Home > Star Trek: Voyager

Worst Case Scenario

Where you headed?

The Bridge.

Mind if I walk with you?

Not at all.

So, how's it going?

Not bad, I guess.

Tuvok still giving you a hard time?

No more than usual.

I don't know about you, but when I think about spending 70 years on the same ship with that guy, it gives me a headache.

I get the impression a lot of the crew agrees with me--

Maquis and Starfleet.

Bridge.

So what do you think?

About what?

About what I've been saying, that a lot of the crew aren't too happy with our Chief of Security, and for that matter, I don't think Captain Janeway is winning any popularity contests, either.

Don't you agree?

Why do I get the feeling that you're testing me?

Let's just say I'm interested in your opinion.

Why?

You're a good officer.

I like you, and I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.

Computer, halt turbolift.

Look, what's this all about?

There are going to be some changes around here.

All of the Maquis are in line, and about 25 of the Starfleet crew are with us.

Are you saying there's going to be a mutiny?

And when the shooting starts...

I'm going to need to know which side you're on.

( door opens )

Well, Commander...

Voyager's all yours.

There's a first time for everything, I guess.

Don't worry, Captain, I'll keep your ship safe and sound.

I'm sure you will.

PARIS: Shuttle Bay to Captain Janeway.

Go ahead, Mr. Paris.

The shuttle's ready to go, whenever you are.

On my way.

Captain, I've been thinking.

Are you sure you don't want to take

Lieutenant Tuvok with you, just in case the Rukani turn out to be less friendly than they seem?

I assure you, Commander, I have made thorough preparations for the Captain's safety during her away mission.

You, on the other hand, are still adapting to your duties as First Officer.

Under the circumstances, I believe my time will be better spent assisting you in your effort to justify the trust the Captain has placed in you.

I appreciate your concern for my safety,

Mr. Chakotay, but Tuvok's right.

Lieutenant Paris and I will be just fine.

I'll see you in 24 hours.

Lieutenant...

I want you to keep close tabs on the Captain's shuttle.

Let's make sure she doesn't run into any trouble.

Aye, sir.

Ensign, let's shut down those transporters and start that diagnostic we've been putting off.

Sir, are you sure we shouldn't wait for the Captain to get back?

Ensign Kim, you have been given a direct order.

Do as the Commander tells you.

Aye, sir.

Have you finished upgrading the internal sensors, Ensign?

I'm working on it, sir.

( door opens )

I hope so.

Wait here. Is something wrong, sir?

No. It's just tomorrow's duty roster.

Sir, Captain Janeway's shuttle has gone to warp.

CHAKOTAY: Thank you, Tuvok.

Chakotay to all hands.

Let's do it.

Sir?

KIM: Red Alert!

Security to the Bridge!

You're wasting your time, Harry.

All my teams have taken control of Security, Engineering and all key systems.

You'll never get away with this. People will fight back.

That's going to be a little difficult.

All your off-duty Starfleet friends have been locked down, in quarters.

( yelling )

( grunting )

I guess you've made your choice.

Jonas to Chakotay. Go ahead.

They're putting up a fight on Deck 2.

We could use some help. Carlson, O'Donnell, get these people to the brig.

Ayala, take the conn and move us out of com range of Janeway's shuttle.

You're with me.

Deck 2.

Thanks for watching my back in there.

Right.

Are you okay?

To tell you the truth, uh... shooting Harry... got me a little rattled.

He's only stunned.

We're not going to kill anybody today, unless it's absolutely necessary.

Just stay close.

Stay low.

They've got us pinned down.

We'll just have to shoot our way past them.

Ready?

Seska!

It's just like old times, isn't it?

CHAKOTAY: Thanks for the help.

We've got to get moving. Some of Janeway's people are trying to set up a command center in the Mess Hall.

( crew shouting )

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

This phaser's set on wide beam.

I could take you all in one shot.

Everybody drop your weapons.

( weapons clattering )

You heard the man. Drop your weapons.

