- Where are you headed? - The bridge.
- Mind if I walk with you? - Not at all.
- So, how's it going? - Not bad, I guess.
- Tuvok still giving you a hard time? - No more than usual.
When I think about spending 70 years with him, it gives me a headache.
I get the impression a lot of the crew agrees with me. Maquis and Starfleet.
Bridge.
- So, what do you think? - About what?
About what I said. A lot of the crew aren't happy with our chief of security.
I don't think Captain Janeway is winning any popularity contests either.
Don't you agree?
- I get the feeling you're testing me. - I'm interested in your opinion.
- Why? - You're a good officer.
I like you. I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.
Computer, halt turbolift. Look, what's this all about?
There are going to be changes here.
The Maquis are in line and 25 of the Starfleet crew are with us.
There's going to be a mutiny?
When the shooting starts, I need to know which side you're on.
Well, Commander, Voyager is all yours.
There's a first time for everything. Don't worry.
- I'll keep her safe and sound. - I'm sure you will.
- Captain Janeway. - Go ahead, Mr Paris.
- The shuttle's ready when you are. - On my way.
Don't you want to take Lieutenant Tuvok,
in case the Rukani are unfriendly?
I've prepared for the captain's safety.
You're still adapting to first officer duties.
My time will be better spent
assisting you in your effort
to justify the captain's trust in you.
I appreciate your concern for my safety, but Tuvok's right.
Lieutenant Paris and I will be fine.
I'll see you in 24 hours.
Lieutenant...
keep close tabs on the captain's shuttle.
Let's make sure she doesn't hit trouble.
Ensign, shut down those transporters
and start that diagnostic.
Shouldn't we wait for the captain to get back?
You have been given a direct order. Do as the commander tells you.
Aye, sir.
You've upgraded the internal sensors?
- I'm working on it, sir. - I hope so.
Wait here.
Is something wrong?
It's just tomorrow's duty roster.
Sir, Captain Janeway's shuttle has gone to warp.
Thank you, Tuvok. Chakotay to all hands. Let's do it.
Sir?
- Red Alert! Security to the bridge! - You're wasting your time, Harry.
My teams are in control of all key systems.
- People will fight back. - That's going to be difficult.
All your off-duty friends have been locked down in quarters.
- I guess you've made your choice. - Jonas to Chakotay.
They're putting up a fight on deck 2. We need help.
Get these people to the brig.
Move us out of com range of Janeway's shuttle. You're with me.
Deck 2.
- Thanks for watching my back in there. - Right.
Are you OK?
To tell you the truth, shooting Harry got me a little rattled.
He's only stunned. We're not going to kill anybody, unless it's necessary.
Just stay close.
Stay low.
They've got us pinned down.
We'll just have to shoot our way past them. Ready?
Seska!
- It's just like old times. - Thanks for the help.
Janeway's people are setting up a command centre in the mess hall.
Don't do that. This phaser's on wide beam. I could take you all in one shot.
Everybody, drop your weapons.
You heard him. Drop your weapons.
Don't look so surprised. I know a winner when I see one. I'm with you.
Do you want me to shoot him?
We still need a cook. Chakotay to engineering. What's your status?
- Engineering secure. - Transporter rooms, status.
Transporter room 1 under control.
Transporter room 2 secure.
- Shuttlebay, status. - Shuttlebay is secured.
I'll take care of prisoners here. Round up personnel locked in quarters.
- Bring them to cargo bay 1. - We did it.
Just like old times.
- You did a good job today. - Thanks.
- Make sure you keep it up. - What's that supposed to mean?
It means I'm not as easy to win over as Chakotay.
Come on! Let's go.
Wait here.
- Seska, what's going on? - Move it.
- We're being treated like prisoners. - No talking.
- Over there, with the rest. - What will you do with us?
- I said no talking! - Hey, take it easy.
It was a mistake letting Starfleet people in on this.
Now is not the time, Seska.
Take a good look around you. You're under armed guard.
You may also notice your senior officers aren't here. They're in the brig.
They'll be put off the ship at the first habitable planet.
Janeway and Paris will arrive at their rendezvous coordinates
to find that Voyager's not there. In short, I've taken control of the ship.
