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Prototype

It's extraordinary.

I must remind you ( device chittering ) that it is also a potential security risk.

It's losing power.

I'd like to move it to Engineering to see if I can repair it before it drains completely.

I suggest we allow the power to drain.

We should take the opportunity to examine it while it is idle.

Then we can decide whether it is wise to repair it.

Captain, this thing has a completely unfamiliar power source.

Once it stops working, it's very possible I'll never be able to get it going again, and we'll have lost an opportunity to study a new technology.

This is a ship of exploration, Mr. Tuvok.

TORRES: The power's surging.

If we can't find a way to stabilize it, we're going to lose it.

What about an interface with an EPS power conduit?

Well, the energy signatures are incompatible, but it might buy us some time.

( whirring )

Okay, let's give it a try.

TORRES: Two-second burst, five percent maximum output.

On my mark.

Now.

We're losing it.

Maybe we're overloading its systems.

Let's try a longer burst at lower power.

Got it.

Five seconds at three percent.

On your mark.

Now.

I think it's working.

EPS flow is holding steady.

EM field leakage is minimal.

We'll have to watch the pressure at the connector.

Let's try to keep it below eighty-five percent.

Flux capacitance is spiking intermittently, but I don't think that's the problem.

Let's reinforce the power conduit coupling, just to be on the safe side.

( dramatic theme music playing )

TORRES: It's suffered a lot of damage, but I think the EPS charge will keep it running for at least 18 hours.

It's not a cyborg.

It's completely robotic.

No organ components of any kind.

This looks like some kind of programming center.

But I'm not detecting any pathways for transmitting information.

It's got arms, legs.

We saw it move its head.

It's clearly designed to perform motor functions.

So where do those commands come from?

Maybe it needs to interface with an outside source.

Speaking of sources, this energy module seems to be what powers the entire mechanism.

It isn't designed to run on EPS energy.

It runs on some kind of super-conducting plasma.

( gasps )

If we keep charging it, we may end up destroying it.

( high-pitched tone )

( babbling )

It's trying to communicate.

We don't know that. It may just be some kind of recording.

Pralor! Pralor!

Pralor! Pralor!

Pralor! Pralor! Pralor!

What are you trying to say?

What's "Pralor"?

If you can hear me, try to move...

Try to move your arm.

B'Elanna, we don't even know if it can see you, much less understand a word you're saying.

We've got to figure out a way to fix it.

We've been trying for hours.

We need a break.

The EPS charge should hold till morning.

You go ahead.

I could use some time alone to think.

If you're staying, I'm staying.

Get some rest, Harry.

You may think you're tougher than everybody else, B'Elanna Torres, but I can go without sleep just as long as you can.

Don't make me laugh, Starfleet.

And don't make me pull rank on you either.

If you insist.

But let me know if you come up with anything...

Lieutenant.

TORRES: Chief Engineer's Log: Supplemental.

I've tried 13 different methods

of reinitializing the robot's power source

and I'm still having no luck.

So I've decided to go to the mess hall

to recharge my own declining energy reserves.

Neelix, I need another pot of coffee.

Even though breakfast isn't officially served for another hour and a half,

I'd be happy to pour you a glass of traggle nectar.

I will even fix you my special Jibalian seven-spice omelet.

Just coffee.

I'm sorry, B'Elanna, but two pots of Lauris blend is the absolute limit.

You're cutting me off?

Oh, I guess you're right.

It was starting to taste almost palatable.

Still no idea how to revive our mechanized guest?

All I've been able to do is postpone the inevitable.

The constant power depletion is like a bleeding artery, and haven't got a tourniquet.

I remember when I was trying to perfect the recipe for my Jibalian omelet.

I tried everything-- a little more spith basil, a little less prishic-- but I couldn't get it right.

Finally, I fell asleep from exhaustion.

Right there at the counter.

And then, in a dream, it came to me.

I was using six spices, but the omelet needed seven.

Let me guess.

Leola root.

Nimian sea salt, actually.

