Ooh! Gallia nectar.
From a blossom which only grows near a lake on Paxau
and blooms once every six years.
- Specialty of the house. - This is a real place?
The Paxau resort was the place to go on Talax for serious relaxation.
And some personal pampering. You had to be rich and privileged.
Or know someone rich and privileged who owed you a favour.
If anyone deserves and needs a little pampering, it's this crew.
Don't you feel as if all your cares are just light years away?
Yeah, it's nice.
I'm open to suggestions for perfecting the program.
Maybe it could use a little more um... fun.
- Loosen it up. - Yeah, right. Like this guy.
He's so... formal.
Computer, give the waiter a more casual look.
And have him serve Rekarri starbursts all around.
Now we need some more people.
Computer, add characters from Kim sport program Theta-2.
- What sport would that be exactly? - Volleyball.
They're a championship team. Gold medal winners in 2216.
No wonder your game's improved.
This would be better with up-beat music.
Computer, access the cultural database
and create musicians from Earth's Caribbean region.
Now, this is relaxing.
More drinks for everyone. And bring out some spicy paraka wings.
You can't have a party without food.
Senior officers, report to the bridge.
- Great program, Neelix. - Save it for us.
I will. Hey, how can you listen to this without wanting to dance?
Sickbay to Kes. Please report here.
We may have incoming casualties.
On my way, Doctor.
Sensors indicate that radiation inside
the alien vessel is rising to toxic levels.
The lifesigns of the passengers are weak.
The warp core is leaking drive plasma
and radiation. It could breach any time.
Can we beam the passengers out?
Only within 5,000 kilometres.
We'll be at risk if their engine explodes.
Take us into range.
Closing to within 5,000 kilometres.
I'm trying to get a pattern lock.
- There's still too much interference. - Get closer.
Energy build-up in the reaction chamber.
- Mr Kim. - I've got a lock. Initiating transport.
- They're losing antimatter containment. - Move us away.
Aye, Captain.
All major systems are undamaged.
- All three passengers are in sickbay. - I'm impressed.
Use the dermal regenerator on the burns
and scan for further contamination.
It's all right. We're taking care of you.
You must lie still.
My husband! Is he OK?
I'll sedate you if necessary.
His heart's stopped. He won't respond.
Give him 20 milligrams of lectrazine.
No effect. His biochemistry
is incompatible with our medications.
No synaptic activity.
There's nothing more I can do for him.
- Record the time. - No! You must save him!
- Tieran. - I'm so sorry.
He can't be gone. He can't.
It was horrible. They chased us across half the sector.
We fought them off, but our own ship was damaged.
Do you know who was chasing you?
This trade route is plagued by mercenaries and thieves.
They wanted to hold us for ransom.
I'm a prominent physician, and Nori is a cousin of the Autarch.
We're complete strangers to you but we owe you our lives.
I wish we could have saved your husband as well.
Your medical staff did all they could.
And Kes has been so kind and compassionate.
I couldn't make it through this time without her.
I hope bringing us home won't be inconvenient?
No. We'll reach llari in two days.
I'm sure that the Autarch will want to thank you personally.
I'll be very pleased to meet him.
- Hello, B'Elanna. - Good to see you, too.
Kes was supposed to meet me here 20 minutes ago.
- It's not like her to be late. - She must have been held up.
Will you enjoy the program with the new modifications Harry and Tom added?
I've made a few modifications of my own.
Thank you. Great program, Neelix.
- Computer, locate Kes. - Kes is in transporter room 1.
Don't you worry about using a device that takes apart your molecules?
There are all kinds of safety procedures and back-up systems.
- Neelix to Kes. - Kes here.
I hope you didn't forget our lunch date.
I'm sorry. I'll be right there.
I have to go. I'll see you later.
- Are you feeling all right? - It's just a slight headache.
- We should get you to sickbay. - I'll be fine.
Really.
After lunch, we could go out for a sail.
That sounds nice. But can we do it some other time?
I promised to show Nori and Adin the airponics bay.
You've hit it off with our guests. You've been nearly inseparable.
Nori really needs a friend. I want to be there for her.
I'll be busy with her and Adin for the next few days.
We can keep them busy together.
I'll arrange so much Nori won't have time to be sad.
- We'll start with a picnic... - This is typical of you.
What? Wanting to help?
It bothers you when I make friends. You have to involve yourself.
I certainly don't mean to intrude on your friendships.
You can spend time with anyone you want.
As long as I spend most of it with you.
No. I...
I'd hoped that you would want to be with me.
- It's not a duty or an obligation. - Sometimes it feels that way.
Why haven't you said so before?
