Captain’s
Log Stardate ?????.
The
crew has been spending a few days much needed R&R on this uninhabited forest
moon, giving both them,
and Voyager a chance to recharge their batteries.
Unfortunately now that our larder is stocked and our fuel supplies
replenished, it’s time to resume
our journey home.
CHAKOTAY
This
is a place to truly make the Spirits soar.
I
find it remarkable that a world such as this one hasn’t been colonized yet.
TUVOK
(studying tricorder)
You
mean colonized by Humanoids.
There
appears to be several insect types and microorganisms that are not indigenous to
this satellite, which could only have been bought here by other space faring
races who have stopped to ...(pause)... admire the view.
In fact it appears we have added to that colonization merely by
our presence.
CHAOKATY
Tuvok
you have no soul.
For
a Vulcan the soul is a ....
When
you two have finished discussing comparative philosophy,
we ought to be leaving.
(to Comm.)
Janeway
to Voyager, three to transport.
2.
INT. THE GALLEY
2
On the table in front of him are several open SKETCH BOOKS. He is busy
sketching in one, he is sketching a view of the waterfall (S1) from memory.
There is a general buzz of conversation in the galley.
VERDUGO
(to himself)
Damn,
can’t get it right. I can
see it in my mind’s eye but I just can’t express it the way I want.
The feeling just isn’t showing itself on the paper.
Perhaps the perspective is wrong or maybe its the line weight ...(beat)...it
makes that river of mercury look almost torpid.
The spirit of the place - I just can’t capture it on paper,
I need my oils or ...(pause)... perhaps water color would be better to
represent the fluidity. That’s
it, it’s not the style that’s
wrong, it’s the medium.
Verdugo
sees them and sits back down, his
gaze fixed on Binford.
The
group cross the Galley towards Verdugo. The hum of conversation gradually fades
to silence as all the crewmen watch Binford and his companions walking towards
Verdugo’s table.
KES
(to Neelix)
Neelix,
What’s going On ?
NEELIX
I
don’t know. But I intend to find
out.
Neelix
walks round from behind the counter and begins to walk towards the group around
Verdugo’s table.
The
group of crewmen led by Binford are crowded around Verdugo’s table so all that
can be seen is their backs. They are all leaning towards Verdugo in a
threatening manner. The conversation is not clear enough to be heard, but it’s
tone is harsh. One of Verdugo’s sketch books is suddenly thrown on the floor.
Verdugo
stands up, brushes past them and races for the door almost colliding with Neelix.
NEELIX
(to Binford)
What
did you say to him Ensign ?
BINFORD
(turning to look at Neelix)
None
of your business (pause) cook !
KES
(Off Camera)
Where
did he go ?
BINFORD
Scuttled
back to his hidey hole in Engineering, for
all I care.
3.
INT.
ENGINEERING
3
ENSIGN
VERDUGO, looking flustered, walks into Engineering and approaches LT. TORRES who
is stood by the warp core working at a control panel.
TORRES
Verdugo,
you’re early.
Your
duty shift isn’t due to start for another hour.
VERDUGO
(hesitantly, as if distracted)
The
company in the Galley wasn’t ..(beat).. to
my liking ..(pause).. and I ..(beat).. have work to catch up on.
Would it be OK to ..(beat).. use a spare terminal until my duty
shift starts ?
TORRES
(pointing off camera)
Sure,
the one over there is available.
Verdugo
walks off camera .
ENSIGN
KIM walks up behind Torres.
KIM
Never
known Verdugo show that amount of enthusiasm for anything other than his
paintings before.
TORRES
Let’s
hope this is a sign that he’s decided to apply his talents to his job.
KIM
I
think I’ll go and check on what he’s doing.
Just
keep a friendly eye on him.
TORRES
Thanks
Harry
PARIS
(Comm.)
Bridge
to Engineering. The
Captain’s on her way back. How
soon can we get underway ?
TORRES
Just
bringing the engines back on line now, Tom.
PARIS
(Comm.)
As
soon as possible, B’lanna, she’s
anxious to get underway.
END TEASER
ACT
ONE
FADE IN:
CREDITS
FALL OVER OPENING SCENE
The
aftermath of the explosion. Debris is scattered over the floor emanating from
the point of the explosion. Several wall panels and work stations have been
blasted away. INJURED CREWMEN are lying on the floor.
(Comm.)
What
the hell happened down there ?
TORRES
An
explosion, I’ve got a lot of injured crew.
Alert
the Doctor and initiate emergency transports to the Sickbay.
PARIS
(Comm.)
How
many casualties ?
TORRES
I
don’t know at the moment ...(pause)... a lot,
including Harry.
Just
get them to Sickbay.
PARIS
(Comm.)
OK.
I’m ....
DISSOLVE
TO
(continued)
...
on it Torres.
(to Science Station)
Initiate
emergency transports and alert the Doctor.
JANEWAY
Status
Mr. Paris. What’s happened
during our transport ?
PARIS
Explosion
in Engineering Ma’am.
Some
casualties, numbers and cause of explosion unknown.
As
you were Mr. Paris. Tuvok and
Chakotay try and find out what caused this.
Coordinate with Lt. Torres and give me an estimate of repair time,
you have one hour. I’m off to Sickbay.
Mr. Paris you have the Conn.
CHAKOTAY
and TUVOK enter the Turbo Lift from the Bridge.
TUVOK
Deck
11
The
Turbo Lift starts to move.
CHAKOTAY
You
never finished your sentence.
TUVOK
I am sorry Commander, I am
unaware as to which particular sentence of mine that you are referring to.
