VOYAGER: "The Nature Of Things" - 6/07/99 - ACT THREE
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. SICKBAY
The "away team" is beamed on board. Chakotay and Grey are on
medical beds, and Kim, Tuvok, and Walker next to the Doctor
who awaited their arrival.
TUVOK
Computer, erect forcefield.
The Doctor rushes to them using his tricorder.
DOC
(to computer)
Adjust light to harmonize with
photosynthesis.
The light in the room changes.
DOC (cont'd)
(to Tuvok)
I need three cubic meters of soil
containing ___ liters of chlorophyll, ___
liters of H2O and synthetically enhanced
fertilizer.
TUVOK
(to Kim)
Ensign.
KIM
I'm on it.
Harry taps his com badge as he turns and runs out of sickbay.
WALKER
What the hell's going on?
JANEWAY'S COM VOICE
Sickbay. Report.
The doctor has retrieved a hypospray and is administering it
to both men. He doesn't reply to the Captain's inquiry, but
places a twenty-fourth century oxygen mask over their faces.
INT. SICKBAY
Janeway, Tuvok, Seven Of Nine, Kim, Torres, and Walker are
present as the Doctor explains the situation. He walks
through the forcefield up to two earth-toned cocoons, each
with an oxygen tube protruding out. The shell is slightly
larger than their own bodies.
DOC
From what I can gather, they have become
hosts to an aggressive form of plant
life. The cocoon is a result of the raw
materials we provided.
JANEWAY
Are they alive?
DOC
Yes. But they wouldn't be if we hadn't
intervened.
KIM
But the nutrients are plentiful on the
planet.
DOC
The symbiont would have also used the
chemicals in their own bodies to supply
nourishment. In a similar way I suspect
that is what killed the inhabitants of
the planet.
KIM
They didn't have the luxury of
tranporters to escape.
Kim looks at Walker.
JANEWAY
What happens, now?
DOC
There's something unusually different
about the cocooning. Unlike the
infestations on the planet, these are
creating a highly organized form of life.
The scans Mr. Kim provided me weren't as
sophisticated. Whatever it is, I expect
it to hatch at some point.
TORRES
What about Chakotay and Dr. Grey?
DOC
I can only hope that the alien DNA will
separate and become independent of our
friends here.
TUVOK
We should post guards at that point to
ensure the Commander and Doctor's safety.
JANEWAY
B'Elanna. How long before the warp
engines are on line?
TORRES
Another hour, Captain. I have to remind
you, these crystals aren't cut to
starfleet specification. I can't predict
how long before decrystallization occurs.
JANEWAY
Do your best.
Torres exits.
JANEWAY
Harry. Do we know where this species
originated?
KIM
Yes. It'll only take a week at warp five.
They're warp capabilities are limited and
requires they prey on M class planets as
they go.
JANEWAY
This species may be aggressive as far as
we're concerned, but I have a feeling
that it's doing what we all do. Trying to
survive.
(to Kim)
I take it the crystals aren't indigenous
to the planet. Any idea how removing them
will affect that shelled chamber?
KIM
I can't be sure.
JANEWAY
There must be a link between the ship we
destroyed and that pool. The fact they
used the same power source is too
coincidental. Have Mr. Paris get us on
our way.
Kim exits.
JANEWAY (cont'd)
Seven, I'll need your expertise in
astrometrics. If we have to defend
ourselves, we're going to need all the
intelligence we can get.
SEVEN OF NINE
Aye, Captain.
Seven exits. Janeway and Tuvok follow her out. They don't
notice Walker tagging along behind.
INT. CORRIDOR
TUVOK
We will have to come up with a more
strategic plan to achieve our objective,
Captain. Confrontation is highly
probable.
JANEWAY
Why must it always come to this?
TUVOK
(pause)
At some point, every species must learn
that aggression is a primitive emotion.
JANEWAY
Not so easy when those who learn have to
share space with those who haven't.
TUVOK
Hopefully, those who have carry a bigger
stick, so to speak.
Janeway smiles. Walker stops and watches them continue on.
JANEWAY
I suppose species like the Borg would be
an exception to the rule?
TUVOK
Interesting you should mention them. Of
late I've come to think of them as a
political society rather than a species.
Their basic premise is idealogical.
JANEWAY
And arrogant to say the least.
(pause)
Huh. Any idea how a species of humans
could exist in the delta quadrant?
TUVOK
The logical explanation would likely seem
absurd.
INT. WALKER'S QUARTERS
Walker enters and gazes at a picture of his family huddled
together. He goes to a closet and retrieves a beautiful
sword, then takes a small plant from a coffee table in front
of a couch and carefully places it elsewhere. He sits cross-
legged on the table, sword across his lap, meditatingly as he
faces the windows and space.
Suddenly the ship goes to warp and the stars fade away.
Walker gets up and touches the window like it's magic.
Turning, he notices the computer screen across the room and
goes to it, leaving the sword on the couch.
WALKER
Computer. Can you display history of
Voyager expedition?
COMPUTER VOICE
Please specify stardate.
WALKER
Display the highlights involving current
crew members?
The screen flashes the information as Walker begins reading.
WALKER (cont'd)
Computer, how do I turn the page?
A button lights up.
WALKER (cont'd)
(to self)
Oh. Duhh.
INT. SICKBAY
Paris is assisting the Doctor. The cocoons are slightly
larger.
DOC
Your visit is very timely. I need more
soil for the creature's nourishment.
PARIS
Creature?
DOC
Yes. I've projected the evolution of the
metamorphosis. Would you like to see?
PARIS
Sure.
A picture of a "Swamp Thing" like creature appears on the
computer screen.
DOC
It's actually quite regal looking.
PARIS
Doc. Any idea what's going on inside
their heads right now?
DOC
I've been monitoring both their brain
activities and it appears they're in a
state of dreaming. I don't know whether
it's pleasant or nightmarish, but their
vitals are steady. That's all I can tell
you.
Paris exits sickbay to get the Doctor's soil.
INT. CLOSE-UP ON COCOON
The camera penetrates the shell and passes through a green
membrane where Chakotay's face is visible. A flash of light
fades to...
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Chakotay awakes and stands, looking around. He sees a timber
wolf run past ten meters away and runs after him.
EXT. FOREST EDGE
He clears the forest. It opens up to a barren place where
trees have been scorched by a fire. He kneels at a stream and
sees the reflection of the moon. Chakotay stands, the sun
bearing down on his face, and he walks onto the soil where he
discovers one lush green bush.
EXT. BURNT FOREST
The bush begins to grow at an alarming rate and reaches a
height taller than Chakotay. The plant creature forms. His
demeanor is wise and benevolent.
EXT. CHAKOTAY
takes a step back.
EXT. DEAD FOREST
CREATURE
No need to be afraid.
CHAKOTAY
Who are you?
CREATURE
I have had many names and many forms.
CHAKOTAY
I'm Chakotay of the starship Voyager.
CREATURE
I know.
CHAKOTAY
What is this place?
CREATURE
It is a place in our subconscious.
CHAKOTAY
Why are we here?
CREATURE
Fate. I am the next leap in the evolution
of my people.
CHAKOTAY
(defensive)
You're referring to the species that
attacked our ship and killed billions of
people on Zeta Prime?
CREATURE
All organized intelligences die. It's how
life evolves, microbe by microbe, world
upon world.
CHAKOTAY
(incredulous)
Is that how you rationalize wiping out
five and a half billion lives?
The creature puts his hand on Chakotay's shoulder.
CREATURE
I don't condone what has happened. I feel
as you do.
The creature turns and kneels toward the charred trees.
CLOSE-UP ON CREATURE
as tears well up in his eyes. His large stature makes this
display of emotion more remarkable.
CREATURE (cont'd)
What do you say we change the nature of
things?
