Mr Tuvok! Mr Tuvok!
I was supposed to accompany you on security rounds. Did you forget?
We had a definite appointment?
I'm sure it was definite. Well, maybe not completely definite.
But I'd expressed my desire to learn the ropes.
I have completed my study of security protocols.
I'm fully qualified to serve as a Starfleet security officer. Junior grade.
I did not guarantee you a position.
But Voyager is a ship of opportunity.
That is true. But opportunities for promotion must be earned.
I've been working hard at this.
I feel I have a great deal to contribute to Voyager beyond my current role.
Your dedication is duly noted.
If you'll excuse me, I am due on the bridge.
I'll see you tomorrow morning for security rounds.
Ensign Vorik.
Get me a duotronic probe. I can't regulate the plasma flow.
You might find a gravitic caliper a more precise instrument.
Good idea. But bring me both.
Good morning. You missed my special Klingon breakfast buffet.
A bowl of cold gagh is not my idea of how to start a morning.
None of the crew seemed especially enthusiastic about it.
What's the problem with the plasma injectors?
I've been studying Federation warp propulsion.
The plasma flow in the manifold is constricted.
You could phase-lock them to the dilithium matrix.
That was the first thing I did.
I'm interested in learning more about engineering systems,
maybe even volunteering for a few shifts.
I have a couple of questions about the impulse response filters.
Neelix, this really isn't a good time.
I understand. Sorry.
I'll just watch for a while, if you don't mind.
Here are the tools, sir.
I had a question about transporter buffers.
- Mr Neelix, please report to the bridge. - On my way, Captain.
Neelix, we're approaching some kind of interstellar dust clouds.
Can you tell us anything about them? They look ominous.
I believe this is a region of space known as the Nekrit Expanse.
What can you tell us about this Expanse, Mr Neelix?
It's a vast territory.
No one knows much about it.
The plasma storms may be a problem.
Full sensor scan, Tuvok.
Can we go around it?
It's advisable.
But it's thousands of light years wide.
Then we'll have to go through it.
We'll be counting on your knowledge
even more than usual, Neelix.
I'm at your command, as always.
Are there planets for taking on supplies?
There is a supply depot for mining and trading ships.
I suggest we stop there
before we go into the Nekrit Expanse.
What are the coordinates?
Let's see... It's actually been a while.
I have the station on sensors.
3.4 light years away.
Heading 071, mark 17.
- You heard him, Tom. - On our way.
- We're being hailed, Captain. - On screen.
I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway
of the Federation starship Voyager.
Bahrat, manager of this station.
Your station is a trading outpost, isn't it?
I'd like permission to negotiate for supplies.
Granted.
But any transaction you negotiate
on this station is subject to my approval.
I receive a 20% commission on all trade.
Your whereabouts will be monitored,
as will communications with your ship,
at my discretion.
- Do you agree to these conditions? - Evidently I have no choice.
Meet me in my office in one hour and we'll discuss your needs.
Pleasant fellow.
Neelix, Chakotay, Tom, you're with me.
- Mr Bahrat. - What is it?
I'm Kathryn Janeway.
I brought a list of the supplies we'll need.
It's demanding work watching over this station.
- We get all kinds of troublemakers here. - I understand.
All right. Let's see it.
Hm.
Mm-hm. Hm?
- Pergium. - For our environmental controls.
That might be difficult. It's a rare commodity.
I'll put together a list of potential suppliers.
But I'll warn you. They won't strike easy bargains.
- I'm prepared to deal fairly. - Hm.
Good day, gentlemen.
Anything in particular you're looking for?
We were hoping to find some magnetic spindle bearings.
Spindle bearings... No, can't help you with that.
- Long voyage ahead? - Uh... you could say that.
I have something that might ease your journey considerably.
Rhuludian crystals. Ingesting just one of these
will make days of tedious travel seem like moments of exquisite rapture.
- No, thank you. - The price is...
No.
Nice place.
I see you're a map dealer.
I have charts for local mining colonies.
I'm interested in maps of the Nekrit Expanse.
You must be a stranger here or you'd know there aren't any.
Surely there's a chart or a database to help me plot a safe course.
The Nekrit Expanse is too unstable to chart.
No matter. He never could plot a straight course anyway.
Wixiban?
Wix? Is that you?
I can't believe it!
What are you doing here?
I've never seen another Talaxian this far from home.
