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Natural Law
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. AERIAL POV ABOVE JUNGLE (OPTICAL)
We’re flying high above a lush, beautiful landscape.
INT. SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
SEVEN OF NINE and CHAKOTAY are at the controls as Chakotay peers through the windows at the scenery below.
CHAKOTAY
Beautiful, isn’t it?
Seven, indifferent, comments drily.
SEVEN
A sensor analysis would have provided the necessary information.
CHAKOTAY
Just admiring the view.
SEVEN
(impatient)
The conference begins in less than an hour.
CHAKOTAY
There’s always time for Warp Field Dynamics.... (indicating scenery) But you don’t see natural beauty like this every day....
Suddenly there’s a mild JOLT to the ship. It goes to RED ALERT.
CHAKOTAY
What was that?
A little concerned, they begin working consoles.
SEVEN
Some kind of energy barrier directly below us.... (working) ...it spans thousands of square kilometers....
CHAKOTAY
(concerned) Why didn’t sensors detect it?
SEVEN
I’m not certain. It has an unusual tetrion signature ... (beat, working) Species Three One Two used a similar technology...
But now the ship JOLTS HARD.
EXT. SHUTTLE -- ABOVE THE JUNGLE (OPTICAL)
As it scrapes and skitters along a crackling energy barrier. At every contact, an energy feedback surges from the barrier to the shuttle.
INT. SHUTTLE
Consoles begin to smoke as Chakotay and Seven work, speaking rapidly. (NOTE: AVOID THE WINDOWS)
SEVEN
There’s a power surge coming from the barrier...
CHAKOTAY
Shields at full.
The ship shakes much worse. Consoles spark.
SEVEN
They’re creating some kind of feedback... (beat) ... We’ve lost impulse engines.
CHAKOTAY
Go to warp.
SEVEN
(beat, frustrated)
The warp core is off-line.
CHAKOTAY
Warp engines don’t just shut down then you scrape an energy barrier.
SEVEN
(off console)
It’s affecting all our systems...
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning: structural failure in thirty seconds.
CHAKOTAY
We’ll have to beam to the surface.
SEVEN
We can’t transport through the barrier.
Seven has an idea.
SEVEN
Transfer auxiliary power to the weapons array.
CHAKOTAY
(as he works) What are you trying to do?
SEVEN
(working) If I can realign our phasers to the correct frequency, I may be able to open a rift.
CHAKOTAY
Big enough to get a shuttle through, I hope.
Tension as Seven continues to work.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warning: structural failure in ten seconds...nine...eight...
Seven hits the final control.
SEVEN
Phasers reconfigured...
EXT. AERIAL POV ABOVE JUNGLE -- SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
Firing phasers at the barrier. A fritzing fissure opens. The shuttle flies through the fissure, bumping and scraping. A wing of the shuttle is torn off. Just as the rest of the shuttle clears the fissure, the vessel explodes!
EXT. JUNGLE -- DAY (OPTICAL)
A dazed Chakotay and Seven materialize.
Chakotay is holding an Engineering kit. His pants-leg is torn -- we’ll come to learn his leg is injured. As they look around their surroundings, they find themselves in a verdant jungle, with lush flowers, climbing vines, twittering birds. Off the moment....
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
EXT. JUNGLE --- MOMENTS LATER
Chakotay and Seven look around, getting their bearings. As Seven takes out her tricorder, Chakotay hits his combadge - it chirps ineffectively. Seven gets a reading from her tricorder, reacts with frustration.
SEVEN
The barrier’s closed again.
He reacts, scans their surroundings with his tricorder, takes a step - but his leg gives a little, and he winces in pain.
SEVEN
I should examine you.
CHAKOTAY
I don’t think it’s serious.
But he lets her help him sit on a fallen tree trunk. She pulls open the tear in his pants, to reveal his leg where we can see a small laceration, with some swelling. She passes her tricorder over it.
SEVEN
You have a hairline fracture.
CHAKOTAY
We have bigger problems. I’ll be fine.
Seven notices a tricorder reading, and sweeps it in a wide arc over the landscape.
SEVEN
I’m detecting shuttle debris scattered over several square kilometers.
CHAKOTAY
Some of it might still be functional.
SEVEN
If we can find the right components, we may be able to construct a beacon ... Send a distress signal.
CHAKOTAY
Through the barrier?
She works her tricorder and takes an uncertain beat.
SEVEN
Maybe.
Chakotay stands up, with some effort, makes a joke.
CHAKOTAY
If we hurry we might still make that conference.
Seven gives him a dubious look as they set off, Chakotay limping slightly, taking in his surroundings.
CHAKOTAY
Well, if we have to be stranded somewhere, you couldn’t ask for a nicer place.
SEVEN
(dry) If you hadn’t insisted on “admiring the view,” we wouldn’t be stranded at all.
Chakotay takes the point, and they move into the dense undergrowth. Off the natural beauty of the jungle....
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACEPORT -- DELTA FLYER (OPTICAL)
As it zooms through a bustling spaceport -- docking bays, big and small ships, blinking marker buoys -- high above the glittering, urban hi-tech planet Ledos. A large freighter enters the Delta Flyer’s path - the Flyer quickly streaks under it.
INT. DELTA FLYER -- COCKPIT (OPTICAL)
Paris, at the helm, resumes course -- but almost immediately his viewscreen monitor begins flashing red, and he’s commed by the Port Authority.
PORT AUTHORITY VOICE
Guest Vessel Seven Four Six Five Six, this is Ledos Port Control. Shut down your engines.
Paris looks quizzical, hits a couple of controls. The monitor stops flashing red, and the Port Control Officer comes up on the screen.
PARIS
This is Lieutenant Tom Paris. Is there a problem?
PORT AUTHORITY OFFICER
You were observed committing piloting violation two five six.
PARIS
Sorry. I’m not familiar with your regulations. It won’t happen again.
PORT AUTHORITY OFFICER
You’ll be informed of the penalty.
PARIS
(reacts) What kind of “penalty?”
PORT AUTHORITY OFFICER
That’s not my decision. (beat, checking) Your Docking Permit says you’re assigned to the Starship Voyager.
PARIS
That’s right.
PORT AUTHORITY OFFICER
Your commanding Officer will be notified of your infraction.
Off the Officer’s implacable face....
CUT TO:
INT. READY ROOM
CLOSE ON Paris, aghast.
PARIS
Piloting lessons?
A somewhat amused Janeway elaborates
JANEWAY
Apparently, the standard penalty for your infraction is a three day course in flight safety, followed by a test.
PARIS
Did you explain we wouldn’t be here that long?
JANEWAY
Actually, while you were completing your mission, Seven was invited to a four day conference.
PARIS
(deflated) Here, on Ledos?
JANEWAY
(nods) I decided to give the entire crew shore leave - so you’ll have plenty of time to brush up on your piloting skills.
PARIS
I don’t need lessons....
JANEWAY
Apparently, the authorities disagree.
PARIS
But Captain....
JANEWAY
(interrupting) You may not’ve known the Ledosians’rule. But you know outs -- comply with local law. (beat) Understood?
PARIS
(reluctant) Yes, ma’am.
Off his resignation....
EXT. JUNGLE -- DAY
Chakotay and Seven are on the move, Chakotay’s limp slightly worse. Their tricorders are out - Seven follows hers to a clump of bushes, where she retrieves a badly damaged console fragment. She scans it, frustrated.
SEVEN
The relays are fused. It’s useless.
She tosses it aside - but Chakotay has found a more interesting detail.
CHAKOTAY
Looks like we’re not the only ones here.
She joins him. He points out an area of stamped down brush.
SEVEN
Indigenous wildlife, perhaps.
He indicates his tricorder.
