Paris: Where are you going? You were doing great. You were in perfect position to deliver the death blow. All you had to do was follow through. Come on, let's try it again.
Torres: Don't push me, Tom.
Paris: I am not pushing you, I'm encouraging you.
Torres: To do what?
Paris: Try something new. This martial arts program is the best work out I've ever had. No, it's more than that. Working with a bat'leth is an art. You have to use your mind and body, your movements
Torres: Look, you may find all of this Klingon stuff really fascinating, but I don't. I'm not going to waste my time trying to disembowel a bunch of holographic monsters. I only came down here because you tricked me into that stupid bet!
Paris: Would you watch it? You could take somebody's head off with that thing.
Torres: I have tried this, and now I am finished. Got it?
Paris: Look, if you don't like the program, that's fine. But why do you always have to get so hostile?
Torres: I am not hostile!
Dammar: Where am I?
Paris: Paris to Bridge. We have an alien visitor on deck six.
Dammar: What do you want with me? Why have I been abducted?
Torres: We didn't abduct you. You just appeared here. We had nothing to do with it.
Dammar: What is this place?
Paris: You're on a starship called Voyager. Where were you before?
Dammar: My colony on Nyria Three. I was walking home, and then I was here.
Paris: What's wrong?
Dammar: It's cold here, and too bright.
Torres: Let us take you to Sickbay. Our Doctor can run some scans. Maybe we can get some answers.
Emh: I've increased the temperature to forty five degrees Celsius, and the light level should be more comfortable for you now.
Dammar: Yes, thank you. You're very considerate. I hope you'll excuse my initial suspicion. This experience has been very unnerving.
Janeway: I'd feel the same way in your place.
Tuvok: Do your people possess technology which could have transported you here?
Dammar: Not that I know of. I've heard of other races that have it. Maybe of them brought be here, but I can't imagine why.
Emh: Please describe the physical sensation of your experience.
Dammar: First I felt light-headed, and then everything around me seemed to bend or ripple. There was a moment of blackness and I felt a curious sensation of insects crawling on my skin. And then I found myself on your ship.
Emh: Interesting. I'll run a microcellular scan for residual energy traces.
Tuvok: Can you tell us where your colony is located?
Dammar: We're on the third planet of the Nyrian system, a red giant star with a large cloud of interstellar dust just beyond the fifth planet.
Janeway: Doesn't sound like any system we've encountered. Unfortunately our knowledge of this area of space is limited. I'd like you to look at a star chart to see if you recognize any astronomical markers.
Dammar: Of course.
Janeway: In the meantime my crew has begun scanning the area for any clues about what happened to you.
Emh: Lieutenant, if you don't mind.
Tuvok: Where is Kes today?
Emh: I don't know. She's late for her duty shift. Computer, locate Kes.
Computer: Kes is not on board Voyager.
Janeway: When did she leave?
Computer: Eleven hundred thirty two hours.
Janeway: What time did our alien visitor come on board?
Computer: Eleven hundred thirty two hours.
Kim: There's nothing to indicate that any other ships have been in this area for weeks, and the nearest inhabited world is over ten light years away.
Torres: Whoever or whatever did this had to leave some energy trace.
Kim: Internal sensors aren't showing anything unusual in the corridor where the Nyrian appeared, or Kes's last known location.
Torres: Then let's concentrate on the time. Run a level one analysis on all sensor readings, internal and external, at the exact moment it happened.
Kim: I'll get it started. It may take a while.
Torres: You don't think I'm hostile, do you?
Kim: I er, wouldn't describe you that way, no.
Torres: I know I have a temper, but that doesn't mean I'm always hostile, does it?
Kim: No, of course not.
Torres: I'm forthright, I speak my mind, but that's very different from being hostile.
Kim: Very different.
Torres: And if someone described me that way, they'd be way off of the mark, wouldn't they.
Kim: Way off.
Torres: Then why do you look like you're afraid for your life?
Torres: What is this?
Kim: Looks like a surge of polaron particles.
Torres: Localize the source, I'll try to increase the sensor resolution. Do you have anything yet? Harry? Torres to bridge. Ensign Kim just disappeared.
Janeway: And we just got another visitor.
Janeway: Mister Tuvok, have you made any progress?
Tuvok: Increasing the shield strength has had no apparent effect. However, it
Emh: Welcome to Sickbay. Take a number.
Chakotay: In the last three hours we've lost twenty two of our people. According to the Nyrians, they've all showed up on their colony as though we're switching places.
Paris: I went over our navigational charts with Dammar, but he's completely unfamiliar with this part of space. For all we know, that colony could be thousands of light years away.
Chakotay: Any idea what might be causing these transfers?
Torres: I'm not sure. Harry and I detected a surge of polaron particles right before he disappeared. They created a spatial distortion field around him but it collapsed as soon as he vanished.
Paris: Could it have been some kind of spatial anomaly?
Torres: It could have been anything. A naturally occurring phenomenon, like a wormhole of a subspace flow field, or a kind of technology like our transporters.
Janeway: All right, get back to your stations and keep looking. Confine the Nyrians to the cargo bays and post security details at every access point.
Chakotay: In all fairness, Captain, they haven't been threatening in any way. They seem as puzzled by all this as we are.
Janeway: Chakotay, I don't care how they seem. All I care about is that I've had a knot in my stomach since the first Nyrian arrived. Something about this is wrong, I can smell it. Look at us, running around the ship, checking sensors and spinning theories, while the Nyrians slowly replace our crew. Consider this. There has been a consistent interval of nine minutes and twenty seconds between these exchanges. At that rate, our entire crew will be gone in eighteen hours. Tell me that doesn't put a knot in your stomach. You have your orders.
Janeway: Captain's log, stardate 50912.4. It's been twelve hours since these mysterious exchanges began, and we still haven't discovered their cause. I've already lost over half my crew.
Chakotay: Cargo Bay two is almost full. We'll have to start converting the shuttle bays.
Janeway: Then do it. I want them where we can keep an eye on them.
Chakotay: I'll have to reassign more crewmembers to security. Our ranks are getting a little thin.
Janeway: Shut down everything but the ship's essential functions. We'll be operating on a skeleton crew before long.
Janeway: B'Elanna, you've developed a theory about what's happening?
Torres: A Nyrian astrophysicist who arrived about an hour ago told me about some strange graviton fluctuations they detected at their colony. I ran some scans on this end and found the same thing.
Janeway: A wormhole?
Torres: Possibly a baby one. And if I'm right, one end is opening intermittently inside Voyager. We could have past through it while it was forming and snagged on it somehow.
Chakotay: Then how do we get it unsnagged?
Torres: Now that I have this new information I'd like to have another talk with Rislan, the Nyrian scientist.
Janeway: Is Neelix still helping out with the new arrivals?
Chakotay: I think he's in Cargo Bay two now.
Janeway: Janeway to Neelix.
Neelix: Neelix here, Captain.
Janeway: I'd like you to find one of the Nyrians who
Neelix: Neelix to Captain Janeway. I lost contact. What did you say?
Chakotay: Chakotay to Neelix. The Captain's gone. We need you to find a Nyrian scientist called Rislan and get him to Engineering as soon as you can.
Neelix: Right away, Commander.
Chakotay: Do what you have to do to get some answers, B'Elanna.
Neelix: Excuse me, are you Doctor Rislan?
Rislan: It's still too cold in here.
Neelix: I'll adjust the environmental controls. Again. But I must ask you
Rislan: And the air is too humid.
Neelix: I'll take care of it right away, but I must ask you to go to our Engineering room. I believe you're urgently needed.
Rislan: I trust it'll be suitably warm and dark there.
Neelix: We'll make sure you're comfortable. A security guard will escort you.
Security: Right away, sir.
Lang: Commander, there's a problem with the internal sensors on deck four. It looks like a circuit relay malfunction.
Chakotay: I can't spare anyone for repairs. You'll have to make do. How do you like your first day as Chief of Security, Ensign?
Lang: It's everything I dreamed it of, sir.
