TWG - Voyager - Subroutines

Star Trek Voyager
Fade
by Loran Wlodarski
(runetodda@hotmail.com)

STAR TREK : VOYAGER

Fade
CAST

SPEAKING

NON-SPEAKING

* * *

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE - DAMAGED VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager, badly damaged and burning, moves through space at high impulse speed. As it travels, the ship appears to be dissolving in and out of normal space.

INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

JANEWAY, PARIS, TUVOK, and other N. D. personnel are at their damaged stations. The ship is at red alert. Many of the crew seem wounded and bloodied. CHAKOTAY is dead on the floor.

JANEWAY
Damage report!

TUVOK
I am unable to receive accurate
information. Decks five through
eight appear to be... missing.
Eighteen more crew members are no
longer aboard.

The Bridge explodes in several spots. Janeway holds
tightly onto her seat.

JANEWAY
Signal remaining crew to abandon
ship. We'll rendezvous at...

Janeway hears an odd, SCRAPING METAL sound from behind her. She turns around in her seat and is shocked to see the entire Bridge crew is gone. Part of Bridge in front of Janeway begins to DISSOLVE.

JANEWAY
Who are you? What do you want with
my crew?
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager evaporated from space as it moves. Nothing of the ship remains a pause later.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Another Voyager travels through space at high impulse. This Voyager does not have external damage.

INT. BRIDGE

Tuvok is in the command chair and is dressed as a Starfleet captain. Paris, SEVEN OF NINE, and other N. D. crewmembers desperately examine companels. The Bridge shudders for a beat and power fluctuates. KIM ENTERS from the turbolift and sits next to Tuvok. Kim has the rank of Commander.

TUVOK
What have you found, Commander?

KIM
(concerned)
Not much. Astrometrics can't
pinpoint the problem either.

DOCTOR (COM VOICE)
Captain Tuvok, this is Sickbay.

TUVOK
Yes, Doctor.

INT. SICKBAY

THE DOCTOR is speaking into a companel as two dazed
N. D. crewmen ENTER. NEELIX, dressed as a Starfleet ensign, escorts the pair to a corner of the floor. All the beds are filled with other N. D. crewmembers.

DOCTOR
The epidemic is spreading and I'm
unable to contain it. Six more
patients are gone.

TUVOK (COM VOICE)
Explain.

DOCTOR
(panicking)
I can't! They were here a moment
ago, but they simply vanished. My
program was not designed for this!
I must be taken off-line!

INT. BRIDGE

The Bridge shudders again.

TUVOK
Doctor, you are the most qualified
individual to treat the crew. We
have... faith in your abilities.
Please, continue with your duties.

DOCTOR (COM VOICE)
I... I'll try another series of
deep tissue scans. Captain...
thank you. Sickbay out.

Kim shakes his head in disbelief.

KIM
I thought Starfleet Academy
prepared us for just about any
crisis, but helping an insecure
EMH not to turn itself off? Who
would have thought...

The Bridge shakes violently for a pause, dimming power slightly. Paris receives a message at Helm.

PARIS
Sir! Engineering has reestablished
warp drive.

TUVOK
(to Kim)
If we cannot escape this region of
space, the EMH's problem will be
solved; there will be no crew left
for it to treat.

KIM
I see your point. Helm, get out
of here. Warp two, any direction.

Paris works the Helm.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager begins accelerating to warp speed and violently EXPLODES a beat later.

EXT. SPACE - KELL-SHAW SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)

A small shuttlecraft, not seen before, moves through space at impulse speed.

INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

Two members of an unknown race, CAIRN and MEEDAN, review data on companels.

MEEDAN
Two more ships have expired.
Thirty percent of all Voyagers in
the multiverse are now polluted.

CAIRN
And the Voyager of our universe?

Meedan readjusts his companel.

MEEDAN
It's position has not changed, as
if it's dead in space.

