Excuse me, can you tell me where to find the supervisor?
- Over there. - Thank you.
Your authorisation and licences, please.
Level 6 in thermal dynamics and quantum fusion.
- Well, Janeway, I'm impressed. - Thank you, sir.
Report to your shift on time.
I got lost and ended up at the Atmosphere Filtration Facility.
They need skilled workers. Did they offer you a job?
- I won't be late again. - It's easy to get disoriented here.
I've been here all my life and I still get lost.
You'll be monitoring the primary reactor coils. They process...
8,000 metric tonnes of tylium per second at 94% thermal efficiency.
I memorised the specifications.
Tell me if you need anything. We like to keep our workforce happy.
I can tell it's going to be much better than my last job.
The specifications you asked for.
Input error 415.
Command code violation 2308.
Shut off that alarm,
and I'll never violate you again.
Almost an overload.
I would have corrected it.
Sorry for interrupting, then.
And eavesdropping.
I heard you talking to your console.
An old habit.
Does it work?
We don't speak the same language.
If you need an interpreter, Jaffen.
Kathryn.
I work there.
That's good to know.
This station doesn't need two operators.
Have we met?
Employee 1326.
And you're Employee 8584.
You may not be familiar with the rules.
Fraternising is forbidden in work hours.
Do you have a number? Or a name?
Annika Hansen.
What's your position?
Efficiency Monitor.
I didn't know they hired one.
Now you do. Return to your station.
We weren't fraternising.
He was helping me. We're almost done.
Do it quickly.
Yes, ma'am.
I thought we were fraternising.
We could get acquainted.
There's a place some of us go.
A meal?
I can't.
Talk to someone besides your console.
I appreciate the offer.
But with this new job,
I don't really have time to socialise.
They always need labourers at the power plant.
I had a job there once. Didn't like it much.
Odd. They treat their employees well.
How long were you there?
- A while. - It would be simple for me to find out.
- A day. - A day!
Half a day, give or take an hour.
Not what I call an illustrious career.
I don't belong behind a console, pushing buttons.
But when I heard some of the workers talking about your place,
I knew I had to get a job here.
- You were terminated, weren't you? - Yes.
That's quite an accomplishment during a labour shortage.
- What happened? - It's a long story.
I like a long story.
I had a disagreement with the new efficiency monitor.
- She didn't think my work was very... - Efficient?
- Exactly. - Then why should I hire you?
Well, there's my natural charm and personality.
They'd be a real asset around here, to attract patrons.
Look at you. You haven't been able to tear yourself away from me.
There's no one else here.
Please.
I really need the work.
You'd better clean those tables.
It'll be filled with hungry workers when the next shift ends.
- You won't regret this. - I'm certain I will.
...he couldn't understand why I wasn't insulted.
Finally, I had to tell him I'm Norvalen. I don't have a father.
It wasn't that funny, Tuvok.
On the contrary. The man was ignorant of how your species procreates.
His attempt to disparage you ultimately humiliated him.
Irony is often a source of humour.
When you explain it like that, it's not funny at all.
- I also have some humorous anecdotes. - I look forward to hearing them.
Thought you had no time to socialise.
I'm reviewing these manuals and having something to eat.
I recommend the broth and the section on coefficients.
- Really, I'm very busy. - Not to socialise.
To help you review the manuals.
- How was your first day? - Here you are.
Compliments of the proprietress.
Tom?
I'll be right back.
The proprietress doesn't give away drinks.
I'm just creating customer loyalty.
You've spent all night with those two women.
- Attend to the other tables. - Yes, ma'am.
- Here you are. - Thank you. Looks great.
I can't believe I'm out this late.
It was my responsibility to help you study the manuals.
Of course.
Now you should be less likely to overload the core.
With all the discussion about coefficients,
you never told me where you're from.
- Earth. - Never heard of it.
- A long way from here. - What's it like?
Overpopulated, polluted, very little work.
Sounds like my homeworld. I guess we're lucky to be here.
