Sickbay to the Captain. This is the Doctor.
I assume you have news.
Yes. Our sensors show your vital signs are normal. How are you feeling?
Fine. How long were we in stasis?
- A total of 17 days. - That long?
I wanted to exhaust every possibility of finding a cure.
I'm afraid I have been unsuccessful.
I am not able to develop a counteragent for the virus
and I have no other options to explore.
Can you keep us in stasis on Voyager?
Something there is shielding you from the effects of the virus.
If you leave, you risk a fatal recurrence of the disease.
The only option I can think of is contacting the Vidiians.
They have sophisticated technology. They might be able to help.
We'll take it under advisement. Thank you. Janeway out.
- What do you think? - It's risky. The Vidiians never help us.
They might attack Voyager and try to harvest body parts.
Agreed. I just want to make sure we're not overlooking an alternative.
Could we live with ourselves, knowing we'd sent Voyager into danger?
- Janeway to Tuvok. - I'm here, Captain.
- You're aware of the Doctor's report. - Yes.
I'm turning over command of the ship to you permanently.
Resume a course for the Alpha Quadrant.
And regardless of the Doctor's suggestion,
you are not to make contact with the Vidiians.
- I understand. - I'll prepare a message for the crew.
- So we're going to abandon them? - Those were our orders.
But you can rescind them.
To what end?
We haven't been able to find a cure for an insect bite?
The Doctor hasn't deactivated himself for a month.
He searched every database, attempted the most drastic research.
I can tell you, the morale of the crew will suffer if we leave them behind.
Not "if", when we leave them behind.
The decision has been made.
We will provide them with everything they'll need.
I am transporting a modular shelter to the surface.
They'll have technology - weapons, tricorders, a replicator...
You talk as though it were a camping trip.
It's the rest of their lives.
That is not certain. Captain Janeway will continue researching the virus.
She is an able scientist, and may be able to effect a cure.
They have a Type-9 shuttlecraft
if it becomes possible for them to leave.
Type-9 shuttlecraft has a top speed of warp 4.
It won't take them more than about 700 years to get home.
I am not certain what it is you expect me to do.
I guess clearly something you can't do,
which is to feel as rotten about this as we do.
I am unable to experience that emotion.
And I fail to see what the benefit would be.
If there is nothing more, you are all dismissed.
- Janeway to Tuvok. - Yes, Captain.
We've received the transport. We'll let you know if we need anything.
I will remain in orbit until I hear from you.
Then we can remain in communication for about 36 hours.
I'll contact you before the day is over. Janeway out.
- We've got all the contents of the ship! - We may be here a while.
Petri dishes, protein analyser, DNA sequencers -
everything I need for my research.
- Do you think you can find a cure? - It may take a while, but yes.
If I find a specimen of the infected insect, I can analyse protein cofactors.
That might tell us what it is in this environment
that's keeping us from being sick, and how to replicate it.
Does it matter which way these go?
I guess it depends whether you're in a beige mood or a grey mood.
We need something more cheerful.
- Like polka dots? - I was thinking of a pinstripe,
something in blues and greens.
I suggest we put the grey on the outside and the beige inside.
I look better in beige. It might be interesting roughing it for a while.
Roughing it? We have shelter, furniture,
research equipment, tricorders, a replicator.
- It's too rough. - We don't have a bathtub.
A bath is my favourite way of relaxing.
Captain, you can learn to love the sonic shower.
Chakotay, we aren't exactly in a command structure any more.
Maybe you should call me Kathryn.
Give me a few days on that one, OK?
This diagnostic report looks like it was written by a first-year cadet.
There are mistakes.
- It's incomplete. - I'm sorry, Lieutenant.
- I guess I've been distracted. - We all have. That's no excuse.
Yes, ma'am.
- Nobody can concentrate. - I know how they feel.
I'm not feeling terrific, but I don't let it get in the way of my work.
B'Elanna...
I've been talking with some of the Starfleet crew.
They're not happy about what happened.
I was wondering, how are the Maquis taking it?