I'm one of the crew of a highly advanced starship.
Aah. I want to hear all about it.
Come on. The tavern serves the best Toffa ale I've had in years.
I do a little of everything - cook, guide, adviser to the captain,
possibly even an unofficial ambassador.
- Ho, ho. Life's been good to you. - Yes, I'm very, very lucky.
Hm. What are you doing on this station?
A little of this, a little of that.
To tell you the truth, things haven't gone quite so well for me.
I'm sorry.
Ever since that nasty business with the Ubeans, things have been difficult.
But you know me. Can't keep Wix down long.
I'm working on a trade deal that should put me right back in the thick of things.
I hope it works out.
Uh, Wix... about the Ubeans...
I don't think I ever told you how much I valued what you did.
- You'd have done the same for me. - Yes, I would have.
But you were the one who got caught.
I owe you a great deal. If there's anything I can do to help...
I'm fine. Honestly.
Maybe not on the crew of a magnificent starship, but I'll get by.
To tell you the truth, it's not quite what I told you.
In fact, I may not be on Voyager much longer.
Why?
The main reason Captain Janeway needed me was as a guide,
to give her information about this quadrant.
But I've never been beyond the Nekrit Expanse.
But your other jobs - cook, ambassador.
They don't really need a cook.
And I don't think our captain really requires an ambassador.
I've tried to find some other area where I might be useful but...
the truth is, I'm not needed.
I'm hoping you can help me.
I can't let Voyager go into that place without an idea of what's there.
I have to find a map.
Hm...
- Can I be of help? - Dinner isn't for another hour.
- I don't have time to make a snack. - I don't require food.
I'm here to adjust the control interface on your replicators.
- You're having difficulties with them? - Oh. Of course. Go ahead.
Neelix, I thought you'd like to say hello to your old friend.
Well uh... yes. Yes, of course!
So, this is where you prepare your legendary feasts.
Commander, Neelix has more varied talents than anyone I've ever known.
You're lucky to have him.
Mr Wix found those magnetic spindle bearings we wanted.
I don't know what we'd have done otherwise.
Wix has always had a knack for finding those hard-to-locate items.
I'll let you reminisce for a while. Thanks, Wix.
- You're welcome. - This is the mess room.
On any given day I must be prepared to feed over 100 people.
- About done, Ensign? - Not quite.
I don't need the replicators today so you can finish later.
- As you wish. - And remind Lieutenant Torres...
I'd still like to go over a few things with her.
- I'll relay the message. - Thank you.
Wix...
Please tell me those spindle bearings weren't stolen.
Of course not! I wouldn't do that to you.
Neelix, I need the work. I don't live on a comfortable starship.
No one looks out for me except me. Maybe you've forgotten how that feels.
I haven't forgotten.
I've been stuck on that space station for three years.
My ship's been impounded. I can't afford to pay Bahrat to get it back.
Do you begrudge me an opportunity to make a fair trade?
- Of course not. - I have news for you.
- I've located some pergium. - That's great news.
- Captain Janeway hasn't. - And I've found a map.
- Wonderful! How do we get it? - It will involve some bartering.
I sell medical supplies to an outpost
whose people are dying of a lung disease.
It's a good cause and it will make me enough to get my ship back.
Where does the map come in?
When I deliver the medical supplies, a physician will give me a chart.
I can't thank you enough.
I'll have to ask your help.
We'll need a shuttle. First we'll have to pick up the medical supplies,
then we'll meet with one of the physicians from the outpost.
With your transporter technology, we could be in and out within minutes.
Then I could get back to a Talaxian colony.
I don't think that would be a problem.
Just one thing. Don't tell anyone that we're delivering medical supplies.
Not one person. If Bahrat finds out, he'll take 20%. I can't afford that.
I suppose there's no need to mention it.
Thanks, Neelix. I knew I could count on you.
Didn't I tell you this would be easy?
I got the medical supplies and you got the pergium your ship needs.
Only 20 kilograms. I told Chakotay it would be 45.
You're lucky to get what you did.
Come on, Neelix. A few minutes more and we'll be done.
And you'll have a map to help you through the Nekrit Expanse.
What is the matter with you?
I don't like keeping the whole truth from Commander Chakotay.
You were never so squeamish about twisting the truth.
Wix, I'm not what I used to be.
Neither am I. We've both tried to change our lives.