I don't blame you for your leaders' mistakes, so I'm giving you a choice.
You can be put off the ship with your superiors or you can do what Neelix
and some other crew members have already done and join me.
If you do, you'll be part of a crew that's going to do
whatever it takes to get us home as fast as possible.
Under my command, we won't let Federation principles get in the way
of opportunities the way Janeway did
by destroying the array that could have got us home.
And we won't be wasting precious time
stopping to investigate every insignificant anomaly we come across.
What we will do is use any means necessary to acquire technology
that can shorten our journey. To hell with Starfleet regulations.
You have 15 minutes to make up your minds.
B'Elanna, what's going on here?
Freeze program. Do you often walk in on private holodeck time?
You weren't dancing the rumba with a naked Bolian. We had a lunch date.
Is it lunch time already? I lost track of the time.
I expected to find you shooting pool at Sandrine's, not hanging out with Seska.
- What program is this? - It's really something.
I was purging the database, taking out old files, and I found this holonovel.
It's a kind of "what-if" story, all about a Maquis mutiny.
It's completely compelling and believable.
- I guess it's because it's all about us. - Who wrote it?
Now, that is the big mystery.
The author has gone to a lot of trouble to keep his identity a secret.
Why would they try to be anonymous?
Whoever plays this program takes on the role of a security officer,
who is approached by Chakotay to help take over the ship. It's inflammatory.
- You think we should tell the captain? - Probably.
It would be hard for us to give her a full report if we don't know how it ends.
- Excellent point. - Can you reset it?
- I was just getting to the good part. - Be a sport.
I'm on duty in less than an hour.
Besides, isn't half the fun of a holonovel having someone to talk it over with?
All right. You owe me one.
- Where are you headed? - The bridge.
- Mind if I walk with you? - I was hoping you would.
- How's it going? - Couldn't be better.
- Tuvok still giving you a hard time? - Doesn't he always?
When I think about spending 70 years with him, it gives me a headache.
Not to mention an upset stomach.
Bridge.
I hear you're planning a mutiny.
Computer, halt turbolift.
- Who told you that? - Let's just say there are rumours.
Don't believe everything you hear.
Of course not. I just want you to know that whatever happens, I'm with you.
Computer, resume turbolift.
I'm serious. Just tell me what you want me to do.
All right, Ensign, here it is.
When the captain leaves to meet the Rukani, put crew quarters on lock-down.
I'll ask you if you've upgraded the internal sensors.
If you say yes, I'll know we're ready to go.
- I understand. - I'm watching you. No tricks.
- We are entering the Rukani sector. - Inform the captain.
Well, Commander, Voyager's all yours.
There's a first time for everything. Don't worry.
- I'll keep her safe and sound. - I'm sure you will.
- Captain Janeway. - Go ahead, Mr Paris.
- The shuttle's ready when you are. - On my way.
Are you sure you don't want to take Lieutenant Tuvok with you,
just in case the Rukani are unfriendly?
I assure you. I have made thorough preparations for the captain's safety.
You are still adapting to your duties as first officer.
My time will be better spent assisting you in your effort
to justify the captain's trust in you.
I appreciate your concern, but Tuvok's right.
Lieutenant Paris and I will be fine. I'll see you in 24 hours.
Lieutenant, keep close tabs on the captain's shuttle.
- Make sure she doesn't hit trouble. - Aye, sir.
Ensign, let's shut down the transporters and start that diagnostic.
Shouldn't we wait for the captain to get back?
You have been given a direct order. Do as the commander tells you.
Aye, sir.
You've finished upgrading the internal sensors?
- Yes, sir. - I hope so.
- Wait here. - Is anything wrong, sir?
No, it's just tomorrow's duty roster.
- The captain's shuttle's gone to warp. - Thank you, Tuvok.
Chakotay to all hands. Let's do it.
- Sir? - Tuvok, get down!
- I guess you've made your choice. - It's not over yet, Chakotay.
Take them all to the brig.
Sir, we have to do something.
- What did you have in mind? - Escape. Retake the ship.
We will attempt it when the time is right.
What about trying it now?
Such a foolhardy proposal suggests a lack of training.
We are confined behind an electrostatic force field.
- We can't just do nothing. - We are hardly doing nothing.
