Captain's log, stardate 53556.4.
We've towed a damaged vessel aboard and are repairing it,
while the Doctor treats the Qomarian crew who suffered injuries.
- Stay away. - If you don't cooperate, I can't treat you.
When we agreed to be examined by you,
we didn't know you were a primitive computer matrix.
There is nothing primitive about me.
I can perform millions of medical procedures.
Does that include blood-letting?
No, but I'll be happy to add it to my repertoire.
We are ready to return to our ship.
Could you contact one of your superiors?
- Captain, please report to sickbay. - Already on my way.
The captain is coming here now.
If you want to talk to her, you can have a seat.
It is a very irritating program.
Maybe we can disable its speech subroutines.
You're not authorised to do that!
How are our guests?
Their injuries are minor. I can't say the same for their lack of manners.
What is the status of our ship?
To be honest, we're having trouble understanding your technology.
The problem is your technology.
Interference from antiquated scanners shut down our propulsion system.
Forgive us, Captain. We live in a closed system.
We are not accustomed to interacting with other species,
especially inferior ones.
Well, then, I guess we'll leave the repairs in your superior hands.
Our injuries have to be treated first.
Is there someone other than this hologram to help us?
No one who's better qualified.
- Very well. - Try to bear with our deficiencies.
Just a little longer.
This way, please.
I've been working on the railroad.
All the live long day
I've been working on the railroad, just to pass the time away.
What is that?
This? A hypospray.
- No, what you were doing. - Preparing your medication.
No, with your voice.
You mean singing?
Singing.
- Do it again. - Yes, do it again.
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah.
Someone's in the kitchen I know.
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah.
Strumming on the old banjo.
And singing fee-fi-fiddly-aye-oh.
Fee-fi-fiddly-aye-oh-oh-oh-oh.
Fee-fi-fiddly-aye-oh.
Strumming on the old banjo.
It is a unique mathematical variation.
Difficult to quantify.
How are the algorithms generated?
A fractal?
Or waveform calculus?
You mean a culture as superior as yours
has never heard music of any kind?
There are other kinds of music?
Of course. The little ditty I just sang
is an early American folk song.
Cultures produce many types of...
music.
Instrumental, choral, orchestral...
What is the purpose of this music?
Is it an encryption code of some kind?
There is a mathematical component to it.
But primarily it's an artistic expression.
Artistic expression?
Using sounds and images
to convey ideas and emotions.
Why would anyone do that?
Well, to communicate their feelings.
Can't they do that through speech?
Yes, but music is much more expressive and entertaining?
You mean to say that this music is recreational?
It does have other applications.
As a matter of fact, I've been doing research into its therapeutic properties.
But yes, primarily we use it for enjoyment.
We? You mean others aboard your ship can produce this phenomenon?
Well, maybe not with my level of expertise,
but there are a few members of this crew with musical skills.
Maybe we judged this culture too quickly.
Our database contains the works of thousands of musicians.
I could download some selections for you.
Could you sing them for us?
Captain's log, supplemental. The Qomar have completed repairs to their ship
and have invited us to visit their system.
Apparently, it's no longer closed to outsiders.
Can you make sense of any of this?
Thousands of transmissions, all encrypted differently.
Between satellites and spacecraft, it's like navigating an obstacle course.
The Qomar might not even know we're here.
Apparently, they do. We are being hailed.
Captain, you now have the privilege of meeting Prelate Koru.
Welcome to the Qomar Planetary Alliance.
Thank you. We're looking forward to learning about your culture.
Our civilisation will be intimidating.
We'll do what we can to avoid overwhelming you.
I appreciate that. I understand we're not as advanced as you.
But we're fast learners...
We want to learn more about the algorithmic expressions you call music.
We'll give you complete access to our musical database...
Your Emergency Medical Hologram,
we'd exchange technology if you give us complete access to this device.
- I believe he's made some recordings. - No, not recordings.
- How about a recital? - Recital?
A live performance. We can put together a program of various styles of music.
Will the Emergency Medical Hologram sing?
He'll be the star attraction.
