Voyager and the Maquis ship enter a debris field. Thousands of
debris fill this part of space. The Captain's Log indicate that she has been informed that
they've encountered a debris field, in which the sensors have detected a small vessel. A
humanoid lifeform is aboard...
As Captain Janeway arrives on the Bridge, she
orders the comm officer to hail them. On the viewscreen, we see junk literally clogging up the
whole screen. Soon, the owner of the vessel comes scurrying to the computer terminal, clearing
away the junk in front of it, and says that whoever it is, he found this waste zone first.
Janeway tells the alien that they're not interested in this debris field and wonders what's his
name. The alien says that his name is Neelix, and since they are not interested in the debris
field, he is delighted to meet them. Captain Janeway introduces herself and the name of their
ship. Neelix says that it's a very impressive title. He has no idea what it means, but it sounds
very impressive.
Soon, Janeway gets right down to business. She asks
Neelix if he knows this area of space well. Neelix says that he is famous for knowing it well
and wonders how he may be of service. Janeway asks Neelix if he knows anything about the array
that's sending energy pulses to the fifth planet. Neelix says that he knows enough to stay as
far away from it as possible. Then, he pauses, as he tries to recount a story. He guesses that
the Voyager crew were whisked away from somewhere else in the galaxy and brought here against
their will. Janeway says that it sounds as though that Neelix has heard this story before.
Neelix says sadly yes, thousands of times, well, hundreds, maybe fifty times, as he has trouble
remembering. He says that the Caretaker has been bringing ships here for months now.
Janeway wonders who the Caretaker is. Neelix says
that's what the Ocampa call him. The Ocampans live on the fifth planet. He then asks Janeway if
the Caretaker kidnapped members of their crew. Janeway agrees and says that as matter of fact,
he did. Neelix says that it's not the first time. Janeway wonders if Neelix knows where he might
have taken them. Neelix says that he's heard that they're sent to the Ocampa and nothing more.
Janeway would appreciate any help that he can give them in finding these Ocampa. Neelix wishes
he could help them, but as they can see, there is so much debris to investigate today. They'd be
surprised at the things of value that some people abandon.
Janeway encourages him by saying that they would
compensate him for his troubles. Neelix says that Janeway has very little they could offer him,
but gets an idea. Janeway prods him for more. Neelix wonders if Janeway has water. Janeway
coaxes him further and says that if he helps them find their missing crewmembers, he can have
all the water he wants. Neelix says that seems like a reasonable arrangement. The matter is settled,
as Janeway tells Neelix that they'll beam him over and tow his ship in their shuttlebay. Janeway
orders Tuvok to go to the Transporter Room to greet their guest. Neelix is confused at the word
beam. Janeway informs Neelix that they have a technology that can instantly take him from his
ship to theirs. She tells him that it's quite harmless and wonders if it's all right with
Neelix. Neelix suddenly prepares for transport, as he lifts his arms up.
------
Lt Tuvok enters the Transporter Room and orders the Transporter
Operator to energize. When the Transporter Chief activates the console, Neelix begins to
materialize on the transporter platform. After materializing, Neelix is shocked that his whole
body is still intact and says that it's astonishing. He adds that the Federation are obviously
an advanced culture. Tuvok reminds Neelix that the Federation is made up of many cultures. He is
Vulcan. Neelix misinterprets this as his name and introduces himself, and adds that it is good
to meet Tuvok. Neelix then looks around the room with awe and curiosity. He says that it's
interesting and wonders what exactly does all this equipment do. Tuvok says that all of the
equipment in this room has a specific function, but it will take hours for him to explain it
all. He then suggests that they proceed to Mr Neelix's quarters. As they leave, he recommends
that Neelix take a bath and Neelix wonders what that is. Neelix continues to be amazed at the
ship's technology, including their automatic doors.
Back at the alien hospital, Ensign Kim is sitting
up on his bed with nothing to do. Suddenly, B'Elanna Torres, lying next to him, gets up and
makes rapid movement, ready to defend herself. Ensign Kim tells B'Elanna to calm down. B'Elanna
gets on her feet, and demands who Harry is and what is this place. Ensign Kim tells her his name
and that he is an ensign on the starship Voyager. He adds that he was kidnapped from the array,
just like she was and he doesn't know where they are. Getting angrier, B'Elanna wonders what
Starfleet was doing at the array. Kim informs her truthfully that they were looking for them,
actually. One minute they were in the Badlands and the next. B'Elanna interrupts and says that
they were trying to capture them. Kim agrees and says that she is considered captured. Then, in
a comical move, searches his gown and says that he knows he has a phaser here somewhere. Torres
gets angrier and says that isn't funny.
Soon, B'Elanna goes up to the door, but Kim says
that it's no point as it is locked. Suddenly, B'Elanna's anger boils up again as she bangs on
the door. Harry Kim goes up to her, grabs her and asks her what's that going to accomplish.
B'Elanna resists Harry and gets angrier, demanding to know what they're doing to them and what
are the things growing on them, showing him the tumors. Kim asks her if they want her to sedate
her again. B'Elanna calms down finally and says that Kim is right. She explains that it's her
Klingon half of her that's hard to control. Ensign Kim then wonders what her name is and
B'Elanna says that it is B'Elanna Torres.
The door to their room suddenly opens, and the
Doctor that B'Elanna knocked out earlier, is standing there, with some clothes. When B'Elanna
notices the Doctor, she is about to make a move, but stops when she looks at Harry. The Doctor
tells them that he hopes that they're feeling better. He knows that this must be frightening for
them. He says that he's brought them clothes, if they care to change. B'Elanna demands to know
why they are holding them here. The Doctor tries to reassure them that they're not prisoners. In
fact, they consider them honored guest. The Caretaker has sent them to them. The Doctor says
that as long as they are not violent, they are free to leave their quarters. Kim wonders what's
wrong with them and what the things are that's growing on them, showing the Doctor the tumors.