CHAKOTAY
I’m reading residual lifesigns -- they’re humanoid.
SEVEN
Ledosian?
He shakes his head no.
CHAKOTAY
(off tricorder) No. But they share genetic traits. (beat) Whoever they are, they may be able to help us.
SEVEN
Unless they’re hostile.
CHAKOTAY
(smiles) Why don’t we give them the benefit of the doubt?
Chakotay scans the area, points into the undergrowth.
CHAKOTAY
The lifesigns lead in that direction.
SEVEN
I suggest you rest your leg while I investigate.
CHAKOTAY
It’s better is we stick together... (tweaking her)...at least until we know whether they’re “hostile.”
As they move off, following the lifesigns with their tricorders....
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. JUNGLE -- RISE ABOVE CAVE CLEARING -- DAY
Seven and Chakotay arrive at the top of a small rise, and crouch down to peer through the vines.
POV CHAKOTAY AND SEVEN
It’s a clearing, with a cave on the far side. Moving around are a dozen or so primitive aliens wearing simple clothing - the Ventu. A peaceful people engaged in simple tasks: carrying water, stripping vines into fibers, using those fibers to weave material. Others just sit quietly in small groups, communicating occasionally with simple hand gestures.
RESUME SCENE
Chakotay and Seven react with surprise.
CHAKOTAY
(light) I’m guessing they’re pre-warp.
SEVEN
They obviously can’t help us.
CHAKOTAY
No, I don’t suppose they can.
He eyes them with interest.
CHAKOTAY
But they’re fascinating. I never expected to run into people like these on such a technologically advanced planet.
SEVEN
(pointed) This isn’t an anthropological mission, Commander.
He nods, taking her point.
CHAKOTAY
You’re right. We should keep searching for debris...
But as he starts to get up, his leg gives out, and he winces in pain, sits back down. Seven scans the wound.
SEVEN
You’re developing an infection. (beat) You should rest.
Another beat. Then he nods reluctantly.
CHAKOTAY
I’ll stay here and try to keep out of sight.
SEVEN
I’ll contact you if I find anything useful.
CHAKOTAY
I guess I don’t have to tell you to avoid interacting with these people.
Seven nods in agreement, and moves off, taking the Engineering kit with her. Chakotay settles in to his hidden vantage point, and peers through the vines to observe the tribe. A beat, as his fascination grows. Unable to resist, he hits a control on his tricorder. Another beat. He whispers into it.
CHAKOTAY
First Officer’s Log, Stardate 54814.5 We’ve come across an indigenous tribe that appears to live in caves situated around a central clearing..
As he continues to speak, we go to ---
POV CHAKOTAY -- ON CAVE CLEARING
CHAKOTAY (O.S.)
Judging by the provisions near their campfire, and the absence of manufactured structures, they appear to be hunter-gatherers....
TIME DISSOLVE TO:
CHAKOTAY’S RESTING SPOT -- LATER
Chakotay’s in the same place, but dozing uncomfortably now -- a little feverish, in some pain. We hear a furtive rustling noise nearby. Beat. Chakotay’s eyes suddenly shoot open, he jolts awake - to find himself staring at
THREE VENTU MEN
Standing over him. They utter no sound, but their faces seem grim and threatening. Off the moment....
EXT. JUNGLE -- DAY
Seven - following tricorder readings - sees a small piece of shuttle debris sticking out from behind a rock - a coil. When she retrieves it, she finds part of it is still blinking. She hits her combadge.
SEVEN
Seven of Nine to Chakotay.
No response.
EXT. CHAKOTAY’S RESTING SPOT -- MOMENTS LATER
Chakotay’s standing up now, leaning against a tree, looking concerned. The three Ventu men are staring in amazement at the combadge on his uniform - which once again “speaks”.
SEVEN’S COM VOICE
Chakotay, respond. I’ve found something...
Chakotay tentatively moves to tap his combadge - but one of the Ventu men yanks it off and stares at it in confusion. Seven’s voice comes through the device again.
SEVEN’S COM VOICE
Seven of Nine to Chakotay --
The Ventu man reacts in fear - drops the combadge and smashes it with a stone as Chakotay steps forward to try and stop him.
CHAKOTAY
Wait .... Don’t....
EXT. JUNGLE -- MOMENTS LATER
A fritzing noise comes through Seven’s combadge. She taps it again. This time it just chirps ineffectively. She reacts with concern. Then, carrying the small piece of debris, she heads resolutely back the way she came.
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. JUNGLE 0 RISE ABOVE CAVE CLEARING -- NIGHT
Seven arrives at the spot where she’d left Chakotay, but he’s not there now. She puts down the Engineering kit, scans the area with her tricorder and wrist-beacon. Nothing. She peers through the vines into the clearing.
POV SEVEN OF NINE
Silhouetted figures huddle around the campfire, or move around the area. Seven extends her tricorder, scans the clearing - stops when the tricorder is pointing directly at the mouth of the cave. She reacts to some readings.
EXT. CAVE CLEARING PERIMETER -- NIGHT
Seven inches her way stealthily through the shadows at the edge of the clearing. She stops, unseen, as two Ventu pass nearby, moving toward the fire.
She moves quickly to the edge of the cave mouth - waits a tense beat as another Ventu comes out of the cave. Then she slips inside.
INT. CAVE -- MOMENTS LATER
Seven eases along one wall - notices simple cave paintings of abstract figures and designs, illuminated by torchlight. She moves toward the flickering of a small fire deeper inside the cave - and sees two Ventu tribesmen huddled there. One of them moves - revealing that what they’re huddled over is Chakotay.
Seven steps forward, activating her wrist-beacon, shining it in the Ventu’s faces to startle them. She speaks firmly.
SEVEN
Move away from him.
The Ventu react to the light and to her voice - standing up quickly, with uncertain motives, making a brief hand gesture to each other. Seven tenses. But Chakotay sits up, raising his arm reassuringly.
CHAKOTAY
It’s all right, Seven. They’re friendly...
She reacts. He takes a beat, indicates his leg.
CHAKOTAY
They’re treating my wound.
She shines her writs-beacon on his lower leg - which is wrapped in some kind of herbal poultice. The Ventu stand uncertainly in b.g. Off the surprising moment....
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. CAVE -- MOMENTS LATER
Seven crouches by Chakotay as the Ventu stand back in the shadows. (Note: We may occasionally notice them in the b.g. Communicating with simple hand gestures.) Seven, concerned, speaks to Chakotay.
SEVEN
You said we were supposed to avoid interaction.
CHAKOTAY
They found me. There was nothing I could do.
SEVEN
You should have tried to contact me.
CHAKOTAY
I didn’t want to expose them to our technology.
She nods at the sense in this, notices his combadge is gone.
SEVEN
You hid your combadge.
CHAKOTAY
(chagrined) Actually, your call scared them. (beat) They broke it.
SEVEN
(drily) I suggest we leave before they break anything else.
Chakotay takes a beat -- he’s thought about this.
CHAKOTAY
They’re friendly .. And I am hurt....
SEVEN
What are you suggesting?
CHAKOTAY
We may as well stay the night.
SEVEN
(objecting) Commander....
CHAKOTAY
It’s good shelter... (indicates his wound) And my leg feels better since they put this dressing on.
Seven can’t argue with that.
CHAKOTAY
(continuing) I’m going to get some rest. I suggest you do the same.
He closes his eyes. Seven takes a beat, looks around uncertainly. She moves to a corner, sits against the wall, alert.
A VENTU GIRL
Who appears to be a teenager has been watching them. Tentatively she approaches Seven. Seven looks unsure of her intentions. The Girl reaches out her hand - touches the borg implant on Seven’s brow. Seven reacts, pulls back. Startled, the Girl moves back too, withdraws further into the cave. Seven looks around at the primitive figures watching her from the shadows. Off her discomfort....
