Dear KMAS Members and Fans, The following is a collection of articles, reviews, commentary, and fan fiction submitted to Now Voyager between the publication of the last issue and the dissolution of the club in April 2000. We thought the work we received was simply too fine to waste, so editors Donna Christenberry and Carol Kassie volunteered to compile the material, and web master Cheryl Zenor agreed to post it, for which the rest of the board of directors would like to thank them. I have always been extremely proud of the quality of the work submitted to Now Voyager, and inspired by the achievements of the fans of Kathryn Janeway. We all want to thank once again all our contributors, participants, and readers -- this club was always yours, not ours. Best of luck and best wishes to everyone. Yours in fandom, Michelle Erica Green EPISODE REVIEWS This final section of reviews begins with “Riddles” and ends with “Spirit Folk,” for current episodes seen in the United States and Canada; it also includes reviews in the Overseas section of older episodes seen in other countries. Not all of the episodes that aired during that time generated reviews. However, Janeway episodes always seem to generate more reviews, and “Fair Haven,” dealing as it did with Janeway’s personal life, was no exception. A synopsis of the episode is included before each set of current reviews. The Nielsen rating covers only the Wednesday night UPN showing and does not include airings by other stations at other times. Thank you to all of the writers who have contributed reviews to this section over the years. Your input and comments have challenged, amused, provoked and intrigued. Your opinions, coming as they have from a variety of backgrounds, show the true cross section of fans from all walks of life and have given us the benefit of different perspectives. RIDDLES Nielsen rating: 3.4 Episode summary: During negotiations with aliens, Tuvok is zapped by energy and suffers severe brain damage that creates a childlike, friendly version of the Vulcan while wiping out his technical skills. Janeway must search for the legendary race responsible in hopes of finding a cure. As an episode, "Riddles" had a lot going for it, and a lot against it. The story was fairly solid and certainly interesting, in spite of the fact that it seemed Voyager had become a sort of "Regarding Henry" in space. Tuvok's convalescence was wrenching and frustrating, as most convalescences are; his achievements as the new Tuvok were definitely worth celebrating with a little dessert. Tuvok was actually fun! Life-threatening events are so often centered around the victim that it was refreshing to witness trials of the victim's friends -- in this case, Neelix and Janeway. Tim Russ did an excellent job of removing Tuvok's stiffness without completely losing Tuvok’s essence, and Neelix's struggles were no less compelling. Roxann Dawson's directing was fantastic; she did an incredible job with Tuvok's interrogation scene in the ready room. Janeway and the alien agent's grilling techniques were reminiscent of all those great 1940s gangster movies; they were uncaring and relentless. All they lacked was the stool and 40-watt lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. Yet therein lies the problem with this episode - Janeway came across as TOO single-minded and heartless. Tuvok, her friend of many years, was practically obliterated by an alien weapon, yet she spent little time helping him recover. She's far more interested in solving the "riddle" of his attack. As much as this episode reminded me of "Regarding Henry," it also reminded me of "Tuvix." In that second season episode, Janeway not only helped uncover the "riddle" of the transporter malfunction that caused the merger of Neelix and Tuvok, she also helped Tuvix recover and become integrated into the crew. She remained his friend as well as his commanding officer. In "Riddles," there was little of that sense of friendship between Janeway and Tuvok. It was as though she couldn't cope with a new Tuvok, and thus buried herself in science, something she can understand and control. This characterization was confusing and disappointing, but not nearly as disappointing as the ending of the episode, wherein Tuvok was returned to his normal, Vulcan, humorless self. For all the change that Tuvok showed at the end, this episode might never have happened. Never has such a hailed drama had such stagnant characters. It is difficult to understand the producer's decisions in this matter, no matter what rules Gene Roddenberry set down 30 years ago. If the characters don't separate “Voyager” from every stupid, run-of-the-mill sitcom, what does? Expensive special effects don't cut it when the characters are the same day after day, episode after episode, season after season. Nobody's real if nothing lasting ever happens to them. Quote of the episode: "Only desserts? How come?" "They taste good!" - Tom and Tuvok ~ Linda Bindner ONE SMALL STEP Nielsen rating: 3.7 Episode summary: Voyager is nearly consumed by a massive ball of energy. Curiosity about the phenomenon results in Voyager sending a shuttle to search for a missing 300-year-old U.S. spacecraft originally bound for Mars – but that effort may cost the lives of the shuttle crew. The episodes directed by “Voyager” cast members are always enjoyable. Not because they're always the best ones aired, but because one can appreciate the actors’ efforts to be more than just reciters of lines. Robert Picardo did an excellent job with this episode; it was nice, tight, well-lit, and had some great camera angles. The pacing was nice, as well. Not so fast that it lost the viewers but not so slow that it could put them to sleep. The casting of Phil Morris as Lt. Kelly was the brightest spot in this whole episode. His wide-eyed expressions when he saw the anomaly for the first time were priceless. In Voyager's time, deep space exploration has been going on for hundreds of years and most Starfleet officers have been there, done that, and often treat such anomalies as just another day at the office. For Kelly, and the relatively new-to-deep-space humans, this was a shocking event and he played it well, as his emotions ranged from awe to fear to acceptance of his own fate. Most of the cast was well utilized in this episode. Everyone aided in some way, whether in getting the Delta Flyer into the core of the anomaly or in rescuing it during salvage operations. Watching Janeway enjoying the excitement of her crew was a treat -- she doesn't smile enough. She could feel the energy that this mission was generating among her crew and she was happy to let them just do their jobs. Until events went wrong, everyone was having a good time: Chakotay and Tom were talking, Tom was flirting with B'Elanna over the commlink, and Tuvok was even letting Seven in on a bit of his own past. But there are two problems with this episode. The first is the fact that Seven of Nine once again took action on her own without any repercussions. Last week she brought an unknown alien out of stasis without any orders and without suffering any reprimand from the captain. This week, Seven went into a department that she isn't even assigned to, made major changes to the ship's systems, caused malfunctions all over the ship -- and Chakotay thought it was funny! No report to the captain, no smack on the hand, nothing. We get episodes where Tom is busted back a rank for doing his own thing and Torres getting snippy comments from the captain and an override of her personal wishes, but Seven is free to manipulate and possibly damage the ship's engines and nobody cares. It's hard to take Bitchy (er, I mean In Command) Janeway seriously while she's reprimanding a non-Borg crew member when Pushover Janeway is only a Seven-based episode away. Secondly, this episode seemed to have two A plots and no B plot, which means there was entirely too much story for one hour (well, there were a lot of commercials, so probably around 42 minutes). The first half hour led us to believe that this was a Chakotay episode. Between his sudden passion for early Earth space history -- and Janeway's sly smile to him as she asked for a mission leader -- it seemed we would learn more about Chakotay's life. He was the one who wanted to hear Kelly's logs played and learn more about early human spacecraft hands-on. Everything Seven did in this episode she did grudgingly and only after being ordered to do so. Yet, in the end, she was the one who bonded with Kelly and she was the one who had the final words to his coffin before his burial in space. Chakotay was still in sickbay. He didn't even get to attend the funeral! There was no closure to Chakotay's portion of the episode except for a few meaningful glances while Kelly's logs were played and during the eulogy. So, was the episode about Chakotay's quest for more knowledge -- a quest so passionate he defied the captain's orders and nearly killed himself and two others -- or was it about Seven of Nine learning more about the thrill of exploring and humanity in general? Make it about one, with a slight emphasis on the other, but not both. ~ Annmarie Daneker There are three distinct storylines in this episode: Lt. John Kelly's story, Chakotay's sudden love of paleontology, and Seven's reluctance for the mission to recover the Ares 4 command module. The best of these three is definitely Seven's reluctant participation, followed closely by John Kelly's courageous struggle to continue exploring space in the face of certain death. Their growth experiences made this a wonderful episode. Kelly's story has no agenda beyond being incredibly interesting, particularly to any viewer who's also a fan of the space program. The idea of sending people to Mars is enthralling. To discover that Kelly's mission ended in tragedy is just as alluring, though sad beyond words. Robert Picardo did an excellent job of directing: the shots of the dead and depressurized Lt. Kelly were eerie and gruesome, while the communications between the Delta Flyer and Voyager were chatty and realistic. I've always thought that away team reports should be light and talkative. This may also be the first time we've witnessed a crew member lose his/her temper enough to tell off a superior officer. Except for Kim's temper tantrum with the captain in "The Disease," Seven's explosion at Chakotay is a first, and I loved it! Chakotay was an idiot to ignore Janeway's order to leave the Ares module behind in order to escape the graviton ellipse, and Seven didn't hesitate to tell him so. It's about time one of the crew commented on a dumb decision. Stupid command decisions abound on Voyager, and it was beyond the realm of believability that nobody had said anything before now. The fact that Chakotay admitted his mistake doesn't erase it. Seven had to force aside her anger to help save them, while Chakotay had to lie around and know that all their problems are his fault. If only Janeway could be forced into a similar situation the next time she gives a stupid order. But that would be asking too much! It was hard to swallow that Chakotay's first love is paleontology when the only previous mention of this interest came in "Future's End," and episodes such as "Tattoo" had set a precedence for his love of Starfleet. This plot device came off a tad too convenient; it would have been more understandable coming from Janeway. Tuvok's calculated time limit of 16 hours was equally ridiculous -- why is there always a time limit, and why do they always go to the very last second of that limit? This limit did nothing but add a false sense of tension to the episode. However, the final scene of Kelly's funeral left the episode with a beautifully solemn feeling. This was a far deeper and more compelling story than expected. ~ Linda Bindner THE VOYAGER CONSPIRACY Nielsen rating: 3.6 Episode summary: After probing a space "catapult," a Seven of Nine on data overload incites a civil war then divides the crew on Voyager. “The Voyager Conspiracy” had many shortcomings: its disjointed storyline, its multiple conspiracies (the episode would have been more effective with just one conspiracy), its characterizations of crewmen turning on each other based on the clear rantings of an angsty Borg. But it contained a jewel of a scene that pretty much made the episode for me. The Janeway-Seven scene in the shuttle was just perfect. A small digression - with “Voyager” in syndication now, I've been able to study the old Janeway of seasons 1-3. That Janeway certainly did exude warmth and passion and lively curiosity -- she could be almost giddy with the "adventure of it all." Her eyes welled up with compassion in a flash, and she clearly agonized over seemingly minor protocol decisions. It seems natural that years of relative hardship, being lost and so far from home, would toughen her. Now Janeway projects a steely formidability, a rock-solid will and an enormous strength of character that had not yet been brought out in early seasons. There is nothing hesitant about her now, she doesn't flinch or waver as she approaches unpleasant tasks. This Janeway makes me believe that she will get her crew home. Since there is little that is formidable about my nature (unless you are 2 years old), Janeway is endlessly fascinating, particularly when she exudes gentler emotions that I identify with. All this is preface to say that the shuttle scene was a perfect Janeway scene. Even as she exuded compassion and tenderness to Seven, even as she knelt down at eye level to face Seven, there was never any doubt as to who was in charge. When Janeway first beamed aboard, she was in command mode and ordered Seven to return to Voyager. When this failed, Janeway tried to use logic. When that failed and Seven's pain and fear become evident, Janeway made an exquisite emotional appeal. Her voice practically purred as she recalled the important decisions she's made which have ultimately benefited Seven, even if Seven didn't realize it at the time. Most importantly, Janeway showed Seven how much she means to her by remembering, with a catch in her voice, the day Seven first said "Thank you." Janeway cycling through these strategies, trying to reach and understand Seven, was lovely. It’s such a good example of communication, and it shows so much about each of them. I give this episode an 8 overall. This scene gets a 10 but the rest of the episode gets a 6. ~ A. Goodhart This episode certainly was a dilemma for me as a Voyager fanfic writer: between Janeway and Chakotay’s candlelit dinners and the passionate, loving looks between Janeway and Seven, I’m not sure what kind of a story to write! During the past two seasons of Voyager, viewers have been forced to sit through entirely too many Mommy Janeway and her Adopted Borg scenes and emotions. But the scene in the shuttle between Janeway and Seven wasn’t anything remotely resembling a family squabble -- it was a desperate woman begging her lover to return to the ship. Those two were looking at each other like some of the star-crossed lovers on a soap opera or in one of the chick-flicks playing down at the local theater. For the most part this episode was enjoyable. Finally getting to see Janeway and Chakotay not only once but twice actually relaxing and enjoying each other’s company was a real treat. And they weren’t discussing Seven of Nine. The alien’s make-up was interesting and actually kind of cute. My friend and I both commented at the same time how nice it looked and that it was actually a part of his character and not just prosthetics slapped onto a willing actor’s face. As for the continuity of Seven’s spewing of past star dates, those with more time on their hands can check that. But fans could catch one glaring error in all those words: Seska thought she had impregnated herself with Chakotay’s DNA, but in the end it was revealed that the infant was actually half-Kazon. Janeway should have been tipped off by this glaring error. After all, Seska’s little plan-gone- wrong did strand the entire crew on a planet without food, water, shelter, or a means of communication, not to mention the body count of that two-part episode. What was there not to like? Seven ranting and raving like my 2-year-old nephew when I make him come inside when the rain starts falling. Her arrogance and condescending attitude toward the rest of the crew, including captain and first officer, have gone beyond annoying and just plain grates on the nerves. This episode made absolutely clear who really is in command of that vessel and who really pushes the senior officers around like she’s been in Starfleet all of her life. Oh, yes, and let’s not forget how Janeway and Chakotay were so quick to believe Seven’s nonsense and start to think that there actually was some sort of conspiracy. Chakotay fell in a record 28 seconds while Janeway actually fought off the notion for almost two minutes, even proclaiming that she trusted her first officer more than anybody else. Then she was so quick to believe that Chakotay was double-crossing her that she missed the whole Chakotay-and-his-infant mistake. And Chakotay went into engineering and started undermining the captain’s orders (dragging B’Elanna down with him) by sabotaging the mission. That certainly is setting a fine leadership example to subordinate crewmembers: Hey! I believe the captain is a fake! Let’s NOT do what she ordered us to do. His gullibility totally spoiled this otherwise enjoyable episode. Unfortunately, viewers in San Diego (via LA’s UPN station) didn’t get previews to next week’s episode. Instead there was yet another preview for the “Greatest Moments in Trek” nonsense that will be aired before the new episode. In the previews Seven of Nine has more “favorite moments” than any other Trek character, except maybe Capt. Kirk. I’d be willing to bet my entire next month’s paycheck that Seven of Nine is featured in more clips than all the other “Voyager” cast members combined. Geez, enough already. ~ Annmarie Daneker PATHFINDER Nielsen rating: 4.0 Episode summary: Former Enterprise engineer Reginald Barclay, obsessed with bringing the U.S.S. Voyager home, is once again in need of Counselor Deanna Troi’s assistance as he tries to use a radically innovative system to contact Voyager against the orders of his superiors. Once in a while, “Voyager” produces a very well-written, dramatic, character episode that touches my heart. “Drone,” “30 Days,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” are some examples. The Powers That Be have done it again with “Pathfinder.” It’s a wonderful episode that resonates with feelings at the ending, which marks a milestone for the Voyager crew. It also creates a unique perspective as the crew becomes the object of the story, rather than the subject. “Pathfinder” focuses on “The Next Generation” character Reg Barclay. Reg is part of the Pathfinder Project at Fleet HQ on Earth, devoted to ways to contact Voyager and/or to bring them home. Reg has a history of holo-addiction, not being able to separate fantasy from reality. To help with his