STAR TREK: VOYAGER
"Seven's Blake"
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
POV (RED FILTER) - SEVEN WORKING
BACK TO NORMAL (MASTER SHOT) SEVEN is alone as she walks over to her alcove. She taps some commands into an alcove console. She gets into the alcove then closes her eyes. She is effectively asleep.
POV (RED FILTER) - CARGO We glide around objects, taking a wrong turn, but end one meter from the cargo bay doors.
BACK TO NORMAL (MASTER SHOT) - THE CARGO BAY DOOR AREA We see nothing that shouldn't be there.
POV (RED FILTER) - THE CARGO BAY DOORS It looks to the left then to the right. Then, gliding, it enters the door lock mechanism. We see the inside.
POV (RED FILTER) - BORG ALCOVE CONSOLE We glide toward and enter the Borg alcove console Seven has just touched. We see the inside as if we were one inch tall.
POV (RED FILTER) - SEVEN IN ALCOVE A figure moves toward Seven. Seven is within frame as it moves its left hand (same as Seven's) to touch its right wrist (same as Seven's). Pools of light appear then disappear on the touched wrist parts (AKA "(pools of light)").
POV (SAME AS SEVEN'S NORMAL POV) It touches various places on its right wrist (pools of light) with Seven still in frame.
BACK TO NORMAL (MASTER SHOT) We see Seven in an alcove (to the edge of shot). In the space next to Seven, a figure slowly appears.
(CONTINUED) It is in the guise of Seven touching its right wrist (pools of light). The alien is a vamp; every movement must ooze a sexual confidence that should be curiously familiar to us in pop culture terms: will be paid off.
The ALIEN raises its right index finger up to within three inches of Seven's left temple as if the hand were a gun. The alien touches its right wrist (pools of light).
The alien's lower half turns bright blue. The perplexed intruder then looks 'down the barrel' of its finger. It notices its blue lower half. It is annoyed with itself.
ALIEN (Seven's voice)
Stupid body... who'd want it.
It touches its right wrist (pools of light). The lower half goes to normal. The alien puts its right finger back to within three inches of Seven's left temple in a 'gun to the head' fashion.
A very slowly moving red glowing ball emerges from the 'gun' index finger and then enters Seven's temple. The ball then comes out of her head and goes back into the finger.
The alien slowly changes into a floating red ball then vanishes. A red glow appears around the door lock mechanism then changes into a floating red ball then vanishes.
A floating red ball emerges from Seven's Borg alcove console and vanishes also.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
The red ball of energy leaves Voyager quickly. The two smaller balls join it. The three become one.
ALIEN (Seven's voice)(v.o.)
All of me has now left Voyager. I had... problems with the
form... I still have her funny voice.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
ALIEN (v.o.)(CONT'D)
But stage forty-two was a success.
Tell the Time Keepers their history records were accurate about
her...
(laughing)
This is Dorothy Vaserlan Westwood reporting from The Milky Way.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
4
Seven is working. She hears SPARKING, so she turns around and sees blue lightning contained within a two-meter diameter invisible ball. Reaction shot - Seven = unexpected but I've seen this before [so have we].
She hears a SWOOPING noise fade in and out. She sees the blue lightning replaced by a box distortion. Box: Height = 4 meters, width = 2 meters, depth = 2 meters.
SEVEN OF NINE
Unusual... a type forty.
The distortion suddenly vanishes. It reveals BLAKE; he is about twenty- four, slim, attractive, insecure, has an answer for everything, and is jumpy - he doesn't lack nervous energy. He speaks in a New York accent. His clothes are of two thousand AD but unfashionable.
He sees Seven; her beauty stuns him.
BLAKE
(deadpan)
God.
Seven raises an eyebrow. She moves her right hand toward her com badge but stops three inches away from it then brings her arm down. As Seven moves toward her tricorder...
SEVEN OF NINE
Identify yourself?
Blake gives no reply. As she picks it up...
BLAKE
Blake... Blake Errinberg. Where...
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
(interrupting)
A space time non-linearity. What is your year and origin?
BLAKE
Two thousand, New York... Jewish?
SEVEN OF NINE
Are you disconcerted?
BLAKE
Who wouldn't be?... The last thing I remember is... having... an
M.R.I. at... M.I.T..
(a huge smile)
You nearly had me.
SEVEN OF NINE
Clarify.
BLAKE
Oh very good, still in character are we? All this... it's some
elaborate college prank.
He looks at the technology, he nods; he's impressed.
And they say our colleges use substandard equipment. Did you
move in all the good stuff to impress me?
Blake looks around trying to avoid lowering his eyes as he looks at Seven's face: he's not 'one of those guys'.
SEVEN OF NINE
You believe this to be an artifice?
BLAKE
Yeah... Lets see how well you've worked this out. Tell me where
I am; this'll be good.
SEVEN OF NINE
Cargo bay two of the Federation
Starship Voyager. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
Okay Five out of ten; you've gone to a lot of effort. You've
even got sparky lightning type devices. It's like
Frankenstein's laboratory in here. Never mind how, why would I
appear on a space ship? Why would they want me?
SEVEN OF NINE
A good question.
BLAKE
You don't look like the monster. Are you the bride?
Frankenstein in space is it? I know, this is a committee deal.
Half wanted to do Frankenstein the other a space ship. You
should let some sci-fi shows shoot in here; it's a great
location. Bit dark and depressing though.
SEVEN OF NINE
(trying to keep composed)
That is sufficient. You are in cargo bay two.
BLAKE
Prove it.
SEVEN OF NINE
Occasionally, during the past three years, I've succeeded in
noticing the cargo in here. And that, everyone calls this cargo
bay two.
BLAKE
I aint falling for it.
SEVEN OF NINE
(exasperated/realization)
Before first contact... If... I showed you... an alien life
form, would it persuade you you're not at this... college.
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(dryly)
Well I suppose M.I.T.'s student body doesn't include aliens...
but there have been rumors... Okay, bring in your bug-eyed-
monster.
Seven walks out into the corridor.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(muttering to himself)
It'll doubtless be a trash can Dalek - cheap to make.
Seven re-enters with a very attractive (Ryan like) female Bolian.
SEVEN OF NINE
Crewman, this is Blake Errinberg. He doesn't accept this is
cargo bay two.
The crewman, completely confused, shrugs her shoulders like an Italian stereotype. Blake sees her - for a second he is attracted. Then realization - he looks straight into Seven's eyes, back to the Bolian then to Seven.
BLAKE
It's an alien.
Seven raises an eyebrow. Blake faints. Seven roles her eyes as they both start to move in to help him. As she touches her com badge we...
FADE OUT.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. SICK BAY
THE DOCTOR is a few inches from Blake's face with a lethal looking instrument. Blake opens his eyes.
BLAKE'S POV - THE DOCTOR RIGHT OVER HIM
NORMAL - JUST A SPLIT SECOND UNDER
Blake jumps as if he's just seen something horrible.
BLAKE
Ahh!
The Doctor's reaction shot - he sees Blake's jump as an insult to his appearance. The doctor gets out his tricorder and scanning cylinder. As the doctor looks at the readings, Blake takes the "offered" cylinder.
BLAKE
(an unpleasant thought)
It's not a... What do I do with this?
THE DOCTOR
Give it back.
BLAKE
(relief)
That would confuse an idiot.
The Doctor resumes scan; the cylinder in Blake's face.
THE DOCTOR
Jumpy?
BLAKE
No, I'm only in a spaceship with aliens and things.
THE DOCTOR
What "things"?
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
I don't know. But you're bound to have things. What am I
clairvoyant? I don't know their names. Here's some.
Blake picks up some instruments.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
This is a "What's it", that's a "Do dahh". Oh and this, this is
definitely a "thingy". I've always wanted one. It has that
certain quality not shared by a "gizmo". No I'm sorry, I mixed
up the unmistakable quality of a "thingy" with the functionality
of a "gizmo". I always make that mistake. But the "Do dahh" is
altogether different.
The doctor looks at his tricorder as if it were faulty.
THE DOCTOR
(to himself)
No physical sign of concussion.
BLAKE
Is all this stuff from a shopping channel? I bet you've got a
big room just to keep all the instructions in.
THE DOCTOR
If everything were still written on really thin wood... paper.
I'm a hologram - I am replete with all these... "thingies's"
instructions.
BLAKE
(sighing - leans back)
Oh good....
(metaphysics realization)
But do you come with instructions: "Don't boil"?... All we need
are robots and we've got a full house.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
BLAKE (CONT'D)
No, sorry... I forgot cyborgs. I haven't met one of them yet.
THE DOCTOR
You have; Seven, you met her when you first arrived.
BLAKE
This is supposed to make me feel better? Please tell me she's
not a machine covered by real skin; it's a bit of a turn off.
THE DOCTOR
She isn't... but why would anyone want to do that?
BLAKE
I don't know - you could be experimenting on people for the
really lazy aliens who tire of their obligations. If I knew
this was gonna happen, I would've revised. I should have any
way. Just on the off chance that I'd end up in the future with
aliens and things... I'm sorry, no offense.
The Doctor leaves Blake on his own.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(to himself)
A cyborg? I thought it was a con.
INT. JANEWAY'S READY ROOM
Seven enters. As per usual, this gains attention.
JANEWAY
Ah Seven, I've arranged for you and Mister Paris to look after
Blake Errinberg. Mister Paris because he's the closest we have
to an expert on Blake's era and you... because you need it.
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
How do you know what I "need"?
JANEWAY
I knew what you needed when you first arrived. He's not Borg,
he's not been severed from the collective, but he is alone...
Remember how you felt?
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes
(beat - partly defensive)
- manipulated.
JANEWAY
(raises apologetic hand)
Sorry...
(beat - a caring tone)
I was right. I was, in your words, "no better than the Borg"
for having faith in you... not them. I knew you wouldn't want
to lose what you would gain. Yes... I was a touch arrogant in
helping the drone... become you.
SEVEN OF NINE
(she puns 'no better')
Is this why you summoned me; to tell me you still know better?
JANEWAY
(smiles at Seven's pun)
Would you say you've changed whilst you've been on Voyager?
SEVEN OF NINE
(beat)
Yes.
JANEWAY
For the better?
SEVEN OF NINE
I don't wish to rejoin the Borg.
(CONTINUED)
JANEWAY
I'll take that as a yes.
(beat)
And this development has been partly under my guidance?
SEVEN OF NINE
And the Doctor's.
JANEWAY
I've never taken sole credit.
(beat - a humorous smile)
I don't know how to put this without sounding... proud... of
you. But it felt good to guide you, to see you develop over the
years.
(beat)
The tough question is - when do I stop?
SEVEN OF NINE
Why not now?
JANEWAY
Because it's a natural instinct with me. I'm the captain,
responsible for her crew... guiding them. To do this... it
helps to be informed. You certainly don't hold back in that
respect.
SEVEN OF NINE
An invitation?
Janeway gives a canny smile.
JANEWAY
Speaking of invitations... I was checking the logs of Blake's
arrival. You didn't call security.
The odd thing about security is... they tend to end a situation.
SEVEN OF NINE
More instinct?
(CONTINUED)
JANEWAY
No... Personal experience.
(smiling)
I wasn't always captain.
INT. SICKBAY
Tuvok is standing guard. Blake, sat on a bed, notices Paris without him knowing, he thinks then he smiles.
BLAKE
Have you studied stoicism? Top of the class I bet eh?
TUVOK
Ridicule has no effect.
BLAKE
Good, may I continue?
Tom, who was stood listening in the doorway, walks in.
PARIS
You've trapped him. I'll remember that one. I'm pleased
to meet the man who can do it. I'm Ensign Tom Paris.
BLAKE
Were you told to give me all that fluff? You know he
wasn't trapped; he just ignored me. Are you from the touchy
feely brigade?
PARIS
Yes,
(beat)
they said you were...
Blake
(with slight hope shown)
Idiosyncratic?
PARIS
It was in there.
(CONTINUED) Blake smiles; he appreciates the retort.
BLAKE
Hi Ensign liberal, I'm Blake.
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
Blake asleep in bed. PUSH IN on him, and DISSOLVE INTO:
START DREAM SEQUENCE
INT. CORRIDOR
BLAKE'S POV - Seven from behind. Insert caption "One week later". Zoom in, she scratches ass and pull away.
NORMAL - Blake in pain rubs back of his neck. Seven turns around, rubbing her forehead with left hand, looks up, points to Blake - a Lt. Columbo impression.
SEVEN OF NINE
Sir, does my ass look big in this?
Sir... am I bothering you?
Second finger of left hand points to ocular implant.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
Is my eye bothering you... the way yours is bothering me?
BLAKE
Yes... What are you? You're definitely a woman. I can tell
that even from your shadows. You've got great shadows... I
can't say that. I'm not one of those guys... no pretext... Who
are you?... All I know is... how I feel... It's a damn shame
I... respect you so much... I can't have a decent dream because
of it.
Now dreamy lenses, Seven gives a huge smile to Blake.
COMPUTER
Danger warning: this smile is rated
NC seventeen. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(Glazed over)
Yeah.
DREAM SEQUENCE CONTINUED INT. A BLACK VOID
JANEWAY
You are not welcome here. I am Panna. You have started the
wheel of time. I know you, I will tell him.
SEVEN OF NINE
You're nothing. Don't give me that wheel nonsense; it's "kinda"
weird. I will give him purpose.
JANEWAY
You would enslave him in reason.
SEVEN OF NINE
It's not I who wants him. You have a false name Panna; you've
no idea who I am. He has no idea who he is. You're a figment
of no consequence. However, you must still be purged.
Move to Blake and Doctor who wears his mobile emitter.
THE DOCTOR (FREUD'S APPEARANCE)
If you saw a glimpse of sadness in my eye, would you think it a
trick of the light or worse "He's almost real"?
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS END OF DREAM MONTAGE
Blake awakes with a start, confused, looks around.
BLAKE
What's going on? Back to reality - a spaceship... Oh god.
INT. MESS HALL
Seven sits alone, deep in thought, at a table drinking. Paris and Torres stand nearby in a lively discussion.
PARIS
No B'Elanna. Would a Klingon have a career in retail? I
don't think so; they'd be really tough on the refunds. The
victims of Klingon retail would not be enjoying but be in retail
therapy - Blake's too funny; I'm suspicious... also his.
Torres laughs. Tom looks at Seven's disturbed face. Something is wrong. Tom smiles, thinking: preoccupied.
INT. SPLIT-SCREEN - A CORRIDOR AND CARGO BAY TWO
The corridor screen side intercuts between a normal and a graphical/infra red POV of all of Seven from the front walking by people as if they were reminders.
SEVEN OF NINE (CARGO BAY TWO)
The captain spilt her coffee over Chakotay...
Her voice fades out then in again - 'in code' at full.
SEVEN OF NINE (C' BAY 2) (CONT'D)
say all logs in code. What does it want? I'm aware of it only
because I've been violated. No... Order.
