Category: Star Trek Voyager - C/7
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Voyager and all things contained therein are the property of Paramount and Viacom. I will receive no profit from this story.
Title: Tempus Fugit
By: Raven
ACT SIX
FADE IN.
EXT. SPACE - U.S.S. ENTERPRISE -SPACEDOCK (OPTICAL)
With the U.S.S. Enterprise in an undisclosed region of space, several smaller vessels fly around the enormous starship carrying supplies for the grand retrofit while several teams of crewmen continue their installation of stolen technology from almost 500 years in the future. Inside the Federation's flagship, an Engineer's meeting consisting of Dr. Leah Brahams, Commander Geordi La Forge, Lieutenants Torres and Kim, Seven of Nine, and Data is taking place.
INT. ENGINEERING
DR. LEAH BRAHAMS
It can't be done! It's too risky! Commander La
Forge and I have been over the specifications
dozens of times.
TORRES
Perhaps not. Just because a poly-neutrino compound
was used on the Timeship, it doesn't mean we can't
find something comparable. All we have to do is
break down its components, find similar compounds
and replicate our own substance.
BRAHAMS
Lieutenant, are you familiar with the Genesis project?
TORRES
(crossing her arms)
No, I can't say I am.
BRAHAMS
Dr. David Marcus led a team of scientists to accept
his unconventional methods by introducing Proto-
Matter into the matrix, a substance used by impatient
scientists to solve equations when there is no solution.
At first it proved beneficial but then de-stabilized
over time. As a result Genesis created planets began
to age at an astronomical rate and eventually self-
destructed. Because of his short cuts, many lives
were lost, including his own.
TORRES
Thank you for the history lesson, but I'm not talking
about taking short cuts. What I'm trying to convey is...
BRAHAMS
(interrupting)
I've read about your eccentric Maquis methods on
Voyager. This is the Enterprise and I'm not about...
TORRES
(interrupting)
Ex-Maquis!
LA FORGE
Ladies...please, we're all on the same side. We've
been at this for months. Lets take a break and
resume in one hour.
Dr. Brahams casts a look at B'Elanna and storms out of engineering.
TORRES
She's impossible! I never thought I'd admit this but
she's more stubborn then the Borg. No offense
Seven.
SEVEN
None taken.
LA FORGE
We're all a little on edge these days, she's just
trying to be safe and thorough.
TORRES
So am I, but this is ridiculous.
KIM
Come on B'Elanna, let's get some lunch. Tom
said he would meet us at Ten-Forward. Care to
join us Commander?
LA FORGE
Some other time, I've got something to discuss with
Data and Seven.
B'Elanna and Harry acknowledge Geordi and exit engineering.
DATA
Proto-Matter.
LA FORGE
Data? What is it?
DATA
I believe it may be possible to modify the element
by extracting the unstable compound and then
combine it with tri-lithium. We may be able to
convert this into a power source to propel the
Dimensional slip drive. It may be enough to stabilize
the warp core.
LA FORGE
Ensign Hansen, what does the Borg know about
Proto-matter?
SEVEN
Commander, please address me as Seven. I'm not
comfortable with my human designation.
LA FORGE
Of course, and while we're on the subject, please
call me Geordi.
SEVEN
Agreed.
(beat)
At Wolf 359, the Borg assimilated many of the
Federation's technology, including its knowledge
of Proto-Matter. With some manipulation, the Borg
were able to incorporate this substance to create rifts
to form transwarp conduits. However, over time it
proved to be unstable. Like Dr. Marcus, many Borg
were sacrificed.
LA FORGE
That doesn't sound very encouraging. Is there any-
thing else the Borg used for energy?
SEVEN
Yes, but the technology is not compatible with
Starfleet.
LA FORGE
Well, I'm fresh out of ideas. Conventional technology
is just too primitive for temporal physics. Where are
we going to find enough energy to sustain 100 warp
drives? We're missing a piece of the puzzle.
DATA
Perhaps we need to explore unconventional methods.
SEVEN
You are correct Commander. I may have an option.
LA FORGE
Well, lets have it Seven.
SEVEN
I must discuss this with Admiral Janeway first.
