably controlling her curiosity, she simply notes) I see you are back to your "Bajoran" look.
Seska: (Turns to show off her profile) Do you like? I have to admit... this was always my favorite.
Janeway: (Tilting her head up slightly) Can I assume you aren't the "real" Seska... if indeed she ever existed?
Seska: (Straightens up as she dramatically considers the question) Hmmm. The REAL Seska? Now... THAT's an interesting question.

(She absentmindly rubs a padd over the back of Janeway's seat.)

Seska:You've become much more cerebral over the years, Kathryn.

(Her eyes twinkle mischeviously)

Seska:I guess we'd expect such a transformation when you're no longer young enough to "simply punch your way through" to a solution anymore.
Janeway: (Slowly beginning to seethe) Yes...or no?
Seska: (Tries to look embarrassed) To be honest, Kathryn... its yes... AND no.

(Seska turns to lower herself into the jump seat behind and to Janeway's left.)

Janeway: (Kathryn checks the Aerowing's position as she works to quash the rising anger she feels) Explain!
Seska: (Chuckles as she shifts her padd from hand to hand.) Always giving orders... always in control... even when she's suiciding. THAT's the Captain Janeway I've grown to know and love.
Janeway: (Frowns at the console and turns to Seska.) Yes and no?
Seska: (Sighs) Well... "Yes"... I AM the Seska you came to know and love in the Delta Quadrant... but "No"... I'm not "QUITE" the girl Chakotay knew and loved in the Alpha Quadrant.

(She stops and smiles lasciviously at Janeway)

(Janeway turns away from Seska, "Bored" with the turn of conversation. She concentrates on the console and the onrushing sun.)

Seska: (Realizing she's losing her audience, hastens to add) THAT Seska, his Maquis lover... really was a Cardassian spy, genetically modified to "look/scan" Bajoran. He just didn't know it. Her physiology, unfortunately, was so strained by the genetic manipulation, I'm afraid she didn't tolerate the side effects of the coherent tetrion beam that pulled Chakotay's ship into the Delta Quadrant.

(Seska sits and stares at the padd before looking up to see her "audience" was looking at her again)

Seska:She died less than 12 hours after her arrival in the DQ.

(Seska was pleased to see Janeway's face betray her astonishment at this news.)

Seska:So... you see, Kathryn. Seska died before you even thought of asking for permission to visit that penal colony in New Zealand. You never actually had the "pleasure" to meet "the real" Seska...

(her tone now brightens)

Seska:Although my performance those first 2 years was impeccable. If you don't believe me... just ask Chakotay or B'Elanna. They certainly never guessed the truth!
Janeway: (Shifts in her seat to get a better look at her opponent) Who ARE you? (Then accusatory) Q!!!???
Seska: (Head bobs up, as she scoffs) Oh puhlease.... what an arrogant species. I can't believe this Picard of yours tolerated them as often as he did. Perhaps I should thank Bajor's prophets that I never had to meet one. (She leans back in her seat and smiles) Although... to be fair. They were fun to play... ONCE in a while.
Janeway: (Twists her seat leftward to face Seska) Play?
Seska: (Smiles as if she was speaking to a child) You're STILL in the dark.. aren't you Kathryn? (She looks at the viewscreen) A strange place for a woman about to suicide into a sun.
Janeway: (Grits her teeth) You're not Seska. You're not the Q.
Seska: Correct! (Nods to the sun) And since we're obviously running out of time... I'm going to give you a hint. I may be easily bored... but I'm definately NOT senile!

(Seska smiles)

Janeway: (Sits bolt upright at the clue) COMPUTER! Scan the vessel for Sporocistene lifesigns!
Computer's voice: Scanning.... none detected.
Seska: (Nods approvingly) Half right, Kathryn, half right... but will you figure it out in time? Computer.... time to impact?
Computer's voice: 6 minutes... 21 seconds.
Seska: Well... we still have some time... Do you want to guess the rest... or shall I just give you the answer?
Janeway: (Twists her chair to fully face Seska) You are the Caretaker? The being who brought us here from the Alpha Quadrant... but I have no idea "why"... since you are obviously not on your deathbed.
Seska: (Tilts her head selfconsciously) Obviously. Why? I brought Chakotay's ship here because I wanted to see if my reach could exceed my grasp... so to speak. For centuries the races of neighboring systems have amused me... but I quickly lost interest in them, and needed new diversions.
Janeway: (Skeptically) Quickly? Over Centuries?
Seska: (Shrugs) A relative term, Captain. But accurate when describing a race that lives 2 millenia by your reckoning. Anyway, Chakotay's ship was a TREASURE TROVE. Freedom fighters, interspecies hybrids, a serial killer, a Federation spy -- whatever that was, a Cardassian spy disquised as a Bajoran - - whoever they were... I was in Heaven!

(Seska twists the padd in her hands as she speaks)

Seska:... But, if I found such a treasure on my 1st attempt... what would I find if I tried again?

(Seska smiles seductively at Janeway)

Seska:And that's how I found you. My Scheherezad.
Janeway: (Incredulous) Me? What was so special about me?
Seska: (Spins her chair, in disbelief, away from Janeway toward the stern, then back again) Kathryn! Don't be so modest. Do you have ANY idea how often I've run similar scams over the years? Defenseless victims... evil overlord... a dying protector... and the ultimate philosophical question... do you save yourself?... or do you save the victim? (Smiles broadly) Or... like some have tried, who were too greedy or too indecisive... do you try for "both"? Hah! Like THAT ever worked when they tried it!
Janeway: (Frowns and turns to look out the view screen) I'm not sure I understand.
Seska: (Leans as far forward as she can to speak into Janeway's ear) Kathryn, In five centuries, you were the only person to simply do as the "protector" requested... to blow up the Array. A completely selfless, altruistc, compassionate, seemingly foolhardy act. AND, to top it off... you're crew didn't mutiny over it and push you out the airlock!
Janeway: (keeps looking forward, away from Seska, sarcastic) Fascinating.
Seska: (Sits up straight) Oh... but it was. Fascinating! Unexpected! For the first time in I don't know how many years... I was intrigued by someone. I wanted..... no...... I needed to know what you were going to do "next".
Janeway: (Keeping eyes on her console's readings) So... you've followed us? For SEVEN years?
Seska: (Slumps back into her seat, and begins swinging her seat again) Followed you? Hmmm, yes.... in a sense. But after observing your & Chakotay's crew interact... I realized what a LOSS Seska was to this little scenario. So... I became her. To be honest... being her was such great fun that afterwards, I often joined the story by becoming one with whomever you interacted with... Sometimes I was a "minor" character... Sometimes, not. (She stopped as if to tantalize) I must say... that between the two of you... you are a much better kisser than Chakotay!
Janeway: (This finally gets a reaction from Janeway as she turns to face Seska, her eyes flashing) Kashyk! I "apologize" for not recognizing you myself. I guess the experience just wasn't as memorable for me as it seems to have been for you... Seska!

(She swings back to face front)

Seska: (Tilts back her head and laughs) Oh Kathryn! (She taps her chest with the padd) Touche'! But to be honest... there "was" no Seska within Kashyk for you to recognize. The "evil telepathic hating Devoran Inspector" was pure Kashyk, himself. (she smiles) But I must confess... I couldn't believe it when you outwitted us in the end!
Janeway: (Refusing to look back) So... to whom do I owe my thanks for his "mercy"?
Seska: (Pretends to blow on her nails and shine them on her chest) Well, I hate to brag... but it wasn't Kashyk. Honestly, Kathryn... you were just too much fun to be allowed to languish in a Devoran prison colony... (sighs) Computer? Time to impact?
Computer's voice: Two minutes... 10 seconds.
Seska: Well Kathryn, like they say... "all good things... " eh? Frankly, I don't like this ending which you've chosen.

(Seska stands up and faces into the viewscreen)

Seska:But after watching you for 7 years... I can see the logic in it. Protect your crew. Save your intergrity... if not yourself. Deny your enemy his last shot at glory... "The heroine--- riding alone --- into the sunset...

(blinks at the increasingly bright sun)

Seska:errr... into the sunrise." Yes. As much as I DON'T like it...This IS pure Janeway...

(She looks down at Janeway and gives her a half bow)

Seska:Thank-you Kathryn. For a truely WONDERFUL, albeit much too brief ride.

(Suddenly, a hand reaches from behind Seska and snatches away the padd she's been playing with.)

Male Voice: No... Seska... Thank-YOU!

(The hand then swings the padd against a corner of the console, shattering it into a hundred pieces.)

Seska: (Screams) ....... NO!!!!!!!!!!!

(And turns to face this new threat)

Seska: CHAKOTAY!
Chakotay: (smiles sympathetically) Going somewhere, Seska? (as he hands back the now useless padd)
Seska: You IDIOT! (She throws the broken padd back at him) You DON'T know what you've done!
Janeway: (Stands up and turns to place Seska between the 2 officers) Oh... I think we do... "Seska". We've just made sure you'll never do this to another ship. We're ending your game, here and now.

(Seska's rage ignites, and she throws herself at Chakotay. He refuses to hit her, and simply blocks her backward so that she falls into the jump seat. She jumps up again, enraged, but before she can reach him, a fist comes flying from the side and connects with her jaw. Seska falls to the deck... out "cold". Janeway it seems, has no taboo against hitting a woman.)

Janeway: (Looks up to her 1st officer, and smirks) I was wondering when you were planning on making your appearance.
Chakotay: (Bends down to pull Seska back out of his way, responds just as playfully) Hey... its called "the element of surprise"... she was in the damn jump seat and could keep the stern hatch under observation. I had to wait until she stayed "full front" before I could enter the flight deck unobserved.
Janeway: (Turns to look at the sun which fully encompasses the viewscreen) Computer... Time to impact?
Computer's voice: 33 seconds.

(Chakotay steps up to stand next to Janeway. She gratefully, if wearily, leans into him.)

Janeway: (whispers) Oh please... let this work.
Chakotay: (Puts his arms about her, whispers back) It will.
Janeway: (Looks up at him) Oh? How do you know?
Chakotay: (smiles back) Because I have faith in YOU.

(And he nods towards the previously empty pilot seat, and the person now occupying it.)

Chakotay:I have faith in BOTH of you.