Salt? Yes, salt-- the most common spice in the galaxy.

But I was too tired, so I couldn't see it.

That is... a very interesting story, Neelix.

Now, how about some more coffee?

To bed.

I said to bed...

I'm going.

I'm going.

( sighs )

( hollow knocking )

Anybody home?

What's that?

You think I should go to bed too?

Well...

I guess I'm outnumbered.

Computer, activate Emergency Medical Holographic program.

Please state the nature.

If there has been a change in the official dress code,

I certainly wish someone would have informed me.

This is what I sleep in.

I didn't have time to change.

I see.

May I assume your haste is an indication that you have a medical problem of some kind?

An engineering problem actually, but I thought you might have some insight.

Hm. I should remind you I'm a doctor...

Not an engineer. Right.

But this isn't a typical engineering problem.

I've been working on trying to repair a robot.

Ah, yes. The mechanical man.

Kes told me about it. Fascinating.

He's about to die. Die?

Die. Stop functioning. Whatever.

Unless I can figure out a way to sustain his main energy source.

What kind of energy source are we talking about?

Well, it's some type of chromo-dynamic module powered by a tri-polymer plasma.

But the plasma is contaminated.

It's decaying.

Hm. Like diseased blood.

Right. It can't retain enough energy to keep the module running.

Have you considered a transfusion?

You mean replacing the plasma itself?

Well, that was one of my first ideas.

But where do I get my hands on a polymer plasma composed of elements

I didn't even know existed 24 hours ago?

Aren't Voyager's engines powered by warp plasma?

Well, it's a very different substance.

It's too highly charged.

It would burn out the robot's systems in seconds.

It would be like trying to give a Bolian a blood transfusion from a Vulcan.

Which ordinarily would kill the unfortunate Bolian.

But there have been instances when artificial blood was unavailable, and existing blood cells were genetically altered for interspecies transfusions.

It's a good idea, but warp plasma radiates at too high a frequency to alter electro-chemically.

Unless...

Go on...

I could modify a series of anodyne relays, attach them directly to the robot's power module.

They could act as a sort of regulator to make the warp plasma compatible with the robot's energy matrix!

That's exactly what I was going to suggest.

That's the last of the relays.

The plasma injector is sealed.

This is your show, Lieutenant.

Whenever you're ready.

Activating the relays.

All right, Harry, start the infusion.

20% nominal flow.

Initiating plasma flow.

Energy levels are up 14%.

The relays are holding.

Harry, give it a little more juice.

Got it.

I'm taking it to 30 percent.

35 percent.

Wait. The energy levels are rising too fast.

We're going to burn out its systems.

But it needs more plasma.

What about increasing the capacitance of the relays?

Let's give it a try.

It's stabilizing.

Hold the flow right there and see what happens.

The plasma's circulating.

The programming center is activated.

I think we may have done it.

( gasps )

MALE COMPUTER VOICE: Please identify yourself.

I'm Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres of the Federation Starship Voyager.

I am Automated Unit 3-9-4-7.

Thank you for reactivating me, Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres.

( dramatic theme playing )

TORRES: Chief Engineer's Log: Supplemental.

The robot's power module is continuing

to function normally, using plasma

from our warp engines.

Repairing its systems has taught me

more about robotics than I ever could have learned

at Starfleet Academy.

( device chittering )

I think we're past the critical stage.

I concur.

According to my self-diagnostic systems,

Automated Personnel Unit 3947 is currently functioning at 68% of peak operating capabilities.

Automated Personnel Unit 3947 is an extremely well-designed machine.

Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres is an extremely proficient humanoid.

So how did you end up floating in space so badly damaged?

I was operating an asteroid-mining pod.

It exploded.

Do you know what caused the explosion?

I am unable to access that information.

My memory cells are not yet functioning at optimal efficiency.

Do you remember where you come from?

I am stationed aboard a Pralor vessel.

Well, we'll do our best to find your ship and return you to your people.

Thank you.

I'm hoping that the memory loss is only temporary.