CAIRN
I have visual contact.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager floats haplessly in space, virtually powerless. The shuttlecraft flies over the saucer section.

INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

The Kell-Shaw duo MATERIALIZE onto the empty and darkened Bridge of Voyager. They proceed to scan the Bridge with an unknown type of TRICORDER.

CAIRN
No life... what a waste. A chance
to meet a new species disappeared
with them.

MEEDAN
I'm sure they deserved better, but
at least our planet is safe. Come,
we must examine their warp core.

The two EXIT via the Turbolift. A pause later, Kim mysteriously MATERIALIZE near the Turbolift.

KIM
...there seems to be...

Kim DEMATERIALIZES. A long pause later, power returns to the Bridge and the entire Bridge crew MATERIALIZES. All are near or at their stations. Janeway, Tuvok, Kim, Paris, and other N. D. crewmembers look around in disbelief.

KIM
...another shift in unstable space.

JANEWAY
Sensors to maximum! We need to...

The Bridge crew DEMATERIALIZES a beat later. Once again, the Bridge is left empty, silent, and dark.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. CORRIDOR

Cairn and Meeden walk down a deserted hallway.

CAIRN
Meeden, will we have time to
examine the ship's databanks? We
have an opportunity to document a
species never encountered before!

Meedan chuckles and stops walking. Cairn is perplexed.

CAIRN
Did I say something wrong?

MEEDAN
Of course not. Your sense of
adventure is refreshing, especially
after spending the past years on
the Counsel of High Science.

CAIRN
That's because the Counsel is
filled with old, tedious professors
who only find excitement in
discovering a new strain of spatial microplankton. You should return to
the Great School and teach again.

MEEDAN
Part of me yearns to teach again,
but being chosen to the Counsel is
an honor I could not pass up.

Cairn is not pleased with Meedan's words. He finds a Starfleet COM BADGE on the ground and picks it up.

CAIRN
Our race has remained isolated for
far too long, thanks to the
Counsel. Look around you! We are
aboard an alien ship! Think of the
wonders that we can find here!
Meedan removes the com badge from Cairn's hand and tosses it to the ground.

MEEDAN
I'm sorry, but we can't stay
aboard this ship for too long or
take any artifacts. This area is
polluted... corrupted by side-space
contamination. After we deactivate
the warp engines completely, a
cleansing team must come here and
dissolve what remains.

Disappointed, Cairn begins walking again.

INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

Engineering is quiet, except for Cairn and Meedan. The pair scan the darkened warp core.

MEEDAN
We'll have no difficulty shutting
down the warp core. I'll calculate
the amount of contaminated
antimatter left as you set up the
containment pods on our shuttle.

CAIRN
(hesitant)
Meedan...share your thoughts of this
crew with me. What do you think
they were like?

Meedan ponders the question as he works his tricorder.

MEEDAN
They were an intrepid group, I
surmise, traveling through space
with technology as limited as
matter/antimatter engines,
deflector shielding, and so on.

CAIRN
But these were true explorers,
challenging the unknowns of space!
Imagine the excitement! Just like
our ancestors!
Meedan becomes grim.

MEEDAN
No, not like our ancestors.
These people are dead, Cairn. Our
ancestors were wise enough to
shield our planet from outside
incursions. Our planet has never
known famine or invasions or war.
It was the proper decision to make.

Meedan stands next to Cairn.

CAIRN
I suppose...

MEEDAN
(interrupting)
Then I suppose it's time for us to
get back to work.

CAIRN C
Very well. I'll make contact when
the containment pods are fully
calibrated.

MEEDAN
Fine, but beam back to the shuttle
from the Bridge. There's far too
much contamination on these lower
decks.

Meedan continues to work his tricorder as Cairn EXITS.

INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)

Cairn works on his tricorder as he walks through a darkened corridor. He immediately halts when the corridor lights come back on. Cairn scans the lights.

CHAKOTAY (O. S.)
Where is the analysis from
Astrometrics?