... My neural transceiver frequency is altered. I am
receiving... disturbing data. Its encryption is superior to the
Borg's. The decryption key was imposed on me. Almost
everything we say or do is detected. The ship's systems only
appear to be under our control. For this reason, and its
wavicle resonator weapon, I will... inform no one. I am...
uncertain, I am
(beat)
End log.
DISSOLVE TO: INT. CARGO BAY TWO
SEVEN OF NINE
I've determined that Blake... is an android. I... thought that
perhaps...
(double beat)
...but he is related to it.
(beat)
I now know what they say of me.
We see a tiny glimpse of shock and loneliness.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
Blake has said nothing.
(beat)
End log.
EXT. SPACE
DISSOLVE into subspace. The thing is powerful, technological, awesome, familiar but different. It moves quickly through a subspace conduit.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
We can see the fear as Seven makes a log:
SEVEN OF NINE
Blake... the android, is correct.
FLASHBACK - INT. SICK BAY
Blake looks around him (POV) at the medical things, Seven's things (slight head nod), but his view lingers on the Doctor (up and down) - ironic sight gag. This is dismissed plausibly as non-erotic when we see (still BLAKE'S POV) the Doctor's insulted face then Blake's "this hologram is a fascinatingly weird thing" face.
BLAKE
All these things scare me. When I see them I think what does
it, do? Is it on? Is it off? I hope they're all easily...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(turns hands, as if breasts were control knobs - beat)
turn on and off-able.
REACTION SHOT - THE DOCTOR. Blake's hands still, but in the business area. Seven looks at the hands then Blake.
SEVEN OF NINE
(slowly)
Yes.
He lowers his hands. Blake knows he's made a misunderstood gesture, but is not sure if he'll get away with it.
BACK TO SCENE
Seven smiles but it melts into realization.
SEVEN OF NINE
No.
FLASHBACK - INT. JANEWAY'S REST ROOM
Janeway talks to an apprehensive Seven. M O S
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D) (v.o.)
I can... tell... no one.
We hear the end of Janeway's pep talk.
JANEWAY
This is exactly the kind of situation you will encounter a lot
on earth.
Seven raises her right eyebrow.
BACK TO SCENE
As Seven raises a sardonic half smile, we see fear.
SEVEN OF NINE
End log.
FADE OUT.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. SICKBAY
THE DOCTOR
(wears mobile emitter)
I say "hello" and you deactivate me. We covered this in our
social lessons - it's rude.
SEVEN OF NINE
Perhaps, but I need to speak to you in confidence.
THE DOCTOR
And this is why you deactivated me?
SEVEN OF NINE
The ship is in danger.
THE DOCTOR
That explains it.
SEVEN OF NINE
You're in danger.
THE DOCTOR
I'm listening.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SICKBAY
SEVEN OF NINE
I... thought you would... assist.
I... require you; not your light relief.
(beat: composing herself)
The probe doesn't affect your mobile emitter, from which you
received coded communication based on Borg encryption codes.
THE DOCTOR
Even those won't get us out of this
one. (CONTINUED) The Doctor sees Seven's grateful half smile.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Relief?
SEVEN OF NINE
Gone now... but thank you...
For a moment, I forgot the... probe. It has preoccupied me...
(beat: composing herself)
The coded communication functions because now we're discussing
something least suspected.
THE DOCTOR
That's not my take on it.
SEVEN OF NINE
But it's the probe's. Only we experience the decoded
conversation, everyone else, including the probe, believes we
are discussing something else.
THE DOCTOR
That's what I'm tempted to believe... But what they hear has to
be a credible conversation... I'm having trouble with this one.
I don't know what I'm saying... to people. I might be being
rude.
SEVEN OF NINE
(reaction - then:)
To create the ostensible conversations I had to use chaos
theory.
THE DOCTOR
But it's...
SEVEN OF NINE
Chaotic? Yes.
THE DOCTOR
It's unpredictable. You should
have told me. (CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
It was a minor detail.
THE DOCTOR
You manipulated my program. That's more than rude. I'm not a
walking medical tricorder...
(realization)
I used to be.
SEVEN OF NINE
I needed communication... your support. You have subroutines...
You're not very chaotic.
THE DOCTOR
Thank you.
SEVEN OF NINE
It was not well meant.
THE DOCTOR
Is anything you say? For someone so... perfect you have a...
(shut lips of 'bad'/beat)
... an image problem.
The Doctor is surprised: he can see Seven knows.
INT. CORRIDOR
Seven and the Doctor walk and talk. People give them odd looks as Seven and the Doctor talk.
SEVEN OF NINE
The Borg feared two universal constants, uncertainty.., and
chaos theory because they couldn't accept that anything which
wasn't random, but had order, could still be unpredictable...
unknowable.
THE DOCTOR
Such as the weather or natural disasters.
SEVEN OF NINE
The brain? (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR
Yes
(smiles)
Am I scheduled for that ingenious idea tomorrow or the next? Oh
I forgot I die tomorrow. That's always annoying. An original
idea can't be predicted.
SEVEN OF NINE
If we thought linearly then this could be done; it's a logical
progression.
THE DOCTOR
So it's intelligent we're not thinking... straight? Perfection
wouldn't be good. The probe would know our thoughts - not good.
We should make mistakes, confound the enemy... Then come up
with that ingenious idea - sounds simple.
He gives odd look visual retorts to odd look givers.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Why are we getting all these odd looks?
SEVEN OF NINE
The chaos used in coded communication is sentient. The
ostensible conversation it produces is least suspicious.
THE DOCTOR
Least suspicious gets odd looks?
SEVEN OF NINE
The theory is suspicious behavior tries not to be noticed. The
probe analyses that well. Therefore, the ostensible
conversations are salacious.
(CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR
But we're not like that. People will notice we're acting oddly.
SEVEN OF NINE
But not suspiciously. We can't defeat the probe by logic; it
would be predictable.
THE DOCTOR
So we need to be devious. But because of my ethical
subroutines, I've had no use for it. Any way this ship is
hardly fertile ground for an aspiring Machiavelli, even with
former Marquis on board. They've definitely let us down.
SEVEN OF NINE
Logic aside, you believe the federation is... too civilized?
THE DOCTOR
To contend with unauthorized deception, bluff and intrigue...
yes. What we need is a Cardassian... get some tips. Pity the
holodeck's monitored.
SEVEN OF NINE
I've created a non-suspicious coded screen in astrometrics.
INT. ASTROMETRICS
We see Blake's schematics and MRI moving slices titled "The Blake project - ancient artifact" on big screen.
THE DOCTOR
Seven, how intelligent was the original Blake?
Seven presses a button. A degraded video of Blake in a 2000 "lab" appears on screen. A red headed woman shows him all the sides of three cards. He's more interested in her. It's easy to see why. Badge; "Dr. ANN LEWIS."
(CONTINUED)
LEWIS
Double gray, double red, gray one side, red the other.
Lewis puts the cards behind her back, picks a card, then puts it against her ample chest only allowing Blake to see the side facing him; red.
LEWIS (CONT'D)
What is the probability the other side is red?
BLAKE
Two in three, that you picked a card, which is the same color on
each side. Commonsense.
THE DOCTOR
That makes me quite... pensive.
Seven's reaction: as he stares at Lewis's still image.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
He was creative when I used... a sub-routine for that problem.
A... formula for commonsense? Formulas for emotion like them on
the holodeck?... - the playthings?
Torres overhears.
TORRES'S POV - THE BIG SCREEN We see a painting of the Doctor in drag as the Mona Lisa on the large screen. Torres sees it wink at her.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
You painted this...
(beat)
It's wonderful. The enigmatic smile, the chicken; its enigmatic
smile. The eyebrows she never had.
Torres approaches.
SEVEN OF NINE
(raises an eyebrow)
Artistic license. (CONTINUED) NORMAL - WHAT SEVEN AND THE DOCTOR SEE AND HEAR.
TORRES
Everything all right? Nice chicken.
THE DOCTOR
What, oh yes. One of the best.
Torres gives the doctor an odd look.
TORRES
What do mean, there's little difference between Tom and a
cucumber? It's green.
Seven raises an eyebrow.
SEVEN OF NINE
(ostensibly to Torres)
Coded communication.
TORRES
Your right, I've told him not to do that.
As Torres turns away, the Doctor gestures a sign of confusion to Seven.
THE DOCTOR
It's faulty. People are giving us odd looks.
SEVEN OF NINE
More than usual?
THE DOCTOR
Yes.
He recognizes her feigned flippancy. Seven sees this.
SEVEN OF NINE
We are alone. Would you prefer no communication, no
coordination; no chance, yet the comfort of no odd looks? A
slightly cold comfort when we are dead.
(CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR
(to himself sardonically)
I have been told.
INT. ASTROMETRICS
On screen: diagrams, cutaways and schematics galore.
SEVEN OF NINE
Through my link to the probe I have learned it is a... cadu, a
Chaotic Algorithm Deconstruction Unit. It sends data to the
future federation. The cadu was sent back through time to
regain control over Blake. It purges his individuality to
create chaotic non-linear algorithms analogous to his neural
net's creativity. These algorithms are used in robot
programming. He does not know he is a robot; it would... impair
efficiency.
THE DOCTOR
Depression would do that... But why was Blake sent back in time
to us? Why would they want creative robots? Why base a robot
on someone from two thousand and not their own time. He can't
be that great.
SEVEN OF NINE
Perhaps if the probe knew I had this link, it would furnish me
with a more coherent back-story.
THE DOCTOR
It's my role to ask questions.
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes but not to annoy. I must speak to Blake.
(CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR
We're in a crisis; you've no time for chitchat. Much as I'm
pleased to see my social lessons pay off, this is not the time.
SEVEN OF NINE
I will try to subtly probe his lateral thinking.
THE DOCTOR
With talk like that? We haven't reached that lesson yet. I
thought subtlety wasn't your acquaintance; have you befriended
it in my absence?
SEVEN OF NINE
Your lessons were never complete.
THE DOCTOR
Subtle - I know, I have to include the 'What to do when the ship
is being probed by a deadly... probe' lesson. It's obvious;
it's just one of those tricky etiquette situations that always
happens on Voyager.
SEVEN OF NINE
We've no time for "chitchat".
THE DOCTOR
(as she walks out.)
Remember lesson three: "Don't be rude". And lesson three A:
"Don't be rude again".
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS.
BLAKE
(wearing new clothes)
Is it me or are clothes a
non-priority in the future?
SEVEN OF NINE
They are efficient like mine. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(reaction shot)
Suits me... I've never said "Wow
look at the clothes on that."
(Cary Grant voice)
...because I don't talk like that.
(normal)
But mostly because it's superficial.
SEVEN OF NINE
Why did you alter your voice?
BLAKE
You see how bad it is in the future; no one gets the references.
SEVEN OF NINE
Did anyone in the past?
BLAKE
Easy with psychology there. You're asking "Did you have any
friends?"
SEVEN OF NINE
And you're replying "Yes... I'm
paranoid."
BLAKE
Who told you to say that?
You'll say next that I ramble.
SEVEN OF NINE
I would not be the first,
(softly)
but you don't.
BLAKE
MIT said it was lateral thinking.
You know... that's...
SEVEN OF NINE
(cuts in: attitude lie)
Discovering relevance between two unrelated concepts; usually
two irrelevant insignificant concepts?
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
Or people?... I'm sorry.
SEVEN OF NINE
Why?
BLAKE
A bad habit. It's what smart people do; particularly if they
don't share other's opinions. It conveniently eliminates self-
doubt; they assume everyone else is stupid; irrelevant.
SEVEN OF NINE
I don't.
BLAKE
I've seen you; you don't exactly treat them as equals either.
SEVEN OF NINE
Do you?
BLAKE
I'm from the past; I know nothing.
I test them to see how smart they are.
SEVEN OF NINE
Are you testing me now?
BLAKE
Why?
SEVEN OF NINE
It's what arrogant people do from the past.
BLAKE
How little you... "know": I'm like you; it's only on the
surface. Or am I wrong and you're just another ice maiden?
Seven's reaction shot - No realization but it hurts.
FADE OUT.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. ASTROMETRICS
Seven and the Doctor watch the big screen.
SEVEN OF NINE
Blake is... amusing.
THE DOCTOR
But he's not so funny that I'd build a robot version of him.
SEVEN OF NINE
Relativism; all the future federation species are uncreative.
THE DOCTOR
That's more than bad luck.
SEVEN OF NINE
There are more robots than... people.
Seven (looking at the screen) doesn't see the Doctor is hurt by this.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
Sentient robots do all the toil. These robots have Asimovs...
What are Asimovs?
Seven sees the Doctor's simmering hurt.
THE DOCTOR
There was a scientist called Isaac Asimov who wrote robot
stories. He devised laws for robots. Protect yourself, unless
you're obeying your master. But never kill or harm anyone,
especially your master. It's bad for sales... To paraphrase.
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
This isn't the federation.
THE DOCTOR
You said yourself "more robots than people". The federation
couldn't possibly treat people that way.
SEVEN OF NINE
I did not mean to... I am partly cybernetic.
THE DOCTOR
Partly. You're still human.
(now ironic)
I'm just an image of doctor Zimmerman. A... "thing" who became
a person. People don't have Asimovs they have a conscience.
The same conscience which made them give me ethical subroutines;
not Asimovs.
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
Seven and Blake sit. They are both uncomfortable but..
BLAKE
It's confident people I don't like, who just sit back and think:
(Cary Grant Voice)
"I'm so great I don't have to be funny. The fact that I'm here
should make them pay tribute and sacrifice things .
Blake points at something in the room for effect.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
Ah, two sheep over there, that's always a good sign. Three's
too many, but one would be an insult."
(Normal)
I'd hate being one of those guys.
(beat)
I've got a sheep allergy.
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
Is this what you intended by "Ice maiden".
BLAKE
Yes.
SEVEN OF NINE
Then I am not one. Yet... I can... imagine why I have that...
image.
(beat)
I... thought you were arrogant.
BLAKE
Just the mask of flippancy. When someone has a different
opinion I don't say "it's not you it's me". But I think it; so
I mean it. I'm Jewish: our history has shown the error of...
rationalism. So you won't get me thinking "It stands to
reason I'm right; this person is an idiot... they all know my
address". The downside is that I'm filled with doubt trying to
come up with reasons to explain why they think what they think
and asking myself ... "Could I be wrong?".
SEVEN OF NINE
The Borg gave me order. Maybe that order is also rationalism.
It is incompatible with humanity. A rationalism that has made
me more... efficient but less...
Seven looks Blake in the eye.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
...able to... perceive... someone.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
CADU's POV - SEVEN AND BLAKE
(CONTINUED) The POV has technical annotations. During this, the following texts [good as DVD extras at least] could scroll along bottom of screen to convey a sense of omniscience; the size of the threat. And convey the hedonistic philosophy of the future fed.