Thank you. You're very kind.
That was from the opera "Don Carlo", composed by Giuseppe Verdi,
a towering figure in Earth's musical history.
Another musical form is jazz, which has flourished since the 20th Century.
Mathematically, the rhythmic structures are interesting,
particularly the use of syncopation, which is said to make the music swing.
Note the fascinating trigonometric functions in the counterpoint.
But I suppose I'm going off on a tangent, aren't I?
So, without further ado, I give you Harry Kim and the Kimtones.
We wish to hear the Doctor.
- Yes, the Doctor. - Bring back the Doctor.
Doc, they're dying up there. You've got to do something.
Pick up the tempo.
That old black magic has me in its spell.
That old black magic that you weave so well.
Those icy fingers up and down my spine.
The same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine.
The same old tingle that I feel inside.
And then that elevator starts its ride.
And down and down I go, round and round I go.
Like a leaf that's caught in the tide...
You'll love rock 'n' roll, one of the 20th Century's greatest inventions.
- Does the Doctor sing rock 'n' roll? - I wouldn't say it's his favourite genre.
- No, he's more of an opera man. - As am I.
Aren't you one of the musicians?
- Harry Kim. - Vinka.
Welcome aboard Voyager.
If you'd like to see the ship, I'd be happy to give you a tour.
Maybe later. I was wondering if you could introduce me to the Doctor.
Congratulations, Doctor. You stole the show.
Thank you, Captain, but I can't take all the credit.
Something was in the air, a certain magic.
It was one of those rare moments when audience and performer become one.
- Doctor. - Prelate. Tincoo.
I will introduce your singing to more of our people.
- I'm flattered. - Perform on our planet.
An honour, but you have to negotiate the terms with my representative.
- I don't understand. - I believe the Doctor is referring to me.
We'd have to extend our stay.
- When would you want to schedule it? - As soon as possible.
He could perform at a university lecture hall.
I'm not sure a lecture hall would meet the acoustic requirements.
I'll help you make whatever modifications you think are necessary.
Sounds like you've got yourself a booking, Doctor.
I'd like to reproduce a backdrop used in a production of "Pagliacci"
at Teatro della Scala, Earth's most famous opera house.
It's beautiful.
Your design taste is as refined as your musical taste.
- We'll replicate it for you. - Excellent.
We still have a problem with sight lines.
What's wrong with them?
If you consider the height of the Qomar,
anyone seated in the back five rows will have an obstructed view.
Right. They'll just be able to see the top of your head.
The glare could blind them.
Excuse Lieutenant Torres.
Her appreciation of music is limited to Klingon drinking songs.
We'll have to increase the rake of the floor by five degrees.
You think they'll redesign a building for your vanity?
Vanity has nothing to do with it. I'm concerned about my audience.
We are prepared to make whatever changes the Doctor thinks necessary.
Thank you, Tincoo. While we're at it, I'll need some help with my wardrobe.
I'm an engineer, not a costume designer.
Adjust my mobile emitter so I can make quick changes between songs.
- That sounds exciting. - It will be.
I plan to segue from "Don Juan" to "Rigoletto” in the blink of an eye.
- It will be a triumph of... - Arrogance and self-absorption?
I'm just trying to help.
Your crewmates don't appreciate your abilities.
You've noticed that, too?
- That must be very frustrating for you. - You have no idea.
- We'll be starting in two minutes. - I'd better get into costume.
- How do I look? - You look perfect.
I wish I had a subroutine to eliminate jitters.
I could add one to your program.
- You're very sweet. I'm just nervous. - Why?
I'm about to expose your culture to music for the first time.
The responsibility is enormous.
Your performance will be transmitted to hundreds of millions of people.
Is that supposed to help me relax?
It's time.
Report.
- I didn't order Red Alert. - Well, someone did.
The command originated in astrometrics.
I've found evidence the Qomar are attempting to sabotage Voyager.
On my way.
What have you got?
The Qomar are attempting to disable our com system
by overloading it with irrelevant data.
What do you mean by irrelevant?