( more weapons clattering )

Don't look so surprised, Commander.

I know a winner when I see one.

I'm with you.

Do you want me to shoot him?

We're still going to need a cook.

Chakotay to Engineering.

What's your status?

MALE: Engineering is secure.

Transporter Rooms 1 and 2, status.

MALE 2: Transporter Room 1 is under control.

FEMALE: Transporter Room 2 is secure.

Shuttle Bay, status.

MALE 3: Shuttle Bay is secured, Commander.

I'll take care of the prisoners here.

You two get some help and start rounding up the personnel that are still locked down in quarters.

Bring them to Cargo Bay 1. We did it.

Just like old times.

You did a good job today.

Thanks.

Just make sure you keep it up.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means I'm not as easy to win over as Chakotay.

Come on! Let's go.

Wait here.

Seska, what's going on? Move it.

Why are we being treated like prisoners?

No talking.

Over there, with the rest of them.

What are you going to do with us?

I said no talking! Hey, hey, hey, take it easy.

I told you it was a mistake letting Starfleet people in on this.

Now's not the time, Seska.

Take a good look around you.

You're under armed guard.

You may also notice that your senior officers aren't here.

They're in the brig.

They'll be put off the ship at the first habitable planet we come to.

All except Janeway and Paris... who will arrive at their rendezvous coordinates to find that Voyager's not there.

In short, I've taken control of the ship.

I don't blame any of you for the mistakes of your leaders.

So I'm giving you a choice.

You can be put off the ship with your superiors, or you can do what Neelix and some of your other crew members have already done, and join me.

If you do, you'll be part of a crew that's going to do whatever it takes to get us home as fast as possible.

Under my command, we won't let almighty Federation principles get in the way of opportunities, the way Janeway did when she destroyed the Array that could've gotten us home.

And we won't be wasting precious time, stopping to investigate every insignificant anomaly that we come across.

What we will do... is use any means necessary to acquire technology that can shorten our journey.

To hell with Starfleet regulations.

You have 15 minutes to make up your minds.

PARIS: B'Elanna.

What's going on here?

Computer, freeze program.

Are you in the habit of just walking in on people's private holodeck time?

It's not as if I caught you dancing the rumba with a naked Bolian.

We had a lunch date, remember?

Is it lunchtime already?

I must've lost track of the time.

Well, I expected to find you shooting pool at Sandrine's, not hanging out with Seska.

What sort of program is this, anyway?

It's really something.

I was doing a routine purge of the database-- you know, taking out old files that were taking up space-- and I found this holonovel.

It's a kind of "what if" story all about a Maquis mutiny.

It's completely compelling... and believable.

I guess it's because it's all about us.

Who wrote it?

Now that... is the big mystery.

Whoever the author is has gone to a lot of trouble to keep his identity a secret.

It's been encrypted.

Why do you suppose someone would try so hard to be anonymous?

Well, think about it. Whoever plays this program takes on the role of a Starfleet Security Officer who gets approached by Chakotay to help the Maquis take over the ship.

I mean, it's pretty inflammatory.

You think we should tell the Captain?

Probably.

It would be pretty hard for us to give her a full report, if we don't know how the story ends.

Excellent point.

Great. Can you reset it for me?

You?! I was just getting to the good part.

Oh, come on, B'Elanna, be a sport.

I've got to be back on duty in less than an hour.

Besides, isn't half the fun of a holonovel having someone to talk it over with?

All right. You owe me one.

Where are you headed? The Bridge.

Mind if I walk with you?

I was kind of hoping you would.

So how's it going?

Couldn't be better.

Tuvok still giving you a hard time?

Doesn't he always?

I don't know about you, but when I think about spending 70 years on the same ship with that guy, it gives me a headache.

Not to mention an upset stomach.

Bridge.

I hear you're planning a mutiny.

Computer, halt turbolift.

Who told you that?

Let's just say there are rumors. ( laughs )

Yeah, well, don't believe everything you hear.

Of course not. I just wanted you to know that whatever happens, I'm with you.