Chakotay: Who says there's no room for advancement on this ship.
Lang: Another disappearance. It's Neelix.
Chakotay: How many people does that leave us?
Lang: Forty.
Chakotay: More than one hundred Nyrians. I want access to all systems restricted to authorized voice prints only. Seal off any part of the ship that we're not using and place security forcefields around sensitive areas. Warp core, armory, torpedo bays. And let's hope I'm just being paranoid.
Rislan: If you as me, a tetryon scan is a waste of time. A multispectral sweep would be much more useful.
Torres: Actually, I didn't ask, and I've already initiated the tetryon scan.
Rislan: You're the expert.
Torres: Neutrinos, ionized hydrogen, theta band radiation.
Rislan: Just what you'd expect to find in a wormhole.
Torres: It's what we're not finding that I'm interested in. The scan shows no quantum level fluctuations whatsoever.
Rislan: That's not so unusual.
Torres: It's more than unusual, it's impossible. I don't think this is a wormhole at all.
Rislan: Perhaps it's a subspace flow field then.
Torres: I'm going to run a pattern analysis with the original data. No, definitely not a flow field. The spatial harmonics are incompatible. I don't think this is a natural phenomenon.
Rislan: Don't move. I won't hurt you unless you force me to.
Torres: Your people have been behind this all along. What are you doing?
Rislan: Moving you to the head of the line.
Janeway: B'Elanna, are you all right?
Torres: Captain, the Nyrians are responsible for the exchanges. I think they have some kind of technology.
Torres: What do they want with us?
Janeway: I don't know. They refuse to answer any questions.
Kes: They've given us food, water and medical supplies. Everything but information.
Torres: Where's the rest of the crew.
Janeway: In other compounds just like this one, scattered throughout the woods.
Torres: This doesn't seem like a Nyrian colony. It's not warm enough or dark enough for them.
Paris: Exactly. It's more like an idyllic version of Earth. As though it were created specifically for us.
Torres: Do we have any idea what planet we're on?
Janeway: Not yet. I sent Tuvok to investigate the other compounds and see what he could find out. Until be gets back, all we have are unanswered questions.
Lang: Decks eleven through fifteen are completely shut down. Most of the remaining crew are on security detail near the cargo and shuttle bays.
Chakotay: What, all thirteen of them?
Lang: Twelve, sir.
Gennaro: Crewman Gennaro to bridge. I'm in Engineering and I just found Ensign Molina. He's unconscious but okay.
Chakotay: What about the Nyrian scientist he was watching?
Gennaro: There's no sign of him, sir.
Chakotay: Find him. That's a priority.
Lang: Where are you going?
Chakotay: To have a talk with the Nyrians.
Chakotay: Chakotay to all hands. Security alert. The Nyrians may be trying to take control of the ship. Everyone, get to the bridge or main Engineering and secure them against possible intruders.
Dammar: Second team, take control of weapons.
Lang: Start by reinforcing the containment fields. Reroute emergency power. We've got to seal those doors.
Chakotay: They're everywhere. They're even decrypting our access codes. The Nyrians obviously prepared for this before they got here. They must have tapped into our computer somehow, gotten enough information to plan this mission down to the letter.
Chakotay: Larsen? Chakotay to anybody who's left. Please respond.
Gennaro: Gennaro here sir.
Chakotay: Anybody else? The two of us aren't going to win this, so we might as well make life as difficult for the Nyrians as we can. Sabotage everything you can get your hands on.
Gennaro: Understood.
Chakotay: Good luck.
Dammar: What's our status?
Rislan: We have shut off their security measures on all decks. We should have full computer access soon, but their navigational controls are not working.
Dammar: Not working?
Rislan: There are two humans still moving through the ship. They seem intent on causing damage.
Dammar: Find them.
Rislan: They're sabotaging the power systems. The anti-matter reactor's shutting down.
Nyrian 1: What happened?
Nyrain 2: This way.
Computer: Warning. Disabling lateral EPS relays may disrupt computer functions throughout the ship.
Chakotay: Let's hope so. Chakotay to Gennaro. They're trying to delete the Doctor's program. Are you anywhere near Sickbay? Gennaro? Computer, how long ago did Crewman Gennaro leave the ship?
Computer: Seven minutes and twenty seconds.
Rislan: I've located the last human. He's on the fifth deck.
Dammar: Send a patrol to stop him.
Rislan: I already have.
Chakotay: Activate Emergency Medical Holographic program.
Emh: Please state the nature. Hello?
Chakotay: Doctor, over here.
Emh: Commander, what's happening?
Chakotay: You're program's going to be deleted unless I can download you into the mobile emitter before I disappear, which should be any second now.
Chakotay: Got it!
Chakotay: All right. I know when to quit.
Emh: I've never been completely cut off from the ship before. What if the emitter's power supply runs out?
Torres: Let's hope we're not stuck here long enough to find out.
Janeway: Tuvok, what did you learn?
Tuvok: There are ten compounds like this one, spread over approximately four square kilometers. They are surrounded on all sides by wilderness.
Taleen: Could I have your attention? Now that you've all arrived here safely I'd like to welcome you to your new home.
Janeway: I'm not particularly interested in being welcomed. Why have you brought us here?
Taleen: Your vessel will be used to defend Nyrian acquisitions.
Chakotay: Is this the way you operate, gradually changing places with the crew of a ship?
Taleen: Ships, colonies, spacestations. We've found it's much more effective than warfare. We aren't a cruel people. We've tried to make this experience as painless as possible. And as you can see, we've gone to great lengths to create an environment in which you will be comfortable.
Janeway: Nonetheless, we are being held here against our will.
Taleen: Well, I'm afraid that's unavoidable. But I think you'll be happy here. The food dispensers have been programmed with selections from your own computer files. We have even downloaded literature and entertainment from your cultural database.
Chakotay: What happens if we try to leave this little paradise?
Taleen: I think you'll find there's nowhere to go.
Janeway: We don't accept that. We will find a way out of here.
Taleen: Captain, your lack of gratitude is unbecoming. You and your crew could have found yourselves somewhere far less hospitable.
Chakotay: It's still a prison.
Taleen: If you want to be miserable here, that is your choice. But since there's nothing you can do about your situation, I suggest you accept it. Gracefully. We're ready now.
Janeway: Tuvok, tell me about this wilderness you've found. How rugged is it? Can we walk out?
Tuvok: I don't believe so. In every direction I went, I encountered a natural barrier. A sheer cliff, an impassable river. These obstacles completely surround the colony.
Chakotay: A perfectly isolated area. Doesn't that seem a bit convenient?
Janeway: This place does have an artificial quality. l wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing is holographic, and the wilderness was created to keep us from exploring too far.
Kim: Captain.
Jarlath: Sorry for the intrusion, but l wanted to welcome you. I'm Jarlath, your neighbor.
Janeway: Where did you come from?
Jarlath: My people live in the other environment, through that portal. It's quite different, more desert-like. This place is so green, but I'm sure it's suitable for you. The Nyrians undoubtedly had a good look through your databanks.
Tuvok: Were your people brought here by the Nyrians?
Jarlath: They took us one by one. Ah, is this what you eat?
Janeway: They took you from your colony?
Jarlath: They claimed not to know what was happening, and by the time we got suspicious, there were too many of them. We've been here ever since.
Janeway: Do you have any idea where here is?
Jarlath: No. Mmm, not bad. Would you be interested in trading for some of these? The last inhabitants of this environment had no concept of a barter system, but you strike me as a much more sophisticated group.
Janeway: If there were people here before us, maybe we could get out the same way.
Jarlath: Oh, l don't think you'd like their method of escape. They all died from a plague.
Kim: Captain, there must be some kind of forcefield here, but I can't find it.
Jarlath: Pretty well camouflaged, isn't it? It took are almost nine years to find the portal.
Torres: How did you get it open?
Jarlath: Well, I, I have my ways.
Janeway: I consider that information a valuable commodity.
