We should do our own 'star trek voyager'

[JanewayRulz!]

ACT FOUR
Scene One
Voyager Bridge

(Janeway is in her seat. Tuvok, Seven, Paris are all that their stations. Kes is sitting in Chakotay's seat.)

Janeway: Kes -- what word do we have from the other Arrays?
Kes: (examining the computer console to her right.) All 3 Ocampan teams have reported in, Captain. The power transfer controls have been fused and the comm systems to the virtual realities have all been accessed.
Janeway: (Nods approvingly) Excellent. Please send my compliments to your children, Kes.
Kes: (Looks up with unabashed pride) Already done, Captain.
Janeway: (Looks to her left) Seven, our ETA to Ocampa?
Seven: We will be within transporter range in 15 minutes, Captain. But we will be within the security grid's weapon's range within 10.
Janeway: Tuvok?
Tuvok: I concur. Suggest we proceed to yellow alert.

(The Captain turns back to face the viewscreen and the sight of the onrushing planet.)

Janeway: Do It!

(B'Elanna bursts out of the turbolift as the yellow alert lights flash)

B'Elanna: (Comes around to Janeway's right & hands her a padd) Captain! Look at this, I was right!
Janeway: Lt?
B'Elanna: (Points to the viewscreen) It didn't start out as a security grid. That orbiting installation is at least 600 years old... and it began life as a comm system.
Seven: Why so elaborate?

(B'Elanna looks over at Seven)

B'Elanna: That's what stumped me initially. It isn't for "local" comm traffic...

(Turns back to Janeway, quite excited)

B'Elanna: Captain... its for trans-galactic comm traffic!
Janeway: (Eyes open wide) Excuse me?
B'Elanna: (Sits on the bench to her right) Remember what you told us about Seska's claims on the Aerowing? That her species lives 2000 years? Who better to travel across the galaxy than a race that looks at 70,000 light years the way we might look at 3000? But just because they live that long... doesn't mean they're willing to wait years for subspace messages from home.

(She hands a second padd to Janeway)

B'Elanna: With this comm grid... they can accelerate a comm signal to speeds that are equivalent to "transwarp"!
Kes: Why? Do you think he plans on calling more of his people to our planet, after all this time alone?
B'Elanna: (Shakes her head) I don't think he's calling for re-inforcements. I think maybe he's supposed to use it to order his ride home. Recall the "original" Ocampan legend...
Janeway: (Muses) The Caretaker was to put everyone into stasis & rehabilitate the planet.
B'Elanna: Exactly. Once done, the people were to come out of stasis & repopulate it. But what would have then happened to the Caretaker?
Kes: (Shrugs) We assumed he'd just "go home".
Paris: Maybe that's it. Maybe he has no way to get home on his own. What if his people left him behind to make amends for his "mistake" and this grid is just his "combadge" to be used when he was done?
Seven: Scans of the planet show it has been habitable for at least a century. Perhaps he already used it to call "for his ride"... and it just hasn't arrived yet?
Tuvok: Doubtful.
Seven: Commander?
Tuvok: Captain, I think we can surmise that he's not planning on "going home". To be equitable, perhaps home is no longer there... or can no longer answer his hails. I rather suspect, however, that the real reason he wishes to remain is his enjoyment of the pre-eminent position he holds in this quadrant.
Janeway: He probably also knows he'll be "in trouble" for his extracurricular activites with the Ocampa. Whatever the reason... I agree with Tuvok. He's positioned himself for a long stay.
B'Elanna: (Nods to the screen) Hence the "security" grid.
Janeway: (Throaty growl) Exactly.

Scene Two
Maquis Bridge

(Chakotay, Kim, Neelix, Ayala are present.)

Chakotay: (Speaking to a monitor, Janeway's face can be seen) Understood Captain. Our primary targets will continue to be the power relay stations. We'll...

(A comm signal SCREECHES )

Male voice: RED ALERT! RED ALERT! THREE VIDIAN WARSHIPS HAVE POWERED UP & GONE TO WARP! RED ALERT! RED ALERT!
Chakotay: Chakotay here! Message received... WHO are you? Which Array are you transmitting from?!
Male voice: (More controlled) Sorry Sir! This is Neelix...

(Chakotay & our Talaxian Neelix exchange glances)

Chakotay: (Grins) Very good, Neelix. From which Array are you transmitting?
Ocampan Neelix's voice: I am at #2... closest to the planet. ETA on those ships to your position is 37 minutes, present speed.
Chakotay: (Stabs at his console) Captain! Are you receiving this transmission?
Janeway's voice: Yes, Commander. Tuvok has the Vidian ships on sensors.
2nd male voice: RED ALERT! RED ALERT! TWO Devoran Warships are powering up... they are attempting to go to impulse but have not yet suceeded!
Kim: (Exasperated) Lt. Kim here... Identify yourself & your position!
2nd male voice: This is Tuvok, Lt. I am on Array #4

Intercut Scene
to Voyager's Bridge

Janeway: (The Ocampan Tuvok is on her view screen) Tuvok! Can you scan the Devoran vessels... who's manning them?
Ocampan Tuvok's voice: Scanning..... Captain, there are NO lifesigns on board either vessel.
Tuvok: Adjust your sensors to scan for holographic signatures.

(Janeway casts an inquiring glance over her right shoulder)

Tuvok: We know he has advanced holographic technology.

Ocampan Tuvok's Voice: (Sighs) Multiple holographic signatures confirmed, Commander.
Female voice: RED ALERT! RED ALERT! A Hirogen hunting pack has just powered up at Array #3. 3 of the 5 vessels have succesfully gone to Warp 1. ETA to Ocampa is 97 minutes!
Kes: Kathryn... the 2 ships remaining... are they manned by a holographic crew?
Ocampan Kathryn's voice: Confirmed, Mother.
Paris: (Warns) Captain... ETA to the security grid is 3 minutes. Do we continue with the same mission plan?
Janeway: (Stands up determinely) As far as your mission is concerned, Tom... it's unchanged. Get me close enough to beam to wherever that lifeform is. Commander Tuvok? ETA on those Vidians?
Tuvok: 33 minutes, Captain. And 95 for the Hirogen if they stay at warp 1.
Seven: It's safe to assume the Caretaker has awakened.
Paris: (Turns back to his console & chuckles) And they say Tuvok is the master of the understatement.

(Janeway walks several steps closer to the view screen as if looking for Seska in its midst.)

Janeway: Mr Tuvok..... BATTLESTATIONS!

(RED ALERT lights flash & Klaxons sound)

Scene Four
Exterior Shot

Space, as seen from above Ocampa. Voyager, along with the Maquis ship and 11 small Ocampan ships are looping over the security grid protecting Ocampa. Phaser fire is unrelenting at the grid, as are the occasional blooms of photon torpedos striking the orbiting power stations. In turn, phaser fire and photon bursts are being fired by the grid at the attacking ships.

 

[JanewayRulz!]

Scene Five
Voyager's Bridge

Janeway: Load another volley of photon torpedos & FIRE, Tuvok! (She stalks between the conn & her seat) SEVEN! Have you found us a way through that grid YET!
Seven: I believe so, Captain. (She staggers sideways when Voyager is rocked by another blow) Commander Tuvok's last barrage has weakened the grid at the northern magnetic pole. It's actually destabilizing for a microsecond... but its still re-initailizing itself too fast... It should destabilize long enough to transport you, after a few more photon torpedos.
Janeway: (Stands up again and walks over to Tuvok's station) Commander, you have the bridge. Please accomodate operations' request while Kes & I go to the transporter room.
Tuvok: Aye Captain.

(He nods and steps down to the Command seat. Janeway and Kes both exit as Lt Rollins steps into Tuvok's position at tactical.)

Scene Six
Transporter Room #1, Voyager

(Janeway & Kes enter and are greeted by Security. They are each handed a compression phaser rifle. Kes hands her's back.)
Kes: Thank-you... but I won't be needing one.

(Both women step up to the transporter pads as security exits the room)

Janeway: (Turns to Kes) Well... this it it, Kes. After 7 years, it's come down to this one final battle.

(A combadge beeps)

Seven's voice: Magnetic poles have been breached, Captain.
Kes: (Turns to Janeway) We WILL succeed, Captain.
Janeway: (Smiles as she hefts the Compresion phaser rifle off her hip) I concur. Chief... ENERGIZE!

(Dematerialization occurs)

Scene Seven
Caretaker's Base

(Janeway & Kes materialize within the Caretaker's Ocampan Base. Kes takes out a tricorder and scans the area.)

