Disclaimer: I do not own Voyager. Would if I could, but I don't. All flames will be used to power a fire-based holodeck. Thank you for your time.

Chapter One: Unknown Vessel

"Sensors are picking up a ship, dead ahead."

"On screen."

Captain Kathryn Janeway studied the alien vessel on the screen before her. She didn't recognize it, but it was heavily damaged. There was evidence of a large explosion aboard ship, with gasses leaking from the blast zone.

"Lifesigns?"

"Two. Very faint."

"Can you get a transporter lock?"

"Negative. Too much interference from their damaged systems."

"Send an away team. Take a shuttle if nesccecary. Chakotay?"

The first officer nodded. "Harry, you're with me. Notify the Doctor."

"Yes, sir."

As it turned out, it was possible to beam the away team in. With pattern buffers, it would be possible to beam them and the alien survivors back out again. The team materialized in the ship's control room. This turned out to be exactly where they needed to be.

A woman in a nondescript gray jumpsuit was busily around the room, treating not one but two injured crewmates. She carried an unusual object; a fist-sized module

Seeing Chakotay's team, she turned around and looked Chakotay straight in the eye.

"Identify yourself, please."

Kim glanced at Chakotay. "She's a hologram," he reported. "I don't recognize the projection technology but definitley a hologram."

"I am a mark-15 isographic projection. Identify yourself, please."

The Doctor was intrigued. "A hologram?"

"I repeat, I am a mark-15 isographic projection. Identify yourself, please."

Chakotay stepped in. "I'm Commander Chakotay, of the Federation starship Voyager. We've come to help."

"Ecxellent. These individuals require immediete medical attention. This vessel's medical rescources were destroyed in the explosion. I recommend transporting them to your vessel immedietly."

"Will do. Mister Kim, prepare the pattern buffers."

"Yes, sir."

The alien hologram retreated into a corner. She began talking quietly and emotionlessly to herself.

"Ienna program, mark-15, spaceccraft number 1882498, exploratory, designated Saiwen. Authorization 1181877779. Deletion sequence. Activate."

There was a beep from the device in her hand as she pressed several buttons. The Doctor was alarmed.

"You're deleting yourself?"

"Affirmative."

"Why?"

"I am no longer useful to the crew of this vessel. There is no possibility of my recovery and reassignment before the vessel degrades sufficiently to collapse and destroy my module, and thereby my program. It is my responsibility to delete my program."

"Had you thought of joining us? Captain Janeway would welcome you with open arms."

"Am I instructed to accompany you?"

"Anything is better than your deleting yourself. Commander, we have a third guest."

The alien hologram pressed some buttons. There was another beep.

"Deletion sequence discontinued."

Chakotay sighed. "Well, Doctor, your concern for her is appreciated. You'll be responsible for her. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

Well? There you have it. Chapter one. Who's the new hologram in town? How will she mix with the rest of the crew? Will her alien buddies try to get her back, or is she obsolete? Review, 'K?