- Game. - Let's make it interesting this time.
- Let's add some table stakes. - What kind of stakes?
I don't know. A couple of replicator rations, maybe?
- Harry, he's hustling you. - Wait a minute...
Are you saying he deliberately let me win?
That would be dishonest, Harry.
I won that game and I'll beat you again.
How many rations are you willing to bet on that?
A week's worth.
Harry, Harry, Harry.
Never ever play with anyone, not even your best friend,
if he says, "Let's make it interesting.”
You want action? I'll give you action. How about an honest game of chance?
Never play with anyone if he offers you an honest game of chance, Harry.
One replicator ration is all it takes to play.
All you have to do to win is pick a number.
Just predict what the radiogenic particle count will be at 1200 tomorrow
and if you hit, the pot is yours, minus a small handling fee for the bank.
I'll take a piece of that!
Harry, take down these names and numbers.
- I'm in, too. - Louis, 2,100!
Ensign Hogan, still no luck with the warp drive?
No, Lieutenant. The manifold just won't fire up.
We've narrowed it down to a problem in EPS conduit 141.
Was there any indication yesterday that something was wrong?
Suder was monitoring the EPS flow and the CCM.
He says everything was fine.
We'll just have to get in there and track it down.
Happy Kal Rekk, Mr Vulcan.
The holiday of Kal Rekk is not for two weeks.
- But it's the Kal Rekk season. - There is no Kal Rekk season.
Kal Rekk is a day of atonement, solitude and silence.
Atonement, solitude. All your Vulcan holidays are the same.
I've been doing some research.
Why would you research Vulcan holidays?
- It's part of my job as morale officer. - Morale is irrelevant to a Vulcan.
No one on this ship requires my services more than you do.
- I will not rest until I see you smile. - Then you will not rest.
Have you ever heard of the Vulcan Rumarie?
The Rumarie is an ancient pagan festival.
Full of barely-clothed Vulcan men and women,
covered in slippery Rillan grease, chasing one another.
- It's not been observed for a millennium. - It's time to bring it back.
Lieutenant Tuvok, report to engineering.
Acknowledged.
I've been thinking of a Rumarie theme - lots of high-fat, greasy foods,
and if people want to take off their clothes...
it certainly wouldn't hurt morale around here.
Is there a problem?
98% of his body has suffered third-degree burns.
If the circuit hadn't failed,
he'd have been vaporised.
He had entered the conduit to do repairs
when the accident occurred.
A perfectly good theory.
Unfortunately, it's wrong.
This contusion is the result
of a hard blow to the skull.
Perhaps he fell and hit his head.
The breakage tells us whether
the moving head hit a stationary object
or a moving object hit a stationary head.
This pattern indicates the latter.
I'm sorry to report Crewman Darwin was murdered.
There is no obvious motive.
He didn't have any known enemies on board.
I've looked over his record.
He was recommended as an officer's candidate.
He turned it down to come with us.
He has three sisters back home.
These are the duty logs from last night.
Lon Suder was alone in engineering when Darwin came on-duty.
Something wrong?
No, not really. I've just never been comfortable with Suder.
He never did anything wrong. It's...
As a Maquis, he did what he had to do a little too well.
- As in? - As in killing Cardassians.
I don't recall observing anything unusual about his behaviour.
You weren't with him in battle.
Around us he was the most unassuming guy you'll ever meet.
Typical Betazoid. Kept to himself. I never knew much about him.
We didn't ask for resumes. We needed all the help we could get.
We were doing what we were doing to protect our families.
But Suder had his own reasons.
I wish I knew what they were. There was something in his eyes...
Maybe he had something against Cardassians.
Sometimes I had to pull him back, stop him from going too far.
Once or twice he looked at me with those cold eyes
and I just knew he was this far away from killing me.
None of this was included in your initial crew evaluation.
I don't put hunches or bad feelings in my evaluations.
A Vulcan should appreciate that.
Your Maquis crew included malcontents, outlaws and mercenaries.
