1 00:00:04,360 --> 00:00:06,715 He hasn't left me with a single shot. 2 00:00:06,880 --> 00:00:09,633 - In that case, call a safety. - Safety? 3 00:00:09,800 --> 00:00:11,757 It's a defensive strategy. 4 00:00:11,920 --> 00:00:17,040 You can't make a shot, so leave the cue ball where Tuvok can't either. 5 00:00:17,200 --> 00:00:21,080 - That sounds cowardly. - Suit yourself, pal. 6 00:00:21,240 --> 00:00:25,950 But if you leave Vulcan Slim with an open shot, he'll run the table. 7 00:00:26,120 --> 00:00:30,512 All right. Safety. 8 00:00:36,760 --> 00:00:40,799 Let's see you reason your way out of this conundrum. 9 00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:46,319 This safety business is satisfying. I've left him with an impossible shot. 10 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:50,951 The shot may be difficult, but "impossible” is an exaggeration. 11 00:00:51,120 --> 00:00:53,760 Go ahead, then. Call your shot. 12 00:00:54,680 --> 00:00:57,149 If I strike the cue ball properly, 13 00:00:57,320 --> 00:01:00,631 it will deflect off the rear bumper, then the side, 14 00:01:00,800 --> 00:01:04,077 then cause the eleven ball to roll into the corner pocket. 15 00:01:04,240 --> 00:01:06,277 This I have to see. 16 00:01:14,200 --> 00:01:17,670 Perhaps the ship's stabilisers are not operating efficiently. 17 00:01:17,840 --> 00:01:23,995 Maybe Tom Terrific here forgot to mention that the table runs to the east. 18 00:01:24,160 --> 00:01:26,117 You should have called a safety. 19 00:01:26,280 --> 00:01:29,398 Neelix, please report to the bridge. 20 00:01:37,200 --> 00:01:39,794 You wanted to see me, Captain? 21 00:01:39,960 --> 00:01:42,952 We've received a message from an approaching vessel. 22 00:01:43,120 --> 00:01:45,509 - They're asking for you. - Me? 23 00:01:45,680 --> 00:01:51,710 - The ship is entering visual range. - Slow to impulse. On screen. 24 00:01:54,160 --> 00:01:56,629 Do you recognise it? 25 00:01:56,800 --> 00:02:00,794 - That's a Haakonian shuttle. - Haakonian? 26 00:02:00,960 --> 00:02:05,636 My people were at war with them for almost a decade. 27 00:02:05,800 --> 00:02:12,240 They conquered my Homeworld more than 15 years ago. 28 00:02:12,400 --> 00:02:15,438 What would the Haakonians want with you now? 29 00:02:15,600 --> 00:02:18,433 - No idea. - The shuttle is hailing us. 30 00:02:18,600 --> 00:02:21,160 - Open a channel. - Channel open. 31 00:02:21,320 --> 00:02:24,631 I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. 32 00:02:24,800 --> 00:02:28,475 - What can we do for you? - As I stated in my message, 33 00:02:28,640 --> 00:02:32,429 I understand you have a Talaxian called Neelix aboard. 34 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:39,750 - I'm Neelix. What do you want? - It is a matter of utmost urgency. 35 00:02:39,920 --> 00:02:44,073 However, I would prefer to speak with you privately. 36 00:02:44,240 --> 00:02:47,471 Your life may very well depend upon it. 37 00:02:49,560 --> 00:02:53,269 - Who are you? - Forgive me. 38 00:02:53,440 --> 00:02:57,274 I am Jetrel. Dr Ma'Bor Jetrel. 39 00:03:00,880 --> 00:03:02,439 Neelix. 40 00:04:51,440 --> 00:04:54,273 He's a mass murderer! 41 00:04:56,320 --> 00:05:02,396 When I was much younger, my family and I lived on a moon called Rinax, 42 00:05:02,560 --> 00:05:07,350 a colony with the most temperate climate in the Talaxian System. 43 00:05:07,520 --> 00:05:10,194 Warm days, balmy nights. 44 00:05:10,360 --> 00:05:15,070 Until the metreon cascade. Melodic name, isn't it? 45 00:05:15,240 --> 00:05:18,437 Especially for a weapon of mass destruction. 46 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:21,877 And Jetrel was involved with this weapon? 47 00:05:24,320 --> 00:05:29,076 Dr Jetrel was the scientist who conceived the metreon cascade, 48 00:05:29,240 --> 00:05:32,437 then he led the team of scientists who built it. 49 00:05:32,600 --> 00:05:35,911 - I see. - In the blink of an eye, 50 00:05:36,080 --> 00:05:38,959 Rinax was enveloped by a deadly cloud. 51 00:05:39,120 --> 00:05:42,875 Those lovely days turned into one endless, frigid night. 52 00:05:45,800 --> 00:05:49,350 More than 300,000 were killed. 53 00:05:50,320 --> 00:05:52,630 But you survived. 54 00:05:54,280 --> 00:06:00,913 I had the good fortune to be on Talax at the time, with our defence forces, 55 00:06:01,080 --> 00:06:04,038 preparing for an invasion that never came. 56 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:06,157 It wasn't necessary. 57 00:06:06,320 --> 00:06:08,960 The day after the cascade was deployed, 58 00:06:09,120 --> 00:06:12,954 Talax surrendered unconditionally to the Haakonian Order. 59 00:06:16,280 --> 00:06:18,874 And your family? 60 00:06:24,400 --> 00:06:27,279 I am so sorry. 61 00:06:29,640 --> 00:06:33,634 Dr Jetrel. Lieutenant Tuvok, my chief of security. 62 00:06:33,800 --> 00:06:37,555 I have heard of your transporter technology, 63 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:41,873 but to experience it first-hand is truly remarkable. 