INT. SICKBAY
Walker approaches the forcefield. The Doc is at his desk and
Paris enters with a metal box.
WALKER
(to Paris)
How are they?
PARIS
They're doing alright. I suppose you and
Doctor Grey got pretty close after
spending so much time together.
WALKER
Yes and no. Our friendship was based on a
sort of harmless banter. He understood me
better than I did him.
PARIS
He was your "shrink."
Walker looks at him confused.
PARIS (cont'd)
He helped you with your problems. It's
typical for a doctor to remain detached.
WALKER
My problems stemmed from the fact that I
was small. You see, on my world centuries
ago, people believed that those from the
southern continents were less equal
because of their size. Such stigmas are
hard to forget "in human nature," as Grey
would put it.
PARIS
Time has a way of changing people. I take
it you're from the southern hemisphere?
WALKER
No. I'm from Mosteed in the north. Funny
thing is, my ancestors never bred with
anyone from the southern alliance
nations. So as peace overcame prejudice,
I became the modern day poster boy for
expansion into space.
PARIS
Sounds like a perfect source for idle
banter to me.
They both laugh. Walker turns and looks at Grey's cocoon.
Paris quietly exits, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
INT. CLOSE-UP ON COCOON
The camera penetrates Grey's cocoon as it did Chakotay's and
focuses in on his face. A flash of light fades to...
INT. CALOS SPACE STATION - REC ROOM
Grey awakens on the couch and glances up at the window.
Suddenly, long vines shoot toward him from the seams in the
transparency and wrap around his arms and legs. They pull him
to the window which falls away as he is pulled into space. As
he is dragged along, the vines grow thicker and form the
shape of another creature.
EXT. GREY
screams but no sound is heard and he closes his eyes hard.
EXT. ZETA PRIME - SHELL
Grey gasps for air as he comes up out of the green slime. He
jumps onto the cement, wiping the film from his face, to
realize he's inside the shell where he was attacked. Grey
looks to the door to find the creature blocking his way out.
RELIC has a sinister demeanor and like the other Creature,
his stature is large.
GREY
Who are you? What do you want?
The creature moves closer.
RELIC
Why should I answer your questions?
GREY
Because intimidating me wouldn't be
enough.
RELIC
You are an accident of nature. Ours is
the union of thought and matter.
GREY
The laws of nature would apply to all
species equally.
RELIC
I am Relic, and we are the only true
forms of life.
GREY
Your truth has a way of ignoring other
points of view.
RELIC
As do those who claim to be liberated by
education.
GREY
(pause)
Am I unconscious?
RELIC
Yes.
GREY
Then none of this is real.
RELIC
That is why you are a waste of space. You
can't believe what you see, and you won't
believe what you cannot see.
GREY
Then why am I here? Or does misery love
company?
Relic rushes up to Doctor Grey and grabs him by the throat.
RELIC
I have heard enough.
Relic pushes Grey down into the slime. As Grey stands up
again, he is surrounded by five other creatures.
INT. SICKBAY
The Doc stands over Grey's cocoon with a medical tricorder
and an expression of concern.
DOC
Hmmm. This can't be good.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
VOYAGER: "The Nature Of Things" - 6/07/99 - ACT FOUR
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
Traveling at light speed.
INT. READY ROOM
Janeway is meeting with Torres and Seven.
TORRES
Captain, Seven and I have been working on
a way to remodulate the alien energy
beam. We should be able to change the
frequency. Instead of returning energy,
the wave will return a modified sensor
sweep emitting the same type of light
variance.
SEVEN OF NINE
The wave variance will drain their energy
in a similar manner it did ours.
JANEWAY
That's excellent. You two have become the
unstoppable engineering team of the delta
quadrant.
SEVEN OF NINE
Your enthusiasm is premature. We are not
sure how well the wave variance will work
until tested in battle.
JANEWAY
It's one less problem I have to deal with
for the moment. Good work.
The door buzzer goes off.
JANEWAY (cont'd)
Enter.
Walker enters.
WALKER
Hello. I hope I'm not interrupting,
Captain?
JANEWAY
Not at all. We were just finishing up.
Torres and Seven start to leave.
JANEWAY (cont'd)
Stay a moment, will you Seven?
Torres continues on and Walker approaches Janeway's desk. He
looks back at Seven.
WALKER
Captain. I've been feeling more and more
like I should be contributing somehow.
JANEWAY
And?
Walker sits on the edge of her desk and leans in.
WALKER
I've been talking to Tom, Lieutenant
Paris, and Commander Tuvok. It's my
understanding that you're going to send a
shuttle down to retrieve more crystals?
JANEWAY
Yes and we expect resistance.
WALKER
I would like to volunteer, Captain. If my
ship could get close enough to launch a
missile at whatever forces we encounter,
Voyager would be less likely to sustain
damage. Ensign Kim informed me that they
would be unable to withstand a nuclear
blast. Is that correct?
JANEWAY
You have a nuclear missile on board my
ship?
WALKER
I informed your staff on the hanger deck.
JANEWAY
I appreciate your offer, but I don't know
if I'd be willing to jeopardize your life
to solve our problems.
WALKER
Isn't that what life out here is all
about, Captain. Besides, I'm more
expendable than anyone on this ship. And
this is probably the only time I'll be
able to offer anything substantial to any
mission, before being dropped off on some
backwards planet somewhere.
JANEWAY
(beat)
You argue a good case. Too good. I'll
consider it.
WALKER
Thank you, Captain.
JANEWAY
Why don't you pick up a com badge from
Commander Tuvok.
WALKER
Yes, ma'am.
JANEWAY
By the way. Who's idea was it to carry
such a missile?
WALKER
I'm not sure.
Walker feels a sense of pride as he exits the Ready Room.
JANEWAY
I like that kid. I like him a lot.
SEVEN OF NINE
You're not considering letting him
participate?
JANEWAY
It's a viable plan. Wouldn't you agree?
SEVEN OF NINE
Given the size and maneuverability of the
smaller crafts, Voyager would be the
preferred target.
JANEWAY
Well. There you have it.
SEVEN OF NINE
Was there something you wished to discuss
with me?
JANEWAY
No. It must have slipped my mind.
Seven exits. Janeway steals a smile as she leaves.
INT. WALKER'S QUARTERS
He has taken off his starfleet uniform and is putting a shirt
on from his home world when his door chime rings.
WALKER
This is so cool. Come!
The door opens and Seven enters.
WALKER (cont'd)
Good evening. I thought you might be Tom.
He mentioned something about "pool?"
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes. It is his favorite pass time.
WALKER
Would you like to have a seat?
She is unsure at first, then takes a seat on the couch.
SEVEN OF NINE
I'd like permission to make some
modifications to your ship.
Walker takes a seat next to her.
WALKER
Has the Captain come to a decision?
SEVEN OF NINE
No. But it is likely that your help will
be needed. May I ask you a question?
WALKER
Certainly.
SEVEN OF NINE
Why did you volunteer?
WALKER
I felt it was my duty.
SEVEN OF NINE
You're not afraid of dying?
WALKER
No. I fear not really living more, which
has fueled some stupid decisions in the
past, I might add. Can I ask you a
question?
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes.
WALKER
Do you like music?
SEVEN OF NINE
I can't say.
Walker laughs.
WALKER
I take it from your response, you haven't
heard a type of music that suits you.
Computer. Playback musical selection,
"Stairway To Heaven."
The song begins where the singing starts. Walker stands and
goes to the replicator. Deciding what to order, he looks
back. Seven is turning the pages of a photo album on the
table next to the plant.
She stops and looks up as he returns with a banana split and
two spoons.
WALKER
Go ahead. Try some.
She takes a bite, but doesn't react.
SEVEN OF NINE
So the melody of a song invokes certain
emotions?
WALKER
Right. I came across it in the computer
archives, after reading about Voyager and
what brought you here. Quite an amazing
story.