CHAKOTAY
By the Waterfall,
you where about to divulge the secrets of the Vulcan soul when the
captain interrupted our conversation.
TUVOK
It was never my intention
to "divulge the secrets of the Vulcan soul" as you describe it.
If I gave you the impression that was the intended outcome of my
discourse, then I must apologize.
CHAKOTAY
Oh come on Tuvok, you were on
the point of actually letting that shell of yours crack a little and share a few
of your beliefs.
TUVOK
The Vulcan religious life, its
theology and doctrine is well documented in Starfleet records. As for the soul,
the basic human understanding of the Katra is also well documented. I recommend
you study the records if you wish to learn more about our beliefs.
CHAKOTAY
I didn’t mean you as a
people, I meant you as an individual. Just what is it that Tuvok believes
in ? What makes your soul soar ?
TUVOK
That is a very personal
question Commander, and I value my privacy, ...(pause)... highly.
CHAKOTAY
We’ve
been together a long time Tuvok, can’t you open up just a little ?
TUVOK
I....
COMPUTER
Deck
11
TUVOK
It appears we have reached
our destination Commander.
Sickbay
is crowded with INJURED CREWMEN, the beds are full and several crewmen are
standing around awaiting attention for minor injuries. THE DOCTOR is tending to
the patients on the beds, KES is treating the lesser wounded. TORRES is milling
around generally getting in the way of the medical staff.
Well
Doctor ?
DOCTOR
Quite,
thank you, but the same cannot be said of Voyager’s engineering staff.
We have 15 injured that can be easily treated, Kes is seeing to their
wounds now, plus 10 that need more
intensive treatment.
JANEWAY
Thank
you Doctor.
(to Torres)
Lt.
Torres, are you injured ?
TORRES
No
Captain, I came to help my staff.
And
see how Harry is.
JANEWAY
A
laudable sentiment B’lanna, but the Doctor and Kes can handle it.
I suggest that you can be of most help back in Engineering.
KES
Don’t
worry B’lanna I’ll keep you informed of any developments.
TORRES
(reluctantly)
As
you wish Captain
(to Kes)
and
thanks.
JANEWAY
Keep
me informed Doctor.
DOCTOR
Certainly,
keeping the Captain up to date on the well being of the crew is,
after all, one of my primary
functions.
TUVOK
(Comm.)
Captain,
I think you ought to get down here.
TUVOK
and TORRES are bent over a wrecked piece of paneling in the center of the blast
area. Their backs are towards the camera. Tuvok is turning the piece of paneling
over in his hand. CHAKOTAY is stood behind him looking over his shoulder
Are
you sure Tuvok ?
TUVOK
You
doubt the logic of my conclusions ?
CHAKOTAY
No,
of course not, but after what we’ve all been through over the past few years,
it is difficult to believe that someone would ....
JANEWAY
Would
what ?
CHAKOTAY
(turning round)
Try
to destroy Voyager.
Tuvok
quickly stands up and faces Chakotay.
TUVOK
That
is not what I said.
CHAKOTAY
Yes
it is.
TUVOK
That
is what you inferred from my words, it is not what I said.
JANEWAY
What
did you say Tuvok ?
TUVOK
I
said that the ship had been sabotaged using a crude explosive device.
See.
TUVOK
I
did not say that the saboteur had intended to destroy the ship.
TORRES
Tuvok
is right. Whoever did this
used a very crude device. I
don’t think it was meant to cause the level of damage or injury that it did.
I think it was a cry for help that went wrong.
CHAKOTAY
Hell
of a way to ask for help.
ACT
TWO
FADE IN:
Sat
around the conference table are JANEWAY, CHAKOTAY, TORRES, and TUVOK. The DOCTOR
can be seen on the wall monitor (OPTICAL).
(to the Doctor)
...
Thank you Doctor, and how many are left in Sickbay ?
DOCTOR
(Optical)
The
3 worst injured.
(he looks down at a PADD)
Ensigns
Kim and Verdugo, plus Crew Chief Mills.
JANEWAY
What’s
the exact status of their condition ?
Will they make full recoveries ?
DOCTOR
I’m
afraid Mills and Kim are badly burnt, I am doing all I can, but even with my
extensive medical knowledge I cannot guarantee full recovery Captain. However
Verdugo should be up and about in a few days, ..(pause).. but as far as his full
recovery goes, that will depend to a large extent on how he reacts to his
injuries when he wakes up.
JANEWAY
Let
me know if the Chief or Ensign Kim’s conditions deteriorate. ..(pause).. Keep
me informed Doctor.
(to Torres)
What’s
the estimate on the repair time Lt. Torres ?
TORRES
We
have stabilized Voyager’s orbit, it
will take a least 6 hours to restore impulse and 12 to get the warp core back on
line.
JANEWAY
18
hours when we are a sitting target for any wandering ship that finds us and
wants to make a name for itself in this quadrant. You have 4 hours to get us
away from here Lieutenant .
Janeway
turns to speak to Tuvok, but before she speaks the doors open and NEELIX enters.
Captain,
pardon the intrusion but I must speak with you.
JANEWAY
Not
now Neelix.
NEELIX
But
Captain, it’s important. It concerns some of the crew.
JANEWAY
While
the crew’s morale and welfare is always important,
at the moment our priority is getting away from this moon.
NEELIX
But
....
(to Tuvok)
Have
you drawn any conclusions from the debris in Engineering yet ?
TUVOK
It
was definitely sabotage Captain, but
I have yet to ascertain the culprit or a motive.
There are several suspects and I have a proposal for a course of action
that will allow me to identify the saboteur.
The
Galley is full of confused and dazed CREWMEN, some with traces of scoring and
burns on their uniforms. NEELIX enters muttering to himself then sees the crew.