(Kathryn turns with Chakotay to see a mature blond haired woman smiling back at them. Chakotay can see a moon reflecting from the console's surface in front of her. Then ............. a blinding light envelopes the shuttle..................and suddenly............. there is nothing.)

TEASER ends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DaXyxLY9fc

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DaXyxLY9fc[/yt]
 
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EYES OPEN ACT ONE:
Scene One
Limbo

(All is gray... shiftless formless masses. Voices... distant....hurried......urgent... can be sensed.)

Female voice: (Worried) She's NOT responding! I Need HELP over here!!!
Male voice: (Calmly) Fall back on your training... you know what to do!

(The greyness darkens toward black......)

Female voice: (Becoming frantic) I'm LOSING her!
Male voice: (Barks orders) Keep CALM! Give her 20 ccs of trianolene then hit the cortical stimulator 3 times in succession!... I can't leave Chakotay yet!

(The sound of a hypospray is heard, along with 3 quick electrical buzzes.... and slowly the black and grey receeds... Shapes begin to form... colors begin to return, vision begins to clear... A long haired, blond woman is leaning anxiously over us....)

Kes: (gently) Hi there... don't try to move yet.... Do you know me?
Janeway: (Voice sounding like gravel, forces out) Kesssss......
Kes: (Turns to shout excitedly over her shoulder) Doctor! Doctor! She knows me!
EMH's voice: Mazel tov! Now get her up & start on B'Elanna while I get Tuvok. We don't know how much time we have!

(Kes and another younger Ocampan female help a weak Janeway to sit up and then stand. An alien coccoon like material covers 3/4ths of her nude body, leaving her bare shoulders to shiver in the cold.)

Kes: Easy... easy... Captain. It takes time, after all these years.. to get used to it again.
Janeway: (Clinging to Kes as she tries to ask) What does?
Kes: (Looks at the woman compassionately) Walking.

(Janeway looks over Kes' shoulder to see a coccooned Chakotay being supported by 2 male Ocampans, 10 feet away.)

Janeway: Where are we?

(She tries to walk towards Chakotay, but trips and falls to her knees. As she tries to straighten up, she comes face to face with a comatose Tom Paris.)

Janeway: NO.........
Kes: (Bends down next to Janeway to pull her away from Tom) CAPTAIN! Listen to me... we're not safe yet... you have to be strong... trust me... I'll explain everything as soon as I can... Do you hear me?
Janeway: (Nods as she stands with Kes' help) Yesss.
Chakotay: (Voice raw from disuse) Kathryn???
EMH: (walks down the aisle between 2 rows of comatose crew, to stand between Janeway & Chakotay) Captain. Commander. You must go with these people. Kes & I have many others to wake up... and not much time. (He turns to the Ocampan attendents) Quickly now... bathe & dress them, and start the nutritional supplements in the order we discussed.

(The strangers nodded and gently took Kathryn and Chakotay from Kes & the EMH... Janeway stopped briefly to look back at the scene behind her. Row after row of comatose men & women, all coccooned with feeding tubes and telemetry probes attached at their midriffs like artificial umbilicals.)

Janeway: (Gutteral growl) ........Seska!

Scene Two
Recovery Room

(Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Paris, Torres, Kim & Neelix are dressed & drinking at the direction ot the Ocampan attendants)

Torres: (Pushes away the drink the Ocampan tries to offer) P'Tak! ENOUGH! I'm tired of waiting for Kes to find the time to explain what's going on!

(She stands and heads for the door)

Janeway: (Barks) HALT, Lt! You'll do as you've been ordered!
Torres: (Stops & spins to face Janeway) Ordered? Captain... by who, YOU? By rights you should be dead. Now, I find not only can you withstand radiation poisoning that should have killed you... (looks to Tuvok) That generator idea never fooled me!... Not only are you alive... but instead of sending us home... we end up back where we STARTED 7 years ago. (She stalks over to stand in front of Janeway) Care to explain THAT little trick, Captain!?
Paris: (Stands up as if to restrain B'Elanna) B'Elanna... cool it.
Torres: (shakes off his hand) Or WHAT, Tom? Don't you feel like you deserve some answers...

(She looks at Janeway)

Kim: (Pipes up) If he doesn't... I sure do!
Janeway: (Looks to Chakotay & Tuvok... they both nod) Two days ago... or.. at least I think It was 2 days ago... Chakotay & I came to the startling realization that something was amiss on Voyager. We brought our concerns to Tuvok and... due to our belief that we were being monitored... we shared our concerns via a Vulcan Mind Meld.
Chakotay: The mindmeld did 2 things for us. Allow us to converse without being monitored... but more importantly... allow us to sift through many disparate facts to come to a... frankly unlikely conclusion.
Tuvok: The conclusion was... that we were being manipulated by an external force, a "puppet master". Someone who was placing us in various scenarios... presumably for his own amusement, and that in fact it had been going on for quite some time.
Janeway: In the days leading up to this mindmeld conference, many clues were brought to our attention, showing the many inconsistencies we've lived with these last 7 years.... but somehow had simply ignored. We were also given repeated signs that things were not what they seemed.
Neelix: What kind of signs?
Chakotay: Well, I've often used the vision of Earth's moon to tell me when I was in a lucid dream... In the last 10 days, it kept appearing.... and not just while I was alseep, but also when I was awake. Not just that... but I noticed many of my dreams had a common theme... and often included the vision of a computer padd that was NOT star fleet issue.
Janeway: I happened to see this same computer padd, but not in a dream. The think-tank alien... Kurros... carried it when he paid me a visit 2 days ago.
Tuvok: When the Captain & Commander brought their concerns to me... I concurred with their conclusion that Voyager was being manipulated to a negative purpose. Logically, Kurros was our initial suspect... considering his recent visit. During our meld, I was able to provide the Captain with my own... unusual vision. For several days... whenever I was in deep meditation... Kes would appear. She carried the same computer padd which both Chakotay & The Captain had seen. She insisted I destroy this padd.. and showed me a vision of Voyager entering a transwarp conduit & the Aerowing plunging into a Star. Kes insisted that in order for us to free ourselves... we must destroy the "naje" we were trapped in.
Torres: (Looks up skeptically) The dream before dying? Are you trying to tell me we are dead?
Janeway: (Steps in) No... but that we've been living in a kind of "naje"... one we NOW know was for the amusement of a being we'd thought was long dead. (She stands to walk about the room) Chakotay & Tuvok & I decided that if our conclusions were right... we had to "kill" this naje... it was our only hope of waking up.
Chakotay: (Also stands up) As sure as we were of our conclusions... we weren't willing to risk the lives of you & the rest of the crew. So... Tuvok stayed aboard Voyager while the Captain & I put our plan into action on the Aerowing.
Paris: (Head snaps up) Tuvok stayed??? Now wait Just a minute!... You were there too!

(He looks accusingly from Chakotay to Tuvok)

Tuvok: The Commander is correct. During the last Gamma shift, before launching the Aerowing... I programmed a "Holographic Commander" and used the Doctor's mobile emitter to escort him onto the bridge.
Torres: (Shocked) Excuse me? A Holographic Commander!
Kim: (Mutters) Now I understand how he could be so disspassionate when we... when we went into the transwarp conduit.
Chakotay: (Standing next to Janeway) We didn't know what to expect on the Aerowing, so I insisted on accompanying the Captain on the mission. Given our hypothesis that an entity was behind this "naje"... it seemed appropriate to try and hide my existence until the last moment.
Paris: Well, we're all here... so I assume you were successful?
Chakotay: (Looks at Janeway, and nods) After a fashion...
Janeway: But... we're afraid that instead of killing this entity for good... it seems all we've been able to do is stun her. (She looks to each officer carefully) Now... we don't have much time. Each of us must do our best to make Voyager spaceworthy... and we must awaken the rest of our crew. Kes assures me this "entity" WILL regain consciousness... we MUST be ready for her when she does.
Kim: Just who IS this entity, Captain?
Janeway: (Stops & turns to Harry) She's gone by many names over the years, Lt... Kurros, Kellin, Kashyk, even "Caretaker"... but the one she seems to relish the most... is "Seska".
Torres: (Jumps as if slapped) SESKA? You must be kidding!

(EMH enters)

EMH: Unfortunatley, she's not. (He hands Lt Ayala off to the Ocampan attendents) Captain... We need more help. At this rate, I won't be able to wake the whole crew for another 16 hours.
Chakotay: Why not finish waking all those with any sickbay experience? When they "clear", then they can help you to waken others.
Janeway: (Nods) Good point. Tom, Neelix & I will pitch in now... the rest should go to Voyager & begin to bring systems online.
Torres: (Happy to have a Job to do) If we're allowed to put in requests... I could sure use Carey & Vorik ASAP.
EMH: Kes is working on Lt Carey as we speak. Vorik is on my "to do" list... but I can move him up.
Chakotay: (Turns to Tuvok). Tuvok... take Command of the refit for now... I'll stay here to help awaken the crew.. (turns to Janeway) I have the training... and there's no point in me going up there if there's no "crew" to command.
Janeway:(Nods grudgingly) Agreed. (turns to her senior staff) You have your orders... dismissed.

Scene Three
The Array

(Janeway & Chakotay are working side by side on one row of comatose crew. Beyond them, Paris and the EMH... along with 4 other teams of Voyager crew are busy reviving their shipmates. Neelix & Ensign Wildman are seen running down the aisles with more med kits.)

EMH: Very good, Ensign (takes the kits) We're halfway through "Gamma Shift".

(Ocampan attendents are seen assisting the recently awakened, obviously stunned crew to the recovery room.)

(A Combadge Beeps)

Janeway: Janeway here.

(She bends over Nozawa and applies a hypospray to his neck)

Torres' voice: CAPTAIN! Warp drive will be on-line within 30 minutes.
Janeway:(Turning on the cortical stimulator) Very good, Lt. How goes the bridge repairs?
Torres' voice: Harry reports 50% of the structural damage has been repaired. We continue to have problems establishing helm control at the conn.
Janeway:(Smiles at Nozawa as he wakes) Keep working on it, Janeway out. Hi there... do you know me???
Nozawa: (Croaks) Captain?
Janeway: (Smiles broadly, for the 14th time today at this miracle) That's right! Here. I want you to go with this woman...(they help him up) We'll explain everything as soon as we can... but right now you need to gain your strength.