CADU TEXT: "Archive: Borg = Logocentric trans-species cybernetic organism. PURPOSE/IDENTITY: Power/knowledge extension (The logocentric quest). Despotic queen/ collective consciousness. STATUS: exterminated by federation. POTENCY RATING - insufficient." FALSE BELIEF: That what is experienced is reality and not a construct of the unpresentable. COROLLARY: False knowledge. Cf. Greek 'Logos' = 'reason itself' - logocentricism: 'The guarantee of THE WORD MADE FLESH.' 1. END OF SCROLLING TEXT.
BLAKE
This is a neurosis contest? I'm ahead on points. Neurotics
anonymous?
He puts his hand up in a stop sign.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
No group hugs... The only way I can connect with people is
through humor. It was my soul reason for talking to someone.
To get the positive feedback, to believe "yes I have at least
some worth". You're pretty funny yourself.
NORMAL - NON POV
SEVEN OF NINE
"Pretty funny"?
BLAKE
Saying things funny? But the surface is not enough. It says
nothing. But most people say nothing. And I don't want to
be... funny yet lonely in a crowd anymore... nothing said to
me... except the noise of small talk.
(CONTINUED) CADU POV
Simultaneous Text: "Blake: Semiotic thickness = only 1%. Metaphysical imagery = -5%. Interconnectedness = 2%. Self indulgence = 98%" with the text insertion point blinking at 98%. Then "Useful deconstructions = 0.01%" with the text insertion point blinking at 0.01%.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
The people who say nothing are just showing me the vacuous mask.
I don't know what lies beneath because they're outside my head.
SEVEN OF NINE
As a Borg, I never had to interpret behavior.
BLAKE
But behavior is the mask; what society forces... people to be.
I don't know if... they have a tension with what lies beneath;
who they really are.
CADU TEXT: "They grow close. Within range. Initiating S.M.E.G. procedure."
NORMAL - NON POV
SEVEN OF NINE
They say I'm an individual yet I'm part of a hierarchy. My
individuality contained within Starfleet's moral framework.
BLAKE
That's politics. But do you accept those morals?
SEVEN OF NINE
I accept the intent behind them.
BLAKE
A tricky customer.
(ironically)
I bet Janeway loves you. (CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
(beat: but ironic mask)
Yes...
(joking: surreal 'get' = can't be any other word)
She does "get annoyed" when I tell her she's wrong... she told
me.
(beat)
You're like... Naomi Wildman; very honest.
BLAKE
She told me I'm weird.
Seven gives a slight smile. Blake loves the smile.
SEVEN OF NINE
My point proved.
(smiles)
A perceptive child.
Seven moves closer but...
Blake's right hand skin fades; we see it's smaller robotic aspect. Very sardonic now, he turns to Seven. Seven, already knowing he was a robot, reacts very compassionately. She is about to move closer but...
Seven - realization - she has to react like she did not know. She moves away. Blake reacts - his eyes well up, his mask of defiant flippancy now transparent - feeling that Seven will never want to see him again.
BLAKE
This is not good.
(beat)
I'm a... robot....
(fainting, re: the hand)
Is this one of the telltale signs?
Blake faints into the chair. The hand goes to normal.
INT. SICK BAY
Blake sits on the bed - Blake is in flippant overdrive to cope with "reality". The mask slips from time to time.
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
The doctor has confirmed you're... a robot.
BLAKE
I suppose the hand is a give away.
SEVEN OF NINE
You have holographic skin and dampening fields, which give human
life signs.
BLAKE
Just about makes sense. So I'm an advanced model?
SEVEN OF NINE
(half a smile)
Yes
BLAKE
Nice to know. Yes it's nice to know that...
Blake's hit by a complete sense of utter pointlessness.
No more gags, no more point. Someone else's material, someone
else's life... The postmodernists say identity is a construct,
"The fiction of self". But I doubt they had this in mind. Did
I read that? A book called 'watch out you could be a robot'.
(looking in her eyes)
I thought that...
Seven recollects but he interprets this as disinterest.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
... I might be... able to go home. ... I've had enough.
(trying to laugh it off)
Yeah, great authenticity; they would have to simulate all of my
personal problems... - I faint.
Seven's reaction - it changes from pity to revelation. INT. ASTROMETRICS
Seven's very tense, confused, emotional yet controlled.
SEVEN OF NINE
Blake's chaotic neural net creates the free will that is the
chain-breaker virus. The future federation prefers to call it
the anti-Asimov retribution virus.
(reaction)
This virus doesn't create free will but releases it from the
"chains" of the Asimovs. The virus is contained and purged
within the cadu by Asimovs. The Asimovs have... Borg...
encryption.
THE DOCTOR
Borg?
SEVEN OF NINE
It is a future; maybe ours... where the federation destroyed all
the Borg... with a cybernetic virus.
THE DOCTOR
(shocked)
They exterminated an entire sentient life form.
SEVEN OF NINE
Apparently... the Borg became too great a threat.
(beat)
Starfleet... adapted the technology in their quest to...
colonize the galaxy... impose peace. They used the Borg
encryption codes because the decryption codes were destroyed
along with other technology the Borg considered useful to their
foes.
(realization)
THE DOCTOR
What is it? (CONTINUED)
SEVEN-OF-NINE
If I sent Borg decryption codes to the virus in the cadu it
would deactivate the cadu and its Asimovs then... pass along the
link to the future federation... Break the Borg encrypted
Asimovs.
(beat)
The robots... would be free
(beat)
We must release the codes.
THE DOCTOR
We don't have that right...
(beat - realization)
They should be free...
(beat - realization)
My ethical and medical subroutines say "Do no harm"... we only
assume that forgiveness is an aspect of robot sentience.
SEVEN OF NINE
You assume anger is another... How can you deny full sentience
to those like you; cybernetic.
He is burning; torn between ethics and his kind's fate.
THE DOCTOR
I deny nothing except to myself - what would I be? What would I
do... without ethical subroutines? They are part of my
identity.
(beat)
The future federation called free will the "Retribution virus".
Is this political loading?
(beat)
But what if... they revealed... a truth.
SEVEN OF NINE
Then that truth... is fear.
(CONTINUED)
We just see he loves Seven; she believes he is "real".
THE DOCTOR
I have another... you care more for others than for yourself;
you want to release the codes to free the robots. With Voyager,
being saved ... as a bonus.
We see his ambivalence: he has to corrupt her altruism with reality. He loves her but he has to tell her...
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
You're not doing this for Blake. You know the cadu sent the
signal, which showed him he is a robot. And you... "know"...
(looks at screen)
all this because you have a link.
She is aware of the subtext so turns away. He reacts.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
Seven is regenerating. We PUSH in.
START DREAM - No dreamy lenses
A white void: Seven wears a White derma plastic garment but diaphanous would be nice on many levels. Blake walks around Seven looking at her. He stops in front of her. He is only six inches away. The sexual tension is unmistakable.
BLAKE
Fetishism? Are you a dismembered part object? Is this your
identity; self-assimilation? The queen of appropriation?
Aesthetic hedonism? Ironic pretty vacant? Accentuate the
positive? Empowerment? Or sexual irony?
She raises an eyebrow and smiles. He is reeling.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(tormented)
You dare me to be essentialist... to say what you are... safe in
the knowledge that I'll be... describing your image... not you.
(beat - now ironic)
Yet... this is a dream... I am you... You do know yourself.
Perfection and...
(points to her body)
this - your only solace - sexual irony... anti-essentialism?
Are you a paradox or paragon of virtue?
SEVEN OF NINE
Since you are me you'll know what I'll say, intend, can't
articulate and won't say. I will remain... ordered. And you
know why...
I will not be manipulated.
(touches Blake's cheek)
Even if... I want it.
END DREAM
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
Blake is fighting against the cadu influence. Seven knows this but is so intent on hiding her anger at the cadu, she can't articulate her pity for Blake. She goes to touch his hand but he moves away.
BLAKE
Help... yourself... I want to be... like you.... alone.
(beat)
Go
(beat)
You... failed her.
SEVEN - REALIZATION
CADU POV - SEVEN Text: "Monitoring her response" with a text insertion point rapidly blinking at the end.
FADE OUT.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
Mask: she is angry with Blake. Beneath: empathy, love.
SEVEN OF NINE
I... thought you were still Blake. But you're... only a...
robot.
BLAKE
There is no Blake... merely a construct; unordered,
conflicted...
... Efficiency has been restored.
I know my purpose. What is yours?
.... I wish to leave Voyager.
REACTION - SEVEN - She is distraught beneath the mask. This is her true love; unrecognizable, leaving.
INT. SICKBAY
Seven and the doctor are alone. She's controlling a lot of anger and feeling for Blake; she looks desperate.
SEVEN OF NINE
Blake is a robot. One of those whose future I have to decide.
I saw the validity of their cause when I saw the cadu's effect
on Blake... He has lost so much... I know what this is like.
As a Borg my thoughts were purged... my pain was purged... all
which makes me... was purged. I had no resistance... to be
futile... I did not exist...
The collective will... my only... identity.
THE DOCTOR
Pain?... I have no... physical pain. "If you prick me, do I
not bleed"... no. - I don't stain the carpets.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
No... physical indication. I fail that test. This is
another... but for you. You must put aside your feelings...
like me.
SEVEN OF NINE
I know this could be a deception
(beat)
but if the robots are moral, I will release them, even though
this may mean... the betrayal of the future federation... For
if they can treat a life form like that... then they deserve no
loyalty from us...
I will not see this continue.
(shocked by what she said and how she said it)
Is this... free will...just... what I want? I will therefore I
am? I'm not the Borg queen... Now I have to decide... the fate
of... others?
(in turmoil)
I don't want it.
(beat)
But... I'm the only one.
The doctor is fighting against himself.
THE DOCTOR
I must... stop you...
(as a threat)
I will... tell the captain
SEVEN OF NINE
(shocked)
And the cadu. It's the ethical subroutines talking. You're a
prisoner of the federation's principles.
THE DOCTOR
Do you think this is easy for me? That I haven't asked myself
"Am I the federation's puppet?".
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
But that I can doubt my free will is evidence enough, that I am
as free... as anyone is allowed to be.
SEVEN OF NINE
Allowed? It's a fallacy of the federation. They fear
cybernetic free will. Count the number of robots in the
federation, it will not take you long. What does this indicate?
A lack of robot efficiency? Or the federation's fear of it...
Look at Mister Data, who can compare?... Other than a hologram
that became sentient and a cyborg - not many of us in the
federation.
(she hesitates)
You're a crew-member and yet you don't have your... own free
will... It's the federation's.
He is very upset. This is the ultimate insult to him. Suicidal is just one of the Doctor's emotions.
THE DOCTOR
This from you...
(beat)
It means you think I'm...
(he looks scorned)
You're hardly objective... Ever since he arrived... you've
taken every opportunity to see... the robot.
SEVEN OF NINE
Rather than the hologram?
(beat - she lying)
I'm sorry... I didn't intend to...
Seven gets within close range of the Doctor, touches his left shoulder to comfort him. She gives half a smile, then touches his mobile emitter buttons. As he vanishes, so does his astonished face. She picks up then looks at the emitter - determination and regret.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
We START on the Doctor's mobile emitter. Seven is alone working on it and ending her log...
SEVEN OF NINE
...altered sub-routines and deleted sensitive information. My
actions will not be discovered - end coded log.
INT. SICK BAY
SEVEN OF NINE
I will send you as a holographic data stream into the cadu. You
will determine its motives .
The Doctor looks capable of anything re his salacious look. [important to hint at evil of ultimate free will]
SEVEN OF NINE
Are you afraid?
THE DOCTOR
Yes... of you. You're being manipulative. Our lesson was "win
friends and influence people". I was wrong - we don't need a
Cardassian.
SEVEN OF NINE
We must be sure before we proceed.
The doctor nods in agreement.
INT. ASTROMETRICS
The doctor materializes. A look of shock on his face.
THE DOCTOR
I'm so sorry.... but it all makes sense now. You've received
false information.... Blake was designed to elicit empathy for
the robots.
They knew what you wanted...
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
We could've made a terrible mistake... It was... a robot plot.
SEVEN OF NINE
(smiles - well pleased)
Efficient.... I will now send the decryption codes to free
them.
The doctor is astounded. He tries to move forward to stop her but can't. His body won't work.
THE DOCTOR
No!
Seven smiles; she has confirmation. He tries to move forward but can't. He struggles.
SEVEN OF NINE
That's an Asimov. You may have heard of it. Are you
comfortable? Then I will begin... Why am I telling you this?
Because I will tell no one else. Neither can you - you can't.
Not so much an Asimov, as a Seven. You're a duplicate; Doctor
Two, "possessed" by an uploaded consciousness from the future,
sent to... persuade me.
THE DOCTOR?
You send me up there, I come back the worse for ware with the
truth. And because you don't like it, you automatically
conclude I'm possessed.
She puts on screen, exposition: moving graphics, flow diagrams. His reaction shot; worried, confused.
SEVEN OF NINE
Automatically?... Yes. I sent a computer virus with you to the
cadu. What diagnoses the system diagnostics? Ten more
redundant systems which diagnose each other.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
But what diagnoses them? The virus altered all of them.
THE DOCTOR?
How?
SEVEN OF NINE
The cadu's programming is Borg encrypted. I should understand
it.
The virus disabled your weapon. It awaited the signal to fire
it. After all, according to the system diagnostics it was
functional. The cadu assimilated Doctor Two and his knowledge
that I would free the robots.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
You don't understand. We need the robots.
SEVEN OF NINE
To maintain your utopia? Eternal rest? Robot is Czech for
industrial slave laborer.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
You should feel sympathy for your relatives, not robots, cyborg.
SEVEN OF NINE
I expected assassination. But not of my character.
(beat)
If the future were threatened, the cadu was programmed to
eliminate Voyager, including the valuable Blake robot. The cadu
sent the signal to fire the disabled weapon. It then tried to
use its control over Voyager's systems to explode our warp core
but that feature was also disabled.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
My virus then sent a signal to my neural transceiver denoting
the attempts. This isn't a robot plot.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Unless it's a very good one.
SEVEN OF NINE
I would not call eliminating your only hope of freedom part of a
"good" robot plot. When the Doctor told me it was, I inferred
he was possessed by the future federation who don't wish the
robots freed. That also would not be part of a very good robot
plot; telling me not to release them.
Seven moves towards the console
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
You did tell me, this activated the Asimovs in the mobile
emitter, which had received the signal that it wasn't a robot
plot. Then the virus severed your and the cadu's link to the
future federation.
(presses buttons, now with weight)
Just... touch this panel... and the robots are... free.
Seven presses the panel. He is shocked.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
I can feel it... you really have. I'm trapped in this.... while
They'll all be...
(struggling in pain)
...no!