SEVEN OF NINE
So I'm told.
She takes another bite.
WALKER
You were right about us having a lot in
common. That was very perceptive of you,
almost out of character.
Unaware of etiquette, Seven answers with food in her mouth.
SEVEN OF NINE
What makes you say that?
WALKER
(smiles)
Behaviorally, you try to hide your
feelings or control them like Mr. Tuvok.
But sometimes you're the most human
person in the room.
SEVEN OF NINE
I am still part Borg and always will be.
WALKER
We all have a past. Most aren't as unique
as yours.
SEVEN OF NINE
This song is sad.
WALKER
It's all about choices.
Walker takes a napkin and wipes the chocolate from the top of
her lip.
INT. CORRIDOR- LATER
Seven and Walker reach the door to Cargo Bay Two when Seven
stops and turns, preventing Walker from seeing inside.
SEVEN OF NINE
Thank you. I had ... a good time.
WALKER
Me, too.
Walker steps closer and looks into her eyes. She gives him no
sign that she wants him to kiss her. Walker takes her hand
and smiles, then kisses it.
WALKER (cont'd)
Sleep well.
Walker exits. Seven waits 'til he is gone then looks down at
her hand and caresses it. She takes a step and the door to
the cargo bay opens. She looks inside at the stale, dark
room. Then she turns and walks down the corridor.
INT. BRIDGE
The night staff, including Tuvok, is present.
TUVOK
Seven. Is something wrong?
SEVEN OF NINE
No. I would like to be assigned regular
crew quarters. The cargo bay no longer...
suits me.
TUVOK
Of course.
Tuvok presses some buttons, then looks up.
TUVOK (cont'd)
None are available. I'm sure Doctor Grey
wouldn't mind under the circumstances, if
you wanted to use...
SEVEN OF NINE
(sternly)
No. That won't be necessary.
She turns to leave.
TUVOK
Seven. First thing tomorrow, we will
reassign cabins.
She stops in front of the turbolift with her back to him.
TUVOK (cont'd)
Ensign Bahr will be marrying soon and can
bunk with someone until then.
SEVEN OF NINE
Thank you.
She enters the turbolift.
INT. TURBOLIFT
Seven turns toward the door showing a tear on her cheek.
SEVEN OF NINE
(broken)
Deck four.
INT. READY ROOM
JANEWAY
(to Tuvok)
That's alright. They'll probably just
want to push the date up. Seven's our
lucky number and we need to take care of
her as best we can.
DOC'S COM VOICE
I need a security detail to sickbay.
Captain Janeway to sickbay.
Janeway and Tuvok scramble out of the room.
JANEWAY
We're on our way, Doctor.
INT. SICKBAY
Janeway and Tuvok, with phasers drawn, enter the room.
Security already arrived and posted guards on each bulkhead
outside the forcefield. The Doc stands in the middle holding
a tricorder.
JANEWAY
What is it Doctor?
DOC
I'm reading activity inside the cocoon.
JANEWAY
Isn't it early?
DOC
Yes. I must have been wrong in my
calculations.
They stare at the two cocoons. Chakotay's cracks down the
length of it and a green ooze slowly streams out onto the
floor next to the bed. It forms the Creature as it
solidifies. They stare in amazement. Walker enters the room
suddenly.
CREATURE
Your friend is alright. I mean you no
harm.
The Doc passes through the forcefield and scans Chakotay. The
Creature reaches one of his huge arms over and tears away one
side of the cocoon. The other side falls to the floor on its
own between the two beds. The doctor uses his hand to wipe
some of the ooze from Chakotay's face then takes the oxygen
mask off.
The Creature picks Chakotay up and walks to the forcefield.
CREATURE (cont'd)
Chakotay is very brave.
Janeway walks up to him and looks into his eyes. Slowly, as
if in a trance, Janeway walks to the control and turns off
the forcefield.
TUVOK
Captain, no.
JANEWAY
It's okay, Tuvok.
The Creature takes Chakotay to the other side of sickbay and
lays him down. Janeway turns the forcefield back on.
JANEWAY
It's the other creature we have to worry
about, Commander.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
Janeway, Tuvok, Kim ,and Creature are all standing.
JANEWAY
In the brief moment our minds were
joined, I learned a great deal about you.
What I don't understand is why you too
must now travel to your species place of
origin?
CREATURE
To ensure they have a chance to grow,
Captain. But there are always opposites;
in science and ideologies.
TUVOK
You're referring to the other creature?
You and he are in competition somehow?
CREATURE
Yes.
JANEWAY
Why were you spawned on Zeta Prime?
CREATURE
To those who preceded me, it was a place
to launch new conquests, to birth the
future leader. But no rhetoric, profound
or profane, can rationalize what's been
done.
JANEWAY
And that ship that attacked us was meant
to take one of you home, with a lone
pilot left to serve as escort.
CREATURE
That's right. In six years, the organisms
lying dormant on Zeta Prime will come
alive. As creatures of habit they will be
looking for another world to colonize.
And the technology to do so remains in
tact within the chamber that housed the
crystals.
TUVOK
Then all they'll need are more crystals.
CREATURE
You and your ship, Captain, may have
changed the circumstances of these
events. Whoever returns to Zeta Prime
will determine the course of the future.
JANEWAY
You have our total support.
CREATURE
Thank you, Kathryn.
INT. SICKBAY - COCOON
It cracks open suddenly and the green fluid spurts out to
form another creature.
SECURITY #1
Security alert in sickbay.
Security points their phasers in the direction of the
forcefield. Walker steps up from behind with a phaser in
hand. Relic defies him.
RELIC
David. I didn't recognize you without
your crown.
WALKER
You must be mistaking me for someone
else.
RELIC
Galant to the end.
Relic pulls Doctor Grey from the cocoon and holds him up.
RELIC (cont'd)
I am that I am.
Walker raises phaser.
WALKER
Ready?
SECURITY #1
Computer, disengage forcefield!
It lowers and they fire immediately. Relic changes to liquid,
dropping Grey in the process, and escapes out through an air
vent behind him. His form changed so quickly that he evaded
the phaser fire. Walker taps his com badge.
WALKER
Captain, the creature has escaped.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
VOYAGER: "The Nature Of Things" - REV. 6/7/99 - ACT FIVE
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
INT. CORRIDOR
A security guard carefully works his way down the corridor.
He looks in an indented doorway and continues on, his phaser
held like a hand gun in a cop show. In one fluid motion,
Relic reaches around his neck from a vent in the doorway and
solidifies. He rips the phaser from his hand and pushes him
against the wall by the throat. Like a gust of wind the
Creature in fluid form flies on top of Relic, pulling him off
the crew member.
SECURITY #2
(gasping)
Security to deck five.
The Creature solidifies, pulls Relic to his feet, and throws
him against the bulkhead. At point blank range, Relic fires
the phaser, severing the Creatures arm. It drops to the floor
as Relic shoves him back.
RELIC
Hello, brother. Is the first born feeling
his age yet?
Relic clasps the Creature's one hand and they wrestle. Relic
holds the phaser up as a show of force.
RELIC (cont'd)
Neither of us thought it would end this
way, did we? Isn't technology a wonderful
thing to abuse?
The Creature closes his eyes. Relic laughs. Then an arm
begins to grow from the Creatures shoulder and Relic steps
back in amazement.
RELIC (cont'd)
You think I'm afraid of your power? I'm
not.
Relic points the phaser at the Creature when suddenly a long
blade severs his arm. He turns to Walker, standing next to
him with his sword extended.
RELIC (cont'd)
(terrified)
This isn't happening.
WALKER
It just did.
Walker takes a step and severs Relic's head. The pieces dry
up on the floor.
WALKER
It's too bad it had to come to this.
CREATURE
Everything happens for a reason.
WALKER
So, do all of you need a host to
procreate?
