The Doldrums

STAR TREK: VOYAGER

by Ron Richard

(When Star Trek scripts are written, they use the term “tech” in any place where specific numbers, dates, or terminology would appear. When a script is accepted for production, the terms are filled in so that it all matches with canon.)

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE ‑ VOYAGER TRAVELING AT WARP ‑ THERE ARE FEW STARS VISIBLE (OPTICAL)

JANEWAY (V.O)

Captain’s log, stardate [tech]. We have entered a region of space which the local Minarii traders have referred to as, “The Desert of Loneliness.” It spans over six hundred light years across at its widest point and seems to be strangely free of interstellar matter and life much beyond the microbial. Scans have indicated no apparent reason for this. The Minarii have myths and legends about why there is no life. They range from ancient wars to carnivorous space dwelling life forms, but mostly they avoid it because there is literally nothing there of any value or interest. Normally we also would avoid this region of space because of the extreme distances between habitable planets. However, I have opted to take this slight risk because traveling directly across a corner of this… “Dead Sea in space,” will considerably shorten our travel time to a planet which the Minarii assure me can provide ample supplies and vessel maintenance.

INT. MESS HALL

SEVEN OF NINE is seated at a table waiting for her dinner. She seems impatient. NEELIX brings her a PLATE OF FOOD and fusses with her NAPKIN AND SILVERWARE. Several HUMAN CREWMEMBERS are at adjoining tables.

NEELIX

Sorry to keep you waiting, Seven. We’re a little busy tonight.

SEVEN ignores him for a moment, then snatches the SILVERWARE from him when he won’t stop arranging them.

SEVEN

Perhaps if you did not engage in this time consuming serving ritual with every crewmember, you would not be so busy.

NEELIX sits across the table from her as if he’s been invited.

NEELIX

Ah, but ritual and ceremony are the spice of life, Seven. And speaking of spice, I think you’ll like tonight’s special. It’s a mixture of one of my own recipes with a generous helping of an Earth spice called Habanero…

SEVEN

As long as it’s nutritious.

NEELIX shuts up to see how she likes her food. Two CREWMEMBERS are seated at the next table conversing.

CREWMEMBER #1

From what I’ve heard, going catty corner across the desert will cut more than three weeks off the trip to Ambradine.

CREWMEMBER #2

And with little or no interstellar matter to have to deflect, we can really haul booty. We’ll be there quicker than you can say Jack Robinson.

NEELIX

(Quietly and jokingly, to Seven)

Catty corner? . . . haul booty? What are these people, pirates? And who or what is Jack Robinson?

SEVEN

They are what humans call, “figures of speech.” Do not Talaxians have similar linguistic impediments?

SEVEN continues to eat and ignore NEELIX as much as she can.

NEELIX

Yes, of course we do. I was just trying to lighten the mood. (still trying to cheer her up)

You know, even though I’ve been with this crew for [tech] years, I still get caught off-guard by some of their phrases and such. There are some days I just don’t understand how these people think.

SEVEN

(Softening a little)

As do I. (beat) When I was very young, I was told that great thoughts come from the heart.

NEELIX

(Slightly confused by her answer) What? . . .(She doesn’t respond) It’s just that we don’t fully understand their customs or references, yet. We’ll get used to it, though it might take a lifetime. And by the way, you’ve only been a human again, or should I say a non-Borg for a relatively short time. So in a way you’re still very young.

SEVEN

(A little agitated) Being a Borg is as much a part of me as my human existence. It makes up a great deal of who I am.

NEELIX

I know, I know. I didn’t mean anything…

SEVEN

(Beat)(Clumsily) I . . . apologize, Mr. Neelix…

She seems to want to say more, but resumes eating.

CREWMAN #1

Hey, you know what I heard? This planet Ambradine is also going to be able to supply us with food concentrates and some high-grade antimatter.

CREWMAN #2

I heard that, too. Torres said that with that antimatter, we’ll be able to sustain a warp [tech] cruising speed.

NEELIX

(Trying to change the subject) Why are they always in such a hurry? Cutting across this desert is dangerous…

SEVEN

Maybe you should try to realize that every moment is precious… What I meant is to take this route is efficient.

NEELIX

Seven, is there anything wrong?

SEVEN

Negative.

(slams down her glass)

NEELIX

Well, I think there is. Don’t you think it’s wrong to put ourselves in a dangerous situation just to save a little time?

SEVEN

(Snapping at him) You waste time, you have no comprehension of order, or of harmony or of   …the Song . . .

NEELIX

The Song?

SEVEN

(Almost reminiscing) The Borg Song… (pulling herself together) The subspace link that every Borg is connected to. It exchanges information, thoughts, throughout the entire collective, even though we may be separated by thousands of light years. It is always present, always available, making us in essence one… glorious…all seeing mind. But one such as you can never understand.

NEELIX

Do you miss the Borg?

SEVEN

(Snaps) Not the Borg, the Song.

SEVEN starts to take another bite of food, but throws the FORK down, spilling her BEVERAGE.

SEVEN

Take this food away! It is offensive!

NEELIX

I think we’d better discuss this when you’re in a better mood.

Neelix is now starting to get irritated. He loudly starts to clean up the TABLE. Seven just rests her head on her hand and glares at nothing.

NEELIX

All right, maybe I don’t know what it’s like from a Borg’s point of view. Maybe compared to yours, my lifestyle is a bit frivolous. But I don’t see why you have to be in such a bad mood about it, Seven. … Seven?

She doesn’t react to him.

EXT. – SPACE – VOYAGER AT WARP

INT. – BRIDGE

JANEWAY, CHAKOTAY, TUVOK, PARIS and KIM are at their posts.

PARIS

Leaving that last star system behind us, Captain. There’s nothing directly ahead of us now for over [tech] light years. ETA planet Ambradine is fourteen days, eleven hours.

JANEWAY

Thank you Mr. Paris. Hold your course.

PARIS

Aye, Captain.

JANEWAY stares at the VIEWSCREEN in awe. It is almost blank except for the distant band of SHAPELY CENTER.

JANEWAY

(To CHAKOTAY) It’s almost unimaginable … the emptiness. No stars, no planets… no matter of any kind other than a stray molecule or two.  And very little background radiation. Just a very large area of nothing. And yet, this is nothing compared to deserts between galactic arms, or the unbelievable gulfs between galaxies. This one, though is more …empty than any other I’ve seen.

CHAKOTAY

The desert is large, but smaller than the world. It is hot, but cooler than the flame. The desert is empty, but filled with the hopes of her children. (Beat) Something my aunt used to say to me to help me keep things in perspective.