Maybe I never realised a relationship could be any different.
I've never been with anyone but you.
It might be a good idea for both of us to spend some time apart.
I'm sorry.
Captain's log, stardate 50348.1.
We've entered orbit around llari and invited the Autarch to visit the ship.
Instead, he'll be sending an official representative.
He might have taken a personal interest.
Our message made it very clear that you had both recovered.
- I'm glad you could join us. - Beam our guest aboard.
I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway...
A phaser has been fired in transporter room 1.
- Bridge to Janeway. - Emergency in transporter...
Seal the door like I showed you.
- There's a transport in progress. - Block it.
I'm locked out. It's one of the shuttlecraft.
Someone's beaming it into space.
- They're outside. - Everyone on the transporter pad.
- You're sure this is safe? - Would you rather stay here?
Three people just beamed to the shuttle. The two llari... and Kes.
- Lock on a tractor beam. - The shuttle's shields are altered.
- They're scattering the beam. - Target phasers at their engine core.
It's too late. They've gone to warp.
- Set a course to follow them. - I can't find their warp trail.
- There's no sign of them. - Transporter room to bridge.
Martin and the llari representative are dead.
The captain has been beamed to sickbay.
Acknowledged.
The shuttle's plasma injectors were remodulated.
- So quickly? - It would take precise calibrations.
Someone on that shuttle knows what they're doing.
- They didn't follow us. - They don't know what happened.
- Does your head hurt? - It's nothing.
- Adin should take a look. - It's nothing!
- You're worse than that Talaxian. - We're over the encampment.
Resh has assembled the troops.
- 400 men just waiting for your orders. - Maybe we should give them some.
What is this? Nori! I heard your ship had been destroyed.
Did you think I'd let a little accident stop me?
- That's Tieran? - The host body you expected is dead.
The young nurse was with me at the right time
and she's provided a suitable replacement.
I'm very relieved you survived.
Oh, I'm sure you are. At least for your own ambitions.
Advance my troops to the northern ridge.
But we can't go ahead with the attack now.
- Are you questioning my orders? - This is insane.
We've spent years planning this. Every detail.
Now our leader's been reduced to a little girl.
I've explored the mind of this little girl and discovered interesting abilities.
She'd barely tapped into them. I'll make use of that great wasted potential.
Now, shall I continue the demonstration or do I have your loyalty?
You shall have it... sir.
Captain's log, stardate 50351.4.
We're meeting with Demmas, the Autarch's eldest son,
in an effort to understand the hostile activity.
I'm sure they wanted to kill my father.
He's the one they invited here.
Nori and Adin are known political extremists.
How could Kes be involved?
You mentioned that she was with the third patient when he died.
That's right.
Your crew member has been inhabited
by the consciousness of a dangerous man named Tieran.
Who is that? What does he want with Kes?
I know what he wants. To overthrow my family's government.
And to reinstate himself as the Autarch.
- He has held title before? - Tieran ruled llari 200 years ago.
He was a war hero and military leader.
He brought security and stability during a difficult time in our history.
But in peace time, he began to treat his own subjects as enemies.
- He saw everyone as a potential traitor. - Your people must have rebelled.
They did. Led by one of my ancestors.
They laid siege to the Imperial Hall for a year.
The city around it was burned to the ground but Tieran was defeated.
Yet you believe that he, or his consciousness, has survived.
During his reign, he became obsessed with his own mortality.
He spent his time and llari's resources searching for ways to overcome death.
He's discovered a way to transfer his own mind into someone else's body,
as he's done with Kes.
- So he's been controlling her. - Yes. Completely.
But she... he knew things about Kes' life.
He acted enough like Kes to fool us all.
The real Kes must still be in there somewhere.
Tieran may have access to her memories and her feelings.
But the Kes you know is lost. I'm very sorry.
I won't accept that yet. Examine the body of the man who died.
We need more information about how the transfer works.
It's worth exploring, but our priority must be to stop Tieran.
By force if necessary. Voyager is a powerful ship.
You may be considering force. I just want to rescue Kes and remove Tieran.
- That serves both our interests. - You don't know what's at stake.
You must help me to defend my people.
- Bridge to the captain. - Go ahead.
- We've located the missing shuttle. - Let's hope we can end this now.
They entered orbit then cut their engines.
There was transporter activity. Four people beamed to the surface.
- They're in the Imperial Hall. - Beam them back to Voyager.
I can't. There's interference around the Hall.
He's after my family. My father and brother are down there.
The venerated Autarch. I've been looking forward to meeting you.
- Father! - Where's his brother?
- He should have been here. - Lock him up.
Demmas was transported to Voyager over an hour ago.