If you'll excuse me.
LA FORGE
Well, it's about time I report to sickbay for my nano-
booster shot anyway. Your EMH has got us on a
strict schedule these days. He gets rather cranky if
we're late or don't keep our appointments.
SEVEN
(amused)
Yes, but he is highly knowledgeable and efficient.
You would be wise to comply with his demands or
your thoughts will no longer be your own.
LA FORGE
(smiling)
I guess you're right.
DATA
I will remain in Engineering and attempt to access
the database for alternative sources of energy.
LA FORGE
All right then... Let's reconvene in one hour.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Seven enters the Captain's ready room where Janeway and Picard have been discussing the Enterprise's retrofit progression.
JANEWAY
Seven, it'll never work. Haven't we been through
this before. It's too dangerous and unpredictable!
Starfleet will never go for it.
SEVEN
It will work Admiral. Since our time in the Delta
Quadrant, I've researched the molecules in more
depth and have conducted hundreds of simulations
using this technique. I believe if I apply the
appropriate inverse frequency it should generate
enough power to propel the dimensional slip drive.
JANEWAY
...and you called it desire at one time? It's more
like an obsession. I thought you gave up on this.
SEVEN
I did not.
PICARD
Hold on Kathryn, she may be on to something.
JANEWAY
I'm listening.
PICARD
In theory it sounds promising. But can it be done?
Do you really believe you can stabilize Omega?
SEVEN
Yes, I believe so.
PICARD
Have you discussed this with anyone else?
SEVEN
No.
JANEWAY
Good. Lets keep this under wraps until we fill in
Admiral Paris. We're going to need an ally if
Starfleet is going to embrace the idea of using the
most powerful substance known to exist.
(beat)
I can't believe we're even considering this as an
option. All it takes is a small chain reaction and
subspace could be destroyed forever.
SEVEN
Yes, if not handled appropriately, warp travel
would become impossible in the Quadrant.
JANEWAY
Okay, I've heard enough. Before I begin to talk
myself out of it I want you to dig up all information
regarding Omega and have the report ready tomorrow
at 0800 hours.
SEVEN
The information is encrypted. It will take some
time to apply the appropriate algorithm and make
the data compatible for Starfleet parameters.
PICARD
Data could speed up the process but that would be
considered a breach of Starfleet security. Only
personnel with level ten clearance have access to
this information.
JANEWAY
(rolling her eyes)
What else is new? What's one more violation?
PICARD
(looking at Seven)
Make it so.
SEVEN
Understood.
***
EXT. EARTH - SKYLINE PARTIALLY ASSIMILATED (OPTICAL)
As we penetrate the atmosphere, we see that many of the structures now have a metallic quality to them. We also see mass destruction of structures, which are under constant attack by newly transformed drones.
EXT. EARTH - STARFLEET HEADQUARTERS (OPTICAL)
INT. STARFLEET COMMAND
BARCLAY
Admiral, assimilations are increasing to a point
where our defenses are no longer effective. Almost
a third of the population has been transformed into
drones. It's only a matter of time before Starfleet
is taken over. We must evacuate.
ADM. PARIS
Not yet. Have Dr. Crusher replicate more nanoprobes.
As long as we have immunity, we have to maintain a
presence. If or when the time comes, we'll commence
operations from our underground facility.
BARCLAY
Yes Sir.
ADM. HAYS
(thinking it over)
You know Owen...while we still have time. We
should transmit a subspace message to all Federation
vessels in the Quadrant.
BARCLAY
Good idea Sir. They may be able to help us maintain
our defenses.
ADM. PARIS
I don't think that's what Adm. Hays had in mind Reg.
They need to be warned to stay away. They may be
all that's left of humanity before this is over.
BARCLAY
But Sir, they can help us.
ADM. PARIS
I'm sorry Reg, but you have your orders.
BARCLAY
Yes Admiral. I'll begin immediately.
***
EXT. SPACE - U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - SPACE DOCK - (OPTICAL)
INT. ENTERPRISE TEN-FORWARD
Harry, B'Elanna and Tom share a meal in Enterprises famous Ten-Forward.