64 00:06:42,040 --> 00:06:46,193 - Mr Neelix has declined to meet you. - That's not surprising. 65 00:06:46,360 --> 00:06:49,830 I am not a very popular figure among the Talaxian people. 66 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:52,640 May we show you to your quarters? 67 00:06:55,680 --> 00:06:59,036 Mr Neelix has allowed me to speak on his behalf. 68 00:06:59,200 --> 00:07:01,350 You said he may be in danger. 69 00:07:01,520 --> 00:07:05,070 It's imperative that he undergo a medical examination. 70 00:07:05,240 --> 00:07:09,677 - For what purpose? - Records show he returned to Rinax 71 00:07:09,840 --> 00:07:12,912 after the cascade in order to evacuate survivors. 72 00:07:13,080 --> 00:07:16,755 He was exposed to metreon isotopes. 73 00:07:16,920 --> 00:07:22,996 Several rescuers have developed a blood disease called metremia. 74 00:07:23,160 --> 00:07:27,313 - Is it serious? - I'm afraid that it's fatal. 75 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:31,113 The disease attacks on a molecular level. 76 00:07:31,280 --> 00:07:35,160 It may lay dormant for years, but once it manifests itself, 77 00:07:35,320 --> 00:07:39,154 it will cause the body's atomic structure to undergo fission. 78 00:07:39,320 --> 00:07:41,994 The cells will disintegrate. 79 00:07:42,160 --> 00:07:47,030 My equipment can detect the subatomic signature of the disorder. 80 00:07:47,200 --> 00:07:51,319 Why have you taken it upon yourself to examine Mr Neelix? 81 00:07:51,480 --> 00:07:55,917 I've evaluated as many members of the team as possible 82 00:07:56,080 --> 00:07:59,436 in the hope that my research will lead to a cure. 83 00:07:59,600 --> 00:08:03,036 Please try to persuade Mr Neelix to see me. 84 00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:07,512 Each Talaxian I screen brings me one step closer to a cure. 85 00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:24,031 Why didn't you ever tell me about the war? 86 00:08:24,200 --> 00:08:28,512 Maybe this is one experience that can't be shared. 87 00:08:30,440 --> 00:08:34,115 It's too... hard 88 00:08:34,280 --> 00:08:38,877 to describe how I feel to someone who didn't see what I saw. 89 00:08:40,080 --> 00:08:44,631 - I'm sorry. - You've nothing to be sorry about. 90 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:51,836 - Excuse me. - Back from the doctor's already? 91 00:08:52,000 --> 00:08:56,437 I'm afraid I have some disturbing news, Neelix. 92 00:08:56,600 --> 00:09:01,231 Nothing you tell me could make this day more disturbing than it's been. 93 00:09:06,920 --> 00:09:12,791 Jetrel says you were exposed to dangerous levels of metreon poisoning, 94 00:09:12,960 --> 00:09:15,873 and may develop a fatal blood disorder. 95 00:09:17,080 --> 00:09:20,277 He wants to screen you for the disease. 96 00:09:26,680 --> 00:09:30,116 Captain, please tell Dr Jetrel 97 00:09:30,280 --> 00:09:34,877 that I am touched by his concern for my state of health, 98 00:09:35,040 --> 00:09:40,069 but that I'd rather be immersed in a pit of eels than be examined by him. 99 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:43,640 If there's something wrong we should know. 100 00:09:43,800 --> 00:09:46,713 I don't want that man within ten parsecs of me. 101 00:09:46,880 --> 00:09:50,430 I understand your feelings, but this is your life. 102 00:09:50,600 --> 00:09:55,470 Don't either of you find it the slightest bit strange 103 00:09:55,640 --> 00:09:58,314 that a man who has made it his life's work 104 00:09:58,480 --> 00:10:02,235 to destroy as many Talaxians as possible 105 00:10:02,400 --> 00:10:06,439 should suddenly be concerned with this Talaxians health? 106 00:10:06,600 --> 00:10:09,035 I don't know what his motives are. 107 00:10:09,200 --> 00:10:13,478 Maybe he's trying to undo some of the damage his weapon caused. 108 00:10:13,640 --> 00:10:17,110 He seems sincere and I have no reason to doubt him. 109 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:24,630 If the disease is fatal, what's the point of knowing if I have it? 110 00:10:24,800 --> 00:10:28,839 Our Doctor is the most skilled physician we've ever met. 111 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:33,949 If you have this disease, he won't stop until he's found a way to treat it. 112 00:10:34,120 --> 00:10:38,637 And if you don't have the disease, at least you'll have peace of mind. 113 00:10:40,240 --> 00:10:43,153 Peace of mind is a relative thing, Captain. 114 00:10:44,400 --> 00:10:47,040 Just hear what he has to say. 115 00:10:47,200 --> 00:10:51,273 Then if you still don't want him to examine you, we won't force you. 116 00:10:52,440 --> 00:10:56,035 Outnumbered and outflanked. 117 00:10:56,200 --> 00:11:00,034 All right, then. I surrender. 118 00:11:06,840 --> 00:11:11,630 The metreon isotopes are unique. Their rate of decay is highly variable. 