(Another Combadge Beeps)

Tuvok's voice: Tuvok to Commander Chakotay.
Chakotay: Chakotay here.
Tuvok: Commander.... Tactical review shows all phaser banks are fully charged. We have a full compliment of 36 photon torpedos, not to mention 3 operational shuttles. Warp drive is expected within 25 minutes, and shields are presently recharging.
Chakotay: (Helps Mortimer Herren to stand) Excellent, Tuvok.
Tuvok's voice: In addition, Commander... I have located your ship.
Chakotay:(Stops to look up at KJ) Is it.. intact?
Tuvok's voice: It appears so.
Paris: (Pipes up hopefully) Hey! Speaking of long lost loves... I don't suppose you've found the Delta Flyer up there... have you?
Tuvok's voice: Alas, no Mr Paris. The Delta Flyer appears to just be the stuff of our dreams.
Paris: (exagerates) Aww Shucks!
Chakotay: (Grins at Tom) Very good, Tuvok. We have 20% of the crew left to revive. Have the senior staff meet us here in 40 minutes.
Tuvok's voice: Understood. Tuvok out.
EMH: Cutting it a little fine, aren't we, Commander?
Chakotay:(Looks at the rows of empty beds and the rows still full.) 2 dozen to go... 11 of us... I'd bet we'll be done & on our 2nd cup of coffee by the time they transport down here to join us.
Janeway: (wistfully) Geezzzz... don't mention coffee! He won't let us have any for another 8 hours! (She activates the cortical stimulator on Jenkins forehead.) Hello there.... do you know me?
 
EYES OPEN: ACT ONE: Scene Four
The Array

(The last of the groggy crew have been led away by Voyager's med teams. Tuvok, Kim & Torres have beamed aboard to confer with Janeway, Chakotay, Paris, Neelix, the EMH & Kes. Janeway is leaning wearily against a bulkhead.)

Janeway: (Stifles a yawn, as she motions to B'Elanna) Report!
Torres: The warp core is online and at 60% efficiencey. Shields are at 43 % and continue to recharge.

(Janeway nods to Tuvok.)

Tuvok: All weapon systems are online. A preliminary survey of our immediate vicinity shows 153 other starships of various designs & sizes in parking orbits about the Array. On the Array, there are an additional 4372 beings still in stasis. They represent a wide variety of species... 72% of which we can identify as Delta quadrant species Voyager has encountered in our travels these last 7 years.
Torres:(Coughs) Travels? If you can call what we've done "travel". We haven't moved a single light year closer to home since we got here!
Janeway: (Frowns slightly at her loss of control) Lt....
Kim:(Jumps in to distract Janeway from her rebuke) Captain! Sensors are online... Unfortunately, we don't have an Astrometrics lab to enhance them. (He shrugs) But I've been able to access the sensors on several neighboring ships which has greatly expanded our scanning capability. I've identified at least THREE other arrays like this one in this sector of space. We have been able to confirm lifesigns on all three, and multiple ships in parking orbit about each one of them. (He pauses to check his padd) We have also identified not only Commander Chakotay's ship, but Neelix's as well about this Array. An engineering team is presently inspecting Chakotay's ship and preliminary surveys suggest it is spaceworthy.
Janeway: Very good, Mr Kim. (She shakes her head slightly, as if to clear it, and then slides down the bulkhead to sit on the deck crosslegged. She then focuses on Kes) Okay, Young lady... My crew is awake... the ship is being readied... I think the time has come for you to tell us what the Hell's been going on. B'Elanna isn't the only one chomping at the bit.

(Kes looks down at Janeway, and follows her example. She sits on the deck, directly opposite the Captain. The rest of the senior staff follow suit, forming a circle, while the Ocampans remain standing off in the background.)

Kes: (Takes a deep breath, and smiles a slightly crooked smile) Certainly, Captain. But first... a correction, if I may? I'm not a "young lady" anymore... in fact (she smiles broadly) I have 3 beautiful children (points to the Ocampans standing 10 feet away) who are all older than I was when first I joined your crew. (She turns back to the men & women sitting next to her) And... before I forget.. let me just say how GOOD it is to see you all again. I've missed you so much!
Torres: (Sitting to Kes' left, scoffs) Missed us? Let me get this straight. We've spent the last 7 years in a coma, where we've been living in some sort of fantasy cooked up by an entity we thought was long dead? Harry & I were never experimented upon? Never sent to Ocampa? Were never trapped in those blasted tunnels? Voyager never fought the Kazon? Never blew up THIS Array? YOU? You, I never actually even MET you until 2 hours ago when you woke me up. So tell me... How the Hell could you miss us when you never even met us before today?
Kes: (Reaches out to place her hand on B'Elanna's knee) B'Elanna... I did meet you 7 years ago in that Ocampan access tunnel where I had to carry you to safety. We had adventures together for 3 glorious years... on alien planets... on the holodeck... in the messhall trying to eat Neelix's "special" of the day.

(Kes turns to look about her circle of friends, and smiles)

Kes: I spent 3 years of my life with you people. Learning to run sickbay (looks to the Doc) , to fly shuttles (looks to Paris) To control my mental abilities (looks to Tuvok), to be a facilitator (looks to Chakotay). I fell in love with you... (looks to Neelix)... all of you (looks to Janeway)... and when I left you, and came to realize the fraud the "Caretaker" was perpetuating upon you... I dedicated my life to getting back here to save you.

(Kes turns back to look at a Mature Ocampan male standing at the front of his team. He walks forward and stands close behind her as she continues her story.)

Kes: My Ocampan friends often argued with me about this... "Obkession" as they called it. They agreed with you, B'Elanna, that what I experienced was no more than a 3 year long dream. An illusion. They tried to tell me that the heroic men & women I'd come to know... and love.... were mere figments of my imagination. (She looks up at Janeway and preens with pride) They LAUGHED at the idea of a starship Captain risking everything to protect a people she'd barely met.

(The man standing behind Kes now knelt down behind her and placed his hand comfortingly upon her shoulder.)

Kes: (Shrugs) But I simply told them... I KNEW the truth. Without you... I would have never honed my telepathic abilities enough to break free of the Caretaker's hold on my mind...... would have never awakened from his dreamworld and found this one. I asked them...

(she turns to look at the man kneeling next to her)

Kes: How could I abandon these good people... (she then turns to B'Elanna) ...people who have touched my heart... even if they had never touched my hand.... (and turns finally to look at Janeway, a tremor escaping through her voice) After all that they've done for me?

(Janeway gazed at this Ocampan with remembered fondness and stetched her hand out to grasp Kes'.)

Janeway: (Smiling) We've missed you too... Kes. Welcome home.

(A brief pause)

Tuvok: (Logically inquires) What can you tell us about this entity? Is he alone?
Kes: (Sitting back, brushing moisture aside) The Caretaker is a singular Sporocistene lifeform. Legend has it he came to Ocampa over 500 years ago & despoiled our world, causing the near extermination of our race. He promised he would restore our environment, but while he did this, he had to put the remainder of our population into stasis.
Chakotay: Legend?
Kes: Unfortunately, Yes. It is not known how or why the fantasy worlds were started. Some speculate he was bored, others that it was always part of his cruel plan... but during our stasis he slowly began to awaken minds in an interlinked "virtual reality".
Chakotay: (Turns to Tuvok) Kind of like a "Unimatrix Zero".
Kes: He led these people to believe they lived underground in a vast city controlled & maintained by his will. They, of course, worshipped him for his "generosity" and his ego grew because of it. But... an unforseen problem arose... The Ocampan's natural telepathic ability. Every year, people possessing this ability evolved to the point that they could crawl to the surface of their subconsciousness & wake themselves from the dream. At first...small enclaves of aware Ocampa gathered on each Array. Eventually they met passing spacetravelers that taught them to use some of the ships left behind by other species. Eventually they ferried themselves to a nearby habitable planet, where they began their new life.
Kim: The Caretaker didn't try to stop them?
Kes: No. We think the escaping Ocampa were no more worrisome than a mosquito buzzing a klingon targ. The multiple Virtual realities he was maintaining simultaneously... there was more than just the Ocampan scenario , quickly became too complex for him to also monitor the occasional escapee. We were mere annoyances, something to be picked up by free Ocampa traveling here to look for new arrivals.
Neelix:(Worried) Is that what happened to you, Kes. Did these people come back and rescue you?

(The Ocampan man at her side dropped back his head and laughed out loud.)

Kes: (Somewhat embarrassed) No... Neelix. When Tuvok had helped me to realize my telepathic abilities... the Caretaker actually DID take notice. I suspect he thought I could discern his presence and might alert the crew. He accelerated my leaving Voyager to prevent me from warning you.
Paris: And here we thought you ascended to a higher plane and pushed us 9500 lightyears away from Borg space.
Kim: She definately ascended to a higher plane... just by waking up!
Kes: In fact... I woke up here, on this Array. I found all the people I had loved were in stasis. I recognized this lab from your descriptions of your inital abduction. I worked to access Voyager's transporters and manged to get myself beamed off the Array. Unfortunately, I couldn't get past the security lockouts on Voyager's shuttles. As luck would have it, though, I found Zahir's ship and was able to beam myself on board. It took me to New Ocampa... and my new life. (She turns to look up at the man still kneeling at her side, love showing in her smile) Captain.... May I present my husband... Yandrin.
Yandrin:(Stands and bows formally) Captain Janeway, Commanders Chakotay & Tuvok, Lt's Torres, Paris, Kim, Mr Neelix. It is indeed a great honor to greet you. Your praises have been sung, and the stories of your deeds have been recited so often in our home these last 4 years, I think my children & I know them as well as Kes. My wife does not exagerate. Her single minded quest for these last 4 years was simply to save you. And in her quest... I found reason to hope my own quest would be realized.
Chakotay: Your quest, Yandrin?
Yandrin:(Inclines his head slightly) To rescue MY people, and to bring them to their native home. Something I'm sure YOU can relate to, Commander.
Janeway: This is enlightening... but confusing at the same time. There's still something you haven't mentioned, Kes.
Kes: Yes Captain?
Janeway: What happened last year... when you... It WAS you?.... when you returned to Voyager?
Kes: (Looks briefly at Yandrin, and then tips her head in embarrassment) Yes, Captain... it was me. What happened? Hubris, Captain. (Sigh) I thought I'd learned enough by last year to re-enter the Caretaker's fantasy world and bring you out. I was wrong.