Computer, resume turbolift.

I'm serious.

Just tell me what you want me to do.

All right, Ensign, here it is.

As soon as the Captain leaves to meet the Rukani,

I want you to put all crew quarters on lockdown.

I'll ask you if you've finished upgrading the internal sensors.

If you say yes, I'll know we're ready to go.

I understand.

I'm watching you.

No tricks.

We are entering the Rukani sector, Commander.

Inform the Captain. Aye, sir.

Well, Commander... Voyager's all yours.

There's a first time for everything, I guess.

Don't worry, Captain.

I'll keep your ship safe and sound.

I'm sure you will.

PARIS: Shuttle Bay to Captain Janeway.

Go ahead, Mr. Paris.

The shuttle's ready to go, whenever you are.

JANEWAY: On my way.

Captain, I've been thinking.

Are you sure you don't want to take Lieutenant Tuvok with you, just in case the Rukani turn out to be less friendly than they seem?

I assure you, Commander, I have made thorough preparations for the Captain's safety during her away mission.

You, on the other hand, are still adapting to your duties as First Officer.

Under the circumstances, I believe my time will be better spent assisting you in your effort to justify the trust the Captain has placed in you.

I appreciate your concern for my safety, Mr. Chakotay, but Tuvok's right.

Lieutenant Paris and I will be just fine.

I'll see you in 24 hours.

Lieutenant,

I want you to keep close tabs on the Captain's shuttle.

Let's make sure she doesn't run into any trouble.

Aye, sir.

Ensign, let's shut down the transporters and start that diagnostic we've been putting off.

Sir, are you sure we shouldn't wait for the Captain to get back?

TUVOK: Ensign Kim, you have been given a direct order.

Do as the Commander tells you.

Aye, sir.

( console beeping )

Have you finished upgrading the internal sensors?

Yes, sir. I hope so.

Wait here.

Is anything wrong, sir?

No. It's just tomorrow's duty roster.

The Captain's shuttle has gone to warp.

Thank you, Tuvok.

Chakotay to all hands. Let's do it.

Sir? Tuvok, get down!

I guess you've made your choice.

It's not over yet, Chakotay.

Take them all to the brig.

Sir, we have to do something.

What did you have in mind, Ensign?

Escape, retake the ship.

We will indeed attempt to do so, when the time is right.

What about trying it now?

Such a foolhardy proposal suggests a lack of proper training.

Need I remind you that we are confined behind an electrostatic force field?

We can't just sit here and do nothing.

We are hardly doing nothing.

We are observing the enemy, watching for any discernible patterns in their procedures, looking for any weakness in their defenses.

How long is this observing business going to take?

It's been over an hour already. I'm getting bored.

I am not concerned with your amusement, Ensign.

We are in a crisis situation and we will follow procedure and procedure dictates that we wait for the right opportunity to attempt an escape whether it takes an hour or a week.

A week?!

Who wrote this stuff?

Hold Kim and Tuvok here.

Bring the rest of them to Cargo Bay 1.

Enjoy the wait.

...and we won't be wasting precious time stopping to investigate every insignificant anomaly we come across.

What we will do is use any means necessary to acquire technology that can shorten our journey.

To hell with Starfleet regulations.

You have 15 minutes to make up your minds.

I don't need 15 minutes.

I'm with you right now.

So, by the time I got around to joining

Chakotay's band of rebels... Uh-huh. he was so suspicious of my motives that he assigned me to lubricate the warp plasma manifolds.

You should've tried going along with the mutiny from the beginning. It's much more fun.

Oh, believe me, next time I will.

I couldn't help overhearing.

You two are talking about the new holonovel.

I tried sending an encoded message to Captain Janeway's shuttle, to warn her about the mutiny, but Chakotay caught me, phasered me, and the program reset.

Next time, I'm going to pretend to go along with the conspirators, and then stage a counterstrike.

I thought we were going to keep this our little secret. Don't look at me.

I didn't tell him.