- Different species get along so well. - You admit we're getting along?
- I was speaking in a broader context. - I see.
There's a lot of violence where I'm from.
That's too bad.
I still haven't adjusted to the weather. It's cold at night.
- It's almost curfew. - Yes, sir. We both live right here.
Goodnight, then.
One of the advantages of employee housing is,
we can continue sharing ideas after the day is over.
- Is that so? - I've a great view from my quarters.
I really have to get to sleep. Maybe another time.
Sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable.
You're not.
- Well, if you get lonely... - I'll let you know.
It wasn't me.
It's not an overload. Time for inoculations.
- What inoculations? - Nothing to worry about.
- Protection against radiation. - I didn't realise it was a problem.
It's not, as long as you're inoculated regularly.
We're lucky to have an employer concerned about our safety.
- Is something wrong? - Forgive me, but...
- I'm afraid of injections. - I assure you, this is painless.
Is there another method of administering the medication?
- No, I'm afraid there isn't. - Very well.
No!
We're finished. You can go back to work.
Next.
First officer's log, stardate 54584.3.
Ensign Kim, Neelix and I are returning after five days with the Nar Shaddan.
In six years, I've never been on an away mission worse than this one.
How can you say that? The hold is crammed with valuable supplies.
My stomach is crammed with alien parasites, doing backflips.
- You shouldn't have drunk Falah nectar. - You insisted I try it.
The Nar Shaddan consider it a delicacy. To refuse insults them.
You didn't insist that Commander Chakotay try it.
Commander Chakotay is a vegetarian.
- It was made from meat? - More like a meat by-product.
- I'm going to be sick. - Not after you drink this.
- What is it? - Leola bark tea.
- To settle the queasiest of stomachs. - It smells worse than the nectar.
I'll wait for the Doctor to treat me. At least I'll sleep in my own bed tonight.
Harry, I need you and Neelix up here.
On our way.
Anything wrong?
We're at the rendezvous, but there's no sign of Voyager.
Start scanning on all frequencies. They've got to be out there somewhere.
So much for my own bed.
Re-initialise the subspace transponder.
Warning. Main computer is failing.
Switch to back-up processors.
- Main computer stabilised. - Good. Now, let's try this again.
- Re-initialise subspace transponder. - Unable to comply.
- Why not? - Insufficient power.
And they say I'm difficult. Re-route power from the replicator.
- Unable to comply. - Clarify.
- Transponder relays fused. - Any suggestions?
Please re-state inquiry.
- Can the power relays be bypassed? - Negative.
Then I'll have to replace them by hand.
- Warning. Intruder alert. - Where?
- The Bridge. - How many?
- Two humanoids. - Can you identify?
Negative. Sensor resolution below 20%.
Stop what you're doing and turn around.
Take it easy, Doc. It's us!
It's good to see friendly faces, for that matter, any faces at all.
Sorry life-support isn't back on-line. It hasn't been a priority.
- What happened? - We ran into some problems.
- I see that. Can you be more specific? - Of course.
About 12 hours after you left on your mission, things started to go wrong.
We hit some sort of subspace mine.
Computer, transfer the EMH to the mobile emitter.
Sickbay to Bridge. Sickbay to engineering, respond!
I was inundated with casualties, all with tetryon radiation poisoning.
The captain arrived.
- Can you treat these people? - I can stabilise them.
But if we can't contain the radiation...
Everyone to the escape pods.
- Not you, I need you here. - Captain?
Computer, activate the Emergency Command Hologram.
Authorisation Janeway omega 3.
Command codes transferred.
You've wanted this chance for a long time. Now you've got it.
Vent the radiation. The rest of us will head for the nearest habitable planet.
- You need medical care. - We'll have to make do with medkits.
We'll rendezvous as soon as it's safe to come back on board.
- Take good care of Voyager. - You can count on me, Captain.
The crew abandoned ship. I began to assess the damage.
Before I could start the repairs, I got some unexpected company.
Computer, report.