KIM
There's Dr. Brahams, we should ask her to join us.
TORRES
Are you insane? That woman is evil and besides,
she hates me.
KIM
She doesn't hate you B'Elanna, she's just over-
protective of the Enterprise. She's the main designer
of the warp engines you know.
TORRES
Thrilling. It still doesn't give her the right to be
rude.
KIM
Come on B'Elanna...give her a chance.
TORRES
You're such a Boyscout, Starfleet. If you don't mind,
I'd like to finish my meal in peace today. We'll invite
her to join us tomorrow.
KIM
Fine...but I'm going to hold you to that...Maquis.
PARIS
I never thought I'd ever say this but I actually miss
Leola Root.
TORRES
Are you delirious? Maybe you should go check
yourself into sickbay.
KIM
Maybe it's Neelix you're missing and not the root.
PARIS
You're right Harry. Things just aren't the same
without him. He was more than a morale officer
and cook, he was the heart of Voyager.
TORRES
I must have pushed him away hundreds of times, but
he was always there for me anyway. Not to mention,
he made a pretty mean blood pie.
KIM
Here's to you Neelix, wherever you are.
All three officers raise their glasses in a toast to their fallen comrade.
INT. ENTERPRISE ASTROMETRIC'S LAB
Seven and Data are fast at work retrieving the Omega information.
DATA
Ensign...if memory serves me right, isn't this the
same molecule that was responsible for the
destruction of the Lantaro Sector?
SEVEN
Yes.
DATA
127 scientists, including Dr. Ketteract were trying
to create an energy source to sustain sub-light speeds.
They were unable to stabilize the molecules when a
chain reaction broke out causing subspace ruptures
for several light years. As a result, vessels are
incapable of warp travel.
SEVEN
Your recollection of the Lantaro incident is accurate.
DATA
Is it your opinion that we can harness Omega and
use it to propel the Dimensional Slip Drive?
SEVEN
It is.
DATA
Then you've found a way to stabilize the molecules?
SEVEN
I believe so. By using a revised Harmonic Resonance
Chamber, we could adapt inverse frequencies on a
triaxalating modulation to compensate for the intra-
atomic bonds. We may be able to dissolve the
instabilities that cause the molecules to chain react.
If we are successful, the energy would be enough to
power as many as 100 Starships or sustain a civilization.
DATA
Your plan sounds plausible and I believe it will work.
I will assist you.
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE - SPACE DOCK (OPTICAL)
INT. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
0830 hours, the following day...
Seven presents her report to Janeway.
JANEWAY
I've read your report. It was very...thorough and
complete. I'd like you and Data present when we
contact Starfleet. They may have some questions
or concerns to address you with.
SEVEN
Yes Admiral.
PICARD
(taps comm. badge)
Picard to Data.
DATA
(V.O.)
Commander Data reporting, Sir.
PICARD
Please report to the ready room immediately.
DATA
(V.O.)
Yes Sir, on my way.
Within minutes, Data arrives as Admiral Janeway initiates a conference call with Starfleet. To their surprise, the signal is partially jammed by an unknown source.
JANEWAY
We're barely reading you Sir. What's your status?
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
The assimilations are occurring much faster then
we anticipated. More then half of Earth has
succumbed to the Borg. We have gone under-
ground for added security. The Borg may be
monitoring this transmission, so be careful in what
you say.
JANEWAY
Understood.
ADM. HAYS
(O.S.)
How are the modifications coming along to Enterprise?
PICARD
We're on schedule. We have a rather unorthodox plan
we need to discuss with Starfleet. Is there a way to
secure this transmission?
ADM. HAYS
(O.S.)
I'm afraid not.
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
Kate, the President of the Federation is aware of
your plan and has authorized me to tell you to do
what ever is necessary.
JANEWAY
But Owen, this plan is very dangerous.
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
Kate, we've known each other for a long time. I
know you wouldn't be presenting your plan if you
didn't think it could work. We have every
confidence in your abilities. You, Jean-Luc and
your crew are the last hope for humanity. Whatever
your plan is, it's approved.
JANEWAY
Thank you Owen. Is there anything we can do for
you?