You've done it. Now I have the same chance.
We're almost there. We should have your transporter take us to corridor 14L.
It's hardly ever used. Our contact will meet us there.
We're within transporter range. I've entered the coordinates.
- What are you doing? - This station is a dangerous place.
We have to be able to defend ourselves.
- You said this would be easy. - It's just a precaution.
- Let's go. - Computer, energise.
- Where's your contact? - He'll be here, don't worry.
I don't like meeting in dark passageways late at night.
Wix.
Sutok.
This is my associate.
- Do you have the supplies? - As promised.
What's he doing?
- Satisfied? - Completely.
What kind of medical supplies are those?
If you give me my payment, we'll be on our way.
Yes. I have it right here.
- Stop them! - Get his weapon.
Wix!
Someone's coming!
Neelix!
- Get us out of here. - Computer, two to beam up.
You lied from the beginning, and I was foolish enough to believe you.
It should have been easy. I didn't know Sutok would try to steal the tubes.
Those aren't ordinary medical supplies.
They do have a medicinal application
but no one would pay what I was supposed to get for simple medications.
They're narcotics, aren't they?
You're up to your same old tricks.
We have to talk to Captain Janeway.
Do you really want to do that?
How will it look when they find out you were a contraband smuggler
and you were involved in this business tonight?
You think your position on Voyager is precarious now?
Wait till they discover the whole truth about you.
I can't just forget about this.
You'd let Bahrat put me in cryostatic suspension?
I guess you would. You did let me spend a year in that Ubean prison.
I never told you what it was like in there... Eating worms to stay alive.
Sleeping in a cell where the vermin chew on you all night.
- Being punished in unimaginable ways. - All right!
I won't say anything.
But I don't want to have anything more to do with you. The debt is paid.
Captain's log, supplemental.
I've called a meeting to inform the senior staff
of some disturbing news I have just received.
There's been a murder aboard the station.
- Murder? - That's not an uncommon occurrence.
The man who died has been suspected of criminal activity.
Mr Bahrat discovered something at the scene of the killing that concerns me.
I discovered some energy readings I couldn't identify,
so I ran a spectral analysis.
He showed me the analysis a few minutes ago.
It's a Federation phaser signature.
Tuvok will be assisting in the investigation.
I want to know how a weapon from Voyager could have been involved.
The shooting took place in an abandoned section.
Security scanners were disabled.
I'm reviewing other surveillance records,
looking for anything that might help me apprehend whoever did this.
I've promised Mr Bahrat the full cooperation of this crew.
Dismissed.
- You wanted to see me? - Please, sit down.
I examined the scene of the shooting and confirmed the weapon signature.
14 Voyager crew members were off the ship at the time.
I see.
Several traders from the station were aboard Voyager.
It is possible that one of them managed to steal a phaser.
I suppose so.
- What can you tell me about Wixiban? - Wix?
He was aboard Voyager.
Yes, he delivered some magnetic bearings.
We're acquaintances, not friends. I haven't seen him in years.
Has he ever been involved in crime?
I-I wouldn't know. I certainly don't think so.
I must question him and I want you to accompany me.
Me? What could I do?
You can help me evaluate his answers.
I see.
Please meet me in transporter room 2 at 1800.
How much time did you spend aboard Voyager?
Probably less than an hour altogether.
- Were you ever alone? - No.
I was met by Mr Chakotay in your transporter room.
Extraordinary experience, that transporter of yours.
We delivered the bearings to Lieutenant Torres,
then we paid a visit to my old friend Neelix in your mess hall.
Where were you at the time of the shooting?
In bed. Asleep.
- Can anyone corroborate that? - Alas, Mr Tuvok, I sleep alone.
That will be all for now, Mr Wix.
I'd like to stay for a glass of Toffa ale.
As you wish. But please see me as soon as you return to the ship.
I'd forgotten how easy it is for you to lie.
You think I should I tell him the truth?
Vulcans aren't as easily fooled as you might think.
If you want to worry, I'll give you something to worry about.
What?
The people I was conducting that transaction for
aren't happy that they didn't get paid.
- I thought this was your scheme. - I couldn't afford those tubes.
I was acting as an agent for some Kolaati traders.
Do you know anything about the Kolaati? They're mean as fire snakes.
They will kill us and it won't be quick.
I can't believe this is happening. Why did I ever listen to you?