It would have been appropriate.
I wasn't going to make it harder for them.
Suder did his job serving with me and he's done his job here.
It seems clear where your investigation should begin.
- You wished to see me? - Sit down.
You were alone in engineering when Darwin reported for duty last night.
Did you speak to him?
No, we just looked at each other and we each did what we had to do.
And what was that?
I was running a fuel consumption analysis for Lieutenant Torres.
She can tell you. Are you accusing me of killing him?
I have accused no one at this time.
- Did you kill Crewman Darwin? - No. I barely knew him.
Being a Maquis doesn't make me a killer.
I will speak to everyone in engineering, perhaps everyone on this ship,
not just Maquis members.
We know how you feel about the Maquis.
I have no feelings about the Maquis.
You just spied on us and were going to turn us over to Starfleet.
It may be hard for you to understand, but that did not require any feelings.
The doctor places the time of death at 2214.
What were you doing then?
I was still running the fuel analysis. I worked on it until I went off-duty.
Would you be surprised to know that your console was logged off at 22097.
- That's not possible. - Do you have a criminal record?
That would be difficult to check on, wouldn't it?
- Why would you lie? - I'm not.
- Do you have a criminal record? - No.
How would you describe your relationship with Darwin?
I had no relationship.
- No disagreements? No fights? - No.
- No reason to kill him? - No.
You are dismissed, Crewman. I may have more questions for you later.
- Med lab to Tuvok. - Go ahead.
I think I've found something that will help you.
Do you see the DNA strands on the lower border?
They were retrieved from inside the wound
by nanites I designed to recognise unusual DNA patterns.
This DNA was isolated because it didn't belong to the victim.
Have you matched it to a member of the crew?
- Are you certain? - DNA doesn't know how to lie.
I must advise you that under Starfleet Directive 101,
you do not have to answer any questions.
No.
There's no point in denying it any more.
I used a two-kilo coil spanner.
He was sitting at the impulse system control panel.
He didn't even look up and I swung the spanner as hard as I could.
I suggest you speak to counsel.
There was practically no blood. I was surprised at that.
I figured that the EPS conduit was the easiest way to dispose of the body
but I must have damaged a circuit when I put him inside.
I hid the spanner behind a com line access panel on deck 7.
Why did you kill him, Mr Suder?
No reason.
That is not satisfactory. You must have had some motive.
I didn't like the way he looked at me.
No doubt about it. This is the murder weapon.
Mr Suder is apparently telling the truth.
You don't seem satisfied. You have a confession and the murder weapon.
- And no established motive. - Does it matter?
A crime must have a logical purpose.
I see. How to close the case without understanding the logic of the crime.
For a Vulcan that would be a dilemma.
Doctor, is it possible that Mr Suder is psychotic?
I doubt it. Kes, call up his genetic profile.
The neurogenetic markers are normal. There's no bipolar disorder.
He's not insane. What do the elevated norepinephrine levels suggest?
- Aggressive, violent tendencies. - Why didn't you report this immediately?
These readings are not so different from other Maquis.
It takes a certain type to be attracted to the life of an outlaw.
- Don't you believe his confession? - I do.
But my job is not finished until I determine a motive.
What if there was no motive?
One may not recognise the motivation, but there is always motivation.
You are trapped in your own Vulcan logic.
We all have violent instincts. We have evolved from predators.
Not me, of course. I've just been programmed by predators.
In a civilised world, can we suppress those instincts?
Most of the time we can. Vulcans certainly can.
Your violence is buried under centuries of control.
But other humanoid races aren't always so skilled at self-discipline.
Suder may have violent impulses that he just can't control.
Could a look from Mr Darwin provoke such a violent reaction?
It has been known to happen.
I do not accept that explanation.
I already told you why I killed him.
You didn't like the way he looked at you.
- How did he look at you? - Like a lot of people in Starfleet do.
So this murder was an outburst of rage against Starfleet.
- If that's how you want to look at this. - I want the truth.