Kes: He's not far... 500 meters in this direction... (she turns as she continues to scan) Controls for the security grid appears to be decentralized... I'm reading them in multiple directions.
Janeway: (Looks over her shoulder at Kes) Transmit your data & follow me.

(Janeway & Kes walk warily down the corridor in the direction of the Caretaker. They stop to enter a control room. Janeway puts the rifle on her hip as she scans the control panels.)

Janeway: Look at this... (excited) This is what B'Elanna was talking about. We should be able to access the entire system from here... You monitor the Caretaker's movements while I work on this.
Kes: (looking at the tricorder) Captain. I'm detecting Sporocistene life signs on the move... and in this direction.
Janeway: (Doesn't look up, as her fingers continue to fly over the alien console) STALL HER!

(Kes nods and calmly walks several hundred meters down the hallway..... where she eventually meets "Seska" coming out of another control room.)

Seska: Well, well, well, what have we here, ....Kes! (points to the ceiling) I thought I detected your ships at my Arrays and here at the planet. My... risking the entire "fleet" on this one desperate mission.... Tsk Tsk... how EVER will you LIVE with yourself when this is all over? When your fleet, not to mention your family... have all been destroyed?
Kes: (Advances upon Seska, with steel in her voice) Easily, Seska... by destroying you first!

(Kes unleashes a psychic blast that slams Seska back against a wall and drops her to her knees.)

Seska: (Laughs as she stands back up) Oh... Kes. You've got to do BETTER than that!

(Seska unleashes her own psychic blast which throws Kes back down the hall)

Intercut Scene
Janeway in the first control room

(She can hear the battle reverberating down the hall, but continues to work sending information to Voyager. Finally, she hears Kes' scream of mortal pain. She looks down the hall and then back at the unfinished work at her console. When she hears Seska's cry of triumph, she quickly makes her decision. Grabing the phaser rifle which she'd left propped up next to the console... she silently runs down the corridor towards the laughing Seska.)

Intercut Scene
Exterior Shot

(Space above Ocampan security grid. The Voyager & Maquis ships' are getting battered but continue to give as good as they get. 8 Ocampan ships, however, are seen withdrawing from the battle.)

Intercut Scene
Caretaker's Base

(Another control room. Kes is lying crumpled on the floor. Seska is standing over her with obvious great glee. Suddenly a Phaser rifle blast hits her in the back and knocks her to her knees. Janeway walks out of the darkness & leans down to help Kes to her feet. With Kes on her left hip, and the rifle in her right hand, Janeway tries to escape back into the hall . Seska, however, rises & starts to laugh. Again.)

Seska: (Growls) THAT was a foolish mistake, Kathryn. But then you always were the one for sentiment.

(Seska directs a psychic blast at Janeway's right side... knocking the rifle from her grasp and out into the hallway.)

Seska: Have I THANKED you yet for the monumental headache I awoke with today?

(Her next psychic blast hits both Kes & Janeway, causing them to fall. Seska walks up to them and simply sneers in contempt)

Seska: You're LOSING, Kathryn.

(She points to a monitor which now shows the space battle raging above them. Ocampan ships are all withdrawing. The Maquis ship came be seen to be "limping" away badly, as Voyager uses itself as a shield to protect it from further barrages from the grid.)

Seska: (matter of factly) In space... on Ocampa... Admit it. You've LOST! I've WON! Yield... and I will spare your loyal crew.

(Janeway is in a half crouch, breathing heavily as she watches her Voyager get rocked again and again)

Janeway: YIELD to save my crew? Perhaps... but first... what of the Ocampan crews?
Seska: (Spits out her words full of invective) Remember your holy PRIME DIRECTIVE! Star Fleet'sgeneral order #1! THEY are NONE of your concern, KATHRYN!
Janeway: (Looks at the monitor & then at Seska) You're right, Seska... They aren't my concern... that is... until YOU made them so.... You of all people should know that!

(She hits her combadge)

Janeway: TUVOK! "OVERLOAD"!

Intercut to
Split Screen showing Four Scenes of all Four Arrays

(Starfleet and Ocampan Away teams simultaneously open all the interactive virtual reality conduits at once. The effect is instantaneous as all information from multiple systems flood into the Caretaker's base and into Seska herself. Janeway jumps up to run for her rifle as Seska drops to her knees, hands over her ears in an instinctual reaction to the "noise".)

Seska: (Staggers to stand and screams) NO!!!!

(Sensing her danger, Seska manages one more psychic blast which fuses the rifle before Janeway can reach it. She then drops to her knees again, writhing in pain as she tries to block the transmissions which are now disrupting her telepathic control of the crews manning the Devoran, Hirogen & Vidian ships.. The nearby viewscreen is still visible, and we can see all the Ocampan ships turn as one and converge on the security grid with unbelieved force. The "no longer limping" Maquis ship and Voyager lead the charge. On screen, however, we also see the arrival of the 3 Vidian warships. Seska is struggling to her feet and crosses to the monitor where she inputs commands that cut her connection to 3 of the Arrays. This allows her to concentrate on Janeway & the Vidian attack.

Seeing opportunity in Seska's distraction with the Vidians, Janeway steps up behind Seska. She grabs Seska by the shoulder to spin her about, allowing a right cross, that would make Chakotay proud, connect with Seska's chin)

Janeway: (Anger flaring) THAT was for killing Cavit!

(Seska falls back against the console and rubs her chin carefully, then laughs as she suddenly morphs into the much larger Kashyk who strikes back at Janeway -- dropping her to the ground.)

Kashyk: (Derisively) CAVIT, Kathryn? I'm surprised you even REMEMBER his name!

(Kashyk picks her up by the collar & draws back his fist for another blow, but is felled himself by another telepathic blast... this from a seething Kes, standing in the doorway)

Intercut Scene
Caretaker's Base

(With Tuvok & Seven at another control panel in the Caretaker's base)

Seven: (Monitoring a tricorder as she works) She no longer has the upper hand. He Will kill her!
Tuvok: (calmly) He will Kill us all if we can not decode these control sequences on the security grid. Keep working.

Intercut Scene
Exterior Shot of the space battle

(The Maquis ship is weaving through space with a Vidian ship hot on its tail. Suddenly, coming from a z minus trajectory, The Voyager rises up behind the Vidians and its isokinetic cannon blasts open 3 decks on the Vidian's starboard side.)

Intercut Scene
Voyager's Bridge

(Tom is at the conn.)

Paris: Harry!... I WARNED you about getting into trouble without me....

Intercut Scene
Maquis Bridge

(Harry is at his conn. Kim's hands play over his console while Ayala points out the new threat approaching Voyager's stern.)

Intercut Scene
Exterior Shot

(The Maquis ship loops back & over Voyager to take aim on the 2nd Vidian ship about to get the drop on Voyager.)

Intercut Scene
Maquis Bridge

(Harry's smiling.)

Kim: Thanks for the assist, Voyager... Let us return the favor... FIRE!

(The Maquis cannon staggers the Vidians as Ocampan ships arrive to assist.)

Intercut Scene
Caretaker Base

(Tuvok & Seven are still at the console.)

Seven: I've got my code for the security grid.
Tuvok: And I've sent it to B'Elanna... now go!

(He continues to work as Seven races down the corridor towards the Caretaker, with her Compression phaser rifle at hand.)

 

[JanewayRulz!]

ACT Four:
Intercut Scene
Hallway in the Caretaker's Ocampan base.

(Hall leading to the control room where Janeway & Kes are fighting Kashyk. Seven rounds the corner so fast she doesn't have time to aim her rifle. She sees Kashyk ready to drop a killing blow onto a prostrate Janeway. Using her momentum she throws a flying Tsunkatse kick into the small of his back, knocking him off balance and away from Janeway. She fires her weapon at Kashyk until he falls to the floor. Seven then turns to help both women up and out of the room, back towards Tuvok.)

Janeway: (Struggling to pull herself upright along the hallway) Good timing.

(Seven smiles briefly, until she hears Kashyk laugh behind her. Turning, the 3 women see Kashyk has followed them. Seven raises her weapon again... but stops when she watches Kashyk morph into the largest Hirogen they'd ever seen. The Hirogen quickly lashes out and grabs the rifle from Seven's hands and breaks it in half.)

(As she, Kes, and Janeway slowly back down the hall, Seven adds wrylyl)

Seven: Evidently... not good enough!

(The three women finally stop and stand shoulder to shoulder in the 3 meter wide hall as the Hirogen advances toward them. Before he can reach them, however, a compression phaser rifle blast jets out from behind the Hirogen and the Caretaker howls in pain. Turning to face this new enemy, he finds Chakotay.)