He'll be a problem but we'll deal with him later.
Give me the talisman.
This was stolen from me 200 years ago.
I've dedicated every moment since to putting it back where it belongs.
Loyalty and service to the new Autarch.
Loyalty and service.
Visit my supporters in Yaro province. Give them whatever I promised.
And I couldn't overlook your faithful service.
I think the title "First Castallan” suits you very well.
I've finally come home again but it's hardly as I left it.
My portrait should be hanging here. As for the rest of this nonsense...
it's a useless display of wealth.
The First Autarch doesn't need to impress anyone.
I want it all cleared out. Everything should look as it did during my reign.
I trust you'll take care of all that. We'll need some new servants, too.
What is it? You don't look happy.
I'm happy that we've accomplished our goal.
But there have been some unexpected changes
and I don't know how they'll affect our future.
I don't even know if I'm still your wife.
Forgive me. I haven't considered how unsettling this must be.
Don't worry. You know how much I depend on you.
Your loyalty and encouragement have made this victory possible.
I'll share everything with you, just as I always promised.
Autarch!
Now I'm afraid I have business to attend to.
Leave him here. Everyone else is dismissed.
Ameron. You and I haven't had a chance to get acquainted.
- I'm Tieran. - Tieran?
I like the way you say that. We didn't get off to a very good start.
- You murdered my father in front of me. - I shouldn't have let you watch that.
But I had to make room for his successor.
Demmas is the rightful heir, not you.
How many times have people said that to you?
It must have been hard to hear every day.
The constant reminder that your brother will be ruler
just because he was born first. I don't think that's fair. Do you?
- It's the law. - Doesn't have to be. It can change.
Demmas is hiding on some alien ship. And you're here with me.
I'm sure it's a chance you've always dreamed of -
to prove that you're the natural leader and not a weak copy of your father.
Now you can have that chance. If... you're willing to take it.
- You mean if I join you. - We have so much to offer each other.
Your heritage would solidify my claim, and in return, I could give you power.
Real power to control the lives of millions of people.
To reward your friends. Punish your enemies.
Everything you want can be yours for the asking.
Everything.
After what you've done?
That's all in the past. Think about the future.
Would you rather be a martyr to your brother's cause, or rule by my side?
Captain's log, supplemental.
Demmas is remaining on Voyager for now,
but continues to monitor the worsening situation on llari.
This coup attempt is making my people split into factions - mine and Tieran's.
Whom does the law recognise as Autarch?
I inherited my father's title upon his death.
But this isn't a matter of law.
It's about loyalty. Some will follow whoever has more power. That's Tieran.
He's already recruited some of my less reliable allies...
which may include my brother, Ameron.
Your brother? I assumed he'd been killed.
So did I.
Until I learned otherwise from sources on llari.
Tieran spared his life, no doubt in order to win his loyalty.
Ameron's always been easily swayed.
- And he would betray you? - It's possible.
And if he does, there will be no way to avoid a civil war.
I must strike now, before Tieran is fully prepared.
There are alternatives to war. I suggest we hear from the Doctor.
We'll consider removing Tieran from Kes safely.
I've identified the transfer mechanism.
This cortical implant was activated at death.
It enhanced Tieran's neural pattern
and sent it out along the peripheral nerves.
The actual transfer took place through these bioelectric microfibres.
When they came in direct contact with Kes,
they transmitted Tieran's pattern into her brain.
Tieran would quickly implant a device like this into his new body.
- We can use that to our advantage. - Yes.
This synaptic stimulator will tap into the implant
and remove the alien neural pattern so Kes' consciousness can take over.
How close would you have to get to use it?
It would have to come in direct contact with her skin.
If I could get near her, I'd use a thoron rifle to be absolutely sure.
Kes is still a member of this crew, under my protection.
I'm sorry she got caught in the middle of this.
But too many other lives have been lost, including my father's.
Then let's prevent any more deaths.
Don't risk more lives till you've exhausted other options.
What do you suggest?
If Tieran is anticipating an attack by your fleet,
he may not be guarding against an individual infiltrating the Imperial Hall.
I would be able to get close enough to Kes to use the device.
Your knowledge of the Hall and its defences would be invaluable.
All right. We'll try your strategy.
The new cortical implant looks fine.
I'll just make sure it's connecting to the nerves.
Do something about these headaches, too.
That's a different problem. The body isn't accepting your neural pattern.
- She wasn't a willing host. - She's been resisting me, all right.
I can feel her in the back of my mind, like a trapped animal rattling her cage.
She has a lot of spirit. It's invigorating.
Your neural pattern may become unstable if you stay in this host.