The Doctor says that they really don't know. After a while, he says that they must be getting
hungry and asks them to join him on the courtyard for a meal. Ensign Kim and B'Elanna exchange a
look.
As B'Elanna and Ensign Kim leave their quarters,
accompanied by the Ocampan Doctor, the pair realize that they are underground, as Ensign Kim
points out. Other Ocampan's, dressed in the same manner as the Doctor and the Nurse, stare at
the newcomers. The Doctor explains that their society is subterranean and that they lived here
for over five hundred generations. B'Elanna wonders that before then, they lived on the surface.
The Doctor says until the warming began and Harry wonders what the warming is. The Doctor
informs him that the surface turned to desert and the Caretaker came to protect us. Their
ancient journals tells them that he opened a deep chasm in the ground and led their ancestors to
this place. He has provided their needs ever since.
Soon, B'Elanna notices the others staring at them
and the Doctor picks up on this. The Doctor tells the pair to forgive them, as the others know
they've come from the Caretaker. None of them has ever seen him. The three soon come upon their
foor dispensers, as one of the other Ocampan move for them. When they reach the terminals, the
food automatically appears and the Doctor hands B'Elanna one. She apparently doesn't much like
the looks of it, and wonders if the Caretaker provides their meals too. The Doctor says he does.
He adds that he designed this entire city for them after the warming. He says that the food
processors dispenses nutritional supplements every four-point-one intervals. Realizing
B'Elanna's distaste, he says that although it does not offer the exotic tastes that some of
their young people crave these days, it does meet their needs.
The three soon move to their courtyard, which is
filled with three large monitors showing them the image of their planet. Ensign Kim wonders if
this is how the Caretaker communicates with them. The Doctor says that he never communicates
directly, they try to interpret his wishes as best as they can. As they move to a seated area,
Ensign Kim wonders how the Doctor interprets the Caretaker's reason for sending them here. The
Doctor indicates to the pair to sit, and as they do, the Doctor explains that the Caretaker must
have separated them from their species to protect them. B'Elanna becomes angry again as she
states, "Their protection!" The Doctor says from their illness. The Caretaker may be preventing
a plague. B'Elanna says they weren't sick until they met their Caretaker.
Ensign Kim wonders why would the Caretaker send
them to the Ocampan's, if he thought the disease were infectious. The Doctor explains that the
Caretaker must have known that the Ocampan's were immune to the disease. He adds that from time
to time, he asks them to care for people with this disease. B'Elanna interrupts and wonders if
there were others. The Doctor agrees and B'Elanna wonders where they are. The Doctor pauses
and tells them that their condition is serious. He says that they don't know how to treat it and
adds that the others did not survive. Ensign Harry Kim and B'Elanna Torres react to the news.
------
As Voyager and the Maquis ship orbit the fifth planet, with the
array sending out the pulses, Lt Tuvok goes to Mr Neelix's quarters to acquire his attention.
When Neelix answers Tuvok's chime, Tuvok enters and sees a mess before his eyes, as the room is
filled with steam. In the living quarters, Tuvok can see plates of food scattered everywhere and
pitcher of glasses on the table. Tuvok soon hears the gleeful laughter of Neelix in the bathroom
and proceeds toward it. Tuvok cannot see anything as steam engulfs the entire room and he calls
out to Neelix to get his attention. Neelix's head pops up from the bath tub and he tells Mr
Vulcan to come in, still not getting used to his name. Tuvok says that he can hardly see him.
Neelix tells Tuvok that he wants to thank him for
their hospitality. He admits that he has never had an access to a food replor, replicator
before. Tuvok merely states that he would never have guessed. Neelix adds that he enjoys
immersing in water and wonders what joy this is. Neelix immerses himself in water and tells
Tuvok that nobody wastes water in this manner here. He says that a good sand scrub is all they
can hope for. As Neelix pours a pitcher of water into his mouth and spits it back out, Tuvok
gets back down to business and tells Neelix that he is pleased he is enjoying himself, but
they're in orbit of the fifth planet and require his assistance.
Neelix gets out of the bath and walks up to Tuvok,
naked. He asks Tuvok if he can hand him a towel. As Tuvok hands Neelix a towel, Neelix tells him
to scan the southern continent where they'll find a range of extinct volcanoes. He tells him to
follow the foothills north, until they discover a dry river bed. They will find an encampment
there. Tuvok wonders if this is where their people will be. Neelix says that it's not
impossible, then maybe, then perhaps not. But he reassures Tuvok that they will find them.
Neelix says that they will need several containers of water to bring for barter. Neelix then
wonders if these replicators will make clothing for him. When Tuvok says that it does, Neelix
wonders if it will make him a uniform like theirs. Tuvok adamantly says that it will not.
The fifth planet is a complete desert, with aliens
whom we'll come to know as the Kazon-Ogla, scatter about in the harsh condition. When the
away-team from Voyager, consisting of Janeway, Chakotay, Paris, Tuvok and Neelix, beam down from
the ship, the Kazon-Ogla retreat to their camp, frightened of their sudden appearance. As the
away-team get their bearings, Tom Paris wonders who would want to live in a place like this.
Neelix tells Paris it is because of the rich cormaline deposits that are very much in demand.
Chakotay wonders if the Ocampa use it for barter, but Neelix denies this and says that it is the
Kazon-Ogla. Janeway asks Neelix who the Kazon-Ogla are. Neelix points in the direction of the
aliens and says that they are.
Neelix further explains that the Kazon sects
control this part of the quadrant. He says that some have water, some have ore and some have
food. He adds that they all trade and they all try to kill each other. Janeway becomes worried
and tells Neelix that she thought that he said that the Ocampa had their people. Neelix ignores
the captain and moves toward the aliens and tells them that it is good to see them again. When
the Kazons see Neelix, a group swarm him and lift him up in the air. As Neelix is lifted up in
the air and carried over to a wall, he tells his friends that he must speak with their Maje, the
ever-wise Jabin. The other group goes to the away-team, grabs their weapons and forces them to
the ground as a group. The group carrying Neelix, tosses him to a wall and trains their weapons
on him. Neelix tells them that this is all very amusing and he likes a joke as much as the next
man.