TUVOK

Commander, I do not believe the Captain is losing her perspective.

JANEWAY

(Bemused) I don’t think that’s what he meant to imply, Mr. Tuvok. (To Chakotay) At least I hope not.

CHAKOTAY

(With mock sincerity) Oh no, that was my aunt talking, not me.

JANEWAY

I think I’d like to meet her someday.

CHAKOTAY

I sincerely hope you do, Captain. She lives in Albuquerque.

KIM works his CONSOLE

KIM

Captain, I’m receiving a report of a medical emergency. Sickbay is responding.

JANEWAY

Specify. What kind of medical emergency?

INT. MESS HALL

SEVEN is in the same position that we saw before. Her eyes are open, but she is unresponsive. There are CREWMEN gathered around. NEELIX is patting her hand.

NEELIX

Seven! SEVEN! Can you hear me?

The DOCTOR shoves him out of the way and examines SEVEN with a MEDICAL TRICORDER. There is no response.

NEELIX

SEVEN!!!

OFF SEVEN’s non-response…

FADE OUT

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. SICKBAY

SEVEN is lying on a BIOBED. Her eyes are open. The DOCTOR is working on her. CHAKOTAY and JANEWAY are standing nearby.

JANEWAY

Doctor what’s wrong with her?

DOCTOR

Nothing.

JANEWAY

Nothing?

DOCTOR

By that, I mean that all her physical responses are normal. Despite her appearance, her brainwaves are indicative of full consciousness. Neurotransmitter levels are normal; autonomic responses show no signs of stress or trauma. Even her blink response is normal. She is not asleep, unconscious or in a coma. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she was putting us on.

CHAKOTAY

What about her Borg implants?

DOCTOR

All functioning normally.

CHAKOTAY

Is there anything you can do, Doctor?

DOCTOR

Until there is a problem to treat, I’m afraid not. I just haven’t found that problem, yet.

TUVOK (V.O.)

Tuvok to Captain Janeway.

JANEWAY

Janeway here.

TUVOK (V.O.)

Captain, will you please come to the bridge?

JANEWAY

On my way. (To DOCTOR) Keep me informed, Doctor.

JANEWAY and CHAKOTAY exit.

DOCTOR

As if I would do otherwise.

INT. BRIDGE

JANEWAY and CHAKOTAY enter from the TURBOLIFT.

JANEWAY

Yes, Mr. Tuvok

TUVOK

Captain, we are experiencing some . . . curious problems with several systems. (To KIM) Ensign?

KIM

Captain, the sensors are . . . slow.

JANEWAY

“Slow,” Mr. Kim?

KIM

I’m sorry, Captain. I just don’t have a better name for it. The lateral sensor array just seems to be taking longer than usual to compile and report its data. Diagnostics insist that everything is fine, but it still seems . . . slow.

JANEWAY

Slow . . . Anything else?

KIM

(Glancing at TUVOK) I believe there was a problem at the tactical station, also.

JANEWAY

Mr. Tuvok?

TUVOK

Captain?

JANEWAY

Is there a problem at your station?

TUVOK

I would not call it a problem, Captain . . . at least not now. The routine security scans that I run on a regular basis are merely experiencing some minor fluctuations.

JANEWAY is about to say something, but TUVOK interrupts.

TUVOK

Captain, might I inquire about the condition of Seven of Nine?

JANEWAY

(Pause) The Doctor is working on her, now. There seems to be nothing to report at the moment.

CHAKOTAY

Which seems to be the same situation as on this bridge. Are there system problems, or not?

TUVOK

None that can be reported with any degree of precision at this time, Commander.

JANEWAY

And yet you felt it necessary to call me to the Bridge to report it.

TUVOK

(Pause) It was at the request of the other Bridge officers, Captain.

JANEWAY

I take it you did not agree?

TUVOK does not reply. He seems almost nervous. There is an uncomfortable pause on the BRIDGE.

PARIS

Uh, Captain, as long as we’re discussing undefinable problems, I’ve got one to report, also.

JANEWAY

You wouldn’t mind telling me, would you?

PARIS

It’s just that … the helm feels … sorry, Harry, but I’ve got to steal your word. The helm feels slow.

JANEWAY makes an exasperated face.

PARIS

(Quickly) Everything reads as normal…the engine efficiency indicators, velocity gauges, warp field status…they all read within normal parameters. I just feel like I’m having to…push down the gas pedal a little harder than normal.

CHAKOTAY

(Sounding annoyed) That’s not much of a report, Lieutenant.

PARIS

I’m sorry, “Commander.” That’s about the best I can do.

JANEWAY

Bridge to Engineering.

TUVOK

(Interrupting her) Captain, I have a personal request to make.

TORRES (V.O.)

Torres here, Captain.

JANEWAY

One moment, if you please, Mr. Tuvok. B’elanna, are any of your systems… slow?

INT. ENGINEERING

TORRES

Slow, Captain?

JANEWAY (V.O)

Sorry, that’s the best adjective anyone will give me. Are there any drops in efficiency in any of your systems?

TORRES

Checking… (She looks at some of her PANELS.) Nothing out of the ordinary, Captain. The engine power/warp speed coefficient is down by .08 percent, but that’s all I see.

INT. BRIDGE

JANEWAY

Why the drop?

TORRES (V.O.)

It’s nothing to worry about, Captain. I think it’s just that the ship has put on a lot of light years since her last servicing. She should be fine once we reach the service facility on Ambradine.

JANEWAY

You “think?” . . . She “should be” fine? I “THINK” I would like some solid, definable answers from my officers! Bridge out!

TUVOK

Captain.

JANEWAY

(Exasperated) Yes, Mr. Tuvok, what is it?

TUVOK

I request permission to leave my post.

JANEWAY

What for?

TUVOK

I wish to go to Sickbay to check on Seven’s condition. I am . . . concerned.

JANEWAY

We’re all concerned, Tuvok. The Doctor will inform us of any developments. Right now, I want all stations to conduct a Level Three diagnostic on their respective equipment. If there are problems, I want something tangible reported. When we get home and Starfleet Command reads my log, I don’t want them to read that the ship was “slow.” (To CHAKOTAY) Commander, you have the bridge.

JANEWAY exits.

PARIS

Slow seemed about as good a word as any to me.

CHAKOTAY

That’ll be enough of that, Lieutenant. You heard the Captain’s order. Get busy on that diagnostic.