(Kes trembles with the memory.)

Kes: As soon as I entered, he was able to control me and forced me into a scenario he was sure would kill me. (she smirked) But, you surprised him, again. Instead of killing me when I reapppeared on Voyager that 2nd time... you were able to break his control on my mind and bring me back to my senses.

(She shakes her head sadly.)

Kes: I was so chagrined at how easily it was for him to control me. I nearly lost everything... but I learned from my mistakes. I would never directly challenge him in that reality again. Instead, I would work to enter the minds of the people IN the fantasy. By planting doubt & watching that doubt grow... I would bring about the changes needed to expose his charade. And I started in the least likely place... which he didn't monitor as closely.
Neelix: The children.
Kes: The children.
Janeway:(Throws up her hands) Okay... I've heard enough. Kes, Yandrin... if it is the will of my people, we will do whatever is in our power to assist the Ocampa & stop this monster...

(she looks expectantly around her inner circle)

Chakotay:(Amused) Since when is a starship a democracy, Captain? You could be setting a bad precedent here... (He turns back to Kes) But if vote I must... then I'll vote with Yandrin & Kes.
Torres: (Grumbles) Talk about stacking the deck... both my StarFleet Captain & my Maquis Commander have signed on to this "quest"... do I really have a choice?
Paris: (Bravado showing) Choice? There is NO choice! I want to get back at the guy that put me into a 7 year coma... If a quest comes attached... well... so much the better!
Tuvok: Heartfelt, if in-elegantly put, Mr Paris. Captain... The only logical answer today is the same one we came up with 2 days ago. We must stop him.
Kim: Which is what you guys THOUGHT you did last time.
Neelix: Precisely. In fact... Can we be sure we're even awake now?
Chakotay: Well, I haven't seen a single "moon" since I woke up.
Kim: That's good enough for me. Let's get on with it.
Paris: (Looking out over the rows of comatose aliens stretching out behind them) Speaking of Quests... should we wake up anymore knights in shining armor? Are we sure we can do this alone?
Janeway: (Follows his gaze and stands up to walk over to the aliens still in stasis. She stops next to Maje Culluh) But who is a friend and who is a foe? If the Caretaker was Seska & Kurros... was he also Maje Culluh & Denara Pel?
EMH: (Speaks up) Oh, please... I DANCED with Denara!
Janeway: (Arcs an eyebrow) Believe me, Doctor... I know EXACTLY how you feel..... (Turns to look at Culluh) I really don't think it would be safe to just start waking these people on the eve of battle.
Chakotay: (Steps up next to her) Remember the lesson of the Vaddwair....
Janeway: Exactly. I think we'll leave these Dragon's teeth alone.
Kim: But can we take on the Caretaker alone?
Yandrin: (Proudly) We will stand by your side.
Chakotay: Thank-you, Yandrin... but I agree with Lt Kim... Reinforcements wouldn't be a bad idea. (Turns to Janeway) Captain... let me power up my ship... It's not an intrepid class starship... but it still packs a punch or two..
Janeway: (Looks thoughtfully at the sleeping aliens, and then nods) Choose your crew, Chakotay. But I request you leave Tuvok & B'Elanna with me.
Chakotay: Aye, Captain!
Janeway: We don't know how much time we have until the Caretaker reawakens... but its certain that we're running out of whatever time IS left. Return to your ships & prepare for departure. Yandrin?
Yandrin: Captain?
Janeway: Do we know where the Caretaker is, at the moment?
Yandrin: We suspect he's on Ocampa.
Tuvok: Can you keep up with us in your ships?
Yandrin: (Regretfully) No, but if we start now for Ocampa... we can get enough of a head start to be of assistance when you arrive.... We can also reconnoiter for his whereabouts.
Tuvok: Agreed. When will you & Kes leave?
Yandrin: (Looks to Kes with surprise) My fleet can leave immediately, if you command.
Janeway: (Catches the surprise look between husband and wife) Kes?
Kes: (Boldly) Yandrin & I have discussed this Captain. I wish to join Voyager for 1 last mission. Yandrin & the children will each be on separate ships... This will increase the probablity that some one of us will survive.
Tuvok: A time-honored precaution.
Janeway: Yandrin. You have your orders. Head for Ocampa & send back as much intelligence as you can find.

(Yandrin kisses Kes Goodbye, and both he and his Ocampan escort exit)

Janeway: Doctor, I'd like you and Kes to come with me. (turns to Chak as she picks up a tricorder) We'll meet the rest of you on Voyager shortly.

(She flips open the tricorder and walks off, with the EMH & Kes trailing in her wake.)

Torres:(Watches Janeway stop to pick up a med kit and hand it to Kes) Do you think she'll find her?
Chakotay: (Shrugs) I don't know. But I'm not betting against her.
Paris: But didn't she just say... the question is "whom" should we trust? That we shouldn't JUST wake up people because we know how?
Tuvok: There is no reason to suspect she would not carry the same memories of the last 4 years that we carry. If so... she would be a great asset.
Paris: (Warns) And if she doesn't --- are we just jumping from the frying pan into the fire?
Chakotay: (Turns to look at his crew) Quaint folksayings aside, Tom. She's as much a member of our crew as anyone here. If she can recall that one fact... it will be worth the risk. (He hits his combadge) Voyager... 5 to beam up.
 
(Just adding something to reassure Teacake that she need not fear my reset button!)

ACT ONE: Scene Five
Sickbay

(Business proceeds briskly. Tuvok & Paris are busy on Voyager's bridge, as are B'Elanna & Carey in Engineering, and Chakotay's hastily picked team on the Maquis ship. Janeway , on the other hand... continues to weave her way through row after row of comatose Malon... Pendari.. Vaddwair... Nylarians... until she finally comes to a complete stop..................
....................At the elevated bed of a comatose, but fully Borgified Seven Of Nine.)

Janeway: (Nodding to the Engineering kit in his hand) Doctor.
EMH: (Opens the kit and attaches a generator via her cortical implant behind Seven's left ear .) Overload successful, Captain.
Janeway: (warns) Don't forget her secondary processors.
EMH: (Nods as her readjusts the generator) Got them... She's completely disconnected from the hive mind... Now to just remove her from the Caretaker's virtual reality...
Kes: (Opens her med kit) Beginning resuscitative protocals now...

(Kes applies a hypospray to the Borg's neck)

EMH: (Scans her progress with the tricorder) It's not enough... we need at least another 200 micrograms to compensate for her Borg Nanoprobes.... (Kes applies the hypospray. again, while the Doctor attaches the cortical stimulator.) Beginning activation therapy on my mark... Mark!

(Seven flinches slightly with each impulse of the cortical stimulator. Her right eye begins to flutter open... Janeway moves to stand within her field of vision.)

Janeway: (Soothingly) That's it... that's it. Wake up... it's okay... open your eye...

(The right eye opens fully and fixates upon Janeway.)

Janeway: Hello there... Welcome back. Do you know me?
Seven: (Nods)
Janeway: Good. Who am I?
Seven: Kathryn Janeway. Captain of the USS VOYAGER, Intrepid class. Registry # 74656.
Janeway: (Smiles hopefully and steals a quick glance at the EMH) That's right. Who are you?
Seven: Seven of Nine... Tertiary adjunct to unima.....

(Seven pauses as she reconsiders the question)

Seven: Seven of Nine... Of the Federation Starship USS Voyager... temporarily assigned to Astrometrics.
Janeway: (Smiles broadly as she sees the EMH & Kes both heave sighs of relief) That's EXACTLY right! Now, I know you have questions... but they must wait. We have to board Voyager... follow me.

(Seven creaks as she sits up. Her head slowly turns to scan Janeway, Kes, The EMH, the room and the thousands of aliens in stasis about her. She reaches up her hand to feel the mechanical Borg ocular implant that protruded from her left eye socket.. She tries to swing her feet onto the floor to stand... but instead collapses into the EMH's arms. )

EMH: (As he steadies her, he indicates her ocular implant and arm) Don't worry, Seven... I'll remove them again... we'll have you looking as good as new in no time.
Seven: (Standing with the EMH & Kes' assistance, she turns to Janeway) The Children?
Janeway: (Raises her tricorder & points) They're here, Seven. Still in stasis. Don't worry... we'll come back for them.... I promise.

(She taps her combadge and steps up to take the arm the EMH was holding)

Janeway: Voyager... THREE to beam up.

(The three women shimmer in the transporter beam and are gone. The EMH looks at his empty left sleeve and sighs.)

EMH: (Taps his combadge) Voyager... One to transfer to sickbay holobuffers.

ACT ONE ENDS
 
Lipton said:
JanewayRulz!: :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

That is all! It's so good, I'm speechless.
Click to expand...

Thanks... and now for ACT TWO: EYES OPEN

Scene One
Voyager Bridge

(Tom is on the floor, under the conn... while Ensign Jenkins is pulling the top off the console again. Tuvok is at tactical.)

Paris: This is STILL not right. What are you reading up there, Jenkins?
Jenkins: All systems "say" they're operational... its just as if there's no navigation computer or engineering on board for us to access.
Paris: (Hits com badge) Paris to Engineering. We're still in the dark up here... I thought you already brought us online?
Torres' voice: (Frustration obvious) We DID! Our readings say you should be accessing all systems now. It must be your console.
Paris:(Gets up to look over Jenkins shoulder) Well, our console says its working just fine... but it's getting zip from you or Navigation.

(Silence)

Paris: (looks up) B'Elanna?

(Silence)

Carey's voice:(With exagerated politeness) Uhhh, Lt Torres has just ... stepped out to survey the jeffries tubes between Engineering & the Bridge, Lt.
Paris: (Looks at Jenkins, who is equally aware of the meaning of this news.) Okayyyy... Paris out. (He turns to Jenkins) Look, you keep working here. I'll work my way back while B'Elanna works her way forward. Call me if you get any bright ideas.
Jenkins: Yes Sir!

Scene Two
Jefferies Tube

(Paris is seen crawling through the Jeffries tube with a tricorder in hand. Elsewhere, we see an angry B'Elanna doing the same. She finds the problem first, and is busy wrestling with it when Paris meets up with her at a four way jeffries tube junction.)