Soon, another Kazon emerges from the bunkers and
Neelix recognizes him as Jabin, as he shouts out his name. The Kazons with the weapons, raises
them, ready to fire, as Neelix's concern grows. Neelix tries to plea with Jabin and tells him
that he has water to replace all the ones that he borrowed. This causes Jabin to react, as
Neelix informs him that Voyager has technology that can make water out of thin air. Tom Paris
takes out a canteen from his belt and gives it to Jabin. Jabin is curious at the canteen, sniffs
it and takes a sip. Jabin soon asks them if they have more. Captain Janeway hits her combadge
and orders the ship to energize.
In the distance, two water containers materialize
out of thin air. As the Kazon reacts, the group goes up to the containers to grab their share of
their supply. Janeway tells Jabin that there's more where that came from if they can help them.
Jabin wonders how they can help someone so powerful that they can create water out of thin air.
Janeway explains to Jabin that Neelix brought them here suggesting that they might find a people
called the Ocampa. She wonders if Jabin knows where they are. Jabin recognizes the race. Soon,
an Ocampan female emerges from a different section. She is of the same race that is holding
Ensign Kim and B'Elanna Torres captive. Jabin points at the Ocampan female and tells the crew
that she is Ocampa.
Jabin wonders why they would be interested in these
worthless creatures. He tells them that they only live nine years and make poor servants. He
says that they caught this one when she wandered to the surface. Janeway asks Jabin if they live
underground. Jabin explains that the entity in space that gives the Ocampan food and power also
gave them the sole access to the only water on this world, two miles below the surface. Janeway
tells Jabin that the same entity has abducted two of their people. Janeway thinks that they
might be with the Ocampa. Jabin says that there's no way to get to them. They've tried. He says
that the entity has established some kind of subterranean barrier they cannot penetrate.
Chakotay points to the Ocampan female and says that
she got out. Jabin explains that some do occassionally find their way to the surface and they
don't know how. He adds that the Ocampa always seal the tunnel afterwards. Neelix suggests that
this Ocampan female could help these good people find a way down. Jabin tells Neelix that they'd
be wasting their time, as he has used countless methods of persuasion he knows to get her to
help them. She won't. Neelix thinks that she's worthless to Jabin and suggests that they trade
water for this scrawny little thing. Jabin says that he'd be more interested in acquiring their
technology in creating water out of thin air. Captain Janeway informs him that that would be
difficult, as the technology is integrated into the ship's system.
Suddenly, Neelix steps forward and grabs Jabin,
pointing his weapon at him. The Kazon guards react and aims their weapons at Neelix. Neelix
tells Jabin to order his men to drop their weapons. Jabin doesn't move and Neelix gives another
ultimatum and says that Jabin will die if they don't comply. Hearing this, the Kazon men drop
their weapon. The Starfleet Officers get up and retrieve their weapons from Jabin and the Kazon.
Neelix then tells them to step aside, to which they comply. Neelix soon fires his weapon at the
water vats, and the other Kazon scramble to get the flowing water. Jabin watches in horror, as
Neelix pushes him aside. He soon tells the female Ocampan to come to him and tells Janeway that
he strongly suggest that they get them out of there. Janeway taps her combadge and orders
Voyager to beam them up. As the Voyager crew dematerializes, the Kazon scrounge for water.
Back on the ship, and on the transporter platform,
the group materializes. Neelix puts his arms around Kes and tells her, didn't he promise he'd
save her. The Starfleet Officers reacts to Neelix's shrewd plans.
Back on the fifth planet and in the Ocampan
settlement, Torres and Ensign Kim are by themselves. Torres is leaning on a wall, weakened by
her disease, as Ensign Kim paces. Ensign Kim goes up to B'Elanna to give her some optimistic
view. He tells her that he believes Captain Janeway is doing everything in her power to find
them. B'Elanna soon tells Harry pessimistically, what makes Harry so sure that they are still
alive. Soon, B'Elanna winces in pain and grabs the area causing the pain. Harry wonders if he
should call for some help, but B'Elanna brushes him aside.
Soon, the female Ocampan Nurse seen before,
approaches and wonders if they are in pain. B'Elanna angrily wonders if she was watching them,
as she thought they weren't their prisoners. The Nurse denies that she was watching them, but
she came here to give them something and produces a small box with green powder inside. The
Nurse says that she doesn't know if this will help. She tells them that it's a medicine, from
their people who have broken from tradition and left the city. She adds that their colony grows
fruit and vegetables, and they discovered by accident, the moss that grows on certain fruit
trees have healing properties. Ensign Kim appreciates the Nurse's gesture, but he says that the
only way they can survive, is if they can get to the surface and find their own people. The
Nurse says that the elders would consider that a violation of the Caretaker's wishes. B'Elanna
wonders what the Nurse thinks.
The Nurse soon informs them that the Caretaker has
been acting strangely for the past several months. These include abducting people and increasing
the power supply. The power supply, wonders Harry. The Nurse says that the power supply has
tripled and that they have a surplus to last for five years. Harry Kim wonders if anybody knows
why. The Nurse says that when they ask, they are told to trust the Caretaker's decision.
She soon pauses, wondering whether or not to reveal
the next bit of information. The Nurse soon tells them that one person did get to the surface
and they never saw her again. When Ensign Kim asks how, the Nurse answers through one of the
ancient tunnels that brought them here that still exists. She explains that over the years,
small breaches have appeared in the security barrier, large enough for someone to get through.
She discourages them by saying that it requires digging through meters of rock to get out.