Use the transfer mechanism to move into a more compatible body.
No. I like this one, particularly its unique mental abilities.
Consider the risks!
Do you really think this child poses any threat to me?
I've fought worse battles since I was born.
The doctors said I wouldn't live a year. I proved them wrong.
My parents thought I was too sickly to be worth caring for.
I survived on the streets.
My own ungrateful subjects forced me into exile. I wasn't defeated.
I will not surrender to this little girl. You will not suggest it again.
Demmas has acquired two more ships.
His fleet is apparently massing nearby. We should make a pre-emptive strike.
Not on the basis of an unsubstantiated rumour. Let them come to us.
The Viceroy of Denar will support you in exchange for more territory.
When did corruption become so commonplace? People need morals.
I should make an example of this Viceroy.
What's wrong?
- There's someone... - Tieran?
There's a familiar presence in this room. Not any of you.
Someone from this body's previous life. Someone she knew well.
Seal the room.
- Everyone stay where you are. - Who is it?
Someone good at concealing himself and his thoughts.
A disciplined, logical mind.
You've made it this far without being detected,
but you didn't realise how much more perceptive I've become.
Typical Vulcan arrogance.
It's touching, your concern for the life of your little student,
risking yourself in a hopeless effort to save her.
Get that off!
- Are you OK? - Yes, and still in control of this body.
My compliments on your clever technology.
Attacking the Autarch is punishable by death.
She's so protective. But Voyager's tactical officer is more useful alive.
I won't provide you with any information.
You'd be surprised how often I've heard that.
Who helped you get past my security?
- Who betrayed me? - I had no assistance.
When you don't come back, will Janeway send someone else?
- Join Demmas in an assault? - I'm unaware of her plans.
She must have discussed alternative strategies with you.
She did not.
I suppose I could threaten you. Or torture you.
But I doubt it would make any difference.
- You are correct. - I have other options now.
It's a simple matter to reach into someone's mind.
With some people, it's effortless. Others require more work.
Do you really think you can keep me away from your thoughts,
your fears and insecurities, your feelings?
I sense some embarrassment at being captured.
Worry about how strong I really am. And of course there is anger.
That's the emotion that really threatens your control.
So you try even harder to hide from me.
I feel those mental barriers going up. It doesn't seem to be working.
It's as if someone were disrupting your ability to concentrate.
It's a helpless feeling, isn't it?
You will not break my control.
Not break you. Free you from all that repression. Just let go.
I can help you release your strength, and give you what you secretly desire.
I have never desired Kes.
In all that time you spent together,
all those intimate moments touching each other's minds,
you've never wondered what it might be like?
Kes!
I'm here. I'm fighting him.
- I had no doubt you would be. - I can almost break through.
Make his strengths your own.
- I'm losing hold! - I am with you. Don't let go!
No!
Captain's log, stardate 50361.7.
Tuvok hasn't reported for our rendezvous and we can't contact him.
We're considering other options.
Our team will beam down to the surface.
- Demmas will meet us there. - I request permission to go with you.
I had basic combat training on Talax...
All right, very basic.
But I've participated in tactical exercises every month.
I have a lifetime of experience thinking on my feet
and I'll do whatever I can to make this mission a success.
Consider yourself drafted.
The detection grid will make a surprise attack difficult.
- We'll have to knock it out. - I've scanned it for weaknesses.
It goes through maintenance every ten hours.
For a few seconds it might be vulnerable to an EM pulse.
Captain, you have an incoming transmission.
Put it through.
You failed. I'm still in control.
Your device was useless. Tuvok is my prisoner.
Call off your rescue mission before you lose more crew members.
You've made a bad guess. There will be no more rescues.
My guess is that you've discovered the weakness in the detection grid.
I'll have twice as many soldiers waiting for you.
- Why tell us about your trap? - I have no quarrel with Voyager.
Your crew did save my life once. I haven't forgotten that.
This is a friendly warning but it's the last one.
Accept your losses and be on your way.
You have 30 seconds to leave orbit.
Send two warships to intercept Voyager.
- You're not well. - You can't fix it so leave me alone.
- You need to sleep. - No. She's there when I sleep.
- She? - Kes. Who else?
- You can't stay awake forever. - Voyager is leaving orbit.
Let them go.
Yes, sir, but... with all due respect, why?
Demmas is on that ship. Our warships are in position to destroy it.
I said they could go and I keep my word.
I don't have to explain myself to you. Get out!
Everyone! Clear the room now.
You're losing, Tieran. Why won't you admit it?
I will admit that you've surprised me.
I didn't imagine such determination would exist within that frail body.