119 00:11:11,800 --> 00:11:15,236 It's sometimes years before metremia sets in. 120 00:11:15,400 --> 00:11:18,438 - And... - Why are you doing this? 121 00:11:18,600 --> 00:11:24,551 - I beg your pardon? - Is it all just scientific curiosity, 122 00:11:24,720 --> 00:11:27,838 metreons and isotopes? 123 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:33,120 Or do you feel guilty about what you did? 124 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:36,549 Guilty? 125 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:40,634 I do not regret it. I did what had to be done. 126 00:11:40,800 --> 00:11:44,919 Really? It was necessary to vaporise a quarter of a million people 127 00:11:45,080 --> 00:11:48,038 and leave thousands of others to be poisoned? 128 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:54,640 Would it help if I said we never thought there would be any radiation poisoning, 129 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:59,271 that anyone close enough to be exposed would be killed by the blast? 130 00:11:59,440 --> 00:12:03,911 - It was unfortunate we were wrong. - Unfortunate? 131 00:12:04,840 --> 00:12:08,037 Did you hear that, Captain? It was "unfortunate”. 132 00:12:08,200 --> 00:12:13,957 - I think what Dr Jetrel is saying... - It's all right. I'm used to it. 133 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:19,718 I'm simply a scientist. Yes, I developed the weapon. 134 00:12:19,880 --> 00:12:26,752 But the government and the military leaders decided to use it, not I. 135 00:12:28,240 --> 00:12:32,313 That must be a very convenient distinction for you. 136 00:12:32,480 --> 00:12:35,279 Does it help you sleep at night? 137 00:12:35,440 --> 00:12:40,753 I slept no worse last night than any other night for the past 15 years. 138 00:12:40,920 --> 00:12:46,518 - What does that mean? - That I must live with my conscience. 139 00:12:46,680 --> 00:12:51,629 As you must live with yours. How many did you kill during the war? 140 00:12:51,800 --> 00:12:53,916 Gentlemen, please. 141 00:12:55,760 --> 00:13:01,597 This is obviously very difficult, but we are not here to debate history. 142 00:13:01,760 --> 00:13:04,229 We are here to discuss Neelix's condition. 143 00:13:04,400 --> 00:13:06,835 Don't worry about it, Captain. 144 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:11,676 Dr Jetrel will have to find himself another laboratory rodent. 145 00:13:14,560 --> 00:13:20,158 Because I would rather die than help you ease your conscience. 146 00:13:21,120 --> 00:13:24,272 I do not expect you to like me, Mr Neelix, 147 00:13:24,440 --> 00:13:28,638 nor do I hope to allay your obvious pain with moral arguments. 148 00:13:28,800 --> 00:13:33,158 But I do believe I can help you. If not you, others of your race. 149 00:13:33,320 --> 00:13:37,917 Isn't that more important than punishing me? 150 00:13:48,560 --> 00:13:51,678 Are you sure you can't do this? 151 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:54,832 Your confidence in me is flattering, Mr Neelix. 152 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:59,597 But Dr Jetrel's instruments are made to analyse Talaxian physiology. 153 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:04,399 Just get it over with. 154 00:14:09,760 --> 00:14:15,233 Did I ever tell you about the notorious two-tailed talchoks of Rinax? 155 00:14:15,400 --> 00:14:18,074 - I don't think so. - Nasty little vermin. 156 00:14:18,240 --> 00:14:22,632 Sharp claws. Dripping fangs. Quite a nuisance. 157 00:14:22,800 --> 00:14:27,749 So one summer, when I was a boy, I decided to do something about them. 158 00:14:27,920 --> 00:14:33,438 I spent weeks tinkering, creating a foolproof talchok trap. 159 00:14:34,600 --> 00:14:37,991 Once I perfected it, I set it in the garden. 160 00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:41,915 The next day I found one of those beasts, pinned at the neck. 161 00:14:42,080 --> 00:14:48,759 But it wasn't dead. It was squirming and squealing in agony. 162 00:14:48,920 --> 00:14:54,359 It didn't look so fiendish any more. It looked like a poor, innocent animal. 163 00:14:54,520 --> 00:14:59,720 - What a horrible story. - I was so fascinated with my invention 164 00:14:59,880 --> 00:15:03,111 that I never thought about how that creature would suffer. 165 00:15:03,840 --> 00:15:07,196 - Are you finished? - For now. 166 00:15:08,040 --> 00:15:10,554 - So am I. - And? 167 00:15:10,720 --> 00:15:14,190 - I'm sorry, Mr Neelix. - Why are you sorry? 168 00:15:15,600 --> 00:15:19,195 I'm afraid you have incipient metremia. 169 00:15:40,520 --> 00:15:42,477 Come in. 170 00:15:43,520 --> 00:15:47,115 - How are you feeling? - Kes, my sweet. 171 00:15:48,280 --> 00:15:53,878 This is not the first time I've stared into the gaping maw of death. 172 00:15:54,040 --> 00:15:56,714 During the Battle of the Pyrithian Gorge, 173 00:15:56,880 --> 00:16:01,477 I faced down an entire battery of Haakonian artillery. 