It's extraordinary.
I must remind you that it is also a potential security risk.
I'd like to see if I can repair it before the power drains completely.
I suggest we allow the power to drain. We should examine it while it is idle.
Then we can decide whether to repair it.
This thing has a completely unfamiliar power source.
Once it stops working I may never get it going again
and we'll have lost a chance to study a new technology.
This is a ship of exploration, Mr Tuvok.
The power is surging.
We have to find a way to stabilise it, or we'll lose it.
What about an interface with an EPS power conduit?
The energy signatures are incompatible but it might buy us some time.
Let's give it a try.
Two-second burst, 5% maximum output.
On my mark... Now.
- We're losing it. - Maybe we're overloading its systems.
- Try a longer burst at lower power. - Got it.
Five seconds at 3%. On your mark.
Now.
I think it's working. EPS flow is holding steady.
- EM field leakage is minimal. - Watch the pressure on the connector.
Let's try to keep it below 85%.
Flux capacitance is spiking intermittently but I think it's OK.
Reinforce the power on the coupling to make sure.
It's suffered a lot of damage
but I think the EPS charge will keep it running for 18 hours.
It's not a cyborg. It's completely robotic.
No organic components of any kind.
This looks like a programming centre.
I can't find any pathways for transmitting information.
It's got arms. Legs.
We saw it move its head.
It's designed to perform motor functions.
Where do the commands come from?
Maybe it needs to interface with an outside source.
Speaking of sources,
this energy module seems to power the entire mechanism.
It isn't designed to run on EPS energy.
It runs on some kind of super-conducting plasma.
If we keep charging it, we may end up destroying it.
- It's trying to communicate. - It may just be a recording.
Pralor! Pralor!
Pralor! Pralor! Pralor! Pralor!
What are you trying to say? What's "Pralor"?
If you can hear me, try to move your arm.
B'Elanna, we don't even know if it can see you,
much less understand a word you're saying.
- We've got to fix it. - We've been trying for hours.
We need a break. The EPS charge should hold.
You go ahead. I could use some time alone to think.
- If you're staying, I'm staying. - Get some rest, Harry.
You may think you're tougher than everybody else,
but I can go without sleep, too.
Don't make me laugh, Starfleet.
And don't make me pull rank on you, either.
If you insist.
But let me know if you come up with anything... Lieutenant.
Chief engineer's log, supplemental.
I've tried 13 methods of reinitialising the robot's power source, without luck.
I've decided to go to the mess hall to recharge my own energy reserves.
Neelix, I need another pot of coffee.
Breakfast isn't officially served for another hour
but I'll pour you a glass of Traggle nectar.
I'll even fix you my special Jibalian seven-spice omelette.
Just coffee.
Sorry, but two pots of Landras blend is the absolute limit.
You're cutting me off?
I guess you're right. It was starting to taste almost palatable.
Still no idea how to revive our mechanised guest?
I've only managed to postpone the inevitable.
The constant power depletion is like a bleeding artery.
And I haven't got a tourniquet.
I remember when I was trying to perfect the recipe for my Jibalian omelette.
I tried a little more Spith basil, a little less prishic, but I couldn't get it right.
Finally, I fell asleep from exhaustion, right at the counter.
And then, in a dream, it came to me.
I was using six spices but the omelette needed seven.
Let me guess. Leola root.
- Nimian sea salt, actually. - Salt?
The most common spice in the galaxy. But I was too tired, so I couldn't see it.
That is... a very interesting story, Neelix.
- Now how about some more coffee? - To bed.
- I said, to bed. - I'm going.
I'm going.
Anybody home?
What's that? You think I should go to bed, too?
Well... I guess I'm outnumbered.
Computer, activate Emergency Medical Holographic program.
Please state the nature...
I wish someone had informed me of the change in the dress code.
I didn't have time to change.
I see. May I assume your haste indicates you have a medical problem?
An engineering problem but you might have some insight.
- You should know I'm a doctor. - Not an engineer.
But this isn't a typical engineering problem.
I've been trying to repair a robot.
The mechanical man. Kes told me about it. Fascinating.
He's about to die... stop functioning... whatever...
unless I can sustain his main energy source.
What kind of energy source?
A chromodynamic module powered by a tripolymer plasma.
But the plasma is contaminated. It's decaying.
Like diseased blood.
It can't retain enough energy to run the module.
- Have you considered a transfusion? - You mean replacing the plasma?
That was one of my first ideas.