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
No, we'll be fine. At this point, it's best to stay away
from Earth. Our survival depends on it. This may
be the last time we're able to communicate. Please
give my son and daughter-in-law my love.
JANEWAY
I will Owen. Take care.
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
You too Kate and God bless you all. Paris out.
JANEWAY
(saddened)
My God! It's really happening. Humanity is being erased.
PICARD
Yes, but only in this time. You heard the man, we
have much work to do.
JANEWAY
I think its time for another staff meeting.
INT. ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM
An hour later...
LA FORGE
Seven, you came up with this? It's brilliant.
BRAHAMS
It's suicide if you ask me. No one has ever been
able to stabilize Omega. We should consider an
alternative.
TORRES
What is it with you? There are no alternatives.
Won't you at least look at the research?
LA FORGE
She's right Leah. We've been at this for months.
We don't have any other options. We need your
expertise in designing a core to integrate this
technology.
BRAHAMS
Its too risky, Starfleet ingenuity was never designed
for this.
TORRES
Then perhaps we could incorporate some unconvent-
ional Borg and Maquis methods. We have to be flexible
and accepting of change.
LA FORGE
She's right.
BRAHAMS
(hesitating)
Okay...lets give it a try.
JANEWAY
That's more like it. Now, Seven and Data have
come up with a plan once we have Omega. What
we need now is a plan to locate it. Do we know
where to find active molecules?
SEVEN
Not exactly Admiral. Commander Data and I have
scanned the entire Quadrant and found only sparse
sources of Boronite Ore.
PARIS
If you don't mind me asking. What does this Boronite
have to do with Omega?
DATA
According to the Borg, it is the primary substance
used to synthesize the molecule.
TORRES
Okay, so let me get this straight. Once we find this
Boronite, we're going to create our own Omega
molecules?
SEVEN
Precisely.
JANEWAY
Have you pinpointed its exact location?
DATA
Yes Admiral. But the only known region currently
using Boronite Ore is on Earth.
JANEWAY
Earth?
(beat)
This is making more sense. Could the Borg be
aware of this?
SEVEN
Yes. It would seem reasonable to assume the Borg
would not risk an attack knowing this substance
exists on Earth.
JANEWAY
They must have obtained this information through
assimilation of my future self. This has to be the
reason for the indirect attack on us.
PICARD
Very clever. By gradually assimilating humanity,
all of Starfleet's technology is preserved.
According to the Federation, Starfleet was under
orders to suppress all knowledge of Omega.
I wonder what else they're hiding from us.
JANEWAY
Chakotay, I want you to lead an away team.
Use whatever resources and personnel you need.
CHAKOTAY
Understood Admiral. Tom, I'll need a good pilot,
think you're up to it?
PARIS
Yes Sir.
CHAKOTAY
Harry, get a team together. I'll need you to modify
the Delta Flyer with cloaked technology and
reinforced shielding.
KIM
We'll have her ready.
CHAKOTAY
Data, I'll need you as well. If there's prolonged
radiation exposure, no offense, but we'll need an
artificial life to carry out the plan in case we can't.
DATA
I agree Commander.
CHAKOTAY
Tuvok, you'll be in charge of security. Use what
ever force necessary to secure our position.
TUVOK
Understood. It seems logical to conclude that
the Borg have adapted to most of Earth's
defenses at this point in time. Logic dictates we
should prepare for the unexpected. I'll have each
member of my team armed with modulating
phasers and Klingon Bat'leths for hand to hand
combat.
CHAKOTAY
Sounds good Tuvok. Keep me posted. Seven, I'll
need schematics of the facility and any information
on how to safely transport this Boronite. We don't
want any surprises.
SEVEN
Yes Commander, I'll have the specifications
transferred to the Delta Flyer's main computer.
DOCTOR
Umm...Commander, since you've mentioned
possible radiation exposure, I would like to
inoculate the away team with Arythracine as a
preventative measure.
CHAKOTAY
I agree Doctor, I'll have everyone report to sickbay
prior to our departure.
JANEWAY
Well, I think we've got it all covered. Let's get to
work.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT SIX
To be continued...