174 00:16:01,640 --> 00:16:07,113 - There I was, with almost no cover... - You're protecting me again. 175 00:16:07,280 --> 00:16:10,750 I understand your not wanting to talk about Rinax. 176 00:16:10,920 --> 00:16:13,514 I wasn't there. You're right. 177 00:16:13,680 --> 00:16:18,277 But I'm here now. With you. We have to face this together. 178 00:16:20,640 --> 00:16:23,712 There's one good thing that will come from all this. 179 00:16:24,640 --> 00:16:30,636 When I first met you, I didn't know that your species only lived nine years. 180 00:16:31,600 --> 00:16:36,629 I fell in love with you without knowing how lonely it would be 181 00:16:36,800 --> 00:16:39,599 to live without you after you're gone. 182 00:16:39,760 --> 00:16:43,515 Now that I'm going to die first, I don't have to worry about it. 183 00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:48,029 Before I met you, nine years seemed like an eternity. 184 00:16:48,200 --> 00:16:51,955 It never occurred to me that anyone could live longer. 185 00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:56,591 Now, no matter how many years we have left, it doesn't seem like enough. 186 00:17:00,200 --> 00:17:04,273 But the important thing is to cherish whatever time we have. 187 00:17:06,200 --> 00:17:09,397 Whether it's a day or a decade. 188 00:17:19,600 --> 00:17:24,959 - Come in. - Am I interrupting? 189 00:17:25,920 --> 00:17:28,673 Please. Sit down. 190 00:17:28,840 --> 00:17:33,994 Captain, I must tell you, your ship is simply astounding. 191 00:17:34,160 --> 00:17:37,551 - I've been studying your transporters. - Transporters? 192 00:17:37,720 --> 00:17:40,075 You're not more concerned with Neelix? 193 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:45,440 Forgive me, but that is what I'm here to talk about. 194 00:17:45,600 --> 00:17:48,752 With relatively few minor modifications, 195 00:17:48,920 --> 00:17:53,790 the transporter could be used to retrieve a sample of the metreon cloud. 196 00:17:53,960 --> 00:17:57,032 - To what end? - I've always believed 197 00:17:57,200 --> 00:18:00,830 that if I could isolate the isotope that causes metremia, 198 00:18:01,000 --> 00:18:03,833 it could be used to synthesise an antibody. 199 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:09,711 A victim's immune system could destroy the disease. 200 00:18:09,880 --> 00:18:15,034 Yes, and your transporter system makes it all possible. 201 00:18:15,200 --> 00:18:19,239 - Can the isotope be transported? - Yes. 202 00:18:20,280 --> 00:18:23,477 A containment field would prevent contamination. 203 00:18:23,640 --> 00:18:26,758 Our Doctor could help you synthesise the antibody. 204 00:18:26,920 --> 00:18:28,877 My thoughts exactly. 205 00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:31,554 - Janeway to bridge. - Chakotay here. 206 00:18:31,720 --> 00:18:36,476 Tractor Dr Jetrel's vessel in and lay in a course for the Talaxian System. 207 00:18:36,640 --> 00:18:40,031 - That's a significant detour. - I'm aware of that. 208 00:18:40,200 --> 00:18:44,558 - But it may mean saving Neelix's life. - Understood. 209 00:18:44,720 --> 00:18:48,429 I'll request permission from Talax to transport material. 210 00:18:48,600 --> 00:18:53,117 Lieutenant Torres can help you with the transporter modifications. 211 00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:59,239 - Thank you, Captain. - Thank you, Dr Jetrel. 212 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:02,279 It's a very promising idea. 213 00:19:05,600 --> 00:19:07,637 What is it? 214 00:19:07,800 --> 00:19:14,672 I think I'm just a little overexcited about the prospect of discovering a cure. 215 00:19:14,840 --> 00:19:18,037 And all that sparring with Mr Neelix does take a toll. 216 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:21,238 - Let the Doctor have a look at you. - No, I'm fine. 217 00:19:21,400 --> 00:19:24,870 And there's so much to be done. I want to start right away. 218 00:19:31,360 --> 00:19:35,069 Captain's log, stardate 48832.1. 219 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:39,950 Neelix is allowing Dr Jetrel to continue metabolic scans 220 00:19:40,120 --> 00:19:45,149 to facilitate treatment once the antibody has been synthesised. 221 00:19:46,000 --> 00:19:50,278 - Will you be needing my assistance? - Not until we have the isotope. 222 00:19:50,440 --> 00:19:53,239 Is there anything more I can do for you? 223 00:19:54,840 --> 00:19:59,869 Very well. Computer, override command 1-EMH-Alpha. End program. 224 00:20:01,280 --> 00:20:07,037 Incredible. A hologram that can deactivate itself. 225 00:20:07,200 --> 00:20:11,478 Is there anything besides science that makes your heart beat faster? 226 00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:14,792 Not anymore. Now will you please sit down? 227 00:20:19,320 --> 00:20:21,994 You know what I've been thinking? 