Category: Star Trek Voyager
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Voyager and all things contained therein are the property of Paramount and Viacom. I will receive no profit from this story.
Author: Raven
Author's note: This is a massive work in progress that started out as an assignment for a Theatre class so it is in script format.
Summary: The time set is approximately one month after the episode "Human Error".
Seven's life is in danger and is forced to undergo the fail-safe procedure that will change her life forever.
Title: Resistance is Futile - Act Seven
---------------
ACT SEVEN
FADE IN:
INT. SCIENCE LAB
B'Elanna and the Doctor are analyzing the samples from the planet.
DOCTOR
Lieutenant, can you increase the microscope's
magnification and resolution?
B'ELANNA
This is the highest setting, how is it now?
DOCTOR
Very nice.
B'ELANNA
What do you see?
DOCTOR
(smiling at his discovery)
See for yourself.
B'ELANNA
I'm no microbiologist, but it appears the sample is
mainly composed of deuterium. Why didn't the ship's
sensors pick this up.
DOCTOR
Good question. We should inform the Captain.
EXT. M-CLASS PLANET
EXT. CAVE
It's been two hours since the last communication with Voyager. Chakotay tries to hail his shipmates again, but there is too much interference. They decide to find shelter for the evening.
CHAKOTAY
Looks like we're going to be here a while. We've got
to get out of here before this whole place collapses.
What direction did you read the water source?
SEVEN
(reading her scanner)
Approximately 26 meters in that direction, just beyond that
rock formation.
CHAKOTAY
Well, shall we?
Seven begins to lead them, glancing at her scanner as she carefully avoids obstacles. Both crewmembers enter another portion of the cave consisting of narrow cliffs. Seven places the scanner in her belt and begins to climb down. Chakotay remains closely behind.
SEVEN
Commander, the water is coming from a falls formation
20 feet away. We need to climb down and go thru that
passage. That should keep us safe from falling debris for the
time being.
CHAKOTAY
I agree. We'll wait there until Voyager can safely beam
us back.
As they make their way to the bottom of the fissure, the ground begins to rumble. Chakotay loses his grip and his feet slip beneath him. He is left holding on to the cliff with his bare hands. Seven runs over to him.
SEVEN
Commander!
CHAKOTAY
(bleeding from his mouth)
Get out of here Seven, the cliff is going to collapse.
SEVEN
No Commander! Take my hand. Quickly!
Realizing that Seven will not give up, he grabs her hand. With her Borg strength, she is able to lift Chakotay up to the side and the two of them continue their decent where they reach the bottom where there appears to be an underground lake.
CHAKOTAY
(sitting down, resting)
I didn't realize you were so strong. Thank you.
SEVEN
(looking at Chakotay concerned)
You are damaged. Let me care for your wound.
CHAKOTAY
I'm okay Seven, it's just a cut. I'll live. What about
you, are you injured?
SEVEN
I am undamaged.
CHAKOTAY
(looking relieved)
Let's get a sample of that water.
Seven approaches the stream and analyzes the liquid for mineral deposits.
SEVEN
The water appears to be safe. However, as suspected
there are large amounts of sulfuric acid in it. I wouldn't
recommend long term usage but for the time being we
can use it for consumption.
CHAKOTAY
Well, this is as good as time to take a break. We should
eat and get some sleep.
Chakotay opens his emergency pack and begins to consume a daily ration. He looks over to Seven who seems to be miles away in thought. He calls her name a few times and she finally acknowledges him.
CHAKOTAY
Seven, are you okay? You seem distracted. You should
eat something.
SEVEN
I'm fine, I do not require sustenance at this time.
CHAKOTAY
Then get some sleep. We've got a busy day tomorrow.
SEVEN
I'm not tired.
CHAKOTAY
Look, one of us has to sleep while the other keeps
watch. You can either sleep now and I'll take the first
shift or I'll sleep and you can take the first shift. The
choice is yours.
SEVEN
Since you're eating, You can take the first watch. Wake
me in two hours.
Seven opens her emergency pack and pulls out a metallic looking blanket. She spreads it out on the ground, lies down and wraps herself with it. Her eyes close and within minutes she's asleep while Chakotay patrols their campsite.
EXT. VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
Senior officers are sitting around the conference table with the exception of Tuvok.