Jarlath: Well, I'd be happy to make a trade, but the portal only leads into our environment. You're welcome to visit, of course.
Janeway: There may be other portals, if you can show us how to find them.
Jarlath: I look forward to our collaboration.
Torres: What do you see now?
Emh: Fascinating. Everything is glowing with it's own energy. Even the plants are emitting a faint thermal signature. It's really quite lovely.
Torres: Aside from the esthetic consideration, how's your optical resolution?
Paris: The Captain sent me down to get an update.
Torres: Well, we're just about ready. I've reconfigured the Doctor's optical sensors and as soon as they're aligned he should be able to detect the microwave signature of the portals.
Emh: Then I can begin my new career as a tricorder.
Torres: About the other day. I might have been a bit oversensitive about the Klingon program.
Paris: Don't worry about it.
Torres: That should just about do it. I think we can start scanning now.
Paris: Good. I'll tell the Captain. Er, about the program. I didn't mean to push you.
Torres: I know. You didn't, and I didn't mean to lash out at you like that.
Emh: A typical defensive reaction. Using an aggressive outburst as a shield against a perceived emotional threat.
Paris: That says it, all right.
Torres: Oh, that's very funny coming from you.
Paris: And what is that supposed to mean?
Torres: Well, you're hardly one to talk about being defensive.
Paris: And why is that exactly?
Torres: Well, you just pretend that nothing bothers you and then you turn everything into a joke.
Emh: That's a valid observation. Defense mechanisms come in many forms.
Paris: That's ridiculous. I am an easy-going person, who is just trying to be friendly to someone who is obviously terrified of having a friend.
Emh: Fear of intimacy is a common indication of low self-esteem. Perhaps if you stopped to analyze the root cause, you might
Torres: If you find it so difficult to be my friend, then why keep trying?
Paris: That's a good question. I think I'll stop wasting my time.
Neelix: I pulled a power cell and some relay circuits out of a food dispenser. And this little thing looks like some sort of capacitor.
Tuvok: It should do. If you can find another like this one, we'll be able to construct a second weapon.
Chakotay: You're assuming the first one will work.
Tuvok: Yes.
Neelix: I'll get on it right away. Maybe if I take apart the sonic shower assembly.
Chakotay: I've got to give you credit, Tuvok, working on the fly with nothing but random parts, with no guide to follow. I never thought Vulcans had much of a knack for improvising.
Tuvok: Our circumstances seem to require a certain flexibility.
Chakotay: You could say that. This reminds me of those survival classes they put us through at the Academy. Surprise tactical simulations, getting dropped off in the woods with no chance to prepare. They certainly taught you to live by your wits.
Tuvok: That was a lesson I had already learned. During the Rite of Tal'oth, I survived in the Vulcan desert for four months with a ritual blade as my only possession. After that, Starfleet training exercises seemed less of a challenge.
Chakotay: I guess so.
Tuvok: This weapon is complete. When Mister Neelix returns with a second capacitor, I'll improvise another.
Emh: Lieutenant, I haven't seen any sign of a portal. Frankly, I'm getting tired of this.
Torres: Holograms don't get tired. Keep looking.
Jarleth: We've been trying to get out of here for years. The closest I ever came was finding the portal between our two environments. I don't mean to be pessimistic, but I don't think there is a way out.
Janeway: There must be. We just have to keep looking.
Jarleth: Well, I know it's too early for you to accept this, but life here isn't so bad. Once we stopped trying to escape, we actually began enjoying ourselves.
Torres: Captain, we've found something.
Emh: It's directly in front of me.
Janeway: Here?
Emh: Yes. Right there.
Emh: Well, if my scanning services are no longer required, I'll return to my medical duties.
Janeway: We can cover more ground if we split up. Tuvok and I will take this direction. You three go that way. We'll meet back here in twenty minutes.
Jarleth: I don't think we're supposed to be in here.
Paris: B'Elanna, over here.
Torres: There's another one.
Torres: Self-contained biospheres, every one of them different.
Janeway: It's definitely some kind of control station. I can bring up information, but I can't understand what it says.
Tuvok: If the Nyrians downloaded Voyager's cultural database, you may be able to tap into the translation algorithm.
Janeway: Oh, much better. The Federation habitat, population one hundred and forty eight. At least they haven't detected that anyone's missing.
Janeway: Here's another environment, and another.
Janeway: How many are there?
Tuvok: Captain, there's data here for ninety four different environments.
Janeway: They're holding thousands of prisoners. There's got to be something that'll tell us what the layout of this place is. Authorized access only.
Tuvok: I'll try to bypass their security codes.
Janeway: Good, I'm getting something. Incredible. Tuvok, we're on a ship.
Tuvok: We should attempt to locate the bridge.
Janeway: Well if there is one, I can't find it. There seems to be a more extensive control center four decks above us. Maybe I can access it from here. More security lock-outs.
Tuvok: We may need to disable the entire security sub-routine.
Taleen: There's been an unauthorized access at one of the terminals. Some of the lifeforms have escaped their habitat.
Dammar: Find them and put them back.
Taleen: We are attempting to do that now. However, if they resist, stronger measures may become necessary.
Dammar: If they leave you no other alternative, you have the authorisation to use force.
Dammar: How soon can we go to warp? I want to get back there.
Rislan: Just a few minutes.
Jarleth: Let's go back.
Paris: No, we've got to find the Captain and Tuvok. They might need our help.
Jarleth: We have to help ourselves. This is our chance to get back into our own environments.
Torres: If you want to go, then go. We're not leaving them behind.
Nyrian Guard: Don't move.
Jarleth: I surrender. I'm sorry. It wasn't my idea. They made me come along. They, er, went around that corner.
Nyrian Guard: Follow them.
Tuvok: He just activated a translocator control. One lifeform was sent from an access tunnel to the biosphere adjacent to ours.
Janeway: That must have been Jarleth. This translocator is what the Nyrians used to get on our ship.
Tuvok: Then we should be able to use the same method to return to Voyager.
Janeway: Assuming we can figure out how to use it.
Rislan: We're getting an incoming message from the biosphere vessel. Audio only.
Taleen: Taleen to Dammar. Some of the lifeforms have accessed the control system. They have weapons. We need reinforcements.
Dammar: We're on our way to you now. Increase speed to maximum velocity. Take us close enough to translocate our entire security force at once.
Rislan: Yes, sir.
Paris: Something's wrong with the phaser.
Torres: Power cells probably running out. These aren't exactly Starfleet issue.
Paris: We've got to get out of these tunnels. There must be somewhere to hide in one of these habitats.
Torres: Tom, I think I've found one. Here is it.
Torres: Remember how we had to warm up the ship for the Nyrians?
Paris: This is the last place they'd want to follow us.
Taleen: Stop!
Taleen: Follow them. That's an order.
Tuvok: This translocator has an extremely long range. Over ten light years.
Janeway: Great distances must limit it's capacity. That's why the Nyrians could only send one person to Voyager at a time and bring one of us here.
Tuvok: Their method has the added advantage of appearing innocent, at least in the beginning.
Janeway: I can't find the command pathways to get the system operative, and I don't imagine we have much longer before they find us.
Torres: Maybe coming in here wasn't such a good idea.
Paris: Let's hope it's worse for them than it is for us.
Torres: Careful. That phaser's just about dead.
Torres: They can't last much longer. We've just got to stay one step ahead of them.
Paris: We don't want to get too far away from the portal. Maybe we should find a place to hide.
Torres: Let me see the phaser. My hands are completely numb.
Paris: Here. I would have thought all that hot Klingon blood would have kept you warm.
Torres: Shows how much you know about Klingons. They have much less tolerance for the cold than humans do.
Paris: Really? I thought that was Cardassians.
Torres: No, they just complain about it more.
Paris: Better?
Torres: I think that'll amplify the power cell enough for one more shot.
Paris: B'Elanna!
Paris: Nice shot. Now let's get out of here before we freeze to death.
Janeway: I've got the basic operation down, but I can't quite figure out how to lock on to a target. Can you access anything that might function like our targeting scanners?
