Been enjoying this reboot for awhile now. Any chance you will do anything with Janeway since she's on the Enterprise-D? Just funny how you did this take since both Riker and Janeway were Academy classmates.
Star Trek Voyager ReBoot (script style)
- Thread starter Bry_Sinclair
- Start date
Not sure if I'll do anything on a TNG or DS9 ReBoot, as the Voyager one has me very tempted to get to work on the other scripts as well. But I can't...I shouldn't...that way lies madness. Though I do have some ideas with where I'd want to go with the series if I did decide to do it.
-Bry
-Bry
[Space]
Voyager and the Maquis Raider settle into a standard orbit above a planet that looks barren even from space. The pulses of energy from the Array streak past them and impact at the exact same point on the planets surface.
[Guest Quarters]
TUVOK enters the quarters that were assigned to NEELIX. Inside the dining table is heaped with plates of various foods from across the Alpha Quadrant—all half eaten—as well as several large pitchers of water. All the cupboards and drawers have been opened and rifled through. There is a faint hum coming from the bathroom. TUVOK moves through the bedroom, where NEELIX’s old clothes are strewn across the floor, there are a few more plates of food, as well as other glasses of water and other beverages. The humming is louder, and is soon drowned out but strange noises with an odd musical lilt to them. TUVOK steps into the bathroom, in the shower stall there is the silhouette of a tall humanoid.
TUVOK: Mr Neelix?
The odd singing stops. NEELIX pops his head out from the shower. A wide grin spreads across his face.
NEELIX: Ah, Lieutenant. I didn’t hear you there. This device is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, what’s it called?
TUVOK: A sonic shower. It uses sonic pulse vibrations to remove dirt and grim.
NEELIX: It’s more relaxing than a massage from a Tissarian Companion. And as for your food…eh…replicators! You Federation are definitely one for your indulgences.
TUVOK: Our technology is used to improve the quality of life for Federation citizens, and on a starship they are essential for efficiency and resource use. We can discuss this at another time perhaps. We have arrived in orbit of the fifth planet. We are in need of your assistance.
NEELIX: Right. Hand me the towel.
As TUVOK picks up the towel, NEELIX ducks back into the shower and deactivates it. TUVOK averts his eyes as NEELIX steps out and accepts the towel. He wraps it around his waist. On his torso are a few scars and other old injuries.
NEELIX: If you scan what was the largest continent on the southern hemisphere, you’ll find a ridge of extinct volcanoes. Follow the foothills north until you discover a dry riverbed, you’ll find an encampment there.
TUVOK: Do you believe that our people might be at this location?
NEELIX: (not sounding exactly encouraging) It's not impossible. Maybe. Perhaps not. But we'll find them. We'll need several containers of water to bring for barter. Do these replicators make clothing as well?
TUVOK: Yes.
NEELIX: (smiling) Good to know.
[Kazon Encampment]
On a dry and dusty planet, where the sky is bright with the sun and lack of clouds, the ground is parched and sun baked. All of the colour seems to have been bleached away by the sun. Five transporter beams appear against the desolate backdrop. RIKER, RO, TUVOK, HAWK and NEELIX materialise. All of them are stunned by the light and shield their eyes as they look around. Behind them are hills and mountains, whilst ahead of them are the ruins of a once great city, made of tall spires and open quads—very little remains intact though, and now there are a series of makeshift shacks and tents, as well as a small number of alien shuttlecraft. Several people (with dry, spiked hair, deeply tanned and burnt skin, and a heavy bony ridge in the centre of their foreheads) close to the away team run to a nearby building. Slowly the team follows them.
HAWK: Why would anyone want to live here?
NEELIX: The rich cormaline deposits are very much in demand.
RO: The Ocampa use it for barter?
NEELIX: Not the Ocampa. The Kazon-Ogla.
RIKER: (surprised and annoyed) Kazon-Ogla? Who are the Kazon-Ogla?
NEELIX: (gesturing at the aliens that have started to gather, many of who are armed) They are. The Kazon Sects control this region of the quadrant. Some have food, some have ore, some have water. They all trade or kill each other for it.
RIKER: I thought you said the Ocampa had our people.
NEELIX: One thing at a time Captain. I said I’d help you and I’m going to. (he steps ahead of them, and announces to the nearest Kazon) I will meet with Maje Jabin.
The Kazon slams the butt of his rifle into NEELIX’s stomach, and he drops to the ground. A moment later, dozens of Kazon are hefting NEELIX off the ground and disarming the away team, whilst forcing them further into their compound. There is a lot of angry yelling and shouts. NEELIX and the away team are separated. He is made to stand against a wall, whilst the others are forced to sit. From the first floor of one of the old buildings, a man walks out and surveys the scene. After NEELIX recovers, he looks up and spots JABIN.
NEELIX: Jabin, is this anyway to treat an old friend?
JABIN: (coming down the steps) Last time you were here old friend, you ran off with a months worth of water. For that you will die.
NEELIX: If you kill me, how can I repay you? (looks over at the away team) My new acquaintances have technology that allows them to make water out of thin air! Show them Mr Hawk.
As HAWK takes out a metal flask, JABIN approaches and snatches it from him. He opens it, sniffs the contents suspiciously, before taking a sip. He looks surprised and hands it back to another behind him. Excited chatter follows as several others drink from the container. JABIN looks at the away team.
JABIN: You have more?
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Riker to Voyager. Energise.
Two large tanks appear. The Kazon run towards them, excited and vying to get their share of water. There is a lot of pushing and shoving and shouting. In the commotion, a young Ocampan woman peers out from the ground floor of one of the ancient buildings. She has long blonde hair, dressed in little more than rags, and her face is cut and bruised. This is KES. Only NEELIX notices her.
RIKER: There’s more where that comes from. If you’re willing to help us.
JABIN: How can we help someone so powerful they can create water from thin air?
RIKER: (gesturing to NEELIX) This man led us here suggesting we might find a people called the Ocampa. Do you know where they are?
JABIN: Ocampa? (pointing towards KES) She is Ocampa.
They all turn to see KES, who looks intently at RIKER. He seems a little thrown by the look as well as her appearance.
JABIN: Why would you be interested in such worthless creatures? They are weak and pathetic. Useless as servants. We caught her when she wandered to the surface.
RIKER: To the surface? You mean they live underground?
JABIN: (he starts to pick through the away teams equipment, admiring the phasers before slipping two into her belt) The entity in space that gives them food and power also gives them sole access to the only water on this world, two miles below the surface.
RIKER: This same entity has abducted three of our people. We believe they might be with the Ocampa.
JABIN: There's no way to get to them. We tried. The entity has established some kind of subterranean barrier we can not penetrate.
RO: But she got out.
JABIN: Occasionally, some of them do find their way to the surface. We don't know how, but the Ocampa seal the tunnels afterwards.
NEELIX: Maybe she can help these people find a way down.
JABIN: You'd be wasting your time. I've used every method of persuasion I know to get her to help us. She won't.
NEELIX: Then she's worthless to you. Let us trade you water for this scrawny little thing.
JABIN: I'd be more interested in acquiring this technology that allows you to create water from thin air.
RIKER: That would be difficult. It’s integrated into our ship’s systems.
A moment later, before anyone has a chance to react, NEELIX grabs JABIN from behind and presses a small phaser to his neck. The Kazon only react after it’s too late, and begin to approach, raising their weapons.
NEELIX: (calmly) Tell them to drop their weapons. Drop them, or he dies in an instant. (NEELIX pressed the phaser in harder against JABIN’s for emphasis)
JABIN: Do it. Do it!
Slowly the Kazon drop their weapons. As they do, the away team are on their feet. RO and TUVOK disarm JABIN and distribute the weapons among the others, before they take up a defensive formation, covering the Kazon all around them. NEELIX then pushes JABIN away. He stumbles away a few paces, before turning to face them, obviously furious.
NEELIX: We’ll be going now Maje.
JABIN: I should’ve killed you when I had the chance Talaxian!
NEELIX: You’re right about that. (with that, he takes aim at the tank and fires)
NEELIX blasts a hole in each tank and water comes gushing out. The Kazon go into a panic and rush to save as much water as possible, the away team forgotten about. Only JABIN stays facing them. NEELIX holds out a hand to KES, his face a picture of empathy and compassion.
NEELIX: Come with us.
KES doesn’t need to be asked twice and rushes towards them. NEELIX wraps his arm around her in a protective manner, then looks back at RIKER.
NEELIX: I strongly suggest we get out of here Captain!
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Six to beam up.
In an instant the six are enveloped in the transporter beam, and vanish from the planet’s surface, where the Kazon are still trying to save as much water as they can. JABIN looks at where they stood moments before, then up at the cloudless sky.
[Transporter Room]
RIKER, RO, TUVOK, HAWK, NEELIX and KES materialise on the platform, all at least a little relieved to be off the surface. As they step down and holster their weapons once again, NEELIX is looking at KES.
NEELIX: Are you alright?
KES: (her voice soft) Yes, thank you.
RIKER steps closer to her.
RIKER: We’d better get you to sickbay, Miss?
KES: Kes.
RIKER leads the way out of the Transporter Room, but KES keeps a hold of NEELIX’s arm, showing signs that she is unsteady on her feet.
Voyager and the Maquis Raider settle into a standard orbit above a planet that looks barren even from space. The pulses of energy from the Array streak past them and impact at the exact same point on the planets surface.
[Guest Quarters]
TUVOK enters the quarters that were assigned to NEELIX. Inside the dining table is heaped with plates of various foods from across the Alpha Quadrant—all half eaten—as well as several large pitchers of water. All the cupboards and drawers have been opened and rifled through. There is a faint hum coming from the bathroom. TUVOK moves through the bedroom, where NEELIX’s old clothes are strewn across the floor, there are a few more plates of food, as well as other glasses of water and other beverages. The humming is louder, and is soon drowned out but strange noises with an odd musical lilt to them. TUVOK steps into the bathroom, in the shower stall there is the silhouette of a tall humanoid.
TUVOK: Mr Neelix?
The odd singing stops. NEELIX pops his head out from the shower. A wide grin spreads across his face.
NEELIX: Ah, Lieutenant. I didn’t hear you there. This device is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, what’s it called?
TUVOK: A sonic shower. It uses sonic pulse vibrations to remove dirt and grim.
NEELIX: It’s more relaxing than a massage from a Tissarian Companion. And as for your food…eh…replicators! You Federation are definitely one for your indulgences.
TUVOK: Our technology is used to improve the quality of life for Federation citizens, and on a starship they are essential for efficiency and resource use. We can discuss this at another time perhaps. We have arrived in orbit of the fifth planet. We are in need of your assistance.
NEELIX: Right. Hand me the towel.
As TUVOK picks up the towel, NEELIX ducks back into the shower and deactivates it. TUVOK averts his eyes as NEELIX steps out and accepts the towel. He wraps it around his waist. On his torso are a few scars and other old injuries.
NEELIX: If you scan what was the largest continent on the southern hemisphere, you’ll find a ridge of extinct volcanoes. Follow the foothills north until you discover a dry riverbed, you’ll find an encampment there.
TUVOK: Do you believe that our people might be at this location?
NEELIX: (not sounding exactly encouraging) It's not impossible. Maybe. Perhaps not. But we'll find them. We'll need several containers of water to bring for barter. Do these replicators make clothing as well?
TUVOK: Yes.
NEELIX: (smiling) Good to know.
[Kazon Encampment]
On a dry and dusty planet, where the sky is bright with the sun and lack of clouds, the ground is parched and sun baked. All of the colour seems to have been bleached away by the sun. Five transporter beams appear against the desolate backdrop. RIKER, RO, TUVOK, HAWK and NEELIX materialise. All of them are stunned by the light and shield their eyes as they look around. Behind them are hills and mountains, whilst ahead of them are the ruins of a once great city, made of tall spires and open quads—very little remains intact though, and now there are a series of makeshift shacks and tents, as well as a small number of alien shuttlecraft. Several people (with dry, spiked hair, deeply tanned and burnt skin, and a heavy bony ridge in the centre of their foreheads) close to the away team run to a nearby building. Slowly the team follows them.
HAWK: Why would anyone want to live here?
NEELIX: The rich cormaline deposits are very much in demand.
RO: The Ocampa use it for barter?
NEELIX: Not the Ocampa. The Kazon-Ogla.
RIKER: (surprised and annoyed) Kazon-Ogla? Who are the Kazon-Ogla?
NEELIX: (gesturing at the aliens that have started to gather, many of who are armed) They are. The Kazon Sects control this region of the quadrant. Some have food, some have ore, some have water. They all trade or kill each other for it.
RIKER: I thought you said the Ocampa had our people.
NEELIX: One thing at a time Captain. I said I’d help you and I’m going to. (he steps ahead of them, and announces to the nearest Kazon) I will meet with Maje Jabin.
The Kazon slams the butt of his rifle into NEELIX’s stomach, and he drops to the ground. A moment later, dozens of Kazon are hefting NEELIX off the ground and disarming the away team, whilst forcing them further into their compound. There is a lot of angry yelling and shouts. NEELIX and the away team are separated. He is made to stand against a wall, whilst the others are forced to sit. From the first floor of one of the old buildings, a man walks out and surveys the scene. After NEELIX recovers, he looks up and spots JABIN.
NEELIX: Jabin, is this anyway to treat an old friend?
JABIN: (coming down the steps) Last time you were here old friend, you ran off with a months worth of water. For that you will die.
NEELIX: If you kill me, how can I repay you? (looks over at the away team) My new acquaintances have technology that allows them to make water out of thin air! Show them Mr Hawk.
As HAWK takes out a metal flask, JABIN approaches and snatches it from him. He opens it, sniffs the contents suspiciously, before taking a sip. He looks surprised and hands it back to another behind him. Excited chatter follows as several others drink from the container. JABIN looks at the away team.
JABIN: You have more?
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Riker to Voyager. Energise.
Two large tanks appear. The Kazon run towards them, excited and vying to get their share of water. There is a lot of pushing and shoving and shouting. In the commotion, a young Ocampan woman peers out from the ground floor of one of the ancient buildings. She has long blonde hair, dressed in little more than rags, and her face is cut and bruised. This is KES. Only NEELIX notices her.
RIKER: There’s more where that comes from. If you’re willing to help us.
JABIN: How can we help someone so powerful they can create water from thin air?
RIKER: (gesturing to NEELIX) This man led us here suggesting we might find a people called the Ocampa. Do you know where they are?
JABIN: Ocampa? (pointing towards KES) She is Ocampa.
They all turn to see KES, who looks intently at RIKER. He seems a little thrown by the look as well as her appearance.
JABIN: Why would you be interested in such worthless creatures? They are weak and pathetic. Useless as servants. We caught her when she wandered to the surface.
RIKER: To the surface? You mean they live underground?
JABIN: (he starts to pick through the away teams equipment, admiring the phasers before slipping two into her belt) The entity in space that gives them food and power also gives them sole access to the only water on this world, two miles below the surface.
RIKER: This same entity has abducted three of our people. We believe they might be with the Ocampa.
JABIN: There's no way to get to them. We tried. The entity has established some kind of subterranean barrier we can not penetrate.
RO: But she got out.
JABIN: Occasionally, some of them do find their way to the surface. We don't know how, but the Ocampa seal the tunnels afterwards.
NEELIX: Maybe she can help these people find a way down.
JABIN: You'd be wasting your time. I've used every method of persuasion I know to get her to help us. She won't.
NEELIX: Then she's worthless to you. Let us trade you water for this scrawny little thing.
JABIN: I'd be more interested in acquiring this technology that allows you to create water from thin air.
RIKER: That would be difficult. It’s integrated into our ship’s systems.
A moment later, before anyone has a chance to react, NEELIX grabs JABIN from behind and presses a small phaser to his neck. The Kazon only react after it’s too late, and begin to approach, raising their weapons.