A vessel has locked onto Voyager.
Open a channel.
This is the Starship Voyager. Disengage your tractor beam.
Scans show no lifesigns on your vessel. Identify yourself.
- Emergency Command Hologram. - Hologram?
- Release my ship. - Your crew abandoned it. It's mine.
I beg to differ.
Computer, target the vessel's tractor emitter and fire.
Come about. Heading 903, mark 6.
Engage at Warp 2.
Warp engines are off-line.
Evasive pattern beta 4. Target the vessel's engines.
Warning. Two vessels approaching. Bearing 336, mark 1.
Reverse course. Full impulse.
I managed to evade the ships and hid inside this nebula.
I vented the radiation and repaired many systems.
But with no help, let's just say I'm glad you found me.
- It wasn't easy picking up your signal. - I had to encrypt it.
- I detected ships searching for me. - Any idea who they are?
No, but I've analysed all of their weapons signatures.
They match the subspace mine. It was a deliberate attempt to disable Voyager.
- Good thing you were here. - What about the rest of the crew?
Not a word.
Make them comfortable.
We're going to treat your injuries.
- Who are you? - My name is Doctor Kadan.
- You're in a Quarran medical facility. - My crew?
They've all been rescued from their escape pods.
- Treat my people first. - Everyone will be taken care of.
Thank you.
- What is that medication? - Anti-radiation serum. Perfectly safe.
- What are you doing? - She has dysphoria syndrome.
Don't worry, it's treatable.
- Release her immediately. - Restrain him.
Captain!
No... No!
- Excuse me. - Hi.
- I believe we know each other. - Tuvok? We met at the shift briefing.
- Before that, before working here. - I don't think so.
I mean, we're obviously not from the same place.
I believe I know you. From the hospital, perhaps?
What hospital?
I am not certain. We were patients.
You must have me confused. I've never been to a hospital.
- I'm sorry, I have work to finish. - Please! Try to remember.
It may be important.
- Is there a problem? - A misunderstanding.
Tuvok?
- She's right. It's a... misunderstanding. - You don't look well.
- Maybe you should go to the infirmary. - No, I'm fine.
I'll go back to my station. Sorry to have bothered you.
- What was that about? - I'm not sure.
- Strange man! - And a terrible joke-teller.
- Are we having dinner tonight? - Again?
- You don't like my cooking? - It's wonderful, it's just...
I'm going to keep trying until I make you the perfect meal.
Then we stop eating together? I'll have dinner with you, on one condition.
I make it.
- I can accept those terms. - Good.
Go back to your station before the efficiency monitor sees us fraternising.
- Can I bring you something else? - No, thank you.
- I haven't seen you in here before. - You probably just didn't notice.
I'd have noticed.
Apparently you aren't as observant as you think you are.
I've been here, same time every day, for two weeks.
Well, that explains it. I usually work nights.
- Me, too. - At the power distribution facility.
- You see? I am observant. - Tom?
- I need you for a moment. - I'll be right there.
Come back in when you get a night off. It's more fun when there's a crowd.
I don't really like crowds.
We could get together in the day, take a walk by the river.
- I don't think so. - I'm a very engaging conversationalist.
- Oh. - Yeah.
- Still want to get together? - You're married.
No.
Enjoy your day.
First officer's log, stardate 54597.9.
After restoring primary systems, we've left the nebula to find the crew.
There's a lot of damage but we've reconfigured sensors to detect mines.
Ensign Kim's been running scans but there's no sign of our people.
The ships that were searching for us seem to have given up.
With only four people on board, repairs are going slowly.
Power to secondary propulsion systems restored.
- Kim to Doctor, report to astrometrics. - On my way.
- Any luck? - I've scanned 83 systems.
No humans, no Vulcans, no Bolians...
Increase sensor range by tying them to the deflector.
- I've already done that. - We can boost resolution...
I appreciate your input, but I didn't call you to help me scan.
I'm still queasy from that nectar.
- I treated you days ago. - What you did hasn't worked.