But where do I get a plasma made of elements I didn't know existed?
Aren't Voyager's engines powered by warp plasma?
It's a very different substance. It's too highly charged.
It would burn out the robot's systems.
It would be like giving a Bolian a blood transfusion from a Vulcan.
Which ordinarily would kill the unfortunate Bolian.
But if artificial blood is unavailable,
blood cells can be altered for interspecies transfusions.
It's a good idea but you can't alter warp plasma electrochemically.
- Unless... - Goon.
I could modify a series of anodyne relays,
attach them directly to the robot's power module.
They could make the warp plasma compatible with the energy matrix.
That's what I was going to suggest.
- That's the last of the relays. - Plasma injector is sealed.
This is your show. Whenever you're ready.
Activating the relays.
Harry, start the infusion. 20% nominal flow.
Initiating plasma flow.
- Energy levels are up 14%. - The relays are holding.
- Give it a little more juice. - Got it. I'm taking it to 30%.
35%.
Wait. The energy levels are rising too fast.
- But it needs more plasma. - Increase the relays' capacitance?
It's stabilising. Hold the flow right there and see what happens.
The plasma is circulating.
The programming centre is activated. I think we may have done it.
Please identify yourself.
I'm Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres of the Federation starship Voyager.
I'm Automated Unit 3947.
Thank you for reactivating me, Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres.
Chief engineer's log, supplemental.
The robot's power module is continuing to function normally.
Repairing it has taught me more about robotics
than I ever learned at Starfleet Academy.
- I think we're past the critical stage. - I concur.
According to my self-diagnostic systems, Automated Personnel Unit 3947
is functioning at 68% of peak operating capabilities.
Automated Personnel Unit 3947 is an extremely well-designed machine.
Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres is an extremely proficient humanoid.
How did you end up floating in space, so badly damaged?
I was operating an asteroid mining pod. It exploded.
- What caused the explosion? - I cannot access that information.
My memory cells are not functioning at optimal efficiency.
- Do you remember where you're from? - I am stationed aboard a Pralor vessel.
We'll do our best to find your ship and return you to your people.
I hope the memory loss is temporary.
Once the new plasma integrates into your systems, you'll be close to optimal.
- New plasma? - I adapted your power module.
It will accept our warp plasma as energy.
You repaired my power module. Are you a Builder?
A Builder? I guess you could say that.
I'm an engineer. I repair and maintain all the systems on the ship.
Only the Builders could construct or repair power modules.
The Builders are the people who created you?
- Yes. - And they're humanoids like me?
Yes. Like Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres.
You could create a new power module.
You don't need a new module. The one I fixed will work fine.
It would not be for me.
It would be a prototype for additional Automated Units.
- Can't the Builders make them? - The Builders no longer exist.
Thousands of them were built as service modules.
But the race who created them, the Builders, were killed off in a war.
- Leaving the Automated Units alone. - Now they're wearing out.
They've learned to make repairs to themselves
but the construction of a power module, the device which sustains them,
is beyond their grasp. It's an incredible challenge, Captain.
But with enough time, I might be able to do it.
I don't doubt your abilities, B'Elanna.
But helping them reproduce is a clear violation of the Prime Directive.
The desire to procreate is basic to any life-form.
I'm not saying they don't have the same rights as other species.
Suppose they were organic but they had become sterile,
and we had a treatment that would enable them to reproduce.
- Would you withhold that treatment? - Maybe. I'd have to know more about it.
But we're not talking about treating a disorder here.
What's the difference?
Unlike a species that's become sterile, these robots could never reproduce.
You want to give them new abilities,
which is like altering their genetic structure.
- To correct a flaw. - This is the way they were designed.
- I want to save them from extinction. - It's the natural end of evolution.
You'd let their society die off?
That may not happen. If they're adaptable and capable of learning,
they might build a power module themselves some day.
Some day could be too late. There are only a few hundred left.
I feel for the robots' plight.
But this is the kind of tampering the Prime Directive prohibits.
We know almost nothing about these creatures.
What would be the consequences of this,
to their own civilisation and others?
Who are we to play God without considering the long-term effects?
B'Elanna, I share your scientific curiosity.
And I admire your compassion. But the answer is no.
- I do not concur with her decision. - She's following our Prime Directive.
Define "Prime Directive".
It forbids us to interfere in the natural development of other cultures.
The Automated Units were not created naturally.
We were built. You can help us build more.
- The Captain thinks that's a bad idea. - But B'Elanna Torres doesn't.