NEELIX: (calmly) Tell them to drop their weapons. Drop them, or he dies in an instant. (NEELIX pressed the phaser in harder against JABIN’s for emphasis)
JABIN: Do it. Do it!
Slowly the Kazon drop their weapons. As they do, the away team are on their feet. RO and TUVOK disarm JABIN and distribute the weapons among the others, before they take up a defensive formation, covering the Kazon all around them. NEELIX then pushes JABIN away. He stumbles away a few paces, before turning to face them, obviously furious.
NEELIX: We’ll be going now Maje.
JABIN: I should’ve killed you when I had the chance Talaxian!
NEELIX: You’re right about that. (with that, he takes aim at the tank and fires)
NEELIX blasts a hole in each tank and water comes gushing out. The Kazon go into a panic and rush to save as much water as possible, the away team forgotten about. Only JABIN stays facing them. NEELIX holds out a hand to KES, his face a picture of empathy and compassion.
NEELIX: Come with us.
KES doesn’t need to be asked twice and rushes towards them. NEELIX wraps his arm around her in a protective manner, then looks back at RIKER.
NEELIX: I strongly suggest we get out of here Captain!
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Six to beam up.
In an instant the six are enveloped in the transporter beam, and vanish from the planet’s surface, where the Kazon are still trying to save as much water as they can. JABIN looks at where they stood moments before, then up at the cloudless sky.
[Transporter Room]
RIKER, RO, TUVOK, HAWK, NEELIX and KES materialise on the platform, all at least a little relieved to be off the surface. As they step down and holster their weapons once again, NEELIX is looking at KES.
NEELIX: Are you alright?
KES: (her voice soft) Yes, thank you.
RIKER steps closer to her.
RIKER: We’d better get you to sickbay, Miss?
KES: Kes.
RIKER leads the way out of the Transporter Room, but KES keeps a hold of NEELIX’s arm, showing signs that she is unsteady on her feet.
[Ocampan City]
In a dark tunnel in the city, LAVELLE and TORRES have stopped for a breather. The growths continue to get worse. They both look exhausted, bracing themselves against the wall.
LAVELLE: (hopeful) Look, I’m sure that Captain Riker is doing all he can to find us.
TORRES: (scoffs) What makes you think any of them are still alive Starfleet? (she winces and rubs at one of the growths on her neck)
LAVELLE: (concerned) Should I call for some help?
LAVELLE moves to put a hand on her arm as a sign of support, but she knocks it away.
TORRES: (growls) No.
She moves into a darker alcove for a moment’s privacy. LAVELLE leans up against the wall and looks about ready to slump to the floor. An Ocampan male approaches, but it is only when he gets closer does it become clear that it is ARAN.
ARAN: Are you in pain?
TORRES: (emerging from the dark) Are you watching us? I thought we weren’t suppose to be your prisoners!
ARAN: I wasn't watching you. I was coming to give you something. (he hands LAVELLE a small vial with a green powder inside) I don't know if it'll help. It's a medicine. There are people who have broken from tradition and left the city. Their colony grows fruits and vegetables. They discovered quite by accident that the moss that grows on certain fruit trees has healing properties. I'm sorry for what has happened to all of you.
LAVELLE: We appreciate this, but the only way that we’re going to survive is if we get up to the surface and find our own people.
ARAN: (looks a little uneasy) The Elders would say that’s against the Caretaker’s wishes.
TORRES: What do you say?
ARAN: The Caretaker's been behaving strangely for the past several months. Abducting people, increasing the power supply.
LAVELLE: Power supply?
ARAN: He's tripled the energy he sends us. They say we have enough stored now to run the city for five years.
LAVELLE: Nobody knows why?
ARAN: When we ask, we're told to trust the Caretaker's decisions. One person I knew did get to the surface. We never saw her again.
LAVELLE: How?
ARAN: The ancient tunnels that brought us here still exist. Over the years, small breaches in security barriers have appeared just large enough for someone to get through. But it still requires digging through metres of rock to get out.
TORRES: Can you get us tools to dig with?
ARAN: It would take days, maybe even weeks to break through. You have to rest. Conserve your strength.
LAVELLE: Please. It’s our only chance.
For a moment ARAN looks unsure, but both LAVELLE and TORRES are looking at him in a pleading way. He then slowly nods.
ARAN: I’ll…I’ll see what I can do.
LAVELLE gives him a reassuring smile. But as ARAN turns to leave, TORRES perks up a bit.
TORRES: Wait a second. (ARAN turns to face her) You said you were sorry for what had happened to all of us, is there another member of our crews on this planet?
ARAN: (hesitant for a moment, before shaking his head) No. I meant all of the others that the Caretaker has sent to us in the past.
There is a brief moment of tension, as ARAN and TORRES face off. But he turns away and quickly heads back the way he came. LAVELLE and TORRES are left alone in the dark tunnel once again, both a little perplexed and unsure of what to make of their latest encounter with the Ocampa.
[Sickbay]
In Sickbay, the three side beds are still occupied by injured crewmen, though all are resting comfortably. However there are no injured elsewhere in the room, which has been cleaned up and organised back into a fully functioning facility—though the console that exploded is still just a blackened hole in the wall. At the central biobed, the EMH is treating KES for her cuts and bruises, whilst RIKER, RO, TUVOK and NEELIX are deep in discussion (HAWK has returned to the Bridge).
TUVOK: If you had told us what you had planned, we might have anticipated your irrational behaviour.
NEELIX: Irrational? We got out there didn’t we?
RO: Just.
The DOCTOR finishes up and moves to the group, waving a medical instrument at them.
DOCTOR: That's enough. This is a sickbay, not a conference room. Visiting hours are over. Everyone except my patient is to leave immediately.
RIKER: Computer, end EMH programme.
The DOCTOR promptly vanishes, and the tool he was holding drops to the floor. KES sits up on the bed and watches the exchange for a moment.
KES: I’m sorry. You risked your lives just to save me.
RIKER: You have nothing to apologise for Kes. Slavery is outlawed among our people; we would have found a way to help you. Just with a little more time and planning.
KES: (a faint smile appears on her face) Thank you. It’s my own fault really. I never should have gone to the surface. I'm too curious. I'm told it's my worst failing.
RIKER: I’d call that a wonderful quality. Not one to be ashamed of.
KES’ smile widens as she looks up at RIKER, her appreciation doesn’t need to be put into words.
RIKER: Would you be willing to take us underground to look for our missing crewmembers?
KES: I'm afraid Jabin was right. There's no way to get down. The tunnel I came out has been sealed.
RIKER: We don’t need a tunnel. We have the ability to transport there directly.
TUVOK: Captain, our sensors did not pick up any indication of an underground civilisation. The subterranean barrier Jabin described may be responsible. It might also block our transporter.
KES: There are breaches in the security barrier where it's begun to decay. That's how I got out.
RIKER: (to TUVOK) Have Stadi begin a sweep for any breaches we might be able to beam through.
TUVOK gives a single nod and then leaves to relay RIKER’s orders.
NEELIX: (to RIKER) We shouldn’t put her through any more danger. She could tell us where to go and who to talk to, but I think it would be best to keep her safe here.
KES: (hopping down off the bed) No. I want to go with you. You saved me from the Kazon, it would be wrong not to help you now.
RIKER looks from NEELIX to KES, before he gives her a nod.
RIKER: If you feel up to it, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
With that RIKER and RO head out as well, leaving just NEELIX and KES in Sickbay. There is a moment of uncomfortable silence.
KES: On the surface…why did you help me?
NEELIX: (hesitates for a moment) I just don’t like to see people suffer at the hands of others. (quickly changing the subject) We’d better find you something better to wear before we leave.
He leads her out of Sickbay.
In a dark tunnel in the city, LAVELLE and TORRES have stopped for a breather. The growths continue to get worse. They both look exhausted, bracing themselves against the wall.
LAVELLE: (hopeful) Look, I’m sure that Captain Riker is doing all he can to find us.
TORRES: (scoffs) What makes you think any of them are still alive Starfleet? (she winces and rubs at one of the growths on her neck)
LAVELLE: (concerned) Should I call for some help?
LAVELLE moves to put a hand on her arm as a sign of support, but she knocks it away.
TORRES: (growls) No.
She moves into a darker alcove for a moment’s privacy. LAVELLE leans up against the wall and looks about ready to slump to the floor. An Ocampan male approaches, but it is only when he gets closer does it become clear that it is ARAN.
ARAN: Are you in pain?
TORRES: (emerging from the dark) Are you watching us? I thought we weren’t suppose to be your prisoners!
ARAN: I wasn't watching you. I was coming to give you something. (he hands LAVELLE a small vial with a green powder inside) I don't know if it'll help. It's a medicine. There are people who have broken from tradition and left the city. Their colony grows fruits and vegetables. They discovered quite by accident that the moss that grows on certain fruit trees has healing properties. I'm sorry for what has happened to all of you.
LAVELLE: We appreciate this, but the only way that we’re going to survive is if we get up to the surface and find our own people.
ARAN: (looks a little uneasy) The Elders would say that’s against the Caretaker’s wishes.
TORRES: What do you say?
ARAN: The Caretaker's been behaving strangely for the past several months. Abducting people, increasing the power supply.
LAVELLE: Power supply?
ARAN: He's tripled the energy he sends us. They say we have enough stored now to run the city for five years.
LAVELLE: Nobody knows why?
ARAN: When we ask, we're told to trust the Caretaker's decisions. One person I knew did get to the surface. We never saw her again.
LAVELLE: How?
ARAN: The ancient tunnels that brought us here still exist. Over the years, small breaches in security barriers have appeared just large enough for someone to get through. But it still requires digging through metres of rock to get out.
TORRES: Can you get us tools to dig with?
ARAN: It would take days, maybe even weeks to break through. You have to rest. Conserve your strength.
LAVELLE: Please. It’s our only chance.
For a moment ARAN looks unsure, but both LAVELLE and TORRES are looking at him in a pleading way. He then slowly nods.
ARAN: I’ll…I’ll see what I can do.
LAVELLE gives him a reassuring smile. But as ARAN turns to leave, TORRES perks up a bit.
TORRES: Wait a second. (ARAN turns to face her) You said you were sorry for what had happened to all of us, is there another member of our crews on this planet?
ARAN: (hesitant for a moment, before shaking his head) No. I meant all of the others that the Caretaker has sent to us in the past.
There is a brief moment of tension, as ARAN and TORRES face off. But he turns away and quickly heads back the way he came. LAVELLE and TORRES are left alone in the dark tunnel once again, both a little perplexed and unsure of what to make of their latest encounter with the Ocampa.
[Sickbay]
In Sickbay, the three side beds are still occupied by injured crewmen, though all are resting comfortably. However there are no injured elsewhere in the room, which has been cleaned up and organised back into a fully functioning facility—though the console that exploded is still just a blackened hole in the wall. At the central biobed, the EMH is treating KES for her cuts and bruises, whilst RIKER, RO, TUVOK and NEELIX are deep in discussion (HAWK has returned to the Bridge).
TUVOK: If you had told us what you had planned, we might have anticipated your irrational behaviour.
NEELIX: Irrational? We got out there didn’t we?
RO: Just.
The DOCTOR finishes up and moves to the group, waving a medical instrument at them.
DOCTOR: That's enough. This is a sickbay, not a conference room. Visiting hours are over. Everyone except my patient is to leave immediately.
RIKER: Computer, end EMH programme.
The DOCTOR promptly vanishes, and the tool he was holding drops to the floor. KES sits up on the bed and watches the exchange for a moment.
KES: I’m sorry. You risked your lives just to save me.
RIKER: You have nothing to apologise for Kes. Slavery is outlawed among our people; we would have found a way to help you. Just with a little more time and planning.
KES: (a faint smile appears on her face) Thank you. It’s my own fault really. I never should have gone to the surface. I'm too curious. I'm told it's my worst failing.
RIKER: I’d call that a wonderful quality. Not one to be ashamed of.
KES’ smile widens as she looks up at RIKER, her appreciation doesn’t need to be put into words.
RIKER: Would you be willing to take us underground to look for our missing crewmembers?
KES: I'm afraid Jabin was right. There's no way to get down. The tunnel I came out has been sealed.
RIKER: We don’t need a tunnel. We have the ability to transport there directly.
TUVOK: Captain, our sensors did not pick up any indication of an underground civilisation. The subterranean barrier Jabin described may be responsible. It might also block our transporter.
KES: There are breaches in the security barrier where it's begun to decay. That's how I got out.
RIKER: (to TUVOK) Have Stadi begin a sweep for any breaches we might be able to beam through.
TUVOK gives a single nod and then leaves to relay RIKER’s orders.
NEELIX: (to RIKER) We shouldn’t put her through any more danger. She could tell us where to go and who to talk to, but I think it would be best to keep her safe here.
KES: (hopping down off the bed) No. I want to go with you. You saved me from the Kazon, it would be wrong not to help you now.
RIKER looks from NEELIX to KES, before he gives her a nod.
RIKER: If you feel up to it, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
With that RIKER and RO head out as well, leaving just NEELIX and KES in Sickbay. There is a moment of uncomfortable silence.
KES: On the surface…why did you help me?
NEELIX: (hesitates for a moment) I just don’t like to see people suffer at the hands of others. (quickly changing the subject) We’d better find you something better to wear before we leave.
He leads her out of Sickbay.
[Gardens, Ocampan Settlement]
In a small nook of the subterranean world, there is a lush area filled with plants of all shapes, sizes and colours—most of which are being grown using hydroponics. There are a few Ocampa going about, tending to the plants, all of them seem content and happy. Unlike in the city, verbal conversation can be heard among the group. KES leads RIKER, RO, TUVOK, HAWK and NEELIX through the foliage.
TUVOK: (studying his tricorder) Captain, the pulses from the array continue to accelerate. The intervals between them have decreased another point eight seconds.
The group comes to an open courtyard. A few of the Ocampa look up, among them is a tall and lean man with dark hair, the surprise is clear on his face. This is DAGGIN.
DAGGIN: (shocked) Kes?
KES: Daggin!
KES runs to DAGGIN and the two embrace briefly, drawing a few knowing looks from others on the away team. More Ocampa come into the courtyard and whisper excitedly amongst themselves. Even after they part their hands remain clasped between them.
DAGGIN: (relieved) We thought we’d never see you again! How did you get back?
KES: (looking at the away team) These people rescued me from the Kazon. I'm trying to help them find three of their crewmen. Does anyone know where the aliens are kept? The ones the Caretaker sends here?
DAGGIN: I think they’re at the central clinic. But we’ve only heard about two in the city though.
RIKER: Can you take us there?
TOSCAT: (telepathically) No, she cannot.
KES hears him and looks beyond the away team to where TOSCAT, an older Ocampa, stands with a look of disapproval on his stern face.
KES: They can’t speak telepathically, Toscat. Please talk aloud.
TOSCAT: (moving closer) I didn’t mean to be rude but you should not be here.
RIKER: We’ll be happy to leave once we find our missing crewmen.
TOSCAT: That won't be possible. We cannot interfere with the Caretaker's wishes.
RO: Maybe you can't, but we can.
TOSCAT: You don't understand—
KES: (cutting him off) That's right. They don't understand. They have no way of knowing that the Ocampa have been dependent on the Caretaker for so long, we can't even think for ourselves any more. They don't understand we were once a people who had full command of our mind's abilities.
TOSCAT: The stories of our ancestor's cognitive abilities are apocryphal. At the very least exaggerated.
KES: We lost those abilities because we stopped using them.
TOSCAT: We should not dwell on what's been lost but on all that's been gained.
KES: We've gained a talent for dependence, for simply taking what we're given. I'm going to help them, Toscat, whether you like it or not, and I think my friends will join me.