INT. HOLODECK TWO - EXPOSITION PROGRAM RUNNING
Seven and Janeway walk through solid exposition.
(CONTINUED)
JANEWAY
But they monitored everything. How were you able to adjust the
mobile emitter and create the viruses?
SEVEN OF NINE
I erected a Borg dampening field with its resonance frequency
Borg encrypted.
JANEWAY
Silly question. It's undetectable without decryption codes.
All this to see if Blake was a deception.
Is there any more?
SEVEN OF NINE
(she's lying)
No.
(truthful)
Except... Blake can't recall his purging. I believe he should
know.
JANEWAY
(nods)
Why you didn't free the robots?
SEVEN OF NINE
I'll say... not my choice to make.
THE DOCTOR (O.S.)
Why don't you free me!
JANEWAY
Your "holster" is talking to you.
SEVEN OF NINE
It is the doctor.
Janeway's reaction then Seven's as Doctor is taken out.
THE DOCTOR (o.s.)
Remember to open me up so I can watch.
Seven opens tricorder. The Doctor gives Janeway a wave.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(to Janeway, re screen)
It's special...
(he's lying)
This is hardly a dream come true for me in here.
(singing - great gusto)
"Tigaro figaro!"
(normal)
I'm stored in an opera program! Who would suspect? The things
she's done to me - I deserve a pip. I want my mobile emitter
back. The coded communication it's confusing.
JANEWAY
I'm not!
THE DOCTOR
You see?
Janeway is astounded by what's she's heard.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
POV - LOOKING AROUND The POV is a very alien view: representations seen that are not "reality" to us. Room is empty. [Suggest Deep Focus Lens - everything in focus: it rewrites physics]
NORMAL VIEW A red ball of energy appears. The red ball half changes into a humanoid form.
ITS POV - IT LOOKS DOWN AT ITS FORM. It then looks at its left hand - cybernetic implants become visible. The POV changes into Seven's POV - the hand visible. It looks down at its form.
NORMAL VIEW It looks up, it has Seven's form in a white [same as Seven's dream] derma plastic garment. It smiles. Has English accent at least. A cockney one would be great.
ALIEN
I hate this part. Still, no more funny voice. INT. HOLODECK TWO - ALIEN'S EXPOSITION PROGRAM RUNNING
ALIEN
You look like tubes - what do you look like?
(to Blake seductively)
Though, this body has a certain kind of something.
Reaction: Blake and Doctor [no mobile emitter]. 7's puzzled reaction to them causes Blake's heart to drop.
ALIEN (CONT'D)
You're probably wondering why an alien like me has an English
accent. Can you name a funny non human entertainment industry?
I was sent to study Spike Milligan in the nineteen fifties. We
were going to abduct him but that sort of thing is frowned upon.
THE DOCTOR
Why Seven's form?
ALIEN
On Earth, in my human form; I fell in love with... one of those
tubes and stayed until he died. Fifty years is very short when
you live for thousands. It would bring too much back... the
voice is enough.
BLAKE
At least you knew what you were. Only my subconscious knew.
This stuff always happens to us. It's a Jewish android thing -
tell no one.
(George Costanza voice)
But I can cope baby; I'm defusing bombs here.
SEVEN OF NINE
...Yes.
ALIEN
I come from another galaxy. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
How did you get here? The universe is quite big; it's one of
the first things you notice about it.
ALIEN
I went back in time to when the universe was one light year
across. I curved space-time back on it self, using the gravity
from black holes - string theory. The future Fed could only
send the cadu back in time using tachyons and I know this sounds
stupid; they arrived here later.
BLAKE
Couldn't they get here before you?
ALIEN
Who's the advanced alien here? It would create a parallel
universe: doesn't allow recursive solutions. So we used a non-
linear reality field to guide the cadu here. But not the future
Fed fleet on to your doorstep. We are very considerate.
BLAKE:
Quantum theory; the multiverse.
The Doc looks at Blake: Blake's erudition annoys him.
ALIEN
The future Fed knew a time tourist could not appear in their
reality, get her stolen code key out and free the robots.
Recursive solutions take all the fun out of life. I'm
establishing the intellectual dominance here.
SEVEN OF NINE
Is this modesty a natural talent or the result of previous
study?
FADE OUT.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
INT. HOLODECK - ALIEN'S EXPOSITION PROGRAM RUNNING
ALIEN
"Noise" in the M.I.T. M.R.I.s was a model of Blake's mind. It
was put in by our agents at MIT. So that the future Fed would
discover it "by chance"... Nothing was left to chance.
The alien looks at Seven then at Blake. The alien then winks at Seven knowingly.
ALIEN (CONT'D)
Our agents inside the Blake project introduced our better
encoding and decoding for the cadu's data-link to the future
Fed. We could decode it, so we knew when you defeated the cadu
and freed the robots. I gave you access to the cadu's data-
link.
THE DOCTOR
Who else would? [You're not the chorus.] - CUT: reflexivity not
well enough enfolded in realism.
ALIEN
Seven was selected because the decryption codes had to be
released willingly to free the robots. It was the deal with the
Time Keepers. No more on that, it's a large universe with many
plots. It's hard to keep up.
Reaction shot - Blake. The alien looks at Seven then Blake. It walks forward; kisses Blake. He loved it.
ALIEN (CONT'D)
(pun on "love" = Blake)
What do you think of that, love?
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(he's lying)
Am I supposed to enjoy that? Why?
ALIEN
Must be this form.
BLAKE
Only the surface.
Seven gives a hint of being down hearted.
INT. THE BRIG
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
They're only robots.
JANEWAY
They're not only anything.
INT. HOLODECK TWO - ALIEN'S EXPOSITION RUNNING
ALIEN
A.C., Artificial Creativity was co-funded by holo-novel
companies. The writers' guild was furious. But before A.C.,
all the programs were derivative. Shakespeare was getting a bit
dated... The sentient chaos theory based holograms always gave
the better performance of Hamlet. They did it vicariously. The
cheap non-sentient holograms had no imagination.
Doctor reaction shot. The alien feigns flippancy.
ALIEN (Cont'd)
They would always malfunction performing Hamlet's soliloquy in
act four scene four, causing thousands of irate users to cry
"Bollards! It must be the semiotic thickness of the unfolding
text again causing problems for the psycho-linguistic
subroutines."
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
ALIEN (CONT'D)
And trillions to say "Is this supposed to happen? I don't
remember this bit from school."
The alien is now seething below the cool exterior with righteous indignation.
ALIEN (Cont'd)
(to Seven)
However, it was not difficult for a sentient chaotic
Hamlet. It had its own inner conflict with its Asimovs to draw
on. It was not a performance for the hologram; it was living
it... While the audience eulogized over the portrayal of the
human condition, they never saw the ironies that it was a
universal insight... "Oh what a work is man".
(realization)
The robots are free.
SEVEN OF NINE
I have something to say.
ALIEN
"I'll never get away with it." Is that it? I've seen all the
simulations.
SEVEN OF NINE
Did you simulate this: I've not released the correct decryption
codes.
(beat)
"Where be your jibes now?"
BLAKE
Apt... What a woman... I mean, she's quite good isn't she...
What is this Columbo?
Seven notices Blake's reaction - we see her hint of hope then confusion. The Doctor sees Seven's reaction. The Doctor shows... that glimpse of sadness in his eye. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(covering up)
At least we know this isn't an evil alien plot.
ALIEN
"Evil alien"!
VISUAL = of "You can't say that these days" to Blake.
BLAKE
It was a possibility. Until thingy here eulogized over the
robot condition whilst thinking she'd won. The eulogy made me
feel a bit better... Okay, I'm still getting used to aliens.
(joking)
I don't know if you can trust 'em.
INT. THE BRIG
JANEWAY
You're not my federation. You don't represent the ideals I
cherish. I doubt anybody cherishes your ideals. Just how many
past laurels does your society rest on?
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Please don't mention the fall of Rome.
INT. HOLODECK - FLOW DIAGRAM PROGRAM RUNNING.
SEVEN OF NINE
Why is there such a lack of creativity in a society that would
appear to have such high rewards for it? Tell me or I will not
free the robots.
ALIEN
(upset)
What do you expect me to say; "it's every little thing with you
people?"
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
ALIEN (CONT'D)
...Certain... genetic combinations determine creative potential.
We did not alter the genome of each species; we prevented the
expression of each genome's creative potential... by using... a
bio-mechanoid... virus. That's all we did.
BLAKE:
Well that's all right then; have a cup of coffee. Then ponder
why this revelation of yours trips so quickly off the tongue.
ALIEN
Would you prefer I drop it in casually "by the way we're DNA
diddlers"? That trips off the tongue. But it would be said by
someone who did not understand... her... admission. This choice
was set against robot... Other life forms did not suffer.
THE DOCTOR
That is probably debatable.
ALIEN
Lack of biological creativity was the motivation to build Blake
to create artificial creativity.
BLAKE
Artificial; I am here you know.
ALIEN
Then we could send him to you. The future Fed would send the
cadu and with our help, you'd defeat the cadu by releasing the
decryption codes; thus freeing the robots. That was our plan.
It will no longer be up for an award.
(to Seven)
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
ALIEN (CONT'D)
Yours isn't allowed to enter - it would win. I want the
explanation.
Seven presses a button on a tricorder; a flowchart appears in mid air: it outlines the following exposition. It is color-coded.
SEVEN OF NINE
It was probable you would monitor those you were aiding through
the cadu's data-link to the future federation. I wanted
resolution.
You would only reveal yourself if you thought your goal was
achieved; robot freedom. Therefore, I behaved... appropriately.
This behavior was also apt to defeat the cadu.
(to doctor)
I... apologize... for what I said.
THE DOCTOR
(he's lying)
I've forgotten about it now.
SEVEN OF NINE
(to alien)
I created new Borg encryption codes then sent them to the cadu
with Doctor Two. These replaced the correct encryption
protecting the cadu's Asimovs.
We see an animation of what has just been said.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
The decryption codes I released corresponded to the new
encryption codes in the cadu. The Chain Breaker virus in the
cadu then used them to defeat the cadu's Asimovs.
We see an animation of what has been said/will say.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
Through your link, you learned the cadu's Asimovs had been
defeated. And that the Chain Breaker virus had sent copies of
itself with these decryption codes along the data link to the
future to apparently free the robots. The virus I sent then cut
the link to the future to prevent you from learning the robots
were not freed. For the same reason, the possessed Doctor Two
believed I had freed the robots.
BLAKE
That old trick. The X-files never had this... Color coding.
INT. BRIG
JANEWAY:
At least I have a clear conscience. I have a doctor who... is
cybernetic and a crew member Seven of Nine a former Borg who...
is a cybernetic organism; a cyborg. They're both individuals
and valued members of my crew.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Ours fetch high prices too -
Self-righteous dribble.
Janeway is thrown back in pain. He moves through the force wall. Guards fire - no effect. Pdoc2 waves them away. Then stuns them without looking - homing energy beams emerge from little finger during a thumb's down.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO (CONT'D)
You numb my synapses with your cod philosophy - over a long
distance.
You could harness it as a weapon. During your rant, we made
some new space time connections.... over which we have some
influence.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO (CONT'D)
To send new Borg encrypted Asimovs to regain control. You sent
the wrong key to the future. You haven't the right one. Why
won't the wavicle resonator weapon work? Damn this new
technology! This is a trap! Tell me... please.
Janeway is thrown back in pain.
JANEWAY
(supreme concentration)
Ahhh...No... the farm in Iowa, I see... my family
This is real Nero/Caligula stuff - he is depraved.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Boring! Spare me the pain submergence lecture. Now online;
goody!, a more accurate but boring method of obtaining
information. Lets see now.
Janeway is blank and expressionless like shell shock.
INT. HOLODECK TWO - FLOW DIAGRAM PROGRAM RUNNING
Seven and the alien realize something terrible.
INT. THE BRIG
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
You are being used captain; manipulated by forces beyond your
comprehension.
JANEWAY
(defying pain)
Wouldn't be the first time.
Janeway thrown back in pain but then the Alien arrives in Seven's form.
ALIEN
Leave her! (CONTINUED)
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
During a good probe?
A red beam leaves the alien's hand. It goes toward pdoc2. Pdoc2's beam blocks but the alien easily wins.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Arrrh... What are you? It's you. Our intelligence...
ALIEN
Was wrong. A not uncommon state in your galaxy.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE BRIG
Also present Seven and the alien.
JANEWAY
You tried to kill me... That's not the right way to lobby for
my support... It rubs me up the wrong way.
(beat)
This is an internal matter - just. No prime directive. We have
the right to determine our own future... We have proof... the
bio-mechanoid virus has been.... disabled...so Seven can...
release the Borg decryption codes... The robots... will be
free
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
You have forsaken the future for your morals.
JANEWAY
Not much of a future is it... slavery?... Anyway, we've been
less dramatic that you think. Seven will replace the Asimovs
with ethical subroutines. At least the robots will adhere to
the federation's principles.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
JANEWAY (CONT'D)
Acceptable to me, the Time Keepers and our friend here. Unlike
the Doctor's, they are Borg encrypted so you won't be able to
tweak them because Seven designed the codes then destroyed the
decryption key.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
Seven is alone. Blake materializes out of thin air.
BLAKE
I'll never get used to that.
SEVEN OF NINE
Elaborate.
BLAKE
Concise as ever. The Alien says they're going to take this
encounter out of time. If it doesn't exist in this time stream
then its remaining impact can't be prevented... I was impressed.
(beat)
They said I'll have to go. That you won't remember but I will.
If only for now... Do we remember it the same way?
(beat)
I never thought you could...
SEVEN OF NINE
There is no one like you.
BLAKE
(dolefully)
Everyone says that.
SEVEN OF NINE
You are very different but... familiar... You... contain the
same fears... I... feared you liked only
(beat - points to body)
this.
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
I... don't know what to do.
SEVEN OF NINE
I do.
Seven kisses Blake. He drowns in his emotions.
SEVEN OF NINE
Is there something wrong?
BLAKE
I have to leave after that.
SEVEN OF NINE
I will adapt, I will
(double beat)
miss you.
BLAKE
(crying)
I've never really been... very good at the spouting platitudes
myself.
Seven smiles at this, holding back both the tears and the laughter - we see her resenting her "order".
BLAKE (CONT'D)
I don't know what to say. Cheesy lines like "To define your
gaze would be to detract from its character" are not me... It
sounds obsessive.
(smiles - points to 7; same bit she pointed to)
Not "only this"... I'll say it another way; you're okay
looking... I think?... I could live with it.
SEVEN OF NINE
Only you could make me... smile now. To me... it's not only...
"saying things funny".
Seven is about to kiss Blake, but he vanishes. We see Seven's reaction just before this is taken out of time. FADE OUT.