Chakotay: You NEVER cover your flank, "Seska"... why is that?

(The Hirogen howls in anger as he stands to face Chakotay, only to have another phaser blast come from behind him and Janeway, this time dropping him to his knee. Disgust escaping from him like super heated steam... he turns back to Janeway, and sees Tuvok walking up to join her.)

Tuvok: (Calmly) You haven't answered the Commander's question.

(Both men fire again & again at the armorclad Hirogen. Kes stands at Tuvok's side and supplies her telepathic assaults as well. Janeway & Seven turn back into the recently evacuated control room to access the grid again)

Janeway: (Hitting her combadge) B'Elanna... REPORT!
B'Elanna's voice: Almost there, Captain! The power to the grid's shields is coming down... NOW! Just give me another 2 minutes & the whole security grid will be down too!
Seven: (Speaking loudly over the rifle fire & Hirogen's growls) Tuvok has identified which power stations supply this installation... if they can take them out with the shields down... he will be defenseless without destroying the whole grid.
Janeway: (Hits combadge again) Janeway to Paris & Kim!
Paris' Voice: Paris here, Captain!
Janeway: Would you two be so kind as to target the coordinates Seven is transmitting?
Kim's Voice: Your wish is our Command, Captain!

(The 2 women watch the monitor as Voyager & the Maquis ship dodge the grids phaser fire while they blast away at the space station with their isokinetic cannons, and hit the ground based power stations with photon torpedos. The impacts of the torpedos were felt at the base seconds later as the ground stations exploded. Once that was done... the holographic Hirogen with its protective armor winked out of existance. Left behind was an alien vaguely familiar to the people of Voyager. Over 2 meters tall, he was a triped with translucent grey skin. He staggered from the aftereffects of the abrupt loss of his power. Chakotay & Tuvok each held their fire as he regained his balance and stood erect. He turned to face Janeway as she exited the control room.)

Alien Caretaker: (Hisses) You fool!!!! You will Pay for this affrontery!
Janeway: (Walks up to face the alien) Oh.... someone's going to pay... but I don't think its going to be us.

(The Caretaker tries to lunge at the woman, but is jerked backward by an incensed Chakotay.)

Chakotay: You're right, "Friend"... I think I do owe you something...

(His right fist slams into the Caretaker's jaw, which staggers him. The uppercut that follows, fells him)

Chakotay: ... and I don't like being in ANYONE's debt!
Tuvok: (Taps his combadge) Tuvok to Lt Paris. Please send a security team to this location with a level 10 force field generator.
Paris' voice: Aye, Sir!

(B'Elanna rushes down the corridor carrying her engineering tool kit. She stops to look at the strange alien lying on the floor between Chakotay & Tuvok, then turns to Janeway.)

B'Elanna: Captain (she smiles) I've done it!
Janeway: (Looks up) The rest of the security grid is down?
B'Elanna: (Waves nonconsequentially at the alien) Oh that... obviously... but that's not what I mean.

(Pulling a portable power pack from her kit, she walks back into the nearby control room and places it next to a blank monitor. The 3 women follow and watch as she powers up the console and after a flurry of computer commands, a face appears on the console. It, like the alien caretaker, was vaguely reminiscent of Species 8472.... but without the triple neck or the lack of verbal communcation. B'Elanna steps back and with a flourish, points to the monitor.)

B'Elanna: Captain... may I present to you, Magistrate Cotellen of the Cistene homeworld.

(She turns back to the Magistrate)

B'Elanna: Magistrate... may I present my Captain... Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager.
Janeway: (Voice low, rolls dangerously at B'Elanna) B'Elanna..... I didn't say you should intiate 1st contact....
B'Elanna: (smiles anyway) I wasn't trying to, Captain. I was trying to lock the system down when all of a sudden... he appeared.

(Chakotay & Tuvok enter, after turning the Caretaker over to the security detail that just beamed down from Voyager)

Magistrate Cotellen: (On Monitor) Captain Janeway. Do not be alarmed. I assure you, I was quite as surprised at being contacted by your Chief engineer, as she was at contacting me. We are unused to aliens who are advanced enough to access our technology... especially when it's from an installation that has been silent for so long. Quite frankly, we'd assumed it was damaged.
Janeway: (looks about the room at her colleagues) Not damaged, Magistrate... just subverted.
Magistrate Cotellen: (Looks doubtfully at Janeway, as he notes the state of the room behind her) Really, Captain? There certainly seems to be a lot of damage to the room you are standing in.... Do you know if the Caretaker assigned to Ocampa is dead?

(Janeway turns to see the form in the hall guarded by 4 security members)

Janeway: Not dead, but definately indisposed.

(She turns to face the monitor)

Janeway: Magistrate... are you aware of the illegal activites your Caretaker has engaged in these last several centuries?
Magistrate Cotellen: (sighs) No... I am not. We did receive regular updates on the rehabilitation of Ocampa over the first 275 years... but after that there were only sporadic progress reports supposedly due to power shortages. In fact, because we have had no word from Ocampa in the last 95 years, we diverted one of our deep space probes to Ocampa 60 years ago to investigate.

(he pauses)

Magistrate Cotellen: They should be arriving at your destination within the next 10 years.

(She raises an eyebrow as she considers this news... and turns to look at Chakotay who has joined her)

Janeway: Ten years. Well. I guess that will have to do... Tell me, Magistrate... do you have any suggestions on how best to incarcerate a member of your psychic species for 10 years?

ACT 4 ends

 

[Lipton]

JanewayRulz!: Excellent! I'm loving how this is all developing.

teacake: Do you have any ideas about how to purchase the meerkats? I still like that idea a lot, and I hope you have ideas on making it work.

I also think that you're the producer now, teacake, since Collingwood Nick has left the building. What are your thoughts? I'd like to know.

P. S. On the 23rd, I will have been a member for two weeks and can use the PM system, which will make discussing this project much easier.

 

[Captain_Nick]

Collingwood Nick is now in the audience

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

JanewayRulz!: Excellent! I'm loving how this is all developing.

teacake: Do you have any ideas about how to purchase the meerkats? I still like that idea a lot, and I hope you have ideas on making it work.

Back in my day meerkats were cheap, cheap as cats. Now their apparent fame has raised them to 37.00 each it seems!

I suggest a back sale.

 

[Lipton]

Back in my day meerkats were cheap, cheap as cats. Now their apparent fame has raised them to 37.00 each it seems!

I suggest a back sale.

I'm assuming you're looking for cheap ones that were sold earlier in another place?

Otherwise, I don't know what you mean by a "back" sale. Do you mean a bake sale?

I'm sure it's something obvious. Forgive me, I feel pretty ditzy right now.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

OMG I meant a bake sale.

 

[Lipton]

That's okay. Believe me, I'm right there with you.

Yes, a bake sale is always a good way to raise funds. So how would that sale be organized?

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

We have a VIRTUAL bake sale! We list all these delicious cupcakes with suitably low prices, infinite quantity available because we have replicators. People "buy" the cupcakes and they get one of these lovely pics.






And for a very special price they can buy this cupcake:



Of course if we try and do this on the BBS we will all be banned, but perhaps another site could be created. I am sure we will raise hundreds of dollars this way.

 

[Lipton]

Oh wow! Very funny!

Did you read the post that listed the six options for media format? http://www.trekbbs.com/showpost.php?p=6206329&postcount=154

Option six may work for the meerkats... once we have a site created with some audio productions, or just a site, we could have a donation thingamabob for the meerkats.

People who donate might get exclusive funny cupcake pictures or pictures or something, and stuff like that...

 

[Sindatur]

OMG I meant a bake sale.

And here I thought you were going to post pics of scantily clad backs, not bakes

Another idea for using Meercats, would be to use an actual merecats episode, "paint" uniforms on them, and voice over the script over the existing audio track

 

[JanewayRulz!]

OMG I meant a bake sale.

And here I thought you were going to post pics of scantily clad backs, not bakes

Another idea for using Meercats, would be to use an actual merecats episode, "paint" uniforms on them, and voice over the script over the existing audio track

Knowing Teacake as I do ... I was really worried about the "back" sale. As in.. sales done in the back of the bar, where the light of day never goes.

 

[JanewayRulz!]

And for a very special price they can buy this cupcake:



Of course if we try and do this on the BBS we will all be banned, but perhaps another site could be created. I am sure we will raise hundreds of dollars this way.

He was SUCH a shmuck, wasn't he!

Wonder if Kirk kicked him off the ship when he gained control of the ship?