I heard about it from the Doctor.

The Doctor?

I may have let it slip while I was running his weekly diagnostic.

Oh, great.

Who else knows about it?

Don't worry about me. My lips are sealed.

So what's this Ayala tells me about a new holonovel?

Get in line, Harry.

PARIS: Lieutenant Paris's Personal Log, Stardate 50953.4.

I've decided to take B'Elanna's advice

and replay the holonovel,

this time, as a full-fledged member

of Chakotay's team of mutineers.

I hope it turns out better than before.

Where the hell are those warp engines?

They're still off-line.

We can't seem to get the dilithium matrix reinitialized.

It's been two days.

Don't worry. B'Elanna's on it.

Run a full security sweep.

Something tells me there's more to this engine problem than a faulty dilithium matrix.

You think we've got a saboteur on board?

There's a ship approaching, bearing 216 mark 33.

It's Janeway's shuttle.

Open a channel.

Hello, Kathryn.

How did it go with the Rukani?

You're out of uniform, Commander.

There have been a few changes since you've been gone.

So I've heard.

You think I don't have any friends left on Voyager?

Apparently, you do, but I'll find them.

And then what?

Will you kill them or just put them off the ship?

( sighs heavily )

Nobody has to die here today.

I thought you were a man of your word, Chakotay.

I guess I was mistaken.

I'm sorry it had to come to this, but the crew believes I can get them home faster than you can.

It's going to be a little difficult

without warp engines, isn't it?

Our warp drive may be temporarily off-line, but our weapon systems are fully operational.

They're powering phasers.

Kathryn, don't try to be a hero.

I've been reasonable so far.

I'll allow you to keep the shuttle.

I'll even transport you some extra provisions, but if you don't stand down, I will destroy your shuttle.

You've just threatened the wrong woman, Chakotay.

What does she think she's going to accomplish?

We can obliterate them in one shot.

Not till I give the order.

Reopen a channel.

I don't know how, but they've disabled our shields.

We're completely vulnerable.

Target their warp core and fire.

I always said Janeway was a fool.

COMPUTER: Intruder alert on Deck 8.

It's Paris and Janeway.

Janeway's no fool.

She tricked us into destroying her shuttle, then transported over while the shields were down!

She's trying to free the prisoners.

You've got the Bridge.

You're with me.

Get away from that panel!

( groans ) Oh!

Drop it.

Computer, resume program.

COMPUTER: The holographic simulation has ended.

Well, start it up again, right where it left off.

Unable to comply. Why not?

Additional narrative parameters have not been programmed.

Are you saying there's no more story?

Affirmative.

This is someone's idea of a practical joke, right?

Please rephrase the question.

There.

I've bypassed the security override.

Try it now.

Computer, identify the author of holographic program entitled

"Insurrection Alpha."

COMPUTER: That information is classified.

I've tried every decryption protocol I can think of.

Whoever wrote this is good.

Not to mention sadistic.

I can't believe we've been left hanging like this.

Any luck? ( both sighing )

Me, neither.

I've discreetly questioned everybody

I thought I could trust.

Either nobody knows, or nobody's talking.

Remember the good old days when it was impossible to keep a secret on a ship this small?

Well, if that takes care of our official agenda, there's another matter I'd like to discuss.

Commander Chakotay informs me there's a new holonovel that's become quite popular among the crew.

It's been accessed 47 times by 33 different crew members.

I don't suppose anyone here is familiar with what we're talking about.

Actually, uh, Captain, I'm the one who found it on the auxiliary database.

I've been running it too.

Anybody else?

I understand that the author of this little opus has chosen to remain anonymous, perhaps because of the controversial nature of the story, which depicts Commander Chakotay as the leader of a Maquis mutiny.

Well, now that the cat's out of the bag...

I want each of you to talk to your staff and find out who our anonymous author is.

That won't be necessary, Captain.

I am the author of the program in question.

You, Tuvok?

I never knew you had literary aspirations.

Not to mention talent. What a story.