CREATURE
Not if we're successful.
The tip of Walker's sword lowers to the floor. The Creature's
image overshadows him as they stand looking down.
INT. SPACE - VOYAGER
at warp.
INT. BRIDGE
Janeway, Kim, Tuvok, and the Creature are present with the
secondary bridge crew.
JANEWAY
Congratulations wouldn't be premature
would it?
CREATURE
I'm afraid so.
JANEWAY
Then you aren't able to communicate with
your people from space.
CREATURE
I wish I could, Kathryn.
JANEWAY
We're expecting a heavy assault.
CREATURE
As you should.
(beat)
Have faith.
The Creature squeezes Janeway's hand.
INT. HANGER DECK - SPACE PLANE
Walker is belted in as Seven looms over him giving
instruction.
SEVEN OF NINE
Remember, the computer will give you
compatible flight intel to avoid alien
contact. Do exactly as it instructs.
WALKER
Don't worry. Now go on. The Captain needs
you.
Seven leans in and kisses him, then climbs down.
WALKER (cont'd)
Good thing I'm sitting down already.
The canopy closes.
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
JANEWAY
All hands, battle stations.
TUVOK
Holding on shields.
JANEWAY
Tom, get ready to launch on my mark.
INT. SHUTTLE
Paris is pilot, Kim is copilot. The Creature is seated behind
them.
PARIS
Aye, Captain.
INT. BRIDGE - JANEWAY
JANEWAY
Disengage warp drive.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
goes to sublight.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
Launch shuttle.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
Shuttle clears the ship and goes to warp.
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
JANEWAY
Re-engage. Transporter room. Keep a
continual lock on Lieutenant Walker after
he launches.
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
Aye, Captain.
Seven enters the bridge and relieves a crew member at Harry's
Station.
SEVEN OF NINE
Captain, I'm tying astrometrics into this
station and enhancing sensors.
JANEWAY
Very good.
HELMSMAN
We are ahead of the shuttle's elliptical
course.
TUVOK
Three alien vessels on intercept.
JANEWAY
Evade.
HELMSMAN
Aye, Captain.
JANEWAY
That was where we went wrong the last
time.
TUVOK
Alien's maximum speed is warp two.
HELMSMAN
Insertion point coming up in three, two,
one.
JANEWAY
Disengage.
EXT. SPACE - ALIEN HOME WORLD
Voyager comes out of warp a good distance from the planet.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
Eric. You're clear to launch.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
The space plane shoots out like a rocket.
INT. BRIDGE
TUVOK
Shields are up.
SEVEN OF NINE
Twelve vessels are leaving the planet's
atmosphere.
JANEWAY
Hold position here and ready photon
torpedo, maximum spread pattern.
TUVOK
Ready. Vessels entering extreme target
range, now.
INT. COCKPIT - WALKER
COMPUTER VOICE
Ascension point in three seconds.
INT. SPACE
Walker levels the craft off.
INT. COCKPIT
WALKER
Targets?
COMPUTER VOICE
Targets entering range now.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
Fire.
EXT. SPACE
POV from above as the red torpedo makes contact and explodes.
INT. BRIDGE
TUVOK
Three vessels have been destroyed. Firing
phasers.
INT. COCKPIT
COMPUTER VOICE
Two vessels have broken formation and are
circling Voyager perimeter.
WALKER
Here we go.
EXT. SPACE - PLANE
It accelerates and descends.
INT. COCKPIT
COMPUTER VOICE
Target approaching at thirty degrees
port.
EXT. SPACE - PLANE
The laser cannon rotates and Walker fires. The craft evades
his fire and continues on.
INT. COCKPIT
WALKER
Distance to enemy vessels?
COMPUTER VOICE
Twenty thousand meters.
Walker looks down at his booster.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
Walker's position?
TUVOK
He is closing on the enemy.
JANEWAY
Continue firing.
INT. CLOSE-UP ON BOOSTER BUTTON
Walker presses it and the ship jerks from the increase in
speed.
COMPUTER VOICE
Fuel supply will extinguish in twenty-
five seconds.
INT. BRIDGE
TUVOK
Captain, Walker's vessel has increased
speed.
SEVEN OF NINE
(almost frantic)
He'll run out of fuel, Captain. We have
to do something.
Voyager rocks from sudden fire.
JANEWAY
Increase power to the shields and engage
impulse engines. Transporter room, do you
have a lock?
INT. COCKPIT
WALKER
(to self)
Thanks for the look into the future,
Captain.
EXT. SPACE
Walker fires the missile and veers the ship away.
INT. COCKPIT
WALKER
ETA to target?
COMPUTER VOICE
Five, four, three, two, one.
On one, Walker detonates the missile.
EXT. SPACE
The shock wave heads for the small craft.
INT. BRIDGE
TUVOK
Captain, we're too close.
JANEWAY
Transporter room?
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
I got him, Captain.
JANEWAY
Punch it.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
goes to warp as the blast nears the ship.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
B'Elanna, I take it your variance wave
worked?
TORRES' COM VOICE
Crystals are holding, Captain.
Seven collects her emotions.
SEVEN OF NINE
I'm receiving a signal from the shuttle.
They've landed.
JANEWAY
Tuvok. Status.
TUVOK
The explosion detonated a safe distance
from the planet. And for some reason the
five remaining vessels are retreating.
JANEWAY
Five?
TUVOK
The three we first encountered, plus two
remaining ships that escaped the blast.
JANEWAY
Helm, turn us around. Despite all our
advances, we're still haunted by the
destructive power of a nuclear device.
Perhaps I shouldn't look a gift horse in
the mouth. Transporter room. How's
Lieutenant Walker?
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
I don't know, Captain. I had to beam him
directly to sickbay.
Janeway looks up at Seven who pauses, then exits the bridge.
Janeway's expression goes from shock to sadness.
EXT. PLANET SURFACE
The shuttle sets with the door open. Paris and Kim exit to
find the Creature staring boldly out at the sight of hundreds
of other creatures, (females are smaller and curvy), kneeling
in front of their new leader. He stretches his arms out,
communicating to them in thought.
CREATURE (V.O.)
There's so much more to learn.
A white stream of energy flows from the Creature to everyone
assembled, including Paris and Kim.
EXT. PARIS AND KIM'S
eyes are glazed over with emotion.
KIM
I don't think I'll ever feel alone again.
PARIS
I hear you.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
in orbit around the planet.
INT. SICKBAY
Janeway enters. Chakotay and Doctor Grey are sitting up on
their beds. The Doctor diverts her attention from the black
screen of the forcefield where Walker is hid away.
DOC
Captain.
JANEWAY
What's going on?
DOC
He requested it.
JANEWAY
How bad is he?
DOC
I had to amputate both arms and legs. He
had minor organ exposure to radiation
except for one part of the brain. He can
barely talk. I think he just wants to
die, Captain. He kept repeating, "no
transporter."
Janeway looks at Grey, attentive of their conversation.
JANEWAY
(to Grey)
I'm so sorry.
GREY
Let him go, Captain. It's what he wants.
JANEWAY
Where's Seven?
DOC
I'm afraid our Borg has experienced a
flood of emotions all too human.
Kathryn breaks down as she looks toward the forcefield.
JANEWAY
My god. What have we done?
INT. OFFICER'S MESS
Chakotay enters and walks to Paris and Kim's table. They
don't speak or even look up.
CHAKOTAY
May I join you?
They nod. Chakotay sits down.
CHAKOTAY (cont'd)
Are you two alright?
They nod again.
CHAKOTAY (cont'd)
Don't feel like talking, huh?
Paris and Kim stare, not even concerned that they are being
questioned by a superior officer.
CHAKOTAY (cont'd)
It's okay. I think I know.
They look at each other and sit quietly.