228 00:20:23,240 --> 00:20:26,915 If I'd been in charge of the cascade, 229 00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:32,598 I'd have... I don't know... chosen a military target, 230 00:20:32,760 --> 00:20:37,152 simply deployed it on an uninhabited planet. 231 00:20:38,120 --> 00:20:42,273 Somehow I don't think I'd have targeted innocent civilians. 232 00:20:42,440 --> 00:20:46,274 The strategists did not think a demonstration would work. 233 00:20:46,440 --> 00:20:49,910 They wanted to show the cascade's power in all its horror. 234 00:20:50,080 --> 00:20:53,596 You should have tried to stop them! 235 00:20:53,760 --> 00:20:57,879 Why didn't you speak out? People would have listened to you. 236 00:20:58,040 --> 00:21:02,113 It would not have made any difference. 237 00:21:02,280 --> 00:21:06,990 If I had not discovered the cascade, it would have been someone else. 238 00:21:07,160 --> 00:21:12,838 It was inevitable, one discovery flowing naturally to the next. 239 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:17,437 Something so enormous as science will not stop for something as small as man. 240 00:21:17,600 --> 00:21:24,438 - So you did it for science? - For my planet. And yes, for science. 241 00:21:25,360 --> 00:21:28,318 To know whether or not it could be done. 242 00:21:28,480 --> 00:21:31,996 It's good to know how the world works. 243 00:21:32,160 --> 00:21:34,674 It is not possible to be a scientist 244 00:21:34,840 --> 00:21:39,550 unless you believe that all the universe's knowledge and all its power 245 00:21:39,720 --> 00:21:44,112 is of intrinsic value to everyone. 246 00:21:44,280 --> 00:21:49,753 And one must share that knowledge and allow it to be applied. 247 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:54,880 And then be willing to live with the consequences. 248 00:21:56,440 --> 00:22:00,911 Consequences? Who are you to talk about consequences? 249 00:22:01,880 --> 00:22:05,714 You are not the only one to lose family during the war. 250 00:22:05,880 --> 00:22:09,839 - Your family was killed? - Nothing as clean as death. 251 00:22:11,920 --> 00:22:17,632 When I returned home after the cascade to my lovely wife, Ka'Ree, 252 00:22:17,800 --> 00:22:22,192 she could not bear to look at me. 253 00:22:22,360 --> 00:22:25,193 When I reached out for her, she'd pull away, 254 00:22:25,360 --> 00:22:28,159 as if I had some contagious disease. 255 00:22:28,320 --> 00:22:33,759 You see, like you, she thought I had become a monster. 256 00:22:33,920 --> 00:22:37,231 Shortly after that, she took my three children. 257 00:22:38,640 --> 00:22:41,029 And I have not seen them since. 258 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:44,156 That's a sad story, Jetrel. 259 00:22:45,720 --> 00:22:48,155 But let me tell you another one. 260 00:22:49,280 --> 00:22:54,719 A man goes back to Rinax after the cascade. 261 00:22:54,880 --> 00:22:57,599 Back to what had been his home. 262 00:22:57,760 --> 00:23:00,593 To look for survivors. 263 00:23:00,760 --> 00:23:06,073 But the impact of the blast has set off fires and there's nothing there. 264 00:23:06,240 --> 00:23:11,679 Just smouldering ruins. The stench of seared flesh. 265 00:23:12,760 --> 00:23:15,673 But in the distance, in the middle of the emptiness, 266 00:23:15,840 --> 00:23:20,869 from out of this huge cloud of billowing dust, 267 00:23:23,360 --> 00:23:26,955 he can see bodies moving. 268 00:23:28,120 --> 00:23:32,353 Whimpering. Coming toward him. 269 00:23:34,280 --> 00:23:40,037 They're monsters, their flesh horribly charred, 270 00:23:40,200 --> 00:23:42,669 the colour of shale. 271 00:23:46,080 --> 00:23:48,390 One of them comes toward him... 272 00:23:50,440 --> 00:23:53,080 mangled arms outstretched... 273 00:23:54,440 --> 00:23:59,116 and he can't help it, he turns away, frightened. 274 00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:03,119 But then the thing speaks. 275 00:24:04,480 --> 00:24:09,873 He knows by the sound of her voice that she's not a monster, but a child. 276 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:12,957 A little girl. 277 00:24:14,040 --> 00:24:15,997 Mr Neelix... 278 00:24:19,760 --> 00:24:23,515 Her name was Palaxia. 279 00:24:25,840 --> 00:24:29,674 We brought her back to Talax with the other survivors. 280 00:24:29,840 --> 00:24:32,992 Over the next few weeks I stayed at her bedside, 281 00:24:33,160 --> 00:24:35,913 and watched her wither away. 282 00:24:39,480 --> 00:24:43,030 Those are consequences, Dr Jetrel. 283 00:24:47,400 --> 00:24:52,952 There is no way I can ever apologise to you, Mr Neelix. 284 00:24:54,440 --> 00:24:56,670 That's why I have not tried. 285 00:24:59,240 --> 00:25:02,835 Did you ever think that maybe your wife was right? 286 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:05,514 That you had become a monster? 287 00:25:06,640 --> 00:25:08,597 Yes. 288 00:25:09,840 --> 00:25:15,074 The day we tested the cascade, when I saw that blinding light, 289 00:25:15,240 --> 00:25:18,073 brighter than 1,000 suns, 290 00:25:19,240 --> 00:25:24,314 I knew at that moment exactly what I had become. 