They're transmissions, all addressed to the Doctor.
Precisely. I've only been able to decipher a small fraction of them.
But they include invitations to social functions,
requests for personal encounters
and cloying tributes to the Doctor's talents.
Computer, stand down Red Alert.
This isn't sabotage, Seven. This is fan mail.
Fan mail?
People who admire performers are called fans.
- The word derives from fanatic. - Exactly.
Why would the Doctor inspire fanaticism among the Qomar?
Music is new to them. Clearly they're very excited about it.
This glorification of the individual is irrational.
The Doctor is reproducing the work of others. Why do his fans fixate on him?
He's the embodiment of what they admire.
He can do something they can't. That makes him special.
But it doesn't explain their interest in the minutiae of the Doctor's life.
"What does he do in his spare time?"
"To how many decimal places can he calculate pi?"
This one wants to know his favourite quadratic equation.
People have always fantasised about knowing celebrities personally.
It's a way of making themselves feel important.
- Tuvok to Janeway. - Go ahead.
- Security problem on deck 2. - On my way.
Just think, Seven,
as personal friends of the Doctor, we're the envy of millions of Qomar.
Our efforts to accommodate them are out of hand.
I guess their interest in the Doctor is greater than we expected.
Much greater. We should refuse all requests for transport from the surface
and evacuate the visitors. They are interfering with normal ship's functions.
When have functions aboard this ship ever been normal?
Thank you for coming. Please accept this 8 by 10 by 4 singing replica of me.
One at a time. Now, please do not touch the Doctor's mobile emitter.
Captain, isn't this exciting?
I'm not sure that's the word I'd use for it. Excuse me. Sorry. Excuse me.
I'm sorry, Captain, but you'll have to wait your turn.
I'm not here for an autograph. We need to talk.
I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, but this is excessive.
I'm only ensuring that first contact with the Qomar goes smoothly.
Including using our replicator to create miniature versions of yourself?
I would never do that.
The Qomar devoted a holo-processing plant to manufacturing them for me.
I see. Well, in any case you've been neglecting your sickbay duties.
I haven't received a report in three days.
Now, Kathryn, it's not as though there's been a flood of medical emergencies.
I wasn't aware we were on a first-name basis.
I meant "Captain”. I'm sorry.
It's all right, Doctor, or do you prefer Maestro?
Please. Either is acceptable.
Well, then, let me make it clear to both of you.
Maestro, you're finished for today.
Doctor, report to sickbay now.
Well, well, well, if it isn't the wandering minstrel.
What's the nature of the medical emergency?
Apparently, these two young ladies became dizzy and disoriented
while waiting in line to see you.
- I'll take over from here. - Be careful, doc.
You seem to be hazardous to the Qomars' health.
- I'm Vinka. - I'm Azen.
- Neither of you appears to be ill. - We wanted to meet you intimately.
So we told your security officer we were sick.
Sickbay is for medical treatment. You have to leave.
But there's so much we want to know.
- You're a stimulating hologram. - Replicas are available in the mess hall.
- We don't want a replica. - We want the full-sized version.
I'm flattered, but leave or I'll call security.
- Can you calculate pi to 1,000 digits? - Security to sickbay.
Have you ever balanced simultaneous equations?
Computer, deactivate Emergency Medical Hologram.
- Here you are. - I needed some peace and quiet.
- I want to show you something. - What's this?
You inspired me to create my own musical composition.
It's based on the intersection of two fractals.
- Tincoo, this is extraordinary. - I created it for you.
- I don't know what to say. - Will you sing it?
I'm not sure I can. It's very complex.
It's lovely, but some notes are beyond the human vocal range.
You are not human. I can help you reconfigure your vocal processors.
There's no time. My last concert's tomorrow.
Why does it have to be your last concert?
- Voyager is scheduled to depart. - Stay here with us.
- I have responsibilities on Voyager. - They're resourceful.
They will find a way to compensate for your absence.
I'm not so sure about that.
But even if they could...
...Voyager's the only life I've known. The crew are my friends.
But they don't appreciate you the way we do. You know that.