 

[JanewayRulz!]

JanewayRulz!: Excellent! I'm loving how this is all developing.

Be careful what you wish for... you may get it.

ACT 5 EYES OPEN
Scene One
Captain's Ready Room

(Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Kes & Yandrin are sitting/standing around the coffee table. It's 2 days after the battle )

Tuvok: The Caretaker's database is quite extensive, and remarkably intact despite our repeated attacks. It has monitored & recorded all information necessary to run hundreds of virtual realities.
Kes: ( turns to Janeway ) We propose to use this data to re-initialize the interactive realities to allow ourselves to re-enter the Ocampan environment. There we will try to prepare these people for their own "reawakening"
Yandrin: Our news will be shocking, no matter how it's delivered, but we hope to lessen it by introducing the idea in a familiar environment, their present home.
Chakotay: ( Sips from his coffee cup ) Your task will be a difficult one. You have to change their entire mindset.... The Caretaker will no longer be a benign protector of a barren planet, instead he will be a monster who treated them as pets while keeping them from their true home.
Janeway: Well, I can think of no better emmissaries than Kes & Yandrin. When will you start?
Kes: ( Becomes more excited ) As soon as possible, Captain. While we open up their minds to new concepts...fending for oneself, not to mention "living on the surface of Ocampa"... our colleagues will begin to build shelters not just for ourselves but for our new brothers & sisters.
Tuvok: Studies of the four Arrays have suggested only 15, 372 Ocampa remain
Yandrin: ( Tries to sound positive ) A multitude, Mr Tuvok, when you consider the population of New Ocampa, immigrant and native born, never exceeded 3000 in the last 200 years.
Chakotay: How will you decide who to awaken first?
Kes: ( Turns to Chakotay) I actually want to bring the young parents awake first. The older Ocampan will be left in stasis a few more months while we build our infrastructure... both figuratively and culturally. I plan to bring them into the culture within 12 months, so they can use their maturity to ground our civilization. I fear if we bring them in too soon, their fear of the unknown might cause us to stagnate.
Janeway: ( nods) A wise choice. What will you do with Suspiria's Ocampa?
Kes: (Looks to Yandrin and sighs) They will be a special problem.... one that will take more than simple re-education before we bring them into our society.
Yandrin: ( More Bluntly ) It has been suggested that if they can not be reformed, then for the safety of the whole they may need to be settled upon a different continent or even on a different world like New Ocampa itself.

( Janeway sighs at the implications, Ocampans destined to never go home)

Janeway: I do not envy you the decision. So, how can we help?
Yandrin: B'Elanna & Seven have already deciphered the inner workings of the interactive environments & taught our people on its use. Not all of us are as telepathically skilled as Kes. We can't simply access the environments directly. With your permission, we'd like to start using the Caretaker's interactve matrices to initiate the education campaign at the "underground base" immediately.
Janeway: (Frowns slightly) I don't think you need my permission, Yandrin, but you certainly have my support. Good Luck.
Kes: ( Sincerely) Thank-you, Captain.

(Kes & Yandrin exit)

Chakotay: Captain, in her study of the Caretaker's computer systems... B'Elanna found some very interesting computer logs.
Janeway: (Leans over the table to pour herself another cup) Oh? What kind?
Chakotay: It seems that she discovered our own logs... personal & official... which we recorded over the last 7 years. Not only logs, but databases full of the "sensor readings", the astrometric charts collected, lists of first contacts & outcomes... everything ever found in Voyager's computer core.
Janeway: Interesting.... but how can that help us since everything we recorded for 7 years was basically a simulation..
Tuvok: Given the fact that many of the species we encountered "in" that simulation are quite real & still in stasis...we can compare the faux Voyager files downloaded from the Caretaker with files we download from their orbiting ships. By comparing data from our "simulated" encounters with their own historical data , we should be able to make a more informed choice regarding those beings still in stasis, on the Arrays.
Janeway: I'm glad you brought that question up, Tuvok. I've been puzzling over it myself these last 2 days. Do either of you have any suggestions about what we should do with these "Dragons teeth?"
Chakotay: (Shifts uneasily in his seat) The easy answer would be to "leave them"... but that would also be the coward's way out.
Tuvok: It would certainly smack of arrogance, considering all the Ocampa went through to wake us.
Janeway: (Shakes her head) Still, how can we be sure that the people we awaken won't turn around & attack our benefactors after we leave?
Chakotay: By putting them back on their ships & using that coherent tetrion beam to send them home before they can discover where they are.
Tuvok: After we download their computer cores we can wipe their memory banks of any information recorded from the moment the beam first brought them here. We could leave a recorded message to explain what has happened to them and assure them that the Caretaker alien has been stopped... but perhaps that would encourage rather than discourage them from returning to seek revenge.
Janeway: (Looks thoughtfully out the viewport) Sounds like a lot of work.
Tuvok: It will be time consuming, and certainly not a job for the Ocampa. They will be consumed with re-awakening their own race, rebuilding their own culture.
Janeway: (Sighs and turns back to her senior staff) Well.... if we do this... then when do we get to go home?
Chakotay: (Looks to Tuvok & then Janeway) I've actually been thinking of that. It's been 7 years and unfortunately our families did NOT learn of our true fate 3 years ago as we'd been lead to believe. I think that misconception should be corrected as soon as possible. If we delay until all the "Dragon's teeth" are awakened & sent home... we could be looking at another 7 - 9 months.
Janeway: Your solution?
Chakotay: We use the Caretaker's tetrion beam to send the Maquis ship and crew, home to the Alpha quadrant. They can alert our families and Starfleet of our "circumstances", and reassure them that we're coming home.
Tuvok: I suggest we include copies of all the Voyager's computer logs & the personal logs B'Elanna has found in the Caretaker's database. They will be valuable to Starfleet in evaluating our "mission" so far.
Janeway: (Smiles) Such as its been. We should also send all current logs, to evaluate our "post" virtual reality existence.

(She turns back to Chakotay)

Janeway: So... when do you want to leave, Commander?
Chakotay: (Looks surprised) Me, Captain? I actually wasn't thinking of me.

(He turns to look at the Vulcan)

Chakotay: I was thinking of Tuvok.
Tuvok: Sir?
Chakotay: (Delicately) Well... we have been here 7 years... Tuvok. I assumed... you'd like to get back home to "your family" as soon as ... possible.
Tuvok: (Eyebrow arcs) I see the "logic" in your offer, Commander. But I have no "current" physiological need to "go home" quite yet. The 7 - 9 month window you postulate for Voyager's return will be adequate. Also, although I have no emotional needs that returning home will satisfy, I recognize that they exist in others and would not wish to deprive any crewman of that opportunity. In fact, Captain, I suggest we offer the 1st spots home to crew with children waiting for them.
Janeway: A compassionate suggestion, Tuvok, and one I will accept. Who will command then, if not you two?
Chakotay: I think Harry should.
Tuvok: Lt Kim?
Chakotay: He did extremely well commanding the Maquis ship in the battle with the Vidians & the Caretaker. He's worked tirelessly these last 2 days to repair battle damage sustained in that fight. The ship itself has already proved to be strong enough to withstand the transport.
Janeway: An interesting proposal, Chakotay... but before we suggest this idea to the rest of the crew... lets make sure that ship is STILL able to withstand the tetrion trip back home. Agreed?

(Both men nod)

Chakotay: Agreed.

Scene Two
Planetside on New Ocampa

(Neelix, Kes, Yandrin, their 3 children, 3 inlaws, and 5 grandchildren are sitting around the large family room that anchors Kes' home. It's 4 days after the battle, and old friends are swapping memories)

Neelix: So there I was... standing next to Tom in the Captain's ready room... dripping with Alfarian Hair Pasta from my head, my shoulders... Talaxian red sauce stains Everywhere!... both of us trying to look Ohhhhhhhh so "nonchalant".... Well. She just walks around us, looking us over like she's deciding whether to buy a used shuttle from a disreputable dealer... and she stops to ask... "Would someone like to explain...?"

(Kes' children are enrapt, Kes is trying not to laugh)

Neelix: "No...." we say. BIG mistake. She's about to send us on an away mission. Together. Alone. For days. Ack! Of course... now we say there IS a problem... But it's too late. "Solve it!" She commands... and then "Dismissed!"

(He leans over to the smaller grandchildren)

Neelix: "That's" Starfleet talk for... "Get out of my office!

(His older audience chuckles as Neelix shakes his head in disbelief)

Neelix: Of course... it was probably the best thing that could have ever happened to Tom & I. It allowed us to not only overcome our differences, but to become good friends.