Torres soon asks her if she can get them tools to dig with. The Nurse discourages them further
and says that it would takes days, maybe even weeks to break through. She tells them that they
must rest and conserve their strength. When Harry Kim pleads with her that it's their only
chance to survive, the Nurse reluctantly agrees.
As Voyager and the Maquis ship continue to orbit
the fifth planet, the Holographic Doctor is treating Kes's wounds, the female Ocampan alien, in
Sickbay, while the senior staff discusses Neelix's rash behavior. Tuvok tells Neelix that if had
told them what he had planned, they might have anticipated his irrational behavior. Neelix
wonders why his decisions were irrational, when they got out of there. After the Doctor finishes
treating Kes, she chimes in and says that it wasn't Neelix's fault, but her own. Irritated by an
impromptu meeting in his Sickbay, the Holographic Doctor warns that that is enough. He reminds
them that this is Sickbay and not a conference room. He tells them that visiting hours are over.
Everyone, except his patient, is to leave immediately.
Captain Janeway decides to terminate the Doctor's
services, as she orders the computer to terminate his program. After the Doctor vanishes, the
staff continue their debate, as Kes says that she should never have gone to the surface. She's
just too curious and she's told that it's one of her worst failings. Neelix discourages her and
says that it's a wonderful quality. Janeway soon asks Kes if it's possible if their crewmembers
are being held captive by her people. Kes tells her that her people would never hold anyone
captive. She tells them that the Caretaker sends the aliens to them who are sick and need care.
Chakotay wonders what's wrong with them if they are sick. Kes doesn't know, as none of them has
ever survived.
Captain Janeway soon wonders if Kes is willing to
take them underground to look for their missing crewmembers. Kes says that Jabin was right, as
there's no way to get down. The tunnel she came out from has been sealed. Janeway informs Kes
that they don't need a tunnel, as they have a technology that can transport them there directly.
Tuvok reminds the captain that their sensors did not detect any indication of an underground
civilization. The subterranean barrier that Jabin mentioned may be responsible. He explains that
it may also block their transporters. Kes soon mentions that there are breaches in the security
barrier, and that is how she got out. Captain Janeway orders Tuvok to have the Transporter Room
scan for breaches that may get them to beam through.
As Tuvok acknowledges and leaves Sickbay, Neelix
says that Kes can tell them where to go. Now that she's free, he intends to leave this system
together. Kes reminds Neelix that these people rescued her. Neelix bluntly tells her that he
rescued her. Kes says that it was with their help, that he was able to rescue her. It would be
wrong not to help them now. Neelix smiles at Kes's brilliant intellect.
Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Paris, Kes and Neelix
beam down to the underground Ocampan city to search for Torres and Kim. Tuvok immediately takes
out his tricorder and starts taking scans. Tuvok tells the captain that the pulses from the
array continue to accelerate. The intervals between them have decreased another point eight
seconds. As Janeway reacts, the crew moves through an underground arboretum type structure.
Other Ocampans are tending to the plants and other shrubs, while one of them spots Kes and
shouts out her name. As he goes to her, the two hug and Kes says hello to Daggin. Daggin tells
Kes that they'd never see her again and wonders how she got back. Kes tells him that the
Starfleet Officers rescued her from the Kazon.
Kes then says that she's trying to help them find
two of their missing crewmembers. She wonders if anyone of them knows where the aliens are kept,
the ones that the Caretaker sends here. Daggin answers that he believes that they're at the
central clinic. Janeway asks Kes if she can take them there? Suddenly, from behind them, a voice
booms, "No, she cannot." Only Kes and the other Ocampan can hear this. Kes recognizes the other
man and tells Toscat that they cannot speak telepathically and asks him to talk aloud. Toscat
apologizes to Janeway and the others for being rude, but says that they shouldn't be here.
Janeway tells him that they'll be glad to leave once they retrieve their crewmembers. Toscat
says that that won't be possible, as they cannot interfere with the Caretaker's wishes.
Chakotay tells him that maybe they can't, but they
can. Toscat says that the Starfleet Officer's don't understand. Kes tells Toscat that they don't
understand them. They have no way of knowing that the Ocampa have been dependent on the
Caretaker for so long that they can't think for themselves anymore. They don't understand that
they once had full command of their mind's abilities. Toscat says that the stories of their
ancestor's cognitive abilities are apocryphal and exaggerated. Kes angrily reminds Toscat that
they lost their abilities because they stopped using them. Toscat reminds Kes that they should
not dwell on what's been lost, but what they've gained instead. Kes says that they gained a
talent for dependence, for simply taking what they're given. Kes continues to confront Toscat
and tells him that they're going to help Janeway and the others, whether he likes it or not.
Toscat soon takes Kes aside and tells her that she
defied the Caretaker by going to the surface. He tells her to learn from the experience by
following the path the Caretaker has set for them. Kes continues her confrontation and tell him
that she saw the sunlight and learned very well. She can't believe that the Caretaker would
forbid them to open their eyes and see the sky. She soon turns to Janeway and tells her that
they'll find their people and to follow her. As Kes and the others move off, Toscat reacts with
disappointment.
------
B'Elanna Torres and Harry Kim enter an access shaft with an iron
winding staircase. The two carry torches and shovel to assist them climb the shaft and to dig,
once they reach the surface. As the two look up, they see they have a long way to go, to get to
the top. B'Elanna starts climbing the stairs, however, when Harry starts up, he is weakened by
the Caretaker's condition and collapses on the stairs. When B'Elanna tries to encourage him,
Harry apologizes. Torres tells Kim that it's all right and that they'll rest a minute or so. Kim
then suggests that maybe if he had a Klingon blood in him, he'd do better. B'Elanna discourages
that notion and tells him that it's more trouble than it's worth.
Ensign Kim is clearly having trouble with his
condition, as he tells Torres that he spent all his life getting ready for Starfleet and on his
first mission, he's going to die. B'Elanna encourages him and says that they're not finished
yet. She adds that there are a few things that old Sneezy didn't teach in his survival course.