TOSCAT takes KES to the side, so they have a little bit of privacy.
TOSCAT: (telepathically) You defied the Caretaker by going to the surface, Kes. Learn from the experience. Follow the path he has set for us.
KES: I've learned very well, Toscat. I saw the sunlight. (she is almost moved to tears by the memory) I can't believe that our Caretaker would forbid us to open our eyes and see the sky.
There is a brief moment when she faces up to him and doesn’t back down. He looks a little anxious. Before he can say anything more, KES turns back to the away team and the gathered Ocampans.
KES: (determined) Come with me. We'll find your people.
As KES leads them away from the courtyard and the defeated TOSCAT, RIKER looks from KES to TOSCAT and back again, a sly smile spread across his face—there is definitely more to KES than meets the eye.
[Shaft]
LAVELLE and TORRES enter a narrow chamber that stretches up farther than they can see. Both of them carry torches and shovels. Around the walls of the shaft is a metal staircase and flickering low level lighting. LAVELLE and TORRES look upwards, before moving to the staircase and slowly starting to climb. By the time they get halfway up the second flight, they are already sweating. TORRES is in the lead. LAVELLE stops and grips the banister, showing signs that he is getting dizzy. Slowly, he slumps down onto the steps and is breathing heavily.
TORRES: Come on. Don’t let it beat you, Starfleet. Come on!
LAVELLE: (exhausted, shaking his head) I’m sorry.
TORRES looks ahead of them, and then back down at LAVELLE. A knowing look on her face, saying that this is going to be a long and hard climb. She goes down a few steps and sits down beside him.
TORRES: It’s alright. We’ll rest a minute.
LAVELLE: (half jokingly) Maybe I'd do better if I had a little Klingon blood in me.
TORRES: (scoffs) Trust me, it's more trouble than it's worth.
LAVELLE: You know…I spent my whole life getting ready for Starfleet. And on my very first mission, I'm going to die.
TORRES: We're not finished yet Starfleet. I know a few things that old Sneezy didn't teach in his survival course.
LAVELLE: (curious) Sneezy?
TORRES: Commander Zakarian, remember? He must have been allergic to everything.
LAVELLE: (surprised) You went to the Academy?
TORRES: (with a faint sad smile) Actually made it into the second year before we…eh…we mutually agreed that it wasn't the place for me.
LAVELLE: You know, I never really liked Zakarian.
There is a brief moment between them. In the silence the pulses increase in speed, until they are almost constant.
TORRES: Shh. Listen. They’re getting faster.
LAVELLE hauls himself to his feet and offers a hand to TORRES.
LAVELLE: Something tells me. We’d best be moving.
TORRES grips his arm and gets to her feet. The pair start climbing upwards once again.
[Central Clinic, Ocampa]
RIKER, RO and TUVOK all enter the reception area of the clinic, their arrival brings worried looks from the staff and patients alike. Behind the desk a young nurse is speaking telepathically with LIA. Their conversation stops as they look at the three newcomers. RIKER approaches the desk.
RIKER: We’re looking for the three aliens sent here by the Caretaker.
There is a moment of stunned silence as they just look at RIKER.
RIKER: Please, can you help us.
LIA: I am Doctor Lia, the physician that is treating them.
RO: (stepping forward) Treating them for what?
LIA: Their illness. The Caretaker sent them to us so that we would look after them.
RIKER: Can you take us to their rooms?
LIA: (hesitantly) Lavelle and Torres are out in the city.
RIKER: What about Ezri?
LIA: (a look of sympathy crosses her face) She is very ill, worse than any other that the Caretaker has sent to us. We have her in an isolation room. But none of our treatments are having any effect.
LIA leads them away from reception and towards the isolation room. As they head through the corridors and up the stairs the pulses get increasingly faster.
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Riker to Hawk.
HAWK: (=/\=) Hawk here, go ahead.
RIKER: Lavelle and Torres aren’t here, they’re in the city somewhere.
HAWK: (=/\=) We’ve spoken to a few people that saw them earlier. But there’s been no sign of them for at least the last hour.
RIKER: We’ve found Counsellor Tigan. Keep look for the others. Riker out.
They are led into the isolation room, where TIGAN is once again conscious and groaning in pain. The growths now cover much of her body, she is shivering and tears roll down her cheeks. ARAN is in the room, trying to comfort her. He is startled by the arrival of the new arrivals. RIKER stops dead in his tracks when he sees TIGAN. RO gasps from just inside the doorway. TUVOK moves closer and opens his tricorder.
RO: (softly) By the Prophets.
RIKER: (looks at LIA) What’s wrong with her?
LIA: We don’t know. Over the last few months, the Caretaker has asked us to treat many with this condition. But all of our efforts have failed.
TUVOK: (looking up from his tricorder) Captain, she is showing signs of genetic manipulation on a scale I have never seen before. Someone appears to have been attempting to alter her genome, but the manipulation has been resulted in numerous mutations and her immune system has been severely compromised.
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Riker to Stadi.
STADI: (=/\=) Go ahead.
RIKER: Aiva, lock in on my co-ordinates. You’ll find Trill bio-signs. Beam her directly to Sickbay and alert the holo-doc to prepare for a medical emergency.
STADI: (=/\=) Understood. Locking on.
A moment later, TIGAN is beamed up. With the bed empty, RIKER looks back at LIA.
RIKER: Are the others in a similar condition?
LIA: They are all suffering from the same affliction, but the other’s haven’t progressed as far as her.
RIKER: Any ideas where they might be?
LIA: If I did I would tell you.
ARAN: (speaking up) They’re heading for the surface. (everyone stops and looks at him) I got them tools and told them where the tunnels were. They said that once they got to the surface, they could be able to find you and get help.
RIKER: Thank you.
RIKER hurries out of the isolation room, RO and TUVOK close behind. As they reach the escalator, the pulses suddenly do quiet. They look upwards, curious. All around, the Ocampa are panicked and worried.
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Away team to Voyager.
STADI: (=/\=) Voyager here.
RIKER: What’s going on with the Array?
[Bridge]
STADI moves from the command area down to the Conn and consults with the monitor, which shows a graphic of the Array altering its position.
STADI: It’s no longer sending out pulses, and appears to realigning it’s position.
RIKER: (=/\=) Keep me informed. Riker out.
[Ocampan City]
The trio emerge from the hospital as KES, HAWK, NEELIX and DAGGIN approach.
HAWK: Tigan?
RIKER: It looks bad. (he quickly shakes off the memory, becoming all business once again) One of the nurses said he sent Lavelle and Torres towards some tunnels that led to the surface.
KES: The entrance for the tunnel network isn’t far from here.
RIKER: Mr Hawk, you and Neelix go with her. Start checking them out. We’ll try to find out more about—
BOOM! The entire city shakes. The away team is shaken, but remains on their feet. There are panicked cries from the Ocampa as they scraper away. BOOM!
STADI: (=/\=) Voyager to Riker.
RIKER: Go ahead.
[Bridge]
STADI has now moved up to Tactical where ROLLINS is tracking weapons fire.
STADI: Captain, the array is firing some kind of weapon at the surface. It seems to be trying to seal the energy conduits.
RIKER: (=/\=) Understood. Keep a channel open.
[Ocampan City]
RIKER looks at HAWK, KES, NEELIX and DAGGIN.
RIKER: Get moving. Comm me when you find them.
HAWK: Aye sir.
RIKER, RO and TUVOK go off in a separate direction. As HAWK leads NEELIX and KES away, DAGGIN grabs her arm and pulls her to face him. BOOM! HAWK and NEELIX stop to look back at them.
DAGGIN: (frightened) What are you doing?
KES: (perplexed) I’m going to help them.
DAGGIN: (frightened) You’ve told them where to go. We need to find shelter!
KES: (pulling her arm free of his grip) I told them I would help them find their crewmen. The ancient tunnels are like a maze, they need someone to help navigate all the passages.
KES walks away from DAGGIN and joins HAWK and NEELIX. Together the three of them hurry off, leaving DAGGIN alone.
In a small nook of the subterranean world, there is a lush area filled with plants of all shapes, sizes and colours—most of which are being grown using hydroponics. There are a few Ocampa going about, tending to the plants, all of them seem content and happy. Unlike in the city, verbal conversation can be heard among the group. KES leads RIKER, RO, TUVOK, HAWK and NEELIX through the foliage.
TUVOK: (studying his tricorder) Captain, the pulses from the array continue to accelerate. The intervals between them have decreased another point eight seconds.
The group comes to an open courtyard. A few of the Ocampa look up, among them is a tall and lean man with dark hair, the surprise is clear on his face. This is DAGGIN.
DAGGIN: (shocked) Kes?
KES: Daggin!
KES runs to DAGGIN and the two embrace briefly, drawing a few knowing looks from others on the away team. More Ocampa come into the courtyard and whisper excitedly amongst themselves. Even after they part their hands remain clasped between them.
DAGGIN: (relieved) We thought we’d never see you again! How did you get back?
KES: (looking at the away team) These people rescued me from the Kazon. I'm trying to help them find three of their crewmen. Does anyone know where the aliens are kept? The ones the Caretaker sends here?
DAGGIN: I think they’re at the central clinic. But we’ve only heard about two in the city though.
RIKER: Can you take us there?
TOSCAT: (telepathically) No, she cannot.
KES hears him and looks beyond the away team to where TOSCAT, an older Ocampa, stands with a look of disapproval on his stern face.
KES: They can’t speak telepathically, Toscat. Please talk aloud.
TOSCAT: (moving closer) I didn’t mean to be rude but you should not be here.
RIKER: We’ll be happy to leave once we find our missing crewmen.
TOSCAT: That won't be possible. We cannot interfere with the Caretaker's wishes.
RO: Maybe you can't, but we can.
TOSCAT: You don't understand—
KES: (cutting him off) That's right. They don't understand. They have no way of knowing that the Ocampa have been dependent on the Caretaker for so long, we can't even think for ourselves any more. They don't understand we were once a people who had full command of our mind's abilities.
TOSCAT: The stories of our ancestor's cognitive abilities are apocryphal. At the very least exaggerated.
KES: We lost those abilities because we stopped using them.
TOSCAT: We should not dwell on what's been lost but on all that's been gained.
KES: We've gained a talent for dependence, for simply taking what we're given. I'm going to help them, Toscat, whether you like it or not, and I think my friends will join me.
TOSCAT takes KES to the side, so they have a little bit of privacy.
TOSCAT: (telepathically) You defied the Caretaker by going to the surface, Kes. Learn from the experience. Follow the path he has set for us.
KES: I've learned very well, Toscat. I saw the sunlight. (she is almost moved to tears by the memory) I can't believe that our Caretaker would forbid us to open our eyes and see the sky.
There is a brief moment when she faces up to him and doesn’t back down. He looks a little anxious. Before he can say anything more, KES turns back to the away team and the gathered Ocampans.
KES: (determined) Come with me. We'll find your people.
As KES leads them away from the courtyard and the defeated TOSCAT, RIKER looks from KES to TOSCAT and back again, a sly smile spread across his face—there is definitely more to KES than meets the eye.
[Shaft]
LAVELLE and TORRES enter a narrow chamber that stretches up farther than they can see. Both of them carry torches and shovels. Around the walls of the shaft is a metal staircase and flickering low level lighting. LAVELLE and TORRES look upwards, before moving to the staircase and slowly starting to climb. By the time they get halfway up the second flight, they are already sweating. TORRES is in the lead. LAVELLE stops and grips the banister, showing signs that he is getting dizzy. Slowly, he slumps down onto the steps and is breathing heavily.
TORRES: Come on. Don’t let it beat you, Starfleet. Come on!
LAVELLE: (exhausted, shaking his head) I’m sorry.
TORRES looks ahead of them, and then back down at LAVELLE. A knowing look on her face, saying that this is going to be a long and hard climb. She goes down a few steps and sits down beside him.
TORRES: It’s alright. We’ll rest a minute.
LAVELLE: (half jokingly) Maybe I'd do better if I had a little Klingon blood in me.
TORRES: (scoffs) Trust me, it's more trouble than it's worth.
LAVELLE: You know…I spent my whole life getting ready for Starfleet. And on my very first mission, I'm going to die.
TORRES: We're not finished yet Starfleet. I know a few things that old Sneezy didn't teach in his survival course.
LAVELLE: (curious) Sneezy?
TORRES: Commander Zakarian, remember? He must have been allergic to everything.
LAVELLE: (surprised) You went to the Academy?
TORRES: (with a faint sad smile) Actually made it into the second year before we…eh…we mutually agreed that it wasn't the place for me.
LAVELLE: You know, I never really liked Zakarian.
There is a brief moment between them. In the silence the pulses increase in speed, until they are almost constant.
TORRES: Shh. Listen. They’re getting faster.
LAVELLE hauls himself to his feet and offers a hand to TORRES.
LAVELLE: Something tells me. We’d best be moving.
TORRES grips his arm and gets to her feet. The pair start climbing upwards once again.
[Central Clinic, Ocampa]
RIKER, RO and TUVOK all enter the reception area of the clinic, their arrival brings worried looks from the staff and patients alike. Behind the desk a young nurse is speaking telepathically with LIA. Their conversation stops as they look at the three newcomers. RIKER approaches the desk.
RIKER: We’re looking for the three aliens sent here by the Caretaker.
There is a moment of stunned silence as they just look at RIKER.
RIKER: Please, can you help us.
LIA: I am Doctor Lia, the physician that is treating them.
RO: (stepping forward) Treating them for what?
LIA: Their illness. The Caretaker sent them to us so that we would look after them.
RIKER: Can you take us to their rooms?
LIA: (hesitantly) Lavelle and Torres are out in the city.
RIKER: What about Ezri?
LIA: (a look of sympathy crosses her face) She is very ill, worse than any other that the Caretaker has sent to us. We have her in an isolation room. But none of our treatments are having any effect.
LIA leads them away from reception and towards the isolation room. As they head through the corridors and up the stairs the pulses get increasingly faster.
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Riker to Hawk.
HAWK: (=/\=) Hawk here, go ahead.
RIKER: Lavelle and Torres aren’t here, they’re in the city somewhere.
HAWK: (=/\=) We’ve spoken to a few people that saw them earlier. But there’s been no sign of them for at least the last hour.
RIKER: We’ve found Counsellor Tigan. Keep look for the others. Riker out.
They are led into the isolation room, where TIGAN is once again conscious and groaning in pain. The growths now cover much of her body, she is shivering and tears roll down her cheeks. ARAN is in the room, trying to comfort her. He is startled by the arrival of the new arrivals. RIKER stops dead in his tracks when he sees TIGAN. RO gasps from just inside the doorway. TUVOK moves closer and opens his tricorder.
RO: (softly) By the Prophets.
RIKER: (looks at LIA) What’s wrong with her?
LIA: We don’t know. Over the last few months, the Caretaker has asked us to treat many with this condition. But all of our efforts have failed.
TUVOK: (looking up from his tricorder) Captain, she is showing signs of genetic manipulation on a scale I have never seen before. Someone appears to have been attempting to alter her genome, but the manipulation has been resulted in numerous mutations and her immune system has been severely compromised.
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Riker to Stadi.
STADI: (=/\=) Go ahead.
RIKER: Aiva, lock in on my co-ordinates. You’ll find Trill bio-signs. Beam her directly to Sickbay and alert the holo-doc to prepare for a medical emergency.
STADI: (=/\=) Understood. Locking on.
A moment later, TIGAN is beamed up. With the bed empty, RIKER looks back at LIA.
RIKER: Are the others in a similar condition?
LIA: They are all suffering from the same affliction, but the other’s haven’t progressed as far as her.
RIKER: Any ideas where they might be?
LIA: If I did I would tell you.