work, he has re-created the Voyager crew on the holodeck and he interacts with them. Outside the holodeck, he’s nervous, shy, and stumbles when speaking. In the holodeck, he’s sure of himself, socializes with ease, and talks with confidence. However, his supervisor keeps finding him there instead of focusing on his work and eventually finds out that Reg was practically living on the holodeck. He denies Reg access to his work and the holodeck until he gets help. Enter Deanna Troi who helped Reg with his addiction on the Enterprise. She helps Reg find the real problem -- he’s lonely. The Enterprise crew was his only family and friends and when he transferred to Earth to work on the project, he just couldn’t fit in socially. So he created a new family with the Voyager crew. Reg has a temporary plan to contact the real Voyager, but his supervisor won’t listen to him and he feels that Adm. Paris, Tom Paris’ father, won’t consider his proposal even after the admiral learns of the plan. Reg illegally breaks into the lab to work on his idea; he manages to carry it out but is soon caught. However, the plan works. Voyager and Fleet have their first two-way communications since “Caretaker.” Fleet has Voyager’s logs, while Voyager receives a new communications technology that will possibly keep them in regular contact with the Federation. By the end everything is well and Reg manages with Troi’s help to move on with his life, socializing with real people after his great accomplishment. If done well, a character episode can be just as great to enjoy watching as the best action/adventure episode. “Pathfinder” gets a 9.5 rating out of 10. It was a bit slow but it made it up in the great character moments. Cheers to Reg Barclay! ~ George Padovan FAIR HAVEN Nielsen rating: 3.4 Episode summary: Janeway develops a complicated relationship with a holographic character in a charming Irish village, but soon she and the crew must deal with the trailing edge of a speedy wavefront that poses a threat. For the past seven days I have been periodically uttering "What?" "What?" while doing those everyday things, "What?" while shaking my head forlornly and just saying "What?" whenever I think about this week’s “Voyager” episode. I am not a writer. I have never contributed to the Now Voyager newsletter. I am one of those silent readers who greatly enjoys the newsletter. But, "Fair Haven" has sent me over the proverbial edge. Usually when I watch “Voyager” I put myself into Janeway's place. Even when Janeway crossed the line in "Equinox," I found a logical reason to accept her behavior and still feel a connection to her. But with "Fair Haven" there are several problems I can't get past. One: As much as I find the concept of changing someone's subroutines interesting (Who wouldn't want a perfect man?), there is something inherently wrong with a character who is supposed to be a poster girl for the Future Liberated Woman changing the petty exterior qualities of someone to suit some fantasy. Yes, yes I know she changed him intellectually too, but the fact that she changed him to begin with and then became intimate with him is where I have the problem. How is this any different than Braga and the gang adding on that babe in the tight-fitting outfit to gain the ogling viewership of pimple-faced 12- to 18-year-olds? (Editor’s note: Paramount actually bragged about a miniscule increase in the viewership of pre-teen males in a print ad.) Two: Why couldn't she just have sex? It worked for Kirk. Would you look at Kirk and say "Gee, he is so weak, he had sex with another babe"? He didn't need emotional intimacy because he had it with friendships with the crew. Show her friendships with the crew. If she needs to let go of a little steam then let her have sex on the holodeck but don't show the weakness of character by showing her becoming emotionally intimate with a trick of light. (No, sorry Kate, it's not feminine weakness but just plain human weakness which for the first female captain we can't show.) Three: What's wrong with Chuckles? Like every other J/C believer I think a relationship between Janeway and Chakotay is inevitable and would be great for the ratings. The relationship would be the first stable romance in a Star Trek series. (I know, I'm dreaming). It would be nice to erase this episode from my mind, much as I did with "Threshold." This episode has uncovered a fault in character which goes beyond normal human insecurities to an almost imbalance of weakness. This erases the Janeway of Season 1-5 and replaces her with this petty imbalanced woman who needs to reestablish her priorities. If only she would wake up from these dreams as Bob Newhart did in his TV show and realize that having a relationship with a glorified marital device is not going to equal emotional long-term security and satisfaction. Please, Mr. Braga, wake up Janeway because I don't know how long my husband will take me saying "What?" and not ask the computer to change MY subroutines. ~ Katrina Disclaimer: While I realize that this was yet another nightmare episode for all the still existing J/Cers out there (and yes, I still dream too), I could not help but be quite impressed and enthusiastic about this episode of “Star Trek: Voyager.” Those who know me know what I think of Robert Beltran, but in this case, with Michael O’Sullivan -- well, I don’t blame her. This review is written with my reactions in bold sentences, off the cuff and with my hand on the pause button of my VCR. Opening scene: A very cute Tom Paris walking through the cobblestone streets of an old Irish town called Fair Haven. Nice authentic atmosphere but, having relatives from Ireland, some of the accents feel a bit pushed. Enter Harry and the Doctor (in a priest’s robe no less) as they all head for a pub called Sullivan’s for some old-fashioned ale and a good arm wrestle. Now as an Irish Catholic, when the Doctor tells one of the patrons in need of advice to say 10 Our Fathers and to call him in the morning, I dropped my diet Coke in laughter. With the pub in full swing, betting and all, we finally see Kathryn enter, walk up to Michael Sullivan (the bartender of the fine establishment) and inquire as to where some of her friends are. A little exchange between Michael and Kathryn and she proceeds to round up her crew: a class 9 neutronic wave front is approaching. Harry, Tom, the Doctor and Kathryn exit, but not without a second look and a smile from Kathryn for the rugged man behind the bar. Yeah, that half smile meaning Michael is in trouble and our dear captain is intrigued. Next scene: Bridge crew is meeting in the astrometrics lab to make preparations for the approaching front: they can’t go around it, they must go through it. To the mess hall: Kathryn is burning a little midnight oil as Neelix appears from the kitchen. He is worried about the crew’s morale during this mission and suggests that the Fair Haven program have an open door policy for the crew. Kathryn grants permission and Neelix readies himself to go visit the program, inviting her. The first aspect I liked about this episode was getting to see our captain almost kick back and relax and be at ease -- and that smile, of course. “No thanks. I still have work to do.” is her answer. Neelix leaves, but as Kathryn curls back up in her seat, we see her mind drift a little. Then lo and behold, we see Kathryn enter Sullivan’s. Uh oh. What starts out with a cup of tea, turns into a game of rings, shots, arm wrestling and easy banter. Michael calls her Katie O’Claire and our captain doesn’t seem to mind. Watching this, let me tell you, if you want to know how to flirt with a guy, just keep rewinding this scene. Because Kathryn, and I guess Kate, is a pro. The morning comes and another lady enters the pub -- Mrs. Sullivan -- and Kathryn stiffens a little and leaves. Next Scene: Sick Bay and some of the crew are being inoculated for exposure to the wave’s radiation. Kathryn enters, grinning like a cat, wishing everyone good morning. It’s afternoon. Tom mentions revisions, the doctor pipes in saying he wants a bigger role as the town priest, to which Tom replies, “You know that is a great idea Doc. We could send Father Mulligan on a retreat to a nearby monastery where he takes a vow of silence and never speaks again.” Kathryn grabs Tom, leading him away to the bridge. Grabbing him by the arm with a look of disapproval on her face was such a mom move. On the bridge, Voyager secures stations and enters the neutronic wave. Ten hours pass and we see Kathryn walking the halls as her personal log is recited in the background: “Everyone has been enjoying Fair Haven. I met a man there and for awhile I forgot he was a hologram. We weren’t exactly compatible. But then again, Mr. Paris didn’t program him to my specifications.” Oh no, you’re not. Surprise, now our captain is in the holodeck, making some changes: height, education, facial hair (two days’ growth), his provocative nature and -- oh yes – “Delete the wife.” At this point, I was howling. She was purring the whole time! Walking around him like it was inspection time and with a look on her face that was – well -- have you ever seen a cat before it jumps on it’s prey? You go girl! You go right ahead. Finally! Next Scene: The crew is in the mess hall and Tuvok is sick. Blurred vision and gastrointestinal distress. Enter Harry and Tom, discussing changes to Fair Haven, and asking Tuvok for his opinion. But then Tom describes a scene of ocean waves and boats moving up and down, and up and down. Tuvok looks as if -- well, he goes to sickbay. That scene was too funny as well. I like it when the writers throw in a little humor at a Vulcan’s expense. Then we are taken back to Fair Haven to see a woman exiting Sullivan’s. Who is it? Kathryn, complete with hair in a loose bun and a dress to fit the time period. Sickening, Kate barely has make-up on and she looks beautiful. And that waist. She’s looking for Michael whom she finds at the train station: reading and complete with all the knowledge she put in him. I’m howling again. She keeps looking at his mouth, I would too, but at this point she’s a bit cheesy with it, as if she is blatantly ready to jump him. But five years is a looooong time, so I don’t blame her. We then see Michael and Kathryn walking and talking, pausing for a moment to discuss the ties they have at home. And guess who walks up? Rejoice J/Cers, it’s Chakotay, and Kathryn with a look like she’s been caught. “You two have fun,” Chakotay says with a smile that just screams “I know what YOU’RE doing, Kathryn,” and then he walks away with Kathryn watching his exit. I loved it! Next Scene: On the bridge as Voyager continues on its way through the wave. We see Kathryn and Chakotay discussing the impending turbulence that will hit Voyager. Chakotay picks up a book at Kathryn’s side and starts to dig at our captain: “Those hills and hearts wouldn’t happen to be in Ireland?” “You can wipe that smirk of your face, it’s not what you think.” Touchy, aren’t we? The banter continues: “I wasn’t thinking anything, but now that you mention it.” Blah, blah, blah and “Ireland has produced great writers for hundreds of years -- not to mention great bartenders.” SMACK! “He’s a hologram.” Chakotay goes in for the kill: “I couldn’t help but notice, he seemed a little taller than the last time I saw him.” “Yes, I made a few modifications.” Remember the diet Coke? I dropped it again. Kathryn was squirming in her seat! But then Chakotay smiles to himself and tells Kathryn that she seemed embarrassed when he ran into them and there was no reason to be. At this point Kathryn wouldn’t even look at him. She turned away, hiding behind her hair. Now if there weren’t still something between them -- that’s all I’m saying -- that and how much I hate the writers when they dangle carrots in front of our faces. He told her it was nice to see her having a little fun. Now why can’t I find a guy whose feelings I can ignore and he still only wants me to be happy? Sheesh! Next Scene: Back in Sullivan’s pub we find everyone, meaning the holocharacters, singing and dancing and for the first time in a long time, Kathryn smiling and enjoying herself. Michael tells the musicians to pick up the pace as he swings little Katie around the dance floor. But then the music stops, Kathryn is out of breath with her hands in Michael’s. She gets this look on her face and, with heavy breath, she orders the computer to delete all characters except for Michael. Oh yeah, here we go ladies and gentlemen, put the diet Coke down! “Can I ask you something Katie?” “Please.” “Would you mind if I kissed you?” SPLORT! “I might even kiss you back.” She replies with a breathless smile. “There’s no point in waiting any longer is there?” “Oh, I think I’ve waited long enough.” Amen Sister! So has everyone else and even if it’s not Chakotay, you deserve it! Besides, we all have Photoshop software and that can easily be fixed. So go to town!!! A short kiss and Kathryn pulls away. “Is there something wrong?” Michael is met with a barely breathed “No” and some very into-it lip lock. Right there! That is what I’m talking about, why Kate just rocks. She made it believable! Breathless and believable, and just -- wait, I need to hit rewind. Wonder how many takes that scene took? Next Scene: Kathryn’s quarters. You can tell she is struggling with all this as she recycles some of the old Irish books she was reading. Does it make anyone else sick that Kate can tell you exactly what the problem is without saying a word? The pain on her face. Ouch. Neelix enters and invites her to Sullivan’s for a gathering only to be met with “Let’s just say I’d rather stick to reality right now.” She’s fighting it! We then see some crew members in the pub, and Michael is at the corner table, drinking. But Tom didn’t program him for drinking, so he and the doctor investigate. Michael is in pain, little Katie has left him without a word after the three happiest days of his life: he’s angry and drunk. A brawl breaks out causing Tom, Harry and a few others to have to go to sickbay. We then see Kathryn enter sickbay, asking Tom and Harry what happened, only to be met with very uncomfortable looks from them both. “Arm wrestling get out of hand, boys.” “It was Michael Sullivan, Captain….” Kathryn’s head snaps back to Harry. “He was…(the doctor clears his throat) looking for someone.” Uh oh yet again. The doctor suggests that he and the captain take a little walk. Kathryn slowly turns her head with the most unbelievable look on her face. We see them walking the halls as the doctor tells Kathryn that the fight spilled out into the street: that Michael climbed up a tree and began shouting her name. And that he had noticed the alterations to Michael’s program. Kathryn is noticeably uncomfortable. I would be too! We all know how private Kathryn is, how she distances herself from the crew, and to have some of her senior officers aware of something that she herself considers out of line -- I can only imagine. “You want a confession, Doctor?” (He’s still in the priest’s robe.) “What happened?” “Oh you know the story. Girl meets boy. Girl modifies boy’s subroutines.” I wish! “Did you have intimate relations?” “That is none of your business.” Bam! We all know what that means -- oooo and by a lake too! Blah. Blah. Blah and Kathryn tells the doctor that when Michael fell asleep, with his head on her shoulder, he started to snore. When she realized she could just change his subroutines to make him stop, it reminded her that everything around her was an illusion. So she left, almost writing him a letter. Can you believe that? A Dear John letter to a hologram. The doctor follows her. “But you’re the captain. You can’t have a relationship with a member of your crew. They’re all your subordinates.” At this point, I threw the diet Coke can at the television. Thank you so very much for reminding us about protocol. “He’s not real.” “He’s as real as I am.” Then we see Kathryn’s face lighten somewhat, like the Doctor struck a cord. He tells her to stop trying to control every aspect of the situation. “Maybe I just needed to be sure -- he’d love me back.” Was Kathryn’s answer in a very emotional and almost breaking voice? Now that hurt. But that is what I love about this episode. There is that vulnerability, that human tenderness and need that we all knew Kathryn has inside of her that the writers rarely let out, that side Kate portrays with such great depth of feeling – oops, sorry, I got carried away there. “I’ve never been afraid of taking risks,” Kathryn replies as the Doctor continues to encourage her. Excuse me, oh yes you have -- New Earth, Chakotay, back rub, parameters and how many years later all you do is have candlelit dinners with him? Risks, yes. Afraid of teasing/leading him on? No. “Perhaps, next time you should just let him snore.” And the next scene: On the bridge and Voyager is encountering problems with the wave. The ship is losing integrity as the wave’s force gets stronger, forcing Kathryn to make a decision. Five minutes until they can clear the wave and the ship is rocking, systems are failing. Chakotay suggests a deflector beam to cut a path through, but that means taking power from other shipwide systems including the holodecks. “Captain, there’s not enough time to go through the holodeck shutdown sequence; we’d lose most of Fair Haven.” “Do it.” Once a captain -- and we love her for it -- well, sometimes. Voyager makes it through the wave intact but Fair Haven is another story. And the next scene: Harry and Tom are in the failing holodeck program. They can only save about 6 percent of it. They have to get started with the repairs. “So what do we save?” Tom looks at Harry and replies “There’s someone I should talk to before we decide.” How sweet is that? We then see Tom enter Kathryn’s ready room with a report on the repairs. “Harry tells me that we should be able to save about 6 percent of the existing elements. I thought you might have a suggestion or two.” Don’t you just love Tom? The final scene: Kathryn enters the holodeck and inquires if the Michael Sullivan program is still intact. The computer activates him. This is going to hurt! Michael tells her she disappeared on him and Kathryn tells him she’s leaving Fair Haven. “Another man?” Her denial is a very firm and sultry “No.” “Are you not ready to settle down?” “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” They continue: “But there’s one thing I want you to know. I love you Katie.” Oh, kill me now! Kathryn lets out a deep breath. In a very shaky voice she replies “I might actually be passing this way in six or seven weeks. Maybe I’ll stop by the (and she could barely get this out without crying) pub.” Oh, I’m dying here! Kathryn walks toward him, smiles and kisses him softly on the cheek, backs away and with this pain in her voice, commands the computer to end the program. Shaken and sad, Kathryn turns to leave but pauses. She enters one more modification to the character as she turns to look at where Michael once stood. "Deny Kathryn Janeway any