Once the new plasma has a chance to fully integrate into your systems,

I think you'll be pretty close to... optimal.

The new plasma?

Yes, I adapted your power module to accept our warp plasma as an energy source.

You repaired my power module?

Are you a Builder?

A Builder?

Well, I guess you could say that.

I'm an engineer.

I'm responsible for repairing and maintaining all the systems on the ship.

Only the Builders were capable of constructing or repairing power modules.

The Builders are... the people who created you?

Yes.

And they're humanoids? Like me?

Yes. Like Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres.

You could create a new power module.

You don't need a new module.

The one I just fixed will work fine now.

The new power module will not be for me.

It will be a prototype for the construction of additional automated units.

Can't the Builders make additional units?

The Builders no longer exist.

Apparently, thousands of them were built as service modules.

But the race who created them-- these Builders-- were killed off decades ago in a war.

Leaving the automated units to fend for themselves.

Now they're wearing out, breaking down.

They've learned to make repairs for themselves-- some pretty complex.

But the construction of a power module-- the device which sustains them-- is beyond their grasp.

It's... an incredible challenge, Captain.

But with enough time to study their systems

I might be able to do it.

I don't doubt your abilities, B'Elanna, but helping them reproduce is a clear violation of the Prime Directive.

They've expressed a desire to procreate.

That's basic to any lifeform.

I'm not saying they don't have the same rights as any organic species. That's not the issue here.

Are you sure?

Suppose they were organic.

But they had become sterile.

And we had a treatment that would enable them to start reproducing again.

Would you withhold that treatment?

Maybe. I'd have to know more about the circumstances.

But we're not talking about treating a disorder here, are we?

What's the difference?

Unlike a species that's become sterile, these robots never had the ability to reproduce.

What you're talking about is giving them new abilities, which is the equivalent of altering their genetic structure.

To correct a flaw.

You can't call it a flaw.

This is the way they were designed.

I'm trying to save them from extinction.

Unfortunately, extinction is often the natural end of evolution.

So you'll just willing to let their entire society die off?

We don't know that's going to happen.

If they're adaptable as you say, and capable of educating themselves, they might learn to build a power module themselves someday.

"Someday" could be too late.

There are only a few hundred of them left.

I feel for the robots' plight.

But what you're proposing is exactly the kind of tampering the Prime Directive prohibits.

We know almost nothing about these creatures, or the race that built them.

What would be the consequences of increasing their population?

Both to their own civilization and others in this quadrant?

Who are we to swoop in, play god, and then continue on our way without the slightest consideration of the the long-term effects of our actions? Captain...

B'Elanna, I share your scientific curiosity, and I admire your compassion, but the answer is no.

I do not concur with your captain's decision.

She's following our Prime Directive.

Define "Prime Directive."

It forbids us to interfere in the natural development of other cultures.

The automated units were not created naturally.

We were built.

You could help us build more.

Captain Janeway doesn't think that's a good idea.

But Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres does.

Maybe...

I don't know...

I'd like to try... but I can't.

Without your help, we will not survive.

( sighs )

I thought Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres was a Builder.

So did I.

We've located your ship.

We should be in communications range in about an hour.

Thank you.

The alien vessel is entering visual range, Captain.

Yellow Alert.

Slow to one-quarter impulse.

Put them on screen, Ensign Kim.

KIM: Aye, Captain.

JANEWAY: Magnify.

TUVOK: We're being scanned, Captain.

That's all right. Let them take a look.

Open the channel.

Pralor Automated Personnel Unit 6263

requests you identify yourselves.

I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager.

What are your intentions, Captain Kathryn Janeway?

We rescued one of your crew members--

Unit 3947-- and we'd like to return him to your ship.

We'll prepare to receive the unit.

Thank you for your assistance.

Very polite, these automated units.

Captain Janeway gave me permission to give you some extra warp plasma in case the plasma we've infused into your system starts to degrade.

Thank you.

And you'll have to re-modulate the anodyne relays periodically.