ARAN: (speaking up) They’re heading for the surface. (everyone stops and looks at him) I got them tools and told them where the tunnels were. They said that once they got to the surface, they could be able to find you and get help.
RIKER: Thank you.
RIKER hurries out of the isolation room, RO and TUVOK close behind. As they reach the escalator, the pulses suddenly do quiet. They look upwards, curious. All around, the Ocampa are panicked and worried.
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Away team to Voyager.
STADI: (=/\=) Voyager here.
RIKER: What’s going on with the Array?
[Bridge]
STADI moves from the command area down to the Conn and consults with the monitor, which shows a graphic of the Array altering its position.
STADI: It’s no longer sending out pulses, and appears to realigning it’s position.
RIKER: (=/\=) Keep me informed. Riker out.
[Ocampan City]
The trio emerge from the hospital as KES, HAWK, NEELIX and DAGGIN approach.
HAWK: Tigan?
RIKER: It looks bad. (he quickly shakes off the memory, becoming all business once again) One of the nurses said he sent Lavelle and Torres towards some tunnels that led to the surface.
KES: The entrance for the tunnel network isn’t far from here.
RIKER: Mr Hawk, you and Neelix go with her. Start checking them out. We’ll try to find out more about—
BOOM! The entire city shakes. The away team is shaken, but remains on their feet. There are panicked cries from the Ocampa as they scraper away. BOOM!
STADI: (=/\=) Voyager to Riker.
RIKER: Go ahead.
[Bridge]
STADI has now moved up to Tactical where ROLLINS is tracking weapons fire.
STADI: Captain, the array is firing some kind of weapon at the surface. It seems to be trying to seal the energy conduits.
RIKER: (=/\=) Understood. Keep a channel open.
[Ocampan City]
RIKER looks at HAWK, KES, NEELIX and DAGGIN.
RIKER: Get moving. Comm me when you find them.
HAWK: Aye sir.
RIKER, RO and TUVOK go off in a separate direction. As HAWK leads NEELIX and KES away, DAGGIN grabs her arm and pulls her to face him. BOOM! HAWK and NEELIX stop to look back at them.
DAGGIN: (frightened) What are you doing?
KES: (perplexed) I’m going to help them.
DAGGIN: (frightened) You’ve told them where to go. We need to find shelter!
KES: (pulling her arm free of his grip) I told them I would help them find their crewmen. The ancient tunnels are like a maze, they need someone to help navigate all the passages.
KES walks away from DAGGIN and joins HAWK and NEELIX. Together the three of them hurry off, leaving DAGGIN alone.
[Sickbay]
STADI enters Sickbay to find the DOCTOR busy at the central biobed, where TIGAN lies unconscious. She pauses for a moment as she watches the hologram work in a precise and highly efficient manner. As he activates the scanning apparatus and steps over to the console to review the results. STADI walks over to join him.
STADI: What’s the prognosis Doctor?
DOCTOR: (irritated) Once I know something then— (the computer chirps) Hmm. This appears to be extremely advanced genetic engineering techniques that have been poorly implemented. Some of the sequences haven’t been properly coded, and as a result they are degrading, which in turn has severely compromised her immune system.
STADI: (scrutinises him) Can you handle that?
DOCTOR: (scrutinises her) I am programmed to be adaptable and innovative.
ROLLINS: (=/\=) Bridge to Stadi.
STADI: Go ahead, Ensign.
ROLLINS: (=/\=) We’ve just detected three small ships coming up from the planets surface.
STADI: What’s their heading?
ROLLINS: (=/\=) They’re moving away from us, bearing one-six-one-mark-twelve.
STADI: Inform the Captain. I’m on my way. (she looks back the DOCTOR) Keep me posted Doc.
DOCTOR: Aye sir.
STADI heads for the exit, but pauses and looks back at door and watches as the DOCTOR moves back to the biobed and begins running a medical device over TIGAN. She stays for a moment longer before heading back towards the bridge.
[Ocampan City]
RIKER, RO and TUVOK are hurrying along a gangway, as the chamber continues to shake under the impact of the Caretaker’s weaponry. Terrified Ocampa continue to rush past them.
RO: If the array is the Ocampa's sole source of energy, why would the Caretaker seal the conduits?
TUVOK: He would seal them if he no longer intended to use them, to protect the Ocampa from their enemies. (to RIKER) Captain, there is now enough evidence to form a reasonable hypothesis. I believe that the Caretaker is dying.
RIKER: Explain.
TUVOK: First, he increases the energy supply to provide the city with a surplus to last at least five years. Then he seals the conduits. The logical conclusion is that he does not intend to continue his role as Caretaker.
RO: That doesn't necessarily mean he's dying. He could be leaving.
TUVOK: Doubtful. Not after a millennium of providing for these people. I believe that the Caretaker owes something to the Ocampa. I believe the debt that can never repaid is very likely a debt to them. In addition, there were his frequent references to running out of time. I believe he knew his death was imminent.
RIKER: If he dies, how the hell are we supposed to get home?
[Shaft]
HAWK, NEELIX and KES enter one of the many shafts. HAWK has his tricorder open and aims it upwards. The device scans for a couple of seconds before chirping in an affirmative manner.
HAWK: They’re in this one. (shouting) Lavelle!
His voice echoes up the shaft, but there is no answer to his call. Immediately, he is one the stairs and climbing them quickly.
HAWK: (tapping his combadge) Hawk to Riker.
RIKER: (=/\=) Go ahead.
HAWK: They're in one of the tunnels, Captain. I can't see them, but they're up there. We're going after them.
[Ocampan City]
The trio arrive in another plaza, which is pretty much deserted, only a few stragglers remain. RIKER comes to a stop in the middle of the plaza (a look of relief on his face) and RO and TUVOK stop as well. RO continues to look around them, at just how empty the place has become.
RIKER: Call for transport when you have them, Hawk. We’ll meet you onboard the ship. (tapping his combadge) Riker to Voyager.
STADI: (=/\=) Voyager here.
RIKER: Three to beam up.
[Bridge]
STADI is going from Ops to Tactical as she speaks with RIKER. Much of the damage that was on the Bridge has now been fully repaired.
STADI: Standby.
She nods at ROLLINS who starts imputing controls on his console. After a moment he looks up and shakes his head.
ROLLINS: I can’t get a lock, Lieutenant. The weapons fire from the array has irradiated the planet's crust. The transport sensors can't find the breaches in the security barrier.
STADI: (into the comm-link) I’m sorry, but we can’t beam you out until you get past the security barrier, Captain.
[Ocampan City]
RIKER: Understood. (looks back at RO and TUVOK) Come on. There’s only one other way out of here.
RIKER and the others break into a run.
STADI enters Sickbay to find the DOCTOR busy at the central biobed, where TIGAN lies unconscious. She pauses for a moment as she watches the hologram work in a precise and highly efficient manner. As he activates the scanning apparatus and steps over to the console to review the results. STADI walks over to join him.
STADI: What’s the prognosis Doctor?
DOCTOR: (irritated) Once I know something then— (the computer chirps) Hmm. This appears to be extremely advanced genetic engineering techniques that have been poorly implemented. Some of the sequences haven’t been properly coded, and as a result they are degrading, which in turn has severely compromised her immune system.
STADI: (scrutinises him) Can you handle that?
DOCTOR: (scrutinises her) I am programmed to be adaptable and innovative.
ROLLINS: (=/\=) Bridge to Stadi.
STADI: Go ahead, Ensign.
ROLLINS: (=/\=) We’ve just detected three small ships coming up from the planets surface.
STADI: What’s their heading?
ROLLINS: (=/\=) They’re moving away from us, bearing one-six-one-mark-twelve.
STADI: Inform the Captain. I’m on my way. (she looks back the DOCTOR) Keep me posted Doc.
DOCTOR: Aye sir.
STADI heads for the exit, but pauses and looks back at door and watches as the DOCTOR moves back to the biobed and begins running a medical device over TIGAN. She stays for a moment longer before heading back towards the bridge.
[Ocampan City]
RIKER, RO and TUVOK are hurrying along a gangway, as the chamber continues to shake under the impact of the Caretaker’s weaponry. Terrified Ocampa continue to rush past them.
RO: If the array is the Ocampa's sole source of energy, why would the Caretaker seal the conduits?
TUVOK: He would seal them if he no longer intended to use them, to protect the Ocampa from their enemies. (to RIKER) Captain, there is now enough evidence to form a reasonable hypothesis. I believe that the Caretaker is dying.
RIKER: Explain.
TUVOK: First, he increases the energy supply to provide the city with a surplus to last at least five years. Then he seals the conduits. The logical conclusion is that he does not intend to continue his role as Caretaker.
RO: That doesn't necessarily mean he's dying. He could be leaving.
TUVOK: Doubtful. Not after a millennium of providing for these people. I believe that the Caretaker owes something to the Ocampa. I believe the debt that can never repaid is very likely a debt to them. In addition, there were his frequent references to running out of time. I believe he knew his death was imminent.
RIKER: If he dies, how the hell are we supposed to get home?
[Shaft]
HAWK, NEELIX and KES enter one of the many shafts. HAWK has his tricorder open and aims it upwards. The device scans for a couple of seconds before chirping in an affirmative manner.
HAWK: They’re in this one. (shouting) Lavelle!
His voice echoes up the shaft, but there is no answer to his call. Immediately, he is one the stairs and climbing them quickly.
HAWK: (tapping his combadge) Hawk to Riker.
RIKER: (=/\=) Go ahead.
HAWK: They're in one of the tunnels, Captain. I can't see them, but they're up there. We're going after them.
[Ocampan City]
The trio arrive in another plaza, which is pretty much deserted, only a few stragglers remain. RIKER comes to a stop in the middle of the plaza (a look of relief on his face) and RO and TUVOK stop as well. RO continues to look around them, at just how empty the place has become.
RIKER: Call for transport when you have them, Hawk. We’ll meet you onboard the ship. (tapping his combadge) Riker to Voyager.
STADI: (=/\=) Voyager here.
RIKER: Three to beam up.
[Bridge]
STADI is going from Ops to Tactical as she speaks with RIKER. Much of the damage that was on the Bridge has now been fully repaired.
STADI: Standby.
She nods at ROLLINS who starts imputing controls on his console. After a moment he looks up and shakes his head.
ROLLINS: I can’t get a lock, Lieutenant. The weapons fire from the array has irradiated the planet's crust. The transport sensors can't find the breaches in the security barrier.
STADI: (into the comm-link) I’m sorry, but we can’t beam you out until you get past the security barrier, Captain.
[Ocampan City]
RIKER: Understood. (looks back at RO and TUVOK) Come on. There’s only one other way out of here.
RIKER and the others break into a run.
This is getting better and better, though I'm having a little trouble keeping up with it. 
[Shaft]
HAWK, NEELIX and KES are making good progress up the old stairs. The weapons fire echoes right down the shaft, making it sound more ominous than in the city.
RIKER: (=/\=) Riker to Hawk.
HAWK: (not slowing down) Go ahead
RIKER: (=/\=) The transporters aren’t working. You're going to have to find a breach in the security barrier when you get to the top.
HAWK: Understood.
RIKER: (=/\=) We're a few minutes behind you. Riker out.
They continue climbing for a short time. Before HAWK’s tricorder starts to beep. He pauses for a second to check out the display. A look of relief crosses his face and he look upwards a few flights. Sitting on the steps, his legs dangling over the side, resting on the railing is LAVELLE. Just ahead of his is TORRES. Both are completely exhausted and unable to go on any further.
HAWK: (pointing) There they are!
HAWK climbs even faster, with the other two managing to keep pace, until they reach LAVELLE and TORRES. HAWK crouches down and begins to run his tricorder over them.
LAVELLE: I must be delirious with fever, I’m not annoyed to see you again Hawk.
HAWK: I missed you too Lavelle.
NEELIX effortlessly helps TORRES to her feet and takes her weight, whilst HAWK and KES see to LAVELLE. Together they begin climbing the stairs again.
HAWK: (tapping his combadge) Hawk to Riker.
RIKER: (=/\=) Go ahead.
HAWK: We’ve got them, sir.
Down at the bottom of the shaft, RIKER, TUVOK and RO start to climb the steps.
RIKER: Don’t wait for us. Get them back to the ship.
KES: (her tone soothing and reassuring) Don’t worry. I know we can get through the barrier.
They climb the last few flights of stairs. On the second to last one, there is another weapons blast and the metal steps groan. But they quickly get up them and continue onwards.
[Tunnel]
HAWK and the others are making their way through a wide tunnel. There is the faint crackle of energy when they round a corner and find the forcefield. At one end side of the tunnel a rock had fallen and created a very narrow gap. As they near it, KES takes the lead.
KES: Whatever you do, don't touch it. We've been told it'll burn your skin off.
She presses herself up against the wall and starts edging towards field. She manages to ease past the field, though it is only a few centimetres from her face. Once on the other side, NEELIX moves forward and helps TORRES slide through the forcefield, before he climbs through as well. HAWK then helps LAVELLE through, before he climbs through as well. Once they’re all through, they carry on down the tunnel.
[Shaft]
RIKER, TUVOK and RO continue running up the steps. The weapon blasts still echo down the shaft.
RIKER: They’re not far ahead of us. Keep going!
[Tunnel]
HAWK and the others come to a section of tunnel where the ceiling has collapsed and the passage is impassable. HAWK pulls out his tricorder and scans ahead of them, then slips it back onto his belt and pulls out his phaser.
HAWK: Looks like we’re at the top. Neelix, you still got your phaser on you?
NEELIX: Of course.
NEELIX draws his weapon from a small pocket. He and HAWK take aim and fire. Rocks and dust come tumbling down, quickly followed by rays of sunlight that get larger and larger, until a big hole has been created. They stop firing and holster their weapons. HAWK starts to climb up the rubble.
[Planet’s Surface]
HAWK leads the way out onto the planet’s sun baked surface. Once he is out he helps TORRES, KES, and LAVELLE up and then as KES takes TORRES and he supports LAVELLE, NEELIX climbs up and helps KES.
HAWK: Voyager, can you get a lock on us now?
ROLLINS: (=/\=) Affirmative. But I'm reading only five signals.
HAWK: The others are—
An enormous weapons blast descends from the clouds, heading for the hills very close to where they emerged.
HAWK: Get down!
They throw themselves to the dusty ground, HAWK and NEELIX covering the others, just as the blast hits the ground.
[Shaft]
The explosion is louder than any of the previous once. Close to the top of the stairs, on the second to last flight, RIKER, TUVOK and RO are thrown off balance. The stairs groan and buckle. Startled cries are heard as dust fills the shaft.
[Planet’s Surface]
HAWK looks back at the hole to see a cloud of dust emerge along with the sounds of crashing rocks and groaning metal.
HAWK: (slapping his combadge) Hawk to Riker. Ro, Tuvok, do you read? Voyager, prepare to transport everyone in this group except me.
ROLLINS: (=/\=) Acknowledged. Locking on.
NEELIX: (in disbelief) You’re going back there?
HAWK: They could need my help.
NEELIX looks at KES and the others. KES is watching them, curious. LAVELLE is stunned to see HAWK acting so selflessly.
NEELIX: There’s three of them, you’ll need a hand.
HAWK: (gives him a nod and takes the combadge from NEELIX’s chest and hands it to KES) Voyager, make that three to beam up. Lock in on the other combadge and energise.
ROLLINS: (=/\=) Aye.
KES, LAVELLE and TORRES vanish in a transporter beam. HAWK and NEELIX head back for the hole.
[Shaft]
TUVOK is unconscious, green blood runs from a deep gash above his left eye. RIKER is looking him over. Further down the rickety staircase—which is being held up by the frailest of supports—RO is propped up on the railing, cringing in pain, she tries to move but cries out in pain. RIKER looks down at her, though separated by only a few meters, he can’t get to her.