I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding.

The program is not a holonovel.

It is a tactical training scenario.

When you first invited the Maquis to join our crew,

I believed that mutiny was a very real possibility.

With that in mind, I began to write a training program for junior security officers to prepare them for such an eventuality.

But you never finished it.

No. As the two crews began to work together,

I concluded that the threat of an insurrection was increasingly unlikely.

I realized the program itself might exacerbate the very conflict I sought to avoid.

Therefore, I deleted the scenario.

Or so I believed.

Apparently, you didn't account for

B'Elanna's exceptional computer skills.

Nor her somewhat excessive curiosity.

I apologize for my carelessness, Captain.

Forget your carelessness.

What you should be apologizing for is leaving us all hanging by a thread.

You've got to finish the story.

On the contrary, Mr. Paris, the program has the potential to incite animosity among the crew and must be permanently deleted.

I have no doubt the Captain concurs.

With all due respect, Mr. Tuvok, loosen up.

You may have intended this program to be a tactical training tool, but it looks to me like it's turned into a bit of harmless fun.

As the Captain of this ship, surely you must--

I'm more than just a Captain.

I'm the leader of a community, and communities need entertainment, culture, creative outlets.

Since we're not exactly privy to every new piece of music or holonovel that's written back home,

I think it's only natural that we should start creating our own.

Besides, Tuvok, if the crew doesn't get an ending, you may have a real mutiny on your hands.

( both laughing )

If Tuvok doesn't want to finish the story,

I volunteer. Oh?

I've always wanted to write a holonovel.

I think I could make it pretty exciting.

Good. Then it's settled.

I, for one, can't wait to see if Captain Janeway manages to outwit the conspirators.

Well, if it isn't Mr. Anonymous.

Come to check up on your replacement?

Since the Captain insists on allowing you to proceed with this frivolous exercise,

I thought you might benefit from the original probability studies

I conducted before beginning the scenario.

Well, thanks, Tuvok, but I don't need any probability studies.

I'm just sort of making it up as I go along.

Indeed.

I'd be curious to know what you've "made up" thus far.

Well, I was thinking,

Paris and Janeway retake the ship, and then she decides to execute all the conspirators.

That is an entirely implausible plot development.

Captain Janeway would never behave in such an inhumane manner.

This isn't real life, Tuvok, it's fiction.

Don't get so caught up in logic.

Logic is an integral part of narrative structure.

According to the "Dictates of Poetics," by T'Hain of Vulcan, a character's actions must flow inexorably from his or her established traits.

Well, I don't know anything about T'Hain, but I do know what makes an interesting story, and that's unexpected plot twists.

If you think I will allow you to turn this program into a parody, you are sorely mistaken.

Are you saying that you're going to finish it yourself?

Artistic differences?

I would hardly call Mr. Paris's ideas... artistic.

Apparently, my instincts don't comply with the Vulcan "Dictates of Poetics."

Well, I've got a couple of suggestions that might help.

Now, up until now, the story's been nothing but action, which is fine, but what it needs is a little heart, a little emotion.

We are not writing a romance novel, Lieutenant.

"We"?

I've decided that your efforts would benefit from my collaboration.

Oh, really?

Listen, I don't care which one of you is writing this thing.

All I'm saying is that there is room in every good story for a little bit of passion.

You know, maybe you're on to something.

I could add a steamy love scene between the Starfleet conn officer and the Maquis engineer.

Oh, that's realistic.

How about a fresh pot of coffee to keep those creative juices flowing, huh?

Thanks, Neelix.

Uh, while I'm here...

Uh, let me guess. You have a suggestion to make.

Of course not. I would never presume to interfere in the creative process.

More of a comment, really, about the Neelix character--

How surprising.

He would never betray the Captain the way he does in that story.

No offense, Mr. Vulcan, but I don't think you understand my character very well.

Tuvok, did you forget to follow the "Dictates of Poetics"?

Perhaps we should find someplace quieter to work.