JANEWAY
Doctor, what have you found out about the planet?
DOCTOR
B'Elanna and I have determined it is mainly composed
of deuterium. It's in everything. The soil, the rocks, the
atmosphere.
B'ELANNA
If our transporters were operational we could
just beam up some soil from the surface. It should
be easy to convert to our specifications.
JANEWAY
Why didn't our sensors detect this?
HARRY
It seems the planet is giving off some type of interference
that's masking our sensors. This same interference is
blocking our attempts to transport the away team.
JANEWAY
Why were we able to transport you and Tom without
any problem?
HARRY
I don't know Captain, the interference has been
increasing. If we calibrate our sensors we might be
able to isolate the origin of the signal.
JANEWAY
Get on it Harry. Any word on our transporters?
B'ELANNA
Not yet Captain. If we try to transport them back, we'll
lose their patterns. My team has been working around
the clock to compensate for the interference.
JANEWAY
Keep me posted Lieutenant. Doctor, how's Tuvok?
DOCTOR
He's sustained internal injuries but should be up and
about in the next 24 hours.
JANEWAY
Since we can't use our transporters, can we send down
a shuttle.
TOM
Well, I could maneuver the Flyer between the mountain
ranges, but it'll be difficult to land. Besides the ground
being unstable due to seismic activity, how will we
know if it won't collapse underneath us once we've
landed?
HARRY
Come on Tom, Captain Proton wouldn't be afraid.
Tom gives Harry a dirty look.
JANEWAY
(smiling)
Gentlemen, I know you're trying to help but it's too
risky. We'll just have to be patient. Meeting
adjourned, officers dismissed.
EXT. CAVE
The ground begins to rumble causing Seven to wake up where she finds Commander Chakotay sitting by a fire.
SEVEN
How long have I been asleep?
CHAKOTAY
A few hours.
SEVEN
(annoyed)
You were supposed to wake me after two.
CHAKOTAY
You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to
disturb you.
SEVEN
I see you built a fire. It's nice.
CHAKOTAY
I'm glad you approve. I guess my Native American ancestry
has its advantages.
SEVEN
(smiling)
Such as building campfires.
Chakotay chuckles at Seven's remarks and orders her to eat something. She complies and retrieves a ration from her emergency pack.
SEVEN
(eating)
Curious sensation. I think I prefer Neelix's cooking.
CHAKOTAY
(laughing)
If Neelix were here, he'd consider that a compliment.
SEVEN
(disgusted look on her face)
Believe me Commander, that was no compliment. It is
merely an observation.
CHAKOTAY
(laughing)
You know, you have a great sense of humor. Has anyone
ever told you that?
SEVEN
No, but the Captain has often encouraged me to use it.
CHAKOTAY
You also have a wonderful smile.
Seven can't help but to be embarrassed at Chakotay's comments and tries to conceal her expression. She is soon distracted by reoccurring romantic thoughts she once had for the holographic Chakotay, She seems disturbed by the familiarity of the discussion and changes the subject.
SEVEN
(uncomfortable)
Commander, you should get some rest. I'll wake you in a
few hours.
CHAKOTAY
(noticing her discomfort and smiles)
Goodnight Seven and wake me in two hours.
SEVEN
Goodnight.
A couple hours pass and Chakotay is sleeping soundly. Seven is intently looking at the sleeping Commander. Studying his face, outlining his features with her eyes. She is lost in thought as his eyes open and catches her looking at him. She is taken by surprise and looks away.
CHAKOTAY
(suspicious)
Is something wrong?
SEVEN
(defensive)
No Commander, I was just checking to see if you
were all right.
CHAKOTAY
I told you it was just a cut. But thank you for your
concern. As long as we're both up is there anything
you want to talk about?
SEVEN
Like what?
CHAKOTAY
I've heard that some people while in a coma are aware of
other people's presence. Do you remember anything during
the 16 days after your operation?
SEVEN
(thinking about it)
It's unclear. It almost felt like I was dreaming. I can't
explain it but I never felt alone. It's like I could hear
voices but didn't know who was there. I wanted to
respond but wasn't able to.
CHAKOTAY
Did the voices comfort you?
SEVEN
Yes, in a way it reminded me of the Collective.