RO: I think my leg is broken. I can’t move!
RIKER: Hold on.
HAWK and NEELIX step back into the shaft and find the others near the top. They hurry down to help.
RIKER: Neelix, help me with Tuvok.
NEELIX moves to take TUVOK’s legs as RIKER takes his shoulders. HAWK moves past them, heading for the stairs.
HAWK: I’ll get Ro.
As RIKER and NEELIX lift TUVOK up, off the stairs and into the tunnel, HAWK moves forward and starts assessing the situation, looking for the best way to get down to RO. Another weapons hit dislodges the metal from the rock wall and breaks the joins. RO is hanging on by her fingertips. HAWK slowly edges out onto the steps, clutching onto ledges and metal beams for support.
RO: Get out of here, Hawk! Before the whole thing comes down!
HAWK: I intend to, as soon as I get you up.
RO: It’s barely holding my weight. There’s no way it’ll hold the both of us! We’ll both be killed.
HAWK doesn’t listen and continues on, getting closer centimetre by centimetre.
RO: Don’t try to be a hero Hawk! It doesn’t suit you!
HAWK: (focused on the climb) And you’ve never done something you regretted afterwards?
There is another explosion close by, the remains of the stairs groan and more dust falls.
RO: I was fighting to liberate others from Cardassian oppression. It was never your fight! Why would you do the things you did?
HAWK: You shouldn’t believe everything you hear. I’m not proud of what I did in the Maquis—I channelled grief into anger and revenge, thinking I could repay the Cardies for what they did to… (he trails off due to painful memories, and focuses once again on the stairs) But I was wrong. Being locked up gave me time to think and get some perspective.
RO: So what? Now you’re looking for some kind of penance?
HAWK crosses from the wall to the railing where RO is clinging on. He hooks his arm under her and starts trying to get into a position to carry her out. RO grits her teeth and bears pain.
HAWK: (quietly) I want peace.
There is another loud groan and the stairs shift under them. HAWK hauls RO onto his back.
HAWK: Maybe we can finish this once we’re out of serious danger.
With RO’s arms around his neck, HAWK pulls them both up the remaining steps, which groan loudly under their weight. They cross slowly across the gaping metal frame. RO grunting in pain every once in a while. It takes them a few moments, but soon they are on to the last flight of stairs. Just as they step off there is another weapons blast and the steps buckle and fall, hitting off the stairs and the walls on the way down. Safe, they head up to the tunnel. Shifting position so that RO has her weight on HAWK’s shoulder as they enter the tunnel.
[Sickbay]
In Sickbay the EMH is busy at the central biobed, where he is treating RO’s broken leg. TIGAN has been moved onto one of the other beds, where she is resting comfortably, the growths gone. LAVELLE and TORRES are at the other beds, both fully healed and in the process of getting dressed. RIKER, TUVOK (now fully healed and in a clean uniform) and HAWK are also present. RIKER is close to TIGAN’s bed, where he looks down on her sleeping.
STADI: (=/\=) Bridge to Riker.
RIKER: Riker here.
STADI: (=/\=) Captain, sensors have detected two Kazon ships approaching the Array. The configuration is slightly larger than the ships that took off from the planet.
RIKER: Set a course, warp seven as soon as we’re clear of the planet’s orbit.
STADI: (=/\=) Aye sir.
RO: (hops down off the bed and looks at TORRES) We’d better get back to our ship.
DOCTOR: I strongly advise you to rest. I will not be held responsible for the consequences.
RO and TORRES ignore him and head out. TUVOK and HAWK close behind. As LAVELLE pulls on his jacket the DOCTOR steps over to him.
DOCTOR: Is the crew always this difficult?
LAVELLE: I don’t know doc. It’s my first mission.
RIKER gives LAVELLE a supportive pat on the shoulder, but stays for a moment longer. After the doors close he looks at the EMH.
RIKER: Doc, what about Ezri?
DOCTOR: Whatever this Caretaker did to them, her condition complicated matters.
RIKER: Her condition?
DOCTOR: Yes. She’s pregnant.
A monitor chirps and the EMH moves off to address it, leaving a stunned RIKER looking at TIGAN. He remains for a moment longer before heading for the exit as well.
[Bridge]
RIKER emerges from the turbolift. TUVOK, LAVELLE and STADI are all at their places, HAWK in standing in the command area, behind and just to the left of ROLLINS at the Conn. He steps down the to command area and looks at the viewscreen.
RIKER: ETA?
ROLLINS: Six minutes at present speed.
LAVELLE: The Maquis ship is maintaining a flanking position to port.
RIKER: Bring all tactical systems online.
TUVOK: Raising shields. Powering phaser banks and loading torpedoes.
RIKER: Red alert.
The lights dim, red panels flash and klaxons sound.
[Space]
Voyager and the Maquis ship drop out of warp on approach to the Array. Two Kazon ships are there, tucked in close to the facility, but as Voyager approaches they move out. Their appearance is sharp and aggressive, brimming with weapon ports.
HAWK, NEELIX and KES are making good progress up the old stairs. The weapons fire echoes right down the shaft, making it sound more ominous than in the city.
RIKER: (=/\=) Riker to Hawk.
HAWK: (not slowing down) Go ahead
RIKER: (=/\=) The transporters aren’t working. You're going to have to find a breach in the security barrier when you get to the top.
HAWK: Understood.
RIKER: (=/\=) We're a few minutes behind you. Riker out.
They continue climbing for a short time. Before HAWK’s tricorder starts to beep. He pauses for a second to check out the display. A look of relief crosses his face and he look upwards a few flights. Sitting on the steps, his legs dangling over the side, resting on the railing is LAVELLE. Just ahead of his is TORRES. Both are completely exhausted and unable to go on any further.
HAWK: (pointing) There they are!
HAWK climbs even faster, with the other two managing to keep pace, until they reach LAVELLE and TORRES. HAWK crouches down and begins to run his tricorder over them.
LAVELLE: I must be delirious with fever, I’m not annoyed to see you again Hawk.
HAWK: I missed you too Lavelle.
NEELIX effortlessly helps TORRES to her feet and takes her weight, whilst HAWK and KES see to LAVELLE. Together they begin climbing the stairs again.
HAWK: (tapping his combadge) Hawk to Riker.
RIKER: (=/\=) Go ahead.
HAWK: We’ve got them, sir.
Down at the bottom of the shaft, RIKER, TUVOK and RO start to climb the steps.
RIKER: Don’t wait for us. Get them back to the ship.
KES: (her tone soothing and reassuring) Don’t worry. I know we can get through the barrier.
They climb the last few flights of stairs. On the second to last one, there is another weapons blast and the metal steps groan. But they quickly get up them and continue onwards.
[Tunnel]
HAWK and the others are making their way through a wide tunnel. There is the faint crackle of energy when they round a corner and find the forcefield. At one end side of the tunnel a rock had fallen and created a very narrow gap. As they near it, KES takes the lead.
KES: Whatever you do, don't touch it. We've been told it'll burn your skin off.
She presses herself up against the wall and starts edging towards field. She manages to ease past the field, though it is only a few centimetres from her face. Once on the other side, NEELIX moves forward and helps TORRES slide through the forcefield, before he climbs through as well. HAWK then helps LAVELLE through, before he climbs through as well. Once they’re all through, they carry on down the tunnel.
[Shaft]
RIKER, TUVOK and RO continue running up the steps. The weapon blasts still echo down the shaft.
RIKER: They’re not far ahead of us. Keep going!
[Tunnel]
HAWK and the others come to a section of tunnel where the ceiling has collapsed and the passage is impassable. HAWK pulls out his tricorder and scans ahead of them, then slips it back onto his belt and pulls out his phaser.
HAWK: Looks like we’re at the top. Neelix, you still got your phaser on you?
NEELIX: Of course.
NEELIX draws his weapon from a small pocket. He and HAWK take aim and fire. Rocks and dust come tumbling down, quickly followed by rays of sunlight that get larger and larger, until a big hole has been created. They stop firing and holster their weapons. HAWK starts to climb up the rubble.
[Planet’s Surface]
HAWK leads the way out onto the planet’s sun baked surface. Once he is out he helps TORRES, KES, and LAVELLE up and then as KES takes TORRES and he supports LAVELLE, NEELIX climbs up and helps KES.
HAWK: Voyager, can you get a lock on us now?
ROLLINS: (=/\=) Affirmative. But I'm reading only five signals.
HAWK: The others are—
An enormous weapons blast descends from the clouds, heading for the hills very close to where they emerged.
HAWK: Get down!
They throw themselves to the dusty ground, HAWK and NEELIX covering the others, just as the blast hits the ground.
[Shaft]
The explosion is louder than any of the previous once. Close to the top of the stairs, on the second to last flight, RIKER, TUVOK and RO are thrown off balance. The stairs groan and buckle. Startled cries are heard as dust fills the shaft.
[Planet’s Surface]
HAWK looks back at the hole to see a cloud of dust emerge along with the sounds of crashing rocks and groaning metal.
HAWK: (slapping his combadge) Hawk to Riker. Ro, Tuvok, do you read? Voyager, prepare to transport everyone in this group except me.
ROLLINS: (=/\=) Acknowledged. Locking on.
NEELIX: (in disbelief) You’re going back there?
HAWK: They could need my help.
NEELIX looks at KES and the others. KES is watching them, curious. LAVELLE is stunned to see HAWK acting so selflessly.
NEELIX: There’s three of them, you’ll need a hand.
HAWK: (gives him a nod and takes the combadge from NEELIX’s chest and hands it to KES) Voyager, make that three to beam up. Lock in on the other combadge and energise.
ROLLINS: (=/\=) Aye.
KES, LAVELLE and TORRES vanish in a transporter beam. HAWK and NEELIX head back for the hole.
[Shaft]
TUVOK is unconscious, green blood runs from a deep gash above his left eye. RIKER is looking him over. Further down the rickety staircase—which is being held up by the frailest of supports—RO is propped up on the railing, cringing in pain, she tries to move but cries out in pain. RIKER looks down at her, though separated by only a few meters, he can’t get to her.
RO: I think my leg is broken. I can’t move!
RIKER: Hold on.
HAWK and NEELIX step back into the shaft and find the others near the top. They hurry down to help.
RIKER: Neelix, help me with Tuvok.
NEELIX moves to take TUVOK’s legs as RIKER takes his shoulders. HAWK moves past them, heading for the stairs.
HAWK: I’ll get Ro.
As RIKER and NEELIX lift TUVOK up, off the stairs and into the tunnel, HAWK moves forward and starts assessing the situation, looking for the best way to get down to RO. Another weapons hit dislodges the metal from the rock wall and breaks the joins. RO is hanging on by her fingertips. HAWK slowly edges out onto the steps, clutching onto ledges and metal beams for support.
RO: Get out of here, Hawk! Before the whole thing comes down!
HAWK: I intend to, as soon as I get you up.
RO: It’s barely holding my weight. There’s no way it’ll hold the both of us! We’ll both be killed.
HAWK doesn’t listen and continues on, getting closer centimetre by centimetre.
RO: Don’t try to be a hero Hawk! It doesn’t suit you!
HAWK: (focused on the climb) And you’ve never done something you regretted afterwards?
There is another explosion close by, the remains of the stairs groan and more dust falls.
RO: I was fighting to liberate others from Cardassian oppression. It was never your fight! Why would you do the things you did?
HAWK: You shouldn’t believe everything you hear. I’m not proud of what I did in the Maquis—I channelled grief into anger and revenge, thinking I could repay the Cardies for what they did to… (he trails off due to painful memories, and focuses once again on the stairs) But I was wrong. Being locked up gave me time to think and get some perspective.
RO: So what? Now you’re looking for some kind of penance?
HAWK crosses from the wall to the railing where RO is clinging on. He hooks his arm under her and starts trying to get into a position to carry her out. RO grits her teeth and bears pain.
HAWK: (quietly) I want peace.
There is another loud groan and the stairs shift under them. HAWK hauls RO onto his back.
HAWK: Maybe we can finish this once we’re out of serious danger.
With RO’s arms around his neck, HAWK pulls them both up the remaining steps, which groan loudly under their weight. They cross slowly across the gaping metal frame. RO grunting in pain every once in a while. It takes them a few moments, but soon they are on to the last flight of stairs. Just as they step off there is another weapons blast and the steps buckle and fall, hitting off the stairs and the walls on the way down. Safe, they head up to the tunnel. Shifting position so that RO has her weight on HAWK’s shoulder as they enter the tunnel.
[Sickbay]
In Sickbay the EMH is busy at the central biobed, where he is treating RO’s broken leg. TIGAN has been moved onto one of the other beds, where she is resting comfortably, the growths gone. LAVELLE and TORRES are at the other beds, both fully healed and in the process of getting dressed. RIKER, TUVOK (now fully healed and in a clean uniform) and HAWK are also present. RIKER is close to TIGAN’s bed, where he looks down on her sleeping.
STADI: (=/\=) Bridge to Riker.
RIKER: Riker here.
STADI: (=/\=) Captain, sensors have detected two Kazon ships approaching the Array. The configuration is slightly larger than the ships that took off from the planet.
RIKER: Set a course, warp seven as soon as we’re clear of the planet’s orbit.
STADI: (=/\=) Aye sir.
RO: (hops down off the bed and looks at TORRES) We’d better get back to our ship.
DOCTOR: I strongly advise you to rest. I will not be held responsible for the consequences.
RO and TORRES ignore him and head out. TUVOK and HAWK close behind. As LAVELLE pulls on his jacket the DOCTOR steps over to him.
DOCTOR: Is the crew always this difficult?
LAVELLE: I don’t know doc. It’s my first mission.
RIKER gives LAVELLE a supportive pat on the shoulder, but stays for a moment longer. After the doors close he looks at the EMH.
RIKER: Doc, what about Ezri?
DOCTOR: Whatever this Caretaker did to them, her condition complicated matters.
RIKER: Her condition?
DOCTOR: Yes. She’s pregnant.
A monitor chirps and the EMH moves off to address it, leaving a stunned RIKER looking at TIGAN. He remains for a moment longer before heading for the exit as well.
[Bridge]
RIKER emerges from the turbolift. TUVOK, LAVELLE and STADI are all at their places, HAWK in standing in the command area, behind and just to the left of ROLLINS at the Conn. He steps down the to command area and looks at the viewscreen.
RIKER: ETA?
ROLLINS: Six minutes at present speed.
LAVELLE: The Maquis ship is maintaining a flanking position to port.
RIKER: Bring all tactical systems online.
TUVOK: Raising shields. Powering phaser banks and loading torpedoes.
RIKER: Red alert.
The lights dim, red panels flash and klaxons sound.
[Space]
Voyager and the Maquis ship drop out of warp on approach to the Array. Two Kazon ships are there, tucked in close to the facility, but as Voyager approaches they move out. Their appearance is sharp and aggressive, brimming with weapon ports.
[Bridge]
LAVELLE: The lead Kazon ship is hailing us.
RIKER: On screen.
On the viewscreen, the two Kazon ships are replaced with JABIN, who still looks angry at their escape.
JABIN: (viewscreen) Have you come to investigate the entity's strange behaviour too, Captain?
RIKER: All we care about is getting home, Jabin. We're about to transport over to the Array to see if we can arrange it.
JABIN: (viewscreen) I won’t permit that.
RIKER: We have no dispute with you.
JABIN: (viewscreen) I have a dispute with anyone who would challenge us.
RIKER: This is ridiculous. We have no intention of challenging you.
JABIN: (viewscreen) And I have no intention of letting anyone with your technological knowledge board the Array.
RIKER: Jabin, can we discuss this like two civilised—
The transmission is cut and the viewscreen reverts to the two ships. Their weapon ports glow.
TUVOK: They are charging weapons.
RIKER: (quietly) I guess we can’t.