Sneezy, Kim recognizes the name. B'Elanna explains that it was Commander Zakarian and asks him
if he remembers. He must've been allergic to everything. Realizing what B'Elanna is talking
about, Kim says that she went to the academy. B'Elanna tells him that she made it to the second
year before they mutually agreed it wasn't the place for her. Kim agrees with her and says that
he too never liked Zakarian. Suddenly, the sound of the pulses firing from array gets faster.
In the Ocampa courtyard, as Janeway and the
away-team continue to search for Kim and Torres, the crew reacts to the increasing speed of the
pulses. Suddenly, the array stops firing the pulses, as Captain Janeway contacts the ship to
get some answers. When Janeway contacts Voyager, Ensign Rollins answer. She demands to know what
is going on with the array. On Voyager, Ensign Rollins quickly studies a readout before
answering. He soon tell the captain that the array is no longer sending out pulses and that it
appears to be realigning it's position, as he sees on the viewscreen. Janeway orders Rollins to
keep her informed and closes communication.
Soon, Kes and Daggin approach the away-team, and
Kes tells the captain that B'Elanna and Harry haven't been at the clinic for hours. Daggin
suggests that they could search the city and ask if anyone has seen them. After Janeway nods at
Daggin, he and the others move off. Kes stays with Janeway and the crew, as Janeway asks Kes
that if B'Elanna and Harry were to get to the surface, how would they go. Kes says that probably
the same way she did, up one of the ancient tunnels. Janeway orders Paris and Neelix to go with
her and start checking them out. After the three move off, Janeway tells Chakotay and Tuvok that
they need to talk to every doctor and nurse at the hospital; see what they can tell them about
Kim and Torres.
Suddenly, the ground shakes, as there are loud
booms coming from above. Ensign Rollins contacts the captain and as Janeway responds, he informs
her that the array is firing some kind of weapon at the surface. On Voyager, Rollins sees the
array firing a torpedo at the planet. He informs the captain that it seems to be trying to seal
the conduits. Back on the planet, Janeway, Tuvok and Chakotay moves through the courtyard as the
bombardments continue. Chakotay wonders why would the Caretaker seal the conduits, if the array
is the Ocampa's sole source of energy. Tuvok hypothesises that the Caretaker would seal them, if
he no longer intend to use them; to protect the Ocampa from the enemies.
Tuvok further tells Janeway and Chakotay that there
is enough evidence to form a reasonable hypothesis. Tuvok believes that the Caretaker is dying.
Janeway orders Tuvok to explain. Tuvok explains that the Caretaker first increases the energy
supply to provide the city with a surplus to last at least five years; then, he seals the
conduits. He believes the logical conclusion is that he does not intend to continue his role as
the Caretaker. Chakotay doubts that could be the reason he's dying. He suggests that the
Caretaker may simply be leaving.
Tuvok disagrees with Chakotay and adds the fact
that he has been looking after the Ocampa for a millennium. He believes that he owes something
to the Ocampa. He believes that the "debt that can never be repaid", is very likely a debt to
them. He also says that the Caretaker frequently referenced that he was running out of time,
meaning he knew his death was imminent. Janeway wonders, if the Caretaker dies, how the hell do
they get home. The three continue moving through the Ocampa city.
Paris, Neelix and Kes enter the shaft that B'Elanna
and Harry are in. When he scans his tricorder, he tells them that they're in this one. Paris
contacts Janeway and informs her that Harry and B'Elanna is in one of the shafts. He says that
he can't see them, but they're up there. As Paris and the others start climbing, Paris tells
Janeway that they're going after them. Janeway orders Paris to call for transport when he has
them. They'll meet them on the ship. Janeway taps her combadge again and calls for Voyager. She
orders them to beam her, Chakotay and Tuvok up. Rollins tells her to stand by. As he works on
the consoles, he realizes he can't beam them up. He tells Janeway that he can't get a lock on
them. The weapon fire from the array has irradiated the planet's crust. The transporter sensors
can't find a breach in the security barrier.
Back on the planet, Janeway tells Chakotay and
Tuvok that there's only one way out, as they start heading for the access shafts. In the shaft,
Paris, Neelix and Kes continue to climb their way to the top to reach Harry and B'Elanna. Paris
soon gets a call from Janeway, who tells him that the transporters aren't working. She tells him
that he has to find a breach in the security barrier when they get to the top. Paris says he
understands her. Janeway tells him that they are a few minutes behind them and ends
communication. Soon, Paris spots them up on the stairs, as he tells the others that he sees
them. When they reach them, B'Elanna and Harry are resting on the staircase. Kim tells Paris
that it took him long enough. Paris says to him how could he let down the only friend he's got.
Kim, jokingly, says to Paris, what makes him think Paris is his friend.
Paris contacts Janeway again and tells her that
they found them. Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok enter the shaft, and begins to climb the staircase.
Janeway tells Paris not to wait for them, but to get Harry and B'Elanna to safety. As Kes leads
the way, she tells them that she knows where they can get through the barrier. Kes leads Paris
and the others into a cave, where they are soon confronted by a forcefield. As Kes hands the
equipment to B'Elanna, she starts crawling through the tiny space between the forcefield and the
cave wall. She cautions the group that whatever they do, don't touch the forcefield, as it will
burn their skin off. After Kes reaches the other side, it is B'Elanna's turn to go through the
forcefield, as Kes assists her.
When the group reaches the top, they are blocked
off from getting to the surface. Paris tells Neelix to get out his phaser. When Neelix does, the
two soon point it at the roof and fires. Soon, the cave roof collapses as sunlight begins to
seep in. Paris and the others slowly start climbing to the surface. Soon, Paris and the others
begin emerging from the underground. After everyone emerges, Paris contacts Voyager and asks
them if they can get a lock on them now. Rollins answers affirmative, but he's only detecting
five signals. Paris tells Rollins that the others are, but before he can finish, there is a loud
boom from the sky as a more powerful torpedo enters the atmosphere. Paris tells everyone to get
down, and when the torpedo strikes, there is a huge shake from the impact.