He stops and walks behind the counter where he starts to pull out a variety of
different shaped and colored jars.
NEELIX
(to himself)
Tea,
..(beat).. my researches show that
humans like a cup of tea at a time of crisis and stress.
But which type. Earl Grey ?
... No. Too authoritarian. Lapsong ?
Darjeeling ? ...No. Too
Perfumed. (beat).. Ah ... Vulcan herb tea, perfect.
As
Neelix fusses about which tea to serve, the
Galley door opens and the sound of raucous laughter is heard as ENSIGN BINFORD
and his group enter.
Hearing
the laughter Neelix looks over his shoulder and recognizes Binford. His
expression darkens.
(angry)
What
are you all laughing about at a time like this.
I see little cause for humor when your shipmates have been injured.
BINFORD
And
what would you know about our shipmates ?
Not everyone on this ship is who, or what, they appear to be.
NEELIX
That
doesn’t give you the right to gloat over the unfortunate condition of one of
your comrades.
BINFORD
Verdugo
is no "comrade" of mine.
NEELIX
And
what did he do to you, that you
bully him and laugh over his injuries ?
BINFORD
It’s
not what he did, more who he is. And
it’s no concern of yours, cookie.
..(pause)..
Now what’s on the menu today, more of your "Strange Cuisine From
Another Planet".
Binford’s
gang laugh.
NEELIX
For
you bullies, nothing.
Dinner is off. Get out of my
Galley before I call Security.
BINFORD
(feigning terror)
Oh,
he’s going to set Janeway’s pet Vulcan on us.
(threatening)
Save
us the Starfleet posturing.
NEELIX
Now
I need a strong cup of tea.
11.
INT BRIEFING ROOM.
11
JANEWAY
and TUVOK are sat at the table. CHAKOTAY is stood leaning over the table
gripping the edge in an obvious posture of annoyance. He is clearly agitated.
Captain,
I must protest. What
Tuvok is proposing will only be seen as Starfleet intrusion into my crew’s
private lives.
JANEWAY
Your
Crew ? May I remind you
Chakotay that we are talking, not
only about the Maquis members of this crew,
but the Starfleet ones as well. (beat)
More to the point, I thought
that Voyager’s crew had long since buried any animosity between the two
factions. Perhaps your remark proves me wrong.
TUVOK
It
is not always possible to totally submerge once antagonistic feelings between
two groups of people who once held diametrically opposed views,
especially when they are forced together in an unexpected position of
confinement such as the one we have found ourselves in since arriving in the
Delta Quadrant.
CHAKOTAY
I
apologize Captain. But on this, at
least, Tuvok and I agree.
This incident has for some reason, heightened
old tensions. I don’t
believe searching crews quarters, especially those of injured crewmen will help
the situation.
TUVOK
But
logic dictates ...
CHAKOTAY
(angrily)
Sometimes
your precious logic has to be sacrificed to good old human instinct and the well
being of this crew.
JANEWAY
You
have a point Commander, but in this
instance I feel Tuvok is right. The
only lead we have as to who did this, and
more importantly why they did it, lies with those injured crewmen.
(to Tuvok)
Tuvok
go ahead but (beat) be discreet.
CHAKOTAY
A
discreet Vulcan, there’s a novel concept.
As
unlikely a concept as a Maquis saboteur wouldn’t you say.
CHAKOTAY
(to Janeway)
I
still don’t agree Captain, but it’s your ship, your crew and your call.
JANEWAY
Thank
you Commander.
12.
INT. SICKBAY
12.
The
DOCTOR is attending to ENSIGN KIM, while KES is stood over the bed of ENSIGN
VERDUGO.
Medical
Log. I have given Crew Chief Mills and Ensign Kim sufficient sedative to dull
the pain. There is nothing more I can do now but wait for nature to take its
course. Ensign Verdugo is also
heavily sedated to minimize the shock of his injuries.
Doctor,
I would like to talk to the injured crewmen.
DOCTOR
That
is not possible Mr. Tuvok, as you can see they are all heavily sedated.
TUVOK
(to Kes)
Is
there no way I can communicate with them ?
KES
No.
The last thing they need is you asking probing questions.
TUVOK
Perhaps
then I need not ask. Although
Commander Chakotay will disapprove, I
will embark on my alternative course of action.
Now
what did he mean by that ?
KES
For
once, I have no idea.
Verdugo’s
waking up.
DOCTOR
He
should be out for at least another 4 hours.
KES
Well
it seems that you neglected to tell the Ensign that.
DOCTOR
Sarcasm
does not become you Kes.
VERDUGO
Sickbay
? Sickbay,
what am I doing in Sickbay ?
KES
Calm
down Ensign you are in good hands. There was an accident in Engineering, you
were hurt.
DOCTOR
You
have severe plasma burns to 76% of your upper body. The fact that you seem to
have thrown your arms up in front of you protected your face from further injury
and Ensign Kim’s actions in pushing you out of the way certainly saved your
life.
VERDUGO
My
arms ? My hands,
I must see my hands.
DOCTOR
I
wouldn’t advise moving at the moment Ensign.
VERDUGO
(getting agitated)
I
must see my hands, my hands. I MUST SEE MY HANDS.
KES
He’s
getting upset.
DOCTOR
I
can see that.
(to Verdugo)
Very
well, but this is against my expert advice.
NO!!
NO!! NO!!
FADE OUT
END ACT TWO.
ACT
THREE
Various
members of the ENGINEERING STAFF are repairing the blast damage. Amongst them, a
VULCAN ENGINEER and TORRES are inspecting the epicenter of the blast area with
TRICORDERS.