Maybe those command subroutines are compromising your medical abilities.
Maybe all that sarcasm is compromising your natural charm.
I've repaired the deuterium injectors and propulsion's back on-line.
- And I soothed Kim's upset tummy. - Good work.
Start on the plasma conduits on deck 10.
Can't you take care of those?
- I beg your pardon? - Emergency Command Hologram.
Doesn't that suggest my place is in Voyager's command centre?
I'm impressed how you handled yourself when we were gone.
But right now, we've got to prioritise.
- Kim to Chakotay. - Go ahead.
I've found them on an M-class planet.
We could be there in three days.
Transfer co-ordinates to the helm. I'll be in astrometrics.
Doctor, the command centre is yours.
- Smells good. - It's only burnt on the outside.
Your cooking console is temperamental.
Tried talking to it?
Once I cut off the charred part, I'm sure it'll be fine.
- It's good. - Really?
- Let's go. - Where?
I promised dinner. We'll have to get it somewhere else.
Wait.
I'm not really hungry.
Are you?
Let's stay here.
First officer's log, stardate 54608.6.
We've traced the crew to a city on a planet called Quarra.
Local officials aren't being very cooperative.
I personally interviewed several of the individuals.
None of them know who you are, or have heard of starship Voyager.
- I'd like to speak to them. - Impossible.
If you're telling the truth, you have nothing to lose.
Unlike other planets, we grant our guest workers the full protection of our laws.
Protection from what?
Unscrupulous individuals attempting to acquire labourers.
We're trying to find our friends.
Your friends have excellent positions in the capital's power facility.
Why travel thousands of light years to the other side of the galaxy
when they have comfortable lives here?
- Because it isn't their home. - Look elsewhere for your labour.
If you disturb any of our citizens, we will respond with force.
- Any luck? - We can't beam them through the shield.
- Take us out of orbit. - We're not leaving them?
No, but I want these people to think we are.
I hope the cooking console's not being temperamental again?
Making a hot drink is one thing I can do.
- You're right. It's good. - I told you.
What's even better is being here with you.
- Are you comfortable? - The blanket's nice and warm.
No, I mean here with me.
I can't remember being more comfortable... in my life.
Yeah, I'll take care of it.
Hi.
Listen, I get off work in a few minutes. I thought...
You don't give up, do you?
- You don't know what I'm going to say. - Let me guess.
You'll invite me to the river, to your living quarters to admire the view?
Actually, I was going to offer to introduce you to some people I met.
A couple, expecting their first baby in a few weeks.
I thought you might want to get to know some other parents.
Swap stories, maybe even find a playmate for your baby?
- If it's a bad idea... - No.
No, it's nice.
- I'm sorry about the other day. - I should be apologising.
- I shouldn't... - Forget it.
It's rare that I admit I'm wrong. Take advantage of it while you can.
It's been hard, being alone with a baby coming.
- I've a habit of keeping my guard up. - That's understandable.
It's just... a romantic relationship is out of the question right now.
- How about a friend? - What?
You said romance is out of the question.
Could you use a friend?
Progress?
I've spoken to eight vessels that left Quarra in the last two weeks.
- No one knew anything? - No.
They all asked if I was looking for employment.
There's a severe labour shortage and a lot of competition for workers.
The ambassador said our people were working at the power facility.
- I wonder if they have positions to fill. - I can make some inquiries. Why?
We're going to find jobs.
- Entering orbit might arouse suspicion. - Not if we take my ship.
- Good idea. - Commander...
You spoke to several officials, you could be recognised.
Isn't reconstructive surgery one of your specialties?
I still say you should have posed as a Talaxian.
- We'd have made a striking pair. - Whiskers make me itch. How'd it go?
I told the supervisor our qualifications and he was eager to hire us.
He got me a docking permit for my ship. We'll be employed by tomorrow morning.
- Here you go, Doc. - Your hand.
What's this?
A subdermal transponder, allowing us to transport you through the shield grid.