You are repeating instructions you have already given me, B'Elanna.

I'm just making sure.

Well, I guess this is good-bye.

( grunts in pain )

What are you doing?

( gasps )

Captain, I'm detecting a chromo-dynamic energy discharge in Transporter Room Two.

Bridge to Transporter Room Two.

Janeway to Torres.

( scanner chittering )

Captain, someone's initiating a transport.

It's Torres and the robot. Override.

I can't block it.

Their patterns are already in the buffer.

They're gone, Captain.

Transport her back now, Mr. Kim.

KIM: I can't get a lock on her.

TUVOK: They have erected some sort of subspace defense field around their vessel.

Our targeting scanners cannot penetrate it. Hail them.

KIM: They're not responding.

Open a channel on wide-band subspace.

Channel open.

This is Captain Janeway.

Your abduction of our crew member is a clear act of aggression.

If you do not return her immediately, we will be forced to retaliate.

Confirm that they've received the transmission, Mr. Kim.

They heard us all right.

They're just not answering.

Mr. Tuvok, power the forward phaser banks.

What the hell is going on here?

This is where you will assist in the creation of the prototype.

I told you I can't help you!

Now return me to my ship.

That is not possible.

Torres to Voyager.

Your communication device has been deactivated.

I do not wish to injure you, B'Elanna.

I helped you. I reactivated you.

Why are you doing this?

We require additional automated units to prevent our extinction.

Captain Janeway won't let you get away with this!

It would be inadvisable for your captain to provoke us.

Still no response, Captain.

Mr. Tuvok, any luck penetrating their defense field? Negative.

Commander, is there any sign that they're preparing to attack?

Their shielding is making it difficult to get clear readings.

I can't even tell you what their weapons capabilities are.

Mr. Tuvok, I don't want you to hit their ship, but I do want you to open a hole in their shielding wide enough to transport through.

Understood.

Mr. Kim, match the targeting scanners to the coordinates of the phaser fire, and stand by to beam B'Elanna back.

Phasers calibrated.

Fire.

Their field strength is down to 80%.

That's progress. Fire again.

( deep rumbling )

Initiating evasive pattern Omega Six.

They're firing some kind of quantum resonance charges, Captain.

Our aft shields are down to 53% and dropping.

Rerouting power to aft shields.

Down to 24%.

Switching evasive pattern to Theta One.

Lieutenant Tuvok, load torpedo bays one through four and stand by to fire on my order.

Your captain has made a tactical error by attacking us.

Our weapons systems are substantially superior to yours.

Your shields are failing.

Your weapons pose no threat to us.

Aft shields have been penetrated.

We've got to get out of here.

Agreed.

We'll try to come back for B'Elanna later.

Do it, Mr. Paris. Warp Three.

Propulsion systems are off-line. We're dead in the water.

( alarm blaring )

Hull breach on Deck Six.

Initiating emergency containment field.

Environmental control systems are failing.

Oxygen levels on decks three through seven have dropped to Critical.

We've lost artificial gravity on Deck Eight.

Injury reports from all decks.

( rumbling impact ) ( Janeway grunts )

You've got to stop this.

Your ship opened fire.

We are programmed to defend ourselves.

They're helpless. Can't you see that?

Our enemies must be destroyed.

We a not your enemies.

You are not my enemy, B'Elanna, but your captain is, and your crew follows her commands.

Captain Janeway backed me when I wanted to reactivate you, over the objections of her Chief Security Officer.

You wouldn't be here if it weren't for her.

All right.

If that's what it will take to stop this, I'll do it.

I'll build your damned prototype.

We're losing life support, Captain.

The robots have powered down their weapons systems.

They're hailing us, Captain.

On screen.

Captain, is everybody okay?

We'll be all right. What about you?

( sighs )

I've agreed to help them build their prototype.

Lieutenant...

I know how you feel about this, Captain.

I don't like it either,

but if I don't do it, they'll destroy Voyager.

What choice do I have?

UNIT 3947: These are all the materials necessary to construct a prototype unit.