Tuvok: There are biosensors contained within the monitoring programs of each habitat. Perhaps
Janeway: What is it?
Tuvok: I'm detecting human lifeforms in one of the environments. The Argala habitat.
Janeway: Tom and B'Elanna.
Tuvok: Possibly. They may have taken refuge there to hide from the Nyrians.
Janeway: Doesn't look very inviting, does it.
Tuvok: The temperature is minus twenty degrees Celsius.
Janeway: They can't last long in that. We've got to get them out.
Tuvok: Captain, there's a ship approaching at high warp. It's Voyager.
Janeway: If the Nyrians are bringing in reinforcements, we're in trouble. Keep working on those bioscanners.
Torres: I didn't think we were this far from the portal. I don't think I can go any farther.
Paris: You have to keep moving.
Torres: Oh, I'm so sleepy.
Paris: No, B'Elanna, get up.
Torres: No, you go on. I'm just going to rest here.
Paris: If you do that, you'll die.
Torres: No, I'll be fine. I just have to close my eyes for a minute.
Paris: Oh no, I am not going to let you do this. On your feet now, Torres. That's an order.
Torres: You can't give me orders. We're the same rank.
Paris: I am a bridge officer, and I have seniority.
Torres: Oh yeah, by two days!
Paris: On your feet, now! Come on, you've been wanting to take a swing at me for days. Now's your chance.
Torres: You're just trying to get me moving.
Paris: You will keep moving. Or do I have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you out?
Torres: Don't even try it.
Dammar: Where are we?
Rislan: The Argala habitat, sir.
Dammar: Get us out of here. Where's the portal?
Dammar: You did this!
Janeway: I've taken control of your translocation system. My tactical officer is standing by, waiting for my next order.
Dammar: And, and what would that be?
Janeway: That depends on you. Surrender my ship and release all the prisoners here.
Dammar: Unacceptable.
Janeway: All right. You can stay where you are and greet your fellow crewmembers as we translocate them here to join you.
Rislan: And if we do surrender?
Janeway: We'll find you a nice warm habitat where you'll be comfortable while we contact the native worlds of your prisoners and arrange for their return. And once we've disabled your translocator, you'll be free to go. I'm sorry you don't wish to be reasonable. Mister Tuvok, get me out of here and prepare to
Dammar: No! Wait!
Janeway: Captain's log, stardate 50929.6. The Nyrians have surrendered Voyager, and my crew is safely back on board. The former prisoners on the habitat vessel have contacted their native worlds, and are waiting to be taken home.
Torres: Nice day.
Paris: Beautiful.
Torres: Things were pretty chilly there for a while.
Paris: I guess they were.
Torres: It feels good to be warm again.
Paris: Yeah, it sure does.


Chakotay: Where are you headed?
Torres: The bridge.
Chakotay: Mind if I walk with you?
Torres: Not at all.
Chakotay: So, how's it going?
Torres: Not bad, I guess.
Chakotay: Tuvok still giving you a hard time?
Torres: No more than usual.
Chakotay: I don't know about you, but when I think about spending seventy years on the same ship with that guy, it gives me a headache. I get the impression a lot of the crew agrees with me. Maquis and Starfleet.
Chakotay: Bridge. So, what do you think?
Torres: About what?
Chakotay: About what I've been saying. That a lot of the crew aren't too happy with our Chief of Security. And for that matter, I don't think Captain Janeway's winning any popularity contests either. Don't you agree?
Torres: Why do I get the feeling that you're testing me?
Chakotay: Let's just say I'm interested in your opinion.
Torres: Why?
Chakotay: You're a good officer. I like you. And I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.
Torres: Computer, halt turbolift. Look, what's this all about?
Chakotay: There're going to be some changes around here. All of the Maquis are in line, and about twenty five of the Starfleet crew are with us.
Torres: Are you saying there's going to be a mutiny?
Chakotay: And when the shooting starts, I'm going to need to know which side you're on.
Janeway: Well, Commander, Voyager's all yours.
Chakotay: There's a first time for everything, I guess. Don't worry, Captain, I'll keep your ship safe and sound.
Janeway: I'm sure you will.
Paris: Shuttlebay to Captain Janeway.
Janeway: Go ahead, Mister Paris.
Paris: The shuttle's ready to go whenever you are.
Janeway: On my way.
Chakotay: Captain, I've been thinking. Are you sure you don't want to take Lieutenant Tuvok with you, just in case the Rukani turn out to be less friendly than they seem?
Tuvok: I assure you, Commander. I have made thorough preparations for the Captain's safety during her away mission. You, on the other hand, are still adapting to your duties as First Officer. Under the circumstances, I believe my time will be better spent assisting you in your effort to justify the trust the Captain has placed in you.
Janeway: I appreciate your concern for my safety, Mister Chakotay, but Tuvok's right. Lieutenant Paris and I will be just fine. I'll see you in twenty four hours.
Chakotay: Lieutenant, I want you to keep close tabs on the Captain's shuttle. Let's make sure she doesn't run into any trouble.
Tuvok: Aye, sir.
Chakotay: Ensign, let's shut down those transporters and start that diagnostic we've been putting off.
Kim: Sir, are you sure we shouldn't wait for the Captain to get back?
Tuvok: Ensign Kim, you have been given a direct order. Do as the Commander tells you.
Kim: Aye, sir.
Chakotay: Have you finished upgrading the internal sensors, Ensign?
Torres: I'm working on it, sir.
Chakotay: I hope so.
Chakotay: Wait here.
Tuvok: Is something wrong, sir?
Chakotay: No, it's just tomorrow's duty roster.
Tuvok: Sir, Captain Janeway's shuttle has gone to warp.
Chakotay: Thank you, Tuvok. Chakotay to all hands. Let's do it.
Tuvok: Sir?
Kim: Red alert! Security to the Bridge!
Chakotay: You're wasting your time, Harry. All my teams have taken control of Security, Engineering and all key systems.
Kim: You'll never get away with this. People will fight back.
Chakotay: That's going to be a little difficult. All your off-duty Starfleet friends have been locked down in quarters.
Chakotay: I guess you've made your choice.
Jonas: Jonas to Chakotay.
Chakotay: Go ahead.
Jonas: They're putting up a fight on deck two. We could use some help.
Chakotay: Carlson, O'Donnell, get these people to the brig. Ayala, take the conn and move us out of com range of Janeway's shuttle. You're with me.
Chakotay: Deck two. Thanks for watching my back in there.
Torres: Right.
Chakotay: Are you okay?
Torres: To tell you the truth, shooting Harry got me a little rattled.
Chakotay: He's only stunned. We're not going to kill anybody today, unless it's absolutely necessary. Just stay close.
Chakotay: Stay low.
Torres: They've got us pinned down.
Chakotay: We'll just have to shoot our way past them. Ready?
Torres: Seska!
Seska: It's just like old times, isn't it?
Chakotay: Thanks for the help.
Seska: We've got to get moving. Some of Janeway's people are trying to set up a command center in the mess hall.
Seska: I wouldn't do that if I were you. This phaser's set on wide beam. I could take you all in one shot.
Chakotay: Everybody, drop your weapons.
Neelix: You heard the man. Drop your weapons. Don't look so surprised, Commander. I know a winner when I see one. I'm with you.
Seska: Do you want me to shoot him?
Chakotay: We're still going to need a cook. Chakotay to Engineering. What's your status?
Crewman: Engineering is secure.
Chakotay: Transporter rooms one and two, status.
Crewman: Transporter room one is under control.
Crewwoman: Transporter room two is secure.
Chakotay: Shuttlebay, status.
Crewman: Shuttlebay is secured, Commander.
Chakotay: I'll take care of the prisoners here. You two get some help and start rounding up the personnel that are still locked down in quarters. Bring them to Cargo Bay one.
Seska: We did it.
Chakotay: Just like old times.
Seska: You did a good job today.
Torres: Thanks.
Seska: Just make sure you keep it up.