CHAKOTAY
(surprised)
Why would it remind you of the Borg?
SEVEN
It was almost like hearing different thoughts at one
time. They were similar in content but different somehow.
I don't understand it myself. The Doctor seems to think
hearing these voices during my comatose state brought
back memories from when I was linked to the Hive Mind.
CHAKOTAY
That's very interesting. Did you have any other images?
SEVEN
(concentrating)
Yes. I dreamt I was in a forest and was following a
four legged animal. It was leading me somewhere.
I didn't know why, but I found myself following its lead.
CHAKOTAY
Did your surroundings seem familiar?
SEVEN
No, I've never seen such a place but it was pleasant.
(she pauses and looks at Chakotay) I also heard a
voice guiding me to this place telling me not to be afraid.
It was you somehow, wasn't it? You had something to do
with this image.
CHAKOTAY
When the Doctor informed us that your condition
was unchanged, he didn't know how else to treat you.
You were in a coma for almost two weeks and
conventional medicine wasn't working. I brought
you into a vision quest and contacted your animal spirit.
This is the animal you were following. It was leading you
the way to your consciousness. Do you remember what
the animal was?
SEVEN
Yes.
CHAKOTAY
Good, don't tell anyone. That information is only
for you.
Seven thought about what Chakotay was telling her. What she didn't tell him was that she had another dream which took place on a Borg cube. She had been playing a piano with Chakotay sitting on the bench next to her while drones kept their distance and observed. The Commander who appeared to pose a threat to the Collective reached out to embrace her. When she gave in to her desire, her comatose state ended.
SEVEN
Thank you Commander for your insight and wisdom
and for sharing this spiritual experience with me.
CHAKOTAY
You're welcome Seven, I'm just glad I was able to help.
Voyager wouldn't be the same without you.
SEVEN
Why is that? There are other crewmembers that could
compensate for my loss. I am only one individual.
CHAKOTAY
Yes, but you're not expendable. You've made an impact
on everyone, including me. When you were first severed
from the Collective, I was convinced you wouldn't last a
day with us. Captain Janeway and I butted heads over this.
When she proved me wrong, I began to see what she saw
in you.
SEVEN
Explain.
CHAKOTAY
Well, you're someone with strength and adaptability
who has reclaimed their humanity and individuality
while resisting the temptation of Borg Perfection. You're
caring and loyal with natural humor. You have endless
intellect and physical stamina. By human standards, you're
as close to perfection as anyone could ever be. Not only
that but you're also beautiful.
Having said too much, Chakotay quickly turns away realizing for the first time that he has feelings for the former drone. Feeling confused and overwhelmed by the Commander's confession, Seven stands up and walks away from Chakotay to get a better perspective of things.
After a couple hours of isolated thought, Seven returns to the campfire to continue the previous conversation.
SEVEN
(standing)
Commander, I wish to discuss this with you further.
CHAKOTAY
(sitting, unable to maintain eye contact)
What's to discuss? I said things I shouldn't have had
and you don't feel the same way.
SEVEN
You are in error Commander.
CHAKOTAY
(remains sitting, but facing Seven)
What are you saying?
SEVEN
(struggling with her new emotions)
It's not easy for me to express myself, but I'll try.
In Unimatrix Zero I felt complete even though I didn't
have any memory of the 18 years I spent there during
regeneration. I was unaware at first that I had a
relationship with Axum but when he brought be there
my feelings for him returned. When Unimatrix Zero was
destroyed we departed and it left me feeling incomplete...
...until now.
Chakotay stands up and walks towards Seven who has her eyes lowered to the ground.
CHAKOTAY
Then you have feelings for me as well?
SEVEN
(trembling with fear)
Yes. I have never felt this way. I do not enjoy this
uncertainty.
Chakotay senses her insecurity and approaches her. He pulls Seven closer to him who doesn't resist. He extends his arms around her until her trembling stops. Seven pulls away, looks into his eyes and reaches out with her right hand to touch his face. She begins to trace the lines of his tattoo over his left eye as he reaches for her hand and brings her face close to his. Their lips meet in a tender, brief kiss, then continues with more intensity. As their embrace tightens the ground beneath them begins to rumble. As the shaking amplifies both Seven and Chakotay are forced to run for cover.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT SEVEN
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Voyager and all things contained therein are the property of Paramount and Viacom. I will receive no profit from this story.