We are observing the enemy, watching for discernible patterns,
looking for any weakness in their defences.
How long will this observing take? It's been over an hour. I'm bored.
I am not concerned with your amusement.
In a crisis situation, we will follow procedure.
We'll wait for the right opportunity to escape, even if it takes a week.
A week? Who wrote this stuff?
Hold Kim and Tuvok here. Bring the rest of them to cargo bay 1.
Enjoy the wait.
And we won't waste time stopping to investigate every insignificant anomaly.
We will use any means necessary to acquire technology
to shorten our journey. To hell with Starfleet regulations.
You have 15 minutes to make up your minds.
I don't need 15 minutes. I'm with you right now.
By the time I got around to joining Chakotay's rebels,
he was so suspicious that he had me lubricate the warp plasma manifolds.
Go along with it from the beginning. It's more fun.
- Next time I will. - I couldn't help overhearing.
You two are talking about the new holonovel.
I tried sending an encoded message to Captain Janeway's shuttle to warn her.
But Chakotay caught me, phasered me and the program reset.
Next time I'll pretend to go along with them and then stage a counter strike.
I thought we were going to keep this a secret.
- Don't look at me. I didn't tell him. - I heard about it from the Doctor.
I may have let it slip while I was running his weekly diagnostic.
Great. Who else knows about it?
Don't worry about me. My lips are sealed.
What's this Ayala tells me about a new holonovel?
Get in line, Harry.
Lieutenant Paris' personal log, stardate 50953 .4.
I've decided to take B'Elanna's advice and replay the holonovel,
as a member of Chakotay's mutineers. I hope it turns out better than before.
- Where are the warp engines? - The dilithium matrix won't reinitialise.
- It's been two days. - Don't worry. B'Elanna's on it.
Run a full security sweep. There's more to this than a faulty dilithium matrix.
- Do you think it's a saboteur? - A ship's approaching.
Bearing 216, mark 33. It's Janeway's shuttle.
Open a channel.
Hello, Kathryn. How did it go with the Rukani?
You're out of uniform, Commander.
- There have been a few changes. - So I've heard.
- You think I don't have any friends left? - Apparently, you do. But I'll find them.
Will you kill them or just put them off the ship?
- Nobody has to die here today. - I thought you'd keep your word.
I guess I was mistaken.
I'm sorry it's come to this. But the crew believes I can get them home faster.
That's going to be difficult without warp engines.
Our warp drive may be off-line, but our weapons systems are operational.
- They're powering phasers. - Don't try to be a hero.
I've been reasonable. You can keep the shuttle.
I'll transport you extra provisions.
But if you don't stand down, I will destroy your shuttle.
You've just threatened the wrong woman.
- What can she accomplish? - We can obliterate them in one shot.
Not till I give the order. Reopen a channel.
I don't know how, but they disabled our shields. We're vulnerable.
Target their warp core and fire.
- I always said Janeway was a fool. - Intruder alert on deck 8.
- It's Paris and Janeway. - Janeway's no fool.
She transported over while the shields were down.
- She's trying to free the prisoners. - You've got the bridge. You're with me.
Get away from that panel!
Drop it.
- Computer, resume program. - Holographic simulation is over.
Start it up again where it left off.
- Unable to comply. - Why not?
Additional narrative parameters have not been programmed.
- Are you saying there's no more story? - Affirmative.
Is this someone's idea of a practical joke?
Please rephrase the question.
There. I've bypassed the security override. Try it now.
Identify the author of holographic program entitled "Insurrection Alpha".
Information classified.
I tried every decryption protocol. Whoever wrote this is good.
And sadistic. I can't believe we've been left hanging.
Any luck?
Me neither. I've discreetly questioned everybody I thought I could trust.
Either nobody knows, or nobody's talking.
Remember when it was impossible to keep a secret on a small ship?
If that takes care of our official agenda, I'd like to discuss another matter.
The commander informs me there's a new holonovel
that's become popular among the crew.
It's been accessed 47 times by 33 crew members.
Is anyone here familiar with this?
I'm the one who found it on the auxiliary database.
- I've been running it too. - Anybody else?
I understand that the author of it has chosen to remain anonymous.