Paris tries contacting Janeway, but gets no
response. When he tries the others, he gets no response either. Paris soon hands his combadge
over to Kes and tells Voyager to beam everyone except him. Neelix, worried about Paris, exclaims
that he's not thinking about going back there. Paris looks at him and soon Neelix says that
fools need company. He tells Kes to take care of them and that he'll see them later. Paris takes
Neelix's combadge and hands it to the group. He tells Voyager to beam three of them up and to
lock onto the other combadge and energize. As Paris and Neelix head back down, Kes, B'Elanna and
Harry dematerialize as they beam back to the ship.
In the shaft where Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok are,
rocks begin collapsing all around them from the last impact. Tuvok is injured and Chakotay
cannot move from the falling staircase. As Janeway tries to help Chakotay, Chakotay tell her
that he can't move and that his leg is broken. Soon, Neelix and Paris emerges from the corner.
Janeway tells Neelix to help her with Tuvok. As Neelix helps with Tuvok, Paris goes to Chakotay
and says that he'll get Chakotay. Neelix, Janeway and Tuvok head out, as Paris begins stepping
onto the staircase to get Chakotay, but it's not easy, as the staircase is about to give way
soon. Paris slowly gets closer to Chakotay, but the staircase gives way, almost collapses, but
hangs on by the hinges.
Chakotay warns Paris to get out of here, before the
whole thing collapses. Paris says he intends to, once he gets Chakotay up and continues his way
down. Chakotay warns that if he get on those stairs, they'll collapse and that they'll both die.
Paris says that if he saves Chakotay, his life belongs to him and wonders if that isn't some
Indian custom. Chakotay says wrong tribe. Paris has finally reached Chakotay and reaches out to
him, and tells him that he doesn't believe him. Paris says that Chakotay would rather die than
let him be the one to rescue you. Chakotay says fine, be a fool and grabs Paris. Chakotay then
says that if he dies, he'll have the pleasure to watch Paris go with him.
As Paris starts carrying Chakotay, it is obvious
that Chakotay is much heavier than Paris. Paris struggles with Chakotay and jokingly asks if
there isn't some Indian trick where Chakotay can turn himself into an bird and fly them out of
here. Chakotay says that Paris is too heavy. Paris finally manages to reach the top of the
staircase, and when he does, the staircase they were on tumbles to the ground.
------
Voyager continues to orbit the fifth planet. In Sickbay, the
Emergency Medical Holographic Doctor is treating everyone after they have returned from the
planet. Soon, Captain Janeway gets a call from the Bridge. Ensign Rollins tells her that two
Kazon ships are approaching the array. Janeway orders Rollins to set a course and that she's on
her way to the Bridge. Chakotay gets up after being healed and tells B'Elanna that they have to
get back to their ship. Everyone starts leaving Sickbay and the Doctor informs everyone that he
urges them to rest, but to no avail. The Doctor says that he will not be held responsible for
the consequences. Everyone ignores him and leaves. As Ensign Kim leaves, the Doctor asks him if
the crew is always this difficult. Ensign Kim says that he doesn't know, as it is his first
mission. After everyone leaves, the Doctor asks to no one in particular, if anyone knows how to
turn off the program when they leave.
Captain Janeway comes onto the Bridge and orders
Tuvok to bring the weapons systems on line and to go to Red Alert. Voyager and the Maquis ship
arrive at the array, as two Kazon ships also approach the array. On the Bridge, Tuvok informs
Janeway that the lead Kazon ship is hailing them. Janeway orders it on screen. On the
viewscreen, Jabin appears and asks the captain if she has come to investigate the entity's
strange behavior too. Janeway tells Jabin that all she cares about is getting home. She tells
him that they are about to transport over to the array to arrange it. Jabin says that he can't
permit them to do that. Janeway assures him that they have no dispute with them. Jabin disagrees
and adds that they have a dispute with anyone that would challenge them.
Janeway tells Jabin that this is ridiculous, as
they have no intention of challenging the Kazon. Jabin says that he has no intention of letting
anyone with their technological knowledge board the array. Janeway moves closer to the screen
and tells Jabin that if they can discuss this like two civilized. Jabin nods to someone off
screen and they end communications. Janeway says that they can't, as the Kazon starts firing.
Tuvok says that their shields are holding. Janeway orders Tuvok to fire phasers and to set
evasive maneuvers. Voyager takes evasive maneuvers against the Kazon and fires phasers. The
Maquis ship is also battling the Kazon.
In the cockpit of the Maquis ship, Chakotay is hard
at work battling the Kazon. Soon, Captain Janeway contacts him and tells him that she and Tuvok
are beaming over to the array. She asks him if they can hold off the Kazon. Chakotay believes
they can. Back on the Bridge of Voyager, Janeway says good and orders Paris to take the Conn.
Paris, surprised by Janeway's order, reacts to her and quickly takes over the helm, saying,
"yes, ma'am." Tuvok and Janeway head for the Turbolift, as Janeway orders Rollins to maintain
transporter locks on them. She wants an emergency beam out status.
The array has been turned into a holographic
representation of the barn, as Janeway and Tuvok enter. Tuvok is scanning the barn with a
tricorder. Tuvok informs the captain that the data processing system is behind this wall.
Janeway wonders if Tuvok knows what to do. Tuvok nods and moves off. Captain Janeway soon hears
a plucking and moves toward it, as she faces the Caretaker once more. When the Caretaker notices
Janeway, he looks up at her and says that she is nothing if not persistent. Janeway begs the
Caretaker that he needs to send them back where they came from. The Caretaker tells her that it
isn't possible, as he has barely enough strength to complete his work. Janeway realizes what
he's doing and says that he's sealing the conduits before he dies.