Torres: What's that supposed to mean?
Seska: It means I'm not as easy to win over as Chakotay. Come on! Let's go.
Seska: Wait here.
Kes: Seska, what's going on?
Seska: Move it.
Kes: Why are we being treated like prisoners?
Seska: No talking.
Seska: Over there, with the rest of them.
Kes: What are you going to do with us?
Seska: I said, no talking!
Torres: Hey, hey, hey. Take it easy.
Seska: It told you it was a mistake letting Starfleet people in on this.
Chakotay: Now is not the time, Seska. Take a good look around you. You're under armed guard. You may also notice that your senior officers aren't here. They're in the brig. They'll be put off the ship at the first habitable planet we come to. All except Janeway and Paris, who will arrive at their rendezvous coordinates to find that Voyager's not there. In short, I've taken control of the ship. I don't blame any of you for the mistakes of your leaders, so I'm giving you a choice. You can be put off the ship with your superiors or you can do what Neelix and some of your other crew members have already done and join me. If you do, you'll be part of a crew that's going to do whatever it takes to get us home as fast as possible. Under my command, we won't let almighty Federation principles get in the way of opportunities the way Janeway did when she destroyed the array that could have gotten us home. And we won't be wasting precious time stopping to investigate every insignificant anomaly that we come across. What we will do is use any means necessary to acquire technology that can shorten our journey. To hell with Starfleet regulations. You have fifteen minutes to make up your minds.
Paris: B'Elanna, what's going on here?
Torres: Computer, freeze program. Are you in the habit of just walking in on people's private holodeck time?
Paris: Well, it's not as if I caught you dancing the rumba with a naked Bolian. We had a lunch date, remember?
Torres: Is it lunch time already? I must have lost track of the time.
Paris: Well, I expected to find you shooting pool at Sandrine's, not hanging out with Seska. What sort of program is this anyway?
Torres: It's really something. I was doing a routine purge of the database, you know, taking out old files that were taking up space, and I found this holonovel. It's a kind of 'what if' story, all about a Maquis mutiny. It's completely compelling and believable. I guess it's because it's all about us.
Paris: Who wrote it?
Torres: Now, that is the big mystery. Whoever the author is has gone to a lot of trouble to keep his identity a secret. It's been encrypted.
Paris: Why do you suppose someone would try so hard to be anonymous?
Torres: Well, think about it. Whoever plays this program takes on the role of a Starfleet security officer who gets approached by Chakotay to help the Maquis take over the ship. I mean, it's pretty inflammatory.
Paris: You think we should tell the Captain?
Torres: Probably.
Paris: It would be pretty hard for us to give her a full report if we don't know how the story ends.
Torres: Excellent point.
Paris: Great. Can you reset it for me?
Torres: You? I was just getting to the good part.
Paris: Oh, come on, B'Elanna. Be a sport. I've got to be back on duty in less than an hour. Besides, isn't half the fun of a holonovel having someone to talk it over with?
Torres: All right. You owe me one.
Chakotay: Where are you headed?
Paris: The bridge. HOLO-
Chakotay: Mind if I walk with you?
Paris: I was kind of hoping you would. HOLO-
Chakotay: So, how's it going?
Paris: Couldn't be better. HOLO-
Chakotay: Tuvok still giving you a hard time?
Paris: Oh, doesn't he always? HOLO-
Chakotay: I don't know about you, but when I think about spending seventy years on the same ship with that guy, it gives me a headache.
Paris: Not to mention an upset stomach.
Chakotay: Bridge.
Paris: I hear you're planning a mutiny. HOLO-
Chakotay: Computer, halt turbolift. Who told you that?
Paris: Let's just say there are rumors. HOLO-
Chakotay: Yeah, well, don't believe everything you hear.
Paris: Of course not. I just wanted you to know that whatever happens, I'm with you. HOLO-
Chakotay: Computer, resume turbolift.
Paris: I'm serious. Just tell me what you want me to do. HOLO-
Chakotay: All right, Ensign, here it is. As soon as the Captain leaves to meet the Rukani, I want you to put all crew quarters on lock-down. I'll ask you if you've finished upgrading the internal sensors. If you say yes, I'll know we're ready to go.
Paris: I understand. HOLO-
Chakotay: I'm watching you. No tricks.
Tuvok: We are entering the Rukani sector, Commander. HOLO-
Chakotay: Inform the Captain. HOLO-
Tuvok: Aye, sir. HOLO-
Janeway: Well, Commander, Voyager's all yours. HOLO-
Chakotay: There's a first time for everything, I guess. Don't worry, Captain. I'll keep your ship safe and sound. HOLO-
Janeway: I'm sure you will. HOLO-
Paris: Shuttlebay to Captain Janeway. HOLO-
Janeway: Go ahead, Mister Paris. HOLO-
Paris: The shuttle's ready to go whenever you are. HOLO-
Janeway: On my way. HOLO-
Chakotay: Captain, I've been thinking. Are you sure you don't want to take Lieutenant Tuvok with you, just in case the Rukani turn out to be less friendly than they seem? HOLO-
Tuvok: I assure you, Commander. I have made thorough preparations for the Captain's safety during her away mission. You, on the other hand, are still adapting to your duties as First Officer. Under the circumstances, I believe my time will be better spent assisting you in your effort to justify the trust the Captain has placed in you. HOLO-
Janeway: I appreciate your concern for my safety, Mister Chakotay, but Tuvok's right. Lieutenant Paris and I will be just fine. I'll see you in twenty four hours. HOLO-
Chakotay: Lieutenant, I want you to keep close tabs on the Captain's shuttle. Let's make sure she doesn't run into any trouble. HOLO-
Tuvok: Aye, sir. HOLO-
Chakotay: Ensign, let's shut down the transporters and start that diagnostic we've been putting off. HOLO-
Kim: Sir, are you sure we shouldn't wait for the Captain to get back? HOLO-
Tuvok: Ensign Kim, you have been given a direct order. Do as the Commander tells you. HOLO-
Kim: Aye, sir. HOLO-
Chakotay: Have you finished upgrading the internal sensors?
Paris: Yes, sir. HOLO-
Chakotay: I hope so. HOLO-
Chakotay: Wait here. HOLO-
Tuvok: Is something wrong, sir? HOLO-
Chakotay: No, it's just tomorrow's duty roster. HOLO-
Tuvok: The Captain's shuttle has gone to warp. HOLO-
Chakotay: Thank you, Tuvok. Chakotay to all hands. Let's do it. HOLO-
Tuvok: Sir?
Paris: Tuvok, get down! HOLO-
Chakotay: I guess you've made your choice.
Paris: It's not over yet, Chakotay. HOLO-
Chakotay: Take them all to the brig.
Paris: Sir, we have to do something. HOLO-
Tuvok: What did you have in mind, Ensign?
Paris: Escape. Retake the ship. HOLO-
Tuvok: We will indeed attempt to do so when the time is right.
Paris: What about trying it now? HOLO-
Tuvok: Such a foolhardy proposal suggests a lack of proper training. Need I remind you that we are confined behind an electrostatic forcefield?
Paris: We can't just sit here and do nothing. HOLO-
Tuvok: We are hardly doing nothing. We are observing the enemy, watching for any diskernible patterns in their procedures, looking for any weakness in their defenses.
Paris: How long is this observing business going to take? It's been over an hour already. I'm getting bored. HOLO-
Tuvok: I am not concerned with your amusement, Ensign. We are in a crisis situation, and we will follow procedure. And procedure dictates that we wait for the right opportunity to attempt an escape, whether it takes an hour or a week.
Paris: A week? Who wrote this stuff? HOLO-
Chakotay: Hold Kim and Tuvok here. Bring the rest of them to Cargo bay one.
Paris: Enjoy the wait.
Chakotay: And we won't be wasting precious time stopping to investigate every insignificant anomaly we come across. What we will do is use any means necessary to acquire technology that can shorten our journey. To hell with Starfleet regulations. You have fifteen minutes to make up your minds.