EXT. SPACE -- VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
In orbit of Ledos.
INT. CORRIDOR
Kim, Torres and Neelix are on the move.
KIM
Chell says we shouldn’t miss the Flame Gardens.
NEELIX
I hear the arboretum is beautiful, too.
TORRES
We can do both.
Tom enters from a side corridor, joins them.
KIM
Tom! You joining us? (pretending to remember) Oh, that’s right. You have to go to “pilot school.”
Torres joins in the ribbing, “explaining” Tom’s sentence to Neelix.
TORRES
I hear the course takes days.
PARIS
(undaunted) For most people. But I did a little research. If your instructor agrees, you can skip the lessons and go right to the test. (confident) I’ll be joining you in a couple of hours.
Neelix looks to Torres.
NEELIX
You have to admire his optimism.
B’Elanna smiles, Paris knows he’s being ribbed as they exit into....
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
A Transporter N.D. Is working the console as Kim, Torres, Neelix and Paris enter. Kim nods to the Transporter N.D., starts toward the Transporter pad.
TRANSPORTER N.D.
Just a moment, sir.
It becomes apparent a figure is materializing on the pad in a transporter effect. He’s an old, crusty Ledosian gentleman - Instructor Kleg. He speaks with dour authority.
KLEG
I’m Instructor Kleg, the flying teacher. (squints at Kim) Are you Lieutenant Paris?
Kim smiles, points at Paris.
KIM
He is.
Tom hurries up to escort the old guy off the pad.
PARIS
It’s an honor to meet you, sir. May I show you to the Delta Flyer?
KLEG
(gruff) Why?
PARIS
(obvious) So you can explain what I did wrong, and then administer my test.
KLEG
It sounds to me like you need lessons in patience, as well.
Paris hesitates to reply, not wanting to make things worse.
TORRES
Oh, Tom’s very patient, sir.
NEELIX
Never impulsive.
KIM
Take all the time you need. He’ll enjoy the extra attention.
Paris shoots them a look. Kleg takes the commentary at face value, though.
KLEG
I’m please to hear it. (To Paris) We’ll start with a review of safety procedures. Do you have a visual display system I can access?
A beat. Paris covers his annoyance.
PARIS
I think I can find one.
Torres and Kim step onto the Transporter pads, stifling grins. Torres waves at Paris.
TORRES
Have fun.
KIM
(to the N.D.) Energize.
As they dematerialize....
PARIS
So how long will this "review" take?
KLEG
Typically, about four hours. But there's no rush.
PARIS
(strained smile) Of course not.
As they exit....
EXT. CAVE CLEARING -- DAY
Life her is quiet, simple. A female N.D. weaves palm fronds, another mixes pigment from berries. A male N.D. fashions a bowl from strips of bark. Others sit quietly in small groups.
Camera finds Chakotay sitting up, his leg splinted, beside one of the men who'd been wrapping his leg last night - the Healer. Chakotay has drawn a circular, simple map in the dirt. he draws a bending line, shows the Healer.
CHAKOTAY
River.
The Healer doesn't seem to understand. Chakotay gets an idea, picks up a small gourd containing water, dribbles it along the line he's drawn to represent the river. A beat. The Healer nods seeming to understand now. He makes a snaking hand gesture for "river." Chakotay repeats it.
CHAKOTAY
River.
Now, Chakotay places a large stone in the circle, points to it.
CHAKOTAY
Mountain.
Now Chakotay points to a distant mountain (o.c.), repeats the word.
CHAKOTAY
Mountain.
The Healer nods, seeming to understand, eyes the map, the Girl who'd approached Seven the night before wanders over curiously, to watch. Chakotay "speaks" haltingly in the sign language he's beginning to learn.
CHAKOTAY
Where....?
He flops his hand palm up.
CHAKOTAY
....are we?
He gestures around the clearing. A beat. The Healer gets it, points to a spot on the map. Chakotay nods. The Girl seems to be taking itall in. The Healer then points to the pip on Chakotay's collar. Chakotay touches his pip.
CHAKOTAY
This?
The Healer nods, points at it again - then points to himself - then holds out his hand. Chakotay reacts.
CHAKOTAY
I'm sorry .... I can't give it to you....
The Healer takes a small colored stone out of his pouch and hands it to Chakotay, who takes it tentatively. Then the Healer points to the pip again, and holds out his hand. Chakotay hesitates.
CHAKOTAY
You want to trade....
A beat as Chakotay considers. Then:
CHAKOTAY
Well, I suppose it can't hurt....
In b.g. Seven emerges from the jungle, in time to see Chakotay remove his pip and hand it to the Healer. The Healer smiles, points to Chakotay, then draws his index finger diagonally from one shoulder to his waist, smiles. Chakotay nods.
CHAKOTAY
I'll take that as a "thank you."
A NEW ANGLE
Seven walks up, carrying the Engineering kit. Dry:
SEVEN
Did you make a beneficial exchange?
CHAKOTAY
I didn't want to insult their customs (indicates jungle) Any luck?
SEVEN
I may have found a way of communicating.
She sets down the Engineering kit.
CHAKOTAY
Me too. (light) I've learned to say "thank you..."
He points at Seven, then draws his index finger diagonally from shoulder to waist. Seven remains focused.
SEVEN
I was referring to communication with Voyager.
She opens the Engineering kit, revealing a power cell, and the coil she found yesterday.
SEVEN
It may be possible to construct a beacon by connecting these components to the shuttle's deflector.
CHAKOTAY
Did you find it?
SEVEN
(re: tricorder) I detected it six kilometers from here. I believe it's intact.
CHAKOTAY
(re: leg) I'm not sure I'm up to that long a trip.
SEVEN
I'll go.
CHAKOTAY
I've started mapping the area.....
As the Girl continues to watch curiously, he indicates the circular map drawn in the dirt.
CHAKOTAY
Here's the river we passed ... this is where we beamed down... and we're here now...
He points to the spots on the map. Seven points to a third location.
SEVEN
Then the deflector should be approximately here.
Seven's eyes meet the Girl's. Chakotay notices the Girl's interest, and has an idea.
CHAKOTAY
Six kilometers is a long way. Maybe one of them could guide you.
SEVEN
(eyeing the Girl) I'm still trying to limit our contact with these people.
CHAKOTAY
The sooner you get to the deflector, the sooner we can get out of here. (beat) They know the terrain. Maybe they can get you there faster.
SEVEN
And watch me construct a tetrion-based signaling device?
Her objection makes sense. He nods in agreement.
CHAKOTAY
All right. But be careful.
She takes the power cell, tetrion coil, puts them back in the Engineering kit, and sets off in the direction of the deflector. He calls after her.
CHAKOTAY
Seven.
She stops, turns, looks at him. He smiles, light.
CHAKOTAY
This is how they say "good bye."
He makes a sign, extending his arm forward, fingers spread wide. As Seven sets off into the jungle....
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. JUNGLE -- DAY
Birds twitter, a river can be heard rushing in the distance. Seven is having a hard time maneuvering through the dense vines - holding her tricorder in one hand for guidance, holding her kit in the other, and trying to push the undergrowth out of the way. Suddenly she trips and falls - her tricorder flying out of her hand, and skittering down into a crescent-shaped crevice. A beat. She pushes herself up, takes note of a...
FALLEN TREE BRANCH
that she apparently tripped over. Then she moves over to the crevice the tricorder fell into. She looks into it, can't see anything. Reaches her hand down to retrieve the tricorder. Feels around. Can't find it. No tricorder.
She gets to her feet, frustrated, looks around.