future access to his behavioral subroutines.” “Modification complete.” “Save program.” And with a determined stride, Kathryn exits the holodeck. Voyager continues towards home. Me? I’m screaming at the television again. If we had a rating system, I’d give it 3 ½ stars: not 4, due to the simple fact that she didn’t do all this with Chakotay. And massive kudos to Robin Burger, the writer, for finally giving us an episode not centered around Seven’s growing pains or Voyager fighting aliens. She took us back to the reason we all loved “The Next Generation” when it was airing, back to the characters’ interaction and growth, not some sci-fi shoot’ em up like we get out of Brannon Braga 24 hours, seven days a week on the show. All in all, a great episode and it couldn’t have come at a better time: I needed a reminder as to why I still watch “Star Trek: Voyager” that was not Kate, Robert, Robbie or Garrett and I feel I got it in spades. ~ Erin Blalock I love Janeway. She is one of my three favorite characters on “Voyager,” Tom Paris and the Doctor being the other two. But it seems The Powers That Be just keep rearranging her personality and focus as if she were a plastic doll they can just pull and twist around like a pretzel. “Fair Haven” is one example of this happening. This is NOT good. The entire plot focuses on Janeway having “fun” with a holographic Irish pub owner named Michael Sullivan. Mike is a creation of Tom Paris as part of his holoprogram of an Irish town called Fair Haven (thus the title of the episode and the holoprogram). Now “Fair Haven” was an episode fun to watch with many wonderfully humorous moments with the Voyager crew, but the focus was still on Janeway having “fun” with Mike. This episode feels like The Powers That Be’s answer to giving Janeway a permanent intimate relationship. They even have Chakotay approving this relationship and the Doc citing protocols that she can’t get involved with the crew or any aliens, thus her only solution is a three-dimensional hologram who is not even aware of the real world where Janeway lives. It is this concept that makes me very upset with “Fair Haven” and its portrayal of Janeway. Having “fun” with a hologram is one thing, but making her fall for Michael is another. With all her knowledge and experience, she is supposed to be better than this; she is supposed to know Michael just can’t give her what she needs in a relationship compared to a real person who understands the real world. It’s like falling in love with a toy; one can’t have an intimate relationship with a toy. The episode portrays her as being unstable mentally by showing her going down such a path. Besides, in the real world, one can’t reprogram another person to fit one’s ideal criteria of a mate. It is impossible and unspeakable. That’s the whole point in dating and having a relationship, to get to know each other and find out if you’re meant to be with other. Mark Johnson, Janeway’s former fiancé, undoubtedly wasn’t exactly perfect, but she nevertheless fell in love with him for his qualities, even if she didn’t like some of them. So it’s rather stupid for Janeway to fall in love with a hologram she programmed to fit her exact specifications. And the order she gave to prevent herself from changing Michael’s personality program is moot since Michael already is programmed to her guidelines. Some people on the Net keep pointing to Harry Kim in “Alter Ego” as an example of falling for a hologram. But that’s completely different, because by the end of “Alter Ego” Kim has learned that a relationship with a hologram is impossible and he starts seeking the companionship of women in the crew. Janeway didn’t learn the lesson at the end of “Fair Haven”; her relationship with Michael smacks of having no sense of reality. Thus Kim is made to look smarter than Janeway, who is Kim’s superior. Pretty silly, huh? So “Fair Haven” was deeply disappointing despite many great character moments for the Voyager crew. If The Powers That Be think making Janeway fall in love with a hologram -- who has no concept of the real world and just is a recreational toy -- will improve her image and is a good character concept, they have their brains screwed too tightly. None of the previous captains fell in love with holograms, why should Janeway? My advice is this: Make Janeway wake up! Make her realize that she can’t fall in love with a hologram and make her socialize more with her crew. She has many friends on board; she’s not alone. She can play pool with Paris, more Velocity games with Seven, chess with Tuvok (who is her dearest, closest friend), have more dinners with Chakotay. This is living a life. She doesn’t need to have an intimate relationship to live a life. She can easily wait until she reaches home or she can have “fun” but that’s all she can do with a hologram, which is not sentient as the Doctor. And one last thing. If The Powers That Be in the future make Michael suddenly have sentience just to solidify the idea of Janeway loving him further, that’ll be crossing the line. Eliminate such writers and the producer. Because if Janeway becomes Reg Barclay, only worse, I will mourn deeply for the loss of a good captain who fell -- not to enemy fire -- but to her unhealthy mental state. ~ George Padovan I'm left with a deep sadness after watching this episode. I've spent an hour with some of my favorite people, both characters and actors, and I even liked this episode. But all I can feel is sad. After five years worth of repressed emotions -- sexual and every other kind -- Janeway can not resist the fair town of Fair Haven or playing with its fair inhabitants. In Michael Sullivan, Janeway has created the perfect mate for herself. He's the right height, he quotes Irish poetry (something that Janeway apparently loves, even if she's never heard of the poets and we've never heard of this interest that's at odds to her scientific nature), and he always wants to do exactly what she wants to do. Which is have sex. Let's call this relationship what it is: sex in the holodeck, where everything is perfect. Whether or not sex actually happened isn't important. Sex is the instigator, and though it supposedly turns into a real romance, I have a hard time buying that love plays much part. We sure don't get to see those wonderful three days where the love supposedly blossoms between Janeway and Sullivan like a rose in spring. Michael Sullivan was much more alive and interesting before Janeway started messing with his matrix; he was fun, funny, and challenging as a friend -- just what Janeway needed, though not what she wants. The mental angst that comes from this irresistibly perfect holoworld is more real than the world itself. Janeway fancies herself if not in love, then at least attached to this modified hologram. Only after the fact does she question the morality and rightness of a dalliance with a bunch of photons. The best part of this story - its saving grace, in fact - comes from the Doctor's wonderful corridor conversation with Janeway over the ethics and morality of this situation. We finally address some of the taboo topics of "Voyager": should the captain be allowed to have romantic relationships, and does she have any options in partners? According to the doctor and everybody else involved, she clearly can't be involved with a subordinate, but is a hologram acceptable? I've never bought the rule about no contact with subordinates. It's a rule of convenience, not reality. How convenient it is that a holodeck subordinate is acceptable. "What does it matter how his molecules are aligned?" asks the Doctor. The Doctor makes an excellent point, one hard to argue against, especially since he's also a grouping of photonic molecules that everybody feels free to form and enjoy a relationship with. I can't dispute him; I like the Doctor as much as any fan, and would fiercely argue for his right to sentience. But nobody on the ship created him specifically as a relationship toy, either. Which makes me wonder about Janeway's liaison with Michael. Can it be a relationship if Janeway programmed it? If Michael's perfect, then is there any challenge? If there's no challenge, can it even be called a relationship? Michael can't help but fall in love with Janeway. It's his program, making the triumph of love an empty one, devaluing the emotion altogether. Can it be anything but empty on Janeway's part? This is a cowardly episode, yet another one with the potential reset button already in place. If Janeway tires of Michael in future episodes, there are no ramifications for her to deal with, no explanations. All she has to do is delete him. The Doctor can talk on about Michael's acceptability all he wants, but the bottom line is there's no real risk involved here. Janeway can mope and frown for infinity, but a mope and a frown and an angst-filled conversation over the dangers of a relationship with a real crew member have a lot more dramatic power than the same over a deletable hologram in a deletable holodeck program. The choice they made with this episode is scary. But the scariest part is that Chakotay cheerfully admits being victim of the same situation. Sad. ~ Linda Bindner This has to be one of the most controversial episodes of Voyager yet to air. I’ve read reviews and opinions by several different people, and there are those who love it and there are those who don’t. Opinions about this episode seem mainly based upon people’s personal feelings concerning romance, sex, and masturbation. The whole self-gratification part wasn’t what bugged me about this episode; I’ll get to that later. Janeway is not the first person (human or alien) to use a holodeck for sexual purposes. The holo-suites on Deep Space Nine were Quark’s biggest attraction -- and Chakotay himself even admitted that a lover being a trick of light and a force field never stopped him. Likely Janeway will not be the last one ever to personalize a lover. Holodecks were built mainly for enjoyment, not only with a wide variety of ready- made programs, but the ability to create one’s own little fantasy world. (It’s a standing joke among Trekkers that if holodecks actually did exist, some people would never come out of them!) After Janeway met Michael, and then changed his subroutines, she battled with her own inner emotions about whether or not to continue her relationship. She started out fluttery, like a teen-ager in her first year of high school, and it was almost painful to see Kate Mulgrew act like that. But then she wised up and realized that what was happening wasn’t really a relationship, but instead her perception of a perfect romance brought to life by 24th century technology. She was smart enough to realize that Michael could never be more to her than a sexual release. As long as she doesn’t ever cross the line and confuse masturbation with romance, then there is nothing wrong with her creating holographic men for pleasure. I only hope that she doesn’t let the Doctor change her mind; his pleading a fellow photon man’s case was stupid and humiliating. Even a 21st century woman like me knows that there are BIG differences between photons and force fields and flesh and blood. Her loneliness and her desperation to be treated as a sexual creature are understandable. They’ve been lost in the Delta Quadrant for many years now and she is only human, with the same needs and desires as the rest of us. I would be willing to bet that she doubts her own attractiveness or if any man would ever again want her in a sexual way. Masturbation can be a wonderful thing, but it can never replace the emotions of someone caring about you. And there’s something to be said about the secret things that go on between lovers behind closed doors. Of course, I would certainly love to see her in an actual intimate relationship, preferably with Chakotay (who obviously adored her up until two years ago). But The Powers That Be are so feeble- minded, narrow-minded, and downright convinced that women cannot command AND be sexually active, that I don’t even consider that a possibility any more. It’s a stupid, male-dominated way to think, but until Rick Berman and Brannon Braga are replaced, it’s what we’re going to get. I would much rather have Janeway either lead a nun’s life or routinely utilize the services of a holographic gigolo than have The Powers That Be try to convince me that she can find true love and happiness with anyone other than a real-live person. What bothered me about this episode and made me angry is that every person on the ship knew about Janeway’s romantic involvement with Michael. More specifically, the major male characters around her knew, save Tuvok. Deciding to have an intimate relationship is a very deep and personal decision and it is disturbing that her sex life (or lack thereof) became such a public spectacle. Why couldn’t the writers have made her storyline a B-plot and then focused more on the storm and given Janeway more privacy to explore her own feelings? Maybe they just felt the need to ridicule a grown woman and her decision to have sex or maybe they felt that her decision wasn’t justified until all the men had something to say about it. Obviously, in the minds of The Powers That Be, a woman’s sexuality is merely a joke, something to become comedic fodder for the men around her — in this case, the subordinates who serve under her. What also bothered me about this episode is that Janeway actually hesitated a moment after Harry informed her that he would have to destroy the Fair Haven program in order to save the ship. As if there were actually a decision to be made and that Michael could actually be killed! I guess that scene could be perceived another way, that Janeway could also have been hesitating because she knew how fond the crew was of the program and how hard Tom and Harry had worked to create it. If that’s true, then the writers should have given Janeway a line such as “Sorry Tom and Harry,” before giving the final command, making it perfectly clear that her hesitation wasn’t because she was concerned about her holographic lover. It was fun to see Harry and Tom working and playing together and poking fun at people, just like old times (you know -- first season, Captain Proton) and their scenes had me laughing out loud. Tom is a natural smart aleck and Harry is the perfect straight man. And this is also the first episode in two seasons plus 10 episodes where Janeway’s character gets some major screen time, but doesn’t spend all of it either worrying about Seven, listening to Seven, or doing anything remotely related to Seven. ~ Annmarie Daneker Once the idea of Janeway being exposed and embarrassed to her crew was dealt with, this episode grew on me. The first time through, caused wincing with embarrassment in so many places - when Chakotay teased Janeway on the bridge about her hololover; when Michael was drunk and telling Paris, Harry, and Doc about how he and Katie were in love; when Janeway waltzed into sickbay to see her injured crew and learns Michael was "looking for someone" - aauurrggghhh!! But after a few more viewings, it seemed her exposure actually served to bring her closer to the crew, just as the Doc's exposure did. The crew, rather than ridiculing her, reacted tenderly and compassionately. For example, Chakotay (and I have never been a big fan of his) was sublime, with his bemused looks and gentle coaxing of the truth from Janeway on the bridge. The Doctor as Janeway's counselor was sweet. He removed her from sickbay to spare her additional embarrassment, and actually blocked Janeway's escape into the turbolift to force her to take her medicine - i.e., listen to his words of wisdom. Later, Harry flashed a look of concern when he told Janeway she might lose her holographic honey, and Paris made a special trip to tell Janeway she could save Michael if she wanted. It was very touching, and a clear indication of how loyal they are to her and perhaps a bit protective, even though SHE is technically their fearless leader. Having the captain consult a hologram as to whether it was okay to be involved with a hologram did seem a bit strange. The Doctor has grown beyond his programming, though, and I'd even argue he has a soul. Michael, however, is still what someone PROGRAMMED him to be. Having fun with a hologram is one thing, but receiving emotional nourishment when a nonsentient hologram falls in love with you, or falling in love with one, is a little tough to swallow. Kate Mulgrew as Janeway flashed those radiant smiles of hers like alms for the poor, such as when she walked into the holodeck for the first time glowing for no reason - especially when she was coming to retrieve Tom and Harry for a conference on a potential threat to the ship. It threw me off a bit since we haven't seen such a joyful Janeway in ages. But I enjoyed it. I also loved Mulgrew's portrayal of guilty angst. Her furtive little smile as she entered the holodeck to modify Michael. Her pause after her first kiss with Michael. Her little sideways glance back toward the doctor when he said "Ahem" to stop Harry from repeating the full story about Michael and the bar fight. And of course, all of the Chakotay-Janeway scenes were terrific, as her embarrassment was palpable. Her portrayal of stoic loneliness was palpable when she recycled the books Michael gave her and during her conversation with Neelix about wanting to live in reality for a while. In fact, her loneliness is what is carried away from this episode. It seems sad to turn to a hologram for emotional nourishment, even unhealthy, no matter what the Doctor says. Michael's not real. He’s not sentient. He doesn’t know he’s a hologram. He doesn’t know he’s on a starship. He doesn’t even know Janeway’s real name. He is the embodiment of a figment of Paris' imagination, with a few Janeway modifications. What the Doctor was spouting about how the only thing that matters is how he makes her feel was a bunch of nonsense. Many inanimate things make us think and feel - music, literature, art, movies - and it doesn't change the fact that they are inanimate. Another nit to pick was Janeway indicating to the Doctor that her hesitation sprang partly from a fear that Michael wouldn't love her back. Where did THAT come from! Her hesitation with Michael was justifiably about the nature of his existence - or lack thereof. Whether or not she can control him, whether or not he cares for her, those issues aren't unique to a hologram. Michael is likable, but The Powers That Be shouldn’t try to sell him as a relationship for Janeway. If she continues to hang out with him, but with an eyes-wide-open attitude, more casual, just for fun, it wouldn't be objectionable. It's the presentation as a love interest that poses the problem. What can love from a computer program really mean?? I have problems with her giving her heart and soul (not to mention body) to a computer program, sentient or not. This said, I loved “Fair Haven,” because I chose to view Michael as a means to reveal more about Janeway, about her loneliness and about the devotion of her crew. The scenes