It's all right.
I've convinced them to take something else in payment.
They know about Voyager. They want a sample of your ship's warp plasma.
They'll use it to increase the efficiency of their engines.
No. It's wrong. I won't do it. This has to stop.
You should have thought of that before. You're in too deeply.
The people on Voyager are my friends. I can't steal from them.
Friends? You've already told me they're ready to put you off the ship.
You're living in a dream world. It's time to wake up.
You're on your own, just as I am.
You're going to die at the hands of the Kolaati
unless you bring them three grams of warp plasma.
Do you understand that? I've already told them you'd do it.
Meet me here tomorrow morning at 0900 hours.
- Hey, Neelix. What's up? - Oh, nothing.
Just thought I might give you a hand with whatever it is you're doing.
You may regret that.
We have to pick up a supply of biomimetic gel tomorrow morning.
I'm trying to find the container that is listed as the proper transport device.
Starfleet standard issue, L647X7.
Sounds like another set of eyes wouldn't hurt.
M34. No, not that one.
L647. No, it's Y6.
Tom...
If it's not too bold, could I ask you something?
Sure. Anything.
I've heard you were in some trouble in the past. Spent time in prison.
That's right.
Do you... Would you... tell me how you got in trouble?
I've thought a lot about that.
It comes down to one simple fact. I didn't tell the truth.
I made a mistake, which happens to people.
But if I'd admitted that mistake, it would have been better.
But I lied about it, and it nearly ruined my life.
- Why do you ask? - Oh, no reason.
Just wondered.
Here's your container.
A bunch of us are going down to the resort. Why don't you come?
Thanks, but I'm going to turn in early. Maybe another time.
OK.
- Good evening, Ensign. - Mr Neelix.
I thought I'd log a little time in the Jefferies tubes.
You're officially on an engineering work detail?
No, but Lieutenant Torres has been good enough to allow me
to poke around here and there.
She mentioned your desire to become familiar with engineering.
I see no reason why you can't proceed.
- Ensign Vorik. - Yes, Mr Neelix.
You're quite young.
Is it difficult for you being so far away from everything that's familiar?
I might not have chosen to explore the Delta Quadrant.
However, since we are here, I must say the challenges are intriguing.
Voyager is a wonderful place to be. People here are very fortunate.
I would concur.
- Where is it? - I have to talk to you.
- Give it to me. - I didn't get the warp plasma.
- What? - I couldn't do it. I just couldn't.
We have to tell the truth. It's the only way to make things right.
- We're dead men, Neelix. - No. I have a plan.
You two! Stay where you are!
Don't panic. Stay calm.
I said stay where you are!
- What is this? - You two are under arrest.
- Arrest? - What's the charge?
Conspiring with known drug traffickers. And murder.
Let's go!
This is the criminal who was killed, and these are the two men we arrested.
You can't regard this as viable evidence.
I realise it's circumstantial, but it is compelling.
- It proves nothing. - Your men talked to a narcotics dealer
hours before he was killed.
That proves nothing.
I'm holding them for questioning. They are prime suspects.
I want my security officer present during all interrogations.
I'll take that into consideration.
Someone will serve 50 years of cryostatic suspension for that murder.
If I were to let this go unpunished, there would be anarchy.
You make no mistake about this.
I won't allow men to be condemned for a crime they did not commit.
We have to go to Bahrat.
We'll end up in his cryostatic prison for decades.
- Not if he agrees to my plan. - Your plan is crazy.
It's a death sentence.
That would be better than living a lie. I'm going whether you do or not.
Neelix!
We've been through too much together. I can't let you do this alone.
A type-2 Federation phaser was used.
It's on one of our shuttles. You can get it and verify the energy signature.
- Which of you fired the weapon? - We were both involved.
I was the one with the weapon, but I fired in self-defence.
So Commander Chakotay and Lieutenant Paris are innocent.
The punishment for trafficking in illicit substances
is 50 years of cryostatic imprisonment.
Your cryostatic prison isn't a particularly effective deterrent, is it?
It certainly is. Very little narcotics trafficking goes on here.
That's what you think. The Kolaati have made a fortune trading drugs here.
- I know everything that happens here. - Apparently not.
We were able to deliver narcotics to known criminals right under your nose.
They can disable your surveillance systems,
masking your sensors, creating false visuals.
- It happens almost every night. - I'll put a stop to that.