POV SEVEN OF NINE
To her left is the gnarled dead tree the branch feel off. All the other directions look exactly the same - passable, but seemingly unending foliage.
RESUME SCENE
Undaunted, resolute, she grabs her kit and sets off in the same direction she'd been walking. Into unscanned territory.
EXT. CAVE CLEARING -- DAY
The Healer finishes smoothing off a rough-hewn cane with a sharp-edged stone, and shows Chakotay how to lean on it for support. Chakotay uses it to walk a few steps. The Healer gestures Chakotay to continue. Chakotay makes the sign of thanks - pointing to the Healer, then drawing his finger diagonally from shoulder to waist.
CHAKOTAY
Thank you.
The Healer nods. Chakotay walks slowly past a clustered group of men, and gestures to them.
CHAKOTAY
Hello.
Two of them look over - and Chakotay stops short. One tribesman is using a piece of burnt charcoal to draw a design on the face of the other man. It resembles Chakotay's tattoo. They smile at Chakotay, and point to his tattoo. The others turn - revealing another man with a facial design that looks similar to Chakotay's tattoo. Off Chakotay, unsettled....
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. JUNGLE --- NIGHT
Seven's now using a wrist beacon to light her way. She looks tired, she's been struggling through this all day. Lightening and thunder flash not far away, making Seven flinch just a bit. She stops, looks around.
POV SEVEN OF NINE
The terrain is seemingly endless foliage. It looks all the same - and though it's too dark to tell for sure, it looks distressingly like the same place she was walking earlier in the day.
RESUME SCENE
She picks a new direction, and sets off that way - but nearly trips, catching herself in time. A beat, as she has a moment of recognition. She shines her wrist-beacon down on the ground - and there she sees the fallen dead tree branch that she'd tripped over earlier in the day. With a rising sense of dread, she turns her wrist-beacon to the left, where it settles on the same gnarled dead tree that was there before. And finally, she brings the spotlight down on the crescent shaped crevice her tricorder had fallen into. A beat, as she reacts to the confirmation that this is the same place she passed hours ago - she's been walking in a big circle. She shivers a little - as with a low rumble of thunder, it begins to drizzle rain.
A beat. She looks around, decides there's nowhere to go for the moment. She sits down, draws her knees up to her chest, wraps her arms around them to huddle for warmth.
Off Seven, lost and alone....
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. JUNGLE -- LATER -- NIGHT
It's stopped raining, but it's gotten colder, and Seven is shivering. She reacts to a sound in the underbrush, and shines her wrist beacon in that direction.
SEVEN
Identify yourself.
There's a tense beat. Then the Ventu Girl emerges from the bushes, wearing a blanket.
RESUME SCENE
Seven reacts, wary. The Girl tentatively takes the blanket off her shoulders - she's wearing another warm wrap underneath. She offers the blanket to Seven. Seven, uncertain, makes no move.
The Girl brings the blanket over to Seven, and motions to put it around her shoulders. This time Seven doesn't motion her away - but instead takes the blanket, and wraps it around herself. Nods a cursory thanks.
As Seven watches curiously, the Girl digs around in the dirt and comes up holding two different kinds of rocks. She puts one rock on the ground and crushes it easily into a crumbly powder with the other rock.
Then she goes to some nearby foliage and picks a small fruit off a branch. She squeezes the fruit over the powdered rock - a few drops of juice drip into the powder. The mixture begins to smoke. The Girl adds tinder, and the mixture flames. Seven reacts, impressed, to herself:
SEVEN
An exothermic reaction....
The Girl piles a little kindling on the fire, and it grows, providing light and warmth. Then she pulls a root out of her pouch, takes a bite - and offers some to Seven. It doesn't look very appetizing - and in any case, Seven doesn't like feeling this vulnerable or dependent. She shakes her head.
SEVEN
I'm not hungry.
The Girl shrugs, and takes another bite, as the fire grows. Off Seven, watching warily...
INT. SHUTTLE BAY (OPTICAL)
The Delta Flyer is docked, inside Voyager.
INT. DELTA FLYER - COCKPIT
As Paris looks on, Kleg inspects the controls, ticking off dissatisfactions on his padd-like device.
KLEG
Visibility impaired by lateral sensor array...insufficient console accessibility....
PARIS
I couldn't agree more. Those are some of the defects that led to my so-called "pilot error"
KLEG
(off console) Polarity thrusters. They've been known to cause accidental acceleration.
PARIS
Exactly my point. Why should I be held responsible for the ship's design flaws?
Kleg consults his PADD - and furrows his brow.
KLEG
According to the maintenance records -- you were this vessel's chief designer.
Paris can't find an answer.
KLEG
I make it a point of professional pride to research every case I'm assigned to. (squints at Paris) Are you familiar with that term, Lieutenant? Professional pride?
PARIS
(subdued) Yes, sir. (beat) In fact, that's why I'm so eager to get underway. I want to prove to you that I'm a good pilot.
KLEG
There are protocols, Mister Paris. System by system diagnostics, preflight simulations...
PARIS
You must have other students who need your attention. It wouldn't be fair to...
KLEG
(cutting him of) Don't worry, Lieutenant. I'm planning to spend as much time with you as necessary.
Off Paris, steeling himself for more of the same....
EXT. JUNGLE -- DAY
Morning now. The sun beats down on Seven's sleeping face, rousing her. She looks up to see the Ventu Girl watching over her. Seven is a bit unsettled, but the Girl signs to her a "good morning" sign: hands cupped at the ground, then she brings them up and spreads them. Seven thinks she gets it, and nods hesitantly.
SEVEN
Good morning.
Seven mimics the sign back to her. The Girl nods. She pulls another root out of her pouch, takes a bite, and offers it to Seven again. Seven - hungrier than before - takes it, bites off a piece and chews. Not great - but - not bad. As they eat in silence a moment, Seven gets an idea.
She draws a circle in the dirt, then draws a few rough characteristics so it resembles the map Chakotay showed her - the mountain, the river. Then she points to the area where she had said the deflector should be.
SEVEN
I’m trying to get here.
She points to herself, then at the spot on the map again.
The Girl nods,
points at the spot on the map, then points out a specific direction in the jungle. Seven picks up her Engineering kit, and starts to walk in the direction the Girl is pointing.
SEVEN
Can you show me?
She points to the Girl, then points into the jungle in the right direction. The Girl considers, nods, walks ahead of Seven, and motions her to follow. Seven does.
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. JUNGLE -- DAY
The Girl is guiding Seven through an area with exotic alien flowers. The Girl happily points to one and signs something. Seven isn’t really interested, but nods as she continues walking. The Girl stops her, a little piques by Seven’s apparent apathy. She points to the flower again. Again Seven nods, and resumes walking in the direction they’d been going. The Girl grabs her arm, starts walking in another direction. Seven hesitates.
SEVEN
I thought it was this way...
But the Girl keeps walking the other way, motions Seven to follow. A beat - Seven follows, through some dense foliage, beyond which is a clearing. Seven and the Girl emerge from the foliage, and stop - reacting to what they see.
POV SEVEN AND THE GIRL (OPTICAL - MATTE)
It’s a breathtaking, panoramic view of waterfalls and exotic foliage.
RESUME SCENE
The Girl spreads her arms with a big smile - presenting the view proudly to Seven. Even Seven can’t help but be moved just a bit by the beauty of the scene.
SEVEN
Yes ... It’s quite an impressive view. But now we really have to....
But before Seven can finish, the Girl plops down, makes herself comfortable, looks out over the panorama with profound appreciation. Not about to budge.
Seven looks at the Girl, looks at the vista, looks back in the direction she wants to go. Frustrated and impatient. But she seems to have no choice. Finally, she sits down beside the Girl, staunchly admiring the view with her. Off the Girl, sneaking a sidelong smile at Seven.