Cairn becomes frightened. He heard a voice but cannot locate its source. Suddenly Chakotay and Seven MATERIALIZE in the corridor and walk towards him.
SEVEN OF NINE
I have recalibrated Astrometric
sensors to scan for a wider range
of anomalies. The report should be
complete by the time we reach the
Bridge...

Chakotay and Seven continue walk forward, seemingly ignorant to the fact that Cairn is inches away.

CAIRN
Wait! Your ship is in danger...!

Chakotay and Seven ignore Cairn and walk straight through him. A beat later, the corridor lights dim as Chakotay and Seven DEMATERIALIZE. Cairn is left completely dumfounded and shaken.

INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

Meedan scans the warp core when his tricorder sets off an alarm. Cairn ENTERS in a panic.

CAIRN
Sir! We have a problem!

Meedan studies his tricorder with great interest.

MEEDAN
Hold your thoughts, Cairn.
Curious... I'm detecting a four
hundred percent increase of
antimatter in this engine. It
wasn't there a moment ago...

Cairn grabs Meedan to look at him face-to-face.

CAIRN
I just encountered two of their
Crew! Meedan... they passed right
through me!

MEEDAN
The crew? We've detected no life...

CAIRN
We assumed they were gone so we
didn't scan deep enough, but don't
you see? The antimatter... the
crew... they're phased from this
universe and they're shifting back
and forth. We must help them!

MEEDAN
Help them? How?

The warp core comes back on-line, restoring power to Engineering. TORRES and other N. D. crewmen MATERIALIZE into Engineering. The crew moves with purpose but no one notices Meedan or Cairn. Torres taps her com badge.

TORRES
Torres to the Bridge!

JANEWAY (COM VOICE)
Go ahead, B'Elanna.

TORRES
I've just had the most unusual
Sensation... as if I ceased to
exist for a moment.

JANEWAY (COM VOICE)
The phenomenon was felt shipwide.
What's the status of the warp
drive?

TORRES
(checks companel)
The flow between matter and
antimatter has been unbalanced.
I'll let you the moment we're back
on-line. Torres out.

Torres moves to a companel and begins calculations. Meedan rushes towards her.

MEEDAN
No! Do not activate your warp
drive!

Meedan tries to stop Torres and PHASES right through her. Torres continues to work. Cairn joins Meedan.

CAIRN
They're too far out of phase to
see us.

MEEDAN
She'll have the engines
operational at any moment!
(panicking)
Our shuttle! Can we beam the
antimatter away!

CAIRN
I never activated the containment
Pods... without them the antimatter
would still explode.
(beat)
What if we brought them back in
sync with this universe? Then they
could see us.

Meedan scans Torres.

MEEDAN
Their atomic structure is too far
polluted. We cannot stabilize them.

Cairn ponders a beat then gets an idea.

CAIRN
But... what if we unstabilized our
own atomic structure! We can phase
ourselves to their level!

MEEDAN
We'd be permanently trapped along
with them. It would be suicide!

Torres adjusts a companel and taps her com badge.

TORRES
Engineering to Bridge. We'll have
warp drive in one minute.

Meedan appears struck with emotion. He looks at the crew.
MEEDAN
No... it would be wrong to allow
their destruction to happen. Cairn...
(sighs, a beat)
...Cairn, you are right and noble to
want to help these aliens. Alter
your phase variance to match
theirs.

Cairn and Meedan adjust their tricorders and moves them around their bodies. After a long pause, they MATERIALIZE in front of a very surprised Torres.

TORRES
(taps com badge)
Intruder alert! Security to
Engineering!

The Voyager Engineering crew moves to surround Meedan and Cairn after recovering from the surprise. Torres finds a HAND PHASER and points it at the intruders.

MEEDAN
Please! Do not start your engines
or millions of lives will be lost!

TORRES
What are you talking about?