EXT. SPACE - ZETA PRIME
Subtitles identify the planet. A Borg cube passes in view
close to orbit.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. SICKBAY
The "away team" is beamed on board. Chakotay and Grey are on
medical beds, and Kim, Tuvok, and Walker next to the Doctor
who awaited their arrival.
TUVOK
Computer, erect forcefield.
The Doctor rushes to them using his tricorder.
DOC
(to computer)
Adjust light to harmonize with
photosynthesis.
The light in the room changes.
DOC (cont'd)
(to Tuvok)
I need three cubic meters of soil
containing ___ liters of chlorophyll, ___
liters of H2O and synthetically enhanced
fertilizer.
TUVOK
(to Kim)
Ensign.
KIM
I'm on it.
Harry taps his com badge as he turns and runs out of sickbay.
WALKER
What the hell's going on?
JANEWAY'S COM VOICE
Sickbay. Report.
The doctor has retrieved a hypospray and is administering it
to both men. He doesn't reply to the Captain's inquiry, but
places a twenty-fourth century oxygen mask over their faces.
INT. SICKBAY
Janeway, Tuvok, Seven Of Nine, Kim, Torres, and Walker are
present as the Doctor explains the situation. He walks
through the forcefield up to two earth-toned cocoons, each
with an oxygen tube protruding out. The shell is slightly
larger than their own bodies.
DOC
From what I can gather, they have become
hosts to an aggressive form of plant
life. The cocoon is a result of the raw
materials we provided.
JANEWAY
Are they alive?
DOC
Yes. But they wouldn't be if we hadn't
intervened.
KIM
But the nutrients are plentiful on the
planet.
DOC
The symbiont would have also used the
chemicals in their own bodies to supply
nourishment. In a similar way I suspect
that is what killed the inhabitants of
the planet.
KIM
They didn't have the luxury of
tranporters to escape.
Kim looks at Walker.
JANEWAY
What happens, now?
DOC
There's something unusually different
about the cocooning. Unlike the
infestations on the planet, these are
creating a highly organized form of life.
The scans Mr. Kim provided me weren't as
sophisticated. Whatever it is, I expect
it to hatch at some point.
TORRES
What about Chakotay and Dr. Grey?
DOC
I can only hope that the alien DNA will
separate and become independent of our
friends here.
TUVOK
We should post guards at that point to
ensure the Commander and Doctor's safety.
JANEWAY
B'Elanna. How long before the warp
engines are on line?
TORRES
Another hour, Captain. I have to remind
you, these crystals aren't cut to
starfleet specification. I can't predict
how long before decrystallization occurs.
JANEWAY
Do your best.
Torres exits.
JANEWAY
Harry. Do we know where this species
originated?
KIM
Yes. It'll only take a week at warp five.
They're warp capabilities are limited and
requires they prey on M class planets as
they go.
JANEWAY
This species may be aggressive as far as
we're concerned, but I have a feeling
that it's doing what we all do. Trying to
survive.
(to Kim)
I take it the crystals aren't indigenous
to the planet. Any idea how removing them
will affect that shelled chamber?
KIM
I can't be sure.
JANEWAY
There must be a link between the ship we
destroyed and that pool. The fact they
used the same power source is too
coincidental. Have Mr. Paris get us on
our way.
Kim exits.
JANEWAY (cont'd)
Seven, I'll need your expertise in
astrometrics. If we have to defend
ourselves, we're going to need all the
intelligence we can get.
SEVEN OF NINE
Aye, Captain.
Seven exits. Janeway and Tuvok follow her out. They don't
notice Walker tagging along behind.
INT. CORRIDOR
TUVOK
We will have to come up with a more
strategic plan to achieve our objective,
Captain. Confrontation is highly
probable.
JANEWAY
Why must it always come to this?
TUVOK
(pause)
At some point, every species must learn
that aggression is a primitive emotion.
JANEWAY
Not so easy when those who learn have to
share space with those who haven't.
TUVOK
Hopefully, those who have carry a bigger
stick, so to speak.
Janeway smiles. Walker stops and watches them continue on.
JANEWAY
I suppose species like the Borg would be
an exception to the rule?
TUVOK
Interesting you should mention them. Of
late I've come to think of them as a
political society rather than a species.
Their basic premise is idealogical.
JANEWAY
And arrogant to say the least.
(pause)
Huh. Any idea how a species of humans
could exist in the delta quadrant?
TUVOK
The logical explanation would likely seem
absurd.
INT. WALKER'S QUARTERS
Walker enters and gazes at a picture of his family huddled
together. He goes to a closet and retrieves a beautiful
sword, then takes a small plant from a coffee table in front
of a couch and carefully places it elsewhere. He sits cross-
legged on the table, sword across his lap, meditatingly as he
faces the windows and space.
Suddenly the ship goes to warp and the stars fade away.
Walker gets up and touches the window like it's magic.
Turning, he notices the computer screen across the room and
goes to it, leaving the sword on the couch.
WALKER
Computer. Can you display history of
Voyager expedition?
COMPUTER VOICE
Please specify stardate.
WALKER
Display the highlights involving current
crew members?
The screen flashes the information as Walker begins reading.
WALKER (cont'd)
Computer, how do I turn the page?
A button lights up.
WALKER (cont'd)
(to self)
Oh. Duhh.
INT. SICKBAY
Paris is assisting the Doctor. The cocoons are slightly
larger.
DOC
Your visit is very timely. I need more
soil for the creature's nourishment.
PARIS
Creature?
DOC
Yes. I've projected the evolution of the
metamorphosis. Would you like to see?
PARIS
Sure.
A picture of a "Swamp Thing" like creature appears on the
computer screen.
DOC
It's actually quite regal looking.
PARIS
Doc. Any idea what's going on inside
their heads right now?
DOC
I've been monitoring both their brain
activities and it appears they're in a
state of dreaming. I don't know whether
it's pleasant or nightmarish, but their
vitals are steady. That's all I can tell
you.
Paris exits sickbay to get the Doctor's soil.
INT. CLOSE-UP ON COCOON
The camera penetrates the shell and passes through a green
membrane where Chakotay's face is visible. A flash of light
fades to...
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Chakotay awakes and stands, looking around. He sees a timber
wolf run past ten meters away and runs after him.
EXT. FOREST EDGE
He clears the forest. It opens up to a barren place where
trees have been scorched by a fire. He kneels at a stream and
sees the reflection of the moon. Chakotay stands, the sun
bearing down on his face, and he walks onto the soil where he
discovers one lush green bush.
EXT. BURNT FOREST
The bush begins to grow at an alarming rate and reaches a
height taller than Chakotay. The plant creature forms. His
demeanor is wise and benevolent.
EXT. CHAKOTAY
takes a step back.
EXT. DEAD FOREST
CREATURE
No need to be afraid.
CHAKOTAY
Who are you?
CREATURE
I have had many names and many forms.
CHAKOTAY
I'm Chakotay of the starship Voyager.
CREATURE
I know.
CHAKOTAY
What is this place?
CREATURE
It is a place in our subconscious.
CHAKOTAY
Why are we here?
CREATURE
Fate. I am the next leap in the evolution
of my people.
CHAKOTAY
(defensive)
You're referring to the species that
attacked our ship and killed billions of
people on Zeta Prime?
CREATURE
All organized intelligences die. It's how
life evolves, microbe by microbe, world
upon world.
CHAKOTAY
(incredulous)
Is that how you rationalize wiping out
five and a half billion lives?
The creature puts his hand on Chakotay's shoulder.
CREATURE
I don't condone what has happened. I feel
as you do.
The creature turns and kneels toward the charred trees.
CLOSE-UP ON CREATURE
as tears well up in his eyes. His large stature makes this
display of emotion more remarkable.
CREATURE (cont'd)
What do you say we change the nature of
things?
INT. SICKBAY
Walker approaches the forcefield. The Doc is at his desk and
Paris enters with a metal box.