EXT. CAVE CLEARING -- DAY
Chakotay is walking around the village with his cane, looking toward the jungle with some concern. He sees the Healer and approaches him.
The Healer now has a facial tattoo that looks similar to Chakotay’s and he’s wearing Chakotay’s pip on his clothing. He makes a sign of greeting to Chakotay, but Chakotay looks serious.
CHAKOTAY
My friend....
Chakotay moves his finger around his own brow, indicating the location of Seven’s borg implant. Then he points out to the jungle.
CHAKOTAY
She hasn’t come back.
Chakotay tries making a few more rudimentary signs, but the Healer looks confused, and responds with a few obscure signs of his own indicating that he doesn’t understand. Chakotay shakes his head, frustrated, and kneels in the dirt.
As the Healer looks on curiously, Chakotay draws an oval for a face. Two dots for eyes, a vertical line for a nose, a horizontal line for a mouth - and an angled half circle around the left eye to represent her Borg implant.
CHAKOTAY
She looks like this.
Then he looks at the Healer and makes the palm-up sign for “where?”
CHAKOTAY
Where?
A beat. The Healer nods - he thinks he understand what Chakotay wants. He motions Chakotay to stay here, and hurries into the cave - then returns a moment later with a woman. Chakotay looks at her, reacts.
The Woman’s face is adorned with a small piece of debris from the shuttle, tied with a strip of leather around her forehead, so the broken bit of technology is fixed around her left eye. Unmistakably meant to mimic Seven’s Borg implant.
RESUME SCENE.
The Woman and the Healer both seem pleased to show Chakotay, but he reacts with some distress, wonders out loud:
CHAKOTAY
Where did you get that?
He points to the piece of debris, then points out to the jungle, and makes the sign for “Where?” Again.
CHAKOTAY
Where?
The Healer and the woman motion him excitedly to follow, and take him a few feet to the edge of the cave - where the Healer pulls a bundle out from behind a rock, and quickly unwraps it.
ON THE BUNDLE
Inside are several damaged pieces of Starfleet technology. Part of a power cell, a section of control panel, a thruster fragment.
RESUME SCENE
The Healer motions out toward a section of jungle, to indicate where the pieces came from. Chakotay looks disturbed.
The Healer looks concerned. He doesn’t understand. Chakotay walks back to his picture of Seven in the dirt. He points to it again.
CHAKOTAY
My friend. (flops hand, palm up) Where?
Off Chakotay’s frustration...
CUT TO:
EXT. ROCKY AREA - DAY
Seven and the Girl walk into a clearing, where they come upon the deflector, still connected to a large, mangled section of shuttle hull approximately three meters square. Seven looks pleased, sets down her kit, takes out the power cell and tetrion coil.
The Girl approaches the deflector curiously, reaches out to touch it - but Seven stops her.
SEVEN
Don’t touch that...
The Girl takes a step back - and Seven softens her tone a bit.
SEVEN
Please.
Seven begins connecting the power cell and coil to the deflector. The Girl watches for a moment then walks over to investigate an area a short distance away, scattered with black rocks. Off Seven, working...
EXT. SPACEPORT -- VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
Voyager is docked.
INT. ASTROMETRICS LAB (OPTICAL)
Tuvok and Kim are working at the Dome when Janeway enters, looking concerned.
JANEWAY
Problem?
TUVOK
Commander Chakotay failed to report in at the scheduled time. We tried hailing, but there was no response.
KIM
We contacted the conference coordinator - he said Seven and Chakotay never showed up.
Janeway reacts.
JANEWAY
Anything on sensors?
KIM
We located a hull signature over the southern subcontinent...
He brings up a graphic on the Dome - the damaged, sheared off shuttle wing, floating over a land mass covered with jungle.
KIM
But it’s only a wing.
Janeway reacts to the disturbing news.
JANEWAY
Nothing else? No lifesigns?
KIM
(grim) No, ma’am.
Janeway stares at the graphic of the wing. Something strikes her.
JANEWAY
That’s awfully low for something to be in orbit.
TUVOK
It’s not in orbit. It’s resting on an energy barrier.
As he works, the graphic lights up with a semi-spherical energy barrier inverted over the land mass, with the shuttle wing resting atop it.
KIM
We think the shuttle may’ve collided with it.
JANEWAY
Why didn’t they see it?
TUVOK
Standard scans didn’t reveal its presence. We were only able to detect it with our Borg sensors.
A beat. Janeway considers the implications.
JANEWAY
If all you found was a wing -- maybe the rest of the shuttle made it through the barrier.
TUVOK
Logic suggests that possibility, (beat) Unfortunately, the barrier deflects all our scans. There’s no way to know if the shuttle -- or its occupants -- are on the other side.
A beat.
JANEWAY
Hail the Ledosian ambassador.
Off her determination....
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Janeway, with Tuvok beside her, is mid-conversation with a Ledosian ambassador on the viewscreen.
AMBASSADOR
We’d have warned your Commander, but his flight plan didn’t go anywhere near that area.
JANEWAY
He must have altered his route for some reason.
AMBASSADOR
(nods sympathetically) And collided with the barrier. (beat) I’m sorry.
Janeway and Tuvok react.
JANEWAY
We’re not assuming they’re dead.
TUVOK
We believe they may have found a way through.
The Ambassador is dubious, but tries to be diplomatic.
AMBASSADOR
That’s very unlikely...
JANEWAY
They’re resourceful people... (beat) Can you tell us anything about the barrier?
AMBASSADOR
It shields the territory of an indigenous society, the Ventu.
JANEWAY
Then the area’s habitable. If you’d lower the barrier, we cold scan for our people’s lifesigns.
AMBASSADOR
I’m afraid we can’t do that.
Janeway reacts.
JANEWAY
Why not?
AMBASSADOR
It was erected by aliens ... Hundreds of years ago ... They haven’t been back. (beat) The technology is a mystery to us.
Janeway and Tuvok exchange a look.
TUVOK
Why did these ... “Aliens”... Build the barrier?
AMBASSADOR
To protect the Ventu.
JANEWAY
From whom?
AMBASSADOR
(chagrined) Us.
Tuvok and Janeway react.
AMBASSADOR
Our ancestors fought them, polluted their habitat .. (embarrassed) I’m afraid we weren’t very enlightened back then.
JANEWAY
(diplomatic) Earth went through its dark period, too, Ambassador.
He nods.
JANEWAY
Would you have any objections if we tried to lower the barrier? Just to scan for our people?
The Ambassador doesn’t hold out a lot of hope.
AMBASSADOR
I told you.... It’s not possible.
TUVOK
(undeterred) perhaps if you gave us information about the barrier’s power source?
AMBASSADOR
The generator is inside. There’s no way to access it.
Beat. Janeway and Tuvok react. The Ambassador continues.
AMBASSADOR
Even if your people did survive, I’m afraid there’s no way to get them out.
Off his disturbing pronouncement.....
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE -- VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
In orbit of Ledos.
JANEWAY’S VOICE
Captain’s Log, Stardate 54827.7. Although the Ledosians are skeptical, they’re allowing us to try to locate our people...
INT. ENGINEERING
On a piece of debris - the torn shuttle wing - being scanned by Torres, as Janeway’s Log continues.
JANEWAY’S VOICE
But analysis of the barrier has been slow...
Camera finds Janeway and Tuvok standing nearby, mid conversation with Torres.
TORRES
The burn pattern suggest (TECH) flux.
TUVOK
We found a reference to similar technology in Seven’s Borg database.
Janeway’s antennae go up.
JANEWAY
You think the Borg erected it?