Paris: Fancy meeting you here.
Torres: (Throws him a stare over her shoulder... and returns to her job) Right.
Paris:(Stands over her shoulder) I found 2 gel packs which could stand replacing... I think they were damaged by the effects of the tetrion beam... but they weren't causing our disconnect problem with the helm... Is this the culprit?
Torres:(Pulls out a burnt out power cell from it's connection) I think so... unfortunately, this is the same power cell we've replaced twice already.

(Reaches down to her engineering kit to pull out another power cell)

Torres: I don't see why it keeps burning out.
Paris: (Scans the old cell) This was set 13% over the usual starfleet parameters.
Torres: So... we've always done that.
Paris: No... we've done it since we overhauled the warp core 5 years ago. Remember? When we got the Tellerium from that resistance movement on the Mokra homeworld? After that, we tuned all the power cells to a higher output.... But THIS warpcore hasn't been exposed to Mokra tellerium yet.
Torres: (Growls disgustedly at herself & throws her spanner) EVERY new cell we've put in has been automatically upgraded by habit... and we've blown everyone out! All because of a mindless HABIT!
Paris: (Soothingly) Hey, don't be so hard on yourself, it was an easy mistake to make.

(He bends to retrieve the spanner and hand it back to her)

Paris: Anyone could have fallen into it.
Torres: YOU didn't! (She takes the spanner and tosses it into her kit) Maybe Janeway should put YOU in charge of engineering.
Paris:(Chuckles) No thanks. I can't fly the ship from there.
Torres:(Not amused) Well, you're obviously a better choice than I am.
Paris: (Leans back against the junction wall) What gives, B'Elanna?
Torres: (Turns back to her work) Nothing.
Paris: Right... and I believe that!

(He picks up the new power cell and dials it down to original specs.)

Torres: (Accepts the offered cell and continues to work) Its just... nothing's right, Tom.
Paris:(Watches her work, anticipating each tool and handing it to her.) Like what?
Torres: (Shrugs) I went to my office to get my diagnostic tricorder today... it wasn't there. The office was completely rearranged... just like the previous chief had left it 7 years ago... before he died in the DQ jump.
Paris: Yes?
Torres:(Continues to calibrate the new cell) So... later, when I decided I'd better realign the multiphasic shielding... WHICH I then remembered we NO LONGER HAD... I decided to access my datafile to try to recreate the schematics.... but I didn't have a single file in the Voyager computer. Hell, I didn't even have ACCESS to my nonexistant files until Tuvok set it up for me!
Paris: (Picks up her tools and puts them away) Yeah, the same thing happened to me (chuckles again) Your point?
Torres:(Exasperated, she turns to face him) I'VE never been HERE before, Tom! I don't know THIS ship.

(She hefts the burnt out power cell between them)

Torres: and IT doesn't know me.

(She turns away)

Torres: The Captain made a mistake when she kept me on as chief... SHE followed a "mindless habit" with my assignment.... just like I did with this powercell. Carey would have been a better choice...

(laughs derisively)

Torres: or Seven!

(Looks up at Tom)

Torres: Hell... Where is she going to put Seven when the Doc's done with her? Astrometrics? Hah! WHAT Astrometrics?
Paris: (Slowly closes the diagnostics kit, trying to gauge her ability to listen) Is that all?
Torres: (Looks at him) At lunch... I found myself walking to my quarters... Till I realized they weren't there. Everything from the last 7 years of my life is gone! Not a single physical remembrance... not a single log... nothing remains. Suddenly, all I could think of was that poem they taught us in comparative literature... "My name is Ozymanduia... King of Kings... look on my works ye mighty... and despair.."
Paris: (Closes his eyes in memory) "...Nothing, beside remains... Round the decay of that colossal wreck... boundless and bare... the lone and level sands stretch far away."
Torres:(Sincere) The world I lived in for 7 years was a lie, Tom. Doesn't that mean everything I came to believe in, about myself... was too?

(Turns his head briefly, then back to look deeply in her eyes. He grasped her hand...)

Paris:"How can I abandon these people who touched my heart... even if they never actually touched my hand?" When Kes spoke those words... I remember looking at you... and thanking God or the Caretaker, or WHOever it was that was responsible for putting YOU in my life these last 7 years. I don't need a TV in my quarters, or the Delta Flyer on the hanger deck to know YOU made an impact on ME.

(He brings her hand to his chest)

Paris: I don't need a log to remind me how I felt the first time you told me you loved me.

(Brings her hand to his cheek)

Paris: All I need to do is look at you... and everything comes flooding back. Love. Pride. Honor.
Torres: (whispers) Tom.
Paris: B'Elanna. We're NO different from any other crew that had their ship shot out from under them. We've been "given" another ship... it just happens to be one in the "same" class. If you want me to take an environmental suit and go outside to paint an "A" after the 74656 on the hull... I will. But to me that's the ONLY difference. For 7 years, the "fantasy" was that we were "going" home... not how we interacted with each other, not how we felt about each other. Neelix is real. Kes is real...

(He reaches up to brush her hair back from her face)

Paris: ...and You & I ARE real. What more do you need?
Torres:(sighs as she leans into his hand) I don't know. Maybe just a little confidence that my "so called" expertise is real.
Paris:(Smiles) Well, confidence is something one creates within themselves, it can't be given... But if you need a "sign" I'd just like to remind you what the Captain told Chakotay on the Array.
Torres: (Puzzled) About what?
Paris: She told him he could chose ANYONE on board her ship for his crew... but he had to leave her Tuvok... and You!

(B'Elanna looks up to Tom, and silently puts her arms around his neck as he encircles her torso with his arms.)

(A Combadge beeps)

Janeway's voice: Janeway to Torres... Please meet me in Engineering.
Torres:(Looks at a chuckling Paris) Acknowledged!

(A combadge beeps)

Jenkins voice: Lt Paris? We have helm control again. Both navigation's computers & engineering are fully intergrated with the conn now.
Paris: (Smiles as he looks at B'Elanna) Thank-you Ensign. I'll be there shortly. (He bends down to kiss B'Elanna, and then sighs) Time to go.

Scene Three
Maquis Bridge

(Kim, Neelix, Chakotay are looking at the console readings.)

Kim: So that's it, Commander. 50% of your torpedos are still available. Vorik's bringing the warp drive on as we speak. Phaser banks & shields will be recharging soon...
Chakotay: Still, we're not much of a backup for Voyager.
Kim:(grim) No sir.
Chakotay: (Taps sensors and surveys the ships parked next to the Array) Neelix? Care to do a little scrounging for me?
Neelix: (straightens up) Your wish is my command, Commander. What do you have in mind?
Chakotay:(Points to the display) I'm picking up 3 ships in the vicinity who have photon torpedos comparable to our own, and.... I Don't believe it! We've got KOVIN's ship here... and it has those isokinetic cannons he tried to sell us 3 years ago. (Turns to Neelix) Take Ayala & Nicoletti and see if you can scavenge both the torpedos & the cannon for our use.
Neelix: (Preens) It'd be a pleasure, sir. And if we find anything ELSE of value?
Chakotay: Mr Neelix... I leave that to your good judgement. Just remember... time is flying by us at warp speed!

(Neelix exits)

Chakotay:(Turns to Kim) Mr Kim... May I suggest you study these readings & try to devise a way to allow our launchers to launch their torpedos.
Kim:(Hands flying over the computer) Already on it, Commander!
Chakotay: (Turns to look at his viewscreen showing The Voyager & the Array hanging in space.) We've got to be ready, Harry, to give "Seska" a taste of something she DOESN'T expect. Remember (He looks at Kim solemnly) she not only know's "Voyager's" capabilities..... but our own as well.
 
ACT TWO: EYES OPEN

Scene Four
Sickbay

(EMH & Kes are present. A partially reconstructed Seven is laying on the biobed. Janeway walks in with B'Elanna.)

Janeway: Report.
EMH: Captain, (helps Seven sit up) I've taken off the Borg implants that were starting to cause rejection. Kes has also telepathically deactivated the intracranial implants pressing on her trochlear nerve. Further repairs will have to wait till she acclimates to this initial intervention.
Janeway: Very Good. (Eyes the ex-drone) Seven... how are you feeling?
Seven: Slightly dizzy, but within functional parameters.
Janeway: B'Elanna & I have spent the last half hour trying to recall the specifications for the multiphasic shields you originally adapted for the Flyer.
Torres:(Hands a padd to Seven) The parts we're not sure of are highlighted... including those sections we just couldn't recall at all.
Seven: I can correct your errors.
Janeway:(Smirks at Torres) Good. Since we don't have an Astrometrics.. I'm assigning you to "operations". For now, however, I want you to work with B'Elanna on these shield modifications. When you are done... report to the bridge.
Seven: (looks up, puzzled) What about Lt Kim?
Janeway: Harry is acting as Chakotay's first officer on the Maquis ship. (She turns to leave, and stops) Kes? Care to join me?

(Kes & Janeway exit)

Seven: The Maquis ship?
Torres: (Shrugs) The more the merrier, Seven. I'll see you in engineering.

(Seven exits)

EMH: Oh... Lt? If you wouldn't mind?
Torres: Yes, Doctor?
EMH: Something's wrong with the part of my program that allows me to turn myself on & off. Do you have a minute?
Torres: Well... maybe one...

(she goes to the computer to access his program.)

EMH: I realize it's a little thing... but I've quickly rediscovered how boring it is when you can't just leave sickbay for a little diversion on the bridge or in the messhall. This little bit of control, little bit of freedom, will help a lot.
Torres:(Commiserates) No mobile emitter?
EMH: (Agrees) No mobile emitter.
Torres: I'm sorry, Doc... its 29th cent technology was beyond our capability to replicate or we'd have created backups before this... hmmmmm.
EMH: (Hopefully) Hmmmmmm?
Torres: (Looks up to the EMH) Well, maybe I can't duplicate it... but I've studied it enough that maybe we could devise a "24th century" alternative. It would be inferior to what you're used to... but it might get you out of sickbay.
EMH: (Ecstatic) Really? Oh Lt... I could kiss you!
Torres: (Puts up a hand to fend him off) I said MAYBE! That's a BIG maybe, and it will have to wait till we're done with the Caretaker.
EMH: Lt... I could wait years with even the glimmer of hope you've just given me.
Torres: (Finishes tweaking the program) Well, lets hope it doesn't take quite that long.