(He looks to each grandchild)

Neelix: In a way, I guess B'Elanna was right. She told the Captain once, that "getting stuck" in the Delta Quadrant was a blessing because it allowed all of us time to get to know each other.

(Looks to Kes)

Neelix: And I guess I'd have to add... get to know ourselves.

(He smiles fondly at his Lady Love)

Neelix: I don't think I could be sitting here, as proud of the person I've become these last 7 years as I am, without the influence of the men & women I met on Voyager... and on Ocampa.
Kes: (True feeling showing on her face) Thank-you Neelix. I know exactly how you feel. It's so nice to hear someone else has felt the same sentiment I've carried these last 4 years.
Neelix: (Looking at her 3 children & 5 grandchildren) I don't mean to be indelicate... Kes. But I thought the Ocampa could only have one child?
Yandrin: (Throws back his head and laughs heartily) Now, where have I heard THAT one before?
Kes: (Looks sheepish) I know what you mean, Neelix. It's probably one of the first questions out of any new arrival's mouth when they first escape the Caretaker's influence. I think the first words out of MY mouth when I landed here was "Where did all these kids come from!" (She smiles in remembrance) The first time I saw a woman with 4 children... I was sure they'd been cloned!
Yandrin: (steps in to explain to a confused Neelix) The 1 child belief was one perpetuated upon the Ocampa by the Caretaker. The only children actually "born" during the centuries of stasis, were to women who entered stasis already pregnant. The Caretaker developed a technique that allowed the mother's body and thus the fetus to come out of stasis for the duration of the pregnancy. Once delivered, the mother was put back into full stasis and the child's mind was brought into the interactive reality. The child's body, like the pregnant mother's, was allowed to grow in partial stasis till it reached maturity... then it too went into full stasis.
Neelix: (Understanding dawns over his face) He must have done the same thing with Samantha's pregnancy.
Kes: (Nods in agreement) Although the Caretaker was able to create false characters like Seska, and even species like the "8472"... it appears he preferred NOT to do that. Having these false characters disappear from the simulation while he went to "play" elsewhere was too disruptive to the individual environments. The virtual realities were also becoming too complex to try to program the false characters to interact with us while he was gone.
Yandrin: So... to explain why Ocampan women had only 1 child... the Caretaker lead us to believe it was because of biological changes after the environmental disaster. It also explained the enormous number of childless couples that occured.
Neelix: (Nods thoughtfully) It even explains the lack of children, beyond Naomi, on Voyager.

(Looks up to Kes & Yandrin)

Neelix: I must say... Kes, Yandrin, you've done a fine job raising such focused & motivated children under such difficult circumstances. Each and every one of you performed above & beyond any expectations I had in the battle with the Caretaker. I'm proud of you all.
Ocampan Neelix: (smiles gratefully) You have no idea how pleased we are that you think so. Mother has spoken of you and your crew so highly for so long... that we were afraid we couldn't meet the standards of conduct expected of Voyager's crew.
Neelix: (re-assures quickly) Well, I'd say that you've not only reached the standard expected on Voyager... you've exceeded it! I have no doubt that Commander Tuvok & the Captain would agree!

(The Ocampan Kathryn drops her head thoughtfully, while Ocampan Tuvok squares his shoulders and straightens his head before a very unvulcan smile speads over his face. As for Kes' youngest... the Ocampan Neelix... his chest swells so much that she fears he'll burst before he can exhale)

 

[JanewayRulz!]

ACT Five EYES OPEN
Scene Three
Janeway's Quarters 2 am

(Janeway is in her shirt sleeves, reading a book. It's four nights after the battle. The door chimes)

Janeway: (she looks at the grandfather clock and sighs) Enter.

(Seven enters. She is back to her "usual" minimalist Borg appearance, and she's in a gold trimmed starfleet uniform)

Seven: Captain?
Janeway: Good evening Seven... trouble regenerating?
Seven: No, Captain. The alcoves Dalby & Chapman helped me adapt from the borg probe are operating within expected parameters. Mezoti, Icheb, Rebi & Azan are adapting to them quite well.
Janeway: (Sits up as if she just noticed Seven's new uniform) Hey... I like the new look.
Seven: (distracted, shrugs her shoulders) It was B'Elanna's idea. Tonight at supper, she suggested since we are going back to the Alpha quadrant soon... it was " time" I started dressing like I belonged on Voyager. Commander Chakotay gave me permission to wear the uniform.... you don't mind?
Janeway: (Smiles as she imagines the conversation) Not at all. How did you decide on the color?
Seven: (Seems confused by the memory) That sparked the strangest discussion of all in the messhall. Naomi & Samantha argued it should be "blue" because of my previous posting in Astrometrics. Tom said it should be red because it was obvious I liked to "give commands".

(Janeway tries unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh)

Seven: (Pauses while Janeway regains control) And Harry said it should be gold since I was now sharing "operations" duties with him.
Janeway: So... Harry won?
Seven: (Squirms slightly) No... Lt Torres "won". I was going to pick "blue", but she insisted on gold. She said she refused to allow someone with my engineering knowledge out from under herchain of command.
Janeway: (Smiles up at the ex-drone) So... with that great question settled...what can I do for you tonight.

(Seven draws herself up even straighter, if that's possible)

Seven: I wish to apologize for downloading your medical file in the Caretaker's reality. It was wrong.

(Janeway closes the book she was reading)

Janeway: Yes, Seven, it was. But to be fair, I must apologize also... since the file was fraudulent.
Seven: Captain?

(Janeway sets the book aside and motions for Seven to sit down)

Janeway: Tuvok came up with the idea to explain to Kurros why I would be willing to refuse his help and accept death from the gravimetric radiation. He accessed the Doctor's program while the Doctor was deactivated and rewrote the program instructing him to create a file suggesting 6 years of office visits and treatment protocols which ultimately fail.

(Janeway stood up and walked over to place her cup into the replicator for recycling)

Seven: (Intrigued) You were never ill?
Janeway: (Demurs) Never...? Well... not with the Phage. The file was only to be used in case Kurros didn't buy my act.
Seven: (Puzzled, hurt?) Why didn't you tell me?

(Janeway walks back to stand in front of Seven)

Janeway: (Shrugs) At the time -- I couldn't. I never knew if...when... or how.... the "puppetmaster" was monitoring us.... and frankly... I viewed your breach of security as an unexpected gift.
Seven: (Clearly confused) Explain.

(Janeway looks at Seven, and slowly turns to walk over to her viewport before she begins)

Janeway: In all our planning, the one variable I knew I couldn't control was your reaction to my decision to stay behind. I knew the environmental suit & shield generator would not fool you for long.

(She turns back to look at Seven)

Janeway: My greatest fear was that you might try to stop me by unmasking our charade, or even try to join me on the Aerowing. For our plan to work, I had to appear alone... adrift... to draw out whomever was responsible for manipulating us. (She sighs) I seized upon your mistake and used it to my advantage.

(Seven stands up & walks over to stand next to Janeway. She doesn't look at her Captain. She just stares out the viewport.)

Seven: (Voice distant) A logical... tactical decision.

(Janeway turns to look out the viewport herself, which puts her nearly shoulder to shoulder with Seven)

Janeway: (Feels the distance growing between them.) Logical? Perhaps. Still, it broke my heart to see how upset you were. I rationalized that if we had guessed wrong and the Transwarp conduit really did bring everyone back to Earth... then your belief in my Phage infection would assuage any guilt the crew might have felt at leaving me behind.

(Seven stops to consider this.. and Janeway senses a tentative step back towards humanity)

Seven: Perhaps... although it would have made it more difficult for Tuvok to explain why Commander Chakotay remained behind, if that were true.
Janeway: (Smiles, and rolls her eyes) Well... officers who've served with each other for years have been known to go to great... lengths for each other. I'm sure the Doctor would have spun a suitably heartfelt story as to why Chakotay stayed in the Delta Quadrant.

(Seven turns to face Janeway)

Seven: In any case... Captain. In the end, Kes proved that you were right all along.
Janeway: (Herself now intrigued) Right? About what, Seven?
Seven: (turns to look back out the viewport) That love, "her love", WAS more powerful than the Borg.... or the Phage...... or Time & Space itself.

(Janeway smiles as she feels the gentle pressure of Seven's shoulder leaning into hers)

Janeway: (sighs) That's the wonder of it... Annika..... Never forget it.