WALKER
(to Paris)
How are they?
PARIS
They're doing alright. I suppose you and
Doctor Grey got pretty close after
spending so much time together.
WALKER
Yes and no. Our friendship was based on a
sort of harmless banter. He understood me
better than I did him.
PARIS
He was your "shrink."
Walker looks at him confused.
PARIS (cont'd)
He helped you with your problems. It's
typical for a doctor to remain detached.
WALKER
My problems stemmed from the fact that I
was small. You see, on my world centuries
ago, people believed that those from the
southern continents were less equal
because of their size. Such stigmas are
hard to forget "in human nature," as Grey
would put it.
PARIS
Time has a way of changing people. I take
it you're from the southern hemisphere?
WALKER
No. I'm from Mosteed in the north. Funny
thing is, my ancestors never bred with
anyone from the southern alliance
nations. So as peace overcame prejudice,
I became the modern day poster boy for
expansion into space.
PARIS
Sounds like a perfect source for idle
banter to me.
They both laugh. Walker turns and looks at Grey's cocoon.
Paris quietly exits, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
INT. CLOSE-UP ON COCOON
The camera penetrates Grey's cocoon as it did Chakotay's and
focuses in on his face. A flash of light fades to...
INT. CALOS SPACE STATION - REC ROOM
Grey awakens on the couch and glances up at the window.
Suddenly, long vines shoot toward him from the seams in the
transparency and wrap around his arms and legs. They pull him
to the window which falls away as he is pulled into space. As
he is dragged along, the vines grow thicker and form the
shape of another creature.
EXT. GREY
screams but no sound is heard and he closes his eyes hard.
EXT. ZETA PRIME - SHELL
Grey gasps for air as he comes up out of the green slime. He
jumps onto the cement, wiping the film from his face, to
realize he's inside the shell where he was attacked. Grey
looks to the door to find the creature blocking his way out.
RELIC has a sinister demeanor and like the other Creature,
his stature is large.
GREY
Who are you? What do you want?
The creature moves closer.
RELIC
Why should I answer your questions?
GREY
Because intimidating me wouldn't be
enough.
RELIC
You are an accident of nature. Ours is
the union of thought and matter.
GREY
The laws of nature would apply to all
species equally.
RELIC
I am Relic, and we are the only true
forms of life.
GREY
Your truth has a way of ignoring other
points of view.
RELIC
As do those who claim to be liberated by
education.
GREY
(pause)
Am I unconscious?
RELIC
Yes.
GREY
Then none of this is real.
RELIC
That is why you are a waste of space. You
can't believe what you see, and you won't
believe what you cannot see.
GREY
Then why am I here? Or does misery love
company?
Relic rushes up to Doctor Grey and grabs him by the throat.
RELIC
I have heard enough.
Relic pushes Grey down into the slime. As Grey stands up
again, he is surrounded by five other creatures.
INT. SICKBAY
The Doc stands over Grey's cocoon with a medical tricorder
and an expression of concern.
DOC
Hmmm. This can't be good.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
VOYAGER: "The Nature Of Things" - 6/07/99 - ACT FOUR
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
Traveling at light speed.
INT. READY ROOM
Janeway is meeting with Torres and Seven.
TORRES
Captain, Seven and I have been working on
a way to remodulate the alien energy
beam. We should be able to change the
frequency. Instead of returning energy,
the wave will return a modified sensor
sweep emitting the same type of light
variance.
SEVEN OF NINE
The wave variance will drain their energy
in a similar manner it did ours.
JANEWAY
That's excellent. You two have become the
unstoppable engineering team of the delta
quadrant.
SEVEN OF NINE
Your enthusiasm is premature. We are not
sure how well the wave variance will work
until tested in battle.
JANEWAY
It's one less problem I have to deal with
for the moment. Good work.
The door buzzer goes off.
JANEWAY (cont'd)
Enter.
Walker enters.
WALKER
Hello. I hope I'm not interrupting,
Captain?
JANEWAY
Not at all. We were just finishing up.
Torres and Seven start to leave.
JANEWAY (cont'd)
Stay a moment, will you Seven?
Torres continues on and Walker approaches Janeway's desk. He
looks back at Seven.
WALKER
Captain. I've been feeling more and more
like I should be contributing somehow.
JANEWAY
And?
Walker sits on the edge of her desk and leans in.
WALKER
I've been talking to Tom, Lieutenant
Paris, and Commander Tuvok. It's my
understanding that you're going to send a
shuttle down to retrieve more crystals?
JANEWAY
Yes and we expect resistance.
WALKER
I would like to volunteer, Captain. If my
ship could get close enough to launch a
missile at whatever forces we encounter,
Voyager would be less likely to sustain
damage. Ensign Kim informed me that they
would be unable to withstand a nuclear
blast. Is that correct?
JANEWAY
You have a nuclear missile on board my
ship?
WALKER
I informed your staff on the hanger deck.
JANEWAY
I appreciate your offer, but I don't know
if I'd be willing to jeopardize your life
to solve our problems.
WALKER
Isn't that what life out here is all
about, Captain. Besides, I'm more
expendable than anyone on this ship. And
this is probably the only time I'll be
able to offer anything substantial to any
mission, before being dropped off on some
backwards planet somewhere.
JANEWAY
(beat)
You argue a good case. Too good. I'll
consider it.
WALKER
Thank you, Captain.
JANEWAY
Why don't you pick up a com badge from
Commander Tuvok.
WALKER
Yes, ma'am.
JANEWAY
By the way. Who's idea was it to carry
such a missile?
WALKER
I'm not sure.
Walker feels a sense of pride as he exits the Ready Room.
JANEWAY
I like that kid. I like him a lot.
SEVEN OF NINE
You're not considering letting him
participate?
JANEWAY
It's a viable plan. Wouldn't you agree?
SEVEN OF NINE
Given the size and maneuverability of the
smaller crafts, Voyager would be the
preferred target.
JANEWAY
Well. There you have it.
SEVEN OF NINE
Was there something you wished to discuss
with me?
JANEWAY
No. It must have slipped my mind.
Seven exits. Janeway steals a smile as she leaves.
INT. WALKER'S QUARTERS
He has taken off his starfleet uniform and is putting a shirt
on from his home world when his door chime rings.
WALKER
This is so cool. Come!
The door opens and Seven enters.
WALKER (cont'd)
Good evening. I thought you might be Tom.
He mentioned something about "pool?"
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes. It is his favorite pass time.
WALKER
Would you like to have a seat?
She is unsure at first, then takes a seat on the couch.
SEVEN OF NINE
I'd like permission to make some
modifications to your ship.
Walker takes a seat next to her.
WALKER
Has the Captain come to a decision?
SEVEN OF NINE
No. But it is likely that your help will
be needed. May I ask you a question?
WALKER
Certainly.
SEVEN OF NINE
Why did you volunteer?
WALKER
I felt it was my duty.
SEVEN OF NINE
You're not afraid of dying?
WALKER
No. I fear not really living more, which
has fueled some stupid decisions in the
past, I might add. Can I ask you a
question?
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes.
WALKER
Do you like music?
SEVEN OF NINE
I can't say.
Walker laughs.
WALKER
I take it from your response, you haven't
heard a type of music that suits you.
Computer. Playback musical selection,
"Stairway To Heaven."
The song begins where the singing starts. Walker stands and
goes to the replicator. Deciding what to order, he looks
back. Seven is turning the pages of a photo album on the
table next to the plant.
She stops and looks up as he returns with a banana split and
two spoons.
WALKER
Go ahead. Try some.
She takes a bite, but doesn't react.
SEVEN OF NINE
So the melody of a song invokes certain
emotions?
WALKER
Right. I came across it in the computer
archives, after reading about Voyager and
what brought you here. Quite an amazing
story.
SEVEN OF NINE
So I'm told.
She takes another bite.