How do you think they're taking it?
This isn't a Starfleet issue, Harry. It's affecting everyone.
- Then why don't we do something? - Do what?
I don't know.
It seems like we shouldn't just accept this.
That's fine but I can't think of anything else we can do.
If you have any ideas, I'll listen.
Otherwise, I think we should take a deep breath and move on.
- Catch anything? - The same ones as yesterday.
They don't carry the pathogen that's infected us.
- Where were you? - In the woods.
Is something going on I should know about?
- Not yet. - What's that supposed to mean?
- I'll tell you when it's time. - Don't I get hints?
I'm building something.
What could you be building? And why can't you tell me?
You're like a little kid wheedling.
- Tuvok to Janeway. - Janeway here.
We're about to move out of communications range.
How are you faring?
We're doing quite well. I'd like to speak to the crew now.
Your com link has been put through to the entire ship.
This is Kathryn Janeway.
I've never liked saying goodbye, so I'll make this brief.
Being your Captain has been the most extraordinary experience of my life.
I couldn't ask more than what you have given -
bravery, compassion and strength of character.
- But I think what I'll miss most is the fun. - The times we joked together, the games.
I'll remember the laughter most of all.
Chakotay and I won't be with you for your journey,
but we know that you'll be a steadfast crew for Mr Tuvok.
We wish you a safe, speedy journey home. Our thoughts are with you.
- Janeway out. - Thank you.
I am sure I speak for the entire crew
when I say we will always remember your grace and courage.
And I would like to add, it has been an honour serving with you.
Live long and prosper.
Kathryn Janeway's personal log, stardate 49690.1.
Day 24 of our stay on the planet we've named New Earth.
I haven't made any progress in finding a cure for our illness,
but a soak in the tub Chakotay built helps me focus on possible solutions.
- Chakotay, are you there? - No, I left an hour ago.
Maybe looking for protein cofactors is the wrong approach.
Even if I can't find a specimen of the insect that infected us,
I could learn something about the evolution of this planet's ecosystem.
Can't hurt to give it a try.
Chakotay! Someone's in the woods!
Over there.
It looks like some kind of primate.
I've detected primate lifesigns here, but I've never seen one.
Hello.
Are you hungry?
Is that why you came here?
I'm Kathryn. He's Chakotay.
We've moved into your neighbourhood, but I hope we can be friends.
Maybe he'll come back.
- Looking for a pet? - No.
Looking for a clue about primate physiology.
They must have to contend with insect bites, too.
Well, excuse me.
Maybe we should be out looking for other primates.
Kathryn, the doctor worked for weeks trying to find a treatment.
You've been at it 12 hours a day, seven days a week,
and we're still no closer to a cure.
I'm not sure what you're getting at.
My people have a saying: "Even the eagle must know when to sleep”.
Maybe it's time we considered that.
You mean quit? Give up?
Why do you have to see it as defeat?
Maybe it's simply accepting what life has dealt us, finding the good in it.
There may be a day when I'll come to that but...
I'm a long way from it right now. I need to keep looking.
Acting Captain's log, supplemental.
The decision to leave Janeway and Chakotay behind
still weighs heavily on the crew.
- Captain Tuvok? - Yes, Ensign?
I'm picking up a convoy on long-range sensors.
It's Vidiian, sir.
- Distance? - Approximately 1.5 light years.
Alter course to a different heading. I don't want to risk their detecting us.
- Sir, the Vidiians... - Yes?
We could ask them if they know anything about the Captain's illness.
Captain Janeway specifically told us not to contact the Vidiians.
Yes, but we didn't go out of our way to find them.
We would just be taking advantage of an opportunity.
That bit of sophistry is not terribly persuasive, Ensign.
Sir, how can we turn our backs on this chance to do something?
Don't we have to try? Don't we owe that to the Captain and the Commander?
The matter is closed, Ensign. Return to your station.
What's wrong with the rest of you? You know I'm right.
We could help them. How can we ignore that?
You are relieved of duty.