CAIRN
Your warp drive has been damaged.
If you engage your engines, they
will explode and the antimatter
will contaminate the atmosphere
of our homeworld.

Part of the Engineering crew by Torres begins to
DEMATERIALIZE. They give Torres a look of horror. With anger, Torres points her phaser towards Meedan.

TORRES
You're lying! You claim your
homeworld will be affected if our
engines explode, but sensors show
no planets in this entire sector.
You're responsible for this! Bring
my crew back. Now!
Tuvok and a security team ENTERS Engineering armed with phasers. They move quickly towards Meedan and Cairn but stop when they begin to DEMATERIALIZE.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager begins to disappear and reappear in space.

INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

Torres looks around nervously as her crew continues to fade.

JANEWAY (COM VOICE)
Janeway to Engineering. What's the
status of the warp drive? We need
to leave this region of space
immediately!

Torres stares at the intruders with great anger.

TORRES
Why are you doing this?

CAIRN
We're not the ones responsible,
and neither is this region of
space. Your engines are the cause
of your problems.

Torres keeps her weapon drawn but uses her free hand to tap her com badge. Torres then begins work on a
nearby companel.

TORRES
Captain, warp drive is almost
on-line. Stand by.

Meedan cautiously moves towards an apprehensive Torres.

MEEDAN
(to Torres)
We're not lying about our
homeworld. It's nearby, but you
can't detect it. We've placed our
entire solar system out of phase
to prevent anyone from finding us.
CAIRN
Your warp core is also out of
phase, so when it explodes our
planet will perish. Please, lower
your weapon so we can help.

Engineering shakes violently. Torres stares at Cairn for a long pause. Torres lowers her weapon. Cairn breathes a sigh of relief, then moves to the warp core with his tricorder out. Meedan and Torres follow. Cairn scans the warp core. Meedan also begins to scan the core.

TORRES
What are you doing?

MEEDAN
We're finding a phase frequency
that will stabilize your warp core.
Cairn, adjust your scanner to point
zero zero three four eight.

Meedan and Cairn hold their tricorders near the warp core.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager disappears but becomes solid after a pause.

INT. ENGINEERING

Torres looks around. Tuvok, the security team and her Engineers have all returned to normal. Tuvok approaches Meedan with his weapon low.

TUVOK
You have succeeded in stabilizing
our ship. We are most grateful.

Meedan and Cairn exchange nervous looks.

MEEDAN
It's premature to thank us. We've
only prevented your destruction
temporarily, so your warp core
wouldn't breach by our planet. But,
in a few of your hours, we'll
all be dead from permanent fade.

Off the looks of Torres and Tuvok.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager travels through space at impulse speed.

INT. BRIDGE

Janeway, Chakotay, and Meedan are at the command area. Cairn works with Kim and Seven at a science station. Tuvok and Paris are at their stations.

CAIRN
The side-space fracture is
straight ahead, one-thousand
meters. I can illuminate it with
your deflector dish if you wish.

JANEWAY
Proceed. Mr. Paris, all stop.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager comes to a halt in front of a huge, glowing fracture in subspace.

INT. BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

All eyes gaze at the anomaly on the mainviewer.

JANEWAY
That's the source of our...
contamination?

MEEDAN
Correct. As Voyager unknowingly
passed through this side-space
fracture, your warp core became
tainted. Soon, the phenomenon
spread to your ship and crew.

CHAKOTAY
I'm unfamiliar with the term
"side-space." What exactly are we
looking at?
CAIRN
The people of Kell-Shaw, my
homeworld, are especially advanced
in the phasing of subspace. We had
learned to phase our planet for
protection, shifting it slightly
out of sync with this universe so
it couldn't be detected. Later, we
began bombarding subspace with
multiple phase frequencies until
we finally opened our first
side-space window.

SEVEN OF NINE
Then, these "side-space" windows
are controlled breaks in subspace
which allow you to see into other
universes.