You could have a new life here as a performer,
surrounded by people who admire and respect your talent.
It's very tempting...
By any mathematical standard, the medical care of 150 people
cannot compare to the cultural enrichment of millions.
You can't always explain things with an equation, Tincoo.
What about the simplest equation of them all? One plus one.
I don't understand.
The time you have been here has been the most stimulating of my life.
I feel the same way about my time with you.
Then stay here with me.
- You're resigning your commission? - I've been asked to stay.
When this started, I thought you might have a little harmless fun
and that you would keep it in perspective.
- I can see now that I was mistaken. - This isn't harmless fun for me, Captain.
- It's an opportunity to realise a dream. - What about your duty to Voyager?
- I take it seriously. - You're part of this ship.
- Am I a piece of equipment? - That's not what I meant.
Shouldn't I be given the same respect as any member of this crew?
Every crewmember is expected to fulfil his obligations.
If Harry Kim met an alien woman on an away mission, fell in love
and decided to spend his life with her
instead of continuing on this journey, you wouldn't stand in his way.
You're not Harry Kim. You're an Emergency Medical Hologram.
Then you do see me as a piece of technology.
I have given you extraordinary freedom, to explore your creativity,
to go on away missions, to pursue relationships, but enough is enough.
Why? Because you don't see me as an equal and you never have. Admit it.
I am responsible for this crew. If I let you leave, what kind of captain would I be?
Every other Starfleet officer chose to be here, but I never had a choice, until now.
I've given the crew everything for five years. Is it worth nothing?
Haven't I earned the right to self-determination?
You've lost other systems before and always managed to find a solution.
- You'll manage without me. - What about you?
- Will you manage without us? - The Qomar are an advanced species.
Maintenance requirements will be met.
Now who is looking at you as a piece of technology?
I'm not talking about your maintenance needs, but your emotional needs.
People on this ship care about you.
- The Qomar seem to care about me. - And when their tastes change?
- What makes you think that will happen? - Fame is often temporary.
- This isn't just about fame. - Really?
If you must know, there's a woman involved.
One who appreciates me in a way no one on this crew ever has.
Well, it sounds like you'll have everything you need.
- I believe I will. - I hope so, Doctor.
Because once Voyager's gone, you won't be able to change your mind.
That's a risk I'm willing to take.
As your captain, I should refuse this resignation.
But as your friend, it wouldn't be right to stand in your way.
Don't let the captain ignore her health. She misses appointments.
I'll send her weekly reminders.
When Mr Neelix becomes convinced that he's got the Toluncan Ague,
don't argue, just give him a placebo.
I've been assisting you for three years. I know the drill.
Yes, I suppose you do. I'll be within com range for at least another month.
- If any problem should arise... - Doc, are you really going to do this?
I thought you would have been glad to see me go.
Are you kidding? Who am I going to torment after you're gone?
Well, I've got some more goodbyes. I'll check in with you before I leave.
I'll be here... redecorating your office.
Hello, Seven.
I wanted to see you before I left.
I've downloaded social lessons we haven't covered.
There are 17 new chapters.
Do any include instructions for ending a friendship?
Our friendship's not over.
It will be difficult to maintain if we never see each other again.
- I know it will be hard when I'm gone. - I will adapt.
Yes, I suppose you will. But it will be hard for me.
Why? You're getting everything you've ever wanted.
I thought you'd be the first to understand my desire to grow as an individual.
I don't understand why you can't do that aboard Voyager.
I feel I've accomplished all I can here.
The occasional medical mystery challenges me, but mostly it's routine.
Frankly I feel my talents are often taken for granted.
But when I'm on that stage performing and I see rapt faces in the audience...
...I feel I finally know what it's like to be made of flesh and blood.
You simply crave attention, applause, fan mail.
- What if I do? - Those things are irrelevant.
To you maybe.
But to me, it makes me feel appreciated, even loved.
Not for what I've been programmed to do, but for who I've become.
Doctor, you're receiving a transmission.
- Route it to cargo bay 2. - Doctor, this is Tincoo.