Perhaps because the story depicts Commander Chakotay
as the leader of a Maquis mutiny.
Now the cat's out of the bag, I want each of you to talk to your staff
and find out who our anonymous author is.
That won't be necessary, Captain.
I am the author of the program in question.
- You, Tuvok? - So you have literary aspirations.
- Not to mention talent. What a story. - There's been a misunderstanding.
It is not a holonovel. It is a training scenario.
When you invited the Maquis to join us, I believed that mutiny was a possibility.
So I began to write a training program
for junior security officers to prepare them for it.
- But you never finished it? - No.
As the crews began to work together, I concluded an insurrection was unlikely.
I realised the program might exacerbate the conflict I sought to avoid.
Therefore, I deleted the scenario, or so I believed.
You didn't account for B'Elanna's computer skills.
Nor her somewhat excessive curiosity. I apologise for my carelessness.
You should apologise for leaving us hanging by a thread.
- You've got to finish the story. - On the contrary.
It has the potential to incite animosity and must be deleted.
- I have no doubt the captain concurs. - With all due respect, loosen up.
You may have intended it to be a training tool,
but it looks like it's turned into harmless fun.
- As the captain... - I'm more than a captain.
I lead a community that needs entertainment, culture, creative outlets.
Since we're not privy to every new holonovel written back home,
it's natural to create our own.
Besides, Tuvok, if the crew doesn't get an ending, you may have a real mutiny.
If Tuvok doesn't want to finish it, I volunteer.
I've always wanted to write a holonovel. I could make it exciting.
Good. Then it's settled.
I can't wait to see if Captain Janeway manages to outwit the conspirators.
It's Mr Anonymous. Come to check up on your replacement?
Since the captain insists on allowing you to proceed,
I thought you might benefit from the original probability studies I conducted.
Thanks, but I don't need any probability studies.
I'm just making it up as I go along.
Indeed. I'd be curious to know what you've made up thus far.
Well, I was thinking, Paris and Janeway retake the ship.
- Then she executes the conspirators. - That is entirely implausible.
The captain would never behave in such a way.
This isn't real life. It's fiction. Don't get so caught up in logic.
Logic is an integral part of narrative structure.
According to the "Dictates Of Poetics", a character's actions must flow
from his or her established traits.
I don't know about that, but I know what makes an interesting story
and that's unexpected plot twists.
I will not let you turn this program into a parody.
- Are you going to finish it? - Artistic differences?
I would hardly call his ideas artistic.
My instincts don't comply with the Vulcan "Dictates Of Poetics".
I've got some suggestions that might help.
So far the story's been nothing but action, but it needs a little emotion.
- We are not writing a romance novel. - We?
You would benefit from my collaboration.
- Really? - I don't care who is writing it.
There is room in every good story for passion.
Maybe you're on to something.
I could add a love scene between the conn officer and the Maquis engineer.
That's realistic.
How about coffee to keep the creative juices flowing?
Thanks, Neelix.
- While I'm here... - Let me guess.
You have a suggestion to make.
I would never interfere in the creative process.
It's more of a comment about the Neelix character.
How surprising.
He would never betray the captain the way he does.
No offence, but I don't think you understand my character.
Did you forget to follow the "Dictates Of Poetics"?
Perhaps we should find someplace quieter to work.
That's the first intelligent suggestion this evening.
We should create a carefully constructed outline of the remainder.
- I told you. I'm making it up as I go. - We cannot proceed without an outline.
There's that "we" stuff again. I didn't agree to let you help.
Need I remind you that I began the scenario?
Do you think I'm compromising your creative vision?
In so many words, yes.
My duty is to ensure security is not compromised by your creative vision.
You had your chance and you wanted to delete it.
It is not an option now. I am exercising my prerogative as the original author.
Look, Tuvok, for the last time, I don't need any help.
There you are. I have several brilliant ideas for upcoming chapters,
as well as revisions that will improve the earlier instalments.
- I don't believe it. - Don't thank me.
I have expertise in creating holographic mise en scene.
Override the EMH program's controls and transfer him back to Sickbay.
- Now, wait just a min... - Thanks, Tuvok.
Now that I think about it, I'll take it from here.
You may find that difficult, since only I can make additions to the program.
All right. You win. We'll finish the story together.