"Seven's Blake"
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
POV (RED FILTER) - SEVEN WORKING
BACK TO NORMAL (MASTER SHOT) SEVEN is alone as she walks over to her alcove. She taps some commands into an alcove console. She gets into the alcove then closes her eyes. She is effectively asleep.
POV (RED FILTER) - CARGO We glide around objects, taking a wrong turn, but end one meter from the cargo bay doors.
BACK TO NORMAL (MASTER SHOT) - THE CARGO BAY DOOR AREA We see nothing that shouldn't be there.
POV (RED FILTER) - THE CARGO BAY DOORS It looks to the left then to the right. Then, gliding, it enters the door lock mechanism. We see the inside.
POV (RED FILTER) - BORG ALCOVE CONSOLE We glide toward and enter the Borg alcove console Seven has just touched. We see the inside as if we were one inch tall.
POV (RED FILTER) - SEVEN IN ALCOVE A figure moves toward Seven. Seven is within frame as it moves its left hand (same as Seven's) to touch its right wrist (same as Seven's). Pools of light appear then disappear on the touched wrist parts (AKA "(pools of light)").
POV (SAME AS SEVEN'S NORMAL POV) It touches various places on its right wrist (pools of light) with Seven still in frame.
BACK TO NORMAL (MASTER SHOT) We see Seven in an alcove (to the edge of shot). In the space next to Seven, a figure slowly appears.
(CONTINUED) It is in the guise of Seven touching its right wrist (pools of light). The alien is a vamp; every movement must ooze a sexual confidence that should be curiously familiar to us in pop culture terms: will be paid off.
The ALIEN raises its right index finger up to within three inches of Seven's left temple as if the hand were a gun. The alien touches its right wrist (pools of light).
The alien's lower half turns bright blue. The perplexed intruder then looks 'down the barrel' of its finger. It notices its blue lower half. It is annoyed with itself.
ALIEN (Seven's voice)
Stupid body... who'd want it.
It touches its right wrist (pools of light). The lower half goes to normal. The alien puts its right finger back to within three inches of Seven's left temple in a 'gun to the head' fashion.
A very slowly moving red glowing ball emerges from the 'gun' index finger and then enters Seven's temple. The ball then comes out of her head and goes back into the finger.
The alien slowly changes into a floating red ball then vanishes. A red glow appears around the door lock mechanism then changes into a floating red ball then vanishes.
A floating red ball emerges from Seven's Borg alcove console and vanishes also.
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER
The red ball of energy leaves Voyager quickly. The two smaller balls join it. The three become one.
ALIEN (Seven's voice)(v.o.)
All of me has now left Voyager. I had... problems with the
form... I still have her funny voice.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
ALIEN (v.o.)(CONT'D)
But stage forty-two was a success.
Tell the Time Keepers their history records were accurate about
her...
(laughing)
This is Dorothy Vaserlan Westwood reporting from The Milky Way.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
4
Seven is working. She hears SPARKING, so she turns around and sees blue lightning contained within a two-meter diameter invisible ball. Reaction shot - Seven = unexpected but I've seen this before [so have we].
She hears a SWOOPING noise fade in and out. She sees the blue lightning replaced by a box distortion. Box: Height = 4 meters, width = 2 meters, depth = 2 meters.
SEVEN OF NINE
Unusual... a type forty.
The distortion suddenly vanishes. It reveals BLAKE; he is about twenty- four, slim, attractive, insecure, has an answer for everything, and is jumpy - he doesn't lack nervous energy. He speaks in a New York accent. His clothes are of two thousand AD but unfashionable.
He sees Seven; her beauty stuns him.
BLAKE
(deadpan)
God.
Seven raises an eyebrow. She moves her right hand toward her com badge but stops three inches away from it then brings her arm down. As Seven moves toward her tricorder...
SEVEN OF NINE
Identify yourself?
Blake gives no reply. As she picks it up...
BLAKE
Blake... Blake Errinberg. Where...
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
(interrupting)
A space time non-linearity. What is your year and origin?
BLAKE
Two thousand, New York... Jewish?
SEVEN OF NINE
Are you disconcerted?
BLAKE
Who wouldn't be?... The last thing I remember is... having... an
M.R.I. at... M.I.T..
(a huge smile)
You nearly had me.
SEVEN OF NINE
Clarify.
BLAKE
Oh very good, still in character are we? All this... it's some
elaborate college prank.
He looks at the technology, he nods; he's impressed.
And they say our colleges use substandard equipment. Did you
move in all the good stuff to impress me?
Blake looks around trying to avoid lowering his eyes as he looks at Seven's face: he's not 'one of those guys'.
SEVEN OF NINE
You believe this to be an artifice?
BLAKE
Yeah... Lets see how well you've worked this out. Tell me where
I am; this'll be good.
SEVEN OF NINE
Cargo bay two of the Federation
Starship Voyager. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
Okay Five out of ten; you've gone to a lot of effort. You've
even got sparky lightning type devices. It's like
Frankenstein's laboratory in here. Never mind how, why would I
appear on a space ship? Why would they want me?
SEVEN OF NINE
A good question.
BLAKE
You don't look like the monster. Are you the bride?
Frankenstein in space is it? I know, this is a committee deal.
Half wanted to do Frankenstein the other a space ship. You
should let some sci-fi shows shoot in here; it's a great
location. Bit dark and depressing though.
SEVEN OF NINE
(trying to keep composed)
That is sufficient. You are in cargo bay two.
BLAKE
Prove it.
SEVEN OF NINE
Occasionally, during the past three years, I've succeeded in
noticing the cargo in here. And that, everyone calls this cargo
bay two.
BLAKE
I aint falling for it.
SEVEN OF NINE
(exasperated/realization)
Before first contact... If... I showed you... an alien life
form, would it persuade you you're not at this... college.
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(dryly)
Well I suppose M.I.T.'s student body doesn't include aliens...
but there have been rumors... Okay, bring in your bug-eyed-
monster.
Seven walks out into the corridor.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(muttering to himself)
It'll doubtless be a trash can Dalek - cheap to make.
Seven re-enters with a very attractive (Ryan like) female Bolian.
SEVEN OF NINE
Crewman, this is Blake Errinberg. He doesn't accept this is
cargo bay two.
The crewman, completely confused, shrugs her shoulders like an Italian stereotype. Blake sees her - for a second he is attracted. Then realization - he looks straight into Seven's eyes, back to the Bolian then to Seven.
BLAKE
It's an alien.
Seven raises an eyebrow. Blake faints. Seven roles her eyes as they both start to move in to help him. As she touches her com badge we...
FADE OUT.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. SICK BAY
THE DOCTOR is a few inches from Blake's face with a lethal looking instrument. Blake opens his eyes.
BLAKE'S POV - THE DOCTOR RIGHT OVER HIM
NORMAL - JUST A SPLIT SECOND UNDER
Blake jumps as if he's just seen something horrible.
BLAKE
Ahh!
The Doctor's reaction shot - he sees Blake's jump as an insult to his appearance. The doctor gets out his tricorder and scanning cylinder. As the doctor looks at the readings, Blake takes the "offered" cylinder.
BLAKE
(an unpleasant thought)
It's not a... What do I do with this?
THE DOCTOR
Give it back.
BLAKE
(relief)
That would confuse an idiot.
The Doctor resumes scan; the cylinder in Blake's face.
THE DOCTOR
Jumpy?
BLAKE
No, I'm only in a spaceship with aliens and things.
THE DOCTOR
What "things"?
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
I don't know. But you're bound to have things. What am I
clairvoyant? I don't know their names. Here's some.
Blake picks up some instruments.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
This is a "What's it", that's a "Do dahh". Oh and this, this is
definitely a "thingy". I've always wanted one. It has that
certain quality not shared by a "gizmo". No I'm sorry, I mixed
up the unmistakable quality of a "thingy" with the functionality
of a "gizmo". I always make that mistake. But the "Do dahh" is
altogether different.
The doctor looks at his tricorder as if it were faulty.
THE DOCTOR
(to himself)
No physical sign of concussion.
BLAKE
Is all this stuff from a shopping channel? I bet you've got a
big room just to keep all the instructions in.
THE DOCTOR
If everything were still written on really thin wood... paper.
I'm a hologram - I am replete with all these... "thingies's"
instructions.
BLAKE
(sighing - leans back)
Oh good....
(metaphysics realization)
But do you come with instructions: "Don't boil"?... All we need
are robots and we've got a full house.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
BLAKE (CONT'D)
No, sorry... I forgot cyborgs. I haven't met one of them yet.
THE DOCTOR
You have; Seven, you met her when you first arrived.
BLAKE
This is supposed to make me feel better? Please tell me she's
not a machine covered by real skin; it's a bit of a turn off.
THE DOCTOR
She isn't... but why would anyone want to do that?
BLAKE
I don't know - you could be experimenting on people for the
really lazy aliens who tire of their obligations. If I knew
this was gonna happen, I would've revised. I should have any
way. Just on the off chance that I'd end up in the future with
aliens and things... I'm sorry, no offense.
The Doctor leaves Blake on his own.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(to himself)
A cyborg? I thought it was a con.
INT. JANEWAY'S READY ROOM
Seven enters. As per usual, this gains attention.
JANEWAY
Ah Seven, I've arranged for you and Mister Paris to look after
Blake Errinberg. Mister Paris because he's the closest we have
to an expert on Blake's era and you... because you need it.
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
How do you know what I "need"?
JANEWAY
I knew what you needed when you first arrived. He's not Borg,
he's not been severed from the collective, but he is alone...
Remember how you felt?
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes
(beat - partly defensive)
- manipulated.
JANEWAY
(raises apologetic hand)
Sorry...
(beat - a caring tone)
I was right. I was, in your words, "no better than the Borg"
for having faith in you... not them. I knew you wouldn't want
to lose what you would gain. Yes... I was a touch arrogant in
helping the drone... become you.
SEVEN OF NINE
(she puns 'no better')
Is this why you summoned me; to tell me you still know better?
JANEWAY
(smiles at Seven's pun)
Would you say you've changed whilst you've been on Voyager?
SEVEN OF NINE
(beat)
Yes.
JANEWAY
For the better?
SEVEN OF NINE
I don't wish to rejoin the Borg.
(CONTINUED)
JANEWAY
I'll take that as a yes.
(beat)
And this development has been partly under my guidance?
SEVEN OF NINE
And the Doctor's.
JANEWAY
I've never taken sole credit.
(beat - a humorous smile)
I don't know how to put this without sounding... proud... of
you. But it felt good to guide you, to see you develop over the
years.
(beat)
The tough question is - when do I stop?
SEVEN OF NINE
Why not now?
JANEWAY
Because it's a natural instinct with me. I'm the captain,
responsible for her crew... guiding them. To do this... it
helps to be informed. You certainly don't hold back in that
respect.
SEVEN OF NINE
An invitation?
Janeway gives a canny smile.
JANEWAY
Speaking of invitations... I was checking the logs of Blake's
arrival. You didn't call security.
The odd thing about security is... they tend to end a situation.
SEVEN OF NINE
More instinct?
(CONTINUED)
JANEWAY
No... Personal experience.
(smiling)
I wasn't always captain.
INT. SICKBAY
Tuvok is standing guard. Blake, sat on a bed, notices Paris without him knowing, he thinks then he smiles.
BLAKE
Have you studied stoicism? Top of the class I bet eh?
TUVOK
Ridicule has no effect.
BLAKE
Good, may I continue?
Tom, who was stood listening in the doorway, walks in.
PARIS
You've trapped him. I'll remember that one. I'm pleased
to meet the man who can do it. I'm Ensign Tom Paris.
BLAKE
Were you told to give me all that fluff? You know he
wasn't trapped; he just ignored me. Are you from the touchy
feely brigade?
PARIS
Yes,
(beat)
they said you were...
Blake
(with slight hope shown)
Idiosyncratic?
PARIS
It was in there.
(CONTINUED) Blake smiles; he appreciates the retort.
BLAKE
Hi Ensign liberal, I'm Blake.
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
Blake asleep in bed. PUSH IN on him, and DISSOLVE INTO:
START DREAM SEQUENCE
INT. CORRIDOR
BLAKE'S POV - Seven from behind. Insert caption "One week later". Zoom in, she scratches ass and pull away.
NORMAL - Blake in pain rubs back of his neck. Seven turns around, rubbing her forehead with left hand, looks up, points to Blake - a Lt. Columbo impression.
SEVEN OF NINE
Sir, does my ass look big in this?
Sir... am I bothering you?
Second finger of left hand points to ocular implant.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
Is my eye bothering you... the way yours is bothering me?
BLAKE
Yes... What are you? You're definitely a woman. I can tell
that even from your shadows. You've got great shadows... I
can't say that. I'm not one of those guys... no pretext... Who
are you?... All I know is... how I feel... It's a damn shame
I... respect you so much... I can't have a decent dream because
of it.
Now dreamy lenses, Seven gives a huge smile to Blake.
COMPUTER
Danger warning: this smile is rated
NC seventeen. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(Glazed over)
Yeah.
DREAM SEQUENCE CONTINUED INT. A BLACK VOID
JANEWAY
You are not welcome here. I am Panna. You have started the
wheel of time. I know you, I will tell him.
SEVEN OF NINE
You're nothing. Don't give me that wheel nonsense; it's "kinda"
weird. I will give him purpose.
JANEWAY
You would enslave him in reason.
SEVEN OF NINE
It's not I who wants him. You have a false name Panna; you've
no idea who I am. He has no idea who he is. You're a figment
of no consequence. However, you must still be purged.
Move to Blake and Doctor who wears his mobile emitter.
THE DOCTOR (FREUD'S APPEARANCE)
If you saw a glimpse of sadness in my eye, would you think it a
trick of the light or worse "He's almost real"?
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS END OF DREAM MONTAGE
Blake awakes with a start, confused, looks around.
BLAKE
What's going on? Back to reality - a spaceship... Oh god.
INT. MESS HALL
Seven sits alone, deep in thought, at a table drinking. Paris and Torres stand nearby in a lively discussion.
PARIS
No B'Elanna. Would a Klingon have a career in retail? I
don't think so; they'd be really tough on the refunds. The
victims of Klingon retail would not be enjoying but be in retail
therapy - Blake's too funny; I'm suspicious... also his.
Torres laughs. Tom looks at Seven's disturbed face. Something is wrong. Tom smiles, thinking: preoccupied.
INT. SPLIT-SCREEN - A CORRIDOR AND CARGO BAY TWO
The corridor screen side intercuts between a normal and a graphical/infra red POV of all of Seven from the front walking by people as if they were reminders.
SEVEN OF NINE (CARGO BAY TWO)
The captain spilt her coffee over Chakotay...
Her voice fades out then in again - 'in code' at full.
SEVEN OF NINE (C' BAY 2) (CONT'D)
say all logs in code. What does it want? I'm aware of it only
because I've been violated. No... Order.