Scene Four
Voyager Mess Hall

(Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Torres, Paris are at the head of the room in their dress uniforms. Facing them are Lt's Kim, Ayala, Carey, and 25 other members of Voyager's crew now assigned to the Maquis ship. The ceremony about to unfold is being beamed throughout the ship. It's 2 weeks after the Caretaker's battle)

Janeway: (Quite formal, and quite proud) Although there may be some on board who look upon your selection for this "mission" home to be the "greatest luck"... I would not agree. You are about to be placed into a ship and catapaulted 70,000 light years across the quadrant. We do not know if the ship will be safe, if it will arrive intact, if it will arrive where we will it. What we do know... however.... is that for 7 years our families have thought us dead. ----- It's time we deliver them from that... misconception.
Chakotay: (Steps up to stand next to Janeway) Those of you who are Maquis, You have served Voyager with distinction... just as you served our cause in the fight against the Cardassians. In our debriefing of Seven of Nine these last 2 weeks... we have learned that TWO things the Caretaker had revealed about our home were in fact accurate. The Maquis resistance has indeed collapsed... and a new enemy... A race from the Gamma Quadrant called "The Dominion" have joined forces with the Cardassians to make war upon the Federation, and by extension... our home colonies as well. We do not know if this war continues... If it does... then OUR cause, Our People will need us to fight For & not Against the Federation.

(Janeway turns to accept a small box from Tuvok. She opens it and then looks out over the men & women standing at attention before her)

Janeway: I do not know how much pressure a lone Captain in the Delta Quadrant can expect to have on Starfleet headquarters in the Alpha Quadrant.... but in case I have any.... it would be my Honor... to offer each Maquis a field Commission in Starfleet, with all the rights and responsibilites inherent in such a commission.

(She looks to Chakotay, who has come to stand before her)

Janeway: ...If you so desire.
Chakotay: (Formally requests) I do.

(Carefully he removes the Maquis rank insignee from his right collar and places it on his uniform over his left upper chest. A place generally reserved for Commendations. Janeway then withdraws 3 full rank pips from Tuvok's case and applies them to his right collar. She smiles briefly when she catches Chakotay's wink before he turns back to the crowd and stands next to Janeway. Lt Ayala, then steps up to stand in front of Commander Chakotay.)

Lt Ayala: (Also formally) As do I.

(Chakotay removes Ayala's Maquis rank and places it over Ayala's left upper chest before he turns to stand before Janeway. She smiles as she places the 2 full rank pips of a Starfleet Lt. on his collar. The procedure is repeated many times that day, till all Maquis --- not just those leaving Voyager --- as B'Elanna's new pips can attest... are similairly commissioned.
Many toasts and good wishes follow, till finally it's time to say goodbye. Lt Kim's crew is escorted to the transporter with the Senior Staff as honor guard. The halls of Voyager are lined by the remaining crew from the Messhall to the transporter.)

Scene Five
Voyager's Transporter Room

(Eventually, all are beamed aboard the Maquis ship... recently renamed "USS Delta Flyer"... except Lt Kim. Before he beams out, he turns to Janeway in the transporter room)

Kim: (Quite calm) Captain. Thank-you for this honor. I promise, I won't disappoint you.
Janeway: (Smiles with great pride) Lt... THAT possibility never even crossed my mind. Give my regards to your parents... (She pulls out a disc and hands it to Harry) and this to my mother.

(She then shakes his hand warmly)

Janeway: Good luck... "Captain".
Kim: (Ripples of pride go through him at the sound of the honorary title) Thank-you.

(He turns to look at Chakotay, Tuvok, Seven, B'Elanna, and Tom standing in the room)

Kim: I'll see you all, soon... in the Alpha Quadrant.
Torres: (Softly wishes) Keep a light burning for us... "Starfleet".
Paris: (bravado) Stop by Sandrine's and tell her we'll (Puts his arm around B'Elanna) be visiting soon.
Kim: (Jaw working to keep his face calm) First chance I get.
Janeway: (Eyes moist) Energize.

(Harry dematerializes)

(Everyone leaves the room... except for Tom who stands quietly alone until B'Elanna calls to him from the doorway and puts her hand into his as they walk away from the empty room.)

 

[JanewayRulz!]

ACT FIVE:
Scene Six
Voyager's Conference Room

(Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Paris, Torres, and Seven are present. The EMH is on monitor. It's 8 weeks after the battle.)

Tuvok: (Standing by the wall screen, indicating statistics) The Doctor has successfully revived 32% of the aliens in stasis and we have delivered them home via the tetrion beam.
Chakotay: Unfortunately... those were the "easy" ones. People whose philosophies were benign in our previous interactions & by the evidence we downloaded from their own computers.
Seven: We are continuing to download & review computer logs from the ships parked in orbit. 30 ships have been found, so far, without corresponding owners on the Arrays. It is likely those aliens died in the simulation and their bodies discarded.
Chakotay: (Turns to Janeway) Those ships are being turned over to the Ocampa for their own use, after we've copied their logs and operating schematics.
Tuvok: We are stratifying the remaining aliens using a risk profile based on our personal experience in the simulation and their computer logs. Again , those least dangerous to the Ocampa will be awoken first.
Torres: (Interjects) One question... we're NOT considering waking the BORG... are we?
Janeway: No... What is the difference... wake them from the Caretaker's collective simulation... just to put them back into the Queen's hive mind?
Paris: Perhaps we could disconnect them from the hive mind... like we did with Seven.
Seven: That way carries it's own risk. Do you want 73 confused Borg running about requesting re-assimilation? I appreciate how difficult having "one" was to Voyager.... no... it would be too dangerous.
Tuvok: You should be aware... Captain. The Ocampan ruling council has offered to disconnect 1 borg at a time and absorb them into their culture. Naturally, this would wait until the rest of their society has been revived.
Janeway: (Awe in her voice) Still, Tuvok, their generosity is inspiring.
Paris: Which leaves an Obvious question hanging.... If the Borg don't need their ship anymore...
Torres: (Picks up the baton and runs with it) ...Can we canabilize the Probe for its transwarp coils?
Janeway: (Grins) I'd hate to see good technology go to waste --- wouldn't you, Commander?
Seven: Lt Torres has already been working on the schematics for incorporating the transwarp technology so that we can reuse & not burn out the coils....
Torres: And Seven has devised a way for us to block the Probe's Central plexus so the details of our little theft doesn't alert the hive mind.
Chakotay: (Chuckles at this mutual admiration society) It looks like our ride home will be a lot smoother than our ride here.
Tuvok: Which is preferable, since all the information we received from the Cistene homeworld suggests the tetrion beam becomes more unstable when used at great distances especially on ships with larger warp cores.
Paris: No wonder they don't use it themselves for transport... they could cut their travel times by a third.
Torres: (Respect showing in her voice) Considering it would "only" cut their travel time by a "third"... their present velocities are QUITE impressive! I wish I could be here to examine their engines when they arrive.
Chakotay: (Smiles encouragingly) Who knows, Lt? Maybe Starfleet will send you back here in 10 years to do just that!
Janeway: (Draws the room onto the next subject) On to other business --- Is our prisoner behaving himself?
Tuvok: Yes. The forcefield generated by the orbiting security grid is quite effective. He continues to have his twice weekly counseling sessions from his homeworld via the comm grid... As yet, I've detected no improvement in his attitude, but then it's only been 8 weeks.
Janeway: (Bristles slightly) I don't care if his attitude EVER improves... as long as he's secure behind that forcefield for the next 10 years!

Scene Seven
Caretaker's Cell

(Caretaker's cell, on an Orbiting space station above Ocampa. Four months after the battle.)

(Chakotay enters)

Caretaker: (Feigns surprise) Well well well... not my "usual jailer" this week. ALL HAIL CHAKOTAY!... To what do I owe this honor?
Chakotay: (Face a mask) You know as well as I.... time for your routine weekly check. Tuvok is tied up.
Caretaker: Ah... yessss. You're here to see if I'm "behaving myself".
Chakotay: More like I'm here to make sure the forcefield is behaving itself.

(Chakotay turns to leave, agitating the Caretaker)

Caretaker: You don't care how I behave? Why Commander! That's not the impression you gave me over these last 7 years.... Stay.... let's talk over old times... shall we?
Chakotay: (Against his better judgement, he stops & turns) Talk? About what?
Caretaker: (Gets up to pace next to the forcefield separating them) Oh... I don't know... (Stops to count on his fingers) How about... Seska.... Riley...Kellin...Valerie...... Janeway....?
Chakotay: (Remonstrates with himself) There's NOTHING to say.