TUVOK
No, but it may’ve been constructed by people they later assimilated. (off a PADD) Species Three One Two.
A beat. Janeway appreciates the irony.
JANEWAY
If Seven were here, she might be able to figure out a way to get through it.
TORRES
Maybe she already did. (off Janeway’s look) Some of the damage to the wing was caused by feedback from the shuttle’s phasers.
JANEWAY
(catching on) Seven and Chakotay might’ve used them to penetrate the barrier for some reason.
TUVOK
(nods) If I can determine the appropriate frequency, I may be able to do the same thing. (beat) But there’s risk involved.
JANEWAY
What sort of risk?
TORRES
It looks like the feedback from the barrier is what destroyed the shuttle. If we’re not careful, the same thing could happen to Voyager.
Off the moment......
EXT. ROCKY AREA -- DAY
Seven is making adjustments to the power cell-neutrion coil-deflector apparatus, as the Girl sits some distance away, in an area where black stones are scattered over the ground.
ON THE VENTU GIRL
She’s clicking together a chain of small black stones. They’re obviously natural magnets. She’s turning the chain into a loop - and we realize she’s making a bracelet, which she slips over her wrist. Then she begins gathering more stones, clicking them together to make another bracelet.
SEVEN (OPTICAL)
Glances back at the Girl to make sure she’s at a safe distance - then makes one more connection. Several lights power up on the deflector-assembly. Seven backs off, as the Girl stands up, reacting to the lights.
Suddenly energy arcs from the deflector to some large rocks on the ground right beside it - causing the lights to flicker off, as the deflector powers down again.
Seven looks frustrated. The Girl, disinterested again, goes back to clicking her magnetic stones together into a short chain. Seven notices, and walks over to her curiously, pointing at the short string of stones.
SEVEN
May I see those?
She holds out her hand. The Girl seems pleased at the request, and gives Seven the string of stones. Seven pulls the short string of stones apart into two segments - then brings them close - and watches them click together, drawn to each other by a strong magnetic force. As she considers this --
Chakotay limps into the clearing on his cane, accompanied by the Healer - who starts signing in b.g. to the Girl. Chakotay’s relieved to have found Seven.
CHAKOTAY
Seven. Is everything all right?
But she’s too focused on the stones to offer even a cursory greeting. Instead, she holds out a hand:
SEVEN
I need your tricorder.
Chakotay reacts, a little amused.
CHAKOTAY
Nice to see you too.
He hands her the tricorder. She takes it, finally looks at him, a little chagrined, re: tricorder.
SEVEN
I lost mine.
He reacts as she scans the area.
SEVEN
There’s a strong magnetic field here that’s preventing me from generating a deflector beam. (off tricorder) But the field drops off.... (pointing) ... Approximately four point eight kilometers in that direction.
CHAKOTAY
Can you transmit a signal from there?
SEVEN
Not through the barrier. But I may be able to neutralize it by generating a dampening field with our deflector.
CHAKOTAY
(re: hull fragment) Even if you’re right, this must weight five hundred kilos. How would we move it?
Seven considers, indicates the Healer and the Girl.
SEVEN
Some of them could help us.
CHAKOTAY
(beat) We shouldn’t involve them.
SEVEN
(dry) Do I detect a change in attitude, Commander?
CHAKOTAY
Your concern was justified. They’ve been gathering debris from the shuttle -- using it to imitate us. (beat) I don’t want them helping.
SEVEN
What’s the alternative? Staying here? Allowing them to find more of the debris? (beat) If we neutralize the barrier, Voyager can transport us and our technology off the surface.
A beat.
CHAKOTAY
Is there a possibility that this dampening field could disrupt the barrier permanently?
SEVEN
Unlikely. Once the deflector is deactivated, the barrier should reinitialize.
A beat as Chakotay considers, eyes the curious Girl and the Healer.
CHAKOTAY
Let’s hope you’re right.
Off the moment....
EXT. SPACE -- DELTA FLYER (OPTICAL)
Maneuvering slowly through a series of blinking marker buoys.
INT. DELTA FLYER
Paris is piloting. Kleg sits in the adjacent seat, marking Paris’ score on a PADD-like device - and looking mildly impressed.
KLEG
So you can execute a turn at less than 300 KPH. Well done, Lieutenant.
Paris musters all the enthusiasm he can.
PARIS
Thanks....(hesitant) I don’t want to seem impatient again...but is there any way you’d let me take the test now?
KLEG
I thought I’d made myself clear about that. All my students complete the entire course.
PARIS
I understand, sir. But two of my friends are missing, and I’d like to help find them.
KLEG
That’s an admirable sentiment.
Kleg smiles sympathetically. Paris thinks he may be off the hook. Kleg continues.
KLEG
But if I give you special treatment, it wouldn’t be fair to others who have to take this course.
Paris resigns himself. But Kleg, showing a soft spot for his new favorite pupil, encourages him.
KLEG
Besides ...you’re getting very close to becoming an adequate pilot.
Off Paris, holding his tongue....
EXT. ROCKY RISE -- DAY
Barren, empty. A beat. A Ventu man appears, walking over a rise at the base - but not just walking. Struggling. Pulling a thick vine over his shoulder. Two more men appear, coming up behind him - also holding vines, pulling with all their might. And then --
The deflector assembly shows over the rise - the deflector with a section of the shuttle hull - dragged and pulled by four Ventu men, the Girl, and Chakotay. Seven walks alongside, carrying the other components.
As the group continues to drag it slowly up the hill, Seven moves away and scans the area with the tricorder, indicates a spot.
SEVEN
Here.
Chakotay signs to the Ventu, they drag the deflector assembly to the appropriate spot, and let it come to rest.
Seven begins to adjust the deflector. The Girl comes over to watch her. Seven motions her back gently.
SEVEN
Not so close.
The Girl backs off hesitantly. As Seven resumes reconnecting the deflector components, with help from Chakotay....
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
In orbit. It suddenly fires phasers directly at the energy barrier - which is undamaged. But energy feeds back up the phaser fire.
INT. BRIDGE
Janeway, Torres, Kim, Tuvok and various N.D.s at their stations. The ship shakes. Red alert.
KIM
Phasers are starting to overload---
JANEWAY
Can we divert any more power to the shields?
The ship shakes more as Tuvok works.
TUVOK
The shields are amplifying the feedback.
The ship shakes again.
TORRES
(frustrated) The barrier is interfering with every system we activate.
A beat. Janeway makes a decision.
JANEWAY
Cease fire.
Tuvok works, and the shaking subsides. Janeway looks frustrated.
JANEWAY
I’m open to suggestions....
TUVOK
We may be able to reconfigure a photon torpedo to detonate at the appropriate frequency.
JANEWAY
What about feedback?
TUVOK
A torpedo shouldn’t create any. (beat) Theoretically.
Janeway takes a beat, considers.
JANEWAY
Do it.
Off Tuvok, working.....
EXT. ROCKY RISE - CONTINUOUS
Seven adjusts the deflector assembly, Chakotay beside her. The Ventu have been inching closer and closer to watch. Seven steps away, speaks to Chakotay, re: the Ventu.
SEVEN
They’re too close.
Chakotay nods, turns, and shepherds the Ventu back the way they came.
CHAKOTAY
This way...back below the rise...
He gestures, and they accompany him reluctantly - they want to watch.
SEVEN (OPTICAL)
Connects the last relay. The deflector begins to glow. The Ventu, amazed, pause. Some take another step further back down the hill, some take shelter behind a large boulder.
ENERGY ARCS CRACKLE (OPTICAL)
From the deflector to the sky. The Ventu react. Chakotay reassures them with his tone, and with simple signs he’s learned.
CHAKOTAY
It’s all right...stay back...