I don't like Starfleet. I won't deny that.
- But... - Yes?
I have killed people who weren't in Starfleet for the same reason.
I did not like the way they looked at me.
I've thought about killing you.
In my case, you have a motive.
My previous mission as a spy. My role as your accuser.
But Crewman Darwin had done nothing to you.
- That's true. - Then why choose him as a victim?
I don't know.
Do you feel remorse?
I don't seem to feel anything at all.
Most Betazoid's can sense other people's emotions.
I can't even sense my own.
- What's going to happen now? - I'll discuss that with the Captain.
I know what I'd do if I were her.
Guess I'm lucky. Federation doesn't execute people.
I must understand why you killed Mr Darwin.
- I wish I could help you. - You can.
And I may be able to help you as well. Do you know what a mind-meld is?
It's that Vulcan thing where you grab someone's head.
We would be telepathically linked, exchanging our thoughts.
In essence, becoming one mind.
One mind? You and me? I wouldn't recommend that.
It is not without risk.
But I have internal processes that allow me to control violent instincts.
I will be able to suppress whatever feelings I draw from you.
And how will I be helped by all this?
It is likely that you will gain some of my self-discipline,
to better control your own violent nature.
- What do I have to do? - Release the force field.
My mind to your mind. Your thoughts to my thoughts.
Radiogenic particle density at the measured coordinates
was 1,873 per cubic metre.
And the winner of 16 replicator rations
in the Paris radiogenic sweepstakes is...
- Computer? - There is no winner today.
What? No winner?
- Computer, are you positive? - Try your luck again.
- Tomorrow you could be a winner. - Very funny.
You heard the little lady. Try your luck again, folks.
The pot grows daily until we have a winner.
Enter your name and pick a number.
Can I buy you lunch, Mr Kim? I have an extra ration today.
Two, by my count. 10% of the day's action.
The only one who wins every day is you.
I think I'll have some prime rib, medium rare,
mashed potatoes, creamed spinach,
maybe some Yorkshire pudding, and a raktajino with cream on it.
So it turned out to be a worthwhile and enlightening experience.
Did you get any answers?
It is difficult for me to accept, but Mr Suder was telling the truth as he knew it.
He is a man with an incredibly violent nature
without any outlet to express it.
I am surprised he maintained control for so long.
In his earlier life he found ways to release those impulses,
like volunteering for the Maquis.
What do we do with him?
If we were home, he'd be sent to prison.
The brig is the closest we have,
but we can't leave him in our dungeon for the whole trip.
Nor would it be appropriate to leave him in this quadrant.
I agree.
Captain, he is prepared to die for his crime.
An execution? You're not seriously suggesting that we...
I only mention it because of the extenuating circumstances.
He feels it would be appropriate.
I don't. I prefer to rehabilitate him, not to end his life.
We'll confine him to quarters. Install maximum security.
Pardon me, but allowing him the comfort of his own quarters
doesn't seem an appropriate punishment for murder.
If we don't get home soon, he'll be in that room a long time.
This is the best we can do under these circumstances.
Crewman Darwin's three sisters might not agree.
- How is Suder since the mind-meld? - Quite calm and controlled.
The meld initiated some high cortical activity in his brain.
And you? Any adverse effects?
I admit that I am more disconcerted than I anticipated.
- Take a day or two off for meditation. - Thank you.
But I am taking steps to purge these residual feelings.
Time off won't be necessary.
I will advise you of any further complications.
Tuvok...
Take care of yourself.
I would prefer to be alone.
Far be it from me to bother anyone. If you really want me to leave, I'll leave.
- I really want you to leave. - I don't believe you.
Your voice says go away, but your heart wants me to make you smile.
- Please. Go away. - Come on!
A little smile! How is it going to hurt? I won't tell anyone.
What must I do to convince you to stop?
Come on. Just a little itty-bitty smile. Just let the mouth curl a little.
There's an old Talaxian song my mother used to sing me as a child.