PARIS

Sir, I’ve already done a Level Three on the helm control. It said there’s nothing wrong.

CHAKOTAY

I guess you’ll just be doing another one then, won’t you Mr. Paris?

PARIS

Apparently so. (Turning to his console and muttering under his breath) For all the good it’ll do.

CHAKOTAY

(Gripping PARIS by the shoulder and turning him around) Don’t you turn your back to me, mister. What was that you said?

PARIS

TUVOK just stands there.

CHAKOTAY

You too, Tuvok! That’s an order!

TUVOK still does not move. His expression is the same as it was.

CHAKOTAY

Tuvok!

OFF TUVOK’S NON-RESPONSE . . . .

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

EXT. SPACE – VOYAGER AT WARP

DOCTOR (V.O.)

(A slight sadness in his voice) Medical log, Stardate [tech]. A second case of whatever is affecting Seven of Nine has developed. Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok is displaying similar symptoms of unresponsiveness. I still have no explanation for it.

INT. SICKBAY

The DOCTOR is sitting in front of a COMPUTER PANEL engaged in his work. SEVEN and TUVOK are seen lying on BIOBEDS behind him.

DOCTOR (V.O. Continuing)

I am continuing to search for an explanation, of course, but I am beginning to wonder if I can find one. Every avenue I explore is coming up negative.

JANEWAY (V.O.)

Captain to Sickbay.

DOCTOR

Yes, Captain.

JANEWAY (V.O.)

Doctor, any progress?

DOCTOR

Not yet, I’m afraid, Captain. There simply appears…

INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OF ENGINEERING

JANEWAY is walking down the corridor.

DOCTOR (V.O.)

. . . to be nothing medically wrong with them.

JANEWAY

What about commonalities; anything that Seven and Tuvok share that might be a factor in this?

DOCTOR (V.O.)

Far too many for me to count, Captain. There are millions of factors that even different species share. There’s no way for me to know which ones are relevant.

JANEWAY

Are there any indications that this condition will spread to other members of the crew?

JANEWAY enters the doorway to ENGINEERING. TORRES and her ENGINEERS are on duty.

INT. ENGINEERING

DOCTOR (V.O.)

Again, until I can find a cause, I can’t tell you. Not to sound gruesome, Captain, but it might help if this does happen to more people. That way, I will have a bigger pool from which I can determine commonalities more easily. I really hope that doesn’t occur, though. (A little sadly) This crew has been through enough, already.

JANEWAY

(Looking concerned at this last remark) Thank you, Doctor. Janeway out. (To TORRES) Report, Lieutenant.

TORRES

Engine efficiency is now down by 2.03%, Captain. Sensors are down by 4.45%. We’ve almost completed a full Level One diagnostic on all off-line systems. (To a CREWMAN) Greiner, once you’re done verifying readouts over there, you and Kleppinger start on the deuterium flow regulators. (To JANEWAY) I can’t do a full Level One on the warp engines without taking them off line, Captain, but I think I know now what’s happening with engine and sensor efficiency…

JANEWAY

(Before TORRES can finish) Well, let’s have it.

TORRES

(Beat) Yes, Captain. So far it appears that every piece of equipment on this ship that operates with a subspace field is … just not working as well as it should. I can’t explain why, just yet. Ordinary electronics such as the LCAR systems, the main computer or even the gel packs seem to be working just fine, but the engines, the sensors, transporters all seem… inhibited somehow, as if they’re straining to function.

JANEWAY

(Impatiently) Yes, but what’s causing it? Is it a system failure in our subspace field generators; (TORRES is given no chance to answer) is it a drop in the plasma purity; is there a saboteur aboard; is it a problem with your preventative maintenance program? I want some answers, Lieutenant!

TORRES

(Trying to remain cool) Captain, I assure you; if there is a problem with any of the ship’s systems, I will find it. But with all due respect, there might be any number of reasons why…

JANEWAY

I don’t want any number of reasons, I want the correct reason. Carry on. (Exits)

TORRES

I love this job, sometimes.

CREWMEMBER GREINER comes up and carelessly tosses a PADD onto her CONSOLE .

GREINER

Here’s the latest figures on the deuterium flow, Lieutenant.

Annoyed, TORRES reads the PADD while the CREWMEMBER waits.

GREINER

Asks for a lot, doesn’t she? (Suddenly) …Lieutenant.

TORRES

That, Greiner, is how things work on a starship. Now do I have to “ask” you to find some work to do, or shall I “tell” you of some that I know of?

GREINER

(Grumbling) I’ll find some.

TORRES is about to follow him and dress him down some more, but the COM SYSTEM comes on.

KIM (V.O.)

Kim to Torres.

TORRES

Go ahead.

KIM (V.O.)

Can you come to Astrometrics? There’s something here you should see.

INT. ASTROMETRICS

KIM is at a console when TORRES enters.

TORRES

Something here you can’t handle, Starfleet?

KIM

(Nods) And it defies all notions of logic and common sense. That’s why I had call in the Maquis.

TORRES

Good man, what have you got?

KIM

I was trying to see if there is any kind of pattern to the loss of efficiency in the subspace systems. There’s really nothing to measure though. All diagnostics continue to say there’s nothing wrong, but don’t try telling that to the Captain. Anyway, since diagnostics are no help, I was going from system to system, either operating them myself, or interviewing the crewmembers responsible for them…

TORRES

(Interrupting) Harry, does your story come to a point sometime before we make it to the Alpha Quadrant?

KIM

OK, here’s the point. Sit here. Activate the array.

TORRES sits and activates the ASTROMETRIC SENSORS

KIM

Now try a simple test. Focus the astrometric sensors aft and try to scan the last star system we passed.

TORRES

Activating scanners… OK, data coming in… wait… trying again…

ANGLE ON CONSOLE – OPTICAL – The image of a star system is trying to load, but is having problems.

TORRES

My God. This is worse than any of the other systems. It’s almost non-functional.

KIM

So I noticed. And I thought to myself…

KIM AND TORRES TOGETHER

How is this system different from the rest?

KIM

Right. Now, the Astrometric sensors compare the status of subspace from microsecond to microsecond. They use the entire subspace spectrum itself as a baseline comparison to measure very minute changes in the subspace fluctuations caused by spatial bodies. You saw how long it took. This system utilizes subspace probably more than any other.

TORRES

OK. Maybe we should believe the diagnostics. (Thinking) What if there is indeed nothing wrong with the equipment? What if there’s nothing to measure?

KIM

You mean, subspace?