Maybe. I don't know.
I'd like to try. But I can't.
Without your help, we will not survive.
I thought Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres was a Builder.
So did I.
We've located your ship. We'll be in communications range in an hour.
Thank you.
The alien vessel is entering visual range.
Yellow Alert. Slow to one quarter impulse. Put them on screen.
Magnify.
- We're being scanned. - Let them take a look. Open a channel.
Pralor Automated Personnel Unit 6263 requests you identify yourselves.
I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager.
What are your intentions, Captain Kathryn Janeway?
We rescued one of your crew members and we'd like to return him to you.
We'll prepare to receive the Unit. Thank you for your assistance.
Very polite, these Automated Units.
Captain Janeway said I could give you some warp plasma
in case the plasma we infused into your system degrades.
Thank you.
Remodulate the anodyne relays periodically.
- You are repeating instructions. - I'm just making sure.
I guess this is goodbye.
What are you doing?
There's a chromodynamic energy discharge in transporter room 2.
Bridge to transporter room 2. Janeway to Torres.
Someone's initiating a transport.
- It's Torres and the robot. - Override.
I can't. Their patterns are already in the buffer.
They're gone, Captain.
- Transport her back now, Mr Kim. - I can't get a lock on her.
There is a defence field around their vessel.
- Our scanners cannot penetrate it. - Hail them.
- They're not responding. - Open a channel on wideband.
- Channel open. - This is Captain Janeway.
This abduction is a clear act of aggression.
If you do not return her immediately, we will be forced to retaliate.
Have they've received the transmission?
They heard us. They're just not answering.
Mr Tuvok, power the forward phaser banks.
- What the hell is going on here? - You'll assist in creating the prototype.
I told you I can't help you.
- Now return me to my ship. - That is not possible.
- Torres to Voyager. - The device has been deactivated.
- I do not wish to injure you, B'Elanna. - I helped you. Why are you doing this?
We require additional Automated Units.
- You won't get away with this. - It would be inadvisable to provoke us.
- Still no response. - Have you penetrated their defences?
- Negative. - Are they preparing to attack?
I can't get clear readings. I don't even know their weapons capabilities.
Mr Tuvok, don't hit their ship,
but open a hole in their shielding wide enough to transport through.
Match the scanners to the coordinates of the phaser fire
and stand by to beam B'Elanna back.
- Phasers calibrated. - Fire.
- Their field strength is down to 80%. - That's progress. Fire again.
Initiating evasive pattern Omega 6.
They're firing quantum resonance charges.
- Our aft shields are down to 53%. - Rerouting power to aft shields.
- Down to 24%. - Switching evasive pattern to Theta 1.
Load torpedo bays 1 through 4 and stand by to fire on my order.
Your Captain has made an error by attacking us.
Our weapons are substantially superior to yours.
Your shields are failing. Your weapons pose no threat to us.
- Aft shields have been penetrated. - We must get out.
Agreed. We'll come back for B'Elanna. Do it, Mr Paris. Warp 3.
Propulsion systems are off-line.
- Hull breach on deck 6. - Initiating emergency containment field.
Environmental control is failing. Oxygen levels on decks 3 through 7 are critical.
- We've lost artificial gravity on deck 8. - Injuries on all decks.
- Stop this. - Your ship opened fire.
- We must defend ourselves. - They're helpless!
- Our enemies must be destroyed. - We are not your enemies.
You are not my enemy but your Captain is, and your crew follows her commands.
She backed me when I wanted to reactive you, over security objections.
You wouldn't be here if it weren't for her.
All right. If that's what it'll take to stop this, I'll do it.
I'll build your damned prototype.
We're losing life support, Captain.
They've powered down their weapons.
- They're hailing us, Captain. - On screen.
- Is everybody OK? - We'll be all right. What about you?
I've agreed to help them build their prototype.
- Lieutenant... - I know. I don't like it either.
But if I don't do it, they'll destroy Voyager.
What choice do I have?
These are the materials necessary to construct a prototype Unit.
You will be provided with whatever else you require.
You may access our database from this computer terminal,
but you may not interface with critical systems.
You will have no contact with your ship, nor will you leave this room.
I will remain here to supervise your work.
You may proceed.
Proceed. Right.
But where do I proceed from?
Let me ask you this.
Have any of you ever tried to build a prototype?
We have tried and failed.
- What was the problem? - I am unable to explain.
We duplicated an exact power module on several occasions.