WALKER
You were right about us having a lot in
common. That was very perceptive of you,
almost out of character.
Unaware of etiquette, Seven answers with food in her mouth.
SEVEN OF NINE
What makes you say that?
WALKER
(smiles)
Behaviorally, you try to hide your
feelings or control them like Mr. Tuvok.
But sometimes you're the most human
person in the room.
SEVEN OF NINE
I am still part Borg and always will be.
WALKER
We all have a past. Most aren't as unique
as yours.
SEVEN OF NINE
This song is sad.
WALKER
It's all about choices.
Walker takes a napkin and wipes the chocolate from the top of
her lip.
INT. CORRIDOR- LATER
Seven and Walker reach the door to Cargo Bay Two when Seven
stops and turns, preventing Walker from seeing inside.
SEVEN OF NINE
Thank you. I had ... a good time.
WALKER
Me, too.
Walker steps closer and looks into her eyes. She gives him no
sign that she wants him to kiss her. Walker takes her hand
and smiles, then kisses it.
WALKER (cont'd)
Sleep well.
Walker exits. Seven waits 'til he is gone then looks down at
her hand and caresses it. She takes a step and the door to
the cargo bay opens. She looks inside at the stale, dark
room. Then she turns and walks down the corridor.
INT. BRIDGE
The night staff, including Tuvok, is present.
TUVOK
Seven. Is something wrong?
SEVEN OF NINE
No. I would like to be assigned regular
crew quarters. The cargo bay no longer...
suits me.
TUVOK
Of course.
Tuvok presses some buttons, then looks up.
TUVOK (cont'd)
None are available. I'm sure Doctor Grey
wouldn't mind under the circumstances, if
you wanted to use...
SEVEN OF NINE
(sternly)
No. That won't be necessary.
She turns to leave.
TUVOK
Seven. First thing tomorrow, we will
reassign cabins.
She stops in front of the turbolift with her back to him.
TUVOK (cont'd)
Ensign Bahr will be marrying soon and can
bunk with someone until then.
SEVEN OF NINE
Thank you.
She enters the turbolift.
INT. TURBOLIFT
Seven turns toward the door showing a tear on her cheek.
SEVEN OF NINE
(broken)
Deck four.
INT. READY ROOM
JANEWAY
(to Tuvok)
That's alright. They'll probably just
want to push the date up. Seven's our
lucky number and we need to take care of
her as best we can.
DOC'S COM VOICE
I need a security detail to sickbay.
Captain Janeway to sickbay.
Janeway and Tuvok scramble out of the room.
JANEWAY
We're on our way, Doctor.
INT. SICKBAY
Janeway and Tuvok, with phasers drawn, enter the room.
Security already arrived and posted guards on each bulkhead
outside the forcefield. The Doc stands in the middle holding
a tricorder.
JANEWAY
What is it Doctor?
DOC
I'm reading activity inside the cocoon.
JANEWAY
Isn't it early?
DOC
Yes. I must have been wrong in my
calculations.
They stare at the two cocoons. Chakotay's cracks down the
length of it and a green ooze slowly streams out onto the
floor next to the bed. It forms the Creature as it
solidifies. They stare in amazement. Walker enters the room
suddenly.
CREATURE
Your friend is alright. I mean you no
harm.
The Doc passes through the forcefield and scans Chakotay. The
Creature reaches one of his huge arms over and tears away one
side of the cocoon. The other side falls to the floor on its
own between the two beds. The doctor uses his hand to wipe
some of the ooze from Chakotay's face then takes the oxygen
mask off.
The Creature picks Chakotay up and walks to the forcefield.
CREATURE (cont'd)
Chakotay is very brave.
Janeway walks up to him and looks into his eyes. Slowly, as
if in a trance, Janeway walks to the control and turns off
the forcefield.
TUVOK
Captain, no.
JANEWAY
It's okay, Tuvok.
The Creature takes Chakotay to the other side of sickbay and
lays him down. Janeway turns the forcefield back on.
JANEWAY
It's the other creature we have to worry
about, Commander.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
Janeway, Tuvok, Kim ,and Creature are all standing.
JANEWAY
In the brief moment our minds were
joined, I learned a great deal about you.
What I don't understand is why you too
must now travel to your species place of
origin?
CREATURE
To ensure they have a chance to grow,
Captain. But there are always opposites;
in science and ideologies.
TUVOK
You're referring to the other creature?
You and he are in competition somehow?
CREATURE
Yes.
JANEWAY
Why were you spawned on Zeta Prime?
CREATURE
To those who preceded me, it was a place
to launch new conquests, to birth the
future leader. But no rhetoric, profound
or profane, can rationalize what's been
done.
JANEWAY
And that ship that attacked us was meant
to take one of you home, with a lone
pilot left to serve as escort.
CREATURE
That's right. In six years, the organisms
lying dormant on Zeta Prime will come
alive. As creatures of habit they will be
looking for another world to colonize.
And the technology to do so remains in
tact within the chamber that housed the
crystals.
TUVOK
Then all they'll need are more crystals.
CREATURE
You and your ship, Captain, may have
changed the circumstances of these
events. Whoever returns to Zeta Prime
will determine the course of the future.
JANEWAY
You have our total support.
CREATURE
Thank you, Kathryn.
INT. SICKBAY - COCOON
It cracks open suddenly and the green fluid spurts out to
form another creature.
SECURITY #1
Security alert in sickbay.
Security points their phasers in the direction of the
forcefield. Walker steps up from behind with a phaser in
hand. Relic defies him.
RELIC
David. I didn't recognize you without
your crown.
WALKER
You must be mistaking me for someone
else.
RELIC
Galant to the end.
Relic pulls Doctor Grey from the cocoon and holds him up.
RELIC (cont'd)
I am that I am.
Walker raises phaser.
WALKER
Ready?
SECURITY #1
Computer, disengage forcefield!
It lowers and they fire immediately. Relic changes to liquid,
dropping Grey in the process, and escapes out through an air
vent behind him. His form changed so quickly that he evaded
the phaser fire. Walker taps his com badge.
WALKER
Captain, the creature has escaped.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
VOYAGER: "The Nature Of Things" - REV. 6/7/99 - ACT FIVE
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
INT. CORRIDOR
A security guard carefully works his way down the corridor.
He looks in an indented doorway and continues on, his phaser
held like a hand gun in a cop show. In one fluid motion,
Relic reaches around his neck from a vent in the doorway and
solidifies. He rips the phaser from his hand and pushes him
against the wall by the throat. Like a gust of wind the
Creature in fluid form flies on top of Relic, pulling him off
the crew member.
SECURITY #2
(gasping)
Security to deck five.
The Creature solidifies, pulls Relic to his feet, and throws
him against the bulkhead. At point blank range, Relic fires
the phaser, severing the Creatures arm. It drops to the floor
as Relic shoves him back.
RELIC
Hello, brother. Is the first born feeling
his age yet?
Relic clasps the Creature's one hand and they wrestle. Relic
holds the phaser up as a show of force.
RELIC (cont'd)
Neither of us thought it would end this
way, did we? Isn't technology a wonderful
thing to abuse?
The Creature closes his eyes. Relic laughs. Then an arm
begins to grow from the Creatures shoulder and Relic steps
back in amazement.
RELIC (cont'd)
You think I'm afraid of your power? I'm
not.
Relic points the phaser at the Creature when suddenly a long
blade severs his arm. He turns to Walker, standing next to
him with his sword extended.
RELIC (cont'd)
(terrified)
This isn't happening.
WALKER
It just did.
Walker takes a step and severs Relic's head. The pieces dry
up on the floor.
WALKER
It's too bad it had to come to this.
CREATURE
Everything happens for a reason.
WALKER
So, do all of you need a host to
procreate?
CREATURE
Not if we're successful.