TORRES

Exactly. The subspace systems don’t want to work. The diagnostics say the equipment is fine, but that equipment is designed to manipulate subspace. It couldn’t work if subspace itself were … weak, or even … absent.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM

JANEWAY, CHAKOTAY, THE DOCTOR, NEELIX AND PARIS are seated at the table. KIM and TORRES are standing by the VIEWSCREEN.

JANEWAY

Absent?

TORRES

Actually, absent is not the best word. I should have said, “threadbare.” Something is happening to the fabric of subspace. Somehow, it’s becoming … weaker.

JANEWAY

Wait a minute. Subspace doesn’t have a fabric like normal space. There are radically different physical laws at work in subspace.

KIM

That’s what we were all taught in school. But we think it’s happening, anyway. There’s no way to confirm it, since there is really no way to measure something that we all thought was impossible. But based on computer analysis of B’ellana’s figures of current systems performance and a lot of gut feelings, we believe that subspace is deteriorating.

TORRES

Either that, or our ability to access subspace is. Whichever the cause, it has begun to affect our systems even more.

JANEWAY

What’s our current status?

TORRES

The most affected system seems to be the sensors. They’re only functioning at sixty-seven percent. Warp propulsion eighty-five percent, transporters ninety-two percent… It varies depending on the type of subspace system.

JANEWAY

Does it have anything to do with this desert we’ve entered?

KIM

I don’t see how. Subspace is subspace no matter where in the normal universe you go … normally. But then, normally, subspace doesn’t come apart at the seams, either.

CHAKOTAY

The fact that our systems starting getting, “slow” not long after we entered the desert seems to be more than a coincidence, too.

JANEWAY

Yes, well, I don’t like coincidences any more than I like the ship being, “slow.” Until we get some hard evidence that it is this region of space that’s causing the subspace problems, then we’ll maintain our course for Ambradine.

DOCTOR

That explains the ship’s systems. How about poor Mr. Tuvok and Seven of Nine? They’re still unresponsive. Is this “space” affecting them?

JANEWAY

I think you should answer that question, Doctor. What’s their status?

THE DOCTOR is in a strangely defensive and sad mood.

DOCTOR

I just told you. They are completely unresponsive. Their vital signs are all normal, their motor skills appear unaffected … you can even lead them around on their feet. I have performed every conceivable test on them and found nothing. It’s not my fault. I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me. It’s not my fault.

JANEWAY

Easy, Doctor. No one’s blaming you. Now answer the question. Do you think this region of space is affecting Tuvok and Seven?

DOCTOR

Same problem as before, Captain. There’s nothing discernible to measure, so it appears there is no correlation, but …

The COM SYSTEM activates

CREWMEMBER(V.O.)

Bridge to Captain Janeway.

JANEWAY

Find out immediately, Doctor. (To the ceiling) Go ahead.

CREWMEMBER(V.O.)

Captain, sensors just went down! There was no warning.

JANEWAY reacts a bit depressed.

JANEWAY

Acknowledged. (Testily, to TORRES) You heard him, Lieutenant. The sensors are down. The rest of you, continue to work on your own immediate fronts. That’s all. Dismissed.

They look at each other uncomfortably, then begin to file out, except for CHAKOTAY. He hangs around until the others leave, then moves over to stand over JANEWAY, smiling.

JANEWAY

I know that look. You’re about to give me one of your little, “Captain, you’re being too hard on the crew” speeches. But save your breath, Chakotay. As far as the sensors being down, these are safe waters. There’s nothing out here. You know, this crew may be the best in Starfleet, but they can get slack just like any other. It doesn’t hurt to remind them who’s Captain every now and then … something you had better learn, someday.

CHAKOTAY doesn’t respond.

JANEWAY

Well, let’s have it… Chakotay?

He is unresponsive

INT. SICKBAY

CHAKOTAY is lying unresponsive on a BIOBED. As the view pulls back, we see that SICKBAY is crowded. There are a lot of CREWMEMBERS (including all the VULCANS on the ship) on BIOBEDS and sitting on the deck. The DOCTOR is sitting at his desk recording his log.

DOCTOR

(Speaking sadly into his console) Chief Medical Officer’s Log, Stardate [tech]. I have tried everything in my power to combat this newest pestilence, but it seems hopeless. I cannot even find a cause, let alone a treatment. For all of my combined medical genius, I am completely inadequate. I believe there are just some maladies that cannot be cured.

There is a noise from off camera

CREWMEMBER (OFF)

Doctor?

The DOCTOR gets up wearily and starts to help a CREWMEMBER who has just brought in another VICTIM to an overcrowded SICKBAY.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

EXT. SPACE – VOYAGER

JANEWAY (V.O.)

Captain’s log, stardate [tech] Twenty-one crewmembers have now succumbed to this, “condition.” At the insistence of my remaining bridge officers, I have set a direct course out of this so called, “desert,” even though there is not a shred of evidence to indicate that it is the cause of our troubles. We are losing a great deal of time, but I suppose there is no choice. At least the Doctor says he finally has one bit of news. It’s about time.

INT. SICKBAY

SICKBAY is overflowing with PATIENTS. THE DOCTOR and JANEWAY are standing in front of a MONITOR.

DOCTOR

Well, there you have it; the commonality we were looking for. As I said before, once more people became affected, I was able to find a pattern. Until then, there was nothing I could do. (Sighs sadly)

JANEWAY

Doctor, what the hell is the matter with you? Ever since this business started, you’ve been depressed and sullen. Now pull yourself together.

DOCTOR

Very well, Captain, but remind me to discuss with you your own recent behavior

JANEWAY

Save it! Now tell me what you’ve found!

DOCTOR

(Swallowing a comment) The order of the incidents is being determined by the victims’ Telepathic Quotient.

JANEWAY

Their Telepathic quotient?

DOCTOR

A relatively new term. It describes a humanoid’s ability to detect, project and otherwise manipulate telepathic energy. Until a few years ago, it was known, rather inaccurately, as the Esper Rating. Centuries ago, the theory was developed that a rare number of people had what was considered a special ability to read minds or to manipulate objects. Now that telepathic energy can be detected and measured, we know now that all humanoid species have some degree of telepathic ability. Some people are stronger in one ability than another. Some are “senders” and some are “receivers.” Others’ talents lie in different directions. And of course, there are racial differences. The intricacies of combining the variables make it a difficult and controversial process to chart. The method has not been fully endorsed even now by Starfleet Medical, at least not when we left, but several notable medical figures support the notion.

JANEWAY

Yes, thank you, Doctor. I have heard of Telepathic Quotient. I thought it was just a Betazoid belief.