Now, that's the first intelligent suggestion

I've heard all evening.

I believe our first step should be to create a carefully constructed outline of the remaining chapters. I told you, Tuvok.

I'm just making it up as I go.

We cannot proceed without a carefully constructed outline.

There you go with that "we" stuff again.

I don't remember agreeing to let you help me.

Need I remind you that it was I who first began the scenario.

And you think I'm compromising your creative vision? In so many words, yes.

And it is my duty to insure that ship security is not compromised by your creative vision.

You had your chance to finish this story and you wanted to delete it.

True, but since that is no longer an option,

I am now exercising my prerogative as the original author. Look, Tuvok... for the last time, I don't need any help.

DOCTOR: Ah, there you are.

I have several brilliant ideas for upcoming chapters of your holonovel, as well as a list of revisions and dialogue changes that I believe will improve the earlier installments.

I don't believe this. No thanks are necessary.

In addition, I'm prepared to offer my expertise in the creation of holographic mise-en-scène.

Computer, override the EMH program's autonomous controls, and transfer him back to Sick Bay.

Now, wait just a minute...

( sighs )

Thanks, Tuvok.

Now that I think about it...

I'll take it from here.

You may find that difficult, since I'm the only one who can make additions to the program.

( chuckling )

All right, Tuvok, you win.

We'll finish the story together.

That is a very rational decision, Mr. Paris.

Computer, reinitiate the holographic program entitled "Insurrection Alpha."

Security clearance: Tuvok-four-seven-seven-four.

COMPUTER: The program has been reinitiated.

The first thing we're going to change is that title.

Reformat the holo-matrix for the addition of new interactive algorithms.

The holo-matrix has been formatted.

Reopen the narrative parameters file.

Captain, we just lost power in both transporter rooms.

The com went down, and the holodeck systems are completely scrambled.

What are we doing in the brig? I have no idea.

We haven't given the computer instructions to create a location yet. SESKA: Hello, Tuvok.

I've been expecting you.

If you can see me, you've obviously reopened the narrative parameters file of the tactical scenario you've been working on.

How do you know that? You're a hologram.

SESKA: That's right.

A holographic representation of Seska, one of the Maquis shipmates you betrayed.

I would've thought all that time you spent spying on us might've given you a little more insight into the Maquis, but after looking over what you've already written,

I can see you need a little help.

So I've created this representation of myself to guide you through the rest of the program.

There is no more program.

There is now.

I finished writing it for you with a few revisions of my own.

Revisions?

To start with, the holodeck is now sealed.

Your friends will find it very difficult to get you out of here.

And the safety protocols are off, which means if I shoot you, and I am going to shoot you, you'll die.

But not just yet.

( console beeping )

You've got ten seconds to run.

Nine, eight...

Computer, end program.

...seven, six... Holodeck 1 to Bridge.

...five... Emergency transport.

Oh, did I forget to tell you?

The moment you restarted the program, the com system went down.

Four... three...

I guess we better do what she says.

...two, one...

You should never have crossed her, Tuvok.

"She" has been dead for over a year now.

There would've been no way to predict this turn of events.

We should've known Seska wouldn't let a thing like death stop her from getting even.

JANEWAY: Tuvok, Tom.

In here.

Captain.

We're going to have to transport to the Cargo Bay to free the rest of the prisoners.

It's safer than trying to make it on foot.

She's a hologram too.

Apparently, she believes we're here to help her retake the ship from the mutineers.

I say we play along.

We could use all the help we can get against Seska.

You're forgetting it was Seska who rewrote the scenario.

For all we know, she's programmed

Captain Janeway to betray us.

I suppose you have a better idea?

The safest course of action is to avoid participation of any kind.

Eventually, the real Captain will discover our predicament, and shut down the program from the outside.

Let's move.

CHAKOTAY: Hold it right there.

Back off.

Or what? You'll shoot us? Go right ahead.

Whatever you say.

( gasping )

SESKA: Poor Kathryn.

I guess nobody told her the phaser rifles from Storage Locker 3 have been malfunctioning.