The Caretaker says that if he doesn't, the Kazon
will steal all the water from the Ocampa. He says that in a few years, when the Ocampa's energy
runs out, it won't matter. They will be forced to come to the surface and they won't be able to
survive. Janeway now understands the complexities of the situation and says that the Caretaker
turned their planet into a desert. The Caretaker nods and says that they're explorers from
another galaxy. They had no idea that their technology would be so destructive to the Ocampa's
atmosphere. He says that two of them were chosen to stay behind to care for the Ocampa. Janeway
reacts to the news and asks if there's another like him here. The Caretaker replies, not
anymore. She went off to look for more interesting places.
Janeway wonders why the Caretaker were bringing
ships here and infecting people with a fatal illness. The Caretaker says that he didn't mean
them any harm and they didn't die from an illness. They died because they were incompatible.
Incompatible, Janeway asks. The Caretaker says that he's been searching the galaxy for a
compatible bio-molecular pattern. He adds that in some individuals, he found cellular structures
that were similar, but. Janeway begins to understand, as she says that the Caretaker has been
trying to procreate. The Caretaker says that he needed someone to replace him; someone who would
understand the enormous responsibility of caring for the Ocampa. Only his offspring could do
that.
Janeway looks for a stool to sit down, as she has
been standing all this time. She asks the Caretaker if he ever considered allowing the Ocampa to
care for themselves. The Caretaker responds by saying that they're children. Janeway reminds him
that children have to grow up. She tells him that they're explorers too. Most of the species
they have encountered have overcome all kinds of adversity without a Caretaker. She adds that
it's the challenge of surviving on their own that helps them to evolve. She then says that maybe
his children will do better than he thinks. Soon, Captain Janeway gets a call from the ship, as
the Caretaker takes this in. When she answers, Ensign Kim reports that they've got problems
here.
Back on Voyager, the ship takes a beating compared
to the much more powerful Kazon ships. Ensign Kim informs the captain that the Kazon just got
some back up. In space, two more Kazon ships join the attack on the tiny Voyager. Back on the
array, Janeway asks for the status of the Maquis ship. Kim answers that they are holding their
own. Janeway says that they need more time and asks if they can hold them off for another few
minutes. Ensign Kim says that they'll do their best and ends communication.
In the Maquis ship cockpit, Chakotay and the rest
of the Maquis assist Voyager in battling the Kazon. Chakotay sees that Voyager is getting a
beating and tells B'Elanna that they're in trouble. Voyager gets hit bad and on the Maquis ship,
B'Elanna tells Chakotay that neither of them have enough firepower to stop that ship. Chakotay
soon tells B'Elanna that he's gonna set a collision course, alarming B'Elanna. He says that the
guidance system is disabled and that he'll have to pilot the ship manually. He orders B'Elanna
and the crew to beam to Voyager and drop shields for transport. As Torres moves away from the
cockpit, Chakotay contacts Voyager. When Paris answers, he tells him that his crew is coming
over. He also tells Paris to order one of their crackerjack Starfleet transporter chief to keep
a lock on him, as he's going to try and take some heat off them. Paris acknowledges, and adds
that this doesn't make them even. His life is still his and ends communications.
The Maquis ship soon starts getting closer and
closer to the huge Kazon ship, as the Kazon continues to fire on Voyager. On Voyager, Paris
monitors Chakotay on their viewscreen. B'Elanna Torres enters the Bridge to watch Chakotay as
well. When Chakotay is getting to close to comfort for Paris, he tells him that he's getting him
out of there. In the Maquis ship, smoke begins to fill the cockpit, as it takes heavy damage.
Chakotay tells Paris not yet. Chakotay edges closer and closer to the Kazon ship, as he can see
the ship's cargo bay. Paris cautions him that he's breaking up and for him to stand-by for
transport. Chakotay begs Paris to wait. As Chakotay is a mere inch away from the Kazon ship,
Chakotay shouts, "Now!" Chakotay is beamed safely to Voyager, as the Maquis ship rams the Kazon
ship, causing severe damage.
In Voyager's Transporter Room, Chakotay is safely
beamed aboard. A concerned Paris asks the Transporter Chief if she has Chakotay. Chakotay goes
up to the Transporter Chief to speak into her combadge and calmly says, "They've got me." He
then heads out. The burning Kazon ship heads straight for the array.
Back on the array, Tuvok approaches the captain and
tells her that he can access the system that can send them back to Federation space, but it will
take several hours. Janeway looks at the Caretaker and begs him for one more time, unless he
helps them, she begs. The Caretaker looks at her and says that he wishes he could. He tells them
that he has very little time left and that he initiated a self-destruct program. Janeway reacts
with shock and cautions the Caretaker that if he destroys the array, they'll have no way to get
home. The Caretaker says that the Ocampa's enemies must not be allowed to control this
installation. He says in minutes it will be destroyed. He cautions them that they must go now.
Tuvok and Janeway look at one another.
The damaged Kazon ship hurls toward the array and
it is on fire. When the Kazon ship hits the array, it causes a section of the wing from the
array to tear up and damage it. Inside the array, Janeway and Tuvok witness the destruction from
the Kazon ship, as the barn is replaced by the real representation of the array. Janeway
contacts Voyager and asks for a report. Paris informs the captain that a Kazon ship just
collided with the array and wonders if they are all right. Captain Janeway acknowledges that
they are all right and orders Paris to stand-by. Soon, Captain Janeway and Tuvok sees the
Caretaker in it's real form, a blob of goo, glowing in color. In a weak voice, the Caretaker
tells Janeway that the termination program has been damaged. He cautions Janeway that the Kazon
must not be allowed to gain control of this installation, as they will annihilate the Ocampa.