291 00:25:25,320 --> 00:25:28,199 I hope you have to live with that a very long time. 292 00:25:28,360 --> 00:25:32,399 I'm afraid you will not get your wish, Mr Neelix. 293 00:25:33,440 --> 00:25:35,670 And why is that? 294 00:25:37,400 --> 00:25:41,439 I have advanced metremia. I'll be dead in a matter of days. 295 00:25:50,040 --> 00:25:53,590 - It's your turn. - There's no open shot. 296 00:25:53,760 --> 00:25:57,355 Why don't you call a safety? Isn't that what you always do? 297 00:25:58,880 --> 00:26:00,996 - I'm no coward. - Really? 298 00:26:01,160 --> 00:26:02,992 Wait! It's my turn! 299 00:26:03,160 --> 00:26:06,073 You lost your chance to play, now you're going to lose. 300 00:26:06,240 --> 00:26:10,279 Neelix, where did you go? Why did you leave us? 301 00:26:10,440 --> 00:26:14,035 - I did what I thought was right. - You were afraid. 302 00:26:14,200 --> 00:26:15,873 No! I... 303 00:26:16,040 --> 00:26:18,077 - Neelix. - Who are you? 304 00:26:18,240 --> 00:26:20,516 It's me. Palaxia. 305 00:26:21,720 --> 00:26:24,633 Why weren't you there to help us? 306 00:26:29,400 --> 00:26:32,950 You! You did this! Butcher! 307 00:26:37,440 --> 00:26:39,636 Bridge to Neelix. 308 00:26:44,480 --> 00:26:45,959 Here, Captain. 309 00:26:46,120 --> 00:26:50,512 I thought you'd like to know, we're approaching Rinax. 310 00:26:53,800 --> 00:26:55,757 Neelix? 311 00:26:57,160 --> 00:26:59,959 Thank you, Captain. I'll be right there. 312 00:27:01,560 --> 00:27:04,154 Entering synchronous orbit, Captain. 313 00:27:14,800 --> 00:27:17,553 Hard to believe that on clear nights 314 00:27:17,720 --> 00:27:22,396 you could look up from Talax and see the shimmering lights of the colony. 315 00:27:25,280 --> 00:27:31,196 The night of the cascade, a bright flash cut across the sky, 316 00:27:31,360 --> 00:27:35,638 so blinding that people threw themselves to the ground. 317 00:27:37,600 --> 00:27:41,070 And everything stopped. Like a moment out of time. 318 00:27:43,280 --> 00:27:47,239 We all looked up to see where the flash had come from. 319 00:27:48,400 --> 00:27:51,995 But the sky seemed oddly empty. 320 00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:59,071 Took most of us a few seconds to realise it was because Rinax was... 321 00:28:01,080 --> 00:28:02,798 gone. 322 00:28:02,960 --> 00:28:07,909 The moon was there. We just couldn't see it because of that metreon cloud. 323 00:28:08,080 --> 00:28:10,071 Engineering to bridge. 324 00:28:10,240 --> 00:28:13,358 We're ready to begin transporter presequencing. 325 00:28:13,520 --> 00:28:18,674 This brings back too many memories, Captain. If you'll excuse me. 326 00:28:26,840 --> 00:28:28,956 Of course. 327 00:28:33,640 --> 00:28:36,871 I believe I asked for a larger container. 328 00:28:37,040 --> 00:28:40,317 We're talking about a cloud sample large enough 329 00:28:40,480 --> 00:28:43,279 to contain a few sub-atomic particles, right? 330 00:28:43,440 --> 00:28:47,877 Yes, but the isotope accounts for just a minuscule fraction of the cloud. 331 00:28:48,040 --> 00:28:52,159 - I want to be sure we get enough. - We do this all the time. 332 00:28:52,320 --> 00:28:55,676 Captain, I'm ready to begin transport. 333 00:28:55,840 --> 00:28:58,798 - Proceed. - Targeting scanners. 334 00:28:58,960 --> 00:29:01,429 Locking on. 335 00:29:02,320 --> 00:29:04,470 Energise. 336 00:29:09,240 --> 00:29:13,234 We have the sample aboard. The containment field is holding. 337 00:29:13,400 --> 00:29:16,153 Well done. Janeway out. 338 00:29:16,320 --> 00:29:18,277 Good luck, Doctor. 339 00:29:31,280 --> 00:29:33,237 Neelix? 340 00:29:34,560 --> 00:29:36,870 Are you in here? 341 00:29:47,400 --> 00:29:51,951 I've been looking for you everywhere. Why did you take your combadge off? 342 00:29:53,520 --> 00:29:57,479 - I wanted to be alone. - I'm sorry to bother you. 343 00:29:58,560 --> 00:30:03,873 But I was worried. I know how you must feel. 344 00:30:04,040 --> 00:30:06,190 No, you don't know! 345 00:30:07,680 --> 00:30:10,433 Not everything. 346 00:30:11,480 --> 00:30:16,077 You don't know where I was the night Rinax was destroyed. 347 00:30:16,240 --> 00:30:20,234 On Talax, fighting with the defence forces. 348 00:30:20,400 --> 00:30:25,110 I was on Talax. But I wasn't fighting with the defence forces. 349 00:30:28,360 --> 00:30:30,590 I was hiding from them. 350 00:30:34,920 --> 00:30:38,515 I wasn't a hero at the Battle of the Pyrithian Gorge. 351 00:30:41,600 --> 00:30:47,152 - I've never even been there. - I don't understand. 352 00:30:48,280 --> 00:30:52,160 - I never reported for duty. - Why not? 353 00:30:53,920 --> 00:30:57,595 I thought the war was unjust. 354 00:30:57,760 --> 00:31:02,391 That Talax was fighting for reasons that weren't worth killing for. 355 00:31:04,520 --> 00:31:07,956 Or at least that's what I told myself. 356 00:31:09,800 --> 00:31:13,395 But the real reason I didn't report... 