It
would appear that most of the damage is located around this work station.
Therefore logic dictates that the explosion originated in this vicinity.
TORRES
(examining Tricorder)
There
is a larger concentration of trace elements among the debris in this area.
If we scan the area and plot the concentrations it should give us the
precise location where the blast originated.
The
two engineers continue scanning the area for several seconds.
VULCAN
I
have accumulated sufficient data to enable us to make a preliminary analysis Lt.
Torres.
The
Vulcan and Torres walk over to an undamaged workstation on the far side of
engineering and download the information from their tricorders.
As
they look at the display a radial type pattern starts to appear (OPTICAL) on the
screen.
TORRES
This
dispersion pattern certainly indicates that the trace elements were propelled by
a sudden explosive force. It
confirms Tuvok’s theory about the explosion.
VULCAN
But
it does not indicate the point of origin.
TORRES
Computer,
overlay the dispersal pattern shown on Workstation 12 onto a layout of
the Engineering section.
On
the panel a floor plan slowly comes into view under the radial pattern
on the screen in front of them. A workstation is clearly visible as the
center point (OPTICAL)
The
computer generated pattern would seem to indicate that the epicenter of the
explosion was located at Workstation 23.
I cannot recollect who is normally assigned there ?
TORRES
It
used to be Seska’s usual workstation, but
now it’s a spare used by whoever needs it.
VULCAN
I
suggest a logical course of action would be to find the last person
working there.
TORRES
Computer,
who was the last person to be working at Workstation 23 prior to the
explosion ?
COMPUTER
The
last person logged on at Workstation 23 was Ensign Verdugo.
14.
SICKBAY
14
KES
is attending to VERDUGO who is still moaning and gazing at his hands in
disbelief. The DOCTOR is tending to the unconscious KIM.
Try
to calm down Ensign.
VERDUGO
You
don’t realize it, this is the end
of my life, I have no purpose
anymore.
KES
With
the Doctor’s help you can make a full recovery and be back in Engineering
sooner than you think. As for
it being the end of your life; you
can thank Harry for the fact that you are still here to complain about it.
VERDUGO
That’s
the second time you’ve said that. What did he do ?
KES
From
what Lieutenant Torres told me, he was on his way to talk to you when the
explosion occurred. He dived at you and pushed you away from the main blast. And
paid the price for it.
VERDUGO
How
is he Doctor ?
DOCTOR
Thankfully
he is past the worst. He suffered a large shock to his system, but he is young
and fit. His will to live is strong, and like yourself, I expect him to make a
full recovery.
VERDUGO
(to himself)
It
wasn’t meant to be him.
A
corridor on the lower decks by the
crew cabins. Several CREWMEN are wandering around, some in uniform others in a
variety of off-duty clothes. A group of crewmen, wearing sweatsuits are chatting
and strolling along the corridor in the direction of the turbo-lift. Among them
is ENSIGN BINFORD.
…
and then I told the little alien exactly what I thought of his threats.
As
they reach the turbo-lift, the door opens and TUVOK steps out.
(to his crew-mates)
I
see she’s sent her pet out for a run after all.
(to Tuvok, sarcastically)
And
to what do we owe the pleasure of your company ...(pause)... Sir ?
TUVOK
I’m
here to investigate the explosion in Engineering.
BINFORD
(slightly sarcastic)
Engineering
is on Deck 11. Sir.
TUVOK
I
am well aware of the location of Engineering,
thank you Ensign Binford.
Binford
shows surprise that Tuvok knows who he is.
TUVOK
(continued)
I
am here to talk to those crewmen involved. In fact I will need to talk to you
soon. (pause)
About several things, including
your attitude towards senior officers.
Tuvok
stands in the corridor and watches a dejected Binford and his crew mates get
into the lift and leave. He then looks up and down the corridor and makes sure
that it is clear before he walks to the nearest cabin door.
TUVOK
Computer,
Security override.
Code:
Tuvok-Two-F-Three-Five-Seven
The
cabin door opens and Tuvok steps through it.
16.
INT. CABIN
16.
TUVOK
enters the cabin belonging to Ensign Verdugo. The cabin is dark but in the
ambient light from the corridor it is obviously cluttered.
TUVOK
Standard
illumination.
TUVOK
Computer,
continue personal log - Security Officer, Lt.
Commander Tuvok, Stardate
??
COMPUTER
Recording
TUVOK
(as he walks around the cabin)
I
continue to investigate the explosion that rocked Voyager’s Engineering
section. I am now searching
the cabin of one of the crewmen injured in the blast, Ensign Verdugo.
I hope that something here will lead me to a conclusion as to his role in
this affair. However I feel that in some ways
TUVOK
(continued)
Commander
Chakotay is right and that in doing this I am violating the Ensign’s right to
privacy. I am here without his
permission, trying to find out what
I can about him. Where does the right to privacy end in the course of a criminal
investigation ? While logic
dictates that this is the necessary course of action,
I can see why it upsets Commander Chakotay and others.
( he pauses as he picks something up)
Logically
there must be an explanation for Verdugo’s actions, rational or otherwise. It
is merely a matter of discovering such an explanation. The computer logs show
that he was the last person working at the station where the explosion
originated. Was he an innocent victim or a target of a deliberate attack ?.
As
Tuvok circles the room his gaze keeps being drawn to the canvas in the middle.
He walks over and lifts the cover. It is an almost completed painting
of the waterfall (S1).
TUVOK
(continued)
This
one shows much improvement over the other canvases.
It seems this forest moon inspired the Ensign’s artistic talents.
Commander Chakotay would probably say that he poured his soul into this piece of
work.