Leave the bridge at once or I will have you put in the brig.
Harry.
Proceed on the altered course, Lieutenant.
Excuse me. Ensign Kim.
- Could we? - Sure. Have a seat.
We heard what happened on the bridge.
We agree. We must contact the Vidiians.
- It's a risk but it's worth it. - That's what I think.
But Tuvok's made his decision. We won't change his mind.
- There are more who agree with us. - A lot.
No one can believe that Tuvok won't give this a try.
Come on.
- Did you hear what happened? - Sure did.
You said if I had an idea about what to do, you'd listen.
I'm listening.
Is there something going on that I should know about?
We might have come up with the biggest morale booster imaginable.
Come in.
Could I have a moment, sir?
It's 0100 hours, Ensign. Don't you have the early shift?
Yes, sir, but this is important.
Very well.
First of all, I want to apologise for my behaviour yesterday.
Apology accepted. I understand that this is a difficult situation for you.
I'd like to suggest a plan. A lot of people have helped to develop it.
We have two big bargaining points with the Vidiians.
First, there's the woman Doc treated, Danara Pel.
They were very close so I'm sure she'd help us.
And then there's B'Elanna. Her DNA might lead to a cure for the phage.
We could offer them some in exchange for their help with a cure.
Those are, as you say, points in our favour.
But we were recently responsible for the destruction of a Vidiian ship,
an act which killed over 300 of their people.
That makes it unwise for us to contact them.
Sir, I think you should know how many people on this ship disagree with you.
Everyone I talk to thinks we should give this a try.
They do not have the responsibility of commanding this vessel. I do.
The safety of this crew is paramount, and I must do what I can to ensure it.
But if we're willing to take that risk in order to help the Captain...
I'm going to say this once and once only.
If you ever question my orders again,
you will be relieved of duty permanently.
The next words I expect to hear from you are "Yes, sir".
Yes, sir.
I'm going to check the insect traps in Beta 4.
What are you up to now?
- Making headboards. - Headboards?
I've noticed you sometimes sit up in your bed to read.
You need a comfortable backrest.
That's very thoughtful of you.
You've done so many things to make our lives easier.
The cooking, for example. I hate to cook.
But what I do makes you uncomfortable, doesn't it?
Every time I add a personal touch to the shelter, you resist it.
Sometimes it feels as though you've given up,
that you're focused on making a home here instead of finding a cure.
I can't sacrifice the present waiting for a future that may never happen.
The reality is that we may never leave here.
So yes, I'm trying to make a home,
something that's more than a plain, grey box.
Someday I may have to let go. But not today, OK?
I've tried a new glucose bait in the traps.
I have a feeling this might be the day I make a breakthrough.
Hello? Chakotay?
Hello again.
You certainly cover a lot of territory.
Or are you following me?
Do you understand me?
There. Know what that is?
That little insect just might be what gets me out of your backyard.
What is it?
What's happened to the sky?
If you're suggesting I should get out of here, I agree.
Kathryn!
Kathryn.
- Are you hurt? - No. I couldn't carry the case.
- Give it to me. - What's happening?
It seems to be some kind of plasma storm.
Our tricorders don't recognise it, but it sure packs a wallop!
Come in.
- Do you have a moment? - Of course. Please sit down.
I'd like to talk to you about my father.
- Your father? - He was a very wise man.
More than anyone, he shaped the person I am.
If it hadn't been for him I would have never questioned my people's beliefs.
- I would never have met all of you. - Then we owe him a debt.
I can't imagine this journey without you.
When he died, I had just turned one year old.
I didn't know how I'd live without him.
But then I started working with you and I didn't miss him so much any more.
I am honoured by the comparison.
The well-being of your crew is important to you.
Of course.
Their emotional well-being as well as their physical safety?
I cannot become hostage to their feelings.
Tuvok, they are suffering because of this.
Maybe you don't know what it's like.
You think I am not sensitive to the situation?
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I have lost a valued friend.
I am not immune to the effects of that loss.