But the Girl, who’s fascinated, slips away from behind the boulder, and moves back closer to the deflector again, while Chakotay is occupied keeping the others at bay.
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Kim looks up from his console, surprised.
KIM
The energy barrier’s coming down....
Janeway reacts, turns to Tuvok.
JANEWAY
I thought you were still reconfiguring the torpedo...
TUVOK
I am.
Janeway gives him a confused look. Tuvok works his console.
TUVOK
It’s being deactivated from inside.
A beat.
JANEWAY
Harry, scan for lifesigns.
KIM
Yes, ma’am.
Off Kim working....
EXT. ROCKY RISE - MOMENTS LATER (OPTICAL)
The deflector is flowing more brightly. The Girl approaches quite close, from the side opposite Seven. She raises her hand to touch the deflector - but stops when she notices a tingling at her wrist. The bracelet of black stones that she’d made at the magnetic pole are now crackling with tiny sparks of energy - she’s brought them too close to the deflector. Seven sees them, and reacts.
SEVEN
Take it off!
She takes a step forward, to pull the stones off the Girl - but too late. An energy arc crackles off the deflector, and shoots out to the stones around the Girl’s wrist. She shudders, slumps unconscious, as Seven runs over to help her.
INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Kim, working, looks a bit concerned.
KIM
I’m only reading one combadge. It’s Seven’s.
JANEWAY
Open a channel.
INTERCUT:
EXT. ROCKY RISE - CONTINUOUS
Seven and Chakotay are now kneeling beside the unconscious Girl. Seven scans while the other Ventu look on, concerned.
JANEWAY
Janeway to Seven. Are you and Chakotay all right?
SEVEN
Yes, Captain.
JANEWAY
(relieved) Stand by for transport.
SEVEN
Lock on to Commander Chakotay. I need more time.
JANEWAY
Is there a problem?
SEVEN
Someone’s been injured. She requires medical attention...
JANEWAY’S COM VOICE
Do you need the Doctor?
SEVEN
I believe I can treat her. A medkit would be useful.
JANEWAY’S COM VOICE
Acknowledged.
As Seven looks at the face of the unconscious Girl....
TIME CUT TO:
INT. SICKBAY
The Doctor finishes scanning Chakotay’s leg injury with a medical tricorder, as Janeway stands nearby, watching. The poultice, off Chakotay’s leg now, is in evidence.
DOCTOR
That poultice healed the fracture and the infection. (beat) I’m impressed.
CHAKOTAY
They’re impressive people... (beat) I just hope we haven’t traumatized them.
JANEWAY
You did what you had to do to get out of there.
CHAKOTAY
(nods) Still, I suggest we transport all the shuttle debris back to Voyager as soon as possible.
JANEWAY
Agreed.
Off Chakotay, relieved....
INT. CAVE -- DAY
Seven is tending the Girl, who’s conscious now, obviously doing better. Seven adjusts a blanket around her - the same one she’d given Seven a couple nights ago. The Girl sits up.
SEVEN
Would you like some breakfast?
Seven points to the Girl, then gestures toward her own open mouth with her fingers. The Girl shakes her head no - then points at Seven. Seven shakes her head.
SEVEN
I’m not hungry either.
The Girl takes a beat - tentatively reaches out - and traces a line over the branching Borg implant that covers the back of Seven’s left hand. Seven keeps her hand still.
SEVEN
I admire your curiosity...(beat) ...but you should be more careful.
Seven stands up, satisfied the Girl is on the mend.
SEVEN
It’s time for me to leave.
She makes the sign of “good-by” that Chakotay taught her - arm extended, fingers spread wide. The Girl responds by flopping her hand out, palm up - meaning “Where?”
SEVEN
Back to my home.
Seven points to herself, then makes the sign of “home”- cupping her inverted hands, simulating a cave shape. A beat. Then she starts to walk away - but the Girl jumps up and stops her. The Girl takes the blanket off her shoulders, offers it to Seven. Seven objects, holding up her hand in refusal.
SEVEN
That’s very kind, but I have to use for it.
The Girl looks disappointed, offers it again. A beat. Seven considers, relents, lightly:
SEVEN
I supposed I should respect your customs.
She takes the blanket...then makes the “thank you” sign, drawing her hand diagonally across her chest.
SEVEN
Thank you.
The Girl nods. A warm moment...interrupted by barely audible but unfamiliar voices outside the cave.
N.D. VOICE
Look at these botanical specimens.
N.D. VOICE #2
I’m detecting bolomite -- less than three meters below the surface.
Seven looks concerned, motions the Girl to stay here, and exits to....
EXT. CAVE CLEARING - MOMENTS LATER
Seven comes upon five Ledosian scientists. One is trying sign language with a group of “Ventu, two are scanning the area with sensor device. The group leader, Barus is conferring with another N.D. as Seven approaches them suspiciously.
BARUS
Catalogue those foliates...
SEVEN
Explain your presence here.
Barus turns to her, cordial.
BARUS
You must be from Voyager.
SEVEN
Who are you?
BARUS
My name’s Barus. I’m the expedition leader.
SEVEN
What kind of “expedition” are you leading?
BARUS
We’re conducting scans...to evaluate the potential of this habitat.
Seven is cautious.
SEVEN
Potential for what?
Barus gestures around him: isn’t it obvious?
BARUS
Anthropological research, resource development... (beat) We’ve been waiting years for this.
Seven gestures to the confused Ventu.
SEVEN
What about the people who live here?
BARUS
We’ll help them, of course.
SEVEN
How?
BARUS
With medicine, infrastructure, education... (beat, marveling) Whoever lowered this barrier did the Ventu a great favor.
Off Seven, disturbed by the irony....
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE -- VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
In synchronous orbit above the jungle side of the planet.
INT. READY ROOM
Chakotay, Janeway and Seven, mid-scene. Seven seems contemplative, Janeway undecided, Chakotay with strong opinions.
CHAKOTAY
That barrier has to go back up.
SEVEN
(uncertain) Isn’t it possible the Ledosians will improve the lives of the Ventu...?
CHAKOTAY
Improve them how?
SEVEN
They’re intelligent people. Exposure to education and technology might give them better opportunities....
CHAKOTAY
Can you honestly say that you know what’s “better” for them?
Seven considers for a long beat. Finally....
SEVEN
No. I can’t....
JANEWAY
Then what do you think we should do?
SEVEN
(an admission) I’m uncertain.
JANEWAY
It’s not like you to be “on the fence.”
Another long beat as Seven struggles to explain.
SEVEN
When Commander Chakotay and I first encountered the Ventu, I found them primitive...of little interest to me...But as I spent time with them... I came to realize that they’re a resourceful, self-reliant people... (beat) Their isolation may limit their potential. (beat) But if that isolation ends, so will a unique way of life.
Off Janeway....
TIME CUT TO:
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Seven, various N.D.s. The Ledosian Ambassador is on the viewscreen.
AMBASSADOR
We appreciate your help in opening this territory to exploration, Captain. (nods gratefully) It’s an unprecedented opportunity.
JANEWAY
A short-lived opportunity, I’m afraid.
A beat.
AMBASSADOR
I don’t understand....
JANEWAY
After I transport our deflector back to Voyager, the energy barrier will go back up.
TUVOK
Naturally, you’ll want to get your people out, so they won’t be trapped inside, as ours were.
The Ambassador is disturbed and confused.
AMBASSADOR
You have no right to limit our access to our own territory.
JANEWAY
I’m not trying to do that, but we have a strict policy about leaving our technology in the hands of other cultures. (beat) It often has damaging consequences.
AMBASSADOR
I don’t think you realize how important this is. It’s not only the resources that interest us. (beat) The Ventu are our evolutionary ancestors. Our living history.