Tuvok
heads towards the door, as he reaches the door he spots a PHOTOGRAPH FRAME
sticking out from behind a canvases. Tuvok picks it up and as he looks at the
photograph his eyebrows arch in surprise. He activates his Comm. badge.
TUVOK
Tuvok
to Janeway
JANEWAY
(Comm.)
Yes
Tuvok
TUVOK
I
need to see you Captain ...(beat)... in private.
JANEWAY
(Comm.)
I
assume your search has been fruitful.
TUVOK
I
have something I think you ought to see.
JANEWAY
(Comm.)
Meet
me in the Briefing Room.
Tuvok
slides the PHOTOGRAPH out of its frame and hides it under his uniform tunic
before leaving the cabin.
17.
INT BRIEFING ROOM
17.
JANEWAY
and CHAKOTAY are sat in the Briefing Room on either side of the table.
Chakotay’s manner is confrontational.
JANEWAY
I
know how you feel Commander, but I still back Tuvok’s decision. It’s the
best course of action.
CHAKOTAY
Permission
to speak freely Captain ?
JANEWAY
Of
course.
CHAKOTAY
While
I agree that it’s the logical course of action and the one that goes by the
book; I don’t like its implications or the effect it will have on the crew.
From a morale point of view this is not a wise decision Katherine.
JANEWAY
Your
objections have been noted Chakotay, but I’ve made my decision and I must be
seen to stick with it or it will have an even more adverse effect on Crew morale
if the captain is shown to be unsure of her own decisions.
Without
a word Chakotay turns and leaves the Briefing room.
JANEWAY
Damn.
The
door chimes.
JANEWAY
Enter
Much
to Janeway’s surprise Torres
enters.
JANEWAY
Yes
B’lanna
TORRES
We
have completed our initial survey and believe that we can get back into orbit
fairly soon.
JANEWAY
I’d
prefer a more accurate estimate than "fairly soon."
TORRES
24
Hours Captain. (pause)
Oh,
by the way, Tuvok was right,
it
was sabotage.
The
door opens and TUVOK enters the Briefing Room behind Torres.
TUVOK
The
physical evidence supported such a hypothesis,
however I believe I now know who was responsible, plus I believe that I
may have an indication of motive.
He
slips the PHOTOGRAPH that he found in the cabin from under his tunic and places
it on the conference table face up in front of Janeway.
17A
CLOSE UP ON PHOTOGRAPH
17A
The
photograph is ENSIGN VERDUGO with an older distinguished looking man. The two
have a strong family resemblance and the older man is dressed in the uniform of
a STARFLEET ADMIRAL.
FADE OUT
END ACT THREE.
ACT
FOUR
FADE IN:
KES
and the DOCTOR are working in the background with KIM, who is now awake. In the
foreground ENSIGN VERDUGO is sat up in his bed. His injured arms are covered in
dressings. He is talking to CHAKOTAY and is obviously distressed.
….
But he had no right Commander. That
is my private space. Aren’t
we all entitled to something that remains our own sanctuary from this ship and
all that that entails ?
CHAKOTAY
I
registered my protest with the Captain, but
she felt that Tuvok’s actions were for the good of the Ship and in those
circumstances I must support her judgment.
No matter what your, or my,
personal opinion is. I
hope you understand Ensign ?
The
Sickbay door opens and TUVOK and JANEWAY enter.
VERDUGO
Oh,
I understand all right. “For the good of the Ship”. That covers a lot of
things (pause)
and how many times have I heard that before?
Too many, far too many.
CHAKOTAY
I’m
sorry, but I don’t understand.
TUVOK
I believe I understand the reference the
Ensign is making.
JANEWAY
Can
we talk to you Ensign ? It will only take a few minutes.
The
DOCTOR walks over to see what is happening.
DOCTOR
Captain,
I must protest, Ensign
Verdugo is still recovering from his injuries, plus a severe shock. He
shouldn’t get too agitated.
VERDUGO
It’s
OK Doctor.
(to Janeway)
Go
ahead Captain.
JANEWAY
Tuvok
?
TUVOK
During
the course of my investigations I came across this.
He
holds the PHOTOGRAPH out to Verdugo who refuses to take it.
TUVOK
(Cont.)
Would
you care to explain it ?
VERDUGO
"Came
across."
Found snooping around in my personal possessions more like.
And no I don’t care to explain.
TUVOK
In
that case maybe I can offer an explanation.
I
have identified the senior Starfleet officer as ..
CHAKOTAY
(surprised)
Admiral
Richard Solomon.
JANEWAY
You
know the Admiral, Commander ?
CHAKOTAY
Every
member of the Maquis knows Solomon. The
man is a monster, not fit to wear that uniform.
His deep seated hatred of the Maquis is well known.
He led a number of unprovoked attacks on Maquis camps.
Actions questioned even by Starfleet.
But he was never bought to justice for his crimes against my people.
No one really knows why he hated the Maquis so much
(pause) he seemed determined
to wipe us out.
VERDUGO
(quietly - as if to himself)
I
know.
JANEWAY
I’m
sorry Ensign, I didn’t hear what you said.
VERDUGO
I said that I know and the answer is simple. He hated the Maquis because ....
(staring at Chakotay)
.....
you traitorous bastards killed my
mother and brother.
19.
INT CORRIDOR.
19
The
CORRIDOR outside the GALLEY is empty, but
sounds of footsteps can be heard in the distance. From a junction partway down
the corridor ENSIGN BINFORD steps into view.
At
the same time the GALLEY DOOR opens and NEELIK and KES step out into the
corridor. They are deep in conversation.
KES
…
the discussion in Sickbay was getting very intense.