with Chakotay in particular were just wonderful. I give it a 9 out of 10. ~ A. Goodhart VIRTUOSO Nielsen rating: 3.7 Episode summary: The Doctor gains rock star status when Voyager encounters an advanced but arrogant race which is fascinated by the medical officer's passable singing talent; their adulation prompts him to consider leaving Voyager. Over the past seasons, we have watched the Doctor struggle to incorporate more human elements into his program. He has desired to be treated as an equal by the crew for a long time, and he has expressed frustration over a perceived lack of appreciation for his talents. The funny part of this episode was watching his success in achieving these goals go straight to his head, a very human reaction. How far he's come in his efforts is reflected in his interpersonal relationships with his shipmates. That they have come to regard him as one of them is demonstrated in their reactions to his growing ego. Neelix is, of course, excited and enthusiastic to have a celebrity on board. Lt. Torres is not buying any of it, calling him arrogant and self-absorbed; he immediately tries to make himself look good to his Komar lady friend by insulting B'Elanna. Capt. Janeway has decided to let him have a little fun, figuring it won't last long enough to be a problem. However when it becomes clear that he is not exercising self-control, she steps in with a reality check. Lt. Tuvok is annoyed because all the visitors are causing extra security problems aboard ship. Then there is the great Janeway scene, the one with Seven of Nine and Capt. Janeway in astrometrics. Seven is unaware of the phenomenon of fan mail and thinks the ship is under attack. Janeway clearly enjoys educating Seven on this particular subject, and it was delightful to see Janeway relaxed and laughing. The irony in this scene couldn't have escaped either actor, and Kate didn't even try to keep a straight face. I couldn't help wondering if she was thinking of us. The scene in Capt. Janeway's ready room where the Doctor asked to be allowed to leave was interesting, because it shows how both the Doctor's and Janeway's attitudes have changed during the past five years. Janeway has come a long way from her initial attitude that he was just another piece of Voyager's equipment package. When she asks him if he's sure his needs can be met by the Komar, his reply indicates his awareness of his artificial nature even as he's fighting for his right to self-determination as a human. He doesn't seem to realize that if Capt. Janeway truly thought of him as a machine, they wouldn't have been having that conversation. Her statement, "As captain, I should refuse this resignation, but as a friend I won't stand in your way," only reinforces this. The goodbye scenes were telling in their examination of the depth of the crew’s feelings for the good doctor. Tom Paris can't believe the Doctor is really going to leave the ship. When the Doctor replies that he thought Tom would be glad to be rid of him, Tom attempts to cover his true feelings with humor, as he so often does; but this time his words sound hollow and forced. When the Doctor asks B'Elanna for help deleting his medical files so he can sing Tinku's composition, she can't resist needling him a bit, reminding him of his earlier jabs at her competence. She doesn't stay upset with him though, instead offering friendly advice for him to think over, that if she reprograms him he'll lose his unique personality. Finally, the goodbye scene between Seven of Nine and the Doctor in the cargo bay was powerfully evocative. I'm not a Seven of Nine fan, but I had to swallow a lump in my throat at the end of a scene I've experienced so many times myself. Seven is having to say goodbye to someone who's been her mentor and ultimately, her friend. She's the only one in a position to honestly let the Doctor know how she feels about his decision to leave, and she doesn't pull any punches. The chemistry between the two of them was awesome! Here again we have evidence of how successful the Doctor has been in his efforts to become more than a program. He is so wrapped up in himself, he misses all the clues the crew gave him to tell him he was appreciated and would be missed. How human of him. In the end, when he has to go crawling back to Capt. Janeway for his job and is told he will be expected to follow orders like any flesh and blood member of the crew, it finally begins to sink in. It was gratifying to see the comprehension finally dawn as his best friend, Seven of Nine, gives him the only fan mail that really matters. The Doctor discovers he already has what he's been fighting for: respect, appreciation, friendship, and a sense of belonging. ~ Cherise L. Reese SPIRIT FOLK Nielsen rating: 3.2 Episode summary: Characters within the holographic re-creation of Fair Haven turn against the Voyager crew when they begin to notice “ magical” happenings during the crew’s visits. I don't have much to say about this episode other than I considered it to be not only one of the weakest episodes of “Voyager” ever aired, but also simply ridiculous. This episode proves for the 450th time that all holodecks should be shut the hell down and never used. Period. Any questions? Holdecks have been problems since early early first season of “The Next Generation” (as well as the animated series where holodecks were first seen in Trek) and they do little but cause massive problems on massive scales. How? -- Somehow the holodeck gains its own power -- Somehow the holodeck safeties go off -- Somehow a holodeck character starts to control the holodeck -- Somehow the holodeck characters start to realize their reality ain't reality which causes problems for Our Crew[tm] This puts the crew in danger again and again and again and again and again, and I am so ever-loving TIRED of it! The last straw came when Janeway was asked by Torres about simply taking in a full Security team to drag out Paris and Kim and shut down the whole system. But no! It would destroy all of Fair Haven! We just can't have that now, can we??? What an outrage. Janeway was a measly mouse in this episode and that just made everything even worse. This episode goes in my category as one of the all-time low points of the series and of Star Trek in general and should be forgotten as soon as possible. But no, Fair Haven still exists and we are bound to see this tripe again. What an incredible waste of our time. Excuse me while I go off and rewatch Wednesday night's "The West Wing" which was infinitely more interesting and watchable than "Spirit Folk." Next Week: "Ashes to Ashes." A Voyager crew member comes back from the dead. Hummmmm, we’ve never seen THAT plot line before. ~ Sashi Alexandra German The only nice thing I have to say about this latest episode of “Voyager” is that if the Emmy Awards ever offer a “Worst Episode Ever” category, Brannon Braga would finally have his chance to make a widely televised acceptance speech. When “Voyager” does goofy, it does it well. Tom Paris and his straight man, Harry Kim, are always a treat to watch, thanks to the comedic talents of McNeill and Wang. The whole sweet-lass-into-a- cow trick was sort of cute and their nonchalant attitude when they were captured, reminding us that indeed it was supposed to be funny, was, well, funny. But watching Capt. Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager, defeater of baddies all over the Alpha and Delta Quadrants, prancing all over the place like a lovesick teen-ager was downright embarrassing. She’s so in love with her man-shaped vibrator she doesn’t make any sense at all anymore. The way she just melts when he looks at her or her decision to give him a book about two people from different times falling in love -- it’s like watching an after-school special about puppy love. Kate Mulgrew does falling in love well — it’s a shame that her talent is wasted on such an inane storyline. Watching this same Capt. Kathryn Janeway trying to defend her decision not to pull the plug on a program that could easily be re-created (thus saving her two crew members and important medical software from possible harm) was an insult to every female who’s been in a position of leadership. All of Janeway’s excuses about relationships and emotions clearly indicate that this woman is addicted to this holo-bartender and needs to be sent to the same detox that Barclay was. I’ve decided that Berman and Braga are hell-bent on proving to the Trek audience that they have indeed made a major mistake in making the role of Janeway female, instead of male like the previous three captains. These two want to prove to the viewing audience that women are incapable of leadership for a variety of reasons --but especially concerning sex and relationships -- so that any future Trek series are certain to feature a male captain. What was interesting in all of this was Chakotay’s role. Small as it was, it stood out. When Michael first appeared on the bridge, Janeway approached him cautiously to explain where he is and who she really is. Instead of getting those two in a nicely framed shot while she talks to him, we get a nicely framed shot of those two -- with Chakotay on the lower left, watching her every move. Then he questioned her decision to show Michael Sullivan around the ship. At first I couldn’t figure out why he would be so concerned until I realized that he’s smarter than I thought he was. He was either trying to make her see that she was indeed acting like a fool over a trick of light and photons, or he was concerned that Janeway would take Michael to her quarters for hours of fun, leaving him to deal with the problem down in the holodeck. After watching Janeway fawning all over Michael, I vote for the latter. ~ Annmarie Daneker OVERSEAS REVIEWS DRONE Episode summary: Returning to the ship, a transporter malfunction causes some of Seven’s nanoprobes to mix with the Doctor’s mobile emitter and after sampling some DNA from Ensign Mulcahey, a Borg drone is produced. I am not one of Seven of Nine’s biggest fans, but this episode ranks as one of my favourites. This is largely due to the superb portrayal of One by J. Paul Boehmer. Even after watching this episode many times, I never fail to cry at the last scene in sickbay. The episode starts with Seven trying out her smile in the cargo bay. It was humorous when the Doctor walked in without “knocking” and she berated him for it. How often has Seven just walked in unannounced? As usual Robert Picardo’s dry humour was a good foil for Seven’s aloof manner. But the scene in the science lab where Mulcahey walked in and saw the Borg changes caused some concern. We’re not talking naïve crew members here, they’ve been stuck out in the Delta Quadrant for over four years. Surely he should’ve set alarms off straight away. It also concerned me that we never heard of him after this scene or his reaction to being a “parent” Janeway kept within character by refusing to “pull the plug” on the Drone, but she came across as being a bit high and mighty with her comment to Seven that “We succeeded, we’re going to pull the same trick again.” There are so many good scenes in this episode. Boehmer got into his character immediately and brought One across as childlike. In the scene where he is assimilating the knowledge in the Data nodes, his face showed that he was absorbing the knowledge and he altered his speech to demonstrate this. Then in Janeway’s ready room, he brought across that he so desperately wanted to please, just as a child would, and Janeway reacted to this. Also good was the Doctor’s reaction when One said he was a mistake and the EMH said it was a random convergence of technology. But the highest drama had to be in sickbay, where One was dying and he refused to drop the force field so that the Doctor could treat him. Tears were already welling up at this point and as soon as Seven said “You’re hurting me,” and he replied, “You will adapt,” that was it; they started rolling down my face. Jeri Ryan was excellent in the last part of the scene where she was just moving aimlessly around sickbay. Her hurt was palpable at this point. Quote of the episode had to be B’Elanna: “The Borg don’t assimilate anymore, they just show up and look helpless.” I’d give this episode a definite 9/10. ~ Jeanette Warran England DREADNOUGHT Episode summary: Voyager finds some debris, and B’Elanna finds a reminder of her past. Voyager finds some debris and B'Elanna admits she knows what it is and what it'll do. So they quickly call down Seven and she saves the day -- Oh, yes, I forgot. She hadn't joined the crew yet, so how on Earth will the Voyager crew be able to disarm Dreadnought without her help. Gosh, how did they get along without her.... I digress. I really like B'Elanna in this one. I'd forgotten how smart she was. Now that wondergirl is on board, no one else need be smart so maybe that explains it, but they all worked so well together as a team. And where is that noble Chakotay that B'Elanna mentioned in her chat with Tom? The one that put his hand on her shoulder and gently told her he was hurt by her and he'd thought she, B'Elanna, trusted him? Admittedly, the episode didn’t seem as enjoyable on the first viewing ages ago. Is it me that's changed? Or is it the series? During the taping of the series for a friend and the rewatching of the episodes, I am really enjoying them all so much this time round. I loved the fact that Chakotay didn't want to leave Janeway behind on the ship. Then when she allowed Tuvok to stay, I was a bit miffed, until I realised that she didn't want Chaks to die because she cares so much about him (serious projecting here ). There was also a nice continuation thread of Samantha and her pregnancy, the Doc and his name and Tom alienating himself from the crew in preparation for his leaving. That's all. Nothing profound, but realising how “Voyager” has changed over the years and wondering if it was for the better. ~ Sheena Ainsbury South Africa MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Synopsis: Using an alien sensor link Seven is able to locate a Starfleet vessel in the Alpha Quadrant. They only have 41 minutes to transmit a message and when normal messages degenerate Janeway decides to send the Doctor. However he arrives on the vessel to discover it has been taken over by the Romulans. As usual Robert Picardo gave a superb performance and there were some wonderfully funny moments in his scenes with Andy Dick who plays the Mark 2 EMH. Loved the idea of the Prometheus being able to split into three and fire independently. Voyager could definitely have benefited from this technology. This was a good episode to show how the Doctor’s programme has developed because he had to think on his feet, and it was nice to see him boasting about his achievements (a very human quality). And he showed compassion when he relayed Starfleet’s message to Janeway at the end of the episode. The favourite scene had to be when the two EMHs had taken the ship and were trying to stop it from being taken by the Romulans; it was hilarious seeing them trying to navigate and fire and almost self-destruct the ship. Best quotes had to be: Doctor: “Stop breathing down my neck.” EMH 2: “My breathing is merely a simulation.” Doctor: “So is my neck, stop it anyway.” Other good scenes were Janeway lounging on the command chair and telling Chakotay she had been writing letters to home and the way he looked at her in the final scene when she said 60,000 light years seems a little closer today. We don’t get that many good J/C moments any more, so to get two in one episode was good. Now on to the nit picks. I’m getting slightly concerned with the way they’re changing Janeway’s character. I know she’s desperate to get her crew home but is she that desperate that she would risk losing the Doctor’s programme? Was it really worth the possibility of being stuck in the Delta Quadrant without any medical back up? We don’t even have Kes any more, I know we’ve got Tom but I don’t think he would make a very good full-time medic. Also, when Seven created a feedback to give the Hirogen a shock, all Janeway did was sigh, give a look, and that was it. If it had been B’Elanna she would probably have had a verbal reprimand. Another nit is that we have often heard the Doctor say that he has been programmed to cause no harm. Yet on the Prometheus bridge when the Mark 2 EMH said to divert power from life support because the two holographic doctors don’t need it, the Doctor didn’t even bat an eyelid -- even though they had 27 unconscious Romulans on board. I could have accepted it if he’d said leave minimal power to life support. All in all a good sound episode and I’d give it a 9/10. ~ Jeanette Warran England LA DOLCE VITA Episode summary: The Doctor learns more about being human after he discovers his programming has been changed to erase his guilt and trauma. There is something about my coffee machine. I have to wait for several minutes before I can take my coffee from the coffee machine, otherwise it won’t be hot enough, and I like to drink my coffee when it’s hot, very hot, and black. I don’t think my coffee machine has a mind of its own. Perhaps one day it will be broken, and I will throw the damn thing away, without any signs of remorse, and I will replace it as quickly as possible. I know someone who takes pictures of his car when he has cleaned it and when the sun is shining beautifully on the bumpers. He talks about his car like it was a person and sometimes, when he thinks I don’t notice, he caresses the vehicle he loves so much. I don’t understand. But how could I? I don’t possess a car! As I sit on my couch I start to read “La Vita Nuova” of Dante. Perhaps it will help me think. Perhaps it will help me to recollect my thoughts for writing this review, perhaps it will even expand my brain functions. Soon my mind starts to wander. As she sits on her chaise lounge, Capt. Kathryn Janeway reads “La Vita Nuova,” to help her think, sipping an espresso. (I am absolutely sure that once she must have had a Latin lover; this could explain the passion she has for everything that is Italian.) Soon her mind starts to wander. The Doctor is a machine, no doubt about that. Or is it? What’s a mind, a soul, a spirit? What is life? Once she flew a spaceship that was destroyed in a battle with an alien vessel. The only thing she has left of this ship is a comm badge. But she still knows her way in the corridors of this ship that no longer exists. The ship still exists, but only in her mind. So, does it exist, or is it gone? The book she holds in her hands is a book that was given to her by her grandmother. It is not only a book, but much more. When she turns the pages she smells the parfum of this woman she loved so much, she remembers her sweet face and the tender kiss before saying good night. To her the book is certainly not a dead object, but a collection of memories, still vivid in her mind. Maybe, just maybe, the soul and spirit of things are simply not detectable. Elaborate and sophisticated devices to do just that do not exist. Not