You're an incredible woman, Seska.

You see who's in charge now, don't you?

So if I were you, I'd get moving again.

The program's not over.

We have no intention of participating in this exercise.

You don't want to end up like your Captain, do you?

You programmed all this. The malfunctioning phaser, a version of Chakotay who's attracted to you...

None of it's real. You hear that?

He thinks this is a game.

Show him he's wrong.

I've been waiting a long time for this.

( groans )

Next time, you'll believe me when I tell you the safety protocols are off.

Now, you've got five seconds to start running again, or you'll end up with more than a flesh wound.

So much for not playing along with Seska's program.

Are you able to continue? I'll keep up.

The question is: Where are we going?

I have an idea.

What's the point? This isn't the real Sick Bay.

I may be able to use some of this holographic equipment to treat your wound.

Besides, it's as good a place as any to hide from Seska.

Please state the nature of the medical emergency.

No emergency, Doc. I'm fine. Nonsense. You have second-degree phaser burns. Please have a seat on bio-bed one.

That's all right, Doc. I'm telling you, I feel fine.

You require treatment. 20 cc's nitric acid.

( screams )

A little proverbial salt in the wound.

You're looking well. Go!

I'm not going to leave you.

It was a pleasure treating you.

Don't hesitate to call again.

Are you all right, Mr. Paris?

Oh, just great.

Maybe we can go to the Mess Hall now, and let the holographic Neelix burn my arm with a frying pan.

Your feeble attempt at wit notwithstanding, it does appear that Seska has reprogrammed the holographic crew to torture us.

I suggest we avoid meeting any more of them.

Seska to Tuvok.

I know you can hear me.

Oh, terrific.

I just wanted to remind you

that wherever you go, I'll find you.

I say we try the Jefferies tubes.

I concur.

Captain, you're not going to believe this, but Seska caused these cascade failures.

Seska? How?

What she lacked in loyalty, she made up for in ingenuity.

According to the backup computer logs, she got into Tuvok's scenario on stardate 48671, about a month before she left the ship.

She programmed it to cause all of these shutdowns the next time Tuvok reopened the narrative parameters file, which he didn't do until today.

Can we get them out?

Seska laid booby-trapped subroutines everywhere.

If we try to open the holodeck doors, the power grid is rigged to explode.

And the transporters are still off-line.

You said the narrative parameters file is open now.

Seska's revised program is playing out as we speak.

If Seska can rewrite Tuvok... maybe I can rewrite Seska.

So, Tuvok, anything in the "Dictates of Poetics" about how to escape from a ship full of insane holograms?

Your attempts at humor are hardly constructive, Mr. Paris.

( beeping denial )

The controls are jammed.

I cannot close the hatch.

Tuvok!

Where do you suppose this came from?

That is an intriguing question.

You think Seska's toying with us?

Taking us to the brink of death again, then letting us live, so she can keep torturing us?

I prefer a more optimistic interpretation.

It is possible our shipmates outside the holodeck have learned of our predicament and have found a way to help us by making additions to the program, such as that plasma extinguisher.

If you want to look on the bright side,

I'm certainly not going to argue with you.

If they do know what's going on, why just hand us a plasma extinguisher?

Why not shut down the hologrid or change the scenario?

I would imagine Seska has made it very difficult for anyone to implement more than minor changes.

Take a look at this.

( alarm buzzing )

You were right.

We must follow their instructions.

Hello, boys.

What do you say we go for a little walk?

Where did they come from?

Seska's program is adding new algorithms to counteract the changes we're making.

I need more access to the narrative subroutines.

I can't get in. You better find a way.

Otherwise, Tom and Tuvok aren't going to make it out of there alive.

It looks like Chakotay's taking them to the holographic cargo bay.

Torres to Kim. How are you coming with those transporters?

Seska's program has completely disabled the relay access ports.

It's going to take a while to get Tom and Tuvok out of there.

I guess that means I keep writing.