I’ve never seen Commander Chakotay get that upset about anything.
Whatever it was they were talking about it appeared to be painful for
both him and Ensign Verdugo.
NEELIX
Well
I’m certain it’s not anything that you need to be upsetting your self with
Kes.
KES
I’m
not upset, just concerned.
NEELIK
Have
you any idea what it was about ?
KES
It
seemed to start when Tuvok produced a photograph of Ensign Verdugo and a
Starfleet Officer. I think I
heard them say he was an Admiral.
By
this time BINFORD is close enough to hear the conversation.
BINFORD
A
rank achieved through butchery and treachery.
NEELIX
So
Ensign, you know more about this than you were willing to say earlier.
BINFORD
As
I said, it’s none of your concern cookie.
However if your pretty girl friend is interested,
I’d be more than happy to debrief her ...(beat)... in private.
KES
Neelix
is just a good friend, and whatever you want to tell me you can say in front of
him.
NEELIX
I
have just about had enough of your insubordination and insinuations Ensign.
(to Kes)
Kes,
let’s go.
KES
No
Neelix, I want to hear what he has
to say about Ensign Verdugo.
BINFORD
OK,
the Admiral you were wondering about is Verdugo’s father and is known
to every member of the Maquis as "Butcher Solomon."
His methods were ....
FADE
TO
20.
INT. TUVOK’S CABIN
20
The
cabin is dark. In the shadows can be seen the form of TUVOK in deep meditation.
Vulcan
music is playing in the background. This scene lasts for several seconds
to build a feeling of calm and tranquillity. Until it is interrupted by
FX:
DOOR CHIMES
Tuvok
ignores it.
FX:
DOOR CHIMES
Tuvok
lets out a deep sigh as he comes out of his meditative state.
TUVOK
Enter
The
DOOR OPENS and CHAKOTAY is stood outside.
CHAOKTAY
There
is something we need to discuss.
TUVOK
I
am meditating.
CHAKOTAY
Good.
Then you will be calm enough to discuss it.
CHAKOTAY
steps into the cabin.
TUVOK
I
am always calm, Commander.
As you well know.
CHAKOTAY
What
to you is calm Vulcan logic can seem to others like irrational,
unthinking behavior. Especially
when it intrudes into their private lives.
TUVOK
You
are referring to the crew’s reactions to my investigations.
CHAKOTAY
Damn
right I am. You were heavy
handed and insensitive. Your standing amongst certain members of this crew is
tenuous at the best and this "bull in a china shop" approach does not
help the situation.
TUVOK
By
"certain members of the crew,"
I take it you are referring to the ex-Maquis who may have cause to view
my former actions as questionable.
CHAKOTAY
Questionable
? ...(pause)... You deceived them, lied
to them, you were a spy!
Some still think you are. "Janeways’
pet" that’s what they call you.
TUVOK
Well
the Captain and I have had a close friendship for many years, in fact dating
back to ...
CHAKOTAY
Tuvok,
you are avoiding the issue. You
and I have a serious disagreement over your handling of this incident and as
senior staff officers, I think we
should resolve it between us - Now !
TUVOK
Standard
Illumination.
The
Galley is empty and all the lights are off. The Door opens, NEELIX and KES step
into the Galley from the corridor.
Lights.
The
lights illuminate the Galley and show a mess of cluttered tables and dirty
dishes.
NEELIX
Look
at this mess. Why don’t they
learn to clear up after themselves. This
is the cultural impact of replicators and sonic cleaners - a whole species that
can’t even rinse off a dirty plate !
(to Kes)
Do
you think he was telling the truth ?
KES
It
was the truth from his perspective.
NEELIX
Drink
?
KES
Yes
please.
Neelix
picks up some dirty plates and mugs and moves behind the Galley counter and
starts to prepare a couple of drinks.
NEELIX
Cocoa
?
KES
(distracted)
Oh
fine.
NEELIX
So
that’s why the Maquis crewmen disliked Verdugo so much.
KES
I
don’t think they all do. In
fact I’m not sure how many outside of Binford’s immediate circle knew of
Verdugo’s connection with the Admiral.
From what I can ascertain Binford is regarded as a person who likes to
throw his not insignificant weight around anyway.
NEELIX
Just
an old fashioned bully.
KES
Yes,
and his treatment of Verdugo was probably seen by others as a natural
outcome of it and they just didn’t want to get involved.
But when Binford found out that the Ensign was the son of Admiral
Solomon, the attacks became more
frequent and more personal.
NEELIX
As
ship’s morale officer, I feel
somehow to blame. I didn’t
spot this sort of behavior before.
KES
Don’t
blame yourself Neelix, from what I’ve been studying in the texts the Doctor
has lent me, when humans are forced
to live at close quarters in confined spaces for any period, incidents like this
often happen quickly and can be explosive in nature.
Neelix
and Kes turn and stare at each other in silence.
NEELIX
and KES (together)
Oh
!
22.
INT SICKBAY
22
JANEWAY
is sat on the edge of VERDUGO’s bed talking to him.
JANEWAY
If
you are Admiral Solomon’s son, how
come it isn’t shown on your Starfleet records ?
VERDUGO
He
didn’t want anyone to know who I was.
Wanted me to stand on my own two feet,
not rely on his reputation.
JANEWAY
Nepotism
has no part in promotion within Starfleet, he
should know that.
VERDUGO
He
wasn’t thinking about promotions. As
you can tell, I’m not exactly
prime Starfleet Academy material and he’s not, what you would call, proud of
me.
VERDUGO
(continued)
Despite
that he pushed and pushed me into joining.