That is a very rational decision. Reinitiate the holographic program
entitled "Insurrection Alpha", security clearance Tuvok-4774.
- The program is reinitiated. - The first thing we'll change is that title.
Reformat the holo-matrix for interactive algorithms.
- The holo-matrix has been formatted. - Reopen the narrative parameters file.
We just lost power in both transporter rooms.
The com went down and the holodeck systems are scrambled.
- Why are we in the brig? - I have no idea.
We gave no instructions to create a location.
Hello, Tuvok. I've been expecting you.
You've reopened the narrative parameters file of your tactical scenario.
How do you know that? You're a hologram.
A holographic representation of Seska, a Maquis shipmate you betrayed.
I would have thought that spying might have given you more insight into us.
But after looking over what you've written, I see you need help.
I've created a representation of myself to guide you through the program.
- There is no more program. - There is now.
I finished writing it for you, with a few revisions.
- Revisions? - To start, the holodeck is now sealed.
Your friends will find it difficult to get you out.
And the safety protocols are off, which means if I shoot you,
and I am going to shoot you, you'll die.
But not just yet.
You've got ten seconds to run.
- Nine... eight... - Computer, end program.
- Seven... six... - Holodeck 1 to bridge.
- Emergency transport. - Did I forget to tell you?
When you restarted, the com system went down.
- Four... three... - We'd better do what she says.
Two... one.
You should never have crossed her.
She has been dead for over a year. I couldn't predict this.
Seska wouldn't let death stop her from getting even.
Tuvok. Tom.
- In here. - Captain?
We'll transport to the cargo bay to free the prisoners. It's safer than on foot.
She's a hologram, too?
She believes we're here to help her retake the ship.
Play along. We could use all the help we can get.
But Seska rewrote the scenario.
Maybe she's programmed her to betray us.
- You have a better idea? - It is safest to avoid participation.
The real captain will discover our predicament and shut it down.
- Let's move! - Hold it right there!
- Back off! - Or what? You'll shoot us?
- Go right ahead. - Whatever you say.
Poor Kathryn. Nobody told her the phaser rifles have been malfunctioning.
You're an incredible woman, Seska.
You see who's in charge now?
If I were you, I'd get moving. The program's not over.
We have no intention of participating.
Do you want to end up like the captain?
You programmed it. A malfunctioning phaser.
Chakotay attracted to you. It's not real.
You hear that? He thinks this is a game.
- Show him he's wrong. - I've been waiting a long time for this.
I told you the safety protocols are off.
You've got five seconds to run, or you'll get more than a flesh wound.
- So much for not playing along. - Can you continue?
- I'll keep up, but where are we going? - I have an idea.
This isn't the real sickbay.
I may be able to use the equipment to treat you
and it's as good a place as any to hide.
- State the nature of the emergency. - I'm fine.
You have phaser burns. Have a seat on bio-bed 1.
- I'm telling you, I feel fine. - You require treatment.
20ccs nitric acid. A little proverbial salt in the wound.
- You're looking well. - Go!
I'm not going to leave you!
It was a pleasure treating you.
- Are you all right, Mr Paris? - Just great.
We can go to the mess hall now and let Neelix burn me with a frying pan.
It appears Seska has reprogrammed the holographic crew to torture us.
I suggest we avoid meeting any more of them.
Seska to Tuvok. I know you can hear me.
Terrific.
I just wanted to remind you that wherever you go, I'll find you.
- I say we try the Jefferies tubes. - I concur.
You won't believe this, but Seska caused these cascade failures.
How?
What she lacked in loyalty she made up for in ingenuity.
The logs show she got into Tuvok's scenario on stardate 48671,
a month before she left the ship.
She programmed it to cause shutdowns when Tuvok reopened the file.
- He didn't do this until today. - Can we get them out?
Seska laid booby traps everywhere.
If we open the holodeck doors, the power grid will explode.
- The transporters are still off-line. - Is the narrative parameters file open?
Seska's revised program is playing out as we speak.
If Seska can rewrite Tuvok, maybe I can rewrite Seska.
So, Tuvok, anything in the "Dictates Of Poetics"
about how to escape from a ship full of insane holograms?
Your attempts at humour are hardly constructive.