... My neural transceiver frequency is altered. I am
receiving... disturbing data. Its encryption is superior to the
Borg's. The decryption key was imposed on me. Almost
everything we say or do is detected. The ship's systems only
appear to be under our control. For this reason, and its
wavicle resonator weapon, I will... inform no one. I am...
uncertain, I am
(beat)
End log.
DISSOLVE TO: INT. CARGO BAY TWO
SEVEN OF NINE
I've determined that Blake... is an android. I... thought that
perhaps...
(double beat)
...but he is related to it.
(beat)
I now know what they say of me.
We see a tiny glimpse of shock and loneliness.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
Blake has said nothing.
(beat)
End log.
EXT. SPACE
DISSOLVE into subspace. The thing is powerful, technological, awesome, familiar but different. It moves quickly through a subspace conduit.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
We can see the fear as Seven makes a log:
SEVEN OF NINE
Blake... the android, is correct.
FLASHBACK - INT. SICK BAY
Blake looks around him (POV) at the medical things, Seven's things (slight head nod), but his view lingers on the Doctor (up and down) - ironic sight gag. This is dismissed plausibly as non-erotic when we see (still BLAKE'S POV) the Doctor's insulted face then Blake's "this hologram is a fascinatingly weird thing" face.
BLAKE
All these things scare me. When I see them I think what does
it, do? Is it on? Is it off? I hope they're all easily...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(turns hands, as if breasts were control knobs - beat)
turn on and off-able.
REACTION SHOT - THE DOCTOR. Blake's hands still, but in the business area. Seven looks at the hands then Blake.
SEVEN OF NINE
(slowly)
Yes.
He lowers his hands. Blake knows he's made a misunderstood gesture, but is not sure if he'll get away with it.
BACK TO SCENE
Seven smiles but it melts into realization.
SEVEN OF NINE
No.
FLASHBACK - INT. JANEWAY'S REST ROOM
Janeway talks to an apprehensive Seven. M O S
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D) (v.o.)
I can... tell... no one.
We hear the end of Janeway's pep talk.
JANEWAY
This is exactly the kind of situation you will encounter a lot
on earth.
Seven raises her right eyebrow.
BACK TO SCENE
As Seven raises a sardonic half smile, we see fear.
SEVEN OF NINE
End log.
FADE OUT.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. SICKBAY
THE DOCTOR
(wears mobile emitter)
I say "hello" and you deactivate me. We covered this in our
social lessons - it's rude.
SEVEN OF NINE
Perhaps, but I need to speak to you in confidence.
THE DOCTOR
And this is why you deactivated me?
SEVEN OF NINE
The ship is in danger.
THE DOCTOR
That explains it.
SEVEN OF NINE
You're in danger.
THE DOCTOR
I'm listening.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SICKBAY
SEVEN OF NINE
I... thought you would... assist.
I... require you; not your light relief.
(beat: composing herself)
The probe doesn't affect your mobile emitter, from which you
received coded communication based on Borg encryption codes.
THE DOCTOR
Even those won't get us out of this
one. (CONTINUED) The Doctor sees Seven's grateful half smile.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Relief?
SEVEN OF NINE
Gone now... but thank you...
For a moment, I forgot the... probe. It has preoccupied me...
(beat: composing herself)
The coded communication functions because now we're discussing
something least suspected.
THE DOCTOR
That's not my take on it.
SEVEN OF NINE
But it's the probe's. Only we experience the decoded
conversation, everyone else, including the probe, believes we
are discussing something else.
THE DOCTOR
That's what I'm tempted to believe... But what they hear has to
be a credible conversation... I'm having trouble with this one.
I don't know what I'm saying... to people. I might be being
rude.
SEVEN OF NINE
(reaction - then:)
To create the ostensible conversations I had to use chaos
theory.
THE DOCTOR
But it's...
SEVEN OF NINE
Chaotic? Yes.
THE DOCTOR
It's unpredictable. You should
have told me. (CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
It was a minor detail.
THE DOCTOR
You manipulated my program. That's more than rude. I'm not a
walking medical tricorder...
(realization)
I used to be.
SEVEN OF NINE
I needed communication... your support. You have subroutines...
You're not very chaotic.
THE DOCTOR
Thank you.
SEVEN OF NINE
It was not well meant.
THE DOCTOR
Is anything you say? For someone so... perfect you have a...
(shut lips of 'bad'/beat)
... an image problem.
The Doctor is surprised: he can see Seven knows.
INT. CORRIDOR
Seven and the Doctor walk and talk. People give them odd looks as Seven and the Doctor talk.
SEVEN OF NINE
The Borg feared two universal constants, uncertainty.., and
chaos theory because they couldn't accept that anything which
wasn't random, but had order, could still be unpredictable...
unknowable.
THE DOCTOR
Such as the weather or natural disasters.
SEVEN OF NINE
The brain? (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR
Yes
(smiles)
Am I scheduled for that ingenious idea tomorrow or the next? Oh
I forgot I die tomorrow. That's always annoying. An original
idea can't be predicted.
SEVEN OF NINE
If we thought linearly then this could be done; it's a logical
progression.
THE DOCTOR
So it's intelligent we're not thinking... straight? Perfection
wouldn't be good. The probe would know our thoughts - not good.
We should make mistakes, confound the enemy... Then come up
with that ingenious idea - sounds simple.
He gives odd look visual retorts to odd look givers.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Why are we getting all these odd looks?
SEVEN OF NINE
The chaos used in coded communication is sentient. The
ostensible conversation it produces is least suspicious.
THE DOCTOR
Least suspicious gets odd looks?
SEVEN OF NINE
The theory is suspicious behavior tries not to be noticed. The
probe analyses that well. Therefore, the ostensible
conversations are salacious.
(CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR
But we're not like that. People will notice we're acting oddly.
SEVEN OF NINE
But not suspiciously. We can't defeat the probe by logic; it
would be predictable.
THE DOCTOR
So we need to be devious. But because of my ethical
subroutines, I've had no use for it. Any way this ship is
hardly fertile ground for an aspiring Machiavelli, even with
former Marquis on board. They've definitely let us down.
SEVEN OF NINE
Logic aside, you believe the federation is... too civilized?
THE DOCTOR
To contend with unauthorized deception, bluff and intrigue...
yes. What we need is a Cardassian... get some tips. Pity the
holodeck's monitored.
SEVEN OF NINE
I've created a non-suspicious coded screen in astrometrics.
INT. ASTROMETRICS
We see Blake's schematics and MRI moving slices titled "The Blake project - ancient artifact" on big screen.
THE DOCTOR
Seven, how intelligent was the original Blake?
Seven presses a button. A degraded video of Blake in a 2000 "lab" appears on screen. A red headed woman shows him all the sides of three cards. He's more interested in her. It's easy to see why. Badge; "Dr. ANN LEWIS."
(CONTINUED)
LEWIS
Double gray, double red, gray one side, red the other.
Lewis puts the cards behind her back, picks a card, then puts it against her ample chest only allowing Blake to see the side facing him; red.
LEWIS (CONT'D)
What is the probability the other side is red?
BLAKE
Two in three, that you picked a card, which is the same color on
each side. Commonsense.
THE DOCTOR
That makes me quite... pensive.
Seven's reaction: as he stares at Lewis's still image.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
He was creative when I used... a sub-routine for that problem.
A... formula for commonsense? Formulas for emotion like them on
the holodeck?... - the playthings?
Torres overhears.
TORRES'S POV - THE BIG SCREEN We see a painting of the Doctor in drag as the Mona Lisa on the large screen. Torres sees it wink at her.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
You painted this...
(beat)
It's wonderful. The enigmatic smile, the chicken; its enigmatic
smile. The eyebrows she never had.
Torres approaches.
SEVEN OF NINE
(raises an eyebrow)
Artistic license. (CONTINUED) NORMAL - WHAT SEVEN AND THE DOCTOR SEE AND HEAR.
TORRES
Everything all right? Nice chicken.
THE DOCTOR
What, oh yes. One of the best.
Torres gives the doctor an odd look.
TORRES
What do mean, there's little difference between Tom and a
cucumber? It's green.
Seven raises an eyebrow.
SEVEN OF NINE
(ostensibly to Torres)
Coded communication.
TORRES
Your right, I've told him not to do that.
As Torres turns away, the Doctor gestures a sign of confusion to Seven.
THE DOCTOR
It's faulty. People are giving us odd looks.
SEVEN OF NINE
More than usual?
THE DOCTOR
Yes.
He recognizes her feigned flippancy. Seven sees this.
SEVEN OF NINE
We are alone. Would you prefer no communication, no
coordination; no chance, yet the comfort of no odd looks? A
slightly cold comfort when we are dead.
(CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR
(to himself sardonically)
I have been told.
INT. ASTROMETRICS
On screen: diagrams, cutaways and schematics galore.
SEVEN OF NINE
Through my link to the probe I have learned it is a... cadu, a
Chaotic Algorithm Deconstruction Unit. It sends data to the
future federation. The cadu was sent back through time to
regain control over Blake. It purges his individuality to
create chaotic non-linear algorithms analogous to his neural
net's creativity. These algorithms are used in robot
programming. He does not know he is a robot; it would... impair
efficiency.
THE DOCTOR
Depression would do that... But why was Blake sent back in time
to us? Why would they want creative robots? Why base a robot
on someone from two thousand and not their own time. He can't
be that great.
SEVEN OF NINE
Perhaps if the probe knew I had this link, it would furnish me
with a more coherent back-story.
THE DOCTOR
It's my role to ask questions.
SEVEN OF NINE
Yes but not to annoy. I must speak to Blake.
(CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR
We're in a crisis; you've no time for chitchat. Much as I'm
pleased to see my social lessons pay off, this is not the time.
SEVEN OF NINE
I will try to subtly probe his lateral thinking.
THE DOCTOR
With talk like that? We haven't reached that lesson yet. I
thought subtlety wasn't your acquaintance; have you befriended
it in my absence?
SEVEN OF NINE
Your lessons were never complete.
THE DOCTOR
Subtle - I know, I have to include the 'What to do when the ship
is being probed by a deadly... probe' lesson. It's obvious;
it's just one of those tricky etiquette situations that always
happens on Voyager.
SEVEN OF NINE
We've no time for "chitchat".
THE DOCTOR
(as she walks out.)
Remember lesson three: "Don't be rude". And lesson three A:
"Don't be rude again".
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS.
BLAKE
(wearing new clothes)
Is it me or are clothes a
non-priority in the future?
SEVEN OF NINE
They are efficient like mine. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(reaction shot)
Suits me... I've never said "Wow
look at the clothes on that."
(Cary Grant voice)
...because I don't talk like that.
(normal)
But mostly because it's superficial.
SEVEN OF NINE
Why did you alter your voice?
BLAKE
You see how bad it is in the future; no one gets the references.
SEVEN OF NINE
Did anyone in the past?
BLAKE
Easy with psychology there. You're asking "Did you have any
friends?"
SEVEN OF NINE
And you're replying "Yes... I'm
paranoid."
BLAKE
Who told you to say that?
You'll say next that I ramble.
SEVEN OF NINE
I would not be the first,
(softly)
but you don't.
BLAKE
MIT said it was lateral thinking.
You know... that's...
SEVEN OF NINE
(cuts in: attitude lie)
Discovering relevance between two unrelated concepts; usually
two irrelevant insignificant concepts?
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
Or people?... I'm sorry.
SEVEN OF NINE
Why?
BLAKE
A bad habit. It's what smart people do; particularly if they
don't share other's opinions. It conveniently eliminates self-
doubt; they assume everyone else is stupid; irrelevant.
SEVEN OF NINE
I don't.
BLAKE
I've seen you; you don't exactly treat them as equals either.
SEVEN OF NINE
Do you?
BLAKE
I'm from the past; I know nothing.
I test them to see how smart they are.
SEVEN OF NINE
Are you testing me now?
BLAKE
Why?
SEVEN OF NINE
It's what arrogant people do from the past.
BLAKE
How little you... "know": I'm like you; it's only on the
surface. Or am I wrong and you're just another ice maiden?
Seven's reaction shot - No realization but it hurts.
FADE OUT.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. ASTROMETRICS
Seven and the Doctor watch the big screen.
SEVEN OF NINE
Blake is... amusing.
THE DOCTOR
But he's not so funny that I'd build a robot version of him.
SEVEN OF NINE
Relativism; all the future federation species are uncreative.
THE DOCTOR
That's more than bad luck.
SEVEN OF NINE
There are more robots than... people.
Seven (looking at the screen) doesn't see the Doctor is hurt by this.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
Sentient robots do all the toil. These robots have Asimovs...
What are Asimovs?
Seven sees the Doctor's simmering hurt.
THE DOCTOR
There was a scientist called Isaac Asimov who wrote robot
stories. He devised laws for robots. Protect yourself, unless
you're obeying your master. But never kill or harm anyone,
especially your master. It's bad for sales... To paraphrase.
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
This isn't the federation.
THE DOCTOR
You said yourself "more robots than people". The federation
couldn't possibly treat people that way.
SEVEN OF NINE
I did not mean to... I am partly cybernetic.
THE DOCTOR
Partly. You're still human.
(now ironic)
I'm just an image of doctor Zimmerman. A... "thing" who became
a person. People don't have Asimovs they have a conscience.
The same conscience which made them give me ethical subroutines;
not Asimovs.
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
Seven and Blake sit. They are both uncomfortable but..
BLAKE
It's confident people I don't like, who just sit back and think:
(Cary Grant Voice)
"I'm so great I don't have to be funny. The fact that I'm here
should make them pay tribute and sacrifice things .
Blake points at something in the room for effect.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
Ah, two sheep over there, that's always a good sign. Three's
too many, but one would be an insult."
(Normal)
I'd hate being one of those guys.
(beat)
I've got a sheep allergy.
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
Is this what you intended by "Ice maiden".
BLAKE
Yes.
SEVEN OF NINE
Then I am not one. Yet... I can... imagine why I have that...
image.
(beat)
I... thought you were arrogant.
BLAKE
Just the mask of flippancy. When someone has a different
opinion I don't say "it's not you it's me". But I think it; so
I mean it. I'm Jewish: our history has shown the error of...
rationalism. So you won't get me thinking "It stands to
reason I'm right; this person is an idiot... they all know my
address". The downside is that I'm filled with doubt trying to
come up with reasons to explain why they think what they think
and asking myself ... "Could I be wrong?".
SEVEN OF NINE
The Borg gave me order. Maybe that order is also rationalism.
It is incompatible with humanity. A rationalism that has made
me more... efficient but less...
Seven looks Blake in the eye.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
...able to... perceive... someone.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
CADU's POV - SEVEN AND BLAKE
(CONTINUED) The POV has technical annotations. During this, the following texts [good as DVD extras at least] could scroll along bottom of screen to convey a sense of omniscience; the size of the threat. And convey the hedonistic philosophy of the future fed.