(She then turns to frown at the Doc)

Torres: Doctor...how is it you still retain your integrated comprehensive matrix, and didn't default to your original programing?
EMH: I have Kes to thank for that. When Tuvok deactivated me in order to use my mobile emitter for the Chakotay holoprogram. Kes downloaded my program from the Caretakers Voyager computer core into The Array's holobuffers. She then sent my improved program to the real Voyager's sickbay holobuffers and "saved" all the changes you'd made to it over the years.
Torres: (Eyebrows arcing) I'm surprised it worked.
EMH: (Proud) Why shouldn't it? As Kes explained it to me... for 7 years the Caretakers "Virtual reality" was like a holodeck diagnostics program running to test my new matrix... The Caretaker's Voyager was a perfect copy of the real one... so the same adjustments you made to my program on his Voyager would succeed here as well.
Torres: (Stands back to regard the EMH) Thank-you Doctor... I needed that.
EMH: (Flustered) Needed what?
Torres: (Smiles) A reminder that what I do sometimes makes a difference.
EMH: (Archs his eyebrow) Sometimes, Lt? One of us is being modest, and for once its not me.

(he smiles as Torres begins to laugh)

Scene Five
Voyager's Bridge

(Neelix & Janeway are with Tuvok at Tactical.)

Janeway: This is an amazing find... Good Work Mr Neelix!
Neelix: Well... I can't take all the credit, Captain. It was Commander Chakotay who actually found it and sent me after it. Luckily the ship was equipped with two cannon and he "was sure" you'd appreciate one.
Janeway:(Turns to Tuvok with a sly smile) I think this is the most thoughtful gift anyone's given me in years.
Tuvok: Indeed. The Commander obviously knows your tastes.
Janeway: Can we incorporate it into our systems, Tuvok?
Tuvok: It will take sometime... fortunately I recall the original intergration schematics for his isokinetic cannon. We'll start implementing it immediately.
Neelix: Mr Kim requests any information you recall about that integration be forwarded on to him. He's busy working on integrating the alien torpedos into our ship at the moment.
Tuvok: It will be sent as soon as I can upload it to Voyager's computers.
Janeway: Neelix, if you'd follow me...?

(Janeway & Neelix exit to her ready room)
 
ACT TWO: EYES OPEN

Scene Five-a
Janeway's Ready Room

Janeway: Can I get you anything, Neelix? (She walks to the replicator) Coffee... Black.
Neelix: No thank-you, Captain.
Janeway:(She sits on the sofa & indicates he should sit.) Have you found anything else in your travels?
Neelix:(complies) Actually, yes I have. As you know, Seven & the children were not the only Borg on board the Array.
Janeway: Yes... Tuvok told me 77 Borg were among the 4000+ beings still in stasis.
Neelix: (Warming to his subject) Exactly. They are from a Deep space probe that is currently in orbit of the Array.
Janeway: (Nods) Yes... evidently it was seriously damaged by an ion storm before the Caretaker ran across it.
Neelix: Well.... ahh... "seriously" is such a "relative" term, Captain.

(His eyes twinkle!)

Janeway:(Eyes return the glint) Oh?
Neelix: After we transported the torpedos & the 2 cannon, I decided to be a little more adventurous & beamed onto the probe. It IS damaged... but it's transwarp coils are all intact.

(He smiles broadly at his Captain)

Janeway: You're kidding!
Neelix: About something THIS important? Never!
Janeway:(Settles deeper into the sofa with glee) Isn't this interesting!
Neelix: Since the coils have no strategic advantage for use in our present fight with the Caretaker... I haven't assigned a retrieval team yet. After all, everyone is so busy elsewhere...
Janeway:(Nods approval) Quite right... quite right...... For now. (She smiles again)
Neelix: (Pleased, smiles back) For now.....

Scene Six
Sickbay

(Kes & the EMH are conferring over a computer screen in his office. Neelix enters)

Neelix: Hello Sweet... uhhh... Kes. Doctor.
EMH: Mr Neelix. To what do we owe this honor?
Neelix: (Keeps staring at Kes) Mr Kim asked me to pick up supplies for our sickbay.
EMH: Certainly... What do you need?
Neelix: (Can barely hear the Doctor) Ahhhh..... everything.....
EMH: (Looks miffed) Everything?
Neelix: (Dreamily) Everything.
EMH: (Looks from Neelix to Kes and finally catches on) Well.... that makes it easy, I guess... Excuse me while I check stores.

(Doctor exits)

Neelix: Hi.
Kes: Hi.
Neelix:(Shrugs a shoulder) Sorry about the... the... "sweeting" thing... Old habits die hard.
Kes: (Smiles) That's okay... it was... "sweet".
Neelix:(Takes a deep breath) Your Husband... He.. he seems... quite ... nice.
Kes: (Reassures) Oh, he is... and patient! I asked him once... "how could he put up with all my.... reminiscences about Voyager". He just invited me to tell him even more! He said he'd decided long ago, if he couldn't "fight" my obsession... then he'd better join it... or risk losing me.
Neelix: You have a handsome family, Kes... do you have grand children yet?
Kes: (Proudly) Why yes! Kathryn had 2 beautiful children last year.
Neelix: (Stunned) Kathryn?? You actually named your daughter after the Captain?
Kes:(Tilts her head as she chuckles quietly) No.... I didn't have to. Remember, I told you my husband said if he couldn't fight my Voyager obsession, he'd better join it? He was the one to name Kathryn. In fact... he named all our children.
Neelix: Really?
Kes: (Tilts her head slightly) He named our first child "Tuvok" --- in honor of the man who enabled me to escape the Caretaker. Our second child he named "Kathryn"--- in honor of the woman who saved me from the Nakista shrine. Our third child... he named "Neelix" --- in honor of the man who not only saved me from the Kazon... but also from the Warlord Tieran.
Neelix: (Jaw drops open) ...I... I...I don't know what to say.
Kes: (Reaches to take his hand) Say you are happy for me...
Neelix: More than you'll ever know.

(EMH enters)

EMH: I'm sorry to interrupt... but I've had all your supplies beamed to your ship. Mr Neelix... you have a lot of unpacking to do.
Neelix: (Glances at the EMH for the first time today) Thank-you, Doctor. Kes... I hope to meet your children... once this is all over.
Kes: (Squeezes his hand once more, before releasing it) And they want to meet you too, Neelix.

(She leans forward to give him a peck on the cheek before he leaves)

(Neelix exits)

Scene Seven
Harry's Quarters on Voyager.

(Harry is packing. Door chimes)

Kim: Come!
Paris: Hey...

(Pokes his head intothe room before he enters)

Paris: I didn't know you snuck back on board


(Walks into room)

Paris: Taking anything good?
Kim: Just some clothes... a couple of reference padds on tactics & engineering.
Paris: (Peers into the satchel Harry's packing) Just the bare necessities, eh? What? No Clarinet?
Kim: (Laughs) No... remember? I forgot mine at home. It hasn't been replicated yet in "this" reality.
Paris: Still... seems a shame not to have one. Think how easily it would be to torment Chakotay with it on such a "little" ship!
Kim: (groans) Torment??? I thought you liked my playing?

(Paris waves Kim aside... then holds his thumb & forefinger barely apart)

Paris: In small... very small quantities.
Kim: (Grabs his pillow & rifles it at Tom's head) Thanks... BUDDY!
Paris: (Sidesteps easily) Hey!... What are friends for?
Kim: Yeah... right!

(He stops the rough-housing and sighs)

Kim: Look... uh... I've got to get going.

(Pause)

Paris: (Picks up pillow & tosses it on the bed) I know...... Look. Take care of yourself... Okay? It's not like I'm going to be around to save your sorry butt when you get in trouble out there!
Kim: (Coughs) Right... like THAT ever happened! YOU were always the one GETTING me into trouble! ..... Well.....

(Door Chimes)

Kim: (Glances away from Tom) Come!

(B'Elanna enters)

Torres: Oh, thank God... you haven't left yet.
Kim: I'm actually on my way out the door.
Torres: Good... look... I've got to get back to engineering... but Tom & I thought you should have this.

(She presents him with a small case.)

(Harry looks to Tom & then B'Elanna.. .. takes a deep breath & opens the case quickly. It contains a disassembled clarinet. He exhales thankfully)

Kim: It's gorgeous!
Torres:(Stands on her tiptoes to kiss Kim goodbye) I expect to hear you play it for us... "StarFleet", when this is all over... that's an ORDER!
Kim: (As she turns to leave) Anytime, Maquis, anytime.

(B'Elanna exits)

Kim: (stares at the clarinet & then at Tom) You.
Paris: (shrugs) Hey... what else can you get a man who has his own isokinetic cannon?

(He then gives Harry a rough hug)

Kim: (Remonstrates) Try not to get demoted while I'm gone... okay?

(Paris steps back, with hands still on Harry's shoulders, responds in an Irish brogue)

Paris:Now... where would the fun be in that?

ACT TWO ENDS
 
JanewayRulz!: Your writing is consistently high quality. Question, whereabouts does this take place in the series? I'm assuming it's before "Imperfection" since all the borg children are there.

teacake: Well, I looked at the meerkats again, and I noticed they are about $40 each. I am guessing they are this much because they are handmade.

Since I'm a student, I don't have much funds I can use for these purposes right now.

So I'm not sure who would buy them. I have some money I can contribute to it, but we'd need more. If we tried to have a donation thing for the meerkats, I do not know how that would turn out.

It seems we have several options:

1) An audio production with some repurposed screen captures and photomanipulations to give visuals.

2) Cardboard cutouts or something... would probably involve drawing a uniform - not too hard - and sticking a character's face on it.

3) An audio only format.

4) Get people to pool money together for meerkats and go that route.

5) Animation - I've come up with some ideas about how to get star trek fan animators to join the project, such as having them pitch a few episodes, and having them in the creative process to voice visual/animation concerns, suggest angles, etc. I've also discovered some open source and free animation software which allows for very rapid animation and I'm finding more channels of people who've done fan star trek animation. I haven't contacted any of them yet, as I'm still working on a good salespitch to suck them in... which will only be used IF we decide to go this route

6) An audio only format to begin with, then eventually graduating to meerkats or animation. This might be interesting for those considering donating to the meerkat fund... or animators thinking about joining. They'd be able to hear how it would sound and thus would be able to know the style and quality of the script.
 