I'm going to sing it to you every day from now on. It goes...
Mr Vulcan, I can't breathe!
I can't breathe!
I'm sorry!
Computer, end holodeck program.
Particle density at the measured coordinates was 1,415 per cubic metre.
And the winner is?
Computer?
There won't be any more winners.
Come on, Chakotay. We were just having a little fun,
our recreation facilities being what they are.
You're responsible for this?
Starfleet has a problem with it?
With a senior officer gambling and skimming profits from the proceeds?
Why would Starfleet have a problem with that?
Since you have extra rations, you won't need these.
Today's pot is hereby confiscated.
The Captain's put a lot of faith in you. She'll be disappointed.
You're on report.
Now there's a tough job. Filling out reports.
But somebody's got to do it.
Thanks a lot.
- I did not hear you come in, Lieutenant. - How are you feeling?
- Centred. - Don't be misled.
Your violent instincts still exist. You are suppressing them.
I can feel the difference.
It is almost as if I can observe the violence inside me
without letting it get too close.
It is quite remarkable what you Vulcans have learned to do.
Understand that this will not be permanent
unless you commit to a strict regime of meditation and mental exercise.
And a series of holodeck programs
designed to allow your violent tendencies to be released
may purge your aggressive impulses.
Holographic violence does not give the same sensation as the real thing.
Has anyone ever suggested targeted neurosynaptic therapy?
That didn't work either.
Our Doctor is programmed with knowledge from the whole Federation.
He may know a treatment you don't.
Since the meld, I feel capable of controlling myself.
Perhaps with your help I can learn to stay this way.
It must be difficult for you.
- Difficult? - Knowing violence as I've known it.
I have studied violence for over 100 years.
Studying it and knowing it are different.
It's attractive, isn't it?
- Attractive? - Violence.
On the contrary. I find it disturbing.
You're right. It is disturbing.
Never knowing when that impulse may come, or whether you can control it,
you live on the edge of every moment.
And yet, in its own way, violence is attractive, too.
Maybe because it doesn't require logic. Perhaps that's why it's so liberating.
Ironic, isn't it, that I can share with you, of all people,
what I have hidden from everyone all my life.
- Can we do it again, Tuvok? - Again?
Meld.
That would not be advisable.
I understand. Really, I do.
I've thought about it a lot.
A mind-meld is almost an act of violence, isn't it?
- I don't understand... - Penetration.
Your will dissolving mine. The joining.
It seems to me that a mind-meld might be fatal if you lost control.
Computer, place level-1 security seals on this room.
Acknowledged. Security seals in place.
Delete security clearance Tuvok, 1494-Lambda.
Specified security clearance deleted.
Please inform the Captain that I am no longer fit for duty.
Acknowledged.
Computer, lift the security seal from Tuvok's quarters.
Wait here.
I would advise you not to enter.
- Tuvok. - Please do not come any closer.
- Talk to me. - I said don't come any closer.
We need to get you to sickbay.
It would be safer for the crew if I were to remain in these quarters.
I remind you I am trained in the martial arts of many Alpha Quadrant cultures.
Attempting to meditate,
I have counted the number of ways I know of killing someone.
Using just a finger, a hand, a foot...
I had reached 94 when you entered.
The Doctor is fully versed in Vulcan medicine.
Again, for safety reasons,
I recommend you sedate me before you initiate transport.
Levels of neuropeptides in the limbic system are down 15%.
There's a neurochemical imbalance in the mesiofrontal cortex.
That's where the Vulcan's psycho-suppression systems are.
This may be due to incompatibility with the Betazoid telepathic neural centre.
Vulcan mind-melds. Utter foolishness.
Nobody should share his brain with someone else.
Would you? I certainly wouldn't.
And when something goes wrong,
as it does more often than they admit, they call out, "Doctor!"
- Can you help him? - I don't know.
There's a course of treatments that should begin now.
We must take away his ability to control his violence.
We do this in short bursts and hope it provides a shock to his system.