Paris: I don't need fifteen minutes. I'm with you right now.
Paris: So by the time I got around to joining Chakotay's little band of rebels
Torres: Ah ha.
Paris: He was so suspicious of my motives that he assigned me to lubricate the warp plasma manifolds.
Torres: You should have tried going along with the mutiny from the beginning. It's much more fun.
Paris: Oh, believe me, next time I will.
Neelix: I couldn't help overhearing. You two are talking about the new holonovel. I tried sending an encoded message to Captain Janeway's shuttle to warn her about the mutiny. But Chakotay caught me, phasered me, and the program reset. Next time, I'm going to pretend to go along with the conspirators and then stage a counterstrike.
Paris: I thought we were going to keep this our little secret.
Torres: Don't look at me. I didn't tell him.
Neelix: I heard about it from the Doctor.
Paris: The Doctor?
Torres: I may have let it slip while I was running his weekly diagnostic.
Paris: Oh, great. Who else knows about it?
Neelix: Don't worry about me. My lips are sealed.
Kim: So what's this Ayala tells me about a new holonovel?
Paris: Get in line, Harry. Lieutenant Paris's personal log: Stardate 50953.4. I've decided to take B'Elanna's advice and replay the holonovel, this time as a full-fledged member of Chakotay's team of mutineers. I hope it turns out better than before.
Chakotay: Where the hell are those warp engines? HOLO-
Seska: They're still offline. We can't seem to get the dilithium matrix reinitialized. HOLO-
Chakotay: It's been two days. HOLO-
Seska: Don't worry. B'Elanna's on it. HOLO-
Chakotay: Run a full security sweep. Something tells me there's more to this engine problem than a faulty dilithium matrix.
Paris: Do you think we've got a saboteur on board? HOLO-
Seska: There's a ship approaching, bearing two one six mark three three. It's Janeway's shuttle. HOLO-
Chakotay: Open a channel. Hello, Kathryn. How did it go with the Rukani? HOLO-
Janeway: You're out of uniform, Commander. HOLO-
Chakotay: There have been a few changes since you've been gone. HOLO-
Janeway: So I've heard. You think I don't have any friends left on Voyager? HOLO-
Chakotay: Apparently you do. But I'll find them. HOLO-
Janeway: And then what? Will you kill them or just put them off the ship? HOLO-
Chakotay: Nobody has to die here today. HOLO-
Janeway: I thought you were a man of your word, Chakotay. I guess I was mistaken. HOLO-
Chakotay: I'm sorry it had to come to this. But the crew believes I can get them home faster than you can. HOLO-
Paris: That's going to be a little difficult without warp engines, isn't it? HOLO-
Chakotay: Our warp drive may be temporarily offline, but our weapons systems are fully operational.
Paris: They're powering phasers. HOLO-
Chakotay: Kathryn, don't try to be a hero. I've been reasonable so far. I'll allow you to keep the shuttle. I'll even transport you some extra provisions. But if you don't stand down, I will destroy your shuttle. HOLO-
Janeway: You've just threatened the wrong woman, Chakotay. HOLO-
Chakotay: What does she think she's going to accomplish? HOLO-
Seska: We can obliterate them in one shot. HOLO-
Chakotay: Not till I give the order. Reopen a channel.
Paris: I don't know how, but they've disabled our shields. We're completely vulnerable. HOLO-
Chakotay: Target their warp core and fire. HOLO-
Seska: I always said Janeway was a fool.
Computer: Intruder alert on deck eight.
Paris: It's Paris and Janeway. HOLO-
Chakotay: Janeway's no fool. She tricked us into destroying her shuttle, then transported over while the shields were down. HOLO-
Seska: She's trying to free the prisoners. HOLO-
Chakotay: You've got the bridge. You're with me.
Chakotay: Get away from that panel! HOLO-
Paris: Drop it.
Paris: Computer, resume program.
Computer: The holographic simulation has ended.
Paris: Well, start it up again, right where it left off.
Computer: Unable to comply.
Paris: Why not?
Computer: Additional narrative parameters have not been programmed.
Paris: Are you saying there's no more story?
Computer: Affirmative.
Paris: This is someone's idea of a practical joke, right?
Computer: Please rephrase the question.
Torres: There. I've bypassed the security override. Try it now.
Paris: Computer, identify the author of holographic program entitled Insurrection Alpha.
Computer: That information is classified.
Torres: I've tried every decryption protocol I can think of. Whoever wrote this is good.
Paris: Not to mention sadistic. I can't believe we've been left hanging like this.
Neelix: Any luck? Me neither. I've diskreetly questioned everybody I thought I could trust. Either nobody knows or nobody's talking.
Paris: Remember the good old days when it was impossible to keep a secret on a ship this small?
Janeway: Well, if that takes care of our official agenda, there's another matter I'd like to discuss. Commander Chakotay informs me there's a new holonovel that's become quite popular among the crew.
Chakotay: It's been accessed forty seven times by thirty three different crew members.
Janeway: I don't suppose anyone here is familiar with what we're talking about?
Torres: Er, actually, er, Captain, I'm the one who found it on the auxiliary database.
Paris: I've been running it too.
Chakotay: Anybody else?
Janeway: I understand that the author of this little opus has chosen to remain anonymous. Perhaps because of the controversial nature of the story, which depicts Commander Chakotay as the leader of a Maquis mutiny. Well, now that the cat's out of the bag, I want each of you to talk to your staff and find out who our anonymous author is.
Tuvok: That won't be necessary, Captain. I am the author of the program in question.
Paris: You, Tuvok?
Janeway: I never knew you had literary aspirations.
Neelix: Not to mention talent. What a story!
Tuvok: I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding. The program is not a holonovel. It is a tactical training scenario. When you first invited the Maquis to join our crew, I believed that mutiny was a very real possibility. With that in mind, I began to write a training program for junior security officers to prepare them for such an eventuality.
Paris: But you never finished it?
Tuvok: No. As the two crews began to work together, I concluded that the threat of an insurrection was increasingly unlikely. I realized the program itself might exacerbate the very conflict I sought to avoid. Therefore, I deleted the scenario, or so I believed.
Janeway: Apparently you didn't account for B'Elanna's exceptional computer skills.
Tuvok: Nor her somewhat excessive curiosity. I apologize for my carelessness, Captain.
Paris: Forget your carelessness. What you should be apologizing for is leaving us all hanging by a thread. You've got to finish the story.
Tuvok: On the contrary, Mister Paris. The program has the potential to incite animosity among the crew and must be permanently deleted. I have no doubt the captain concurs.
Janeway: With all due respect, Mister Tuvok, loosen up. You may have intended this program to be a tactical training tool, but it looks to me like it's turned into a bit of harmless fun.
Tuvok: As the Captain of this ship, surely you
Janeway: I'm more than just a Captain. I'm the leader of a community, and communities need entertainment, culture, creative outlets. Since we're not exactly privy to every new piece of music or holonovel that's written back home, I think it's only natural that we should start creating our own.
Chakotay: Besides, Tuvok, if the crew doesn't get an ending, you may have a real mutiny on your hands.
Paris: If Tuvok doesn't want to finish the story, I volunteer.
Torres: Oh?
Paris: Well, I've always wanted to write a holonovel. I think I could make it pretty exciting.
Janeway: Good. Then it's settled. I for one can't wait to see if Captain Janeway manages to outwit the conspirators.
Paris: Well, if it isn't Mister Anonymous. Come to check up on your replacement?
Tuvok: Since the captain insists on allowing you to proceed with this frivolous exercise, I thought you might benefit from the original probability studies I conducted before beginning the scenario.
Paris: Well, thanks, Tuvok, but I don't need any probability studies. I'm just sort of making it up as I go along.
Tuvok: Indeed. I'd be curious to know what you've made up thus far.
Paris: Well, I was thinking, Paris and Janeway retake the ship, and then she decides to execute all the conspirators.
Tuvok: That is an entirely implausible plot development. Captain Janeway would never behave in such an inhumane manner.