Even holding the specter of my dead mother’s memory over me like some
damn Sword Of Damocles. Said
Starfleet would make a man out of me.
JANEWAY
No
one should be forced into a career such as this against their wishes.
Didn’t
you object ?
VERDUGO
The
Admiral doesn’t entertain objections, from either his staff
..(beat)..
or his family. I sent
innumerable messages saying how miserable I was and that I wanted out,
but he kept saying "just one more trip."
It was always one more trip. My
posting to Voyager was just the latest in a long line of "one more"
trips ..(beat)..
well this is one I’m not coming home from.
JANEWAY
We
will find a way home Ensign, I
promise you that.
VERDUGO
And
how many times have we missed opportunities to do just that since we arrived in
this quadrant ? How much
longer do I have to stay in this ..(beat)..
prison. Because
that’s what it’s like to a person like me
- a prison.
TORRES
(Comm.)
Engineering
to Captain Janeway
JANEWAY
Go
ahead Torres
TORRES
(Comm.)
We
have almost completed the repairs. We’ll
be underway in less than an hour.
VERDUGO
No
! I have to get out of here.
JANEWAY
You
heard Lieutenant Torres, we’ll be
on our way very soon.
VERDUGO
(looking around in panic)
You
don’t understand, I have to get
out of here.
FADE OUT
END ACT FOUR.
ACT
FIVE
JANEWAY,
CHAKOTAY, and TUVOK are sat around the table. NEELIX stands with his hands on
the edge of the table, leaning in towards them.
JANEWAY
I’m
sorry I didn’t listen to you earlier Neelix,
that is a mistake I will not repeat.
NEELIX
You
are forgiven Captain, as it was
obvious that you had the interests of the Ship and crew as your first priority.
Listening to gossip is not a particularly important part of the process.
JANEWAY
On
the contrary, I should have learned
by now that such gossip can often reveal more about what is going on onboard
than any number of official status reports.
You said that Ensign Binford was open in his hostility towards Ensign
Verdugo ?
NEELIX
Yes,
almost reveling in it.
TUVOK
I
would concur with that observation, having
encountered the Ensign earlier today during the course of my investigations.
CHAKOTAY
Where
you turning his cabin over too ?
TUVOK
No,
I was not. I thought we
had settled this issue Commander.
CHAKOTAY
You’re
right. I shouldn’t have
raised it.
JANEWAY
Do
you two have a problem I should be aware of ?
TUVOK
& CHAKOTAY
(together)
No
Captain.
JANEWAY
If
my two senior officers have a problem working together I want to know about it.
Do you understand ?
TUVOK
Perfectly
Captain, and there is no problem is
there Commander ?
CHAKOTAY
remains silent.
JANEWAY
Commander
?
CHAKOTAY
(staring at Tuvok)
At
the moment any differences of opinion we may have had over the way this
investigation has been conducted, have been discussed and resolved
..(pause)..
Captain.
JANEWAY
Good.
...(beat)...
Now what about Binford? We
can’t throw him into the Brig without any sort of evidence.
TUVOK
I
have asked the Ensign to join us here.
In
fact he is waiting outside.
JANEWAY
(to Comm.)
Ensign
Binford, would you care to join us in the Briefing Room.
The
door opens and BINFORD enters and stands to attention.
JANEWAY
At
ease, Ensign. Take a seat.
Binford
takes a seat at the table and looks from officer to officer trying to gage their
feelings.
Series
of intercut CU around the table. JANEWAY (smiling and welcoming), TUVOK
(impassive), CHAKOTAY (frowning), NEELIX (obvious animosity).
BINFORD
Why
am I here ?
JANEWAY
We’d
like to talk to ask you about the incident in Engineering that injured Crew
Chief Mills plus Ensigns Kim and Verdugo.
BINFORD
I
had nothing to do with it.
NEELIX
Oh
no ! ..(pause)..
You hate Verdugo. You
said so yourself.
BINFORD
Sure
I hate him, for what he is and what
his family stands for.
TUVOK
And
you are not above using physical violence as a method of demonstrating your
feelings towards him.
BINFORD
I
won’t deny that.
CHAKOTAY
Considering
the amount of witnesses who saw you bully him,
I would say that you have no choice but to admit it.
BINFORD
"Witnesses,
admit." ...(pause)...
What is this ? Some
sort of drumhead court martial ? If
I am to be charged with anything then I demand it be carried out under Starfleet
regulations.
CHAKOTAY
Since
when have you worried about Starfleet regulations ?
NEELIK
Only
when it works to his advantage.
JANEWAY
No
one is accusing you of anything Ensign, all we want to do is to learn the truth
behind what happened in Engineering.
TUVOK
So
you deny any involvement in the explosion ?
BINFORD
I
may hate Verdugo, but I wouldn’t do something that stupid just to get at a
lowlife worm like him.
TUVOK
We
believe that the force of the explosion was an accident. That whoever planted it
underestimated the result.
BINFORD
In
that case, that’s all the proof you need that it wasn’t me.
I wouldn’t, couldn’t be that clumsy.
It would ruin my reputation. ...(pause)...
Wouldn’t it Chakotay ?
JANEWAY
Do
you know something that we don’t Commander ?
CHAKOTAY
The
Ensign is reminding me that he was one of the Maquis’ leading demolition
experts.
BINFORD
(angry)
One
of. ...(beat)...
I was the best. No
one can control an explosion like I can.
TUVOK
This
particular facet of the Ensign’s talents is not noted on our personnel
records.
CHAKOTAY
The
Maquis are not forthcoming about all of their talents.
JANEWAY
When
this is over that is something we should rectify as soon as possible Tuvok.