RIKER heads for his seat just as the ship rocks under the impact of the Kazon’s weapons.
TUVOK: Shields are holding.
RIKER: (sitting) Fire phasers. Evasive pattern, delta four.
[Space]
As the Kazon fire again, Voyager unleashes her phasers, hitting the lead ship with pinpoint accuracy. The Maquis ship breaks formation and goes after the second ship. The Kazon are large than the Maquis but smaller than Voyager, but their weapons pack a big punch.
[Cockpit, Maquis Raider]
RO and TORRES are back at their posts, whilst AYALA is at Tactical. The little ship is using its superior manoeuvrability against the Kazon, hits are few and far between. The ragtag crew work extremely well, RO hardly has to give any orders during the battle.
RIKER: (=/\=) Voyager to Ro. Tuvok and I are beaming to the Array. Can you distract the Kazon long enough for transport?
RO: Captain, we’re used to being out gunned and outnumbered, but we always come out the other side intact.
[Bridge]
RIKER: (standing) Good. Mr Hawk, take the Conn.
HAWK: (surprised, but quickly smiles) Yes sir!
RIKER and ROLLINS head to the back of the Bridge, whilst HAWK slips into the Conn. The ship rocks again.
RIKER: Stadi, you have the Bridge. Maintain transporter locks. Emergency beam out status
STADI: Aye Captain.
ROLLINS quickly takes over from TUVOK, and he and RIKER step into the turbolift, as STADI moves over to the command area the ship is hit a couple times.
[Farm]
RIKER and TUVOK materialise on the farm once again. It has changed rather drastically since the last time. It is dark, windy and frosty. There are no animals or crops. It is definitely wintry. They sweep their area with their phasers, before pulling out their tricorders and scanning the area. They both detect the Caretaker’s lifesigns and head off towards the barn.
[Barn]
The barn is just as it was, though with maybe a little less hay. Sitting on a stool in the middle of the room, with an old-fashioned storm lamp beside him is BANJO MAN (though it’s now pretty obvious that he is the CARETAKER).
TUVOK: (studying his tricorder) The data processing system is behind this wall, Captain.
The CARETAKER begins to pluck at the banjo, the mournful sound echoes in the barn.
RIKER: You know what to do Lieutenant.
TUVOK nods and moves off. RIKER goes into the centre of the room and crouches down in front of the CARETAKER, who seems to look even older and more haggard than before.
CARETAKER: (a humourless chuckle) Well, you’re nothing if not persistent.
RIKER: (softly) We need you to send us back where we came from.
CARETAKER: (coughs then wheezes) That isn't possible. I've barely enough strength to complete my work.
RIKER: You're sealing the conduits before you die.
CARETAKER: (nodding) If I don't, the Kazon will steal the water. But in a few years, when the Ocampa's energy runs out, it won't matter. They'll be forced to come to the surface and they won't be able to survive.
RIKER: Something you did turned their planet into a desert, didn't it? That was the debt that could never be repaid.
CARETAKER: (closes his eyes for a moment then nods) We're explorers from another galaxy. We had no idea that our technology would be so destructive to their atmosphere. Two of us were chosen to stay behind and care for them.
RIKER: (hopeful) There's another like you here?
CARETAKER: (shaking his head) Not anymore. No, no. She went off to look for more interesting places.
RIKER: (has a moment to get over his disappointment) Why were you bringing ships here, infecting people with a fatal illness?
CARETAKER: (surprised) Oh, they didn't die of an illness. They died because they were incompatible.
RIKER: ‘Incompatible’?
CARETAKER: I've been searching the galaxy for a compatible bio-molecular pattern. Now, in some individuals I found cellular structures that were similar, but I—
RIKER: (shocked) You've been trying to procreate?
CARETAKER: I needed someone to replace me. Someone who'd understand the enormous responsibility of caring for the Ocampa. Only my offspring could do that.
RIKER: Did you ever consider allowing the Ocampa to care for themselves?
CARETAKER: (scoffs) They’re children.
RIKER: Children have to grow up. We're explorers too. Most of the species we've encountered have overcome all kinds of adversity without a Caretaker. It's the challenge of surviving on their own that helps them to evolve. Maybe your children will do better than you think.
STADI: (=/\=) Voyager to Riker.
RIKER: Go ahead.
STADI: (=/\=) We’ve got a problem here, Captain.
[Bridge]
STADI now sits in the centre seat, whilst on the viewscreen a massive ship with roughly the same lines as the smaller Kazon ships, comes into view, there are dozens of disruptor turrets on the forward section alone—each one glowing.
STADI: The Kazon just got some back up.
RIKER: (=/\=) We need more time. Can you hold them off for a few minutes?
STADI: (a little uncertain) We’ll do our best. Stadi out. (looks at HAWK) Evasive manoeuvres, pattern sierra. Rollins, lock torpedoes.
ROLLINS: Torpedoes locked.
STADI: Fire.
[Space]
Voyager launches two torpedoes at the Kazon mothership, which impact on the hull but seem to cause little damage. The massive ship retaliates, with multiple disruptor beams pounding into Voyager’s shields at an almost constant rate. The Starfleet ship tries to pull away, but the Kazon continue their onslaught.
LAVELLE: The lead Kazon ship is hailing us.
RIKER: On screen.
On the viewscreen, the two Kazon ships are replaced with JABIN, who still looks angry at their escape.
JABIN: (viewscreen) Have you come to investigate the entity's strange behaviour too, Captain?
RIKER: All we care about is getting home, Jabin. We're about to transport over to the Array to see if we can arrange it.
JABIN: (viewscreen) I won’t permit that.
RIKER: We have no dispute with you.
JABIN: (viewscreen) I have a dispute with anyone who would challenge us.
RIKER: This is ridiculous. We have no intention of challenging you.
JABIN: (viewscreen) And I have no intention of letting anyone with your technological knowledge board the Array.
RIKER: Jabin, can we discuss this like two civilised—
The transmission is cut and the viewscreen reverts to the two ships. Their weapon ports glow.
TUVOK: They are charging weapons.
RIKER: (quietly) I guess we can’t.
RIKER heads for his seat just as the ship rocks under the impact of the Kazon’s weapons.
TUVOK: Shields are holding.
RIKER: (sitting) Fire phasers. Evasive pattern, delta four.
[Space]
As the Kazon fire again, Voyager unleashes her phasers, hitting the lead ship with pinpoint accuracy. The Maquis ship breaks formation and goes after the second ship. The Kazon are large than the Maquis but smaller than Voyager, but their weapons pack a big punch.
[Cockpit, Maquis Raider]
RO and TORRES are back at their posts, whilst AYALA is at Tactical. The little ship is using its superior manoeuvrability against the Kazon, hits are few and far between. The ragtag crew work extremely well, RO hardly has to give any orders during the battle.
RIKER: (=/\=) Voyager to Ro. Tuvok and I are beaming to the Array. Can you distract the Kazon long enough for transport?
RO: Captain, we’re used to being out gunned and outnumbered, but we always come out the other side intact.
[Bridge]
RIKER: (standing) Good. Mr Hawk, take the Conn.
HAWK: (surprised, but quickly smiles) Yes sir!
RIKER and ROLLINS head to the back of the Bridge, whilst HAWK slips into the Conn. The ship rocks again.
RIKER: Stadi, you have the Bridge. Maintain transporter locks. Emergency beam out status
STADI: Aye Captain.
ROLLINS quickly takes over from TUVOK, and he and RIKER step into the turbolift, as STADI moves over to the command area the ship is hit a couple times.
[Farm]
RIKER and TUVOK materialise on the farm once again. It has changed rather drastically since the last time. It is dark, windy and frosty. There are no animals or crops. It is definitely wintry. They sweep their area with their phasers, before pulling out their tricorders and scanning the area. They both detect the Caretaker’s lifesigns and head off towards the barn.
[Barn]
The barn is just as it was, though with maybe a little less hay. Sitting on a stool in the middle of the room, with an old-fashioned storm lamp beside him is BANJO MAN (though it’s now pretty obvious that he is the CARETAKER).
TUVOK: (studying his tricorder) The data processing system is behind this wall, Captain.
The CARETAKER begins to pluck at the banjo, the mournful sound echoes in the barn.
RIKER: You know what to do Lieutenant.
TUVOK nods and moves off. RIKER goes into the centre of the room and crouches down in front of the CARETAKER, who seems to look even older and more haggard than before.
CARETAKER: (a humourless chuckle) Well, you’re nothing if not persistent.
RIKER: (softly) We need you to send us back where we came from.
CARETAKER: (coughs then wheezes) That isn't possible. I've barely enough strength to complete my work.
RIKER: You're sealing the conduits before you die.
CARETAKER: (nodding) If I don't, the Kazon will steal the water. But in a few years, when the Ocampa's energy runs out, it won't matter. They'll be forced to come to the surface and they won't be able to survive.
RIKER: Something you did turned their planet into a desert, didn't it? That was the debt that could never be repaid.
CARETAKER: (closes his eyes for a moment then nods) We're explorers from another galaxy. We had no idea that our technology would be so destructive to their atmosphere. Two of us were chosen to stay behind and care for them.
RIKER: (hopeful) There's another like you here?
CARETAKER: (shaking his head) Not anymore. No, no. She went off to look for more interesting places.
RIKER: (has a moment to get over his disappointment) Why were you bringing ships here, infecting people with a fatal illness?
CARETAKER: (surprised) Oh, they didn't die of an illness. They died because they were incompatible.
RIKER: ‘Incompatible’?
CARETAKER: I've been searching the galaxy for a compatible bio-molecular pattern. Now, in some individuals I found cellular structures that were similar, but I—
RIKER: (shocked) You've been trying to procreate?
CARETAKER: I needed someone to replace me. Someone who'd understand the enormous responsibility of caring for the Ocampa. Only my offspring could do that.
RIKER: Did you ever consider allowing the Ocampa to care for themselves?
CARETAKER: (scoffs) They’re children.
RIKER: Children have to grow up. We're explorers too. Most of the species we've encountered have overcome all kinds of adversity without a Caretaker. It's the challenge of surviving on their own that helps them to evolve. Maybe your children will do better than you think.
STADI: (=/\=) Voyager to Riker.
RIKER: Go ahead.
STADI: (=/\=) We’ve got a problem here, Captain.
[Bridge]
STADI now sits in the centre seat, whilst on the viewscreen a massive ship with roughly the same lines as the smaller Kazon ships, comes into view, there are dozens of disruptor turrets on the forward section alone—each one glowing.
STADI: The Kazon just got some back up.
RIKER: (=/\=) We need more time. Can you hold them off for a few minutes?
STADI: (a little uncertain) We’ll do our best. Stadi out. (looks at HAWK) Evasive manoeuvres, pattern sierra. Rollins, lock torpedoes.
ROLLINS: Torpedoes locked.
STADI: Fire.
[Space]
Voyager launches two torpedoes at the Kazon mothership, which impact on the hull but seem to cause little damage. The massive ship retaliates, with multiple disruptor beams pounding into Voyager’s shields at an almost constant rate. The Starfleet ship tries to pull away, but the Kazon continue their onslaught.
[Cockpit, Maquis Ship]
RO and TORRES watch as Voyager takes a pounding. The ship rocks slightly as they take a hit. An alarm sounds on RO’s console and see looks down at it.
RO: Their weapons array has been hit. They’re in trouble.
TORRES: Neither of us has enough fire power to stop that ship.
RO checks another monitor on her console.
RO: I'm setting a collision course, but the guidance system is disabled. I'll have to pilot the ship manually. (looks at TORRES) Get the crew ready to beam to Voyager.
TORRES scrutinises her for a moment, but a look for RO stops any questioning of her order. TORRES nods and gets out of her seat.
TORRES: Ayala, come on.
TORRES and AYALA quickly head out the exit, leaving RO alone.
RO: (tapping a comm panel) Voyager, my crew's coming over. Tell one of your hotshot Starfleet transporter chiefs to keep a lock on me. I'm going to try and take some heat off your tail.
STADI: (=/\=) Understood standing by.
[Space]
As the Maquis Raider careers towards the mothership, the two smaller Kazon ships are concentrating fire on them. The smaller ship ducks and weaves missing all the weapons fire. The mothership continues hammering Voyager. The starship tries to manoeuvre around the Array to get some cover.
[Bridge]
The ship continues to take a pounding, despite their hiding behind the Array. TORRES comes onto the Bridge, just as an injured crewman is being carried off. She comes around the command area and stands next to HAWK at the Conn. On the viewscreen, the raider is getting closer and closer to the mothership.
LAVELLE: I'm holding the lock on her, sir, but she's getting too close.
STADI: Ro, we’re getting you out of there.
RO: (=/\=) Not yet!
[Space]
The raider takes a direct hit from the mothership and streams flames and plasma, but it remains on course.
[Cockpit, Maquis Ship]
The cockpit is a mess, fires leap up from the aft consoles, the others are flickering, smoke fills the bridge, various klaxons and alarms are blaring.
STADI: (=/\=) You’re breaking up. Standby to transport!
RO: Wait.
The Kazon mothership fills the viewports. It continues to fire on the raider, which takes more damage. There is no chance that the raider will miss.
RO: (shouting) Now!
Seconds before impact a transporter beam envelopes RO. A heartbeat after she dematerialises the raider slams into the mothership, and explosions tear through the cockpit.
[Space]
The raider explodes against the mothership, and soon further explosions ripple across the hull. Lights flicker and the ship pitches off course. Voyager manages to move out of the way, as do the two other Kazon ships. The mothership lumbers towards the Array.
[Transporter Room]
RO materialises on the dais, much to both her relief and that of the operator.
STADI: (=/\=) Transporter room two, do you have her?
RO: (somewhat relieved) They’ve got me.
After patting the operator on the shoulder, RO leaves and heads for the Bridge.
[Barn]
RIKER and the CARETAKER remain in the centre of the room, but the old man is drooping. TUVOK returns, his tricorder still open. He approaches them.
TUVOK: Captain, I can access the system to send us back to Federation space, but it will take several hours to activate.
RIKER: (looks from TUVOK to the CARETAKER) Unless you help us.
CARETAKER: Oh, I wish I could…but I have so little time left. I have initiated the self-destruct programme.
RIKER: If you destroy the Array, we'll have no way to get home.
CARETAKER: The Ocampa's enemies can not be allowed to control this installation. In minutes, it’ll be destroyed. (he seems to perk up for a moment and looks at RIKER and TUVOK) You have to go. Go now!
[Space]
The flaming, out of control Kazon mothership is heading straight for the Array. It collides with one of the larger arms of the facility, tearing it off. Fire now consumes the entire front of the ship as the hull buckles and tears apart.
[Barn]
The barn quakes with the impact and explosions. RIKER and TUVOK are thrown away from the CARETAKER. As they get back to their feet the holographic environment flickers and distorts, until it fades to reveal a highly sophisticated control room. RIKER and TUVOK look around at the various consoles and readouts. As they look around they stop when they see a large, purple, gelatinous blob. It is quivering and wobbling, and the colour is slowly changing to brown and swirling around it’s ‘body’.
TUVOK: (aiming his tricorder at the life-form) The Caretaker?
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Voyager, report.
STADI: (=/\=) A Kazon ship just collided with the Array. Are you alright over there?
RIKER: Affirmative. Standby.
RIKER slowly approaches the CARETAKER, with TUVOK a short distance behind. The purple has gone completely brown, not with hints of grey, and the CARETAKER begins to contract.
CARETAKER: (weakly) The self-destruct programme has been damaged. Now this installation will not be destroyed. (gasping, shrinking fast) But it must be. The Kazon must not be allowed to gain control of it. They will annihilate…the Ocampa.