yet anyway. So what does this mean? The Doctor is an artificial life form, but made out of molecules, just like herself. The only difference is – oh no, stop! She won’t allow herself to go any further. She can’t risk it. What will the ship be without a doctor? She has to shut down his memory functions. She will see to it that B’Elanna updates his psychological subroutine. The dilemma the Doctor is suffering from is a classical one. Don’t they treat the subject in medicine school to prevent them from traumas like this? Seven of Nine enters the room. The former drone, bad-mannered, enters the captain’s personal quarters whenever she feels like it. It’s late and the captain has no desire to debate this philosophical matter with Seven. But she can’t help herself. When she meets the woman’s eyes she sees the little girl whose childhood has been ripped apart by Borg technology. She would do anything to make her forget this terror. “No,” she lets Seven know, “I won’t treat the Doctor like a human being. He is not.” Funny, how Seven, who is the last person on board the ship she can think of as having some expertise on human nature, reveals her weak spot without hesitation. How she is vulnerable when it comes to Seven! Without a blink of an eye Seven of Nine presses where it hurts: “Will you abandon me as well?” and leaves the room. What the hell, she will take the risk. By allowing the Doctor to exceed his initial program, she knew something like this could happen. She will show Seven she won’t abandon the Doctor. If he wants to be one of them, so be it, let him get therapy. She will take care of him, she will take care of a friend. I put the book aside. Needles to say I liked this episode very much. One day you are watching a 20th-century show concerning a spaceship in the 24th century. The next thing you know you are reading about a guy in the 14th century, who loves with the most deep Amor a lady whose name is Beatrice. La dolce vita, life is very sweet indeed, if you let yourself enjoy a watchable show like this! ~ Cornelia Nauta The Netherlands COPYRIGHT VIOLATION CORNER This final installment of stories comes from members of our European contingent. Thank you to all who have contributed their creativity over the years. THE MAZE By Pam Rowden When the center of the maze appeared again, for the fifth time of asking, Kathryn leaned heavily against the wall. What was it that they were doing wrong? A patter of footsteps approaching meant that Neelix had caught up with her. She heard the footsteps stop then, without turning, knew that he had his own particular brand of puzzled expression on his face as he contemplated the scene in front of them. "Captain, don't you think that maybe we could ask for help this time?" he asked, maybe a little too anxiously. "Maybe this problem is beyond us.” "No," she replied, determined. "I'm not giving up. If one mind can devise a puzzle, then another can solve it. It's just a matter of time." She sat down, feeling the warm stone on her back, the softness of the grass beneath her legs, and then looked up at Neelix, a half smile on her face. "Of course, you can always go back, if you want to." As she had expected, he slid down beside her. "Not before you do,” he said, before breathing deeply, almost as if he could inhale the solution they needed. Kathryn stretched. "We finally find a peaceful planet willing to welcome strangers as friends, a chance to rest and relax, so what do we do? Try out the local brain teaser the Mystery Maze - as if we didn't have enough challenges in our everyday life as it is!" "Except this time, when we're ready to admit defeat, we can be pulled out any time we want, with nothing lost except our pride," replied Neelix, gently indicating the recall bracelet he wore without being obvious about it. Kathryn considered the option for perhaps half a second, then rejected it as utterly alien to her. "I can't admit defeat," she told Neelix earnestly. "Because out there, I don't have that option. So I can't allow myself to indulge in it here." Neelix accepted her words in silence. They simply confirmed what he already knew of his captain and, in essence, were why he had volunteered to accompany her when she had first shown an interest in the maze. Because he knew that -- left to her own devices -- she would not leave the maze until she had managed to solve it. The rules forbade her being removed without her consent and, according to those who had piqued her interest, the maze was alleged to be insoluble. Whatever happened, he had not wanted her to face it alone. Tuvok, Tom and B'Elanna had believed she would give up after two or three hours; Neelix had known that wasn't so. That was why he had gone with her and why he stayed, even now, five hours later. Neelix watched Kathryn study her surroundings; like a living tricorder, she tried to take in every detail of the heart of the maze, the engravings, the plants, even the pattern of the stones that made up the wall, trying to pick up on any detail she might have missed on their previous visits to this location. She even appeared to be studying him at one point, but without being too obvious about it. When she relaxed, he began to hope that she might have recognized that this was an impossible problem; when she began to speak, he realized this was not to be. "In most of the mazes I know, you find your way from the entrance to the centre, then you retrace your steps to find the way out. This one is different,” she said. "It certainly is,” affirmed Neelix. "After all, we were beamed directly to the heart of the maze - come to that, we don't even know if there is an entrance!" "Oh, there is," said Kathryn so fervently that Neelix did a double take. "There is always a way out of any trap." She fell silent for a moment or too, then turned to Neelix again. "In a way, it's a bit like you,” she said, taking Neelix's breath away. "Me?" he stuttered. "In what way?" "We are traveling to our homes. You are traveling away from yours. Why?" "Voyager is my home now," protested Neelix. "But it wasn't always. Once you had a home world, a way of life, but you gave up all that to come with us. What draws you on?" "Rinax was destroyed, my family murdered,” he reminded her bitterly. "True," Kathryn conceded. "But Talax still survived, and you certainly seemed to have made your share of friends among the Talaxian merchants we met. You could have made a new life for yourself with them. You have many skills to offer. "Now, Borg space stands between you and everyone you have known. Every day takes us further away from them, closer to our home and the knowledge that when we get there, the family that is Voyager will most likely be torn apart. People will make new lives with the family and friends that were left behind. You are far more cut off from Talax than we ever were from the Federation, yet you persist in your journey. I'm curious." Neelix knew his captain would not pry, but wondered how far he should go to satisfy her curiosity. "The reasons changed during the journey," he said simply. "I can see that; you began the journey with Kes, but first you were no longer together, then she was no longer with us at all. Still, you've come a long way from the man who wanted to wait out the danger when we went to heal the cloud creature we injured so early in our journey." Neelix shrugged. "Life was better than I had known. You had unlimited access to water, for example." "But material needs are not your first concern. You stayed near the Ocampan homeworld to rescue Kes, even though you could have had a better life by moving on. So why stick with us? It wasn't exactly safe!" Neelix sighed. The truth was something he had had difficulty admitting to himself; it would not be easy to say it out loud to another. His trust in Kathryn Janeway, however, told him that she would not abuse it. "For many years, people didn't want me for me. If I had goods or information they wanted, then I was useful; if not, I didn't matter." Kathryn nodded. "Just as you sold yourself as guide and cook when you first joined us: valuing yourself by what you knew, not who you were." "That's why I got so anxious when we were leaving the region of space I knew. I thought you would have no more need for me.” "I remember. That business with Wixiban about the map of the Nekrid expanse. At the time, I was surprised that you didn't know us better, that you would actually believe I would dump you unceremoniously off the ship when we passed beyond the region of space that you were familiar with.” Neelix shrugged. "It was the way I had been treated before. Then, when you didn't desert me; when you kept me with you, even though I seemed to serve no useful purpose; that's when things began to change.” "Besides the useful skill of cheering people up when they were down?" queried Kathryn. "I don't think everyone appreciates that skill as much as you do,” said Neelix. "Mr Tuvok, for example.” "Yes, well ..." said Kathryn, considering Neelix's point of view. "Most of us appreciate it.” "Being accepted as myself - that was something I had not known since I was a child.” continued Neelix. "It's something I want to continue." "And when we reach the Federation, what will you do?" queried Kathryn. "Well, I know my choices will be limited by the decisions of others, but if, in some way, I can help people to feel as wanted as I have on Voyager: well, the reward will be enough,” replied Neelix. Kathryn sighed. "Our choices are always limited by what others decide: it is up to us to make the best choice possible,” she said, before lapsing into silence with what Neelix knew was a “thinking” look in her eye. He could almost hear her brain working as she mused, "Just as our choices have been limited by those who designed the maze." "Er ... yes, Captain,” said Neelix, not entirely sure where she was going. Kathryn turned to him, her face alive with excitement. "Every path we have tried so far has led us straight back to the center, right?" "Right," agreed Neelix, cautiously. "So what did they have in common -- and what was different about the paths we chose not to take?" Thinking carefully, Neelix began to inch his way towards an answer. "They were all ... easier?" he said, uncertainly. He could tell from Kathryn's face that she agreed. "That's right! We're on holiday, so we've been treating this as a holiday and, where possible, taking the easy path!" "Well, why not?" asked Neelix. "Why not assume that the people who devised this maze wanted people to find the way out?" "Because it's supposed to be insoluble!" Kathryn replied. "That means the solution must be hidden from view -- or maybe hidden in plain sight?" "Well, I certainly didn't want to go down that passage with the image of the Borg carved at the entrance!" said Neelix. "It was entirely too realistic for my taste." "Agreed,” responded Kathryn. "As was the Kazon and the Vidiian, let alone the Hirogen. But what if the way out is down one of those paths: what if the images are there to put us off? What if ..." ... there was a pause as the thoughts came together for her. “Come to that, these people might know of the Borg or Hirogen, but why do they have images of a Kazon or a Vidiian?" "That's a good point," said Neelix, hoping to encourage Kathryn to find a solution. If she was on to something, maybe, just maybe, they were on the verge of getting home. However, what he was not prepared for was Kathryn looking him straight in the face and saying, "Which passage did you find the most scary? Which one put you off more than any others?" "Well -- uh -- er --" Neelix hesitated for a moment, not wanting to answer. When it was clear that Kathryn could outlast him, he replied, quietly, "The one with the fire." That got her attention. "Fire?" she queried. "I don't remember that one." "The one on the right as you leave the center of the maze," Neelix replied, barely audibly. That passage brought on a “fight or flight” reaction inside him, with the emphasis definitely on the flight. He didn't understand it; he didn't want to. All he knew was that he had to get away from it. Equally quietly, Kathryn responded, "We've always gone left -- because I feel the same way about that passage. Except I don't see fire; I see ice." Neelix waited as Kathryn marshaled her thoughts. This seemed like the first real clue they had had, but he didn't like the way it was leading. He hoped his captain could see another way through, only to find his hopes dashed as she spoke again. "It's almost as if we need to confront our deepest fears if we are to find our way out of here,” she said in that same, quiet voice, and suddenly Neelix knew it would be just as hard for her to face that passage as it would be for him. She seemed to be gaining time as she turned and asked him, "What does fire mean to you?" "Warmth; companionship; family," he began, then saw Kathryn's expression and knew she was not going to be fobbed off. "The Metreon cascade and the destruction of Rinax,” he concluded. Kathryn nodded. "The death of your family, your home; the end of your life as you had known it,” she said. Neelix nodded, not trusting himself to speak, then wondered why she didn't continue. She was looking around again, but this time she didn't seem to be focusing on anything in particular; it was five minutes before Kathryn spoke again. "You haven't asked what ice means to me,” she said, too softly. The compassion that was Neelix's greatest strength came to the fore. "I didn't want to pry," he replied gently. When Kathryn turned to face him, he could see the tears glistening in her eyes. She didn't want to speak, but evidently felt she must. Neelix gave her the time she needed. "A crash," she said finally. "The deaths of my father, my fiancé -- I couldn't save them --" Neelix was puzzled. "I thought your fiancé was on Earth? Well, he was your fiancé before --. before --" For once, Neelix did not know what to say. "Before he married someone else?" Kathryn finished for him. "No, that was Mark. The one who died in the ice was Justin,” she continued, as if that explained everything. It didn't, but Neelix decided that full understanding could wait until they got to the ship -- if she still wanted to talk about this Justin, that was. Meanwhile, even he could tell where this conversation was leading. "We need to confront situations that can still unsettle us, years after they occurred, if we are going to get out of this on our own,” he said slowly. Kathryn nodded her agreement, then said, "What do you think? Can we do this, or do you want to be pulled out?" "Is that what you want to do?" Neelix asked, reluctant to put himself in a position where he could be leaving her behind. "No,” she replied, "I can't give up, not even now. But I don't want to put you in a position where you will be hurt.” Neelix waited a moment before replying; it was important not to say the wrong thing. "Thinking about that day, about all I lost, is still hard," he said tentatively. "But those events are part of my life and I have to deal with those feelings day by day. It won't be easy going down there, I know that; but it will be just as bad for you. I won't let you go there alone." "It may get worse," Kathryn warned. "Maybe it will; we don't know. That's something we'll have to find out," replied Neelix, sounding considerably braver than he felt. Kathryn seemed to recognize that, as she smiled her gratitude to him. Neelix saw her rise with renewed determination and, as he followed suit, shook his head, wondering quite what he had gotten himself into. The way out of the maze's central chamber was, by now, very familiar to both of them: they passed through the stone doorway without even bothering to study the geometric wall carvings, which had so caught their interest in the past. Suddenly, the images, intriguing as they had been, were no longer relevant. Firm earth underfoot replaced the soft grass as the vegetation was banished to the side of the passage, tracing a path well trodden by countless feet. Reaching the T-junction, they stopped: the path seemed to want to guide them to the left, while the passage to the right was filled with knee-high grasses. To the left, an image of children playing seemed to beckon them on; to the right, a scene which now blended fire and ice in a deadly mix seemed to be intent on barring their way. Kathryn took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I've never noticed that effect before," she said quietly. Neelix glanced at her. It seemed as if she was as unsettled by this image as he was, not something he expected from his normally unflappable captain. "Nor have I," he replied, trying both to convey his understanding and to show the support he was receiving from her in his tone of voice. Kathryn took one step towards it -- close enough to study it in more detail, not close enough to get burned. "It's as if the maze is showing us -- that we are together in this," she murmured. "That there are things we don't have to face on our own." "Well, that is one possibility," agreed Neelix, trying not to think of the alternative, that it was an example of how the maze was getting a deeper grip on them both. He looked at the recall device. Part of him wanted to tap it; another part of him knew he would not. He wondered which part would win. Kathryn stared intently at the image. Now that she knew her adversary, she also was aware of what needed to be done. "Together," she said softly, taking a step forward. Neelix knew the moment had come. Either he would go back alone, or he would leave the maze with his captain. Since he had stuck with her this far, there was no reason not to carry on until journey's end. As both crossed over the passage's threshold, the walls beside them melted away to provide almost holographic images. On the left was Rinax as Neelix had seen it blaze in the night sky so many years ago, shining brightly as it had died. On the right was a scene from an icy nightmare: two men, injured but alive, calling for help from a damaged cockpit as their craft sank into a frozen sea. As the images repeated endlessly in a bizarre kaleidoscope along the walls, Neelix wondered how he could ever pass through them. He glanced at Kathryn; she had gone white, her mouth forming the word "Justin!" just as he was aware that his was silently calling "Alixia!" the name of his long dead sister. He felt as if he were going to faint and, looking at Kathryn, had every reason to believe that she felt the same way. Then, suddenly, she straightened as her eye caught sight of something in the distance. Aware that some of the tension had left Kathryn's body, Neelix strained to glimpse what she had spotted; his best efforts failed until he heard her whisper, softly, "Voyager." There, in the distance, was an image of the ship they both called home. The walls on both sides were surrounding them, but if they looked straight ahead, they could see the way to go. It wasn't easy, pushing through vegetation that had not felt the touch of a sentient being for centuries past, being surrounded by images that he did not want to be reminded