Author: Raven
Author's note: This is a massive work in progress that started out as an assignment for a Theatre class so it is in script format.
Summary: The time set is approximately one month after the episode "Human Error".
Seven's life is in danger and is forced to undergo the fail-safe procedure that will change her life forever.
Title: Resistance is Futile - Act Seven
---------------
ACT SEVEN
FADE IN:
INT. SCIENCE LAB
B'Elanna and the Doctor are analyzing the samples from the planet.
DOCTOR
Lieutenant, can you increase the microscope's
magnification and resolution?
B'ELANNA
This is the highest setting, how is it now?
DOCTOR
Very nice.
B'ELANNA
What do you see?
DOCTOR
(smiling at his discovery)
See for yourself.
B'ELANNA
I'm no microbiologist, but it appears the sample is
mainly composed of deuterium. Why didn't the ship's
sensors pick this up.
DOCTOR
Good question. We should inform the Captain.
EXT. M-CLASS PLANET
EXT. CAVE
It's been two hours since the last communication with Voyager. Chakotay tries to hail his shipmates again, but there is too much interference. They decide to find shelter for the evening.
CHAKOTAY
Looks like we're going to be here a while. We've got
to get out of here before this whole place collapses.
What direction did you read the water source?
SEVEN
(reading her scanner)
Approximately 26 meters in that direction, just beyond that
rock formation.
CHAKOTAY
Well, shall we?
Seven begins to lead them, glancing at her scanner as she carefully avoids obstacles. Both crewmembers enter another portion of the cave consisting of narrow cliffs. Seven places the scanner in her belt and begins to climb down. Chakotay remains closely behind.
SEVEN
Commander, the water is coming from a falls formation
20 feet away. We need to climb down and go thru that
passage. That should keep us safe from falling debris for the
time being.
CHAKOTAY
I agree. We'll wait there until Voyager can safely beam
us back.
As they make their way to the bottom of the fissure, the ground begins to rumble. Chakotay loses his grip and his feet slip beneath him. He is left holding on to the cliff with his bare hands. Seven runs over to him.
SEVEN
Commander!
CHAKOTAY
(bleeding from his mouth)
Get out of here Seven, the cliff is going to collapse.
SEVEN
No Commander! Take my hand. Quickly!
Realizing that Seven will not give up, he grabs her hand. With her Borg strength, she is able to lift Chakotay up to the side and the two of them continue their decent where they reach the bottom where there appears to be an underground lake.
CHAKOTAY
(sitting down, resting)
I didn't realize you were so strong. Thank you.
SEVEN
(looking at Chakotay concerned)
You are damaged. Let me care for your wound.
CHAKOTAY
I'm okay Seven, it's just a cut. I'll live. What about
you, are you injured?
SEVEN
I am undamaged.
CHAKOTAY
(looking relieved)
Let's get a sample of that water.
Seven approaches the stream and analyzes the liquid for mineral deposits.
SEVEN
The water appears to be safe. However, as suspected
there are large amounts of sulfuric acid in it. I wouldn't
recommend long term usage but for the time being we
can use it for consumption.
CHAKOTAY
Well, this is as good as time to take a break. We should
eat and get some sleep.
Chakotay opens his emergency pack and begins to consume a daily ration. He looks over to Seven who seems to be miles away in thought. He calls her name a few times and she finally acknowledges him.
CHAKOTAY
Seven, are you okay? You seem distracted. You should
eat something.
SEVEN
I'm fine, I do not require sustenance at this time.
CHAKOTAY
Then get some sleep. We've got a busy day tomorrow.
SEVEN
I'm not tired.
CHAKOTAY
Look, one of us has to sleep while the other keeps
watch. You can either sleep now and I'll take the first
shift or I'll sleep and you can take the first shift. The
choice is yours.
SEVEN
Since you're eating, You can take the first watch. Wake
me in two hours.
Seven opens her emergency pack and pulls out a metallic looking blanket. She spreads it out on the ground, lies down and wraps herself with it. Her eyes close and within minutes she's asleep while Chakotay patrols their campsite.
EXT. VOYAGER (OPTICAL)
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
Senior officers are sitting around the conference table with the exception of Tuvok.