(He turns to leave again)

Caretaker: (Rushes up to the very edge of the forcefield) WELL! That's not MY fault... I GAVE you plenty of opportunities! Well... with 4 of them, anyway. How was I to know you were hung up on the Captain?
Chakotay: You WERE the telepath. You were the one downloading all our memories into your computer core!
Caretaker: (Shrugs and walks away to pace again) Yes... Yes... and you & Tom have all the parameters on your holoadventures downloaded into YOUR computer system... does that mean you stop and peak at the answer before you fight the Orions in your "Birth of the Federation" Program? Where is the FUN in that?
Chakotay: I have to go.
Caretaker: (Raises his voice as Chakotay tries to leave) Tell me, Commander. What's REALLY the difference? I played in a virtual reality... you play on the holodeck?
Chakotay: (Stops at the door to the cell) The holodeck characters aren't alive.
Caretaker: Your Doctor would disagree.
Chakotay: (Turns back to face the alien) No... he wouldn't. Even if HIS holographic matrix is complex enough that sentience can be argued in his case... it can't be on the holodeck in general.

(He walks 2 steps back towards the alien to make his point)

Chakotay: If you were so lonely at your Ocampan post... you should have "stuck" with Your holographic entertainments. But you didn't... & now you are paying the price for your arrogance.

(He turns to leave again)

Caretaker: (Whines) The holograms were BORING. After the first couple hundred years... I always KNEW what they'd do in a situation. What they'd say, how they'd react... He!! I'd programmed them myself, afterall! That's when I started to turn to the Ocampa... to add first one and then another to the program. Just for a little variety... a little surprise.... (Sighs) But after awhile... even they became "bland". Their hero worship no longer excited me.
Chakotay: Familiarity breeds contempt?
Caretaker: (Stops pacing and shrugs) Perhaps... And of course... you can't "just" reprogram a live person like you could a holoprogram. I ... (apologetic) tried to control them too much. By limiting the Ocampa to the underground scenario I bred a race too mild for entertainment. So... I started adding the odd passing alien ship & crew to the scenarios, just to mix things up a bit. And I branched out to other scenarios, like adding the various Kazon races to the planet surface and in the sector. Slowly, other species were incorporated from throughout the quadrant... Still..... no matter what I did... what I added... it all seemed so.... hollow. So meaningless... until...
Chakotay: (Can't help but get caught up in the Caretaker's tale) Until?
Caretaker: (Turns with glee, at the effect he's having on his audience) Until I found "her".

(Chakotay turns away, disgusted at himself for falling into his trap)

Caretaker: Oh... don't look so SHOCKED... Commander! After that little sojourn I arranged for the two of you on "New Earth"... I know you feel the same way I do... (He leers at Chakotay) Why... the STORIES I could tell you...
Chakotay: (Looks disgusted at the Caretaker) I'm leaving now. Tuvok will be back next week.
Caretaker: (Runs up to the forcefield & gets shocked) Oh CHAKOTAY! Ouch! ... Don't Go!.... I'm just getting started!

(The doors close on the Caretaker's cell)

Caretaker: (Continues to yell) Chakotay? CHAKOTAY?!!! Are you there? Is ANYBODY there??????

Scene Eight
Janeway's Ready Room

(Music by Mahler is playing in the background. Janeway is at her desk. It's 7 months since the battle.)

(Door chimes)

Janeway: (Eyes intent on her computer screen) Enter.

(Kashyk & Tuvok enter)

Kashyk: (Voice loud and confident) Good Morning, Captain.
Janeway: (Looks up casually) Hello, Inspector. I'm glad you could join us.
Kashyk: (Lifts up his hands to show the manacles on his wrists, as he looks to Tuvok) Did I have a choice?
Tuvok: No... You did not.

(Tuvok then removes the manacles and activates a containment forcefield about Kashyk before he leaves the room.)

Tuvok: Then again... you "haven't" had a choice for the last 2 years. You just didn't know it.

(Tuvok exits)

 Janeway: (Leans back in her chair) I'm curious, Kashyk. You've been briefed as have all the other Commanding officers of ships we're returning home, on what the Caretaker did & How he was eventually defeated. How does it feel to know you owe your LIFE to a telepath?
Kashyk: (Eyebrow arcs as he leans in towards Janeway) In a word... Captain? Surreal!
Janeway: (Stands up and walks over to Kashyk) I don't expect you to overcome years of cultural indoctrination against telepaths in one day. But I do hope you remember "that word" and the DEBT you owe to Kes the next time you pull a telepathic child from her hiding place and send her off to a concentration camp.
Kashyk: (Shrugs) Do you want me to lie, Captain... to tell you my "Eyes are now open" and that the future will be different? Your "Caretaker" was telepathic also, wasn't he? You "know" HE proves OUR point..... so...

(He moves suggestively towards Janeway, till the forcefield checks him)

Kashyk: .... is "that" the only reason you brought me up here?
Janeway: (Narrows her gaze) Mostly... and to offer to include in your Computer logs, the Caretaker's testimony that it was "he" who allowed me & my crew to "escape" from Devoran justice in the simulation.

(She turns back to sit behind her desk again)

Janeway: Quite frankly... I don't know which version would be "more" unpalatable to your superiors... that "you" let us go... or that the Caretaker controlled your mind and let us go.
Kashyk: (Bows slightly) I appreciate the offer... Captain. But undoubtably they would view the truth negatively. I'd prefer to take my chances with them thinking it was "sentiment" alone that allowed you to slip through my grasp....

(Pause)

Kashyk: Captain... if I may ask one question... professionally speaking, of course. When did you first suspect me?
Janeway: (Raises an eyebrow) There was never a moment I DIDN'T suspect you, Inspector. It was only my "doubt" that perhaps I was TOO unforgiving that allowed me to even consider that your offer of help "might be" genuine. Had you actually accepted my offer to join us... I would have simply been stunned.
Kashyk: (Pulls himself to attention) Oh... but it would have been "fun"... wouldn't it?
Janeway: (Picks up a padd to resume her work) Perhaps... until your fundamentally fascist personality broke through at the end of your first day on board.

(She hits her combadge)

Janeway: Janeway to Tuvok.... Inspector Kashyk is ready to return to his ship.

(Kashyk merely inclines his head towards Janeway before he turns to see Tuvok enter the room.)

 

[JanewayRulz!]

ACT FIVE
Scene Nine
Voyager's Sickbay

(It's empty. It's now 7 1/2 months since the battle. Kes enters)

Kes: (Looks around briefly) Computer... Please activate the Emergency medical hologram.
EMH: (Appears) Please state the nature... Kes! It's good to see you!
Kes: (Hugs the EMH apologetically) I'm sorry I haven't been able to get here as often as usual this past week. It's been quite hectic on Ocampa.
EMH: (Actually looks contrite) I know... and I would never have dreamed of intruding on you... it's just...

(The Doctor sighs, as his shoulders droop)

Kes: (Concerned, she sits its next to the EMH as he dejectedly sits on his desk) Doctor! What's wrong?
EMH: (Tries to minimize) Nothing. No... its just... In two days, Kes. If all goes well, we'll be back in the alpha quadrant.... I'll be meeting, for the First time... mind you! I'll be meeting Starfleet colleagues who will judge me and my work on this ship. I... I don't want them to see me as merely another database.
Kes: (Leans into the EMH) I doubt there's ANY danger of that, Doctor. Your work has been exemplary on board, and your development as an individual rivals any on this ship.
EMH: That's what I'm getting at, Kes. How can I expect anyone else to accept me as "an individual" without the simplest of things... a "name"?
Kes: (Sighs with her old friend over this old problem) You never decided on one?
EMH: (Looks at her and just shakes his head) The Captain says I'm like a child in a candy store. I'm faced with so many choices... that I can't pick "just one"
Kes: (Nods as she considers the problem anew) Doctor... didn't you once tell me that many cultures took their occupation as their surname? Or their location... or some other distinguishing characteristic?
EMH: (Warily) Yes... but if you are suggesting "Dr. Doctor"... I don't think so.
Kes: (Giggles at the thought) No, that's not what I mean. What is your "official" designation... on board Voyager?
EMH: (Rolls his eyes) I am an "Emergency Medical Hologram.." from the "Mark One series"
Kes: Well... "Mark" is a perfectly acceptable human name....
EMH: (Considers it, then shakes his head) Yess... but "Mark" was also the name of an Ensign that died in Voyager's first year in the Delta Quadrant... it would be too morbid.
Kes: (Not to be deterred) What about "Marcus"?
EMH: (He stops to consider, but then asks hopefully) Marcus...? Marcus "what"?
Kes: Well... your main distinguishing characteristic on Voyager has always been the fact that you are a hologram.
EMH: (Looks at Kes, appalled) "Doctor Hologram"?.... I think I like "Dr Doctor" better!
Kes: (Chuckles at his pun) No... NOT "Dr Hologram" But what about "Dr Graham".... Again... a common earth name.
EMH: (Practices the name) Dr. Graham...