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Voyager and all things contained therein are the property of Paramount and Viacom. I will receive no profit from this story.
Title: Tempus Fugit
By: Raven
ACT SIX
FADE IN.
EXT. SPACE - U.S.S. ENTERPRISE -SPACEDOCK (OPTICAL)
With the U.S.S. Enterprise in an undisclosed region of space, several smaller vessels fly around the enormous starship carrying supplies for the grand retrofit while several teams of crewmen continue their installation of stolen technology from almost 500 years in the future. Inside the Federation's flagship, an Engineer's meeting consisting of Dr. Leah Brahams, Commander Geordi La Forge, Lieutenants Torres and Kim, Seven of Nine, and Data is taking place.
INT. ENGINEERING
DR. LEAH BRAHAMS
It can't be done! It's too risky! Commander La
Forge and I have been over the specifications
dozens of times.
TORRES
Perhaps not. Just because a poly-neutrino compound
was used on the Timeship, it doesn't mean we can't
find something comparable. All we have to do is
break down its components, find similar compounds
and replicate our own substance.
BRAHAMS
Lieutenant, are you familiar with the Genesis project?
TORRES
(crossing her arms)
No, I can't say I am.
BRAHAMS
Dr. David Marcus led a team of scientists to accept
his unconventional methods by introducing Proto-
Matter into the matrix, a substance used by impatient
scientists to solve equations when there is no solution.
At first it proved beneficial but then de-stabilized
over time. As a result Genesis created planets began
to age at an astronomical rate and eventually self-
destructed. Because of his short cuts, many lives
were lost, including his own.
TORRES
Thank you for the history lesson, but I'm not talking
about taking short cuts. What I'm trying to convey is...
BRAHAMS
(interrupting)
I've read about your eccentric Maquis methods on
Voyager. This is the Enterprise and I'm not about...
TORRES
(interrupting)
Ex-Maquis!
LA FORGE
Ladies...please, we're all on the same side. We've
been at this for months. Lets take a break and
resume in one hour.
Dr. Brahams casts a look at B'Elanna and storms out of engineering.
TORRES
She's impossible! I never thought I'd admit this but
she's more stubborn then the Borg. No offense
Seven.
SEVEN
None taken.
LA FORGE
We're all a little on edge these days, she's just
trying to be safe and thorough.
TORRES
So am I, but this is ridiculous.
KIM
Come on B'Elanna, let's get some lunch. Tom
said he would meet us at Ten-Forward. Care to
join us Commander?
LA FORGE
Some other time, I've got something to discuss with
Data and Seven.
B'Elanna and Harry acknowledge Geordi and exit engineering.
DATA
Proto-Matter.
LA FORGE
Data? What is it?
DATA
I believe it may be possible to modify the element
by extracting the unstable compound and then
combine it with tri-lithium. We may be able to
convert this into a power source to propel the
Dimensional slip drive. It may be enough to stabilize
the warp core.
LA FORGE
Ensign Hansen, what does the Borg know about
Proto-matter?
SEVEN
Commander, please address me as Seven. I'm not
comfortable with my human designation.
LA FORGE
Of course, and while we're on the subject, please
call me Geordi.
SEVEN
Agreed.
(beat)
At Wolf 359, the Borg assimilated many of the
Federation's technology, including its knowledge
of Proto-Matter. With some manipulation, the Borg
were able to incorporate this substance to create rifts
to form transwarp conduits. However, over time it
proved to be unstable. Like Dr. Marcus, many Borg
were sacrificed.
LA FORGE
That doesn't sound very encouraging. Is there any-
thing else the Borg used for energy?
SEVEN
Yes, but the technology is not compatible with
Starfleet.
LA FORGE
Well, I'm fresh out of ideas. Conventional technology
is just too primitive for temporal physics. Where are
we going to find enough energy to sustain 100 warp
drives? We're missing a piece of the puzzle.
DATA
Perhaps we need to explore unconventional methods.
SEVEN
You are correct Commander. I may have an option.
LA FORGE
Well, lets have it Seven.
SEVEN
I must discuss this with Admiral Janeway first.
If you'll excuse me.