Hold position at maximum range.
I assumed I'd be in charge in your absence.
Excuse me?
An Emergency Command Hologram with over two million subroutines
outranks an ensign.
A word to the computer and this ensign can delete those subroutines.
And deprive yourself of a leader for the sake of your ego.
- My ego? - Gentlemen!
- Work it out. - Aye, sir.
Employee 8583.
Mr Tuvok.
According to my records, you've neglected to report for inoculations.
These inoculations are for your protection.
A sick worker is not an efficient worker. Report to the infirmary.
- Seven of Nine. - What?
Seven of Nine. It's your designation.
My employee number is 8586. Take your hands off me.
Call security!
I don't believe you are who you think you are.
We don't belong here... We don't belong here.
This isn't right!
We don't belong here!
Qualification Level three in micro-kinetics.
You could improve there. Level five in thermionic conversion.
Good, we lost a thermionic specialist yesterday.
Did he find a better job?
Health problems. Someone you know?
- No, just an unusual species. - We've a diverse workforce.
Thermionic converters on a rotating frequency must be closely monitored.
Report your readings to the controller at regular intervals.
Any questions?
- Are you listening to me? - Sorry, sir.
I'm just excited to be here.
Carry on.
- Kathryn. - Yes?
- It's Chakotay. - I'm sorry?
I'm new here. The supervisor said to speak to you if I had any questions.
- What can I help you with? - Nothing.
- I wanted to introduce myself. - What did you say your name was?
Chakotay. Actually, that's just what my friends call me.
My employment file lists my given name, Amal Kotay.
Whatever your name, I'll help any way I can.
No... No!
You're experiencing a relapse. This will make you feel better.
Get away from me!
Losing my job there was the best thing that ever happened.
Why?
So many rules and regulations, like a military operation.
I know. Report here, re-route power there.
It's almost like serving aboard a starship.
Have you ever done that?
You're looking at the former captain of his own cargo vessel.
- Must be quite a life. - What about you?
- Ever worked on a ship? - No, space travel makes me sick.
Do you know most of the people who come here?
A lot of them. This is a great place to work.
- It seems like it. - I could put in a good word for you.
Neelix.
I was wondering when you'd get here. Amal Kotay, this is my friend Tom Paris.
- What can I get you? - That looks good.
I was assigned to the primary fusion chamber with Mulcahey and Celes.
- Neither of them recognised me. - Let me guess. They love their jobs.
It's like they've all been programmed to be happy.
- It's a safe bet they won't leave willingly. - Here you go.
- Hi, how was your first day? - Not bad.
Would you and your friend like to join us?
- That would be nice. - I was hoping we'd eat alone tonight.
Maybe another time.
- That was rude. - I'm sorry. I just...
There's something I'd like to talk to you about.
- Thanks. - Thank you for joining us.
B'Elanna.
I'm due a break. I'll walk you to the transport.
- Stop worrying. I'll be fine. - It's not you I'm worried about.
The baby will be fine too.
So what I was thinking is...
...if we were to combine our resources...
...we would reduce our expenses.
Are you asking me to move in?
Yes.
I know it's impulsive, we haven't known each other very long.
But things are so easy when we're together,
and I just thought I...
OK.
What?
Maybe I'm out of my mind... but let's try it.
- Excuse me. - It was my fault.
I should watch where I'm going.
B'Elanna?
How do you know my name?
What if I told you we were old friends?
That's a ridiculous statement.
- It sounds strange, but I can prove it. - I'm sorry, I'm late for work.
- Let go of me! - I'm not going to hurt you.
- Security! Help! - Voyager, we've got B'Elanna.
Lock on to Neelix and transport them to sickbay.
- Help me! - Let her go!
Stop!
I need an emergency transport, now!
Sorry, we're under attack. I had to raise shields.
- Leave me alone! Don't touch me! - We're trying to help you.
- He turned into the access way. - I'll call for reinforcements.
- I think he went in there. - Be careful, he might be armed.