As you can see, the last of your comrades have been captured.

In case anybody had any doubts, it should be obvious by now that this is no longer a Starfleet vessel.

Bring Paris and Tuvok over here.

You and you, bring your weapons.

CHAKOTAY: What are you doing? What do you think I'm doing?

I'm going to execute them right here, right now.

I need access to the character algorithms now.

I'm on it. Fire on my order.

Belay that.

What are you doing? We planned this.

I'm not sure it's necessary to kill them.

If I'm not mistaken, the Chakotay hologram is undergoing some sort of character change.

Do you think they're trying to help us again?

These two rodents betrayed us. They deserve to die.

Don't listen to her, Commander. You've taken the ship.

There is no need to add murder to your list of offenses.

Quiet! Lower your weapons.

It's working. Now, if I can just keep modifying the Chakotay hologram...

SESKA: You're not going to lose your nerve, are you?

We have what we want.

There's no reason to kill them.

Prepare to fire on my order!

CHAKOTAY: Seska, I'm in command of this operation.

Not anymore!

I don't believe it.

The program is reconfiguring the sub-processors to counter every change we make.

No matter what we do, it rewrites itself so that Tom and Tuvok will die.

I'm not out of ideas yet.

Is there anyone else who wants to challenge my authority?

Isn't their loyalty inspiring?

Set your phasers to "kill."

Don't listen to her.

Fire on my order.

What the hell was that?

Don't move, Seska.

FEMALE: Bridge to Seska.

We're under attack by the Rukani.

The Rukani?

The people the Captain and I were visiting while you were busy taking over the ship.

When we realized there was a mutiny in progress, we called them for a little assistance.

Harry, have you got transporters yet?

KIM: Still working on it, Captain.

You're not getting this ship back.

That is a rather bold statement for someone in your position.

Computer, initiate 60-second self-destruct sequence.

Authorization: zeta-one.

COMPUTER: This ship will self-destruct in 60 seconds.

Computer, belay that order.

Authorization: Tuvok- four-seven-seven-four.

Unable to comply.

Voiceprint not recognized.

If you don't hand over that phaser rifle, everyone on this ship is going to be dead in--

Self-destruct in 45 seconds.

I don't know how she rigged it, Captain, but when she ordered the self-destruct, it initiated an overload in the holodeck power relays.

The whole grid is going to blow.

Self-destruct in 30 seconds.

Hand over the weapon, or the ship is going to be destroyed.

I have set this phaser to kill.

If you do not deactivate the self-destruct sequence,

I will fire.

I'm surprised at you, Tuvok. That's not very logical.

If I'm dead, who'll turn off the self-destruct?

Fifteen seconds to self-destruct.

Thirteen... 12... 11...

ten... nine...

Computer, terminate self-destruct sequence.

Authorization: zeta-one.

Self-destruct sequence has been terminated.

Now call off your Rukani friends.

Do what she says.

Tuvok--

That's an order, Mr. Paris.

Paris to the Rukani vessel.

Thank you for your assistance, but everything's under control now.

It is, isn't it?

I guess, if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself.

( screaming )

Not bad.

Seska's not the only one who knows how to cause a phaser malfunction.

COMPUTER: The holographic simulation has ended.

It's over. Kim to Engineering.

I think I can give you transporters now, Captain.

That's all right, Harry. No rush.

Here's to stories with happy endings.

( light laughter )

I must say, Captain, causing the alien ship to come to our aid was a very effective plot development.

Who says deus ex machina is an outdated literary device?

I'm just glad you didn't come down with a case of writer's block.

So, you two are going to have to come up with a new idea for your next literary collaboration.

What about doing a Western?

Or a detective story.

I don't care what kind of story it is, as long as I'm not the bad guy this time.

( laughter )

I've got a great idea for a holonovel about a daring trader who becomes a cook on a starship.

Eventually, he rises-- Mr. Neelix... if Mr. Paris and I do create another work of holofiction,

I assure you, we will choose a subject much less close to home.

( laughter )