Don't continue to underestimate me. Release me or I'll force you out.
My dear, why should we be enemies? Why waste energy in conflict
when we could achieve so much more by cooperating?
You're contemptible. I won't be any part of your plans.
You already are. You and I have killed together, remember?
And you will continue to serve my will.
You really have no choice. Wouldn't it be wiser to join me?
To take advantage of all I have to offer?
You may find that you enjoy having power.
I assure you, it is the finest aphrodisiac there is.
That won't work with me.
So you insist on making this a battle. How foolish.
It's a battle I intend to win.
Brave words. You've just been an annoyance to me.
I have been more to you than that.
I'm fighting you with all my strength and it's wearing you down.
You're more unstable every day.
- The headaches are unbearable. - I've suffered pain all my life.
It will take more than headaches to stop me.
I know all about your life and your suffering.
It doesn't justify what you've become.
You're a monster and I have no compassion for you.
And I don't ask for any. What I need from you I already have -
your body and your mind.
You may have my body but you'll never have my mind.
You may resist and try to fight me, but eventually I will defeat you.
I haven't existed for two centuries to be brought down by a child.
You're already deteriorating. I'll find every little crack in your defences.
You'll feel yourself crumbling, your sanity slipping away.
I won't stop until you're broken and helpless. You can't get away from me.
I'll be relentless and merciless, just like you.
- What are you doing? - I had to wake you up.
Your neural stress readings are erratic. You must transfer out of this body.
I told you not to say that ever again. I'm in full command of my faculties.
This momentary lapse will pass and I'll be stronger than ever.
Stronger than ever!
Stronger than...
We have much to celebrate - our recent victory,
consolidation of our power,
and llari being poised on the brink of its greatest era of prosperity.
But there's another cause for celebration,
perhaps the most joyous of all. I'd like to present my husband-to-be.
It's only a political alliance.
Ameron will bring the support of Demmas' troops.
- Ah, tell me you still love me. - You know I love you.
Ameron! And Nori.
You have both been essential to my success and I want you to be friends.
I want us all to be very, very close.
Nori, don't make me doubt your loyalty.
I'm not listening to you!
At least 20 enemy ships are approaching.
It's Demmas' fleet and Voyager.
- My ships are moving to intercept? - Yes, but we are outnumbered.
- My fleet will defeat them. - I recommend taking some precautions.
We should get you to the reinforced shelter.
This is a celebration. I won't allow Demmas to make me run.
Join us. Food and drink for my First Castallan.
I told you to join us.
Drink! Eat! I want all of you to enjoy yourselves.
When do we break ground for the new library?
- Soon. - Good. I care about the people.
Tomorrow we'll proclaim that every citizen must have a garden.
- A garden? - I love plants and flowers.
I've felt most content watching the seedlings grow in the airponics...
They've made it through our defences.
- That's impossible! - I'm sending additional troops.
Activating full security measures. That ought to hold them off.
- But we have to go. Now. - Go and you'll be shot as a traitor.
Look for yourself!
This has to be a trick. They're distracting me from their real plan.
- Tieran, they're coming! - They must have sent an infiltrator.
Tuvok, you don't realise how perceptive... I've become.
I know you're here!
Tuvok!
- Mr Paris. - No time for a tearful reunion.
You'll have to show me how to do that.
Don't give in. Stay with me.
- Tieran! - Still here.
Fight it! You must fight it, Tieran! Please, keep fighting!
Do you have the device ready? Now!
They're getting away!
I'll cover you.
We've got to get you stabilised or transferred to a new host.
You will survive.
Kes! Stop! Please, stay there.
Just let me get to you and this will be over.
Tieran!
- Tieran? - He's gone.
No, he isn't. He's still here.
He moved onto someone else before you used this.
He wanted you to think he'd been destroyed.
But he's hiding in a new host.
- I know you too well, Tieran. - No! You can't do this!
You died a long time ago. Now let go.
Demmas? It's over.
Your thoughts are a turbulent ocean.
Visualise yourself floating above them.
I can't. I've been using all the meditations you've taught me.
They're not helping.
Be patient. Allow yourself sufficient time.
Don't deny the emotional impact of your experience.
How can I worry about myself when so many people have suffered and died?
You were not responsible for his actions.
Maybe I could have fought harder.
Your absolute refusal to surrender defeated him.
- You cannot expect more than that. - Everything seems so different now.
My thoughts and perceptions. Even my relationships with my closest friends.
You, the Doctor, Neelix.
How can I go on as if nothing ever happened?
You cannot. This experience will force you to adapt.
You are no longer the same person and your life will change as a result.
Where that new course leads is up to you.