Then try to imagine what it's like for those of us who feel things deeply.
A lot of the crew are on the bridge hoping you'll talk to them.
You cannot appreciate what it means to be in command of a ship
until that responsibility rests on your shoulders as it does on mine.
You want me to take an action which would require me to disobey an order
and put you into a life-threatening situation.
I believe it demonstrates faulty leadership
to be guided by the emotions of a distraught crew.
However, as Captain, I must not ignore the sensibilities of those I command.
We will contact the Vidiians.
This is my decision and mine alone.
You are all absolved of responsibility.
I will accept any consequences which may ensue.
Lieutenant, set a course for the Vidiian convoy.
Mr Kim, let me know when we're within hailing range.
Oh, no!
Let's check outside. Maybe some of the insect traps are still intact.
None of this is salvageable either.
There's no way I can continue to do my research.
I'm sorry.
Well, that's one way of letting go.
Captain's log, stardate 49694.2.
We have had encouraging contact with the Vidiian convoy.
They have promised to ask Dr Danara Pel if she will help us.
Sir, the Vidiians are hailing us.
On screen.
- Hello, Lieutenant. - Dr Pel.
- I didn't think I'd see you this quickly. - I boarded the first ship I could.
Tell me about this illness.
They were bitten by insects on a planet about 70 light years from here,
in a system with a yellow dwarf star.
- The third planet in a system of seven? - Yes.
I know it. A particular insect carries the disease.
We developed an anti-viral agent to combat it.
- Can we get some from you? - Of course.
Our Captain has transmitted our coordinates to you.
- I have them, sir. - Thank you, Doctor.
- We appreciate your help. - I'm glad I can be of assistance.
- Estimated time to the coordinates? - Approximately 20 hours.
Until then, I want a series of battle drills.
We must be ready for whatever comes.
I've been thinking. There's plenty of wood available.
I could add rooms to the shelter, give us more living space.
- How would you mill it? - I could do some with a phaser.
- But I was actually thinking of logs. - As in log cabin?
I built a few when I was growing up. My father thought I should learn how.
My parents took us on backpacking trips
so we'd keep a connection to our pioneer roots. I hated it.
- No bed, no replicator. - No bathtub.
No bathtub. I guess I was always a child of the 24th century.
Well... maybe those trips helped prepare you for life here.
Oh, no. Life here is much better than that.
That's the first time you've said anything positive about being here.
Well, hello there. I haven't seen you in a while.
- Where have you been? - Do you expect him to answer?
I sense intelligence in him, and I swear he came to warn me about the storm.
Come here, fella. Come on.
I doubt that he can be domesticated, at least not very easily.
Well, we have plenty of time.
The rest of our lives.
That's a long time.
At least I hope so.
I can't give you orders but I suggest we get back to work.
Aye, aye, Captain.
I guess I'm not used to that kind of work.
My knots are getting knots.
Here, let me help.
That feels good.
I've had a lot of practice at this.
My mother used to get sore necks all the time.
I was the only one she'd trust not to make it worse.
That's much better. Thank you.
Well... I'm gonna go to bed now. I'll see you in the morning.
Sleep well, Kathryn.
Yes. You too.
Got something. Vidiian ship, bearing 325, mark 5.
Hail them.
They aren't responding. Trying other frequencies.
I'm reading a second ship, 177, mark 5.
- Now a third. - They're surrounding us!
None of them are answering hails and their weapons are powered.
Red Alert.
We have to talk about this.
Al right.
I think we need to define some parameters about us.
I'm not sure I can define parameters.
But I can tell you a story, an ancient legend among my people.
It's about an angry warrior who lived his life in conflict with the rest of his tribe.
He couldn't find peace, even with the help of his spirit guide.
For years, he struggled with his discontent.
But the only satisfaction he ever got came when he was in battle.
This made him a hero among his tribe,
but he still longed for peace within himself.
One day he and his war party...
were captured by a neighbouring tribe led by a woman warrior.
She called on him to join her
because her tribe was too small to defend itself from all its enemies.