357 00:31:18,040 --> 00:31:20,475 ...was because I was a coward. 358 00:31:23,280 --> 00:31:25,510 Now you know. 359 00:31:30,200 --> 00:31:34,159 If the authorities had caught you, what would they have done? 360 00:31:34,320 --> 00:31:39,838 During wartime, punishment for refusing military service was death. 361 00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:45,951 So you put your life at risk for something you believed in. 362 00:31:46,120 --> 00:31:49,715 And you think that makes you a coward? I don't understand. 363 00:31:49,880 --> 00:31:52,235 It makes me a liar. 364 00:31:52,400 --> 00:31:55,916 I've lied about it all these years. To everyone. 365 00:31:56,680 --> 00:32:01,800 - Because you're dishonest? - Because I'm ashamed. 366 00:32:02,720 --> 00:32:06,076 What an awful burden you've carried all these years. 367 00:32:06,240 --> 00:32:09,710 - No wonder you're so angry with Jetrel. - Course I am! 368 00:32:09,880 --> 00:32:14,716 He killed them all. My mother, my father, my little brothers. 369 00:32:15,840 --> 00:32:21,950 Is that really why? Ever since Jetrel came on board you've despised him. 370 00:32:22,120 --> 00:32:26,751 The hurt and anger you've held in all these years was vented at him. 371 00:32:27,400 --> 00:32:30,392 But was it really Jetrel you're angry with? 372 00:32:30,560 --> 00:32:33,200 Is he the one you blame for what happened? 373 00:32:34,320 --> 00:32:38,871 - I don't know. - Or was he just a convenient target 374 00:32:39,040 --> 00:32:41,839 to keep you from looking somewhere else? 375 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:44,674 You mean... 376 00:32:46,120 --> 00:32:48,794 from looking at myself? 377 00:32:53,440 --> 00:32:55,670 You may be right. 378 00:32:57,800 --> 00:33:02,431 But I hate him. I don't think I can stop hating him. 379 00:33:03,240 --> 00:33:06,392 Maybe you have to stop hating yourself first. 380 00:33:22,160 --> 00:33:24,151 Are we ready to begin synthesis? 381 00:33:24,320 --> 00:33:29,349 Computer, override command 1-EMH-Alpha and end program. 382 00:33:29,520 --> 00:33:31,238 Just wait... 383 00:34:03,800 --> 00:34:05,757 - Dr Jetrel. - You startled me! 384 00:34:05,920 --> 00:34:10,471 - I'm sorry but I need to speak... - Could we talk later? 385 00:34:10,640 --> 00:34:13,632 It won't be long before I am too weak to work. 386 00:34:13,800 --> 00:34:16,189 I would like to finish before I die. 387 00:34:20,280 --> 00:34:22,476 What is that? 388 00:34:23,760 --> 00:34:27,799 You're engaging in some bizarre experiment, aren't you? 389 00:34:27,960 --> 00:34:31,430 - What is it this time? - I can help them. 390 00:34:33,840 --> 00:34:37,151 What do you call that? Scientific progress? 391 00:34:37,320 --> 00:34:39,994 I'm going to the Captain. 392 00:34:48,200 --> 00:34:50,999 - Any progress report from Dr Jetrel? - Not yet. 393 00:34:51,160 --> 00:34:54,437 Bridge to sickbay. Janeway to sickbay. 394 00:34:56,280 --> 00:34:58,351 Janeway to Dr Jetrel. 395 00:34:59,800 --> 00:35:02,519 Computer, activate Emergency Medical Hologram. 396 00:35:02,680 --> 00:35:04,910 What's going on down there, Doctor? 397 00:35:05,080 --> 00:35:08,755 Dr Jetrel deactivated me. He's gone now. 398 00:35:08,920 --> 00:35:11,514 Computer, locate Dr Jetrel. 399 00:35:11,680 --> 00:35:13,671 Dr Jetrel is in transporter room 1. 400 00:35:13,840 --> 00:35:18,960 And Mr Neelix is unconscious. It appears he's been tranquillised. 401 00:35:20,080 --> 00:35:24,517 You have the bridge. Security to transporter room 1. Tuvok. 402 00:35:31,560 --> 00:35:36,191 - Step aside, Doctor. - I must continue. Lives depend on it. 403 00:35:36,360 --> 00:35:39,830 You're beginning to lose credibility. 404 00:35:40,000 --> 00:35:42,992 Captain, I beg you. Let me bring them back. 405 00:35:43,160 --> 00:35:46,232 Bring who back? Who, Doctor? 406 00:35:47,520 --> 00:35:49,875 Who is it you're going to bring back? 407 00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:53,150 The victims of Rinax. 408 00:36:01,960 --> 00:36:08,275 - He's out of his mind, Captain. - Please. Look at my calculations. 409 00:36:08,440 --> 00:36:11,353 You remember what I told you about metremia. 410 00:36:11,520 --> 00:36:16,640 How it causes the body's atomic structure to undergo fission. 411 00:36:16,800 --> 00:36:22,478 It mirrors the way the metreon cascade vaporised its victims 412 00:36:22,640 --> 00:36:24,756 through biomolecular disintegration. 413 00:36:24,920 --> 00:36:30,552 - Do we have to listen to this? - I think we should hear him out. 414 00:36:30,720 --> 00:36:33,633 What I've been working on for the past 15 years 415 00:36:33,800 --> 00:36:39,591 is a way to rebuild that atomic structure. What I call regenerative fusion. 416 00:36:39,760 --> 00:36:44,755 Are you saying you're actually trying to restore 417 00:36:44,920 --> 00:36:48,072 people who were vaporised by the metreon cascade? 418 00:36:48,240 --> 00:36:55,192 - Yes! - I don't see how that's possible. 