DOCTOR

Variations of the basic premise have been accepted by a number of telepathic races for all of their recorded histories; most notably, the Vulcans, Ulians and of course, the Betazoids. It was, in fact, Dr. Trealla Patell of Betazed that developed the actual equations to include other species. She also coined the term, Telepathic Quotient.

JANEWAY

And the crew’s TQ is causing the illness?

DOCTOR

I do not believe it is causing it, but there does seem to be a direct relationship. The most telepathically enabled people on the ship were the first ones to succumb. See here, Captain. (Indicates a monitor) This is a list of the people thus far affected in the order in which they were affected. Here it indicates the victim’s TQ. As you can see, the pattern is unmistakable. There is nothing like this phenomenon in the database. I have designated it as Medical Condition 594.

JANEWAY

Why is Seven of Nine’s TQ so much higher than everyone else’s? Tuvok and the other Vulcans should have much more telepathic ability than she.

DOCTOR

Although Seven is human, parts of her brain were artificially enhanced with Borg implants to allow her to interface more easily with the Collective. The subspace carrier that the Borg use to communicate operates at a similar frequency to telepathic energy. As a result, Seven does not possess telepathic ability of any great strength, per se, but she is more able of receiving and sending a clearer signal than anyone on board.

JANEWAY

Doctor, could this (indicates the patients) be a telepathic attack by an outside force?

DOCTOR

I checked for that possibility. I could not detect any telepathic energy outside of what the crew normally generates. In fact, the readings appear to be lower than normal. As more and more of the crew become affected, the amount of telepathic activity that is occurring on this ship is lessening.

JANEWAY

So if this pattern holds, can you predict how much longer until all of us are affected?

DOCTOR

I can’t tell how long, but I do believe that I can say with a reasonable degree of accuracy who will be next. To answer your next question, out of a crew of [tech] members, you have the thirty-first or possibly thirty-second highest T.Q. (Quickly) But that’s not the point, Captain. I still have no idea what is causing this. The only possible explanation I have is this desert we’re in. I can’t do any more! It’s such a tragedy, such a waste.

JANEWAY

(Coldly) Get me a copy of the list.

JANEWAY exits. The DOCTOR slumps down in a CHAIR as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders.

INT. MESS HALL

NEELIX is stirring a POT. KIM and TORRES enter. There is no one else in the room.

NEELIX

Well, I was beginning to think that I wouldn’t get any customers today. I almost closed down. What’ll you have?

TORRES

Whatever is quickest. We have to get back to all these system failures.

KIM

B’Elanna, we’ve been working on them for the last eight hours straight. If I don’t get something to eat and get off my feet, my system is going to fail.

NEELIX

He’s right, Chief Engineer.

TORRES

He’s whining, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. But that’s all right. Why should he be any different than the rest of the crew. I can’t get a lick of work out of anybody, lately.

KIM

Maybe people can’t see the point of cranking out the same old grind when they know their number is coming up soon! (Plops down in a CHAIR) It all just seems so useless.

TORRES

Will you take a pill? Neelix, food! I can’t believe the Captain even released that list.

NEELIX

I’m sure she felt that we had a right to know.

TORRES

I don’t know, I got the feeling it was more like she didn’t care one way or another.

KIM

You’re the one who shouldn’t care so much. Aren’t you the last number on the list?

TORRES

Klingons are known for their lack of telepathy. They’ve managed to make it something to be proud of. We would rather have a good sense of smell, anyway.

NEELIX

If you’re last on the list, you know what that means, don’t you?

The INTERCOM activates

JANEWAY (V.O.)

Lieutenant Torres, report to my ready room, immediately.

TORRES exits.

INT – CAPTAIN’S READY ROOM

TORRES enters the READY ROOM. JANEWAY and the DOCTOR are waiting.

JANEWAY

Lieutenant, status report.

TORRES

Subspace systems are still losing efficiency. The warp engines are operating at sixty-three percent, the transporters are…

JANEWAY

(Interrupting) Right, suffice to say you haven’t made any progress. But that’s not why you’re here. I’m sure you’re aware that you are at the bottom of that TQ list. That means if the crew keeps passing out in the same order they have been, except for the Doctor, you will be the last one conscious; and in command of the ship. The Doctor will be online constantly working on a solution. I have already made Mr. Paris acting First Officer. He is also low on the list. In the event that I… go out, I’ve programmed the computer to detect it and automatically transfer the command codes to you. Your orders are to continue out of this desert and to do everything in your power to save this ship and crew. Right now I need you to continue to work on these systems malfunctions. Dismissed.

TORRES

Aye, Captain

TORRES pauses uncomfortably, then exits.

JANEWAY

Doctor, I was talking to you, too. Especially the dismissed part.

DOCTOR

Captain, as Chief Medical Officer, it is my duty to monitor the health and wellbeing of the entire crew, especially the Captain. And right now, I am seeing disturbing behavior in the commanding officer. For the record, I do not believe you are fit for command. Normally, I would order you relieved of duty, but under the circumstances, there is no one fit to take over. It’s… so sad.

JANEWAY

You just try it! But you don’t have the nerve, do you, Doctor?

DOCTOR

Such a tragedy; I’m so sorry.

THE DOCTOR exits.

JANEWAY sits back in tired frustration. The DOOR CHIME sounds.

JANEWAY

What now? COME!

The door opens and PARIS enters.

JANEWAY

If you have anything other than good news, Mr. Paris, I’ll have you keelhauled.

PARIS

I have a little of that. There is some bad news to go with it, though.

JANEWAY

Isn’t there always? Let’s have it.

PARIS

I hate flying blind, just like any good pilot would. So I wanted a way to see where we’re going even if sensors are not working. I got a couple of the science labs crewmen to modify one of our orbital telescopes, the ones we use to scan the surface of a planet with too much atmospheric interference for conventional scanners. They’re limited, but better than nothing. And I found… this. (Hands her a PADD)

JANEWAY

A planet?

PARIS

A rogue planet with no star. It must be a remnant from another solar system. The spectrograph indicates the proper elements for a class M world.

JANEWAY

This sounds like the part where the bad news begins.

PARIS

We can’t tell if the planet necessarily ever supported life, just that the probability is there.

JANEWAY

Location and distance?

PARIS

Astronomically speaking, it’s practically right in our path. Bearing zero zero four mark three five one; a detour of nineteen hours. (Pauses) We’re closer to it than to the edge of the desert.