JANEWAY
I understand this is disappointing for you, but I’m afraid I have no choice.
AMBASSADOR
Couldn’t you make an exception to your policy, Captain? Perhaps if we offered you something in trade?
JANEWAY
I’m sorry, Ambassador.
AMBASSADOR
In the spirit of cooperation... I hope you’ll reconsider.
JANEWAY
We’re eager to resume course. (tactful) Would an hour be enough time to evacuate your people?
The Ambassador is obviously disappointed - but nods his compliance.
AMBASSADOR
I’ll make the arrangements.
Off his resignation....
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
In orbit.
INT. BRIDGE
Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Kim, Seven, N.D.s.
KIM
We’ve transported all the remaining debris to the Cargo Bay.
SEVEN
I’ve a lock on the deflector assembly.
But before Janeway can respond, an alarm beeps.
JANEWAY
What is it?
Tuvok reads a monitor with surprise, begins working a console.
TUVOK
There’s a Ledosian vessel on an intercept course - it’s charging weapons.
Janeway reacts.
JANEWAY
Shields!
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Ledosian ships swoops in and blasts Voyager.
INTL. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The ship is rocked. Red Alert.
TUVOK
Direct hit to the Transporters. They’re off-line.
JANEWAY
(angry) Get a weapons lock and hail them.
KIM
They’re hailing us.
As Tuvok and Kim work, the Ambassador appears on the viewscreen.
AMBASSADOR
Captain Janeway --
JANEWAY
(angry) What's going on?
AMBASSADOR
Our government has decided not to let you restore the barrier.
JANEWAY
And that justifies an unprovoked attack?
AMBASSADOR
We only targeted your Transporters...to avoid harming your crew. I hope you’ll show the same restraint.
JANEWAY
I don’t find weapons fire of any kind restrained.
AMBASSADOR
If you want to avoid further conflict, I suggest you leave.
He blinks off. Janeway considers a beat.
JANEWAY
Take us out of orbit.
CHAKOTAY
What about the deflector?
In response she turns to Kim.
JANEWAY
Is Tom still in the Flyer?
KIM
Yes, ma’am.
JANEWAY
Hail him.
EXT. SPACE -- DELTA FLYER (OPTICAL)
Still inching through the blinking marker buoys.
INT. DELTA FLYER -- COCKPIT
Paris at the controls, Kleg patiently offering “helpful” pointers.
KLEG
Excellent, Mister Paris. Now come about slowly --
But he’s interrupted by the com beeping.
JANEWAY’S COM VOICE
Janeway to Paris. Respond.
But it’s Kleg who responds, annoyed.
KLEG
Captain, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t interrupt my student during his examination.
INTERCUT:
INT. BRIDGE (VPB)
As before.
JANEWAY
I’m sorry, but something’s come up.
PARIS
What is it, Captain?
JANEWAY
I’m sending you some encrypted orders.
PARIS
Yes, ma’am.
She nods to Tuvok who works. On the Flyer, we hear the encoded transmission over the com.
KLEG
This is extremely irregular --
But Paris ignores him, studying the coded text appearing on his monitor. He hits a few controls and we....
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE -- THE DELTA FLYER (OPTICAL)
Peels away from the piloting course and accelerates fast.
INT. DELTA FLYER
Where Kleg is practically pinned to his seat by the sudden acceleration. He grips his armrest tightly.
KLEG
You’re going much too fast.
PARIS
(working) Yes, sir. I’m in a bit of a hurry.
KLEG
If you have any desire to pass this test, you will reduce your speed immediately.
PARIS
I wish I could do that, sir. I really do.
EXT. SPACE -- DELTA FLYER (OPTICAL)
Suddenly, the Ledosian vessel swoops in from behind and begins firing.
INT. DELTA FLYER
The ship is rocked. Kleg reacts, terrified.
KLEG
What was that?
Paris checks a control, coms Voyager.
PARIS
Paris to Voyager.
INTERCUT:
INT. BRIDGE
As before.
PARIS' COM VOICE
....I'm under attack.
Janeway turns to Tuvok.
JANEWAY
Give him some help, Mister Tuvok.
As Tuvok works....
EXT. SPACE -- VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
swoops in and fires on the Ledosian ship as the Delta Flyer streaks down toward the jungle.
INT. DELTA FLYER -- COCKPIT (OPTICAL)
Paris works the
console. A beat, and then the surprised Barus and the other Ledosian N.D.s materialize in the rear of the cabin.
BARUS
What have you done?
PARIS
We had to get you out of there before we close the barrier.
BARUS
(reacts) You can't do that --
Barus takes a step forward, but a forcefield flashes on, stopping him.
PARIS
Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Paris hits the com again:
PARIS
Paris to Voyager.
INTERCUT:
INT. BRIDGE
As before.
PARIS' COM VOICE
....I've got them.
CHAKOTAY
Find the deflector.
PARIS
(working) I'm getting a lock on it now --
But suddenly the Flyer shakes.
PARIS
My Transporter's off-line!
Reactions. Janeway looks grim.
JANEWAY
You'd better get out of there, Tom...
PARIS
Not yet. I have an idea....
As Paris works, Kleg mixes outrage and disappointment.
KLEG
I'm sorry to inform you, Mister Paris, but you've failed this examination. You will no longer be allowed to operate a vessel within Ledosian space.
PARIS
(working) Something tells me that's not going to be a problem.
Off the moment....
EXT. ROCKY RISE -- DAY (OPTICAL)
The Delta Flyer swoops by low, strafing the deflector as it goes. The deflector is vaporized by the phaser fire, and the Delta Flyer banks up.
EXT. AERIAL VIEW ABOVE JUNGLE (OPTICAL)
As the Delta Flyer ascends, the energy barrier rematerializes just below it.
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE -- VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
At warp.
INT. CARGO BAY
Seven is working at a console as Chakotay enters. He notices the blanket the Girl gave to Seven - folded next to her neatly atop a cargo container. He eyes it.
CHAKOTAY
That's a beautiful blanket.
SEVEN
Take it if you'd like. (indicates her alcove) I don't need it.
CHAKOTAY
(light) If environmental systems ever go down, you might get cold.
A beat then:
Talking at once:
CHAKOTAY
You know, I wanted ---
SEVEN
I'd like to --
They both stop. Chakotay smiles.
CHAKOTAY
You first.
SEVEN
Please, continue.
CHAKOTAY
(beat) In all the excitement, I never apologized.
SEVEN
For what?
CHAKOTAY
Causing you to miss that conference.
She takes a beat. This isn't easy for her to admit:
SEVEN
As a matter of fact... (beat) ... I wanted to thank you for that.
CHAKOTAY
(surprised) I thought you were angry.
SEVEN
I was. (beat) But you were right: Warp Mechanics can be studied any time... (beat) the Ventu, on the other hand....
A beat. Chakotay can see she's troubled.
CHAKOTAY
Something's still bothering you.
SEVEN
I'm concerned for their well-being.
CHAKOTAY
They know how to take care of themselves.
SEVEN
That's not what I mean. (beat) Members of the Ledosian expedition had the opportunity to scan my deflector modifications. (beat) In time, they may find a way to duplicate out technology and remove the barrier themselves.
A beat as Chakotay considers.
CHAKOTAY
I supposed it's possible...
SEVEN
If I'd never made those modifications....
CHAKOTAY
We might still be stranded there.
A beat. Seven nods.
CHAKOTAY
I don't know about you, but I'm glad to be back on Voyager.
SEVEN
As am I.
Chakotay smiles, exits. Seven goes back to work. But after a beat, she stops....and lightly runs her hand over the blanket. Off the moment.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END.
Quelle: http://www.dailytrek.de
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