But the energy output of the new module was insufficient to operate a Unit.
You're sure you reproduced the module exactly?
This is a schematic of a power module from a terminated Unit.
This one is from a failed prototype. They are identical.
There is no reason why one shouldn't function.
Unit 3947, what can you report?
We've been working for five minutes so we don't have a lot to report.
The humanoid vessel will require approximately 140 hours to repair.
You must complete work on the prototype before that time.
Why? We don't seem to be any match for you.
Our tactical subprocessors indicate a 79% likelihood
that a rescue will be attempted once repairs are completed.
Your engines are more powerful than ours.
And these humanoids may not base decisions on tactical probabilities.
Their cognitive process is unpredictable.
We will remain on full tactical alert.
The humanoid may delay completion of the prototype, hoping for rescue.
Promises mean something to us.
I gave you my word that I'd do my best, and I will.
The humanoid is operating at optimal efficiency.
Thank you. But I have to tell you, there are no guarantees here.
Building a prototype is different to repairing a power module.
- I don't know if it's possible. - If you fail, you will all die.
B'Elanna Torres, 6263 is a designated command Unit.
- He's merely following his programming. - I don't need to be threatened.
- I told you I'd do my best. - I believe you. But Unit 6263 does not.
He does not know Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres as I do.
Let me see one of those terminated power modules.
We have no power on decks 3 through 7.
Aft shields are non-functional.
And the dilithium matrix is destabilised so we can't run the warp engines.
- We need another six days. - We're not staying that long.
I want to get B'Elanna off that ship before she finishes the prototype.
Then warp drive is our priority. Rescue will necessitate a rapid departure.
Agreed. Can you give me an estimate on repairing the dilithium matrix?
- How does 72 hours sound? - Like 24 hours too long.
Dismissed.
Hand me the sub-micron scanner.
Phase coil resonator.
I know why your other prototypes failed but I'm not sure what to do about it yet.
- Explain. - Automated Units are modular.
Your parts are interchangeable. So if you lose an arm...
you can replace it with another one.
And you've learned to make new arms because they're all the same.
Your programming allows you to reproduce what you see.
But each power module has a slightly different energy signature.
So even if you copy this guy's module exactly,
it wouldn't work in any other Unit.
Every Automated Unit has a power module with a unique energy code.
Can you reprogram the energy codes to make the modules interchangeable?
- I don't think so. - You have failed. I will inform 6263.
Do you all give up the minute you hit a bump in the road?
You have an alternative idea?
We've got to design a standardised module
with a uniform energy code that can power any Unit.
There is now sufficient reason for greater optimism.
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Due to their defence field and our power shortage,
we cannot modify the transporters to beam Lieutenant Torres out.
- But from inside the field... - Our transporters could do it.
- Is that viable? - For a shuttlecraft.
A shuttle would be even more vulnerable than Voyager.
We could create a diversion to distract them from the shuttle.
- Attack them again? - I won't risk that.
I don't need a diversion. I'll get her out of there.
Can we help? I'd hate to lose another shuttle.
Your concern for my welfare is heart-warming.
In 12 hours our warp engines will be back on-line. I want a diversion by then.
So far so good. I'm not getting any feedback from the motor circuits.
You're going to be the obstetrician of this Unit?
Please rephrase the question.
If this works, will you assemble the new Units?
I am a ship's maintenance Unit.
I have no knowledge of design, nor do any of the others.
You've just volunteered for new duty.
- I hope you're watching. - I am observing.
But I do not possess your improvisational capabilities.
Once we have the prototype, all you'd have to do is copy it.
Tell me something, 39... Can I call you 397
- I am Automated Unit 3947. - Fine, 3947.
Did you wake up on a bench like this? How long have you been alive?
I have been in service 1,314,807 hours and 33 minutes.
I was activated by a Builder from the Pralor Homeworld.
Tell me more about these Builders. Were they like us?
I have insufficient knowledge of your culture to know. Provide information.
Only fair you should ask about my culture.
Does your culture include artificial life-forms?
As a matter of fact, it does.
Are they similar to the Automated Personnel Units?
They come in different shapes and sizes.
- Most don't have cognitive abilities. - Are they your servants?
I guess you could say they're servants, in a manner of speaking.
But they aren't sentient like you.
In fact, we have only one sentient artificial life-form
and he is treated the same as any human.
The same? He is equal to a Builder?
That's right. He works on a ship just like you and I.
- He wears the same uniform I do. - What is his designated number?