TUVOK
I
will personally review all the crew records, Captain.
Maquis and Starfleet crew.
BINFORD
This
is all very cozy, but I thought we
were discussing the explosion. If
anyone asked for my expert opinion, not
that anyone did, I would say that
this explosion was the result of a poorly managed device and has all the
hallmarks of a rank amateur like Verdugo.
PARIS
(Comm.)
Captain,
the sensors have just registered an unauthorized transport.
24.
INT BRIDGE.
24
JANEWAY,
TUVOK, CHAKOTAY, NEELIX and BINFORD enter from the Briefing Room.
At the same time The DOCTOR enters from the turbolift accompanied by a
still shaky ENSIGN KIM.
PARIS
is in the center chair. He stands up and moves to the helm as soon as the
Captain enters.
JANEWAY
Report
Mr. Paris
PARIS
One
person has beamed down to the moon’s surface along with a small amount of
cargo.
So
far I haven’t been able to establish their identity.
DOCTOR
I
believe I know the answer to that Captain. Ensign Verdugo discharged himself
from Sickbay. ...(beat)...
Against my advice I might add.
JANEWAY
It’s
not your fault Doctor.
(to Paris)
Tom,
can you contact him, I need to talk
to him.
PARIS
No
need to Ma’am. He’s hailing us.
JANEWAY
On
Screen.
24A
VIEWSCREEN
24A
ENSIGN
VERDUGO is stood on the moon’s surface. Around him are stacked various BOXES
and a couple of EASELS along with some his CANVASSES. In the background can be
seen the waterfall (S1).
Verdugo’s
arms and hands are still bandaged, he is leaning forward trying to tune the
portable Comm. Device he is using, but his bandaged hands make it difficult.
Throughout
the following exchange the Comm. Signal fades in and out as Verdugo continually
tries to set the device.
VERDUGO
Captain
? …(pause)… Ah there you are along with the rest of the star cast and my
good friend Binford.
JANEWAY
If
you come back to Voyager Ensign, we can discuss this.
VERDUGO
Come
back ! I think you missed the point of our earlier conversation in Sickbay
Captain.
But
then listening has never been one of your strong points has it ?
If you had listened to others we would not still be out here,
or probably even stranded in the Delta Quadrant in the first place.
CHAKOTAY
Ensign,
you may be the son of an Admiral, but
that is no way to address a senior Starfleet officer.
VERDUGO
That’s
easily solved. I resign my
commission in Starfleet effective immediately.
Mr. Tuvok can you make sure that fact is noted in the ship’s log.
We have to stick by the rules.
TUVOK
I
will not Ensign.
VERDUGO
It
makes no difference to me. ...(pause)...
Now Captain the reason I contacted you was to apologize for my actions.
I set the explosive device in Engineering hoping to keep us in orbit
above this magnificent place long enough for me to finish what I’d started.
Verdugo
points to the canvasses behind him.
VERDUGO
(Continued)
In
all my enforced travels, no where has captured my artistic soul as much as this
forest moon has. I never intended to hurt anyone.
CHAKOTAY
Why
injure yourself, that doesn’t make
any sense ?
VERDUGO
That
was a mistake on my part. I
programmed too much explosive charge into the device to achieve the effect I
desired. I only wanted to
disable the engines for a few days. After
my last run-in with Binford I headed for Engineering to do some work,
but when Lt. Torres pointed at Seska’s old workstation I realized I had
misprogramed it. I had planted
the device behind the unused workstation thinking that no-one would be working
there at the critical moment. ...(pause)...
Instead I was there trying to defuse it when it went off. I guess this
just proves that I’m no good as an engineer.
JANEWAY
You
do realize Ensign that we cannot let your actions go unpunished.
VERDUGO
I
know that Captain. I have in
fact settled on my own punishment. I
have transported myself here with the minimal of survival equipment,
shelter and rations, plus
some of my canvases. I intend to exchange the prison that is Voyager for self
exile on this paradise where I can harm no-one but myself and try to atone by
immersing my soul in painting this magnificent landscape.
DOCTOR
But
Ensign, it’s ...
VERDUGO
I
know you didn’t want me to leave Sickbay Doctor, but I believe that this is
the best course of action for all concerned.
The
viewscreen blanks out.
24.(CONT) BRIDGE
24
KIM
(outraged)
Are
we just going to leave him ?
BINFORD
He
must pay for what he’s done.
JANEWAY
No-one
asked for your opinion Ensign Binford.
I
think you have done and said enough over the last few days.
I suggest that you get of my bridge.
..(beat)..
Now !
Binford’s
shoulders slump and he leaves the bridge.
JANEAWAY
No,
Mr. Kim we are not going to leave him.
I decide who gets punished, and for what, on Voyager.
I will not let saboteurs set their own punishments.
..(pause)..
And welcome back to the Bridge.
If you would like to beam up our stray Engineer in your own time.
Kim,
walks over to his usual post and activates the transporter controls.
KIM
Ensign
Verdugo has been beamed to the Brig Captain.
His belongings are in the cargo bay.
JANEWAY
Good
work Harry.
(to Paris)
Take
us out of here Mr. Paris.
DOCTOR
I
believe that young man has just doomed himself to a sad, lonely and unfulfilled
life. I was trying to tell him that
with his arms and hands as damaged as they where he would need months of
therapy. Now I don’t believe
that he will ever be able to paint again.
JANEWAY
I
think he knew that Doctor.
FADE OUT END ACT FIVE
END
CREDITS.
This script was submitted to Paramount and logged into their script department in 1998. This script is (c) Alan J. Porter - 1998
Star Trek Voyager and all associated characters and properties are (c) Paramount.
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