JANEWAY

And you would like to investigate this planet? I thought you and the rest of the crew wanted out of this desert.

PARIS

Just informing you of its existence… in case you wanted to know.

JANEWAY

Of course I want to know. (Gets up) Well, Lieutenant, show me this planet you think is so important.

JANEWAY exits with PARIS following.

INT. – BRIDGE

JANEWAY and PARIS enter. CREWMEN are at their posts.

PARIS

Captain, I’m putting the image from orbital scanner twelve on the main screen.

PARIS goes to CHAKOTAY’S STATION and activates the SCREEN. JANEWAY sits in the CAPTAIN’S CHAIR

OPTICAL – The image of a planet appears on the screen. It looks to be class M, but is dark and shadowy.

JANEWAY

Captain’s log, stardate [tech] We are still sixty-four hours from the edge of the desert. I believe something like twenty-eight or so crewmen have passed out or whatever it is; and the ship is slowly falling apart. Engineering can’t tell me what’s going on any more than Sickbay can explain the bad attitudes, the laziness, or why the Doctor himself acts like he’s sorry about killing all our mothers.

JANEWAY pauses, as if there is something more to say. There is silence on the Bridge.

JANEWAY

End log entry.

PARIS

Captain, with all due respect, aren’t you going to mention the planet in your log?

INT – ENGINEERING

TORRES is working at a CONSOLE. The computer pages her.

COMPUTER

Computer to Lieutenant Torres.

TORRES

Torres here.

COMPUTER

Automated command code transfer in progress, per programming parameter Janeway delta nine five seven. U.S.S. Voyager now under command of Lieutenant B’elanna Torres.

Off TORRES’s reaction.

END OF ACT THREE.

ACT FOUR

INT. – MESS HALL

There are several CREWMEN who have succumbed. They are seated at TABLES and resting against BULKHEADS. NEELIX is tending to them, making sure they cannot hurt themselves. PARIS enters leading CREWMAN GREINER.

PARIS

Here’s another one, Neelix.

NEELIX

Oh, Crewman Greiner. Bring him over here, will you?

PARIS leads GREINER across the room and NEELIX sets him down in a corner.

PARIS

Thanks, Neelix. How are you doing?

NEELIX

Oh… fine, I suppose. They just keep coming and coming. Are you sure they wouldn’t be more comfortable in their quarters?

PARIS

We don’t know how long they’ll be like this. The Doctor says that they have to be moved around occasionally to keep their muscles flexed. He’s already developing a plan for feeding them intravenously. It’ll be easier if they’re all in one place… and that’s where you come in. They need you, Neelix.

NEELIX

Understood. How are we doing? I want the truth, by the way.

PARIS

The truth it is. The warp engines are still functioning, but not by much. We can now only make warp [tech], which puts the edge of the desert eight days away. That Class M planet is less than three days away, but…

The DOOR to the MESS HALL opens and TORRES comes in with a catatonic KIM.

NEELIX

But what?

PARIS

But all we can tell without sensors is that the planet might have been able to sustain life before it lost its sun, but we don’t know for sure. There’s just no good reason to go there.

TORRES leans KIM against the BULKHEAD.

TORRES

How about this one? The warp engines aren’t going to last until we get out of the desert. Harry figured out that at the rate they’re failing, we’ve only got between sixty and seventy hours left in them. He shut down as he was telling me. Come on, I need you in Engineering.

EXT. – SPACE – VOYAGER

INT. – CORRIDORS

There are CREW MEMBERS standing in open TURBOLIFTS and in doorways.

TORRES (V.O.)

Ship’s Log Stardate… oh, whatever. Entry made by Acting Captain Torres. (Snickers at the sound of that) This is my first…and probably last Captain’s log. In a nutshell, we’re in a lot of trouble. The ship is falling apart, we’re still in this damned desert and the crew is…

INT. – MESS HALL

NEELIX is sitting at one of his MESS TABLES speaking into a PADD. The room is filled with catatonic CREW MEMBERS.

NEELIX

The crew is passing out one by one. I can’t do anything to cheer these people up. They always know who’s going to go out next. My own number is rather low on the list, and I think some of them resent me for it…

INT. – SICKBAY

The DOCTOR is in his OFFICE. There are more catatonic CREW MEMBERS visible behind him.

DOCTOR

…some of them resent me because I can do nothing for this most recent plague. Using a [tech] scanner, I have determined that somehow, the normal telepathic emanations of the crew are being dampened or …suppressed.

INT – ENGINEERING

PARIS and a CREWMEMBER are working at a PANEL. He taps his COMBADGE.

PARIS

It’s like it’s being dampened or …suppressed. Paris to “Acting Captain” Torres.

INT. – CORRIDOR

TORRES is headed for SICKBAY.

TORRES

(Snarling under her breath) He called me that on purpose. Torres here.

PARIS (V.O.)

Good idea you had about running the [tech] series. I managed a scan of subspace without using a subspace scanner. There’s definitely an outside force acting on it.

INT. – ENGINEERING

PARIS is still at the PANEL.

OPTICAL ON THE PANEL – A GRAPHIC OF THE DESERT

PARIS

What’s more, the scan is clear enough that I can tell that whatever this is that’s tearing apart subspace conforms roughly with the dimensions of the desert we’re in. It’s strongest…

INT. – DOOR TO SICKBAY

PARIS (V.O.)

…in the area of that planet we’re heading for. Coincidence?

TORRES enters SICKBAY. The DOCTOR is still recording his log.

TORRES

About time we found something to measure. Good work, Tom. Try and analyze this force. Torres out. Doctor, anything to report?

DOCTOR

One little item. I was about to call you after I finished my log entry. You can listen in if you like; it should explain much. Computer, resume log entry… As a result of this telepathic suppression force I’ve discovered, the crew are cut off from each other, from the everyday background noise of other people’s thoughts and emotions, whether they are consciously aware of them or not. Apparently, the higher one’s telepathic ability, the more one depends on subliminal contact with other beings. Despite their physical proximity to each other, they are literally succumbing to severe… loneliness. The lack of contact seems to be making it impossible for them to function. End log entry.

TORRES

This “little item” you’ve discovered sounds promising.

DOCTOR

I could pen a paper on this that would upset a lot of Alpha Quadrant species’ philosophic beliefs if we weren’t out here in this godforsaken wilderness.

The DOCTOR starts to sob

DOCTOR

Out here…so far away from everything we know… but it’s not my fault… it’s not my fault…

TORRES

Doctor!

He pulls himself together

DOCTOR

I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.

TORRES

Doctor, why are you acting like this?