The CARETAKER contracts and hardens, into something that looks like dried up coral. RIKER steps over to his remains and then crouches down next to all that is left of the CARETAKER. He reaches down, hesitates for a moment, before picking up the hand-sized remains.
TUVOK: Shall I activate the programme to get us back?
RIKER: And what happens to the Ocampa after we're gone?
TUVOK: Captain, any action we take to protect the Ocampa would affect the balance of power in this region. The Prime Directive would seem to apply.
RIKER: Would it? We never asked to be involved, Lieutenant, but we are. We are.
[Bridge]
Voyager continues to take fire as RIKER and TUVOK return to the Bridge. STADI stands in the command area, LAVELLE at Ops, HAWK sits at the Conn, whilst RO and TORRES stand beside him. RIKER and TUVOK go to the Tactical station.
RIKER: What’s our tactical status Ensign?
ROLLINS: We’ve managed to restore control to the aft torpedo launchers. Both forward tubes and all phaser banks are still offline.
RIKER: (nods at TUVOK) Ready the tricobalt devices, Lieutenant.
TUVOK: Aye sir.
RIKER moves down to the command area as STADI rises and returns to her post.
RIKER: Open a channel to the Kazon.
LAVELLE: Channel open.
JABIN: (viewscreen) Be advised, Captain. I have called for additional ships.
RIKER: And I'm calling to warn you to move your vessels to a safe distance. I intend to destroy the Array.
RIKER’s announcement draws a bewildered look from JABIN, and shock from the Bridge crew, but none of them speak up.
JABIN: (viewscreen) You…you can’t do that!
RIKER: I can and I will. End transmission.
The ship rocks hard from several sudden and concentrated impacts.
LAVELLE: Both Kazon ship’s are increasing fire. Shields holding at thirty percent.
RIKER: Mr Hawk, move us four hundred kilometres from the Array.
HAWK: Aye sir.
There is a moment of silence on the Bridge, though they do take several more hits from the Kazon. It is TORRES that steps forward and glowers at RIKER.
TORRES: What do you think you're doing? That Array is the only way we have to get back home.
RIKER: I'm aware everyone has families and loved ones at homes they want to get back to. So do I. But I'm not willing to trade the lives of the Ocampa for our convenience. We'll have to find another way home.
TORRES: What other way home is there?
TORRES moves onto the steps. But RO stops her from going any further by gripping her arm.
TORRES: (angrily) Who does he think he is? Making these decisions for all of us?
RO: He’s the Captain.
TUVOK: The tricobalt devices are armed and ready.
HAWK: We’re in position.
RIKER: (after the briefest of pauses) Fire.
[Space]
Two bright balls of light shoot out from Voyager’s aft launchers, and streak through space. They strike the Array, one in the upper section and one in the lower section. There are explosions from impact. A second later, they explode into massive shockwaves, tearing the Array apart from the inside. Explosions ripple across all the antennae, and throughout the superstructure of the facility. There is then another enormous explosion as the power core blows. The Array is decimated into nothing more than twisted metal and dust.
[Bridge]
There is a sombre mood on the Bridge, as they all watch the Array’s destruction. No one talks, they all just stare—a few more emotional than others. There is a chirp from Ops. LAVELLE looks over his controls and then up at RIKER.
LAVELLE: The lead Kazon ship is hailing us, sir.
RIKER just gives a single nod. The remains of the Array are replaced by JABIN once again.
JABIN: (viewscreen) You have made an enemy today.
The transmission is cut, and the image of the Array’s debris returns. A panel signals at Tactical.
TUVOK: They are withdrawing, Captain.
The quiet returns to the Bridge, as they look among themselves. The unspoken question on everyone’s lips: what do we do now?
RO and TORRES watch as Voyager takes a pounding. The ship rocks slightly as they take a hit. An alarm sounds on RO’s console and see looks down at it.
RO: Their weapons array has been hit. They’re in trouble.
TORRES: Neither of us has enough fire power to stop that ship.
RO checks another monitor on her console.
RO: I'm setting a collision course, but the guidance system is disabled. I'll have to pilot the ship manually. (looks at TORRES) Get the crew ready to beam to Voyager.
TORRES scrutinises her for a moment, but a look for RO stops any questioning of her order. TORRES nods and gets out of her seat.
TORRES: Ayala, come on.
TORRES and AYALA quickly head out the exit, leaving RO alone.
RO: (tapping a comm panel) Voyager, my crew's coming over. Tell one of your hotshot Starfleet transporter chiefs to keep a lock on me. I'm going to try and take some heat off your tail.
STADI: (=/\=) Understood standing by.
[Space]
As the Maquis Raider careers towards the mothership, the two smaller Kazon ships are concentrating fire on them. The smaller ship ducks and weaves missing all the weapons fire. The mothership continues hammering Voyager. The starship tries to manoeuvre around the Array to get some cover.
[Bridge]
The ship continues to take a pounding, despite their hiding behind the Array. TORRES comes onto the Bridge, just as an injured crewman is being carried off. She comes around the command area and stands next to HAWK at the Conn. On the viewscreen, the raider is getting closer and closer to the mothership.
LAVELLE: I'm holding the lock on her, sir, but she's getting too close.
STADI: Ro, we’re getting you out of there.
RO: (=/\=) Not yet!
[Space]
The raider takes a direct hit from the mothership and streams flames and plasma, but it remains on course.
[Cockpit, Maquis Ship]
The cockpit is a mess, fires leap up from the aft consoles, the others are flickering, smoke fills the bridge, various klaxons and alarms are blaring.
STADI: (=/\=) You’re breaking up. Standby to transport!
RO: Wait.
The Kazon mothership fills the viewports. It continues to fire on the raider, which takes more damage. There is no chance that the raider will miss.
RO: (shouting) Now!
Seconds before impact a transporter beam envelopes RO. A heartbeat after she dematerialises the raider slams into the mothership, and explosions tear through the cockpit.
[Space]
The raider explodes against the mothership, and soon further explosions ripple across the hull. Lights flicker and the ship pitches off course. Voyager manages to move out of the way, as do the two other Kazon ships. The mothership lumbers towards the Array.
[Transporter Room]
RO materialises on the dais, much to both her relief and that of the operator.
STADI: (=/\=) Transporter room two, do you have her?
RO: (somewhat relieved) They’ve got me.
After patting the operator on the shoulder, RO leaves and heads for the Bridge.
[Barn]
RIKER and the CARETAKER remain in the centre of the room, but the old man is drooping. TUVOK returns, his tricorder still open. He approaches them.
TUVOK: Captain, I can access the system to send us back to Federation space, but it will take several hours to activate.
RIKER: (looks from TUVOK to the CARETAKER) Unless you help us.
CARETAKER: Oh, I wish I could…but I have so little time left. I have initiated the self-destruct programme.
RIKER: If you destroy the Array, we'll have no way to get home.
CARETAKER: The Ocampa's enemies can not be allowed to control this installation. In minutes, it’ll be destroyed. (he seems to perk up for a moment and looks at RIKER and TUVOK) You have to go. Go now!
[Space]
The flaming, out of control Kazon mothership is heading straight for the Array. It collides with one of the larger arms of the facility, tearing it off. Fire now consumes the entire front of the ship as the hull buckles and tears apart.
[Barn]
The barn quakes with the impact and explosions. RIKER and TUVOK are thrown away from the CARETAKER. As they get back to their feet the holographic environment flickers and distorts, until it fades to reveal a highly sophisticated control room. RIKER and TUVOK look around at the various consoles and readouts. As they look around they stop when they see a large, purple, gelatinous blob. It is quivering and wobbling, and the colour is slowly changing to brown and swirling around it’s ‘body’.
TUVOK: (aiming his tricorder at the life-form) The Caretaker?
RIKER: (tapping his combadge) Voyager, report.
STADI: (=/\=) A Kazon ship just collided with the Array. Are you alright over there?
RIKER: Affirmative. Standby.
RIKER slowly approaches the CARETAKER, with TUVOK a short distance behind. The purple has gone completely brown, not with hints of grey, and the CARETAKER begins to contract.
CARETAKER: (weakly) The self-destruct programme has been damaged. Now this installation will not be destroyed. (gasping, shrinking fast) But it must be. The Kazon must not be allowed to gain control of it. They will annihilate…the Ocampa.
The CARETAKER contracts and hardens, into something that looks like dried up coral. RIKER steps over to his remains and then crouches down next to all that is left of the CARETAKER. He reaches down, hesitates for a moment, before picking up the hand-sized remains.
TUVOK: Shall I activate the programme to get us back?
RIKER: And what happens to the Ocampa after we're gone?
TUVOK: Captain, any action we take to protect the Ocampa would affect the balance of power in this region. The Prime Directive would seem to apply.
RIKER: Would it? We never asked to be involved, Lieutenant, but we are. We are.
[Bridge]
Voyager continues to take fire as RIKER and TUVOK return to the Bridge. STADI stands in the command area, LAVELLE at Ops, HAWK sits at the Conn, whilst RO and TORRES stand beside him. RIKER and TUVOK go to the Tactical station.
RIKER: What’s our tactical status Ensign?
ROLLINS: We’ve managed to restore control to the aft torpedo launchers. Both forward tubes and all phaser banks are still offline.
RIKER: (nods at TUVOK) Ready the tricobalt devices, Lieutenant.
TUVOK: Aye sir.
RIKER moves down to the command area as STADI rises and returns to her post.
RIKER: Open a channel to the Kazon.
LAVELLE: Channel open.
JABIN: (viewscreen) Be advised, Captain. I have called for additional ships.
RIKER: And I'm calling to warn you to move your vessels to a safe distance. I intend to destroy the Array.
RIKER’s announcement draws a bewildered look from JABIN, and shock from the Bridge crew, but none of them speak up.
JABIN: (viewscreen) You…you can’t do that!
RIKER: I can and I will. End transmission.
The ship rocks hard from several sudden and concentrated impacts.
LAVELLE: Both Kazon ship’s are increasing fire. Shields holding at thirty percent.
RIKER: Mr Hawk, move us four hundred kilometres from the Array.
HAWK: Aye sir.
There is a moment of silence on the Bridge, though they do take several more hits from the Kazon. It is TORRES that steps forward and glowers at RIKER.
TORRES: What do you think you're doing? That Array is the only way we have to get back home.
RIKER: I'm aware everyone has families and loved ones at homes they want to get back to. So do I. But I'm not willing to trade the lives of the Ocampa for our convenience. We'll have to find another way home.
TORRES: What other way home is there?
TORRES moves onto the steps. But RO stops her from going any further by gripping her arm.
TORRES: (angrily) Who does he think he is? Making these decisions for all of us?
RO: He’s the Captain.
TUVOK: The tricobalt devices are armed and ready.
HAWK: We’re in position.
RIKER: (after the briefest of pauses) Fire.
[Space]
Two bright balls of light shoot out from Voyager’s aft launchers, and streak through space. They strike the Array, one in the upper section and one in the lower section. There are explosions from impact. A second later, they explode into massive shockwaves, tearing the Array apart from the inside. Explosions ripple across all the antennae, and throughout the superstructure of the facility. There is then another enormous explosion as the power core blows. The Array is decimated into nothing more than twisted metal and dust.
[Bridge]
There is a sombre mood on the Bridge, as they all watch the Array’s destruction. No one talks, they all just stare—a few more emotional than others. There is a chirp from Ops. LAVELLE looks over his controls and then up at RIKER.
LAVELLE: The lead Kazon ship is hailing us, sir.
RIKER just gives a single nod. The remains of the Array are replaced by JABIN once again.
JABIN: (viewscreen) You have made an enemy today.
The transmission is cut, and the image of the Array’s debris returns. A panel signals at Tactical.
TUVOK: They are withdrawing, Captain.
The quiet returns to the Bridge, as they look among themselves. The unspoken question on everyone’s lips: what do we do now?
I'm curious, Bry. When you're done with your reboot, are you going to keep at it or are you going to move onto something new?
Great work by the way. Keep it up!
Great work by the way. Keep it up!
I'd like to keep at it. Not every script (there are about 160 of them), unless others wanted to try rewritting one with this new crew 
I might go for the big/favourite episodes, and then just work out what differences occured in betwwen them. Would need to come up with a totally new Season 7, seeing as how the ship gets home in the second episode of that season.
I definately want to do "Year of Hell" and my original follow up episode "Requiem", where the crew are on a planet for four months making repairs.
Though there are some episodes that I would just drop ("11:59" for one), and maybe reorganise the order of some as well.
Bry
I might go for the big/favourite episodes, and then just work out what differences occured in betwwen them. Would need to come up with a totally new Season 7, seeing as how the ship gets home in the second episode of that season.
I definately want to do "Year of Hell" and my original follow up episode "Requiem", where the crew are on a planet for four months making repairs.
Though there are some episodes that I would just drop ("11:59" for one), and maybe reorganise the order of some as well.
Bry
[Cargo Bay]
In a large cargo bay, all the containers and boxes have been either removed or pushed to the side to make room for twenty-two makeshift caskets. The lighting is very low. Only one person stands in the bay, surveying the dead. The doors open and the light from the corridor hits RIKER, as he looks up from one of the many coffins at the figure in the doorway. STADI walks into the cargo bay. The door closes behind her, and she moves over to RIKER. They stand in silence for a moment, looking at the container.
RIKER: (quietly, but his voice still echoes) I wish we had room in the morgue for all of them. The least they deserve is a funeral in the Alpha Quadrant, not lost out here.
STADI: Will, I wish I knew what to say.
RIKER: (with a sad smile) I thought all Betazoids were gifted psychoanalyst?
STADI: We may read thoughts and emotions, it doesn’t mean every Betazoid is a certified therapist.
There is a moment of silence again.
RIKER: (with a heavy sigh) This doesn’t even include the five that were blown out into space, or Ro’s people who were killed.
STADI: They knew—all of them—what a life in space included. We all wear the uniform knowing that we may be asked to give our lives for others. As for the Maquis, they were willing to risk their lives against a vastly superior force, in order to free their homes.
RIKER: I have to get this ship home. At the very least so that their families—(gestures around the cargo bay)—know they died doing their duty. For whatever comfort that may bring them.
STADI: Coming from you Will, that would be enough.
The silence returns. RIKER looks set to say something, but decides against it.
STADI: He’s a good choice.
RIKER: Excuse me?
STADI: Tuvok. He’d make a fine Second Officer. He does have seniority over me anyway.
RIKER: This probably isn’t the best time to talk about staffing issues, Aiva.
STADI: I know, but I just wanted to let you know I’m alright with it. I won’t take the appointment personally.
RIKER: I’m glad I have your blessing.
The computer chirps. RIKER straightens up.
RIKER: Computer resume normal lighting level.
The lights come up to the usual level. It is only now that a few rows of chairs can be seen.
RIKER: Thank you Aiva.
STADI: Anytime Will.
STADI rests a supportive hand on his arm, before she goes and takes a seat on the front row. A moment later, the doors open and other Starfleet crewmembers enter, ready for the memorial. After a few minutes the seat have been filled and there are others standing around the bay.
RIKER: (looking around the room) Thank you all for coming. We are here to commit the bodies of those that died in the line of duty, to the stars. And to remember those who could not be recovered.
[Ready Room]
RIKER sits at his desk, turned away from the monitor, deep in thought. His contemplation is interrupted by the sound of the door chime. He turns back to the door and the active work terminal, which displays a full damage report.
RIKER: Come in.
The doors part and HAWK (still in his civvies) steps into the office, looking very much like a schoolboy called into the principles office.
HAWK: You asked to see me, Captain?
RIKER: We have a problem Mr Hawk.
HAWK: Oh? And what’s that?
RIKER: I’ve asked the Maquis to become a part of the crew. We have numerous vacant positions, and they’ve lost their ship. It only made sense to me. We need to work together in order to get home.
HAWK: Thanks for the heads up, Captain. I’ll keep my head down.