The controls are jammed. I cannot close it.
Tuvok!
- Where did this come from? - An intriguing question.
Is Seska toying with us?
Taking us to the brink of death, so she can keep torturing us?
I prefer a more optimistic interpretation.
It is possible our shipmates know of our predicament
and are making additions to the program, like a plasma extinguisher.
If you want to look on the bright side, I won't argue with you.
If they know what's going on, why hand us that?
Why not shut down the holo-grid, or change the scenario?
I imagine Seska has made it difficult to implement more than minor changes.
Take a look at this.
- You were right. - We must follow their instructions.
Hello, boys. What do you say we go for a little walk?
Where did they come from?
Seska's programme is adding algorithms to counteract changes.
I need access to narrative subroutines.
- I can't get in. - Find a way.
Or Tom and Tuvok won't get out alive.
Chakotay's taking them to the cargo bay.
How are you coming with the transporters?
The program disabled the relay access ports.
It will take a while to get them out.
I guess that means I keep writing.
All your comrades have been captured.
It should be obvious by now that this is no longer a Starfleet vessel.
Bring Paris and Tuvok over here. You and you, bring your weapons.
- What are you doing? - I'm going to execute them here.
- I need access to character algorithms. - I'm on it.
- Fire on my order. - Belay that.
- What are you doing? We planned this. - I'm not sure it's necessary to kill them.
The Chakotay hologram is undergoing a character change.
- Are they trying to help us again? - They deserve to die.
Don't listen. You've taken the ship. No need to add murder to your offences.
- Quiet! - Lower your weapons.
It's working.
If I can just keep modifying the Chakotay hologram...
You're not losing your nerve.
We have what we want. There's no reason to kill them.
- Prepare to fire on my order! - Seska.
- I'm in command of this operation. - Not any more.
I don't believe it.
It is reconfiguring the subprocessors to counter all our changes.
No matter what we do, it rewrites itself so that Tom and Tuvok will die.
I'm not out of ideas yet.
Does anyone else want to challenge my authority?
Isn't their loyalty inspiring? Set your phasers to kill.
- Don't listen to her. - Fire on my order.
What the hell was that?
Don't move, Seska.
Bridge to Seska. We're under attack by the Rukani.
The Rukani?
The people we visited while you took over the ship.
When we realised there was a mutiny, we called them for assistance.
- Have you got transporters yet? - Still working on it.
- You're not getting this ship back. - That is a bold statement.
Initiate 60 seconds self-destruct sequence, authorisation zeta-1.
Ship self-destructs in 60 seconds.
Belay that order, authorisation Tuvok-4774.
Unable to comply. Voiceprint not recognised.
Hand over that phaser, or everyone will be dead in...
Self-destruct in 45 seconds.
I don't know how she rigged it, but she initiated an overload
in the holodeck power relays. The whole grid is going to blow.
30 seconds.
Hand over the weapon, or the ship is going to be destroyed.
I have set this phaser to kill. If you do not deactivate self-destruct, I will fire.
I'm surprised at you, Tuvok. That's not logical.
If I'm dead, who turns off self-destruct?
15 seconds to self-destruct.
13..12..11..10..9...
Terminate self-destruct sequence, authorisation zeta-1.
Self-destruct sequence has been terminated.
Call off your Rukani friends.
Do what she says. That's an order, Mr Paris.
Paris to the Rukani vessel.
Thank you for your assistance, but it's under control.
It is, isn't it?
If you want something done right, you do it yourself.
Not bad.
Seska's not the only one who knows how to cause a phaser malfunction.
The holographic simulation has ended.
- It's over. - Kim to Engineering.
- I can give you transporters now. - That's all right, Harry. No rush.
Here's to stories with happy endings.
Causing the alien ship to come to our aid was an effective plot development.
Who says deus ex machina is an outdated literary device?
I'm glad you didn't have writer's block.
You two have to come up with a new idea for your next literary collaboration.
- What about a Western? - Or a detective story?
I don't care what the story is, as long as I'm not the bad guy.
I've got a great idea about a daring trader who becomes a starship's cook.
- Eventually, he rises... - Mr Neelix.
If Mr Paris and I do create another holonovel,
we will choose a subject less close to home.