419 00:36:55,360 --> 00:36:59,877 The properties of the cloud are such that the disassembled bio-matter 420 00:37:00,040 --> 00:37:06,719 has been held in a state of animated suspension. Reintegration is possible. 421 00:37:06,880 --> 00:37:09,952 Is that what you were doing with that thing in sickbay? 422 00:37:10,120 --> 00:37:12,953 Yes. Exactly. Neelix saw it. 423 00:37:13,120 --> 00:37:16,715 It was an amalgamation of randomly fused organic material, 424 00:37:16,880 --> 00:37:19,838 bits and pieces of previously vaporised bio-matter. 425 00:37:21,440 --> 00:37:26,799 But if the bio-matter in the cloud is so random, so jumbled, 426 00:37:26,960 --> 00:37:29,190 how could you reconstruct something whole? 427 00:37:29,360 --> 00:37:35,117 I identified the genetic coding of a specific victim. A test case. 428 00:37:35,280 --> 00:37:38,432 Once we input his DNA sequence, 429 00:37:38,600 --> 00:37:44,312 then we can isolate his atomic fragments with targeting scanners 430 00:37:44,480 --> 00:37:47,552 and then rematerialise him. 431 00:37:49,080 --> 00:37:51,151 What if he's right? 432 00:37:51,320 --> 00:37:56,759 Dr Jetrel's proposing the reconstruction of a complex set of bio-systems 433 00:37:56,920 --> 00:37:59,150 from billions of subatomic particles. 434 00:38:00,920 --> 00:38:05,835 I'm afraid I have to agree. It all sounds very implausible. 435 00:38:08,400 --> 00:38:11,916 You sound exactly like my country. 436 00:38:14,040 --> 00:38:20,036 I asked them for more funds to continue my research to help Rinax victims 437 00:38:20,200 --> 00:38:25,434 because I wanted the world to know I'm not a monster. 438 00:38:25,600 --> 00:38:30,515 My theories can be used to heal as well as to destroy. 439 00:38:32,080 --> 00:38:35,391 But they refused me, 440 00:38:35,560 --> 00:38:38,916 called me a Talaxian sympathiser, and exiled me. 441 00:38:43,240 --> 00:38:46,471 Does Neelix really have metremia? 442 00:38:46,640 --> 00:38:51,430 Or was that just a pretext for getting us to come to Rinax? 443 00:38:51,600 --> 00:38:54,319 It was just a pretext, Captain. 444 00:38:55,280 --> 00:38:58,671 You do not have metremia. You are not going to die. 445 00:39:04,240 --> 00:39:06,800 Why didn't you just tell us the truth? 446 00:39:06,960 --> 00:39:11,113 Your Captain is an accomplished scientist. She doubts my theories. 447 00:39:11,280 --> 00:39:17,071 My government did, too. I just could not risk being not believed again. 448 00:39:17,240 --> 00:39:23,350 But, Captain... it will work. 449 00:39:24,720 --> 00:39:30,989 Captain, if there's any chance he can do it, you've got to let him try. 450 00:39:31,920 --> 00:39:35,151 Neelix, there are just too many variables. 451 00:39:35,320 --> 00:39:37,994 Please, Captain. 452 00:39:44,960 --> 00:39:49,796 Activate the emergency containment field around the transporter pad. 453 00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:52,640 Aye, Captain. 454 00:39:54,520 --> 00:39:57,478 Emergency containment field activated. 455 00:39:57,640 --> 00:40:00,758 Retarget scanners to a wide confinement beam. 456 00:40:00,920 --> 00:40:04,117 It's our only hope of achieving bond cohesion. 457 00:40:04,280 --> 00:40:07,352 - Retargeting scanners to wide beam. - Energise. 458 00:40:10,120 --> 00:40:12,873 Phase transition coils to maximum. 459 00:40:16,480 --> 00:40:19,757 - Is the biogenic field operational? - Affirmative. 460 00:40:20,720 --> 00:40:22,791 It's incredible! 461 00:40:22,960 --> 00:40:25,190 Atomic cohesion has dropped to 49%. 462 00:40:25,360 --> 00:40:28,239 - Buffers to maximum power. - They are at 100%. 463 00:40:28,400 --> 00:40:32,314 - Take them to 120%. - Pattern buffers to 120%. 464 00:40:32,480 --> 00:40:35,632 - We're losing him. - Atomic cohesion to 39%. 465 00:40:35,800 --> 00:40:37,996 22%. 14%. 466 00:40:38,160 --> 00:40:43,189 - His pattern is degrading. - Increase the power to the buffers! 467 00:40:43,360 --> 00:40:46,512 Is there any way to augment the biogenic field? 468 00:40:46,680 --> 00:40:49,752 The degree of fragmentation is too great. 469 00:40:49,920 --> 00:40:52,196 We are overloading the system. 470 00:40:57,760 --> 00:41:00,878 Shut it down, Mr Tuvok. 471 00:41:16,000 --> 00:41:19,914 Captain's log, stardate 48840.5. 472 00:41:20,080 --> 00:41:23,471 Dr Jetrel's metremia is now in its final stage. 473 00:41:23,640 --> 00:41:26,519 He's spending his remaining hours in sickbay. 474 00:41:42,960 --> 00:41:44,758 Neelix! 475 00:41:46,680 --> 00:41:52,631 I suppose you think this is a fitting punishment for me. 476 00:41:55,320 --> 00:41:59,518 Maybe the cascade was a punishment for all of us. 477 00:41:59,680 --> 00:42:02,877 For our hatred. 478 00:42:03,040 --> 00:42:05,634 Our brutality. 479 00:42:07,200 --> 00:42:09,874 There's something I need to tell you. 480 00:42:11,960 --> 00:42:15,954 I tried to tell you before, but... 481 00:42:16,120 --> 00:42:18,236 What is it? 482 00:42:18,400 --> 00:42:21,472 I want to tell you... 483 00:42:22,880 --> 00:42:25,076 that I forgive you.