RIKER: Lieutenant Koen was one helluva pilot. Unfortunately there isn’t anyone as well qualified as he was on either crew. (he gives HAWK a knowing look) Well, there is one. Problem is, he’s out of uniform.
HAWK: (after a moments pause) Me?
RIKER: I've entered into the ship's log on this stardate that I'm granting a field commission of Lieutenant junior grade to Sean Liam Hawk. (grinning as he stands, and offers his hand) Congratulations.
HAWK: (flabbergasted, but shakes RIKER’s hand) I…I don’t really know what to say. Thank you, Captain.
RIKER: You’ve earned this Sean.
HAWK: (a slight cocky smile comes to his face) You do know that before I left Starfleet I was a full Lieutenant.
RIKER: That may be so, but you did leave. I’d suggest you take it, unless you want to spend the next few decades down is waste management.
HAWK: Junior Lieutenant? I can live with that. (smiles)
RIKER: (grin widens, and walks HAWK to the door) Glad to hear it. You’ll need to get fitted for that uniform as well, Mr Hawk.
HAWK: Aye-aye sir.
As HAWK leaves the ready room, NEELIX and KES head for the open door. RIKER lets them in.
NEELIX: Captain Riker, just the man we were looking for.
RIKER: Neelix, we’ve supplied your ship with water. It’s ready to go. Kes, we’re ready to return you back to Ocampa as well.
NEELIX: That was what we wanted to discuss with you, Captain. We’d like to go with you.
RIKER: (a little surprised) I’m sorry. This isn’t a passenger ship.
KES: We’re not looking to be passengers.
NEELIX: Consider us more as colleagues.
RIKER: Colleagues?
NEELIX: Whatever you need is what I have to offer. You need a guide? I'm your guide. You need supplies? I know where to procure them. I have friends among races you don't even know exist. Don’t tell me that you couldn’t use someone with my kind of connections.
KES: We’ve talked about this, Captain. And we both want to be a part of your journey.
RIKER: (looking more at KES than NEELIX) You both realise that we’re heading for the Alpha Quadrant. We won’t be coming back here again.
KES: Growing up underground, all I wanted to do was see the sky. But I want more now, Captain. I want to touch the stars. I want to explore just like you do. I have no ties left there.
RIKER gives it some serious thought and looks between NEELIX and KES, both with a determined but hopeful look on their faces. Slowly, he nods. They both smile, and he can’t help but join them.
[Counsellor Tigan’s Quarters]
TIGAN sits alone on the couch in her quarters, her arms wrapped her legs and hugging them tightly. The lights are low and there isn’t a sound, until the door chime sounds. TIGAN looks up at the doors.
TIGAN: (quietly) Come in.
The doors part and RIKER steps inside. The doors close behind him. There is a moment of silence as they look at each other from across the room.
RIKER: The EMH said he’d released you. How are you feeling?
TIGAN: He told me to take it easy for the next few days, but that I’ll be fine after that. (she hesitates for a moment) He…he told you.
RIKER steps further into the living room, and comes to sit on the couch next to her.
RIKER: (nods) Yeah. He said it was affecting what the Caretaker had done to you, which was the reason for the severity of it.
TIGAN: (nods, welling up) I…I…
She can’t say anything more and starts crying. RIKER puts his arm around her and hugs her close. She grips onto him. After a few moments she manages to reign in her feelings once again, and wipes the tears from her eyes. She remains close to RIKER though.
TIGAN: (softly) I’m scared, Captain. I hadn’t thought about having children at this point in my life. I had so much else I wanted to do first; entering Starfleet, having a career, becoming an Initiate, being Joined. A family wasn’t something I had considered for at least a decade.
RIKER: (in a fatherly tone) You don’t have to make any decisions just yet, Ezri. Take your time and think about it. (a little hesitantly) What about the father?
TIGAN: (blushes) I met him on my first day aboard DS9. The night before I left was our first time together. We’d agreed to stay in touch, and organise our next shore leave together. I really liked him, but we’d only just started seeing each other.
RIKER: Well if you ever need someone to talk to, my doors is always open. Anytime.
TIGAN: Thank you, Captain.
RIKER and TIGAN remain sitting on the couch, in the supportive embrace. Nothing else needs to be said between them.
[Bridge]
The Bridge had been completely repaired, and is pretty full as well. TUVOK is at Tactical, LAVELLE at Ops, HAWK (now in uniform) at the Conn, STADI at Science, TORRES (also in uniform) at the Engineering console, there are also several people at the aft consoles (including a uniformed AYALA). NEELIX and KES (both now with combadges) stand at the railing behind the command area. In the command area, RO (in uniform as well) is standing, whilst TIGAN sits in the seat on the left of the Captain’s. RIKER stands at the front of the viewscreen (but he will walk around the bridge throughout), everybody is watching him.
RIKER: We're alone in an uncharted part of the galaxy. We have already made some friends here (looks at NEELIX and KES), and some enemies. We have no idea of the dangers we're going to face, but one thing is clear. Both crews are going to have to work together if we're to survive. That's why Commander Ro (looks at RO) and I have agreed that this should be one crew. A Starfleet crew. And as the only Starfleet vessel assigned to the Delta Quadrant, we'll continue to follow our directive to seek out new worlds and explore space. But our primary goal is clear. Even at maximum speeds, it would take seventy-five years to reach the Federation, but I'm not willing to settle for that. There's another entity like the Caretaker out there somewhere who has the ability to get us there a lot faster. We'll be looking for her, and we'll be looking for wormholes, spatial rifts, or new technologies to help us. Somewhere along this journey, we'll find a way back. Mr Hawk, set a course for home.
HAWK turns back towards his console. RIKER now stands behind him in the command area, looking forward at the viewscreen.
HAWK: Aye sir.
[Space]
In open space, Voyager’s nacelles pitch upwards and thrum with energy. There is a flash, and the ship leaps into warp before disappearing into the distance with another flash.
[END]
In a large cargo bay, all the containers and boxes have been either removed or pushed to the side to make room for twenty-two makeshift caskets. The lighting is very low. Only one person stands in the bay, surveying the dead. The doors open and the light from the corridor hits RIKER, as he looks up from one of the many coffins at the figure in the doorway. STADI walks into the cargo bay. The door closes behind her, and she moves over to RIKER. They stand in silence for a moment, looking at the container.
RIKER: (quietly, but his voice still echoes) I wish we had room in the morgue for all of them. The least they deserve is a funeral in the Alpha Quadrant, not lost out here.
STADI: Will, I wish I knew what to say.
RIKER: (with a sad smile) I thought all Betazoids were gifted psychoanalyst?
STADI: We may read thoughts and emotions, it doesn’t mean every Betazoid is a certified therapist.
There is a moment of silence again.
RIKER: (with a heavy sigh) This doesn’t even include the five that were blown out into space, or Ro’s people who were killed.
STADI: They knew—all of them—what a life in space included. We all wear the uniform knowing that we may be asked to give our lives for others. As for the Maquis, they were willing to risk their lives against a vastly superior force, in order to free their homes.
RIKER: I have to get this ship home. At the very least so that their families—(gestures around the cargo bay)—know they died doing their duty. For whatever comfort that may bring them.
STADI: Coming from you Will, that would be enough.
The silence returns. RIKER looks set to say something, but decides against it.
STADI: He’s a good choice.
RIKER: Excuse me?
STADI: Tuvok. He’d make a fine Second Officer. He does have seniority over me anyway.
RIKER: This probably isn’t the best time to talk about staffing issues, Aiva.
STADI: I know, but I just wanted to let you know I’m alright with it. I won’t take the appointment personally.
RIKER: I’m glad I have your blessing.
The computer chirps. RIKER straightens up.
RIKER: Computer resume normal lighting level.
The lights come up to the usual level. It is only now that a few rows of chairs can be seen.
RIKER: Thank you Aiva.
STADI: Anytime Will.
STADI rests a supportive hand on his arm, before she goes and takes a seat on the front row. A moment later, the doors open and other Starfleet crewmembers enter, ready for the memorial. After a few minutes the seat have been filled and there are others standing around the bay.
RIKER: (looking around the room) Thank you all for coming. We are here to commit the bodies of those that died in the line of duty, to the stars. And to remember those who could not be recovered.
[Ready Room]
RIKER sits at his desk, turned away from the monitor, deep in thought. His contemplation is interrupted by the sound of the door chime. He turns back to the door and the active work terminal, which displays a full damage report.
RIKER: Come in.
The doors part and HAWK (still in his civvies) steps into the office, looking very much like a schoolboy called into the principles office.
HAWK: You asked to see me, Captain?
RIKER: We have a problem Mr Hawk.
HAWK: Oh? And what’s that?
RIKER: I’ve asked the Maquis to become a part of the crew. We have numerous vacant positions, and they’ve lost their ship. It only made sense to me. We need to work together in order to get home.
HAWK: Thanks for the heads up, Captain. I’ll keep my head down.
RIKER: Lieutenant Koen was one helluva pilot. Unfortunately there isn’t anyone as well qualified as he was on either crew. (he gives HAWK a knowing look) Well, there is one. Problem is, he’s out of uniform.
HAWK: (after a moments pause) Me?
RIKER: I've entered into the ship's log on this stardate that I'm granting a field commission of Lieutenant junior grade to Sean Liam Hawk. (grinning as he stands, and offers his hand) Congratulations.
HAWK: (flabbergasted, but shakes RIKER’s hand) I…I don’t really know what to say. Thank you, Captain.
RIKER: You’ve earned this Sean.
HAWK: (a slight cocky smile comes to his face) You do know that before I left Starfleet I was a full Lieutenant.
RIKER: That may be so, but you did leave. I’d suggest you take it, unless you want to spend the next few decades down is waste management.
HAWK: Junior Lieutenant? I can live with that. (smiles)
RIKER: (grin widens, and walks HAWK to the door) Glad to hear it. You’ll need to get fitted for that uniform as well, Mr Hawk.
HAWK: Aye-aye sir.
As HAWK leaves the ready room, NEELIX and KES head for the open door. RIKER lets them in.
NEELIX: Captain Riker, just the man we were looking for.
RIKER: Neelix, we’ve supplied your ship with water. It’s ready to go. Kes, we’re ready to return you back to Ocampa as well.
NEELIX: That was what we wanted to discuss with you, Captain. We’d like to go with you.
RIKER: (a little surprised) I’m sorry. This isn’t a passenger ship.
KES: We’re not looking to be passengers.
NEELIX: Consider us more as colleagues.
RIKER: Colleagues?
NEELIX: Whatever you need is what I have to offer. You need a guide? I'm your guide. You need supplies? I know where to procure them. I have friends among races you don't even know exist. Don’t tell me that you couldn’t use someone with my kind of connections.
KES: We’ve talked about this, Captain. And we both want to be a part of your journey.
RIKER: (looking more at KES than NEELIX) You both realise that we’re heading for the Alpha Quadrant. We won’t be coming back here again.
KES: Growing up underground, all I wanted to do was see the sky. But I want more now, Captain. I want to touch the stars. I want to explore just like you do. I have no ties left there.
RIKER gives it some serious thought and looks between NEELIX and KES, both with a determined but hopeful look on their faces. Slowly, he nods. They both smile, and he can’t help but join them.
[Counsellor Tigan’s Quarters]
TIGAN sits alone on the couch in her quarters, her arms wrapped her legs and hugging them tightly. The lights are low and there isn’t a sound, until the door chime sounds. TIGAN looks up at the doors.
TIGAN: (quietly) Come in.
The doors part and RIKER steps inside. The doors close behind him. There is a moment of silence as they look at each other from across the room.
RIKER: The EMH said he’d released you. How are you feeling?
TIGAN: He told me to take it easy for the next few days, but that I’ll be fine after that. (she hesitates for a moment) He…he told you.
RIKER steps further into the living room, and comes to sit on the couch next to her.
RIKER: (nods) Yeah. He said it was affecting what the Caretaker had done to you, which was the reason for the severity of it.
TIGAN: (nods, welling up) I…I…
She can’t say anything more and starts crying. RIKER puts his arm around her and hugs her close. She grips onto him. After a few moments she manages to reign in her feelings once again, and wipes the tears from her eyes. She remains close to RIKER though.
TIGAN: (softly) I’m scared, Captain. I hadn’t thought about having children at this point in my life. I had so much else I wanted to do first; entering Starfleet, having a career, becoming an Initiate, being Joined. A family wasn’t something I had considered for at least a decade.
RIKER: (in a fatherly tone) You don’t have to make any decisions just yet, Ezri. Take your time and think about it. (a little hesitantly) What about the father?
TIGAN: (blushes) I met him on my first day aboard DS9. The night before I left was our first time together. We’d agreed to stay in touch, and organise our next shore leave together. I really liked him, but we’d only just started seeing each other.
RIKER: Well if you ever need someone to talk to, my doors is always open. Anytime.
TIGAN: Thank you, Captain.
RIKER and TIGAN remain sitting on the couch, in the supportive embrace. Nothing else needs to be said between them.
[Bridge]
The Bridge had been completely repaired, and is pretty full as well. TUVOK is at Tactical, LAVELLE at Ops, HAWK (now in uniform) at the Conn, STADI at Science, TORRES (also in uniform) at the Engineering console, there are also several people at the aft consoles (including a uniformed AYALA). NEELIX and KES (both now with combadges) stand at the railing behind the command area. In the command area, RO (in uniform as well) is standing, whilst TIGAN sits in the seat on the left of the Captain’s. RIKER stands at the front of the viewscreen (but he will walk around the bridge throughout), everybody is watching him.
RIKER: We're alone in an uncharted part of the galaxy. We have already made some friends here (looks at NEELIX and KES), and some enemies. We have no idea of the dangers we're going to face, but one thing is clear. Both crews are going to have to work together if we're to survive. That's why Commander Ro (looks at RO) and I have agreed that this should be one crew. A Starfleet crew. And as the only Starfleet vessel assigned to the Delta Quadrant, we'll continue to follow our directive to seek out new worlds and explore space. But our primary goal is clear. Even at maximum speeds, it would take seventy-five years to reach the Federation, but I'm not willing to settle for that. There's another entity like the Caretaker out there somewhere who has the ability to get us there a lot faster. We'll be looking for her, and we'll be looking for wormholes, spatial rifts, or new technologies to help us. Somewhere along this journey, we'll find a way back. Mr Hawk, set a course for home.
HAWK turns back towards his console. RIKER now stands behind him in the command area, looking forward at the viewscreen.
HAWK: Aye sir.
[Space]
In open space, Voyager’s nacelles pitch upwards and thrum with energy. There is a flash, and the ship leaps into warp before disappearing into the distance with another flash.
[END]
For those of you that have enjoyed this little project and would fancy seeing some more, let me know what episodes you'd like to see ReBooted and I will try and get a few others done.
Brydon
Brydon
I would love to see how you would rewrite 'Scorpion', 'Equinox' and 'Endgame' but then I also wonder how you would manage 'The Year of Hell'.
Thank you TimmyWI.
I plan on doing most of the two parters, but fancy a few other episodes as well.
So if you have any favourites, or any that could do with a ReBoot, then let me know and I'll add them to the list of possibles.
Bry
I plan on doing most of the two parters, but fancy a few other episodes as well.
So if you have any favourites, or any that could do with a ReBoot, then let me know and I'll add them to the list of possibles.
Bry
Thanks for sharing a great story. It would have made a great series. Although I would strongly consider making the relationship with Ro and Riker as it was on the series. I believe it would bring more depth to them and bring a bit more conflict.
But thanks again. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars!
But thanks again. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars!
Thanks Halliwell. They were pretty tame in this one as they have the same agenda--get their people, get home. But in the near future, and for a while after that, they would be like Riker and Ro on TNG, butting heads on almost everything.
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