He has a name like the rest of us.
- Data. - I would like to meet this Data.
This standardised power module is working pretty well.
- You will succeed. - Don't send me flowers yet.
I've got to see whether it will power a Unit.
I believe it will.
We're making progress on the dilithium matrix. It'll be ready in six hours.
What about our diversion?
In the Maquis, B'Elanna once linked a holo-emitter to a deflector array
and projected an image of a ship into space.
I like it. But do we have enough power?
We will by the time the warp core's on-line. I have...
- Tuvok to Captain Janeway. - Go ahead.
An unidentified alien ship on long-range sensors is heading for our coordinates.
We're on our way.
It fits. Cross your fingers.
So far so good. Let's hope it can interface with the Unit.
- It does not function correctly. - It does not function correctly yet.
The Builders should have programmed you with more patience.
I'm going to try adjusting the flux capacitance...
Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.
We did it.
- We actually did it! - You did it, B'Elanna Torres.
I knew this task would not exceed your capabilities.
Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.
- What are you doing? - Congratulating you.
You're a father!
No sign of organic life aboard that ship either.
They're manned by Automated Units like those operating the first ship.
Have we stumbled into the middle of some kind of robotic war?
We've got to get Torres back.
Yes, but I want to show them this isn't our fight.
Ease us back on manoeuvring thrusters.
- The second ship is hailing us. - On screen.
Cravic Automated Commander 122 requests you identify yourself.
I am Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager.
- Withdraw from this area immediately. - I can't do that.
One of my crew members is being held hostage aboard the Pralor vessel.
Remain at your present coordinates and do not attempt to intervene.
- This new ship could be... - The diversion we've wanted.
What's the status of our warp engines?
- We're still an hour away. - We may not have an hour.
Get down to engineering. Be ready to give me as much power as you can.
If those two ships keep each other busy, we may not need warp.
Mr Paris, report to the shuttle bay. Chakotay, you have the conn.
- Who are they? - Cravic Automated Personnel Units.
Robots from another world? Why are they attacking you?
They were programmed to do so.
Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.
Were the Cravic Builders and the Pralor Builders enemies?
That is correct.
Captain Janeway could convince the Cravic leaders to stop the fighting.
That is not possible. The Cravic are also extinct.
I'm approaching the perimeter of the defence field.
Synchronise your shield harmonics with the field.
Shields synchronised. I'm going in.
Then again, maybe not.
He bounced right off the field.
Mr Paris, reset your heading for coordinates 105, mark 40.
That would take me into a direct line of fire with a Cravic ship.
Precisely. The fire is opening a rift in the Pralor defence field.
Which I might be able to sneak through if I can dodge disruptor blasts.
Changing heading.
If both sides were annihilated, why continue your war?
We were programmed to achieve victory.
Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.
- They have penetrated our defences. - Has anyone tried to stop this war?
The Pralor and the Cravic called a truce.
Then why didn't they stop you from fighting?
- They attempted to do so. - And?
We terminated the Builders.
I'm approaching the entry point.
Showing a rift in the defence field off your starboard bow.
I'm on it.
When the war was ending, the Builders no longer required us.
They attempted to terminate us, so they became the enemy.
We must destroy the enemy. It is necessary for our survival.
With the prototype, we will soon outnumber the Cravic Units.
We will achieve victory.
This is 3947. Fire units report to reconstruction bay 1.
The individual energy codes - is that why the Builders added them?
To prevent the procreation of these Units?
My God, what have I done?
Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.
- You have terminated the prototype! - Yes. I have.
- You will build another. - Never.
Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, I told 6263 you were not our enemy.
I never wanted to be your enemy.
I'm sorry.
Voyager, I've got her but she's injured.
Tell the Doctor to stand by. Beam her out when I clear the defence field.
- Acknowledged. - The ships are still exchanging fire.
They are ignoring the shuttle.
Bridge to engineering. Stand by warp engines.
One pot of Landras blend, compliments of the chef.
- Neelix's coffee tastes so good. - I'll tell him you said so.
I don't know what to say.
As far as I'm concerned,
you did what you thought was necessary to ensure our safety.
Thank you.
- It must have been difficult. - Difficult?
To destroy what you created.
It was necessary.
I've read your report. It was no small achievement, B'Elanna.
You gave that Unit life.
You should have seen it, Captain. It was incredible.
I installed that module and the prototype looked up at me
and asked me for programming.
As I said, it must have been difficult.
It was necessary.