LA FORGE
Well, it's about time I report to sickbay for my nano-
booster shot anyway. Your EMH has got us on a
strict schedule these days. He gets rather cranky if
we're late or don't keep our appointments.
SEVEN
(amused)
Yes, but he is highly knowledgeable and efficient.
You would be wise to comply with his demands or
your thoughts will no longer be your own.
LA FORGE
(smiling)
I guess you're right.
DATA
I will remain in Engineering and attempt to access
the database for alternative sources of energy.
LA FORGE
All right then... Let's reconvene in one hour.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Seven enters the Captain's ready room where Janeway and Picard have been discussing the Enterprise's retrofit progression.
JANEWAY
Seven, it'll never work. Haven't we been through
this before. It's too dangerous and unpredictable!
Starfleet will never go for it.
SEVEN
It will work Admiral. Since our time in the Delta
Quadrant, I've researched the molecules in more
depth and have conducted hundreds of simulations
using this technique. I believe if I apply the
appropriate inverse frequency it should generate
enough power to propel the dimensional slip drive.
JANEWAY
...and you called it desire at one time? It's more
like an obsession. I thought you gave up on this.
SEVEN
I did not.
PICARD
Hold on Kathryn, she may be on to something.
JANEWAY
I'm listening.
PICARD
In theory it sounds promising. But can it be done?
Do you really believe you can stabilize Omega?
SEVEN
Yes, I believe so.
PICARD
Have you discussed this with anyone else?
SEVEN
No.
JANEWAY
Good. Lets keep this under wraps until we fill in
Admiral Paris. We're going to need an ally if
Starfleet is going to embrace the idea of using the
most powerful substance known to exist.
(beat)
I can't believe we're even considering this as an
option. All it takes is a small chain reaction and
subspace could be destroyed forever.
SEVEN
Yes, if not handled appropriately, warp travel
would become impossible in the Quadrant.
JANEWAY
Okay, I've heard enough. Before I begin to talk
myself out of it I want you to dig up all information
regarding Omega and have the report ready tomorrow
at 0800 hours.
SEVEN
The information is encrypted. It will take some
time to apply the appropriate algorithm and make
the data compatible for Starfleet parameters.
PICARD
Data could speed up the process but that would be
considered a breach of Starfleet security. Only
personnel with level ten clearance have access to
this information.
JANEWAY
(rolling her eyes)
What else is new? What's one more violation?
PICARD
(looking at Seven)
Make it so.
SEVEN
Understood.
***
EXT. EARTH - SKYLINE PARTIALLY ASSIMILATED (OPTICAL)
As we penetrate the atmosphere, we see that many of the structures now have a metallic quality to them. We also see mass destruction of structures, which are under constant attack by newly transformed drones.
EXT. EARTH - STARFLEET HEADQUARTERS (OPTICAL)
INT. STARFLEET COMMAND
BARCLAY
Admiral, assimilations are increasing to a point
where our defenses are no longer effective. Almost
a third of the population has been transformed into
drones. It's only a matter of time before Starfleet
is taken over. We must evacuate.
ADM. PARIS
Not yet. Have Dr. Crusher replicate more nanoprobes.
As long as we have immunity, we have to maintain a
presence. If or when the time comes, we'll commence
operations from our underground facility.
BARCLAY
Yes Sir.
ADM. HAYS
(thinking it over)
You know Owen...while we still have time. We
should transmit a subspace message to all Federation
vessels in the Quadrant.
BARCLAY
Good idea Sir. They may be able to help us maintain
our defenses.
ADM. PARIS
I don't think that's what Adm. Hays had in mind Reg.
They need to be warned to stay away. They may be
all that's left of humanity before this is over.
BARCLAY
But Sir, they can help us.
ADM. PARIS
I'm sorry Reg, but you have your orders.
BARCLAY
Yes Admiral. I'll begin immediately.
***
EXT. SPACE - U.S.S. ENTERPRISE - SPACE DOCK - (OPTICAL)
INT. ENTERPRISE TEN-FORWARD
Harry, B'Elanna and Tom share a meal in Enterprises famous Ten-Forward.
KIM
There's Dr. Brahams, we should ask her to join us.