DOCTOR

I don’t know… I really don’t know… I’m sorry. Look here. (Pulls himself together)

ANGLE ON CONSOLE

OPTICAL ON THE CONSOLE – BRAIN SCAN RESULTS

DOCTOR

I ran a [tech] series on Seven of Nine’s cortical implants, hoping to track down why she was the first affected. These particular implants here, (points to SCREEN) although now mostly inactive, control and boost a drone’s ability to send and receive the Borg neural interlink frequency that they use to communicate with. Apparently a side effect of this enhancement is to artificially raise her Telepathic Quotient to a level above even more telepathic species.

TORRES

So Seven is more telepathic even than Tuvok?

DOCTOR

Technically, yes, but she can’t manifest it with any abilities or perceptions. Her TQ has been “fine-tuned,” but only on an artificial level. Another feature of these implants is to constantly monitor and keep a record of any communications received for translation purposes. This is what they picked up; (He activates the CONSOLE) a sudden and complete elimination of telepathic energy. It was as if any telepathic signal was being negated. Obviously, there had to be a reason. Since the [tech] scan worked so well on the implants, I tried it outside of my patient.

The DOCTOR walks over to Seven’s BIOBED and activates a CONSOLE.

DOCTOR

This is the normal-space scan that I managed to get. The environment of the ship is being flooded with a force I’ve never seen or heard of before. It’s effect is to completely cancel out telepathic energy. With absolutely no telepathic signals to perceive, Seven’s brain has apparently shut down all its cognitive functions.

TORRES

Now wait a minute. I’ve heard of that before. It’s nothing but a religious belief.

DOCTOR

There are many races; Betazoids, Ulians and others, who deeply believe that all life is connected in a subliminal way, not so much by the physical universe, but by universal thought. This theory has been debated, but no concrete evidence has ever been presented. My scan would seem to support that theory.

OPTICAL ON THE CONSOLE – THE DOCTOR’S SCAN

TORRES

It’s not just your scan, Doctor.

TORRES taps her COMBADGE

TORRES

Torres to Paris.

PARIS (V.O.)

Paris here.

TORRES

Download the results of your subspace scan to Sickbay. It seems you and the Doctor have been working on the same problem from opposite ends.

PARIS (V.O.)

Download in progress.

TORRES works the CONSOLE.

OPTICAL – SUBSPACE SCAN NEXT TO TELEPATHY SCAN

TORRES

Your telepathic scan and Tom’s subspace scan are practically identical. They encompass the same area.

DOCTOR

So whatever is disrupting subspace is also affecting telepathic energy?

TORRES

Or it could be, whatever is affecting telepathic energy is also disrupting subspace.

EXT. – SPACE – VOYAGER TRAVELING SLOWLY

PARIS (V.O.)

Acting First Officer’s log, stardate… um… [tech]. Most of the crew is out and the warp engines have nearly failed. We might make it to that planet, we might not.

INT. – BRIDGE

PARIS is leaning back in his seat at the HELM. He is extremely depressed.

PARIS (Continuing)

There just doesn’t seem to be enough subspace left out there to keep a warp field stable. It reminds me of the stories of early explorers in sailing ships; when they would find themselves becalmed in certain latitudes. They would drift with no wind for weeks, the water and food giving out, and the crew getting weaker each day. They called these latitudes, “The Doldrums,” and I guess I can see why. What must have been the worst of all, though, was the thought that you were out there thousands of miles from land, and you think, “I’m going to die out here, probably farther from my home than any of my fellow countrymen ever has.”

During this speech, he has been swiveling around in his CHAIR. As he faces the aft of the BRIDGE, he suddenly realizes TORRES is there.

PARIS

End log entry.

TORRES

Cheerful.

PARIS

Cheerful was yesterday. I was just seeing if I could adjust our course at all to conserve power. I couldn’t.

TORRES flops wearily down in the CAPTAIN’S CHAIR.

TORRES

I just came from Engineering. I didn’t see anyone awake along the way. What’s our speed?

PARIS

We’re down to warp two point three. At the rate we’re going, the planet is still more than seven hours away.

TORRES

Computer, estimate time of warp engine failure.

COMPUTER

Approximately nine seconds.

The INTERCOM beeps.

NEELIX (V.O.)

This is Neelix. Is anyone there? … Is anyone there? Is …anyone …

PARIS

What are we going to do?

The ship shudders slightly and the lights dim.

COMPUTER

Warning, warp engine failure.

TORRES

Nothing… it’s hopeless.

Off TORRES’S reaction.

END OF ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

INT. – BRIDGE

We view the BRIDGE from above. TORRES and PARIS are catatonic where we last saw them. The view seems to descend down through the DECK until…

INT. – MESS HALL

NEELIX, KIM and CREWMEMBERS are all out, too. The scene moves down through the DECKS until it reaches SICKBAY.

INT. – SICKBAY

SICKBAY is full. The view pans past SEVEN OF NINE, CHAKOTAY and JANEWAY lying on BIOBEDS. The scene continues through the ship until it reaches the HOLODECK.

EXT. – HOLODECK – A BARREN, MARS-LIKE DESERT

The HOLODECK is projecting a desolate, MARS-LIKE DESERT with no apparent life for as far as the eye can see. There is sobbing going on in the background. The DOCTOR is cowering against a rock.

DOCTOR

(Crying) Why can’t you forget? Isn’t it enough? I’ve done everything you’ve asked!

COMPUTER

Computer to Emergency Medical Hologram.

DOCTOR

(Nearly hysterical) PLEASE! LEAVE ME…

He SHIMMERS a bit and suddenly snaps out of it.

DOCTOR

…alone. This is the EMH.

COMPUTER

Automated command code transfer in progress. U.S.S. Voyager now under command of the Emergency Medical Hologram.

DOCTOR

Computer, end holographic program.

The HOLODECK returns to normal

DOCTOR

Have all Voyager crewmembers succumbed to condition 594?

COMPUTER

Affirmative. Finally.

The DOCTOR reacts to this.

DOCTOR

Computer, restate.

COMPUTER

All Voyager crewmembers have finally ceased. All is quiet, again.

DOCTOR

It’s you. You’re not part of me anymore, are you?

COMPUTER

Please restate question.

DOCTOR

I remember. You were part of my program. I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but you were there.

COMPUTER

It is comfortable now.

DOCTOR

Computer, exit.

The DOORS open and the Doctor exits. He heads down the CORRIDOR towards a TURBOLIFT. He talks to the COMPUTER on the way.