The tip of Walker's sword lowers to the floor. The Creature's
image overshadows him as they stand looking down.
INT. SPACE - VOYAGER
at warp.
INT. BRIDGE
Janeway, Kim, Tuvok, and the Creature are present with the
secondary bridge crew.
JANEWAY
Congratulations wouldn't be premature
would it?
CREATURE
I'm afraid so.
JANEWAY
Then you aren't able to communicate with
your people from space.
CREATURE
I wish I could, Kathryn.
JANEWAY
We're expecting a heavy assault.
CREATURE
As you should.
(beat)
Have faith.
The Creature squeezes Janeway's hand.
INT. HANGER DECK - SPACE PLANE
Walker is belted in as Seven looms over him giving
instruction.
SEVEN OF NINE
Remember, the computer will give you
compatible flight intel to avoid alien
contact. Do exactly as it instructs.
WALKER
Don't worry. Now go on. The Captain needs
you.
Seven leans in and kisses him, then climbs down.
WALKER (cont'd)
Good thing I'm sitting down already.
The canopy closes.
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
JANEWAY
All hands, battle stations.
TUVOK
Holding on shields.
JANEWAY
Tom, get ready to launch on my mark.
INT. SHUTTLE
Paris is pilot, Kim is copilot. The Creature is seated behind
them.
PARIS
Aye, Captain.
INT. BRIDGE - JANEWAY
JANEWAY
Disengage warp drive.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
goes to sublight.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
Launch shuttle.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
Shuttle clears the ship and goes to warp.
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
JANEWAY
Re-engage. Transporter room. Keep a
continual lock on Lieutenant Walker after
he launches.
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
Aye, Captain.
Seven enters the bridge and relieves a crew member at Harry's
Station.
SEVEN OF NINE
Captain, I'm tying astrometrics into this
station and enhancing sensors.
JANEWAY
Very good.
HELMSMAN
We are ahead of the shuttle's elliptical
course.
TUVOK
Three alien vessels on intercept.
JANEWAY
Evade.
HELMSMAN
Aye, Captain.
JANEWAY
That was where we went wrong the last
time.
TUVOK
Alien's maximum speed is warp two.
HELMSMAN
Insertion point coming up in three, two,
one.
JANEWAY
Disengage.
EXT. SPACE - ALIEN HOME WORLD
Voyager comes out of warp a good distance from the planet.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
Eric. You're clear to launch.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
The space plane shoots out like a rocket.
INT. BRIDGE
TUVOK
Shields are up.
SEVEN OF NINE
Twelve vessels are leaving the planet's
atmosphere.
JANEWAY
Hold position here and ready photon
torpedo, maximum spread pattern.
TUVOK
Ready. Vessels entering extreme target
range, now.
INT. COCKPIT - WALKER
COMPUTER VOICE
Ascension point in three seconds.
INT. SPACE
Walker levels the craft off.
INT. COCKPIT
WALKER
Targets?
COMPUTER VOICE
Targets entering range now.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
Fire.
EXT. SPACE
POV from above as the red torpedo makes contact and explodes.
INT. BRIDGE
TUVOK
Three vessels have been destroyed. Firing
phasers.
INT. COCKPIT
COMPUTER VOICE
Two vessels have broken formation and are
circling Voyager perimeter.
WALKER
Here we go.
EXT. SPACE - PLANE
It accelerates and descends.
INT. COCKPIT
COMPUTER VOICE
Target approaching at thirty degrees
port.
EXT. SPACE - PLANE
The laser cannon rotates and Walker fires. The craft evades
his fire and continues on.
INT. COCKPIT
WALKER
Distance to enemy vessels?
COMPUTER VOICE
Twenty thousand meters.
Walker looks down at his booster.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
Walker's position?
TUVOK
He is closing on the enemy.
JANEWAY
Continue firing.
INT. CLOSE-UP ON BOOSTER BUTTON
Walker presses it and the ship jerks from the increase in
speed.
COMPUTER VOICE
Fuel supply will extinguish in twenty-
five seconds.
INT. BRIDGE
TUVOK
Captain, Walker's vessel has increased
speed.
SEVEN OF NINE
(almost frantic)
He'll run out of fuel, Captain. We have
to do something.
Voyager rocks from sudden fire.
JANEWAY
Increase power to the shields and engage
impulse engines. Transporter room, do you
have a lock?
INT. COCKPIT
WALKER
(to self)
Thanks for the look into the future,
Captain.
EXT. SPACE
Walker fires the missile and veers the ship away.
INT. COCKPIT
WALKER
ETA to target?
COMPUTER VOICE
Five, four, three, two, one.
On one, Walker detonates the missile.
EXT. SPACE
The shock wave heads for the small craft.
INT. BRIDGE
TUVOK
Captain, we're too close.
JANEWAY
Transporter room?
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
I got him, Captain.
JANEWAY
Punch it.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
goes to warp as the blast nears the ship.
INT. BRIDGE
JANEWAY
B'Elanna, I take it your variance wave
worked?
TORRES' COM VOICE
Crystals are holding, Captain.
Seven collects her emotions.
SEVEN OF NINE
I'm receiving a signal from the shuttle.
They've landed.
JANEWAY
Tuvok. Status.
TUVOK
The explosion detonated a safe distance
from the planet. And for some reason the
five remaining vessels are retreating.
JANEWAY
Five?
TUVOK
The three we first encountered, plus two
remaining ships that escaped the blast.
JANEWAY
Helm, turn us around. Despite all our
advances, we're still haunted by the
destructive power of a nuclear device.
Perhaps I shouldn't look a gift horse in
the mouth. Transporter room. How's
Lieutenant Walker?
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
I don't know, Captain. I had to beam him
directly to sickbay.
Janeway looks up at Seven who pauses, then exits the bridge.
Janeway's expression goes from shock to sadness.
EXT. PLANET SURFACE
The shuttle sets with the door open. Paris and Kim exit to
find the Creature staring boldly out at the sight of hundreds
of other creatures, (females are smaller and curvy), kneeling
in front of their new leader. He stretches his arms out,
communicating to them in thought.
CREATURE (V.O.)
There's so much more to learn.
A white stream of energy flows from the Creature to everyone
assembled, including Paris and Kim.
EXT. PARIS AND KIM'S
eyes are glazed over with emotion.
KIM
I don't think I'll ever feel alone again.
PARIS
I hear you.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
in orbit around the planet.
INT. SICKBAY
Janeway enters. Chakotay and Doctor Grey are sitting up on
their beds. The Doctor diverts her attention from the black
screen of the forcefield where Walker is hid away.
DOC
Captain.
JANEWAY
What's going on?
DOC
He requested it.
JANEWAY
How bad is he?
DOC
I had to amputate both arms and legs. He
had minor organ exposure to radiation
except for one part of the brain. He can
barely talk. I think he just wants to
die, Captain. He kept repeating, "no
transporter."
Janeway looks at Grey, attentive of their conversation.
JANEWAY
(to Grey)
I'm so sorry.
GREY
Let him go, Captain. It's what he wants.
JANEWAY
Where's Seven?
DOC
I'm afraid our Borg has experienced a
flood of emotions all too human.
Kathryn breaks down as she looks toward the forcefield.
JANEWAY
My god. What have we done?
INT. OFFICER'S MESS
Chakotay enters and walks to Paris and Kim's table. They
don't speak or even look up.
CHAKOTAY
May I join you?
They nod. Chakotay sits down.
CHAKOTAY (cont'd)
Are you two alright?
They nod again.
CHAKOTAY (cont'd)
Don't feel like talking, huh?
Paris and Kim stare, not even concerned that they are being
questioned by a superior officer.
CHAKOTAY (cont'd)
It's okay. I think I know.
They look at each other and sit quietly.
EXT. SPACE - ZETA PRIME
Subtitles identify the planet. A Borg cube passes in view
close to orbit.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
