"Official Response"
(*or "TPTB Answer My Fan Mail...By Season")
by Andra Marie Mueller

DISCLAIMER: Paramount and Viacom own all things Trek, which is why its 'just an old song nobody sings anymore'. A little late, but my contribution to the Voyager 1001 *muse* series, inspired by my muse, Lady Monkee aka Mary W :)

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SEASON ONE :

Dear Miss Mueller :

Thank you for your recent letter. We appreciate you taking the time to offer your thoughts on Voyager's highly successful first season, and agree that it has the potential to become the best Trek series of them all. For our second season, we intend to further explore the difficulties faced by the integration of the two crews, as well as the development of the personal relationships that integration may produce. At the same time, we hope to introduce some exciting new alien races and worlds that will allow the crew to conform to their directive for exploration and discovery.

I hope you will join us for the journey.

Sincerely Yours,

Michael Piller, Executive Producer

SEASON TWO :

Miss Mueller :

Thank you for taking the time to express your opinions about Voyager's sophomore season. Rest assured that continuity is important to us, and we will eventually reveal exactly who Chakotay's people are and where they really came from, be it Earth or outer space. Seska's betrayal will not go unanswered either, nor will the implications of the events in "Resolutions". The overwhelmingly positive response to that episode is indeed a direct result of the simmering chemistry between Kate Mulgrew and Robert Beltran. Season Three will bring several episodes that will touch on that very subject, and hopefully further explore the developing feelings between Janeway and Chakotay. At the same time, we intend to continue the character development of the other cast members while producing episodes that reflect the crew's continuing mission of exploration and discovery, as well as their quest to return home.

Best regards,

Jeri Taylor, Executive Producer

SEASON THREE :

Miss Mueller :

We too are saddened by the departure of Jennifer Lien and the character of Kes. However, we feel that adding an actress of Jeri Ryan's caliber to the ensemble can only benefit the cast, and her assets are indeed a welcome contribution. As for the lingering concerns over the lack of development in the Janeway/Chakotay relationship, I can only say the executives are concerned that it may draw attention away from the AOTW romances and all FX episodes that seem to hold greater appeal for the 18-30 year old male demographic. Rest assured, however, that we do listen to the fans' voices and you will be heard.

Best regards,

Jeri Taylor, Executive Producer

SEASON FOUR :

Miss Mueller :

We are very aware that Voyager has eight other cast members, and we are doing our best to give each character at least one of their *own* episodes. However, it is important to establish Seven of Nine's presence on the show, as well as her place among the crew. Both Seven and Jeri are still "learning the ropes", and we feel it important to produce episodes that reflect those growing pains. Each of the other characters will get their chance to shine as well, so please be patient.

Best wishes,

Brannon Braga, Executive Producer

SEASON FIVE :

Miss Mueller :

I assure you it is not our intent to turn Voyager into "The Seven of Nine Show". While we are making every attempt to showcase the other actors, the executives feel that the 18-30 male demographic responds more positively to episodes which feature Jeri's character. In an attempt to appease both the fans and the actors, the upcoming season will bring more episodes featuring Seven's interaction with the rest of the crew. As for Janeway and Chakotay, they have been and always shall be best friends. Anything more would turn the series into "The Love Boat" in space, which would be detrimental to all involved.

Sincerely Yours,

Brannon Braga, Executive Producer

SEASON SIX :

Miss Mueller :

I share your frustration over the neglect of eight of the nine characters on the series, as well as the continuing focus on FX and Seven of Nine episodes. While not a "JCer", I was not unaware of the potential lurking in the chemistry between Kate and Robert. Unfortunately, those individuals to whom I answer have made it abundantly clear that allowing Janeway and Chakotay to openly develop a romantic relationship is not an option. However, they have not expressly prohibited it from being subtly integrated into the final season. So stay tuned.

Warmest Regards,

Joe Menosky, Co-Executive Producer

SEASON SEVEN :

Miss Mueller -

We sincerely regret that you were less than pleased with Voyager's concluding episode, "Endgame", but your use of profanity was completely unnecessary. While unwilling and unable to give the series a multi-episode denouement, we did make an honest effort to provide proper closure in the last two-hour episode and put in a little something to please everyone. In retrospect, we will concede that pulling the Chakotay/Seven relationship out of a hat and blowing the Janeway/Chakotay relationship into oblivion may not have been the best idea. However, with Jeri bagging Braga and Beltran whining about Chakotay's lack of development, it seemed the wisest course of action.

In regards to your threats against various UPN and Paramount personnel, be advised that both our corporate legal department as well as studio security have been alerted to the threat you pose, and any attempt to act on your threats will be countered accordingly.

Thank you for taking the time to write. We hope you enjoy Series V.

Sincerely,

TPTB

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