The woman warrior was brave and beautiful and very wise.
The angry warrior swore to himself that he would stay by her side,
doing whatever he could to make her burden lighter.
From that point on, her needs would come first.
And in that way,
the warrior began to know the true meaning of peace.
Is that really an ancient legend?
No.
But that made it easier to say.
- Shields down to 58%. - Rearm the phasers. Fire at will.
Firing.
Shields down to 47%. Sir, there are just too many of them.
Load aft torpedo bays.
- Torpedoes armed. - Fire number one.
- Report. - They're still coming.
Fire number two.
Tuvok to engineering. Listen carefully.
- She has a broken arm. - Use the osteogenic stimulator.
There's someone on the monitor.
Odd. Why wouldn't they just use the com line?
I don't think this is coming from our ship.
- Shmullus, can you hear me? - Danara!
I have to do this quickly. I'm on one of the Vidiian ships.
Do they know you're contacting me? Are you in danger?
No. Everyone's too focused on the battle.
Shmullus, I swear I didn't know they planned to attack.
I thought we were on an errand of mercy.
- I believe you. - I have the anti-viral serum.
If you can use your transporter...
We can't transport through our shields.
- I don't know what else to suggest. - I'll see what I can do.
We can lower the shields long enough to transport the serum.
Sickbay to bridge.
- This is Tuvok. We're busy. - Dr Pel is on one of the Vidiian ships.
If we can drop our shields, we can get the serum.
Keep this com line open.
When you hear me order the shields down, complete a transport.
- We will be busy with the Vidiians. - Understood.
- Engineering? - We're ready to eject the container.
Stand by for my command. Here is the sequence of events.
We will drop shields to transport the medicine.
At that moment, the container will be ejected.
When it's clear, Mr Kim will detonate it with a photon torpedo.
Mr Paris will jump to full impulse so that we will avoid the explosion.
Is everyone clear on this? Timing is of the utmost importance.
- We won't get a second chance. - Understood.
- Aye, sir. - We're ready.
- Doctor? - I've set up to make the transport.
Stand ready then.
Lower shields.
- Initiating transport. - Ejecting the antimatter container now.
We've got it. Raise shields.
Mr Kim, Mr Paris, go.
Firing torpedo.
- Report. - The Vidiian ships are disabled.
- They're not pursuing. - Ready to go to warp, sir.
Set a course for the planet where we left the Captain and Chakotay.
Aye, aye, sir.
How are they coming?
Very nicely.
We should have Talaxian tomatoes in a couple of months.
Unless this planet has the equivalent of tomato bugs. They're awful.
I would never have thought of you as a gardener.
I grew up around farmers. My parents insisted we learn gardening skills.
- Did you hate it? - Of course.
Who wanted to be in the dirt instead of studying quantum mechanics?
But I find it very satisfying now, watching the seeds sprout and grow.
If your tomatoes could spare you, I'd like your opinion.
I always have an opinion.
Really?
- What do you think? - A boat!
You want to explore the river. I could build this.
We could go on a camping trip.
- We couldn't fit the bathtub. - I'll have the river.
- Captain Janeway? - Do you hear that?
Yes.
Captain Janeway, do you read me?
This is Tuvok calling Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay.
Please respond.
- This is Janeway. - It's good to hear your voice.
We have news. We have medicine which will treat your condition.
We plan to be in orbit within 30 hours.
Ready?
There you are.
At least I get to say goodbye.
Feel free to use the house.
Janeway to Voyager. Two to beam up.
Welcome back, Captain, Commander.
The Doctor tells me you contacted the Vidiians.
I disobeyed your order. I am prepared to accept the consequences.
If I didn't know you better, I'd say your decision was almost emotional.
Thank you all. We've lost time.
- Let's make some of it up. Warp 8. - Aye, Captain.
We must review the ship's systems.
I'll handle much of it. You do sensors, weapons and transporters.
I'll have a report to you by 1800 hours.
See if maintenance solved the temperature problem.
Yes, ma'am. I'll see to it.