CAIRN
It's more than that. Far more.
Side-space windows allow us to gaze
into all universes, into the
multiverse itself.

CHAKOTAY
That's like gazing into infinity!
The knowledge your people have
accumulated must be... amazing.

MEEDAN
We've been a society dedicated
science for two thousand years. We
always believed the Kell-Shaw to
be a peaceful people, even other
Kell-Shaw races we met through the
Multiverse... until now.

The Voyager crew reacts to the statement with shock.

TUVOK
This is a trap then, placed by the
Kell-Shaw to destroy ships that
came too close to your homeworld?

CAIRN
It wasn't created by the Kell-Shaw
of this universe so I can't be
certain. One thing is clear though-
this is no random accident. The
side-space window in front of us
was created to react only to the
warp core signature of Voyager.

PARIS
Let me get this straight. Some
race, in some other universe,
dislikes Voyager so much that they
purposely created this to kill us?

CAIRN
Not just you. It's made to destroy
all Voyagers in all universes that
pass through this fracture.

MEEDAN
We've been following the fates of
thousands of Voyagers, since many
of them had warp core breaches near
other Kell-Shaw worlds. The loss of
life is overwhelming. Soon that
total will also include us.

KIM
(to Cairn)
"Us," as in you and Meedan? Why
don't you just leave Voyager?

JANEWAY
I agree. I assure you that we'll
not endanger your planet by
activating our warp drive. Your
mission here is complete.

CAIRN
(saddened)
Meedan and I... we phased ourselves
to your level of existence to
communicate with you. We are
contaminated as well.

JANEWAY
I'm... sorry to hear that.

MEEDAN
It will be over soon enough. In
about twelve of your hours, we'll
reach permanent fade.

PARIS
Fade? I don't like the sound
of that.

CAIRN
Fade is the point where our bodies
becomes so phased that molecular
cohesion is no longer possible.
We'll simply cease to exist.

SEVEN OF NINE
(to Meedan and Cairn)
This crew is not accustomed to
accepting defeat so easily. There
must be other options than waiting
for our eventual deaths. You claim
to be scientists... what can be
done to prevent our termination?

Meedan and Cairn think deeply for a pause.

CAIRN
If we could... determine the key
focal point... the one universe
where the side-space window was
originally created, we could
attempt to travel there and seal
it. That should stop the flow of
phasing contamination.

JANEWAY
(hopeful)
Can it be done? Can we use this
side-space window to travel to the
focal point?

MEEDAN
Perhaps. I'll deep scan the
side-space window with my shuttle.
It will take time, which Cairn
can use to prepare Voyager for our
journey through the multiverse.

PARIS
(to Janeway)
I was getting bored with this
universe anyway.

JANEWAY
Mr. Paris, that's a shame, since
we'll be coming back here, right
after we seal the source of
side-space contamination. Let's
get to work!

The crew begins to work in earnest.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager is stationary by the side-space anomaly.

INT. BRIDGE

Meedan and Cairn work at science stations along side Seven and Kim. The rest of the crew stands ready.

MEEDAN
Calculations are complete. We're
ready to enter side-space, Captain.

JANEWAY
Take us in.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager enters the side-space anomaly.
INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

Parts of the Bridge PHASE out and into existence. Countless images of solar systems and stars seem to pass through the Bridge in seconds. After the phenomenon stops, Meedan checks a companel by Kim.

PARIS
Was it just me, or did it feel
like we passed through a couple
thousand stars on the way here?

CAIRN
You did, and much more.

MEEDAN
Side-space windows don't allow us
to travel forward in space, just
through it. So, if this universe
is similar to ours, the Kell-Shaw
homeworld here will be less than
three light year away.

KIM
(examines companel)
A powerful energy source is two
point six light years away, but
our sensors can't seem to give
accurate information on what it is.

CAIRN
(examines tricorder)
Meedan, I'm not picking up any
signals from the Kell-Shaw
homeworld in this universe.