JANEWAY
Doctor, what have you found out about the planet?
DOCTOR
B'Elanna and I have determined it is mainly composed
of deuterium. It's in everything. The soil, the rocks, the
atmosphere.
B'ELANNA
If our transporters were operational we could
just beam up some soil from the surface. It should
be easy to convert to our specifications.
JANEWAY
Why didn't our sensors detect this?
HARRY
It seems the planet is giving off some type of interference
that's masking our sensors. This same interference is
blocking our attempts to transport the away team.
JANEWAY
Why were we able to transport you and Tom without
any problem?
HARRY
I don't know Captain, the interference has been
increasing. If we calibrate our sensors we might be
able to isolate the origin of the signal.
JANEWAY
Get on it Harry. Any word on our transporters?
B'ELANNA
Not yet Captain. If we try to transport them back, we'll
lose their patterns. My team has been working around
the clock to compensate for the interference.
JANEWAY
Keep me posted Lieutenant. Doctor, how's Tuvok?
DOCTOR
He's sustained internal injuries but should be up and
about in the next 24 hours.
JANEWAY
Since we can't use our transporters, can we send down
a shuttle.
TOM
Well, I could maneuver the Flyer between the mountain
ranges, but it'll be difficult to land. Besides the ground
being unstable due to seismic activity, how will we
know if it won't collapse underneath us once we've
landed?
HARRY
Come on Tom, Captain Proton wouldn't be afraid.
Tom gives Harry a dirty look.
JANEWAY
(smiling)
Gentlemen, I know you're trying to help but it's too
risky. We'll just have to be patient. Meeting
adjourned, officers dismissed.
EXT. CAVE
The ground begins to rumble causing Seven to wake up where she finds Commander Chakotay sitting by a fire.
SEVEN
How long have I been asleep?
CHAKOTAY
A few hours.
SEVEN
(annoyed)
You were supposed to wake me after two.
CHAKOTAY
You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to
disturb you.
SEVEN
I see you built a fire. It's nice.
CHAKOTAY
I'm glad you approve. I guess my Native American ancestry
has its advantages.
SEVEN
(smiling)
Such as building campfires.
Chakotay chuckles at Seven's remarks and orders her to eat something. She complies and retrieves a ration from her emergency pack.
SEVEN
(eating)
Curious sensation. I think I prefer Neelix's cooking.
CHAKOTAY
(laughing)
If Neelix were here, he'd consider that a compliment.
SEVEN
(disgusted look on her face)
Believe me Commander, that was no compliment. It is
merely an observation.
CHAKOTAY
(laughing)
You know, you have a great sense of humor. Has anyone
ever told you that?
SEVEN
No, but the Captain has often encouraged me to use it.
CHAKOTAY
You also have a wonderful smile.
Seven can't help but to be embarrassed at Chakotay's comments and tries to conceal her expression. She is soon distracted by reoccurring romantic thoughts she once had for the holographic Chakotay, She seems disturbed by the familiarity of the discussion and changes the subject.
SEVEN
(uncomfortable)
Commander, you should get some rest. I'll wake you in a
few hours.
CHAKOTAY
(noticing her discomfort and smiles)
Goodnight Seven and wake me in two hours.
SEVEN
Goodnight.
A couple hours pass and Chakotay is sleeping soundly. Seven is intently looking at the sleeping Commander. Studying his face, outlining his features with her eyes. She is lost in thought as his eyes open and catches her looking at him. She is taken by surprise and looks away.
CHAKOTAY
(suspicious)
Is something wrong?
SEVEN
(defensive)
No Commander, I was just checking to see if you
were all right.
CHAKOTAY
I told you it was just a cut. But thank you for your
concern. As long as we're both up is there anything
you want to talk about?
SEVEN
Like what?
CHAKOTAY
I've heard that some people while in a coma are aware of
other people's presence. Do you remember anything during
the 16 days after your operation?
SEVEN
(thinking about it)
It's unclear. It almost felt like I was dreaming. I can't
explain it but I never felt alone. It's like I could hear
voices but didn't know who was there. I wanted to
respond but wasn't able to.
CHAKOTAY
Did the voices comfort you?
SEVEN
Yes, in a way it reminded me of the Collective.