Since you don't know how they do it, that might prove difficult.
But we have a plan.
The Kolaati want a sample of warp plasma from Voyager.
I'll arrange a meeting with them. When they arrive, we'll arrest them.
How do you plan to do that? You won't be able to carry weapons.
And if they thought my men and I were near, they'd be gone in a second.
We have some ideas.
If we are able to turn them over to you,
will you agree not to charge us with the crime?
It's no risk to me.
You'll undoubtedly perish in this ridiculous scheme.
You'll have to give us warp plasma. I won't take it from Voyager.
- It won't be of the same quality. - Doesn't matter. We'll make do.
All right. We'll try it.
But I don't hold any hopes that you will survive.
- It's been 20 minutes. Where are they? - They should be here.
Maybe they've realised it's a trap.
- Maybe they won't show up. - Let's hope they do.
Somebody's begun transmitting a false visual signal.
My guess is they are about to come aboard.
We'll give them five minutes, and then move in.
- It's Tosin. - Who?
One of the most powerful Kolaati.
- Good evening. My name is... - The warp plasma.
- Where is it? - It's right here.
- But you must guarantee... - You'll live for today.
No guarantees about tomorrow. Give me the plasma. Slowly.
20 parts per million isonucleic residue.
This is contaminated. You promised me a pure sample.
It doesn't matter, because you're under arrest.
- What? - You're being taken into custody.
For smuggling contraband and narcotic substances.
Very serious offences aboard this station, Mr Tosin.
It's time you faced up to that.
- Little man, your days have ended. - I wouldn't fire that if I were you.
That plasma canister. I disengaged the safety nodes as you came in.
Even as we speak, warp plasma is leaking from it.
This section of the station is filling with plasma particles.
Fire your weapon, and the explosion will undoubtedly kill us all.
He's telling the truth. Don't do it.
And I wouldn't activate your transporter system if I were you.
The beam would also destabilise the plasma. Same effect. Boom.
Then you will die with me, little man.
No problem at all, if it means getting rid of an Orillian lung maggot like you.
Go ahead. You'd be doing me a favour. I have nothing to lose.
- Fire away. - Neelix!
Shoot! What are you waiting for?
Fire!
- Re-engage the safety nodes. - Don't bother. Put down your weapons.
You're under arrest for violating station code 4279, subsection Beta 325.
No, don't!
- I'm in sickbay? - Yes, Mr Neelix.
You sustained plasma burns and concussion.
My skills have prevented you from suffering permanent damage.
- Thank you, Doctor. - One of the criminals was killed.
The others have been taken into custody.
- Chakotay and Tom were released. - Oh, good.
- And Wix? - He was given his shuttle.
He sent you his thanks before leaving.
Would all of you excuse us, please? I'd like to talk to Neelix.
Do you have anything to say for yourself?
Only that I'm terribly sorry.
You're sorry. Is that supposed to make everything better?
I don't care whether you're sorry or not. It doesn't matter.
I can't imagine why you behaved the way you did,
lying to us, sneaking around behind our backs,
covering up criminal activity.
Did you think this was acceptable behaviour?
No, ma'am.
You've been one of my most trusted advisors.
How can I ever trust you again?
How can I ever listen to you without wondering if you're telling the truth?
I've never been dishonest to you before, I swear, Captain.
I just took one step, a step that seemed perfectly reasonable.
That step led to another, and then I was involved in something I couldn't handle.
What was so important that you were willing to throw away your principles?
- I needed a map. - A map?
My usefulness to you was at an end.
I don't know anything about space beyond this point.
You couldn't go into the Nekrit Expanse without knowing what you faced.
You've been on this ship for two years.
You should know that the first duty of any Starfleet officer is the truth.
You violated that duty, Neelix.
And there will be consequences.
- I'm prepared to leave the ship. - Oh, no. It's not that easy.
You can't just walk away because you made a mistake.
You're part of a family now and you have obligations.
But I can't guide you. I can't advise you. I don't know what's coming.
That's not the point, is it?
None of us knows what's coming. That's what Starfleet is all about.
We are all in this together and we have to be able to count on each other.
- Do you understand? - Yes. Yes, I do.
That's good. Report to deuterium maintenance at 0400 tomorrow.
You're going to spend two weeks scrubbing the exhaust manifolds.
That should give you time to think about what I've said. Dismissed.