The Caretaker dies, as it turns itself into its
natural state, a piece of rock like material. Janeway picks up the Caretaker's entity in a sad
reaction, as Tuvok comes up to her. He asks her if he should activate the program to send them
back. Janeway continues to look at the Caretaker's remains and asks Tuvok, what happens to the
Ocampa once they're gone. Tuvok reminds the captain that any action they take to protect the
Ocampa would affect the balance of power in this quadrant. He reminds her that the Prime
Directive would apply. Janeway wonders if it would. She tells Tuvok that they were never asked
to be involved, but they are. They are...
Back on Voyager, the fighting between them and the
Kazon continues. Captain Janeway and Lieutentant Tuvok has just returned from the array and are
moving toward their stations. Chakotay and B'Elanna is also there. As Janeway heads to her
chair, she orders Tuvok to ready a tricobalt device. After Tuvok acknowledges, she orders Ops to
open a channel to the Kazon. When Kim acknowledges, Jabin appears on screen and warns Janeway
that he has called for additional ships. Janeway tells Jabin to warn his ships to move them to a
safe location. She intends to destroy the array. Jabin says that he can't permit her to do that.
Janeway sharply tells Jabin that she can and she will, and ends transmission.
Ensign Kim informs the captain that they are
increasing fire, but their shields are holding. Janeway orders Paris to move them away from the
array to four hundred kilometers. As Paris acknowledges, B'Elanna realizes what the captain is
doing and asks her so. She reminds her that the array is the only way to get back home. Janeway
is aware that everyone has families and loved ones back home, so does she. But, she isn't
willing to trade the lives of the Ocampa for their convenience. They'll have to find another way
home. B'Elanna wonders what other way home is there, but the captain doesn't answer, as she
moves off. As B'Elanna is about to confront the captain, Chakotay stops her. B'Elanna asks him,
who is she to be making the decisions for them. Chakotay reminds B'Elanna that she's the
captain.
Soon, Lt Tuvok announces that the tricobalt device
is ready. Paris reports that they are in position. After a while, Janeway orders fire. Voyager
fires its powerful tricobalt device at the array, as it explodes upon impact. The Kazon ships
have stopped firing. Back on the Bridge, Ensign Kim reports that the lead ship is hailing them.
Janeway solemnly orders it on screen, as everyone reacts with what she has done. On the screen,
Jabin gives Janeway a short simple message; she has made an enemy today. Lt Tuvok reports that
the Kazon are withdrawing.
Later, in her Ready Room, Captain Janeway looks out
the window, as she comprehends what she has done. On her desk, is a photo of Mark and her on the
computer terminal. Soon, there is a chime at the door. Janeway goes back to her desk and
answers, after she turns off her computer. Paris enters the Ready Room and asks her if she asked
for him. The captain tells him that Paris has a problem. As Paris reacts, Janeway tells him that
she has invited Chakotay and the Maquis crew to become part of them. She says that it was the
only reasonable thing to do, under the circumstances. Paris, jokingly, asks her if she'll be
providing a bodyguard for him. Janeway says that he already has one. Paris wonders who. Janeway
explains that Chakotay said something about his life belonging to him. Chakotay will be
responsible for his safety.
Paris says that he'll be enjoying this. Janeway
disregards him and says don't be so sure. Chakotay is also going to be her First Officer.
Janeway says that everyone aboard this ship will report to him, including the lieutenant
assigned to Conn. Paris looks at her stunned and asks her him. Janeway says that she entered
into the ship's log, on this date, she has granted a field commission of lieutenant to Thomas
Eugene Paris. She congratulates him. Paris is shocked at the news and tells Janeway that for the
first time in his life, he doesn't know what to say. Janeway tells him that he earned this.
Janeway is only sorry that his father won't know. As Paris begins to leave, he says that he'll
know, once they get back.
After Paris exits the Ready Room, Neelix and Kes
rush into the Captain's Ready Room. Neelix tells the captain that they were just coming to see
her. Janeway tells Neelix that they've supplied their ship with water and it's ready to go.
Neelix says that's the reason why they wanted to see her. He says that they'd like to go with
them. Janeway reminds them that this isn't a passenger ship. Kes says that they won't be
passengers. Neelix adds that they will be valuable colleagues. Colleagues, asks Janeway.
Neelix tells her that whatever she needs is what he
has to offer. She needs a guide, he's her guide. She needs supplies, he knows where to procure
them. He tells her that she doesn't know about friends he has among races she doesn't know even
existed. She needs a cook, she hasn't lived until she's tasted his angla'bosque. He says that it
will be his job to anticipate her needs before she knows she have them. Kes tells her that they
would want very much to be part of their journey. Janeway has no choice, but to accept them into
the crew.
On the Bridge, the Maquis crew has been given
Starfleet uniform, with provisional rank pips. B'Elanna Torres is at Engineering station with a
lieutenant pip. Chakotay has been given the rank of commander, and stands by the captain. Neelix
and Kes join them on the Bridge, as the captain is about to give a speech. Janeway says that
they're alone, in an uncharted part of the galaxy. They've already made some friends,
acknowledging Neelix and Kes, and some enemies. She says that she doesn't have any idea of the
dangers they're going to face. One thing is certain, both crews are going to have to work
together to survive. She says that's why Commander Chakotay and her agreed that this should be
one crew, a Starfleet crew. She says that as the only Starfleet vessel in the Delta Quadrant,
they'll continue to follow their directive: To seek out new worlds and explore space.
But, their primary goal is clear. Even at maximum
speeds, it will take them seventy-five years to reach the Federation. She's not willing to
settle for that. She says that there is another entity like the Caretaker out there somewhere,
who has the ability to get them home faster. They'll be looking for her. They'll also be looking
for wormholes, spatial rifts or new technologies to help them along this journey. She says that
somewhere, along this journey, they'll find a way back. After her speech, she orders Lt Paris,
now sitting at Conn, to set a course for home. Paris acknowledges, and soon, Voyager begins its
long journey home...