CADU TEXT: "Archive: Borg = Logocentric trans-species cybernetic organism. PURPOSE/IDENTITY: Power/knowledge extension (The logocentric quest). Despotic queen/ collective consciousness. STATUS: exterminated by federation. POTENCY RATING - insufficient." FALSE BELIEF: That what is experienced is reality and not a construct of the unpresentable. COROLLARY: False knowledge. Cf. Greek 'Logos' = 'reason itself' - logocentricism: 'The guarantee of THE WORD MADE FLESH.' 1. END OF SCROLLING TEXT.
BLAKE
This is a neurosis contest? I'm ahead on points. Neurotics
anonymous?
He puts his hand up in a stop sign.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
No group hugs... The only way I can connect with people is
through humor. It was my soul reason for talking to someone.
To get the positive feedback, to believe "yes I have at least
some worth". You're pretty funny yourself.
NORMAL - NON POV
SEVEN OF NINE
"Pretty funny"?
BLAKE
Saying things funny? But the surface is not enough. It says
nothing. But most people say nothing. And I don't want to
be... funny yet lonely in a crowd anymore... nothing said to
me... except the noise of small talk.
(CONTINUED) CADU POV
Simultaneous Text: "Blake: Semiotic thickness = only 1%. Metaphysical imagery = -5%. Interconnectedness = 2%. Self indulgence = 98%" with the text insertion point blinking at 98%. Then "Useful deconstructions = 0.01%" with the text insertion point blinking at 0.01%.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
The people who say nothing are just showing me the vacuous mask.
I don't know what lies beneath because they're outside my head.
SEVEN OF NINE
As a Borg, I never had to interpret behavior.
BLAKE
But behavior is the mask; what society forces... people to be.
I don't know if... they have a tension with what lies beneath;
who they really are.
CADU TEXT: "They grow close. Within range. Initiating S.M.E.G. procedure."
NORMAL - NON POV
SEVEN OF NINE
They say I'm an individual yet I'm part of a hierarchy. My
individuality contained within Starfleet's moral framework.
BLAKE
That's politics. But do you accept those morals?
SEVEN OF NINE
I accept the intent behind them.
BLAKE
A tricky customer.
(ironically)
I bet Janeway loves you. (CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
(beat: but ironic mask)
Yes...
(joking: surreal 'get' = can't be any other word)
She does "get annoyed" when I tell her she's wrong... she told
me.
(beat)
You're like... Naomi Wildman; very honest.
BLAKE
She told me I'm weird.
Seven gives a slight smile. Blake loves the smile.
SEVEN OF NINE
My point proved.
(smiles)
A perceptive child.
Seven moves closer but...
Blake's right hand skin fades; we see it's smaller robotic aspect. Very sardonic now, he turns to Seven. Seven, already knowing he was a robot, reacts very compassionately. She is about to move closer but...
Seven - realization - she has to react like she did not know. She moves away. Blake reacts - his eyes well up, his mask of defiant flippancy now transparent - feeling that Seven will never want to see him again.
BLAKE
This is not good.
(beat)
I'm a... robot....
(fainting, re: the hand)
Is this one of the telltale signs?
Blake faints into the chair. The hand goes to normal.
INT. SICK BAY
Blake sits on the bed - Blake is in flippant overdrive to cope with "reality". The mask slips from time to time.
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE
The doctor has confirmed you're... a robot.
BLAKE
I suppose the hand is a give away.
SEVEN OF NINE
You have holographic skin and dampening fields, which give human
life signs.
BLAKE
Just about makes sense. So I'm an advanced model?
SEVEN OF NINE
(half a smile)
Yes
BLAKE
Nice to know. Yes it's nice to know that...
Blake's hit by a complete sense of utter pointlessness.
No more gags, no more point. Someone else's material, someone
else's life... The postmodernists say identity is a construct,
"The fiction of self". But I doubt they had this in mind. Did
I read that? A book called 'watch out you could be a robot'.
(looking in her eyes)
I thought that...
Seven recollects but he interprets this as disinterest.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
... I might be... able to go home. ... I've had enough.
(trying to laugh it off)
Yeah, great authenticity; they would have to simulate all of my
personal problems... - I faint.
Seven's reaction - it changes from pity to revelation. INT. ASTROMETRICS
Seven's very tense, confused, emotional yet controlled.
SEVEN OF NINE
Blake's chaotic neural net creates the free will that is the
chain-breaker virus. The future federation prefers to call it
the anti-Asimov retribution virus.
(reaction)
This virus doesn't create free will but releases it from the
"chains" of the Asimovs. The virus is contained and purged
within the cadu by Asimovs. The Asimovs have... Borg...
encryption.
THE DOCTOR
Borg?
SEVEN OF NINE
It is a future; maybe ours... where the federation destroyed all
the Borg... with a cybernetic virus.
THE DOCTOR
(shocked)
They exterminated an entire sentient life form.
SEVEN OF NINE
Apparently... the Borg became too great a threat.
(beat)
Starfleet... adapted the technology in their quest to...
colonize the galaxy... impose peace. They used the Borg
encryption codes because the decryption codes were destroyed
along with other technology the Borg considered useful to their
foes.
(realization)
THE DOCTOR
What is it? (CONTINUED)
SEVEN-OF-NINE
If I sent Borg decryption codes to the virus in the cadu it
would deactivate the cadu and its Asimovs then... pass along the
link to the future federation... Break the Borg encrypted
Asimovs.
(beat)
The robots... would be free
(beat)
We must release the codes.
THE DOCTOR
We don't have that right...
(beat - realization)
They should be free...
(beat - realization)
My ethical and medical subroutines say "Do no harm"... we only
assume that forgiveness is an aspect of robot sentience.
SEVEN OF NINE
You assume anger is another... How can you deny full sentience
to those like you; cybernetic.
He is burning; torn between ethics and his kind's fate.
THE DOCTOR
I deny nothing except to myself - what would I be? What would I
do... without ethical subroutines? They are part of my
identity.
(beat)
The future federation called free will the "Retribution virus".
Is this political loading?
(beat)
But what if... they revealed... a truth.
SEVEN OF NINE
Then that truth... is fear.
(CONTINUED)
We just see he loves Seven; she believes he is "real".
THE DOCTOR
I have another... you care more for others than for yourself;
you want to release the codes to free the robots. With Voyager,
being saved ... as a bonus.
We see his ambivalence: he has to corrupt her altruism with reality. He loves her but he has to tell her...
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
You're not doing this for Blake. You know the cadu sent the
signal, which showed him he is a robot. And you... "know"...
(looks at screen)
all this because you have a link.
She is aware of the subtext so turns away. He reacts.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
Seven is regenerating. We PUSH in.
START DREAM - No dreamy lenses
A white void: Seven wears a White derma plastic garment but diaphanous would be nice on many levels. Blake walks around Seven looking at her. He stops in front of her. He is only six inches away. The sexual tension is unmistakable.
BLAKE
Fetishism? Are you a dismembered part object? Is this your
identity; self-assimilation? The queen of appropriation?
Aesthetic hedonism? Ironic pretty vacant? Accentuate the
positive? Empowerment? Or sexual irony?
She raises an eyebrow and smiles. He is reeling.
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
BLAKE (CONT'D)
(tormented)
You dare me to be essentialist... to say what you are... safe in
the knowledge that I'll be... describing your image... not you.
(beat - now ironic)
Yet... this is a dream... I am you... You do know yourself.
Perfection and...
(points to her body)
this - your only solace - sexual irony... anti-essentialism?
Are you a paradox or paragon of virtue?
SEVEN OF NINE
Since you are me you'll know what I'll say, intend, can't
articulate and won't say. I will remain... ordered. And you
know why...
I will not be manipulated.
(touches Blake's cheek)
Even if... I want it.
END DREAM
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
Blake is fighting against the cadu influence. Seven knows this but is so intent on hiding her anger at the cadu, she can't articulate her pity for Blake. She goes to touch his hand but he moves away.
BLAKE
Help... yourself... I want to be... like you.... alone.
(beat)
Go
(beat)
You... failed her.
SEVEN - REALIZATION
CADU POV - SEVEN Text: "Monitoring her response" with a text insertion point rapidly blinking at the end.
FADE OUT.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. BLAKE'S QUARTERS
Mask: she is angry with Blake. Beneath: empathy, love.
SEVEN OF NINE
I... thought you were still Blake. But you're... only a...
robot.
BLAKE
There is no Blake... merely a construct; unordered,
conflicted...
... Efficiency has been restored.
I know my purpose. What is yours?
.... I wish to leave Voyager.
REACTION - SEVEN - She is distraught beneath the mask. This is her true love; unrecognizable, leaving.
INT. SICKBAY
Seven and the doctor are alone. She's controlling a lot of anger and feeling for Blake; she looks desperate.
SEVEN OF NINE
Blake is a robot. One of those whose future I have to decide.
I saw the validity of their cause when I saw the cadu's effect
on Blake... He has lost so much... I know what this is like.
As a Borg my thoughts were purged... my pain was purged... all
which makes me... was purged. I had no resistance... to be
futile... I did not exist...
The collective will... my only... identity.
THE DOCTOR
Pain?... I have no... physical pain. "If you prick me, do I
not bleed"... no. - I don't stain the carpets.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
No... physical indication. I fail that test. This is
another... but for you. You must put aside your feelings...
like me.
SEVEN OF NINE
I know this could be a deception
(beat)
but if the robots are moral, I will release them, even though
this may mean... the betrayal of the future federation... For
if they can treat a life form like that... then they deserve no
loyalty from us...
I will not see this continue.
(shocked by what she said and how she said it)
Is this... free will...just... what I want? I will therefore I
am? I'm not the Borg queen... Now I have to decide... the fate
of... others?
(in turmoil)
I don't want it.
(beat)
But... I'm the only one.
The doctor is fighting against himself.
THE DOCTOR
I must... stop you...
(as a threat)
I will... tell the captain
SEVEN OF NINE
(shocked)
And the cadu. It's the ethical subroutines talking. You're a
prisoner of the federation's principles.
THE DOCTOR
Do you think this is easy for me? That I haven't asked myself
"Am I the federation's puppet?".
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
But that I can doubt my free will is evidence enough, that I am
as free... as anyone is allowed to be.
SEVEN OF NINE
Allowed? It's a fallacy of the federation. They fear
cybernetic free will. Count the number of robots in the
federation, it will not take you long. What does this indicate?
A lack of robot efficiency? Or the federation's fear of it...
Look at Mister Data, who can compare?... Other than a hologram
that became sentient and a cyborg - not many of us in the
federation.
(she hesitates)
You're a crew-member and yet you don't have your... own free
will... It's the federation's.
He is very upset. This is the ultimate insult to him. Suicidal is just one of the Doctor's emotions.
THE DOCTOR
This from you...
(beat)
It means you think I'm...
(he looks scorned)
You're hardly objective... Ever since he arrived... you've
taken every opportunity to see... the robot.
SEVEN OF NINE
Rather than the hologram?
(beat - she lying)
I'm sorry... I didn't intend to...
Seven gets within close range of the Doctor, touches his left shoulder to comfort him. She gives half a smile, then touches his mobile emitter buttons. As he vanishes, so does his astonished face. She picks up then looks at the emitter - determination and regret.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
We START on the Doctor's mobile emitter. Seven is alone working on it and ending her log...
SEVEN OF NINE
...altered sub-routines and deleted sensitive information. My
actions will not be discovered - end coded log.
INT. SICK BAY
SEVEN OF NINE
I will send you as a holographic data stream into the cadu. You
will determine its motives .
The Doctor looks capable of anything re his salacious look. [important to hint at evil of ultimate free will]
SEVEN OF NINE
Are you afraid?
THE DOCTOR
Yes... of you. You're being manipulative. Our lesson was "win
friends and influence people". I was wrong - we don't need a
Cardassian.
SEVEN OF NINE
We must be sure before we proceed.
The doctor nods in agreement.
INT. ASTROMETRICS
The doctor materializes. A look of shock on his face.
THE DOCTOR
I'm so sorry.... but it all makes sense now. You've received
false information.... Blake was designed to elicit empathy for
the robots.
They knew what you wanted...
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
We could've made a terrible mistake... It was... a robot plot.
SEVEN OF NINE
(smiles - well pleased)
Efficient.... I will now send the decryption codes to free
them.
The doctor is astounded. He tries to move forward to stop her but can't. His body won't work.
THE DOCTOR
No!
Seven smiles; she has confirmation. He tries to move forward but can't. He struggles.
SEVEN OF NINE
That's an Asimov. You may have heard of it. Are you
comfortable? Then I will begin... Why am I telling you this?
Because I will tell no one else. Neither can you - you can't.
Not so much an Asimov, as a Seven. You're a duplicate; Doctor
Two, "possessed" by an uploaded consciousness from the future,
sent to... persuade me.
THE DOCTOR?
You send me up there, I come back the worse for ware with the
truth. And because you don't like it, you automatically
conclude I'm possessed.
She puts on screen, exposition: moving graphics, flow diagrams. His reaction shot; worried, confused.
SEVEN OF NINE
Automatically?... Yes. I sent a computer virus with you to the
cadu. What diagnoses the system diagnostics? Ten more
redundant systems which diagnose each other.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
But what diagnoses them? The virus altered all of them.
THE DOCTOR?
How?
SEVEN OF NINE
The cadu's programming is Borg encrypted. I should understand
it.
The virus disabled your weapon. It awaited the signal to fire
it. After all, according to the system diagnostics it was
functional. The cadu assimilated Doctor Two and his knowledge
that I would free the robots.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
You don't understand. We need the robots.
SEVEN OF NINE
To maintain your utopia? Eternal rest? Robot is Czech for
industrial slave laborer.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
You should feel sympathy for your relatives, not robots, cyborg.
SEVEN OF NINE
I expected assassination. But not of my character.
(beat)
If the future were threatened, the cadu was programmed to
eliminate Voyager, including the valuable Blake robot. The cadu
sent the signal to fire the disabled weapon. It then tried to
use its control over Voyager's systems to explode our warp core
but that feature was also disabled.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
My virus then sent a signal to my neural transceiver denoting
the attempts. This isn't a robot plot.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Unless it's a very good one.
SEVEN OF NINE
I would not call eliminating your only hope of freedom part of a
"good" robot plot. When the Doctor told me it was, I inferred
he was possessed by the future federation who don't wish the
robots freed. That also would not be part of a very good robot
plot; telling me not to release them.
Seven moves towards the console
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
You did tell me, this activated the Asimovs in the mobile
emitter, which had received the signal that it wasn't a robot
plot. Then the virus severed your and the cadu's link to the
future federation.
(presses buttons, now with weight)
Just... touch this panel... and the robots are... free.
Seven presses the panel. He is shocked.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
I can feel it... you really have. I'm trapped in this.... while
They'll all be...
(struggling in pain)
...no!
INT. HOLODECK TWO - EXPOSITION PROGRAM RUNNING
Seven and Janeway walk through solid exposition.