Last edited:
It was written the summer between season 6 & 7 as a suggestion at how the series should end "a year later"

You could certainly place it "before" Imperfection. Or you could assume season 7 went differently than it did.

If people are serious about "doing" anything, an audio production with screen captures repurposed of photomanips to provide visuals wouldseem to be a less expensive option.
 
JanewayRulz!: I see... I'm thinking maybe we could start the series at the beginning of season 7 by replacing "Imperfection" and doing season 7 differently, then ending season 7 with this script.

Then we could go on with a season 8 that would chronicle some things they actually did when they got home!

What do you all think?

EDIT: An audio production with captures repurposed and photomanipulations! My goodness, that is one of the best options I've heard. I'll add that to the list and put it at #1. Thanks!
 
ACT THREE
Scene One
Janeway's Ready Room

(Janeway is at her desk. Tuvok enters)

Tuvok: Captain. Reports from all departments are in. We should be able to leave the Array within the hour. The isokinetic cannon is onboard & operational. Shields & phaser banks are at 100%. The warp core is running at 98% efficiency.
Janeway: (Looks up, amused) 98%? That must be infuriating B'Elanna.
Tuvok: (Dips his head once) Undoubtably, although she is controlling herself much better than when she was on the Array. (Looks at the padd in his hand) Commander Chakotay reports all alien torpedos are stowed & launchers adequately modified. His isokinetic cannon should be online within the hour, and their shields, phaser banks, and warp core are all "within Maquis parameters".

(Janeway just raises an eyebrow at this description.)

Tuvok: His term... not mine.
Janeway: I guess we're as ready as we can be. Commander, although you will be acting as my first officer for this mission, I think you should also remain at tactical. The battle awaiting us at Ocampa will surely test even your most skilled understudy... I'd prefer to keep you at both posts.
Tuvok: A logical conclusion. Mr Paris will continue at Conn?
Janeway: (Nods) Yes, and Seven will replace Harry at ops as planned.
Tuvok: She has returned from her 3rd set of treatments with the Doctor, and is not expected to require a 4th for at least 10-12 hours.
Janeway: Good. Notify the senior staff we will be leaving for Ocampa in 1 hour... and schedule one last joint staff meeting for both ships in 30 minutes.

(Tuvok simply nods, and exits)

Janeway: (Stands up from her desk to walk to her viewport) And what of you, Seska? Have you been asleep all this time...or have you been preparing as well?

Scene Two
Engineering room on the Maquis ship

(Chakotay, Vorik, among others are racing about as vapor/smoke fills the compartment.)

Chakotay:(Shouting over the noise) WHAT DO YOU MEAN, IT WENT DOWN AGAIN!
Vorik: (Shouting as calmly as he can) The Warp Core Is OffLine, SIR! We Are Attempting To REInitialize the Dilithium Chamber Now!

(Noise level drops by half)

(A combadge beeps)

Chakotay: (Still roaring) WHAT?!
Kim's voice: Commander! Tuvok has notified us that Voyager will be leaving dock in 1 hour. A meeting of senior staff is requested in 30 minutes!
Chakotay: (Rolls his eyes at Vorik) 30 MINUTES? Tell Mr Tuvok, if he wants us to leave within the hour, we MAY NOT be able to make that staff meeting!
Kim's voice: (Confused) Sir?
Chakotay: (Growls as he prowls from console to console) Monitor YOUR console, Mr Kim! Warp drive just went offline. Tell Tuvok that Vorik & I may be late for that meeting, but I doubt the Captain will mind as long as we're ready to depart on schedule. Chakotay out!

(He turns to Vorik, and incongruously, he laughs)

Chakotay: Okay, Ensign... we have a deadline to meet. I hope you like working under pressure as much as I do.

Scene Three
Voyager's Engineering Room

(B'Elanna is working at a console.)

(A combadge beeps)

Janeway's voice: Janeway to Torres.
B'Elanna: (Taps her com badge) Torres here, Captain.
Janeway's voice: Tuvok reports Vorik is having trouble maintaining the maquis' antimatter reaction... can you spare yourself for a quick consult?
B'Elanna: (Motions to Carey to take over for her at her station) I'm on my way, Captain.

Scene Four

(B'Elanna stops to pick up her diagnostic kit & walks swiftly to the transporter room. She has herself beamed directly to the Maquis engineering room where the noise & vapor have again intensified.)
B'Elanna: (Looks about blindly at t
he confusion and simply ROARS) VORIK! WHAT have you done to MY ENGINES!
Vorik: (Jumping up from under a console shrouded by the vapor) Lt?
B'Elanna: (Climbs down to his console on the lower level) They were working PERFECTLY 7 years ago when I last saw them!
Chakotay: (Coming through the Vapor like an apparition) Maybe "in the Alpha quadrant"... before they were hit by a tetrion beam & pulled 70,000 light years to here.
B'Elanna: (pulls out her tricorder and scans the core) You Know... I'm REALLY getting tired of hearing people blame EVERYTHING on that beam.... Okay. Vorik, you have the reaction pressure set to run too low... This core needs to run at least 57-58,000 kilopascals.
Vorik: (Looks over her shoulder at the tricorder). I hate to dispute you, Lt.... but the specifications on this core clearly state that it should run at 46-47,000 kps maximum.
B'Elanna: (Snaps her tricorder shut & turns to Vorik) I don't care what "the specs say" it SHOULD run at... I'm TELLING you that my years on this core taught me to run it at 57.

(she steps over to the console and makes the necessary adjustments. Suddenly the core lights up, noise level drops to normal, and the vapor is quickly vented by the environmental controls.)

B'Elanna: There.... see?

(Harry Kim enters)

Kim: I don't suppose there are any other tidbits you'd like to share about this ship's idiosyncrasies?
B'Elanna: (Looks fondly about the engine room) None that come to mind right now. It HAS been awhile... afterall.
Vorik: Perhaps we should keep an open comm line to Voyager's engineering in case another such... second opinion is required?
B'Elanna: (Looks at the Vulcan quickly... and then shakes her head) A little ungainly... how about you just call me if the need arises.

(She picks up her diagnostic kit, looks about one last time, and then hits her combadge)

B'Elanna: Voyager... one to beam over.

(Dematerialization occurs)

Scene Five
Voyager's Bridge

(B'Elanna has just walked in from the turbolift. She's still carrying her diagnostic kit. She stops in front of Tuvok at tactical.)

B'Elanna: (Inclines her head) The Captain?
Tuvok: In her ready room.

(She takes a deep breath... and walks into the ready room.)

Scene Six
Captain's Ready Room

(Janeway is at her desk as B'Elanna enters.)

B'Elanna: (Begins in a hurry) Captain... I have a request...
Janeway: (Looks up with surprise) You're back already? .... What request?
B'Elanna: That you transfer me to Chakotay's ship as chief engineer & you install Carey as chief here.
Janeway: (Her eyes widen and then narrow as she considers this) Why?
B'Elanna: (Comes to stand directly in front of her desk) VORIK is completely out of his element on Chakotay's ship! He's so used to "starfleet protocols" that he doesn't understand that sometimes you have to go Against logic to get things to work!

(Looks B'Elanna over carefully, then gets up to pour herself a cup of coffee from the pot on the table)

Janeway:Then, why not transfer Carey there instead of you? He certainly has the experience & flexibility...
B'Elanna: (turns away and starts pacing, frustrated) You're NOT listening to me...
Janeway:(sipping her brew) Oh... but I am. What's wrong, B'Elanna?
B'Elanna:(Stops her pacing to face Janeway) I don't belong here...

(she waves her hand "at" Voyager)

B'Elanna: I don't belong on a "state of the art" star fleet vessel. I belong on that 39 year old excuse for a deathtrap that we held together with spit and determination. Chakotay & that ship NEED me... you don't. You can get along just fine with Carey & Vorik.

(Janeway looks at B'Elanna & then into her cup, as she taps the handle with her thumb)

Janeway: Has Chakotay requested you?
B'Elanna: No... but...
Janeway: (still looking in the cup) Has Vorik requested to be relieved?
B'Elanna: (Flustered) No. But...
Janeway: (Looks up at B'Elanna) How long did it take you to correct their warp core problem?
B'Elanna: (Starts to squirm) 30 seconds. That's why...
Janeway: (still calmly) Will they be able to correct this problem themselves if it recurs?
B'Elanna: (Sees where THIS is going) Yes! BUT...
Janeway:(Cuts off B'Elanna with a wave of her hand.) B'Elanna. I appreciate your offer, as I'm sure Chakotay would... but I must refuse.
B'Elanna: (Getting hot) WHY!?
Janeway:(Looking keenly into her chief's eyes) Because his ship IS a 39 year-old deathtrap. A vital, but still secondary player in the battle that is to come. YOU... as It's Chief Engineer, would UNdoubtably give it another few minutes of fight against the Caretaker...

(Janeway now walks closer to B'Elanna)

Janeway: But... YOU... as Chief on Voyager... could mean the DIFFERENCE between our WINNING or Losing the Day.
B'Elanna: (Shock showing on her face, has no reply)
Janeway:(Shakes her head slowly) If you need me to spell it out for You, B'Elanna. This ship... and THIS Captain... need you here. Is that understood?
B'Elanna:(Looks at her feet, then out the view screen... and finally at Janeway.) Yes, Captain!
Janeway:(Tries not to smile) Staff meeting in 15 minutes. Dismissed.

(B'Elanna turns crisply & exits)
 
ACT THREE: Scene Seven
Voyager's Conference Room

(Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Kim, B'Elanna, Vorik, Paris, Seven, & Kes are sitting in. The EMH & Yandrin are both seen on separate monitors.)