You will be provided with whatever additional tools and equipment you require.

You may access our database and schematic information from this computer terminal, but it will not allow you to interface with any critical systems.

While you're on board, you will have no contact with your ship, nor will you leave this room.

I will remain here to supervise your work.

You may proceed.

Proceed. Right.

But the question is, where do I proceed from?

Let me ask you this.

Have any of you ever tried to build a prototype?

We have tried, and failed.

What was the problem? I am unable to explain the failure.

We duplicated a power module to exact specifications on several occasions, but in all instances the energy output of the new module was insufficient to operate a unit.

And you're sure you reproduced the module exactly?

This is a schematic of a power module from a terminated unit.

This one is from a failed prototype.

They are identical.

There is no reason why one should function while the other does not.

Unit 3947, what can you report?

Well, let's see. We've been working for about five minutes.

So, I guess we don't have a lot of progress to report.

Our sensors indicate that the humanoid vessel will require approximately 140 hours to repair.

It is necessary for you to complete work on the prototype before that time.

Why? We don't seem to be any match for you.

Our tactical subprocessors indicate a 79% likelihood that a rescue will be attempted once sufficient repairs are completed.

At optimal efficiency, your engines are more powerful than ours.

It is also possible that these humanoids will not make decisions based on tactical probabilities.

Their cognitive process is... unpredictable.

We will remain on full tactical alert.

The humanoid may purposefully attempt to delay completion of the prototype, hoping she will be rescued.

I don't know if a promise means anything to you people, but it does to us.

I gave you my word that I'd do my best. And I will.

According to my observations, the humanoid is operating at optimal efficiency.

Thank you.

But I have to tell you, there are no guarantees here.

Building a prototype from scratch is a lot different than repairing a broken power module.

I don't even know if it's possible.

If you fail, you and your people will die.

B'Elanna Torres,

6263 is a designated command unit.

He is merely following his programming.

I don't need to be threatened.

I told you I'd do my best.

I believe you, but Unit 6263 does not.

He does not know Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres as I do.

Let me see one of those terminated power modules.

We've managed to repair the hull breach, but we have no power on decks three through seven.

Aft shields are still completely nonfunctional.

And last but not least, the dilithium matrix is destabilized, so we can't get the warp engines running.

We're talking about at least another six days of repairs.

We're not sticking around that long.

I want a plan to get B'Elanna off that ship before she can finish building the prototype.

In that case, I suggest we make warp drive our priority.

Any rescue attempt will no doubt necessitate a rapid departure. Agreed.

Mr. Kim, can you give me an estimate on repairing the dilithium matrix?

How does 72 hours sound?

Like 24 hours too long.

Dismissed.

TORRES: Hand me the sub-micron scanner. ( whirring )

Phase coil resonator.

( whirring )

Well, I think I know why your other prototypes failed, but... I'm not sure I know what to do about it yet.

Explain.

The automated units are modular.

Your parts are identical, interchangeable, right?

That is correct.

So...

If you lose an arm, you can replace it with another one, and over the years, you've learned to make new arms because they're all the same, and your programming is sophisticated enough to allow you to reproduce what you see, but each power module has a slightly different energy signature, so, even if you copy this guy's module exactly, it wouldn't work in any other unit.

As far as I can tell, every automated unit has a power module with a unique energy code.

Can you reprogram the energy codes to make the modules interchangeable?

I don't think so.

You have failed.

I will inform 6263.

Hey!

Do all you automated units give up the minute you hit a bump in the road?

Do you have an alternative idea?

What we've got to do is design a standardized module with a uniform energy code that can power any unit.

According to my observations, there is now sufficient reason for greater optimism.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

TUVOK: Due to the complexity of their defense field, and our severe power shortage, it is unlikely that we can modify the transporters to beam Lieutenant Torres out.

But if we can maneuver inside the field...

Our transporters could get the job done.

Is that a viable option?

For a shuttlecraft, it may be.

They were able to knock out Voyager's shields in a matter of minutes.