TORRES
Are you insane? That woman is evil and besides,
she hates me.
KIM
She doesn't hate you B'Elanna, she's just over-
protective of the Enterprise. She's the main designer
of the warp engines you know.
TORRES
Thrilling. It still doesn't give her the right to be
rude.
KIM
Come on B'Elanna...give her a chance.
TORRES
You're such a Boyscout, Starfleet. If you don't mind,
I'd like to finish my meal in peace today. We'll invite
her to join us tomorrow.
KIM
Fine...but I'm going to hold you to that...Maquis.
PARIS
I never thought I'd ever say this but I actually miss
Leola Root.
TORRES
Are you delirious? Maybe you should go check
yourself into sickbay.
KIM
Maybe it's Neelix you're missing and not the root.
PARIS
You're right Harry. Things just aren't the same
without him. He was more than a morale officer
and cook, he was the heart of Voyager.
TORRES
I must have pushed him away hundreds of times, but
he was always there for me anyway. Not to mention,
he made a pretty mean blood pie.
KIM
Here's to you Neelix, wherever you are.
All three officers raise their glasses in a toast to their fallen comrade.
INT. ENTERPRISE ASTROMETRIC'S LAB
Seven and Data are fast at work retrieving the Omega information.
DATA
Ensign...if memory serves me right, isn't this the
same molecule that was responsible for the
destruction of the Lantaro Sector?
SEVEN
Yes.
DATA
127 scientists, including Dr. Ketteract were trying
to create an energy source to sustain sub-light speeds.
They were unable to stabilize the molecules when a
chain reaction broke out causing subspace ruptures
for several light years. As a result, vessels are
incapable of warp travel.
SEVEN
Your recollection of the Lantaro incident is accurate.
DATA
Is it your opinion that we can harness Omega and
use it to propel the Dimensional Slip Drive?
SEVEN
It is.
DATA
Then you've found a way to stabilize the molecules?
SEVEN
I believe so. By using a revised Harmonic Resonance
Chamber, we could adapt inverse frequencies on a
triaxalating modulation to compensate for the intra-
atomic bonds. We may be able to dissolve the
instabilities that cause the molecules to chain react.
If we are successful, the energy would be enough to
power as many as 100 Starships or sustain a civilization.
DATA
Your plan sounds plausible and I believe it will work.
I will assist you.
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE - SPACE DOCK (OPTICAL)
INT. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
0830 hours, the following day...
Seven presents her report to Janeway.
JANEWAY
I've read your report. It was very...thorough and
complete. I'd like you and Data present when we
contact Starfleet. They may have some questions
or concerns to address you with.
SEVEN
Yes Admiral.
PICARD
(taps comm. badge)
Picard to Data.
DATA
(V.O.)
Commander Data reporting, Sir.
PICARD
Please report to the ready room immediately.
DATA
(V.O.)
Yes Sir, on my way.
Within minutes, Data arrives as Admiral Janeway initiates a conference call with Starfleet. To their surprise, the signal is partially jammed by an unknown source.
JANEWAY
We're barely reading you Sir. What's your status?
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
The assimilations are occurring much faster then
we anticipated. More then half of Earth has
succumbed to the Borg. We have gone under-
ground for added security. The Borg may be
monitoring this transmission, so be careful in what
you say.
JANEWAY
Understood.
ADM. HAYS
(O.S.)
How are the modifications coming along to Enterprise?
PICARD
We're on schedule. We have a rather unorthodox plan
we need to discuss with Starfleet. Is there a way to
secure this transmission?
ADM. HAYS
(O.S.)
I'm afraid not.
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
Kate, the President of the Federation is aware of
your plan and has authorized me to tell you to do
what ever is necessary.
JANEWAY
But Owen, this plan is very dangerous.
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
Kate, we've known each other for a long time. I
know you wouldn't be presenting your plan if you
didn't think it could work. We have every
confidence in your abilities. You, Jean-Luc and
your crew are the last hope for humanity. Whatever
your plan is, it's approved.
JANEWAY
Thank you Owen. Is there anything we can do for
you?