of. But, thought Neelix, if his captain could do it then so could he. One step at a time, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the image of a ship floating in space, Neelix moved forward, side by side with Kathryn; never behind, never in front, but always with her. Leaving the maze came as a surprise to both of them. One minute they were passing through the endlessly repeating nightmare, the next they were back on the surface beside the doorkeeper's booth. Once he was able to regain his bearings, Neelix noticed that the sun had almost set; everyone had left, except for the doorkeeper - no, wait, that wasn't quite true. Tuvok was here as well. The doorkeeper was not exactly very communicative. "Congratulations,” he said as he removed the recall bracelets from their wrists, then moved to close his booth for another day. Somehow, Neelix had expected more. Maybe a small party or some other form of minor (or not so minor) celebration, now that the famous Mystery Maze had finally been defeated. Surely this was a once in a lifetime event! Tuvok, while equally silent, was far more welcoming. Someone who did not know the Vulcan so well would probably not have seen it, but Neelix had been trying so hard, for so long, to get a reaction from Tuvok that he could see the relief -- and the praise -- in his eyes as he greeted the returning travelers. It was Neelix's impression that Kathryn could see it too. It made Kathryn smile to think that Tuvok had waited for them. Somehow, it was just like him: to deny that a relationship with a crew member could hold any importance for him other than the logical need for a well trained crew for the ship to function properly, yet to be prepared to wait longer than any other for the explorers to return. Remembering Neelix's desperate attempts in the early years to get any response from Tuvok, she reflected that sometimes you had to be subtle, or maybe look in unexpected places, to see that which you were seeking. "Pleasant evening?" she asked gently. "Indeed, this is a most interesting place in which to meditate,” replied Tuvok, not fooling either Kathryn or Neelix for a moment. "However, I believe the time has come to return to the ship." Standing, he turned before asking, "Did you enjoy your trip through the maze?" "It was -- different,” was all Kathryn was prepared to say, while Neelix contented himself with calling the ship for the beam up. Kathryn was aware of her own pensive mood as she was converted first into energy and then back into matter, as she received the current ship's status reports and noted that all was well, as she decided she might as well call it a night and headed for her cabin. Relaxing with a delicious cup of coffee - lukewarm, true, but none the less welcome for that - Kathryn thought about the events she had been forced to relive today. The pain, the sense of loss, was as sharp as it had ever been; but for the first time, there was something else, a sense of kinship that she couldn't place. Before she had realized what she was doing, Kathryn set her coffee aside, to be forgotten until long after it had cooled to room temperature. She began rifling through a drawer she rarely opened, the drawer she avoided whenever possible, containing, as it did, her most precious memories of home. She almost missed it, but there it was, at the back, half hidden beneath a scarf he had given her - the photograph that was never really that far from her mind, no matter how rarely she actually looked at it. It took no more than a moment to establish from the computer that Neelix was indeed in the mess hall and, as was to be expected at this hour, he was alone. She clutched the picture close to her as she moved through the corridors. Fortunately, none of the three people she passed in the corridor was curious about what she was carrying. When she arrived at the mess hall she found, as she had expected, Neelix clearing up the efforts of the others who had used his galley to prepare supper. Looking at some of the experiments, she thought that she really did not want to know what had been in them. Looking up as Kathryn entered, Neelix asked, "Coffee, Captain?" already moving toward the replicator to fill the anticipated order. Shaking her head slightly - all the movement she dared risk - she showed him the portrait and said, "Justin." Treating the moment with the seriousness it deserved, Neelix took the portrait and studied it for a moment, before saying of the woman also illustrated, "You must have been very young." Kathryn nodded. "I was,” was all she could manage. Returning the picture, Neelix ducked behind his counter and pulled out an image of his own. "Alixia," was his only comment. Kathryn studied the image as Neelix had studied hers, before saying, "She had her whole life ahead of her." Retrieving the image, Neelix began to busy himself, reorganizing pots and pans already in order. "So long ago, yet it seems almost yesterday," he said. "The hardest thing was, those who knew her -“ “... never spoke of him - as if they wished to deny his existence,” Kathryn finished, when Neelix's voice failed. As their eyes met, she continued softly, "Because they didn't know what to say.” As the moment faded, Kathryn began gently, "If you tell me all about Alixia, then I can tell you about Justin.” New hope sprang in Neelix's face; his cooking utensils were forgotten as he began, "Well, just now I was remembering the time -- I must have been about 7 or 8 and had just come home from school, when Alixia was waiting for me, and it was obvious she had a surprise planned ..." Far away, on the planet below, the Doorkeeper of the Maze could almost be said to be smiling. Not only had the mystery maze been solved for the first time in three centuries, but those who had solved it would now find healing of the spirit. That, after all, was what his job was about. Now all he had to do was wait another few hundred years for the riddle to be solved again. Fortunately, he had one or two things he could do in the meantime ... as he waited ... - waited ... - waited ... - waited ... - waited ... - waited ... CAPTAIN’S LOG By Pam Rowden Open captain's log Voyager has remained on course for the Arrayan system; we have opened long range communications with merchants willing to accept star maps in exchange for the fresh fruit and vegetables that the Doctor believes will cure the minor outbreak of space sickness that has occurred today. Eight crew members have been affected to date, though no immediate cause has yet been identified. An unusual nebula has been observed. Though close by, examining it would delay our arrival at Arraya. A more detailed investigation will have to wait. Tom Paris and Seven of Nine won the ping pong tournament held in the mess hall this evening. Open personal log It has been years since space has made me feel this sick. What caused it is a mystery. Engineering systems checked out fine and we haven't passed anything that would cause any turbulence. Fortunately, the medication the Doctor gave me was effective: It doesn't look good when the captain is green around the gills on the bridge ... His working theory of a dietary cause does seem to be the most obvious answer. Somehow, I suspect I will be hearing more from him about "taking the time to eat properly" and "the need for a balanced diet" in the next few weeks. My one consolation is that seven other people were affected as well: perhaps he will be so busy chasing them that he will forget all about me. There has been no sign of the anomaly he originally suspected was the cause of the outbreak - or if there is one out there, it has managed to hide from all our sensors. I wish we had time to actually visit the nebula we photographed today. Not only is it beautiful, with intriguing currents and eddies creating images in the cloud that change almost every minute, but the gases themselves are rare in this combination. I wonder, what will happen when we find a species uninterested in purchasing star maps? Encrypt following personal log entry I have been thinking about what happened today on board the Relativity and there is only one thing that I am sure of: time travel gives me a headache. Mind you, I knew that long before today! Does Seven of Nine find it as hard as I do not to talk about it? If so, she gives no sign of it. How I wish I could tell the Doctor that he was right in the first place, that it was an anomaly that caused the space sickness, even though the epidemic we experienced was much milder than it could have been - or so Seven told me (will tell me?) when we were in the future. Instead, he is pursuing a dietary cause and we are travelling at warp five in search of fresh food, bypassing one of the natural wonders of the galaxy, in search of a treatment for a condition that has, to all intents and purposes, already been cured. Open captain's log The mysterious epidemic of space sickness continues for a second day, but on a reduced scale. No new cases have been reported and, of the eight people affected yesterday, two have shown no symptoms today, and the condition of the remaining six is much improved. The Doctor believes the good news is due to a new stew based on a carrot-like vegetable that he and Neelix have devised between them. Stellar cartography reports that the nebula has drifted in a way that bears little relationship to the dynamics of this part of space. The department's request for a more detailed investigation has had to be met merely by assistance in scanning from the deep space array in astrometrics, since the Doctor informs me it is important that we reach Arraya before his supplies of stew run out. Ensign Kim has formally requested permission to take the bridge during the night watch on a regular basis. I forwarded the request to Commander Chakotay with my recommendation for approval. Open personal log There is only one word to describe the flavour of the not-carrot stew: vile. While I can accept that it is full of vital nutrients and might actually be doing me some good, I have also come to believe that Neelix has finally found something that will rival leola root stew as the most avoided menu item on this ship. (Is it just coincidence that they are both stews, or is there some deeper significance?) If I were responding better to the concoction, it might be more bearable. However, the Doctor is keeping me on two bowls of this -- substance -- a day and, since he has noticed how unpopular it is with those he has condemned to eat it, he insists it be consumed in the mess hall, so that his -- victims -- can't escape. Guess who has to set the good example. How I envy Chapman and Nicoletti. They're feeling better already; maybe I will tomorrow, too. Then maybe I'd be able to look at the scans of the nebula without wondering if it's the nebula moving or if it's me. Encrypt following personal log entry Frustrating isn't the word for the kind of day I've had. Having to eat that not-carrot potion (poison?) when I know it is not going to affect the space sickness is bad enough; decreasing effects of the temporal anomaly that never occurred should lead to the epidemic dying out naturally. But to allow the nebula to pass us by when there is so much to be learned about it --. The only reason I can keep my silence as I face one mouthful after another of that disgustingly slimy, bitter, foul tasting, orange bowl of misery is the fact that the others believe that it will help to ease their discomfort. Maybe, just maybe, if they are convinced it is doing them some good, they will indeed feel better. Meanwhile, it's the nebula we really should be investigating. I don't merely think it is alive; I am certain that it is. How can I be so sure? Because it spoke to me in my dreams. I was there in space with it, aware of the vacuum, the stars, the sheer wonder of the universe. I don't believe it was my imagination because, when I checked with astrometrics, I found that what it would have perceived at the time that I dreamed tallied with my own memories. If I told anyone this, there would be one of two reactions: was I imagining it, finding order in random chance? -- or that this is an opportunity to encounter new life that we shouldn't let slip by. Knowing my crew, I would count on the second reaction: yet I can't tell anyone, because of the other part of my dream - In it, side by side with the glories of the cosmos, I was aware of being on deck four on that day in my past, beside a Seven of Nine who had not yet joined the ship and a Captain Braxton armed with a temporal disrupter, hearing an unknown voice on a strange comm channel telling Captain Braxton (but not the one in front of me) that he was under arrest for crimes he was going to commit. That was when I woke up - with memories of a past that never happened fresh in my mind, and an awareness of -- someone -- else who could not have known of it and yet did. Thanks to the temporal prime directive, Seven of Nine is the only one I can talk to, yet I have been putting off such a conversation all day. Open captain's log A further five victims have recovered completely from the space sickness. The Doctor and Neelix have continued negotiations with the Arrayan merchants and have agreed on a selection of items for trade when we arrive tomorrow. The nebula continues to track us, but is just out of range of our short-range sensors. Opinion is divided as to whether or not this is evidence of sentience. Commander Chakotay is working on a schedule to give Ensign Kim further command experience in addition to taking the bridge during the night shift, probably to include the leading of routine away teams. Open personal log The Doctor tells me that the reason that I am the last remaining victim of the space sickness epidemic is that I alone of yesterday's patients missed out on the helping of that obnoxious mixture he served for breakfast today. If I could find any evidence to refute his suggestion, I would. Since the conventional medications have now lost their effectiveness for me, he has kept me in my quarters this afternoon recuperating, sending Neelix personally to serve lunch (guess what) and promising that he would bring me my supper himself. I would have created a fuss, if only the ship had stopped rocking long enough. Funny, no one else seemed to notice the swaying motion. At least he has seen fit to include other items in my diet. Maybe the prospect of a treat to follow will make the not-carrot stew more palatable this evening. We are having a difference of opinion about what should happen after we arrive at Arraya tomorrow. I would like to go to the surface straight away: at least the ground should be relatively motionless on a planet. He wants to keep all eight of his patients away from any possible new sources of infection. What is most annoying about this whole situation is that, while I am aware that fascinating observations are being made of the nebula, I will have to content myself with reviewing the data later. Encrypt following personal log entry Having all afternoon to think is not necessarily a good thing. My little chat with Seven of Nine last night raised more questions than it answered. She confirmed my recollection of events that did [not] happen in the past, going on to describe the hostility Braxton has expressed toward me earlier in the mission as justification of - Lt. Ducane, I think she called him -- of his decision to arrest his captain. We did not have the opportunity to say more, as Tuvok entered at that point, so our conversation turned to the possibility that the nebula might be a life form. She expressed the hope that it was not, given our experiences with bio-plasmic creatures both as part of the Think Tank and as the entity that almost deceived us into destroying ourselves, then changed the topic to one I definitely did not want to discuss: my health, and the need for me to consume that second bowl of stew. Avoiding that meal in a way that neither Neelix nor the Doctor would detect was difficult, but not impossible. It also proved relatively simple to persuade B'Elanna that she really did need to call me to engineering at or around breakfast time this morning. However, after experiencing a bad night and an only slightly better morning, when everyone else is showing a marked improvement, I am beginning to wonder if the stew might have more curative properties than I have given it credit for. Of course, the night was not exactly helped by a return of the dream: the same dream as the night before, except this time I experienced it not once but three times. Each time, I woke up at the same point. It left me with an eerie feeling, as if someone was desperately trying to get a point across but I was completely failing to understand. Well, the dream was almost the same: the perspective of the “space creature” -- if it was that -- changed slightly over the course of the night, just enough to suggest I was perceiving real movement. The way it sees Voyager is intriguing too, if “seeing” is the right verb to use: a silver sparkle, too fragile to touch, dancing through space like pollen on the wind. Since this afternoon, I cannot read without the words dancing on the page or screen and there has been no one to talk to. I have had far too much time to think -- especially as what keeps coming back to me are the events of two days ago and the Relativity. I can accept the need to arrest the Braxton we finally caught, as well as the need to intercept the Braxton who first planned to sabotage my ship. Both had fully intended to murder everyone on board, even if the first (or the later?) version had a change of heart, enabling us to capture the second (and earlier) Braxton. What keeps sending a chill down my spine is the fate of the other Braxton: the one taken into custody by his own first officer for crimes he was going to commit. Seven of Nine is not affected the same way; it all seems very logical to her. I'm afraid I cannot see it in the same light. Because it is all too similar to the reasoning Braxton used when he tried to destroy us when we first met. Our first encounter with Braxton came when he tried to destroy Voyager to prevent a disaster he believed we were going to be responsible for. Never mind that he later realized that he had been mistaken, that by coming to seek us out he had in fact set in motion the very events he was trying to avoid. The fact remains that he believed that he had the right to hold us responsible for actions we were not even aware of -- in just the same way as Ducane felt he had the right to take into custody a captain whose future self would commit a crime that the man from the present would not even contemplate for years to come. How far does that right to hold a person accountable for their future actions extend in their society? Does it just apply to cases where time travel is involved, or are the forces of law and order permitted to travel in time to arrest anyone before his crime can be conceived? What will Braxton's arrest in itself do to the integrity of the time line? He told Seven of Nine that I had been responsible for three situations that