TUVOK
Perhaps the Voyager in this realm
had a warp core breach and
destroyed it.

SEVEN OF NINE
(examines companel)
I have found the energy signatures
of at least nine vessels, with
warp core signatures similar to
ours, that have passed this way
before. All headed towards the
energy source... none appear to
register any longer.

PARIS
Seems we're not the only Voyager
to enter this universe.
CHAKOTAY
We'll need our warp drive. Can we
use it for a short run?

MEEDAN
The core is as stable as it could
be under the current circumstances,
but it's still polluted. There's
a chance the engines could explode
if warp is engaged.

JANEWAY
We'll never make it to the energy
source in time by impulse power
alone. We'll have to risk
activating the warp...

Janeway DEMATERIALIZES for a beat before becoming solid. Janeway is shaken by the experience. Meedan immediately scans the surrounding area.

MEEDAN
It's fade. The closer we get to
the focal point, the more the
degradation will continue at an
increasing rate.

Janeway takes a moment to recover. Kim seems alarmed.

KIM
Captain, Another ship coming our
way. It's Voyager, and they're
hailing us.

Janeway tries to snap out of her confusion.

JANEWAY
On screen.

The mainviewer image changes to reveal that the crew of the other Voyager is headed by Maquis Chakotay. Near Chakotay is another Meedan. Maquis Torres is in the B. G., as well as other N. D. Maquis crew. All wear Maquis clothing.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
The Federation! I should have
known you were behind this!
The mainviewer image is terminated, replaced with the image of Maquis Voyager heading towards them. Tuvok works the Tactical controls.

CHAKOTAY
They're Maquis!

TUVOK
They have raised shields and
are locking weapons onto us.

JANEWAY
Red alert. Raise shields.

The Bridge shudders from weapons impact.

TUVOK
Direct hit. Forward shields down
to eighty-four percent.

The Bridge shudders again.

JANEWAY
Mr. Kim, is that ship affected by
fade like we are?

KIM
(works companel)
Yes ma'am, almost as severe as us.

MEEDAN
I saw my counterpart on their
bridge. They must be here for the
same reason as we are.

The Bridge shudders again. Janeway ponders options.

TUVOK
Forward shields are down to
seventy-three percent. Captain...
shall I bring weapons on-line?

JANEWAY
No. Hail them again.

KIM
They're not responding.
The Bridge is hit hard again.

JANEWAY
We don't have time for a fight.
Keep hailing them.

KIM
They're answering us now, Captain.

Weapons fire stops. Janeway gestures Kim to place the image on the mainviewer. An angered Maquis Chakotay appears on screen a beat later.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
Before I blow your ship into a
million pieces, the least you
could do is defend yourself!

JANEWAY
We are not your enemy. Scan our
ship... you'll see we're affected
by the same contamination as you
are. We should be working together.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
We'll never take sides with the
Federation! Never.

CHAKOTAY
You may have issues with the
Federation of your universe, but
we are not them.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
I'll have no words with you. Look
at yourself! You wear the uniform
of murderers and thieves! Even
after the Caretaker kidnapped us,
the Federation crew that survived
still tried to kill us. I took
their ship by force, and the only
way a Federation member will ever
board her again is if they're dead!

TUVOK
It is illogical to judge us by the
actions of others.
MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
I could care less about your logic,
Vulcan. This discussion is over,
and if you interfere with my
mission I won't hesitate to
destroy you.

The image of Maquis Chakotay disappears from the screen. Janeway gives Chakotay a long stare. Chakotay stares back.

CHAKOTAY
Need I remind you, it would be...
illogical to judge me by the
actions of others, Captain.

TUVOK
Maquis Voyager has power downed
weapons and has resumed a course
towards the energy source.

JANEWAY
There's a good idea. Prepare to
engage the warp engines.
(taps companel)
Janeway to Engineering.

TORRES (COM VOICE)
Torres here.

JANEWAY
We'll be going to warp two. Hold
us together as best you can.