Paris: This isn't real life, Tuvok. It's fiction. Don't get so caught up in logic.
Tuvok: Logic is an integral part of narrative structure. According to the Dictates of Poetics by T'hain of Vulcan, a character's actions must flow inexorably from his or her established traits.
Paris: Well, I don't know anything about T'hain, but I do know what makes an interesting story, and that's unexpected plot twists.
Tuvok: If you think I will allow you to turn this program into a parody, you are sorely mistaken.
Paris: Are you saying that you're going to finish it yourself?
Torres: Artistic differences?
Tuvok: I would hardly call Mister Paris's ideas artistic.
Paris: Apparently, my instincts don't comply with the Vulcan Dictates of Poetics.
Torres: Well, I've got a couple of suggestions that might help. Now, up until now the story's been nothing but action, which is fine. But what it needs is a little heart, a little emotion.
Tuvok: We are not writing a romance novel, Lieutenant.
Paris: We?
Tuvok: I've decided that your efforts would benefit from my collaboration.
Paris: Oh, really?
Torres: Listen, I don't care which one of you is writing this thing. All I'm saying is that there is room in every good story for a little bit of passion.
Paris: You know, maybe you're on to something. I could add a steamy love scene between the Starfleet conn officer and the Maquis engineer.
Torres: Oh, that's realistic.
Neelix: How about a fresh pot of coffee to keep those creative juices flowing, eh?
Paris: Thanks, Neelix.
Neelix: While I'm here.
Paris: Let me guess. You have a suggestion to make.
Neelix: Of course not. I would never presume to interfere in the creative process. It's more of a comment, really, about the Neelix character.
Tuvok: How surprising.
Janeway: He would never betray the Captain the way he does in that story. No offense, Mister Vulcan, but I don't think you understand my character very well.
Paris: Tuvok, did you forget to follow the Dictates of Poetics?
Tuvok: Perhaps we should find someplace quieter to work.
Paris: Now, that's the first intelligent suggestion I've heard all evening.
Tuvok: I believe our first step should be to create a carefully constructed outline of the remaining chapters.
Paris: I told you, Tuvok. I'm just making it up as I go.
Tuvok: We cannot proceed without a carefully constructed outline.
Paris: There you go with that we stuff again. I don't remember agreeing to let you help me.
Tuvok: Need I remind you that it was I who first began the scenario?
Paris: And you think I'm compromising your creative vision?
Tuvok: In so many words, yes. And it is my duty to ensure that ship security is not compromised by your creative vision.
Paris: You had your chance to finish the story, and you wanted to delete it.
Tuvok: True, but since that is no longer an option, I am now exercising my prerogative as the original author.
Paris: Look, Tuvok, for the last time, I don't need any help.
Emh: Ah, there you are. I have several brilliant ideas for upcoming chapters of your holonovel, as well as a list of revisions and dialogue changes that I believe will improve the earlier installlments.
Paris: I don't believe this.
Emh: No thanks are necessary. In addition, I'm prepared to offer my expertise in the creation of holographic mise-en-scene.
Tuvok: Computer, override the EMH program's autonomous controls and transfer him back to Sickbay.
Emh: Now, wait just a min
Paris: Thanks, Tuvok. Now that I think about it, I'll take it from here.
Tuvok: You may find that difficult, since I am the only one who can make additions to the program.
Paris: All right, Tuvok. You win. We'll finish the story together.
Tuvok: That is a very rational decision, Mister Paris. Computer, reinitiate the holographic program entitled Insurrection Alpha, security clearance Tuvok four seven seven four.
Computer: The program has been reinitiated.
Paris: The first thing we're going to change is that title.
Tuvok: Reformat the holo-matrix for the addition of new interactive algorithms.
Computer: The holo-matrix has been formatted.
Tuvok: Reopen the narrative parameters file.
Kim: Captain, we just lost power in both transporter rooms. The com went down, and the holodeck systems are completely scrambled.
Paris: What are we doing in the brig?
Tuvok: I have no idea. We haven't given the computer instructions to create a location yet. HOLO-
Seska: Hello, Tuvok. I've been expecting you. If you can see me, you've obviously reopened the narrative parameters file of the tactical scenario you've been working on.
Tuvok: How do you know that? You're a hologram. HOLO-
Seska: That's right. A holographic representation of Seska, one of the Maquis shipmates you betrayed. I would have thought all that time you spent spying on us might have given you a little more insight into the Maquis, but after looking over what you've already written, I can see you need a little help. So I've created this representation of myself, to guide you through the rest of the program.
Tuvok: There is no more program. HOLO-
Seska: There is now. I finished writing it for you, with a few revisions of my own.
Paris: Revisions? HOLO-
Seska: To start with, the holodeck is now sealed. Your friends will find it very difficult to get you out of here. And the safety protocols are off, which means if I shoot you, and I am going to shoot you, you'll die. But not just yet. You've got ten seconds to run. Nine, eight
Tuvok: Computer, end program. HOLO-
Seska: Seven, six, five
Tuvok: Holodeck one to Bridge. Emergency transport. HOLO-
Seska: Oh, did I forget to tell you? The moment you restarted the program, the com system went down. Four, three
Paris: I guess we'd better do what she says. HOLO-
Seska: Two, one.
Paris: You should never have crossed her, Tuvok.
Tuvok: She has been dead for over a year now. There would have been no way to predict this turn of events.
Paris: I guess we should have known Seska wouldn't let a little thing like death stop her from getting even. HOLO-
Janeway: Tuvok. Tom. In here.
Paris: Captain?
Janeway: We're going to have to transport to the cargo bay to free the rest of the prisoners. It's safer than trying to make it on foot.
Paris: She's a hologram too?
Tuvok: Apparently she believes we're here to help her retake the ship from the mutineers.
Paris: I say we play along. We could use all the help we can get against Seska.
Tuvok: You're forgetting it was Seska who rewrote the scenario. For all we know, she's programmed Captain Janeway to betray us.
Paris: I suppose you have a better idea?
Tuvok: The safest course of action is to avoid participation of any kind. Eventually, the real Captain will discover our predicament and shut down the program from the outside. HOLO-
Janeway: Let's move! HOLO-
Chakotay: Hold it right there! HOLO-
Janeway: Back off! HOLO-
Seska: Or what? You'll shoot us? Go right ahead. HOLO-
Janeway: Whatever you say. HOLO-
Seska: Poor Kathryn. I guess nobody told her the phaser rifles from storage locker three have been malfunctioning. HOLO-
Chakotay: You're an incredible woman, Seska. HOLO-
Seska: You see who's in charge now, don't you? So if I were you, I'd get moving again. The program's not over.
Tuvok: We have no intention of participating in this exercise. HOLO-
Seska: You don't want to end up like your Captain, do you?
Paris: You programmed all this. The malfunctioning phaser, the version of Chakotay who's attracted to you. None of it's real. HOLO-
Seska: You hear that? He thinks this is a game. Show him he's wrong. HOLO-
Chakotay: I've been waiting a long time for this. HOLO-
Seska: Next time, you'll believe me when I tell you the safety protocols are off. Now, you've got five seconds to start running again, or you'll end up with more than a flesh wound.
Paris: So much for not playing along with Seska's program.
Tuvok: Are you able to continue?
Paris: I'll keep up. The question is, where are we going?
Tuvok: I have an idea.
Paris: What's the point? This isn't the real Sickbay.
Tuvok: I may be able to use some of this holographic equipment to treat your wound. Besides, it's as good a place as any to hide from Seska. HOLO-
Emh: Please state the nature of the medical emergency.
Paris: No emergency, Doc. I'm fine. HOLO-
Emh: Nonsense. You have second-degree phaser burns. Please have a seat on biobed one.
Paris: That's all right, Doc. I'm telling you, I feel fine. HOLO-
Emh: You require treatment. Twenty cc's nitric acid. A little proverbial salt in the wound. HOLO-
Emh: You're looking well.
Tuvok: Go!