A shuttle would be even more vulnerable.

It would be advisable to create a diversion of some sort.

To take their attention away from the shuttle.

Attack them again?

I don't want to risk that a second time.

I don't need a diversion.

Just give me a chance. I'll get her out of there.

You don't mind if we give you a little help, do you, Paris?

I'd hate to lose another shuttle.

Your concern for my welfare is heartwarming.

In another 12 hours our warp engines will be back on line.

I'd like to come up with a diversion before then. Okay, gentlemen?

So far, so good.

I'm not getting any feedback from the motor circuits.

You going to be the obstetrician of this unit, 3947?

Please rephrase the question.

If this works, will you be in charge of assembling the new units?

I am programmed as a ships maintenance unit.

I have no knowledge of design, nor do any of the other automated personnel.

Sounds like you just volunteered for new duty.

I hope you're watching closely.

I am observing your work.

However, I do not possess your improvisational capabilities.

Well, once we have the prototype, all you'd have to do is copy it.

Tell me something, 39.

Can I call you 39?

I am Automated Unit 3947.

Fine.

3947, did you wake up on a bench like this one?

How long have you been alive?

I have been in service 1,314,807 hours and 33 minutes.

I was activated by a Builder from the Pralor homeworld.

Tell me something more about these Builders.

Were they anything like us?

I have insufficient knowledge of your culture to provide an adequate response.

Will you provide additional information?

Well, I asked about your culture.

Only fair you should ask about mine.

Does your culture include artificial life-forms?

As a matter of fact, it does.

Are they similar to the automated personnel units aboard this ship?

Well, they come in different shapes and sizes.

Some have limbs, some don't.

Most don't have your cognitive abilities.

Are they your servants?

Well, I guess you could say that the robots we use are servants, in a manner of speaking.

But they aren't sentient like you.

In fact, we have only one sentient artificial life-form in our society, and he is treated the same as any human.

The same. He is equal to a Builder?

That's right.

He works on a ship just like you and I.

He wears the same uniform I do.

What is his designant number?

He has a name, like the rest of us. "Data."

Data. I would like to be acquainted with this Data.

Well, it looks like this standardized power module is working pretty well so far.

You will succeed, B'Elanna Torres.

Don't send me flowers yet.

I've still got to see whether it will power an actual unit.

I believe it will.

We're making progress on the dilithium matrix.

It should be stable enough to reinitialize the warp core in about six hours.

Good. What about our diversion?

Any suggestions?

When we were in the Maquis,

B'Elanna once linked a holoemitter to a deflector array and projected an image of another ship into space.

I like it.

But do we have enough power?

We will by the time the warp core's on line.

I already have Kim working on the holodeck...

Tuvok to Captain Janeway. Go ahead.

I'm picking up an unidentified alien ship

on long-range sensors.

It's heading for our coordinates.

We're on our way.

Well, it fits.

Cross your fingers.

So far, so good.

Let's hope it can interface with the unit.

( unit powers up )

( power fails )

It does not function correctly.

It does not function correctly yet.

Your builders should have programmed you with a little more patience.

I'm going to try adjusting the flux capacitance.

( unit powers up )

Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.

We did it.

We actually did it.

You did it, B'Elanna Torres.

I knew this task would not exceed your operating capabilities.

Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.

What are you doing?

I am congratulating you!

You're a father.

( laughing )

( rumbling )

No sign of organic life aboard that ship either.

They appear to be manned by automated units virtually identical to those operating the first ship.

Is it possible that we've stumbled into the middle of some kind of... robotic war?

( dramatic theme playing )

( dramatic theme playing )

We've got to get Torres back now.

Agreed, but first I want to show both those ships this isn't our fight.

Ease us back on maneuvering thrusters, Mr. Paris, nice and steady.

The second ship is hailing us.

On screen.

Cravic Automated Commander 122

requests you identify yourself.

My name is Kathryn Janeway,

Captain of the Federation Starship Voyager.

Withdraw from this area immediately.

I'm afraid I can't do that.