(he smiles)

Kes: Dr Marcus Graham.

(She smiles)

EMH: Doctor Marcus Graham. (He turns to her gratefully) I like it.

Scene Ten
Planetside on Ocampa

(Janeway is walking alone through waist high green grasses which are rippling in the wind, like waves upon a sea. The bright blue sky is dotted with huge white cumulus clouds racing across the horizon. She turns to feel the sun on her face, and sees a wide blue river coursing through the prairie to feed a large blue lake to the south. It's 7 and 1/2months after the battle. )

(A combadge beeps)

Janeway: (sighs as she hits her badge) Janeway here!
Kes' voice: Captain Janeway... may I join you ?
Janeway: (Smiles at This interruption) Certainly, Kes... its your planet, afterall!

(A transporter beam shimmers in front of her)

Kes: (Stops to take in a cleansing breath) I love the smell of Ocampa! It's completely different from "New Ocampa"... and I thought "that" was light years ahead of the ship's air.
Janeway: (Breathes in deeply, herself) I agree... and now youand you people will have it to enjoy everyday.
Kes: (Quietly) Thanks to you.
Janeway: (Throws back her head and laughs) Me...? Hah! Thanks to ALL of us!
Kes: (Looks at Janeway with sadness, and then looks quickly away) Today is the day I know you have been working for... longing for... for nearly 8 years. And at the same time....its the one I've dreaded for the last 8 months.

(Janeway steps up to stand next to Kes, while they survey the lake. She nods in agreement)

Janeway: (Quietly) The day we say "goodbye".

(Kes turns her face to see Janeway's, and finds the wind is drying the tears welling up in the Captain's eyes)

Kes: You asked me once... twice..... "not" to leave. I know now, how you felt.
Janeway: (Gazes honestly into Kes' eyes) It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you've come to love like family. I wish...

(A catch can be heard in her voice)

Janeway: I wish I could ease the pain by saying... "I'll be back"....
Kes: (Looks into Kathryn's heart, and tries to give her strength) But we both know... Kathryn, that even if you DO make it back... I may not be here.

(She smiles ruefully)

Kes: Afterall... I'll celebrate my ninth birthday in 4 months.

(She sighs and looks back across the lake at the whitecaps gracing it)

(Silence)

Janeway: I remember the First time I ever saw you. Not quite One year old... standing in that Kazon Camp listening to Jabin denigrate your race.... You looked... "so serene".... and I remember thinking..."How little this Kazon knew" of this woman he so blithely dismissed.
Kes: (Smiles through her tears, at this "ancient" memory) I remember that day. Remember thinking ... "how odd". In the month I'd been held prisoner there, I never saw a woman dispute a Kazon male, and NEVER saw ANYONE dispute Jabin.... And then you appeared... like magic. A woman, leading all these men, confronting Jabin in his camp....

(She turns confidentially towards Janeway)

Kes: I have to admit... I always loved it whenever you "took charge" of a situation. From that first day in the camp... to that last day we met on the Caretaker's Voyager.

(Kes closes her eyes and gently rocks in time with her memories)

Kes: I've often dreamt of that last day.... When you and Tuvok walked into Engineering after my holorecording was played.

(She opens her eyes and looks at Janeway)

Kes:You walked forward, hand on your phaser, calmly talking... and when you pulled it out... I was "Sure" it was a trick and that I was dead!

(She sees the tears of memory start to fill Kathryn's eyes)

Kes: But instead of using it on me... you handed it to Tuvok... and kept walking towards me... unarmed... except for your voice.

(Kes shakes her head)

Kes: It was so strange... but the Caretaker's hold on my mind... as you walked towards me, it lifted like a morning fog in the face of a dawing sun..... And as my mind cleared...

(she chuckles at herself)

Kes: I was astonished, embarrassed, you name it... at how EASY it was for him to co-opt my consciousness... at how easy it was for him to control me again.

(Kes reaches out and offers Kathryn her hand, which she takes gladly)

Kes: ....and how... the people "I" had tried to rescue (she smiles) ... had instead rescued me.... Again. Thank-you, Kathryn.... for not giving up on me.
Janeway: (Pulls Kes into her embrace as her tears run furiously down her face) Thank ME? No... Kes... THANK-YOU for not giving up on US!

Scene Eleven
Exterior Shot

(Voyager is surrounded by the "Ocampan fleet" of 41 mismatched ships. Interior shot: Voyager's bridge. Janeway, Chakotay, Torres, Paris, Tuvok, Seven, Neelix, Ocampan Neelix & wife, along with 2 other Ocampan couples are in attendence.)

Janeway: (Speaking to Yandrin & Kes on the viewscreen) Thank-you for escorting us to the threshold, Yandrin.
Yandrin: (Bows, slightly) It's the least we can do, Captain. We are a poor honor guard for such a "storied" ship.
Kes: Peace and long life, Tuvok.
Tuvok: Live long... and prosper, Kes.
Kes: (smiles at her mentor) With your help, Commander, we already have.
Yandrin: (Nods at his son & daughter in law) Captain... watch over my family?
Janeway: (Looks over her shoulder to the Ocampa) I will, Yandrin.
Chakotay: (smiles at Kes & Yandrin) We ALL will, Yandrin. I pray we are able to bring them back to Ocampa one day.
Kes: (Returns his smile) If the "skyspirits are willing", Commander.
Janeway: (She motions at Seven) Yandrin... we will keep an open comm link as long as possible...

(Janeway turns to her crew)

Janeway: Stations... people. Commander?
Chakotay: (Stands up to walk across the bridge) Bridge to Voyager.... "Green alert".... prepare for transwarp conduit.... (He looks to his right) B'Elanna?
Torres: Transwarp coils are on line... Commander --- Just give the word.
Chakotay: (Turns to look at Janeway as he sits back down) Captain?
Janeway: (Smiles at Kes & Yandrin one last time, then nods to Paris) Lt Torres... the word is given. Engage transwarp coils, open the conduit... Lt Paris... Its time we went home. Take us in.

(An exterior shot: deep space.... a transwarp conduit opens before Voyager. It leaps into the center and suddenly is gone. The Ocampan Escort remains at station keeping)

Scene Twelve
Ocampan Bridge

(Yandrin and Kes are looking at an empty starfield which once held Voyager.)

Yandrin: It's done. Yandrin to the fleet. Fall back for Ocampa. (He turns to Kes) Ready, my love?
Kes: (Standing alone, gazing at the empty star field.) Hmmmm? Yes, Yandrin?
Yandrin: (walks to her side) You are lost in thought..... What has you so entranced?
Kes: (Smiles as she nods towards the view screen) I was just thinking... how "adventurous" I felt when I first climbed to the "surface" of Ocampa... and then how I felt when I first joined Voyager... and when I first flew to "New Ocampa"....

(She looks up to gaze into Yandrin's eyes)

Kes: But despite all my "adventures" I never really traveled beyond this one sector of space. (She points to the view screen) But now... my SON... my son has not only left this sector... he's also left this quadrant.
Yandrin: He's always had your wanderlust, Kes... Do you begrudge him?

(Puts her arm through the crook of his, and looks up at him in surprise)

Kes: Begrudge him?! I would be a poor parent indeed... if my child's dreams did not surpass my own, Yandrin. Anyway... I have enough challenge right here, on Ocampa, to occupy me for the rest of my life.
Yandrin: (Kisses his wife gently) OUR lives. Lets go home.


ACT FIVE & EYES OPEN ENDS (But NOT the story)

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

And for a very special price they can buy this cupcake:



Of course if we try and do this on the BBS we will all be banned, but perhaps another site could be created. I am sure we will raise hundreds of dollars this way.

He was SUCH a shmuck, wasn't he!

Wonder if Kirk kicked him off the ship when he gained control of the ship?

He was sent on a very special mission..

 

[JanewayRulz!]

And for a very special price they can buy this cupcake:



Of course if we try and do this on the BBS we will all be banned, but perhaps another site could be created. I am sure we will raise hundreds of dollars this way.

He was SUCH a shmuck, wasn't he!

Wonder if Kirk kicked him off the ship when he gained control of the ship?

He was sent on a very special mission..

Would that "special mission" be on an ice planet within view of the planet formerly known as Vulcan?