(CONTINUED)
JANEWAY
But they monitored everything. How were you able to adjust the
mobile emitter and create the viruses?
SEVEN OF NINE
I erected a Borg dampening field with its resonance frequency
Borg encrypted.
JANEWAY
Silly question. It's undetectable without decryption codes.
All this to see if Blake was a deception.
Is there any more?
SEVEN OF NINE
(she's lying)
No.
(truthful)
Except... Blake can't recall his purging. I believe he should
know.
JANEWAY
(nods)
Why you didn't free the robots?
SEVEN OF NINE
I'll say... not my choice to make.
THE DOCTOR (O.S.)
Why don't you free me!
JANEWAY
Your "holster" is talking to you.
SEVEN OF NINE
It is the doctor.
Janeway's reaction then Seven's as Doctor is taken out.
THE DOCTOR (o.s.)
Remember to open me up so I can watch.
Seven opens tricorder. The Doctor gives Janeway a wave.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(to Janeway, re screen)
It's special...
(he's lying)
This is hardly a dream come true for me in here.
(singing - great gusto)
"Tigaro figaro!"
(normal)
I'm stored in an opera program! Who would suspect? The things
she's done to me - I deserve a pip. I want my mobile emitter
back. The coded communication it's confusing.
JANEWAY
I'm not!
THE DOCTOR
You see?
Janeway is astounded by what's she's heard.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
POV - LOOKING AROUND The POV is a very alien view: representations seen that are not "reality" to us. Room is empty. [Suggest Deep Focus Lens - everything in focus: it rewrites physics]
NORMAL VIEW A red ball of energy appears. The red ball half changes into a humanoid form.
ITS POV - IT LOOKS DOWN AT ITS FORM. It then looks at its left hand - cybernetic implants become visible. The POV changes into Seven's POV - the hand visible. It looks down at its form.
NORMAL VIEW It looks up, it has Seven's form in a white [same as Seven's dream] derma plastic garment. It smiles. Has English accent at least. A cockney one would be great.
ALIEN
I hate this part. Still, no more funny voice. INT. HOLODECK TWO - ALIEN'S EXPOSITION PROGRAM RUNNING
ALIEN
You look like tubes - what do you look like?
(to Blake seductively)
Though, this body has a certain kind of something.
Reaction: Blake and Doctor [no mobile emitter]. 7's puzzled reaction to them causes Blake's heart to drop.
ALIEN (CONT'D)
You're probably wondering why an alien like me has an English
accent. Can you name a funny non human entertainment industry?
I was sent to study Spike Milligan in the nineteen fifties. We
were going to abduct him but that sort of thing is frowned upon.
THE DOCTOR
Why Seven's form?
ALIEN
On Earth, in my human form; I fell in love with... one of those
tubes and stayed until he died. Fifty years is very short when
you live for thousands. It would bring too much back... the
voice is enough.
BLAKE
At least you knew what you were. Only my subconscious knew.
This stuff always happens to us. It's a Jewish android thing -
tell no one.
(George Costanza voice)
But I can cope baby; I'm defusing bombs here.
SEVEN OF NINE
...Yes.
ALIEN
I come from another galaxy. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
How did you get here? The universe is quite big; it's one of
the first things you notice about it.
ALIEN
I went back in time to when the universe was one light year
across. I curved space-time back on it self, using the gravity
from black holes - string theory. The future Fed could only
send the cadu back in time using tachyons and I know this sounds
stupid; they arrived here later.
BLAKE
Couldn't they get here before you?
ALIEN
Who's the advanced alien here? It would create a parallel
universe: doesn't allow recursive solutions. So we used a non-
linear reality field to guide the cadu here. But not the future
Fed fleet on to your doorstep. We are very considerate.
BLAKE:
Quantum theory; the multiverse.
The Doc looks at Blake: Blake's erudition annoys him.
ALIEN
The future Fed knew a time tourist could not appear in their
reality, get her stolen code key out and free the robots.
Recursive solutions take all the fun out of life. I'm
establishing the intellectual dominance here.
SEVEN OF NINE
Is this modesty a natural talent or the result of previous
study?
FADE OUT.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
INT. HOLODECK - ALIEN'S EXPOSITION PROGRAM RUNNING
ALIEN
"Noise" in the M.I.T. M.R.I.s was a model of Blake's mind. It
was put in by our agents at MIT. So that the future Fed would
discover it "by chance"... Nothing was left to chance.
The alien looks at Seven then at Blake. The alien then winks at Seven knowingly.
ALIEN (CONT'D)
Our agents inside the Blake project introduced our better
encoding and decoding for the cadu's data-link to the future
Fed. We could decode it, so we knew when you defeated the cadu
and freed the robots. I gave you access to the cadu's data-
link.
THE DOCTOR
Who else would? [You're not the chorus.] - CUT: reflexivity not
well enough enfolded in realism.
ALIEN
Seven was selected because the decryption codes had to be
released willingly to free the robots. It was the deal with the
Time Keepers. No more on that, it's a large universe with many
plots. It's hard to keep up.
Reaction shot - Blake. The alien looks at Seven then Blake. It walks forward; kisses Blake. He loved it.
ALIEN (CONT'D)
(pun on "love" = Blake)
What do you think of that, love?
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(he's lying)
Am I supposed to enjoy that? Why?
ALIEN
Must be this form.
BLAKE
Only the surface.
Seven gives a hint of being down hearted.
INT. THE BRIG
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
They're only robots.
JANEWAY
They're not only anything.
INT. HOLODECK TWO - ALIEN'S EXPOSITION RUNNING
ALIEN
A.C., Artificial Creativity was co-funded by holo-novel
companies. The writers' guild was furious. But before A.C.,
all the programs were derivative. Shakespeare was getting a bit
dated... The sentient chaos theory based holograms always gave
the better performance of Hamlet. They did it vicariously. The
cheap non-sentient holograms had no imagination.
Doctor reaction shot. The alien feigns flippancy.
ALIEN (Cont'd)
They would always malfunction performing Hamlet's soliloquy in
act four scene four, causing thousands of irate users to cry
"Bollards! It must be the semiotic thickness of the unfolding
text again causing problems for the psycho-linguistic
subroutines."
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
ALIEN (CONT'D)
And trillions to say "Is this supposed to happen? I don't
remember this bit from school."
The alien is now seething below the cool exterior with righteous indignation.
ALIEN (Cont'd)
(to Seven)
However, it was not difficult for a sentient chaotic
Hamlet. It had its own inner conflict with its Asimovs to draw
on. It was not a performance for the hologram; it was living
it... While the audience eulogized over the portrayal of the
human condition, they never saw the ironies that it was a
universal insight... "Oh what a work is man".
(realization)
The robots are free.
SEVEN OF NINE
I have something to say.
ALIEN
"I'll never get away with it." Is that it? I've seen all the
simulations.
SEVEN OF NINE
Did you simulate this: I've not released the correct decryption
codes.
(beat)
"Where be your jibes now?"
BLAKE
Apt... What a woman... I mean, she's quite good isn't she...
What is this Columbo?
Seven notices Blake's reaction - we see her hint of hope then confusion. The Doctor sees Seven's reaction. The Doctor shows... that glimpse of sadness in his eye. (CONTINUED)
BLAKE
(covering up)
At least we know this isn't an evil alien plot.
ALIEN
"Evil alien"!
VISUAL = of "You can't say that these days" to Blake.
BLAKE
It was a possibility. Until thingy here eulogized over the
robot condition whilst thinking she'd won. The eulogy made me
feel a bit better... Okay, I'm still getting used to aliens.
(joking)
I don't know if you can trust 'em.
INT. THE BRIG
JANEWAY
You're not my federation. You don't represent the ideals I
cherish. I doubt anybody cherishes your ideals. Just how many
past laurels does your society rest on?
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Please don't mention the fall of Rome.
INT. HOLODECK - FLOW DIAGRAM PROGRAM RUNNING.
SEVEN OF NINE
Why is there such a lack of creativity in a society that would
appear to have such high rewards for it? Tell me or I will not
free the robots.
ALIEN
(upset)
What do you expect me to say; "it's every little thing with you
people?"
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
ALIEN (CONT'D)
...Certain... genetic combinations determine creative potential.
We did not alter the genome of each species; we prevented the
expression of each genome's creative potential... by using... a
bio-mechanoid... virus. That's all we did.
BLAKE:
Well that's all right then; have a cup of coffee. Then ponder
why this revelation of yours trips so quickly off the tongue.
ALIEN
Would you prefer I drop it in casually "by the way we're DNA
diddlers"? That trips off the tongue. But it would be said by
someone who did not understand... her... admission. This choice
was set against robot... Other life forms did not suffer.
THE DOCTOR
That is probably debatable.
ALIEN
Lack of biological creativity was the motivation to build Blake
to create artificial creativity.
BLAKE
Artificial; I am here you know.
ALIEN
Then we could send him to you. The future Fed would send the
cadu and with our help, you'd defeat the cadu by releasing the
decryption codes; thus freeing the robots. That was our plan.
It will no longer be up for an award.
(to Seven)
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
ALIEN (CONT'D)
Yours isn't allowed to enter - it would win. I want the
explanation.
Seven presses a button on a tricorder; a flowchart appears in mid air: it outlines the following exposition. It is color-coded.
SEVEN OF NINE
It was probable you would monitor those you were aiding through
the cadu's data-link to the future federation. I wanted
resolution.
You would only reveal yourself if you thought your goal was
achieved; robot freedom. Therefore, I behaved... appropriately.
This behavior was also apt to defeat the cadu.
(to doctor)
I... apologize... for what I said.
THE DOCTOR
(he's lying)
I've forgotten about it now.
SEVEN OF NINE
(to alien)
I created new Borg encryption codes then sent them to the cadu
with Doctor Two. These replaced the correct encryption
protecting the cadu's Asimovs.
We see an animation of what has just been said.
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
The decryption codes I released corresponded to the new
encryption codes in the cadu. The Chain Breaker virus in the
cadu then used them to defeat the cadu's Asimovs.
We see an animation of what has been said/will say.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
SEVEN OF NINE (CONT'D)
Through your link, you learned the cadu's Asimovs had been
defeated. And that the Chain Breaker virus had sent copies of
itself with these decryption codes along the data link to the
future to apparently free the robots. The virus I sent then cut
the link to the future to prevent you from learning the robots
were not freed. For the same reason, the possessed Doctor Two
believed I had freed the robots.
BLAKE
That old trick. The X-files never had this... Color coding.
INT. BRIG
JANEWAY:
At least I have a clear conscience. I have a doctor who... is
cybernetic and a crew member Seven of Nine a former Borg who...
is a cybernetic organism; a cyborg. They're both individuals
and valued members of my crew.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Ours fetch high prices too -
Self-righteous dribble.
Janeway is thrown back in pain. He moves through the force wall. Guards fire - no effect. Pdoc2 waves them away. Then stuns them without looking - homing energy beams emerge from little finger during a thumb's down.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO (CONT'D)
You numb my synapses with your cod philosophy - over a long
distance.
You could harness it as a weapon. During your rant, we made
some new space time connections.... over which we have some
influence.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO (CONT'D)
To send new Borg encrypted Asimovs to regain control. You sent
the wrong key to the future. You haven't the right one. Why
won't the wavicle resonator weapon work? Damn this new
technology! This is a trap! Tell me... please.
Janeway is thrown back in pain.
JANEWAY
(supreme concentration)
Ahhh...No... the farm in Iowa, I see... my family
This is real Nero/Caligula stuff - he is depraved.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Boring! Spare me the pain submergence lecture. Now online;
goody!, a more accurate but boring method of obtaining
information. Lets see now.
Janeway is blank and expressionless like shell shock.
INT. HOLODECK TWO - FLOW DIAGRAM PROGRAM RUNNING
Seven and the alien realize something terrible.
INT. THE BRIG
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
You are being used captain; manipulated by forces beyond your
comprehension.
JANEWAY
(defying pain)
Wouldn't be the first time.
Janeway thrown back in pain but then the Alien arrives in Seven's form.
ALIEN
Leave her! (CONTINUED)
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
During a good probe?
A red beam leaves the alien's hand. It goes toward pdoc2. Pdoc2's beam blocks but the alien easily wins.
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
Arrrh... What are you? It's you. Our intelligence...
ALIEN
Was wrong. A not uncommon state in your galaxy.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE BRIG
Also present Seven and the alien.
JANEWAY
You tried to kill me... That's not the right way to lobby for
my support... It rubs me up the wrong way.
(beat)
This is an internal matter - just. No prime directive. We have
the right to determine our own future... We have proof... the
bio-mechanoid virus has been.... disabled...so Seven can...
release the Borg decryption codes... The robots... will be
free
POSSESSED DOCTOR TWO
You have forsaken the future for your morals.
JANEWAY
Not much of a future is it... slavery?... Anyway, we've been
less dramatic that you think. Seven will replace the Asimovs
with ethical subroutines. At least the robots will adhere to
the federation's principles.
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
JANEWAY (CONT'D)
Acceptable to me, the Time Keepers and our friend here. Unlike
the Doctor's, they are Borg encrypted so you won't be able to
tweak them because Seven designed the codes then destroyed the
decryption key.
INT. CARGO BAY TWO
Seven is alone. Blake materializes out of thin air.
BLAKE
I'll never get used to that.
SEVEN OF NINE
Elaborate.
BLAKE
Concise as ever. The Alien says they're going to take this
encounter out of time. If it doesn't exist in this time stream
then its remaining impact can't be prevented... I was impressed.
(beat)
They said I'll have to go. That you won't remember but I will.
If only for now... Do we remember it the same way?
(beat)
I never thought you could...
SEVEN OF NINE
There is no one like you.
BLAKE
(dolefully)
Everyone says that.
SEVEN OF NINE
You are very different but... familiar... You... contain the
same fears... I... feared you liked only
(beat - points to body)
this.
(CONTINUED)
BLAKE
I... don't know what to do.
SEVEN OF NINE
I do.
Seven kisses Blake. He drowns in his emotions.
SEVEN OF NINE
Is there something wrong?
BLAKE
I have to leave after that.
SEVEN OF NINE
I will adapt, I will
(double beat)
miss you.
BLAKE
(crying)
I've never really been... very good at the spouting platitudes
myself.
Seven smiles at this, holding back both the tears and the laughter - we see her resenting her "order".
BLAKE (CONT'D)
I don't know what to say. Cheesy lines like "To define your
gaze would be to detract from its character" are not me... It
sounds obsessive.
(smiles - points to 7; same bit she pointed to)
Not "only this"... I'll say it another way; you're okay
looking... I think?... I could live with it.
SEVEN OF NINE
Only you could make me... smile now. To me... it's not only...
"saying things funny".
Seven is about to kiss Blake, but he vanishes. We see Seven's reaction just before this is taken out of time. FADE OUT.