CHAKOTAY
(surprised)
Why would it remind you of the Borg?
SEVEN
It was almost like hearing different thoughts at one
time. They were similar in content but different somehow.
I don't understand it myself. The Doctor seems to think
hearing these voices during my comatose state brought
back memories from when I was linked to the Hive Mind.
CHAKOTAY
That's very interesting. Did you have any other images?
SEVEN
(concentrating)
Yes. I dreamt I was in a forest and was following a
four legged animal. It was leading me somewhere.
I didn't know why, but I found myself following its lead.
CHAKOTAY
Did your surroundings seem familiar?
SEVEN
No, I've never seen such a place but it was pleasant.
(she pauses and looks at Chakotay) I also heard a
voice guiding me to this place telling me not to be afraid.
It was you somehow, wasn't it? You had something to do
with this image.
CHAKOTAY
When the Doctor informed us that your condition
was unchanged, he didn't know how else to treat you.
You were in a coma for almost two weeks and
conventional medicine wasn't working. I brought
you into a vision quest and contacted your animal spirit.
This is the animal you were following. It was leading you
the way to your consciousness. Do you remember what
the animal was?
SEVEN
Yes.
CHAKOTAY
Good, don't tell anyone. That information is only
for you.
Seven thought about what Chakotay was telling her. What she didn't tell him was that she had another dream which took place on a Borg cube. She had been playing a piano with Chakotay sitting on the bench next to her while drones kept their distance and observed. The Commander who appeared to pose a threat to the Collective reached out to embrace her. When she gave in to her desire, her comatose state ended.
SEVEN
Thank you Commander for your insight and wisdom
and for sharing this spiritual experience with me.
CHAKOTAY
You're welcome Seven, I'm just glad I was able to help.
Voyager wouldn't be the same without you.
SEVEN
Why is that? There are other crewmembers that could
compensate for my loss. I am only one individual.
CHAKOTAY
Yes, but you're not expendable. You've made an impact
on everyone, including me. When you were first severed
from the Collective, I was convinced you wouldn't last a
day with us. Captain Janeway and I butted heads over this.
When she proved me wrong, I began to see what she saw
in you.
SEVEN
Explain.
CHAKOTAY
Well, you're someone with strength and adaptability
who has reclaimed their humanity and individuality
while resisting the temptation of Borg Perfection. You're
caring and loyal with natural humor. You have endless
intellect and physical stamina. By human standards, you're
as close to perfection as anyone could ever be. Not only
that but you're also beautiful.
Having said too much, Chakotay quickly turns away realizing for the first time that he has feelings for the former drone. Feeling confused and overwhelmed by the Commander's confession, Seven stands up and walks away from Chakotay to get a better perspective of things.
After a couple hours of isolated thought, Seven returns to the campfire to continue the previous conversation.
SEVEN
(standing)
Commander, I wish to discuss this with you further.
CHAKOTAY
(sitting, unable to maintain eye contact)
What's to discuss? I said things I shouldn't have had
and you don't feel the same way.
SEVEN
You are in error Commander.
CHAKOTAY
(remains sitting, but facing Seven)
What are you saying?
SEVEN
(struggling with her new emotions)
It's not easy for me to express myself, but I'll try.
In Unimatrix Zero I felt complete even though I didn't
have any memory of the 18 years I spent there during
regeneration. I was unaware at first that I had a
relationship with Axum but when he brought be there
my feelings for him returned. When Unimatrix Zero was
destroyed we departed and it left me feeling incomplete...
...until now.
Chakotay stands up and walks towards Seven who has her eyes lowered to the ground.
CHAKOTAY
Then you have feelings for me as well?
SEVEN
(trembling with fear)
Yes. I have never felt this way. I do not enjoy this
uncertainty.
Chakotay senses her insecurity and approaches her. He pulls Seven closer to him who doesn't resist. He extends his arms around her until her trembling stops. Seven pulls away, looks into his eyes and reaches out with her right hand to touch his face. She begins to trace the lines of his tattoo over his left eye as he reaches for her hand and brings her face close to his. Their lips meet in a tender, brief kiss, then continues with more intensity. As their embrace tightens the ground beneath them begins to rumble. As the shaking amplifies both Seven and Chakotay are forced to run for cover.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT SEVEN