Paris: I'm not going to leave you! HOLO-
Emh: It was a pleasure treating you. Don't hesitate to call again.
Tuvok: Are you all right, Mister Paris?
Paris: Oh, just great. Maybe we can go to the mess hall now and let the holographic Neelix burn my arm with a frying pan.
Tuvok: Your feeble attempt at wit notwithstanding, it does appear that Seska has reprogrammed the holographic crew to torture us. I suggest we avoid meeting any more of them. HOLO-
Seska: Seska to Tuvok. I know you can hear me.
Paris: Oh, terrific. HOLO-
Seska: I just wanted to remind you that wherever you go, I'll find you.
Paris: I say we try the Jefferies tubes.
Tuvok: I concur.
Kim: Captain, you're not going to believe this, but Seska caused these cascade failures.
Janeway: Seska? How?
Torres: What she lacked in loyalty she made up for in ingenuity. According to the back-up computer logs, she got into Tuvok's scenario on stardate 48671 about a month before she left the ship. She programmed it to cause all of these shutdowns the next time Tuvok reopened the narrative parameters file, which he didn't do until today.
Janeway: Can we get them out?
Torres: Seska laid booby-trapped subroutines everywhere. If we try to open the holodeck doors, the power grid is rigged to explode.
Kim: And the transporters are still offline.
Janeway: You said the narrative parameters file is open now?
Kim: Seska's revised program is playing out as we speak.
Janeway: If Seska can rewrite Tuvok, maybe I can rewrite Seska.
Paris: So, Tuvok, anything in the Dictates of Poetics about how to escape from a ship full of insane holograms?
Tuvok: Your attempts at humor are hardly constructive, Mister Paris.
Tuvok: The controls are jammed. I cannot close the hatch.
Paris: Tuvok!
Paris: Where do you suppose this came from?
Tuvok: That is an intriguing question.
Paris: Do you think Seska's toying with us? Taking us to the brink of death again, then letting us live so she can keep torturing us?
Tuvok: I prefer a more optimistic interpretation. It is possible our shipmates outside the holodeck have learned of our predicament and have found a way to help us by making additions to the program, such as that plasma extinguisher.
Paris: If you want to look on the bright side, I'm certainly not going to argue with you.
Paris: If they do know what's going on, why just hand us a plasma extinguisher? Why not shut down the holo-grid, or change the scenario?
Tuvok: I would imagine Seska has made it very difficult for anyone to implement more than minor changes.
Paris: Take a look at this. (On Aux Systems Monitor 128 - TRYING TO HELP YOU. GO TO WEAPONS LOCKER.)
Paris: You were right.
Tuvok: We must follow their instructions. HOLO-
Chakotay: Hello, boys.
Chakotay: What do you say we go for a little walk?
Janeway: Where did they come from?
Torres: Seska's program is adding new algorithms to counteract the changes we're making.
Janeway: I need more access to the narrative subroutines.
Torres: I can't get in.
Janeway: You'd better find a way, otherwise Tom and Tuvok aren't going to make it out of there alive. It looks like Chakotay's taking them to the holographic cargo bay.
Torres: Torres to Kim. How are you coming
Torres: With those transporters?
Kim: Seska's program has completely disabled the relay access ports.
Kim: It's going to take a while to get Tom and Tuvok out of there.
Janeway: I guess that means I keep writing.
Chakotay: As you can see, the last of your comrades have been captured. In case anybody had any doubts, it should be obvious by now that this is no longer a Starfleet vessel. HOLO-
Seska: Bring Paris and Tuvok over here. You and you, bring your weapons.
Seska: What do you think I'm doing? I'm going to execute them right here.
Janeway: I need access to the character algorithms now!
Torres: I'm on it.
Seska: Fire on my order. HOLO-
Chakotay: Belay that. HOLO-
Seska: What are you doing? We planned this. HOLO-
Chakotay: I'm not sure it's necessary to kill them.
Tuvok: If I'm not mistaken, the Chakotay hologram is undergoing some sort of character change.
Paris: Do you think they're trying to help us again? HOLO-
Seska: These two rodents betrayed us. They deserve to die.
Tuvok: Don't listen to her, Commander. You've taken the ship. There is no need to add murder to your list of offenses. HOLO-
Seska: Quiet! HOLO-
Chakotay: Lower your weapons.
Torres: It's working.
Janeway: Now, if I can just keep modifying the Chakotay hologram. HOLO-
Seska: You're not going to lose your nerve, are you?
Chakotay: We have what we want. There's no reason to kill them. HOLO-
Seska: Prepare to fire on my order! HOLO-
Chakotay: Seska! I'm in command of this operation.
Seska: Not anymore.
Torres: I don't believe it. The program is reconfiguring the subprocessors to counter every change we make. No matter what we do, it rewrites itself so that Tom and Tuvok will die.
Janeway: I'm not out of ideas yet.
Seska: Now, is there anyone else who wants to challenge my authority? Isn't their loyalty inspiring? Set your phasers to kill.
Paris: Don't listen to her. HOLO-
Seska: Fire on my order. HOLO-
Seska: What the hell was that?
Tuvok: Don't move, Seska. HOLO-
Crewwoman: Bridge to Seska. We're under attack by the Rukani. HOLO-
Seska: The Rukani?
Paris: The people the captain and I were visiting while you were busy taking over the ship. When we realized there was a mutiny in progress, we called them for a little assistance.
Janeway: Harry, have you got transporters yet?
Kim: Still working on it, Captain.
Seska: You're not getting this ship back.
Tuvok: That is a rather bold statement for someone in your position. HOLO-
Seska: Computer, initiate sixty seconds self-destruct sequence, authorisation zeta one.
Computer: This ship will self-destruct in sixty seconds.
Tuvok: Computer, belay that order, authorisation Tuvok four seven seven four.
Computer: Unable to comply. Voiceprint not recognized. HOLO-
Seska: If you don't hand over that phaser rifle, everyone on this ship is going to be dead in
Computer: Self-destruct in forty five seconds.
Torres: I don't know how she rigged it, Captain, but when she ordered the self-destruct it initiated an overload in the holodeck power relays. The whole grid is going to blow.
Computer: Self-destruct in thirty seconds. HOLO-
Seska: Hand over the weapon, or the ship is going to be destroyed.
Tuvok: I have set this phaser to kill. If you do not deactivate the self-destruct sequence, I will fire. HOLO-
Seska: I'm surprised at you, Tuvok. That's not very logical. If I'm dead, who'll turn off the self-destruct?
Computer: Fifteen seconds to self-destruct. Thirteen, twelve, eleven, ten, nine HOLO-
Seska: Computer, terminate self-destruct sequence, authorisation zeta one.
Computer: Self-destruct sequence has been terminated. HOLO-
Seska: Now call off your Rukani friends.
Tuvok: Do what she says.
Paris: Tuvok
Tuvok: That's an order, Mister Paris.
Paris: Paris to the Rukani vessel. Thank you for your assistance, but everything's under control now. HOLO-
Seska: It is, isn't it? I guess if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself.
Paris: Not bad.
Tuvok: Seska's not the only one who knows how to cause a phaser malfunction.
Computer: The holographic simulation has ended.
Torres: It's over.
Kim: Kim to Engineering. I think I can give you transporters now, Captain.
Janeway: That's all right, Harry. No rush.
Janeway: Here's to stories with happy endings.
Tuvok: I must say, Captain. Causing the alien ship to come to our aid was a very effective plot development.
Janeway: Who says deus ex machina is an outdated literary device?
Paris: I'm just glad you didn't come down with a case of writer's block.
Torres: So, you two are going to have to come up with a new idea for your next literary collaboration.
Janeway: What about doing a Western?
Torres: Or a detective story?
Chakotay: I don't care what kind of story it is, as long as I'm not the bad guy this time.
Neelix: I've got a great idea for a holonovel about a daring trader who becomes a cook on a starship. Eventually, he rises
Tuvok: Mister Neelix, if Mister Paris and I do create another work of holo-fiction, I assure you we will choose a subject much less close to home.