he had had to deal with; so far as I am aware, we have only met once. If we were supposed to meet again, what will happen now? Ducane told me to avoid time travel: I would, if I could. Maybe it is thinking about the temporal paradoxes involved in this week's events rather than the temporal anomaly itself that has been making me feel so ill. If the course of Braxton's life has been altered by recent events, so that we will not meet again, how can he be guilty of a crime that his future self will not commit? Come to that, has his future has been so altered that he will never have an opportunity to sabotage Voyager? Or will his present disgrace serve to fuel his resentment towards me and, once he has completed whatever punishment the courts of his time see fit to impose, will he simply endanger my ship again? If so, what has been gained by prosecuting the man from the present (well, his present, anyway)? I think my headache is coming back. Open captain's log We have arrived at Arraya, where Neelix has successfully completed his trade. We plan to stay here for four days before resuming our journey home. Shore leave has been approved for all personnel, though the former invalids will have to wait two days before being allowed to visit the planet (Doctor's orders). Ensign Kim will begin to take the bridge during the night shift after we leave orbit. He is working hard, studying for the responsibility, and so far has shown no desire to visit what is, by all accounts, an exceptionally beautiful planet. The nebula vanished from all sensors during the course of the night, leading even the earlier skeptics to believe it might have been alive. Open personal log My delight in being off the sick list and no longer having to consume the not-carrot stew is matched only by my relief that the room is no longer constantly spinning around me. The Doctor claims to be curious as to why I was affected so much longer than the others and has threatened to run a series of tests to establish the answer if I don't behave. It will take all my ingenuity to stay one step ahead of him, but I think it can be done. I only wish the nebula had hung around a little bit longer, till I was well enough to observe it firsthand. Where did it go and why? I suppose I'll never know. Encrypt following personal log entry The dream kept coming and coming last night. I lost count of how many times I woke up, the same images fresh in my mind. In the end, I couldn't stay in bed. Coffee wasn't settling me, but water might. As I went to the replicator, the picture of Shannon Janeway and her family caught my eye, and suddenly I couldn't continue. I kept thinking about the effect she had had on my life. How the tales of her achievements, even though I now knew them to be unfounded, had led me to dream, to reach for the stars. That was when I knew what I had to do. How I had to leave a message that would reach the future if I wanted to affect a society that would hold a person guilty of a crime that it had not yet occurred to them to commit. Somewhere, deep in the computer now, is the message to the future that I recorded last night. Not the tale of our encounter with the Relativity, but the tale of its cause. Coded only to be read when time travel becomes a matter of routine, or when Starfleet creates a branch devoted to the exploration of time, is a personal account of our experiences with the Aeon. How it felt to be confronted by an advanced Federation ship bent on destroying you for reasons you don't understand. How the attempt to destroy us almost led to the tragedy Braxton had been trying to prevent. How difficult it was to stop the events, once they had been set in motion. When (not if) we get home, this message will find its way to Starfleet headquarters, where it will sit and wait unnoticed in the computer archives until it is time for it to be read. That way, even if, over the course of the next 500 years, historians alter their understanding of Voyager's journey in the same way that Aunt Martha's tales changed the truth about Shannon O'Donnel, there will be a voice from the past giving a first-hand account. Maybe it will have an effect; I don't know. I certainly won't be there to find out. The strange thing is, after I recorded the report and encoded it, I slowly began to feel less dizzy. The room stopped swimming and the thought of food actually became pleasant. I must have fallen asleep in the chair, because the next thing I knew, the Doctor was waking me up for breakfast. Even the not-carrot stew was almost palatable, and as for the rest of the meal, it was downright delicious. It was only later I realized that the dreams had not returned. Feeling better than I had for at least a month (or so it seemed), I headed off to the lab to observe the nebula, only to find it had vanished during the middle of the night, possibly at the time I recorded my message to the future. Who or what was the nebula and why did it behave as it did? Probably I will never find out. However, there is one thing I am sure about: I hate time travel! NEGOTIATIONS By Pam Rowden The narrow bridge on which she was standing tilted alarmingly. Gripping on for dear life, so that she would not fall into the deep, metallic pit below, she found she missed Voyager's view screen and the knowledge it provided of what was going on outside. "What is happening?" "We are under attack.” "Attack?" "Species 8472." "My ship?" "In tow." "In tow?" "It is necessary for us to retreat.” "Why?" "The planet has been destroyed! "A whole planet - a Borg planet?" "That is correct." "How can that be?" "Nine ships combined their energy to form one weapon." "How?" "We do not know. We cannot assimilate them. We do not understand their technology. We cannot adapt.” They're frightened. "And my ship is safe?" "It is undamaged.” "The crew?" "The vast majority of the crew are also undamaged." "Where is Voyager?" "It is still held in the cube's tractor beam.” "Which cube?" "The one in which you are standing." "Where are we going?" "Away." "Away where?" "Away to a place where they are not." They're frightened. "What do you propose?" "We need a weapon.” "We know what you could use." "We know. We have seen it.” "We are willing to trade for it.” "Unacceptable. We do not know that it will work.” "It will work. The experimental data proves it." "We did not conduct the experiments." "The experiments are reliable and were carried out objectively." "You have only a hypothesis." "We have facts." "You would not devise a weapon. It is not in your nature." "For us, it was not a weapon. It was a medical procedure. For you, it can be the weapon you seek." "We must test it ourselves." They're frightened. "We can show you our results. The only tests possible must be conducted on those infected by Species 8472." "Many are infected, but none on this cube. Give us the information so that we can duplicate your tests.” "No. Safe passage across Borg space first.” "Unacceptable. We are under attack.” "We know how to produce your defense. You do not.” "We need to know. We cannot adapt without that knowledge. We must adapt to survive." "We will help you. But first, we must be allowed across your space." "We can assimilate you." "But if you do, you will lose your chance at a cure.” "The knowledge is in your computers." "It will be destroyed if you try to assimilate us." "We need to adapt." They're frightened. "There are many ways to adapt." "We gain knowledge of a species' weaknesses. We adapt our technology to defeat the strengths of others." "You can adapt in other ways too." "We are Borg. You know the weakness of Species 8472. You will assist us in defeating them. As we designate." "No.” "Species do not say ‘no’ to the Borg." "If you do not adapt, you will not survive.” "We will adapt. No species is as skilled at adapting as the Collective." "You need to adapt your tactics.” "We will adapt once we understand the technology." "You must learn the strategy of negotiation.” "We do not negotiate.” "You have not negotiated before. Are you saying you cannot adapt?" "We can adapt. We assimilate. We are Borg.” "We each have something the other needs.” "You have knowledge we need. We have the space you must cross." "We must depend upon each other." "The Borg do not depend on others." "You do it every day, every minute, every nano-second. Each individual Borg depends on every other member of the Collective for its existence." "The Borg are not individuals. We are one." "Two cultures can give to each other; two species can depend on each other." "The partnership will not be equal. One must be greater than the other." "Each gives; each benefits. Each offers freely that which the other cannot take. Each acts for the good of the whole.” "Species do not negotiate with the Borg." "Because they do not wish to or because you have never asked them?" "The distinction is irrelevant.” "No. It is the distinction between what you cannot do and what you choose not to do." "Nothing can be gained through negotiation that we cannot take through force." "This time you must negotiate to gain the weapon." "We will assimilate your ship. We can take it." They're frightened. "No. The information will be destroyed. You must believe that, or you would have acted by now. You must adapt your techniques and negotiate." "Why do you attempt to negotiate with us?" "We want to go home." "We understand the Federation. We have assimilated many of your people. You do not eliminate other species." "That is correct.” "Yet you offer us a weapon that could lead to the end of Species 8472. That is not consistent. You are lying.” "We are not offering to assist in genocide. We believe that, once Species 8472 understands that you have an effective weapon, they will retreat." "We could pursue them." They're frightened. "But you would not. The cost in Borg lives, in Borg ships, would be too great." "No species can be allowed to escape assimilation.” "Even if the cost to the Borg is greater than the gain?" "You cannot know that this will be the case. We are already determined to assimilate your home world. You have no reason to assist us. You will not do so.” "We have other reasons." "Elaborate." "A member of my crew has been in communication with them." "Communication with Species 8472 is impossible.” "Not for this crew member. She is a telepath." "Explain.” "They have come into her mind; they have warned her." "Warned?" "Species 8472 will not end its war against this galaxy once it has defeated the Borg. When the Borg are gone, the other peoples will also be attacked." "The Borg cannot defeat them. Therefore, the other species will also fall.” "Exactly." "You offer this alliance to stop Species 8472 now, so that your home world will be safe." "Well, that's one way of looking at it.” "Thus you do not need passage across Borg space.” "Yes, we do." "Why?'' "We must warn them.” "Unnecessary. The danger will be over." "If a Borg cube, a single Borg drone even, was aware of a threat to the Collective, but could not warn you, would such a situation be acceptable to you? Even if that threat was successfully dealt with?" "We understand. You wish to give your people knowledge of the danger, as you wish to trade with us the knowledge of how to defeat our common enemy. We have now adapted to the task of negotiating. We will accept your trade.” "Thank you. If you can just return me to my ship -” "Unacceptable. You will work here.” "Here?" "We have superior resources, superior technology. The work will proceed faster." "Those needed to complete the work -” "You are captain. You have the skills necessary." "I cannot do it alone.” "You may summon others to assist you." "My crew is accustomed to Voyager's facilities.” "We have assimilated much knowledge concerning treaties. Many alliances are later broken by those individuals who do not agree with them. You do not wish to give us the weapon until you have crossed Borg space. That is your security. We wish you to work on the weapon here. That is our security.” They're frightened. "You have assimilated members of my species; you must have learned of trust." "Trust does not apply in a situation like this. Your crew fears us. They are right to do so. We must have the weapon. If you are here, they will provide it.” "They will not respond well to coercion." "You will inform them of the success of our negotiations. You will tell them what is required. They trust you. They will not trust us.” "Here are my terms: You escort us across Borg space. Once safely across, we will provide you with the weapon that will allow you to defeat Species 8472. During the journey, the Borg and Starfleet will work together on the weapon. That work will take place on this cube." "Agreed." "Then, please will you open a channel to my ship.” A MOTHER’S SACRIFICE By Jen Warran I wrote this because it always seemed strange that the only letter Janeway received came from her ex- fiancée, who had married someone else, rather than her mother or sister. Helen struggled with the bags whilst opening the front door, “I’m home,” She called out. Silence greeted her; he must still be out with Molly, she thought. She went into the kitchen and placed all the bags on the counter and switched the kettle on. As she was putting away the shopping she heard the vid screen buzz to tell her there was an incoming message. She flopped down on the sofa and pressed the receive button. A woman’s face appeared on screen; she was in her 70s and looked vaguely familiar, although Helen knew she didn’t know her. “Is Mark there?” She asked. “No, he’s taken the dog for a walk, can I take a message?” “It’s Helen, isn’t it.” “That’s right, but I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.” “I’m Gretchen Janeway,” she said softly. “Can you ask him to contact me as soon as he gets back? It is very important.” That explained why she looked familiar, thought Helen. “I’ll have him call you as soon as he gets in.” “Thank you.” The screen went blank and as Helen sat there, her eyes travelled to the photograph on the mantelpiece. It was of Mark and her, taken on their wedding day just a couple of months ago. Mark had put the picture of Kathryn away shortly after they had started going out together, but Helen always felt as if it were still there - as if Kathryn were still there. He never talked about her anymore, but she knew he still thought about her. She could feel it. Now Kathryn’s mother had been in contact. What could she possibly want? Suddenly Helen felt very uneasy. She went back into the kitchen to finish unpacking, trying unsuccessfully to push it to the back of her mind. “We’re home,” called a voice from the hallway followed by the appearance of Molly in the kitchen. “Hello girl,” said Helen, stroking the dog, “Did you enjoy your walk?” “I’m sorry honey, I lost track of time” said Mark as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “That’s okay,” she said, pulling away from him slightly. “What’s the matter?” “Gretchen Janeway called, she wants you to contact her.” “Gretchen! What does she want?” “I don’t know but it sounded urgent. I said you’d call her as soon as you got in.” “I’d better do that now.” She followed him into the lounge, “Do you want to take this in private?” “No, of course not.” It only took a few moments and then Gretchen Janeway's face appeared on screen. “Hello Gretchen, are you well?” “Hello Mark, I’m sorry to call you at home, but I wanted you to hear the news from me,” She said ignoring his question. “What news?” “I received a message from Starfleet earlier today. Kathryn’s alive.” Mark was stunned and in the background he heard Helen gasp. Gretchen continued, “She’s stranded in the Delta Quadrant. She managed to get a subspace message through to Starfleet a few days ago.” “When will she be home?” “She’s about 65,000 light years away; Starfleet is going to try to work on a way to get them home more quickly. But at least she’s alive. Starfleet has said that we can write messages and they will try to send them via the same network that Voyager used.” “Gretchen, that’s wonderful news, I’m just a little stunned at the moment.” “I know what you mean, I had to get Owen Paris to repeat it twice before I could take it all in. I’ll speak to you later.” Mark nodded and switched the vid screen off. He wasn’t sure how long he sat there staring at the blank screen but he became aware of Helen talking to him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.” She sat down next to him. “I asked if you wanted to talk about it?” He shook his head, “Not at the moment, I think I’ll go out for another walk. I need to be alone for a little while.” He took hold of her hand. “You do understand, don’t you?” Helen forced a smile on her face and said, ”Of course.” Her smile faded as she watched him leave. Mark’s mind was in a whirl as he left the house. It was quite ironic when he thought about it. For three years he had longed to hear this and now he wasn’t sure how he felt. Oh, of course he was pleased that Kathryn was alive, but for 18 months now he’d told himself she was dead and had buried his feelings for her. Then there was Helen. He’d seen the way she’d forced a smile onto her face and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. She’d helped him come to terms with Starfleet's decision to officially declare Voyager lost. At first she had just been a very good friend, but gradually their relationship had developed into much more, until he felt able to put the past behind him. He still thought about Kath, but not as often lately. And now this had happened. Damn it, why did life have to be so complicated? Mark walked around for several hours totally lost in his thoughts until he realised how selfish he was being. This was not being fair to Helen. He had to go home and discuss it with her. Mark let himself into the house. It was very quiet. “Helen,” he called, but the only reply was Molly running up to him. “Hello, girl,” he said, rubbing her ears. He walked into the lounge. There was Helen curled up on the sofa fast asleep. She was holding their wedding photograph and her face was stained with tears. He went and got a blanket and covered her up. She stirred but didn’t waken so he went into his study and started writing a letter: Dear Kath, Gretchen called me today to tell me the wonderful news, that you are alive and well. Before you ask, Molly had five puppies and they were all beautiful. I managed to find good homes for all of them, but I couldn’t bear to give Molly away. When we were first told that Voyager was missing I wouldn’t accept that you were dead. I knew that if anyone could survive it would be Kathryn Janeway. But as time went on, I had to start thinking that there was a possibility you hadn’t survived. Still, when Starfleet announced they were declaring Voyager officially lost, I was furious. Yet I had to face facts; there had been no trace of you for over two years. During this time I was helped greatly by someone at work. Her name is Helen. Kathryn, at first she was just a friend, but over time she came to mean so much more to me, and three months ago we were married. We are very happy. You’d like her, Kath, and Molly is devoted to her. I’m very sorry to have to say this to you in a letter, but I wanted you to hear it from me. I still have very deep feelings for you; that could never change. I hope that when you get back to the Alpha Quadrant -- and I know you will get your crew back -- that you will feel able to see me. We have known each other for many years Kath, and I would hate to lose our friendship. Take care of yourself. Love, Mark As he finished the letter he became aware of Helen behind him. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have been reading over your shoulder,” she said. He turned around and pulled her into his arms, “I was going to show it to you anyway. I’m sorry I went out earlier, I just needed to sort out how I felt.” “I understand,” she smiled weakly. “But are you sure about that letter?” He nodded. “She deserves to know and get on with her life out there. Kath and I were happy, but I really don’t think we would’ve been together now even if Voyager hadn’t gone missing.” “You don’t know that.” “She would never have been happy in a job on Earth. She liked to be out amongst the stars. If I know Kath she’ll be enjoying the thrill of being out in the Delta Quadrant in all that uncharted space. I tried several times to get her to marry me but she just couldn’t make a commitment.” He stood up still holding on to her, “You have nothing to worry about. Kath will always have a special place in my heart, but it’s you that I love now.” “I love you too.” And she reached up to put her arms around him and kissed him. Later, outside Admiral Hayes’ office, Mark rapidly began to lose his temper. “I don’t care if I don’t have an appointment I want to speak to Admiral Hayes now!” demanded Mark, almost shouting. “Mark, calm down,” said Helen. She looked at the admiral's assistant. “Do you think you could see if the admiral will see us, it’s very important. Please.” The assistant looked at Mark. It was obvious he was not going to go until he saw the admiral. “If you will take a seat over there I’ll speak to the admiral. What was your name?” “Mark Johnson.” “I’m sorry,” said Mark as they sat down. “You won’t get far if you don’t get yourself calm and under control.” “I know,” he smiled at her. “That’s why I brought you, to keep me under control.” “The admiral can spare you five minutes,” said the assistant. “If you’d like to come this way?” “Thank you,” said Helen, taking hold of Mark's hand for support as they followed her into the admiral’s office. “What can I do for you?” asked Admiral Hayes. “I’d like to know why you won’t send my letter to Captain Janeway,” “We’re not sure how much we can send through the network that Captain Janeway discovered, so we’re having to limit each crew member to one letter “ “God dammit, she’s the captain, surely she’s entitled to more than one message!” “I’m sorry but we are having to be very strict about this. I’m sure Captain Janeway would not like to receive extra letters at the expense of another crew member.” “You’re right,” admitted Mark. “But she listed me as her next of kin. Surely that entitles me to send a letter.” “I really am very sorry, but since your recent marriage we assumed that Gretchen Janeway would be her next of kin and she’s already prepared her letter.” “What if we ask Gretchen if Mark's letter can be sent instead?” asked Helen. “It doesn’t matter to us who writes the letter as long as there is only one,” replied Hayes. “But you’ll need to ask her as soon as possible; we want to send the messages out in the next few days.” “We’ll contact her straight away,” said Mark. “Thank you for your help,” said Helen, extending her hand. “You’re welcome, but if Gretchen refuses then there’s nothing more I can do for you” he said, returning the handshake. As they waited for the transporter to Indiana, Helen asked, “Do you think Gretchen will agree? It’s a lot you’re asking of her.” “I really don’t know, we’ll have to wait and see.” They made the rest of the journey in silence. Mark was deep in thought about how he would try to persuade Gretchen to give up what might be her last chance of communicating with her eldest daughter, and Helen was silently saying a prayer that Mark would be given a chance to finally lay this ghost to rest so that they could go on with their lives. A red-headed woman in her mid-30s opened the door. “Phoebe, it’s nice to see you again,” said Mark, giving her a hug. “This is Helen.” “Hi, I’m Kathryn’s sister, come in.” “Is Gretchen in?” “She’s in the lounge, go on through. Would you like coffee?” “Please,” said Mark, walking down the hallway. “Would you like some help?” asked Helen. “I’m fine, but you can come and chat to me in the kitchen if you’d like.” “Mark, I wasn’t expecting you!” cried Gretchen. “I’m sorry, Gretchen, I should’ve called to let you know but we’ve come straight from San Francisco.” “Starfleet headquarters?” Mark nodded. “What’s wrong? Has something happened to Kathryn?” “No, I’ve come to ask you a very big favour.” “Go on.” “I’ve written Kath a letter telling her about Helen.” “I see, but how does that involve me?” “Starfleet has put a restriction of one letter per crew member and --” “And I’ve already submitted my letter," finished Gretchen. “I’ve tried to persuade them to send both letters to her but they’re adamant.” “You’re asking me to let them send your letter instead of mine?” “That’s asking too much Mark,” said Phoebe coming into the room. “Mother can tell Kathryn about you and Helen.” “If you were Kath would you want to hear the news like that?” he asked, walking towards her. “She’d be expecting a message from me.” “You do realise that I probably won’t live to see Kathryn return home, and there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to send any more messages,” Gretchen reminded him. Mark slumped into the sofa, feeling the barriers rise to the enormity of his proposal. “I know it’s asking a lot, Gretchen.” The room became quiet for a long time - Mark anxious, Phoebe stunned at Mark’s audacity, Gretchen quietly contemplating Mark’s request. “He’s right,” admitted Gretchen finally, with a catch in her voice. “Kathryn would rather hear it from Mark.” “So you’ll allow them to send Mark’s letter?” asked Helen. “Yes,” said Gretchen, her eyes brimming with tears, “but please tell her that we miss her and love her very much.” “Thank you,” Mark said gratefully, “this means a lot to Helen and me.” “Do you mind leaving now, Mark. I’d like to be alone with Phoebe.” “I’ll see you out,” said Phoebe. “I hope you realise what a sacrifice you just asked her to make,” Phoebe said coldly as she opened the door. “I’m sorry.” “Goodbye, Mark.” Phoebe walked back into the lounge. Gretchen was sitting on the sofa holding a picture of Kathryn with her father. “Mother,” Phoebe called gently. Gretchen turned round and tears were pouring down her face. Phoebe embraced her mother and was unable to stop her own tears from falling. THE CLAY By Pam Rowden The clay beneath her hands was stubbornly refusing to take the shape she wanted. She designed a wing lifted in flight; the resulting shape reminded her, more than anything else, of a wooden panel that looked as if it belonged on a kitchen cabinet. She attempted a beak; instead, she formed a lopsided pyramid. While she was determined not to give up, she was beginning to wonder whether a brief coffee break -- or maybe not such a brief one -- might be in order. It was with relief, then, that Kathryn Janeway called “Come in!” as the door bell chimed -- seconds before she realised that whoever came in would see the haphazard shape of her flightless bird. Deciding to make the best of a bad deal, she moved between her desk and the door, only to find that she was not quick enough to prevent Tuvok from spotting the rather messy mound. She watched with interest as he struggled desperately to find something positive to say. In the end, he merely commented, "I thought you normally did your sculpting in da Vinci's workshop on the holodeck." "Usually, that's right," she replied, as Tuvok mercifully moved far enough into the room for the door to close. "This one, however, is different." "How so?" asked Tuvok, holding out his weekly security report. Kathryn took the report and put it down, without really noticing what she was doing, pondering her response. "Do you remember the gift Chakotay gave me for my last birthday?" Eyebrow raised, Tuvok commented, "I do not generally keep track of all the gifts crew members give one another." "It was a watch, replicated months in advance, based on one owned by a sea captain who brought his ship home against the odds," Kathryn explained. "I fail to see the connection between a replicated working watch and a handmade sculpture," said Tuvok. "It was the thought that went into it. He didn't just select an item from the replicator files; he found something with particular meaning. Also, he didn't wait until the last minute, as I tend to do and a lot of others in the crew do, if truth be told. He planned it months in advance. So, I thought it would only be fair to return the favour. To create something unique, something that couldn't be found in the replicator. And to do it early enough to do it properly." Kathryn shook her head. "This is the result." "It is as well that you have several months before his birthday in which to complete the project," Tuvok said drily, looking at her creation. However, it was in his nature to encourage rather than discourage. "Since the sculptures you create on the holodeck are considerably more successful than this, you obviously have the talent to improve it, if you persist." Kathryn turned her back on the clay, walking toward the window before turning and saying, "Maybe there's something in the holodeck programming which prevents mediocre sculptures from being created. After all, I was never artistic as a child." Feeling his way around the topic, Tuvok commented, "From my observations, your interest in artistic activities began shortly after you saved Kes' life on the Nechani homeworld." That had her attention. "The sanctuary," she said softly, eyes shining. "The ritual." Perhaps this was an opportunity to answer a question that he had long been curious about. "It was clearly a life-changing experience," he said, tentatively. However, she saw through him in an instant. "You know I can't talk about that. No one who has been through the ritual is allowed to breathe a word." "Nevertheless, this seemed to mark the beginning of your artistic endeavours," Tuvok pointed out. Kathryn was silent for a moment as she remembered discovering her creativity by finger-painting on a cave wall. Or had it been an illusion of finger-painting? She still wasn't sure. But how could she answer Tuvok without giving away that which she had promised not to? Deciding she could not, she waited instead for Tuvok’s next question. Tuvok recognized from Kathryn's silence that he should change the subject. "Why a bird?" he asked. Relieved that Tuvok had at least recognised the intent of her endeavours, Kathryn smiled gently. "Because of the flight Leonardo and I took last month in his flying machine." "And the connection between that flight and Commander Chakotay is?" prompted Tuvok. Kathryn paused for a moment as she sought the right words. "As we fled through the hills, as we found the flying machine, as the only answer was to trust ourselves to it, all of that time I was waiting for Voyager to beam Leonardo and me aboard. As we launched ourselves into the sky, with only the wind to sustain us, it was as if Chakotay were on the back of a great bird, an eagle perhaps, swooping down to rescue us. I knew that he would come through." "You had no doubts?" queried Tuvok. "We were under attack at the time." "No doubts," Kathryn said as she shook her head. "Worries, maybe, but not doubts. I couldn't afford them. I already knew that if Tau got his hands on me, he would demand a ransom from the ship that we couldn't afford. He'd made that much clear earlier. The only way I could get back to Voyager without seriously harming the ship was for Chakotay to find me." "Flying down, like an eagle, to rescue you, to keep you safe ..." Somehow Tuvok managed to make the statement sound like a question, but Kathryn refused to rise to the bait. Turning back to her sculpture, she commented, "Now I actually have a few hours to work on it, but it's just not turning out right." She began staring at the clay as if, by force of will, she could make it take the desired shape. Realising the time had come to leave, Tuvok made his farewell. "I will leave you with your eagle," he commented, as he left the room. Kathryn did not hear the door close: his final words had given the clay new life. "An eagle ..." she murmured, as the bird, swooping down to keep his friend safe, finally found his form. THE LAST LETTER By Pam Rowden Dear Mark, Now that, for the first time in three years, there is a realistic chance that a letter I write will actually reach you, I suddenly find I don't know what to say. So many times since we last spoke, I have so desperately wanted to reach out to you, to ask about your day, to tell you about mine, to see you smile, to hear your voice. I have been trying to imagine your face as you hear the news that I am alive. What will you feel first - surprise? Joy? Incredulity? Of course, there is always the possibility that the Doctor will fail in his mission to contact Starfleet. Until he returns through the alien array, none of us on Voyager can be sure exactly what will happen. Yet, like the vast majority of my crew, I choose to be optimistic; news of us will reach home. For all of us, it is the thought of those we left behind that drives us onward. Some notice it most when they miss their children’s birthdays; others wonder about the parents they left behind. Most have friends, colleagues, companions who have been carrying on their lives without us. I think, for me, the moment I first realized just how far away I was from you was when I woke up one morning and realized that the puppies would have been born and that the chances were that I would never see any of them. I pictured you, surrounded by four (or five?) tiny furry bodies. For a while, I couldn’t decide if their presence would be a comfort to you, a memory of what we are to each other, or simply a reminder that I had disappeared. Although we had spoken about the risks inherent in Starfleet and about the number of ships that simply do not come back, I was only too well aware that I had the advantage over you. I knew that I was alive and that you would be waiting for me, while all you had was a mystery that, given Starfleet’s track record in seeking out ships whose fate was unknown, would probably never be solved. That’s not to say I haven’t missed you deeply. Even now, even three years later, you are still the last thought in my mind as I fall asleep, the first when I wake up. I suppose it has been harder on you and on my family than the other relatives, simply because you are connected with the captain of the missing ship and because of the tendency to blame the captain when something goes wrong. I would imagine that there are those who are missing a son or daughter, a husband or wife, a father or mother, who are angry with me and who take it out on all of you as the nearest available target. If there were anything I could do to spare all of you that, I would. However, human nature being what it is, I don’t suppose there is anything anyone can do to prevent those feelings, or their expression, and all I can do is tell you how sorry I am that you should have been put in such a position. For a good number of the families, loved ones will not be coming home. Lt. Cmdr. Cavit and Lt. Stadi were among the many who died when we were pulled into the Delta Quadrant and nothing will make things better for their families, except perhaps finally having the answer to the question of how they died. For the families of those who survived the crossing but have died since - Durst, Hogan, Jetal, to name but a few - there will be the agony of knowing that if I had made the decision to come home straight away, rather than protect the Ocampa, their relatives might be alive today. It is those families that I will find it particularly difficult to face; - those who will be wanting to know “Why?” The Doctor must surely have given a full report to Starfleet as to what happened. Therefore, I am not giving away any vital Starfleet secrets when I tell you that I did have a choice: I could have put the interests of my crew first and returned safely to the Alpha Quadrant, leaving a highly advanced Array open to one race determined to subjugate another. But I had the opportunity to protect the Ocampa by destroying the Array, thus ensuring the Kazon would never have access to it. The decision was mine and mine alone. At the time, I was convinced I was right. Now, having been apart from you so long and knowing our separation was one of the consequences of my own choice, there are times when I wonder. It could be argued that under the Prime Directive, I had no choice but to use the technology to get home and allow events to proceed in the Delta Quadrant naturally. However, I was, and still am, unable to follow that line of reasoning. To me, the Prime Directive meant that it was essential to destroy the Array, even at the price of our own chances of ever reaching home. Our presence there changed everything. As the result of a battle instigated by our presence, our desire to return home, the self-destruct sequence was halted and the opportunity arose for the Kazon to gain control of the Array. Under those circumstances, the safety of the Ocampa, dependent on a Caretaker for so many centuries, would have been seriously compromised. Still, when the facts are known, I would not be surprised if the vast majority of the friends and family of the crew turn round and blame you for my actions, since I am not at hand to take the brunt of their anger. Indeed, there are times when I look at my crew, when I see Joe Carey missing his two sons, boys growing up without a father; when I hear Harry Kim talk about his parents and the way he had never been out of contact with them for more than a week before this; when I talk to Tuvok about T’Pel and can see the emotions that logic demands he should not have -- it is those times I wonder. If I had known then what I know now -- might I have found another solution, might there have been a way to keep the Ocampa safe, to keep the Kazon off the Array and still to get us home, something I overlooked in the heat of the moment? There are times when the thought of you waiting for me keeps me going. The nights when the voices of those who have died during the long journey come to me and ask me why I didn’t get them home. The hours when the guilt is almost more than I can bear. So I finish this letter, which I have begun so many times before, with a real belief that it will reach you soon. Despite the great distances between us, you are my inspiration; the bond between us is what is bringing me home. With all my love, Kathryn