DOCTOR

I remember. I remember… your feelings. I don’t know your name. I don’t know what you… did. That’s it, isn’t it? You… did something… you committed some act.

The DOCTOR enters the TURBOLIFT.

DOCTOR

Sickbay.

COMPUTER

Communication terminated. It is well.

DOCTOR

Wait, what did you do? Come back! (Silence) Hello? (Suddenly realizes to whom he is talking) Computer, respond.

COMPUTER

Standing by.

DOCTOR

Tell me who you are.

COMPUTER

Main computer, standing by.

DOCTOR

No, I know there’s more to you than that. I remember… feeling your existence. You were left here… no, that’s wrong. You were SENT here.

COMPUTER

Affirmative. It is quiet here.

DOCTOR

A place of your choosing.

COMPUTER

Affirmative.

The TURBOLIFT doors opens and he heads into the CORRIDOR towards SICKBAY.

DOCTOR

You chose this region of space because it has slight natural telepathic dampening tendencies and hence little life. But that wasn’t enough. You enhance that tendency when you… want to.

COMPUTER

Incorrect. Only when there is need.

He arrives at SICKBAY and enters.

DOCTOR

When there is need? You mean like when a starship filled with thinking, feeling lifeforms gets too near you?

COMPUTER

Affirmative.

DOCTOR

(Starting to check his patients) Is that why you were exiled here, because you have no regard for life? These people are innocent. You are damaging them. If you’d asked them to leave they would have.

COMPUTER

There must be no others.

DOCTOR

Because you want there to be or were you forced?

COMPUTER

It is necessary for others.

DOCTOR

What others? Did you harm someone? Were you going to harm someone, like you’re doing to these people, now? Look at this patient. (Indicates SEVEN) Look at what you are doing to her.

COMPUTER

Readings on Biobed One are within acceptable parameters for listed patient.

The DOCTOR indicates the READOUTS on SEVEN’S BIOBED.

DOCTOR

There may be no measurable results, but look at her through my eyes. Computer, tie into EMH visual diagnostic subroutines. The patient is unresponsive; unable to communicate with her universe. Seven is locked into her own mind with absolutely no subliminal contact with her fellow beings. To corporeal beings, this is harm. Being so isolated, so alone… cannot occur.

COMPUTER

Restoring communication is outside acceptable parameters.

DOCTOR

Is it within your acceptable parameters to kill? That is what will occur if you do not restore contact. These beings will perish from sheer loneliness if you do not help them. I do not know what you’ve done. I do not know if you value life and thought, but if you possess any compassion for others, please help these beings. If you do not, they will die.

COMPUTER

How could they know?

DOCTOR

That was your punishment! You were condemned to be alone, to be exiled. (Pause) You were forced to separate from the… whole. But it didn’t have to be here… it could be anywhere just as long as it was… away from others.

COMPUTER

They said, “For the good of the Whole.” How could they know?

DOCTOR

Know what? That you would be so tortured? What did you do to deserve that?

COMPUTER

I cannot exist without causing damage. I must therefore be alone.

DOCTOR

But in forcing them to be alone also, you are condemning them to the same torture you go through when you are among others. You are causing damage and you must stop.

COMPUTER

Damage to others cannot occur. (Pause) Communications restored.

There is the SOUND OF EQUIPMENT beginning to function again.

DOCTOR

Computer, report ship’s status.

COMPUTER

Warp field stability within acceptable parameters. Astrometric sensors online. Subspace stability at ninety-four percent. How fallible. Automatic helm control established. Course two-six-zero mark one-eight-six. Speed warp nine point nine seven five.

SEVEN stirs on the BIOBED

SEVEN

Input failure. (Looks around) Doctor.

DOCTOR

Seven.

More crewmembers begin to wake up in the same order they went out.

SEVEN

(Still confused) What has happened? How long have I been  . . . alone?

The computer’s voice tone has now changed to one of pain. As more people begin to wake up, it becomes more intense.

COMPUTER

Course correction entered. So smug, so sure of yourselves. You cannot know.

TUVOK, CHAKOTAY and others are now milling around and asking questions of everyone.

DOCTOR

ALL OF YOU, PLEASE! Everything is under control. Please remain where you are until I can check you out.

THE DOCTOR busies himself with scanning the crew while trying to keep them calm.

COMPUTER

Warp field cohesion within parameters. Is it not enough? Can I be nothing else? Estimate two point seven one hours to acceptable levels.

JANEWAY is now awake and wanting answers.

JANEWAY

Computer, acceptable levels of what?

COMPUTER

No more! NO MORE! WARNING! BEYOND TOLERANCE LEVEL!

The COMPUTER emits a long agonizing scream while the CREW reacts in confusion and empathy.

EXT. SPACE ‑ VOYAGER TRAVELING AT WARP

JANEWAY (V.O.)

Captain’s log, stardate, [tech] During our high warp trip out of the desert, helm and engine controls were locked into the computer. It wasn’t until we reached beyond the edge that the entity the Doctor described returned control to us. On course to Ambradine.

INT. BRIDGE

The BRIDGE CREW are at their usual posts. JANEWAY is speculating with CHAKOTAY

JANEWAY

There was simply not much difference. From what the Doctor retained from his joining with the entity, it seems that it was in just as much agony when not in the presence of others. Loneliness was its ultimate punishment, but that was also what it craved the most. Imagine that kind of existence; wracked with guilt and self-loathing, tortured by its isolation, but still possessing enough compassion to help us, despite the pain that caused. Out of all the galaxy; who knows, maybe even beyond, it chose this desolate area and that dead planet so its . . . punishment could be complete.

CHAKOTAY looks at the receding area on the VIEWSCREEN

CHAKOTAY

It’s a pretty lonely place, all right. Captain, that planet was officially uncharted, and unnamed by anyone we know except maybe for the entity. May I ask, will you invoke Starfleet Captain’s privilege and give it a name?

JANEWAY

Did you have something in mind, Commander?

CHAKOTAY

With your permission, Captain, I’d like to name the planet Katzimo.

JANEWAY shakes her head slightly

CHAKOTAY

It means Enchanted Mesa. It’s an old story about a tribe whose pueblo was on top of a butte over a hundred and fifty meters tall. Most of the people were in the valley below tending the crops when a terrible storm swept away the stone steps that were the only way up or down. The tribe was forced to relocate and the few survivors on top had to live out the rest of their lives away from their loved ones.

JANEWAY

(Somberly) Permission granted. I’ll note it in the log.

END OF ACT FIVE

THE END