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
No, we'll be fine. At this point, it's best to stay away
from Earth. Our survival depends on it. This may
be the last time we're able to communicate. Please
give my son and daughter-in-law my love.
JANEWAY
I will Owen. Take care.
ADM. PARIS
(O.S.)
You too Kate and God bless you all. Paris out.
JANEWAY
(saddened)
My God! It's really happening. Humanity is being erased.
PICARD
Yes, but only in this time. You heard the man, we
have much work to do.
JANEWAY
I think its time for another staff meeting.
INT. ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE ROOM
An hour later...
LA FORGE
Seven, you came up with this? It's brilliant.
BRAHAMS
It's suicide if you ask me. No one has ever been
able to stabilize Omega. We should consider an
alternative.
TORRES
What is it with you? There are no alternatives.
Won't you at least look at the research?
LA FORGE
She's right Leah. We've been at this for months.
We don't have any other options. We need your
expertise in designing a core to integrate this
technology.
BRAHAMS
Its too risky, Starfleet ingenuity was never designed
for this.
TORRES
Then perhaps we could incorporate some unconvent-
ional Borg and Maquis methods. We have to be flexible
and accepting of change.
LA FORGE
She's right.
BRAHAMS
(hesitating)
Okay...lets give it a try.
JANEWAY
That's more like it. Now, Seven and Data have
come up with a plan once we have Omega. What
we need now is a plan to locate it. Do we know
where to find active molecules?
SEVEN
Not exactly Admiral. Commander Data and I have
scanned the entire Quadrant and found only sparse
sources of Boronite Ore.
PARIS
If you don't mind me asking. What does this Boronite
have to do with Omega?
DATA
According to the Borg, it is the primary substance
used to synthesize the molecule.
TORRES
Okay, so let me get this straight. Once we find this
Boronite, we're going to create our own Omega
molecules?
SEVEN
Precisely.
JANEWAY
Have you pinpointed its exact location?
DATA
Yes Admiral. But the only known region currently
using Boronite Ore is on Earth.
JANEWAY
Earth?
(beat)
This is making more sense. Could the Borg be
aware of this?
SEVEN
Yes. It would seem reasonable to assume the Borg
would not risk an attack knowing this substance
exists on Earth.
JANEWAY
They must have obtained this information through
assimilation of my future self. This has to be the
reason for the indirect attack on us.
PICARD
Very clever. By gradually assimilating humanity,
all of Starfleet's technology is preserved.
According to the Federation, Starfleet was under
orders to suppress all knowledge of Omega.
I wonder what else they're hiding from us.
JANEWAY
Chakotay, I want you to lead an away team.
Use whatever resources and personnel you need.
CHAKOTAY
Understood Admiral. Tom, I'll need a good pilot,
think you're up to it?
PARIS
Yes Sir.
CHAKOTAY
Harry, get a team together. I'll need you to modify
the Delta Flyer with cloaked technology and
reinforced shielding.
KIM
We'll have her ready.
CHAKOTAY
Data, I'll need you as well. If there's prolonged
radiation exposure, no offense, but we'll need an
artificial life to carry out the plan in case we can't.
DATA
I agree Commander.
CHAKOTAY
Tuvok, you'll be in charge of security. Use what
ever force necessary to secure our position.
TUVOK
Understood. It seems logical to conclude that
the Borg have adapted to most of Earth's
defenses at this point in time. Logic dictates we
should prepare for the unexpected. I'll have each
member of my team armed with modulating
phasers and Klingon Bat'leths for hand to hand
combat.
CHAKOTAY
Sounds good Tuvok. Keep me posted. Seven, I'll
need schematics of the facility and any information
on how to safely transport this Boronite. We don't
want any surprises.
SEVEN
Yes Commander, I'll have the specifications
transferred to the Delta Flyer's main computer.
DOCTOR
Umm...Commander, since you've mentioned
possible radiation exposure, I would like to
inoculate the away team with Arythracine as a
preventative measure.
CHAKOTAY
I agree Doctor, I'll have everyone report to sickbay
prior to our departure.
JANEWAY
Well, I think we've got it all covered. Let's get to
work.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT SIX
To be continued...