One of my crew members is being held hostage aboard the Pralor vessel.

I won't leave without her.

Remain at your present coordinates

and don't attempt to intervene, or you will be fired on.

Captain, this new ship could be a...

The diversion we've been looking for.

Mr. Kim, what's the status of our warp engines?

We're still an hour away at best.

We may not have an hour. Get down to Engineering.

Be ready to give me as much power as you can the minute we get Torres back.

Aye, Captain.

If those two ships keep each other busy, we may not need warp to get away.

Mr. Paris, report to the Shuttle Bay. Yes, ma'am.

Chakotay, you have the con.

Who are they?

Automated personnel units of the Cravic homeworld.

Robots from another world? That is correct.

Why are they attacking you?

They were programmed to do so by their builders.

Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.

The Cravic Builders, the Pralor Builders--

Were they enemies? That is correct.

Look, maybe Captain Janeway can contact the Cravic leaders and convince them to stop the fighting, then...

That is not possible.

Why not?

The Cravic are also extinct.

I'm approaching the perimeter of the defense field.

TUVOK: Acknowledged.

Rotate your shield harmonics until they are synchronized with the frequency of the field.

Shields synchronized.

I'm going in.

( shuttle struck by weapon )

Then again, maybe not.

It didn't work. He bounced right off the field.

Mr. Paris, re-set your heading for coordinates 105.

Mark 4-0.

Uh, if I understand you, Tuvok, that would take me into a direct line of fire with the Cravic ship.

Precisely. The concentration of fire is opening a rift in the Pralor defense field.

Which I just might be able to sneak through if I can dodge a disruptor blast or two.

Changing heading.

If both sides were annihilated, then why continue your war?

3947: All automated personnel units were programmed to achieve victory.

Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.

The Cravic ship has penetrated our defense shield.

Has anyone in all these years ever tried to stop this war?

The Pralor and the Cravic called a truce.

Wait a minute, if both sides called a truce, then why didn't they stop you from fighting?

They attempted to do so.

And?

We terminated the Builders.

( dramatic theme playing )

Paris to Voyager.

I'm approaching the entry point.

Acknowledged. Showing a rift in the defense field off your starboard bow.

I'm on it.

When it was anticipated that the war would end, the Builders no longer required our services and they attempted to terminate us.

In doing so, they became the enemy.

We are programmed to destroy the enemy.

It is necessary for our survival.

Now that you have constructed the prototype, we will soon outnumber the Cravic units.

We will achieve victory.

( Torres grunts )

This is 3947. Fire units, report to the Reconstruction Bay Number One.

The individual energy codes-- is that why the Builders added them-- to prevent the procreation of these units?

( gasps )

My God, what have I done?

Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming.

( zapping ) ( warbling speech )

( grunts )

You have terminated the prototype.

Yes. I have.

You will build another.

Never.

Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres,

I told 6263 you were not our enemy.

I never wanted to be your enemy.

I'm sorry.

Shuttle to Voyager.

I've got her, but she's injured. Tell the doctor to stand by.

Beam her out as soon as I clear the defense field.

Acknowledged, Mr. Paris.

The ships are continuing to exchange fire, Captain.

They are ignoring the shuttle.

Bridge to Engineering.

Stand by, warp engines.

We'll engage the moment Mr. Paris gets back.

Aye, Captain.

( dramatic theme playing )

One pot of Landras blend, compliments of the chef.

Mm. I never thought Neelix's coffee could taste so good.

I'll tell him you said so.

( sighs )

I don't know what to say.

As far as I'm concerned, you did what you thought was necessary to ensure the safety of this crew.

Thank you.

It must have been difficult.

Difficult?

To destroy what you created.

It was necessary.

I read your report.

It was no small achievement, B'Elanna.

You gave that unit life.

You should have seen it, Captain.

It was incredible.

I installed that module, and the prototype looked up at me and asked me for programming.

As I said, it must have been difficult.

It was necessary.

( dramatic theme playing )

( dramatic theme music playing )