Yandrin's voice: We have confirmed Sporocistene lifesigns are present on Ocampa, Captain. We have also confirmed a series of security satellites, & space stations are in orbit of the planet. Our readings are being sent to you as we speak.
Chakotay: Can you tell how many lifesigns are on Ocampa?
Yandrin: Only 1 sporocistene so far... No Ocampan or Kazon have been identified.
Kes: Either all Ocampa are on the Arrays... or he truely does have an underground installation which he can shield from our sensors.
Seven: (Reviewing data from Yandrin's uplink, on the wall screen.) This system of satellites... it's not merely a security grid... These (pointing) here and here are power relay stations.
Kim: Probably used to supply the grid & spacestations in orbit.
Tuvok: The grid is impressive... we will need more time to study it.
Chakotay: But do we have any to spare? (turns back to the screen) Yandrin, any sign from the planet surface that the Caretaker's awake?
Yandrin: No... but then we haven't flown close enough to set off the security alsrms... are you requesting we do that?
Seven: You could simply be tripping an automatic defense system. It wouldn't indicate he was "awake".
Janeway: Agreed. Yandrin. Avoid the Grid. Have your people take up station keeping position at equidistant points about Ocampa. Try to keep both the planet & the nearby Arrays under survellience. We should be joining you ... (checks her padd) in a little more than 2 hours. Janeway out.

(Yandrin's screen goes blank)

Janeway: Suggestions?
Vorik: The power Relay stations are an obvious target.
Paris: Too obvious. I doubt the entire power needs of the grid are dependent upon those 2 stations. One good ion storm and he's defenseless.
Chakotay: Agreed... While we waste our time trying to knock them out... he blindsides us from his ground & space based defenses.
Janeway: Maybe these "relay stations" are transmitting something besides "power"... or maybe...?
Paris: Captain?
Janeway: Something's been missing since we've awakened... I just realized what.
Tuvok: The energy pulses are gone.
Seven: What energy pulses?
Chakotay:(Looks up, surprised) You're right. (Turns to Seven) When we first arrived, the Array was sending Energy pulses TO Ocampa.
Kim: The power relay stations aren't supplying the grid with power from Ocampa... They are supplying Ocampa with Power From the Arrays?
B'Elanna: (Seizes on the idea) He's not sent any such power TO Ocampa since we awoke 8 hours ago...?
Paris: A favorable clue in the "is he/she awake" debate.
Janeway: Perhaps its more than a clue, Tom. Perhaps it's a weapon.
Chakotay: If we can prevent the Array... all the arrays from supplying him with energy in the coming battle... he may be easier to defeat.
Kes: There's a flaw in that reasoning. In our fantasy world, Ocampa had stored enough energy to run for 10 years. Just preventing future energy transfers may not be enough.
Janeway: No... but it's a start. Tuvok... before we break orbit, send a detail to the Array. Tell them to prevent any further energy transfers from being directed to Ocampa. Also, notify Yandrin to send ships to the neighboring Arrays to do the same.
Tuvok: (Tapping orders onto his padd) Done, Captain.
Chakotay:(Looking over Yandrin's data) I think the secondary power storage areas on the planet could be reached by the photon torpedos, once we take out the grid. The grid itself looks like it will be a challenge, even for the isokinetic cannon.
Torres: (Has walked over to the wall screen to page through Yandrin's data) This is strange..... Tuvok, look at this. (Points to screen) I don't think this originally started out as a security grid. It looks more like a telecommunications grid.
Kim: Who does he need to talk to... there's only one.
Paris: Maybe he used it to access the virtual realities he's created for the Ocampa & the rest of us? Perhaps each Array has multiple realities playing out simultaneously, and the information from each reality is being piped back to him via the grid.
Janeway: An interesting insight, Tom. But does he listen to all these realities at once?
Paris: Maybe not... maybe we can use THAT to our advantage too... to help us distract him.
EMH: Distract him?
Paris: By switching all the virtual realities to "send" at the same time... it would be like walking into a dark, quiet room and suddenly having a wall of TV's turning on at once. Each one switched to a different channel.
Kim: Anything to throw him off balance, even momentarily. It's worth study.
Tuvok: The Away teams working on the power relay disruption idea, could also work to access controls on transmitting these virtual realities to Ocampa. On a signal from Voyager... they could flood the Caretaker with sensory data on all comm channels.
Chakotay: It would certainly get his attention, if nothing else.
Kes: If that isn't enough to distract him while we attack the security grid, there are other things we can do.
Kim: Like what?
Kes: (turns to look at Janeway). Like... the Captain... for one.
Seven: Clarify.
Chakotay:(A sly smile spreads) I think I know what she means. (turns to the crew) The Caretaker has spent 7 years essentially playing a game of wits against the crew of Voyager in general... and Captain Janeway specifically. To him... she must embody everything about the game. If we can force a one on one confrontation between the two... it may cause enough of a distraction to allow the rest of us to break through the grid's defenses.
Tuvok: An interesting hypothesis... we should consider it.
Paris: Are you serious? Take it from a veteran of the holodeck. The Caretaker is likely to Kill her immediately when she shows up. The Caretaker knows better than any other adversary we've met in the DQ how LIKELY it is that the Captain will WIN at 1 on 1. If he's smart, he won't take that chance!
Chakotay: But THAT's the attraction, Tom. Because it's so difficult to win... its a Coup to succeed. Tuvok's right. It should be investigated.
Janeway:(stands up) It's time, people. Doctor, secure the stasis pods for the Borg children in sickbay. Tuvok, dispatch your team to this Array. Monitor their progess on studying the controls for transmitting the other virtual realities. Have them forward instructions on same to the Ocampan Away teams at the other Arrays. You'd better leave a shuttle behind... in case they need it to escape this Array quickly.

(Janeway turns to look out the viewscreen behind her chair)

Janeway: It's been 7 years since we first arrived on this spot. It's been nearly 9 hours since Kes first woke me up. I say its time to end this charade... once and for all.

(turns to proudly look over her crew)

Janeway: Good luck to us all. Dismissed.

Scene Eight
Voyager's Engineering

(B'Elanna enters, barking orders)

Torres: Carey! Download the data on that security grid from Tuvok's tactical station. We have 2 hours to solve a mystery!

(She pulls up a chair at a side alcove and quickly her fingers begin playing over the computer console. Carey comes running over to join her. As he sits next to her, he moves a small box to the side to get it out of his way.)

Torres: (Barely looking at the box) What's this? The maid didn't come through and tidy up while I was gone?
Carey: (Stops and moves the box next to B'Elanna) What? You haven't opened it yet? Gilman said the Captain stopped by at lunchtime and left it for you. Gilman put it here so you wouldn't miss it.
Torres:(Frowns) Miss it? How could I miss it when I wasn't looking for it?
Carey:(Leans closer, curious) Aren't you going to open it?

(B'Elanna looks up at Carey, and then at the Box. Taking a deep breath, she opens it and looks inside. She sees a soft piece of Chamois cloth wrapped around a small object. B'Elanna lets out her breath in a quick gasp.)

Carey: (intrigued, whispers) Aren't you going to unwrap it?

(Lifting the cloth wrapped bundle from the box, B'Elanna can feel the rectangular metal bar hidden within the coccoon)

Torres: No.... I know what it is.

(She carefully she unzips her jacket and places the bundle in the small inner pocket, before zipping it closed again)

Torres: Okay, Carey. Like I said. We have less than 2 hours to pull a rabbit out of our hat... lets not disappoint our Captain!

Scene Nine
Voyager Corridor

(Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok. Kim, & Vorik are walking to the transporter room. As they enter the room, Tuvok walks over to the Transporter technician.)

Tuvok: Ensign. You are relieved.

(Ensign exits)

Tuvok:(takes control of the transporter) Lt Kim. Ensign Vorik. Voyager will be leaving the Array in 10 minutes. I trust you will want to make a final inspection of your ship before departure?
Kim: (Glances from Tuvok to Chakotay with a puzzled frown, until Chakotay nods) Certainly, Commander.

(He turns to Janeway and dips his head)

Kim: Captain.
Janeway: (Stretches out her hand to shake his and Vorik's) Good hunting, Gentlemen.

(Both men step up to the transporter pads & Tuvok beams them to their ship. He then walks down to join Janeway & Chakotay.)

Tuvok: Commander. You have been an able Colleague and leader. It has been fascinating serving with you these last 7 years. Something I hope we will continue to do in the future.

(Tuvok turns to Janeway)

Tuvok: Captain. I will await you outside.

(Tuvok exits transporter room. They watch as the doors close behind him)

Chakotay: (Moving closer as the doors shut behind Tuvok) Now THAT man definately has the makings of a FINE first officer.

(He smiles as Janeway 's "pony tail" nearly clips him when she whips around to look at him after this comment. She also smiles)

Chakotay: (Then sighs) Unlike mine... who looks like he can't even take a "hint".
Janeway:(Chuckles) Don't be so hard on Harry. He hasn't had the "advantage" of mindmelding with his commanding officers.
Chakotay: (Looks up to the ceiling in supplication) And Sky spirits willing... HE never will!

(They both laugh)

Chakotay:(Offers his hand) Any last minute instructions, Kathryn?
Janeway:(Takes his hand, and searches his face) No... but I've been thinking... about what you said in the staff meeting.
Chakotay: Oh? (eyebrow arcs) About what?
Janeway:(Flips the pony tail again) About how Seska... The Caretaker, couldn't resist the "challenge" of taking me on... one on one.
Chakotay: Yesss....
Janeway: (Smiles mischeviously) I think I know how we can exploit that weakness in her..... again.
Chakotay: (Smirks) I'm listening.

ACT THREE ENDS
 
Lipton said:
JanewayRulz!: I see... I'm thinking maybe we could start the series at the beginning of season 7 by replacing "Imperfection" and doing season 7 differently, then ending season 7 with this script.

Then we could go on with a season 8 that would chronicle some things they actually did when they got home!

What do you all think?

EDIT: An audio production with captures repurposed and photomanipulations! My goodness, that is one of the best options I've heard. I'll add that to the list and put it at #1. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Since I love Imperfection, :) perhaps you could rewrite it to just leave the kids on the ship.
 
JanewayRulz! said:
Lipton said:
JanewayRulz!: I see... I'm thinking maybe we could start the series at the beginning of season 7 by replacing "Imperfection" and doing season 7 differently, then ending season 7 with this script.

Then we could go on with a season 8 that would chronicle some things they actually did when they got home!

What do you all think?

EDIT: An audio production with captures repurposed and photomanipulations! My goodness, that is one of the best options I've heard. I'll add that to the list and put it at #1. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Since I love Imperfection, :) perhaps you could rewrite it to just leave the kids on the ship.
Click to expand...

Well, timewise, the kids leaving was a very minor part of the episode, so that shouldn't be too hard for me to do... :)

EDIT: I've just realized I should be using the quote function more now... makes things clearer :)
 
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