I want to see you immediately. I have something to show you.
- What is it? - A surprise. You'll be very pleased.
I'll beam down as soon as I can.
- Seven. - You shouldn't keep your fans waiting.
- Thank you for being so prompt. - Of course. What's the surprise?
- I had an inspiration. - Another musical composition?
Better.
- What's this? - I've solved all our problems.
- I wasn't aware we had any. - You were reluctant to leave your ship.
And you doubted your ability to sing my composition.
So I created a superior holo-matrix.
- I don't understand. - It's simple.
Now you can stay aboard Voyager and he can sing for us.
Listen.
You can't make a superior singer simply by creating a new matrix.
I beg to differ. My vocal processors are enhanced with polyphonic sequencers.
I'm capable of singing notes well beyond your limited range.
I can produce multi-harmonic overtones through the use of amplitude...
- Why did you do that? - Music is more than mathematics.
And I am much more than a program with musical subroutines.
All of my experience, all of my passion, goes into every note that I sing.
When you listen to me, when my singing moves you,
you're not just hearing notes. You're hearing my artistry, my soul.
- I've duplicated that, too. - I thought you wanted me.
I did, but now I've developed a far more sophisticated piece of technology.
Technology.
I thought you would be pleased. You seemed reluctant to leave your ship.
You told me the time you spent with me was the most stimulating of your life.
It was. You inspired me to do my greatest work.
But I thought...
...that you and I...
What?
Well, I suppose I'm no longer on the bill tomorrow.
Of course you are. It will be your farewell performance.
Of course.
You wanted to see me?
I need your clearance code to delete my database.
You sure you want to do that?
If you give a fan a heart attack, you won't be able to resuscitate him.
- I need more space in my matrix. - For what?
To expand my musical subroutines, so that I can sing this composition.
I'm surprised you're asking me for help.
You said my appreciation for music was limited to Klingon drinking songs.
Please, B'Elanna, I'm asking you as a friend.
Everything depends on this.
What's important about this composition?
- Tincoo wrote it for me. - Your girlfriend?
- I wouldn't call her that. - Don't tell me you two had a fight.
Let's just say she doesn't appreciate me quite as much as I thought she did.
That will change. Once I perform this she will see me for the artist I am.
I don't know anything about this women or why she doesn't appreciate you
and I may not be an expert on music, but I'm a pretty good engineer.
I can expand your musical subroutines or reprogram you as a whistling teapot,
but if I do that, it won't be you any more.
Tonight I was planning to perform a song composed by one of your people.
When you consider she heard music for the first time only a few days ago,
it's an extraordinary accomplishment. But although it's beautiful,
I'm afraid it's beyond my abilities.
So instead, I'm going to sing an old Neapolitan ballad.
It's a song about lost love.
Thank you, Doctor. That was fascinating.
It is because of your inspiration that I can now present to you
a new and exciting musical program.
A singing holographic matrix,
designed specifically to extend the range of humanoid vocal capabilities,
singing my own musical composition.
Come in.
Good morning, Captain.
What's this?
A formal request to be reinstated.
So you've taken off your tails and put them between your legs.
Yes, ma'am.
You offended a lot of people who care about you.
I was a fool. I'm sorry. I'm willing to do whatever I can to rectify the situation.
- I'll delete my musical subroutines. - Permission denied.
- But, Captain... - No buts.
You're expected to follow orders just like every other member of this crew.
Resume your normal activities, all of them.
Yes, ma'am.
Dismissed.
Seven, I didn't see you. I suppose you've come to gloat.
I have something for you.
- What is it? - Fan mail.
Delete it. I don't want to read another word.
- Then I'll read it for you. - Seven.
"Dear Doctor, I regret that your last performance
"was not as successful as you'd hoped.
"There are still those who appreciate your talents
"and admire you as an individual.
"I'll always consider myself your loyal fan."
Who's it from?
It's signed "Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero One".
I've been working on the railroad.
All the live long day
I've been working on the railroad just to pass the time away.
Can't you hear the whistle blowing.
Rise up so early...