If it works, his own neural controls will take over again.
I believe we're about ready.
Revive him.
Something has changed.
We've removed your emotional suppression abilities. How do you feel?
- I feel. - Tuvok. Do you know where you are?
Of course I know where I am.
I'm just not sure I know who I am.
Try to relax. The treatment still has about three minutes to go.
It must be working.
I feel very strong.
Very... powerful.
Quite euphoric. This must be how my ancestors felt.
Doctor, allow me to remain this way for a while.
- I could study primal Vulcan behaviour. - I'm not prepared to do that.
- The treatment is very specific. - You are not invulnerable, hologram.
A few well chosen commands, and you will cease to exit.
- Two minutes, 30 seconds left. - You look shocked, Captain.
You must be asking yourself, "What if this doesn't work?"
"What do we do then?"
I have an idea. I'll just stay in my quarters for the rest of the trip.
I'll just relax and read, eat the ship's food,
use the ship's energy, all in the comfort of my own room.
Mr Suder and I could get together for Cardassian Pinochle once a week.
- That is how we treat violent offenders. - You are not a violent offender.
I could be. Just like Suder.
I don't mind telling you something the other Tuvok never would.
You are wrong. Sparing Suder's life is a sign of weakness.
You disgust me.
All you humans do.
Admit it. Part of you feels as I do.
Part of you wants him to die for what he did.
- No part of me feels that way. - Liar!
He has killed and you know he deserves to die.
On behalf of the victim's family, I beg you to reconsider.
Give them the satisfaction of his execution.
I have a radical suggestion.
Release the force field...
and I'll kill him for you.
Release the force field.
My student. My protégée.
There is so much to learn for each of us today.
You'll be all right. This will be over in 30 seconds.
Listen to what I tell you. Release the force field.
I had them disable your telepathic abilities, too.
- You can't reach me. - Release the force field!
Ten seconds.
Five seconds.
It's over.
- He's lost consciousness. - Sedate him again.
Computer, remove the force field.
Help me get him back on the bed.
- How many treatments will be needed? - I wish I knew.
Mr Tuvok's mind is fighting a battle between good and evil.
The battle may be won in a day, a year... or it may never be won.
Tuvok?
I wondered what happened to you. They wouldn't tell me.
There were some complications from the meld.
I wondered about that.
I've been undergoing neurosynaptic therapy in sickbay.
- It didn't work? - No.
- Have you come to kill me? - To execute you for your crime.
To execute me. I see. And calling it that makes it more comfortable for you?
I will take no comfort in this.
A most logical use of violence to punish the violent.
We both know that I am prepared to die.
- But are you prepared to kill? - It needs to be done.
- To release your violent impulses? - To serve justice.
Justice or vengeance? Understand one thing, Tuvok.
I can promise you this will not silence your demons.
If you can't control the violence, the violence controls you.
Be prepared to yield your entire being to it,
to sacrifice your place in civilised life,
for you will no longer be a part of it, and there's no return.
I seek no return.
You would not be able to live with yourself. Then we are both to die.
And that will end the torment.
My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts.
My mind to your mind.
My thoughts to your thoughts.
- Suder to the bridge. - Why do you have a combadge?
Get down here, Chakotay. Lieutenant Tuvok needs help.
Captain's log, supplemental.
Suder is in secured quarters, where he will spend the rest of our journey.
Tuvok remains under observation in sickbay.
It may be hard for you to believe, but what happened is encouraging.
Your inability to murder shows your suppression systems are functioning.
You're on your way back to normal...
although I'm not sure the word "normal” applies if you suppress your emotions.
Captain, I must apologise for my inappropriate behaviour.
- I'm just glad we have you back. - I was most insulting to you.
Don't worry about it. I've been insulted before.
I hope you understand
that I have always had the greatest respect for you as a Captain,
and consider you a friend.
That means a great deal to me.
Enough said. Get some rest.
Tuvok.
No more mind-melds without my permission. Understood?