TORRES (COM VOICE)
I understand. Torres out.

PARIS
(works companel)
Course laid in, Captain.

JANEWAY
Engage.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager accelerates to light speed.

EXT. SPACE - GLOWING VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

A stationary Voyager pulsates with a huge energy glow.

INT. JANEWAY BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

This Bridge is manned by a crew of all Janeways at every position. They wear variations of Starfleet uniforms. Although a bizarre sight, the crew of Janeways go about their business as if all were normal.

TACTICAL JANEWAY
Another convoy of Voyagers is
heading our way. There are six of
them this time.

COMMAND JANEWAY
Prepare the defenses.

The Janeway crew works their companels.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager is straining to maintain light speed when a section of the warp nacelles begin to fade.

INT. BRIDGE

The Bridge shudders from massive turbulence.

PARIS
We need to maintain warp speed for
twenty more seconds!

TORRES (COM VOICE)
Engineering to Bridge. The warp
core can't take this much longer!

JANEWAY
Keep the engines on-line,
Lieutenant! If we don't get to
the focal point in time, we're as
good as dead anyhow!

PARIS
I think we're going to make it!
I'm decelerating now! Hold on!

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Voyager comes to a dramatic stop in space, still fading in and out in numerous places.

INT. BRIDGE

The crew looks around cautiously. Everyone begins to look at companels.

JANEWAY
Status?

SEVEN OF NINE
Fade is affecting eighteen percent
of the ship. Warp is off-line.
DOCTOR (COM VOICE)
Sickbay to Bridge.

Janeway reacts as though she has a bad headache.

JANEWAY
Go ahead, Doctor.

INT. SICKBAY

Ill crewmen fill all beds at in Sickbay as three more ENTER. The Doctors speaks by a companel.

DOCTOR
It's starting again. I already
have reports of at least fifteen
ill crewmen.

JANEWAY (COM VOICE)
Shall I send Mr. Paris to assist
you?

DOCTOR
No, there's nothing I can do but
make them comfortable and send
them to their quarters. It's only
a matter of time before more...
serious complications set in. And
Captain, I've just released Naomi
Wildman. Like before, her
condition is the most severe.

INT. BRIDGE

Seven of Nine is especially upset by the news.

JANEWAY
Keep me informed. Janeway out.

Seven approaches Janeway and stands at attention.

SEVEN OF NINE
Permission to the leave the Bridge.

JANEWAY
Granted.
(beat)
We're all thinking of Naomi, too,
Seven. Help her as best you can.

A concerned Seven EXITS the Bridge.

INT. NAOMI WILDMAN'S QUARTERS

Seven ENTERS and stops at Naomi Wildman's bed. A
saddened Neelix already watches over the child. Naomi tosses in bed as if in great pain. Neelix faces Seven.

NEELIX
Captain Janeway is trying to
release Naomi's mother from duty
early. She'll be here any moment.

SEVEN OF NINE
Naomi is in pain. The Doctor must
treat her!

NEELIX
The Doctor is trying his best,
Seven. Nothing works on this fade.

Naomi stirs in her bed. Neelix kneels beside her. Naomi opens her eyes slightly.

NAOMI WILDMAN
Mommy...?

NEELIX
Guesss again!

NAOMI WILDMAN
Neelix... and Seven!

SEVEN OF NINE
Naomi Wildman. State the nature
of your condition.

NAOMI WILDMAN
It feels like my insides aren't
there anymore. Am I going to die?

NEELIX
Of course not! You'll be up and
about in no time!

SEVEN OF NINE
We will cure your illness soon.

NAOMI WILDMAN
Promise?

Seven does not know how to respond.

CHAKOTAY (COM VOICE)
Seven, report to the Bridge
immediately. We may be detecting
another ship coming our way.

SEVEN OF NINE
(to Naomi)
I must go. Continue to rest.

A confused Seven turns away from Naomi and EXITS.

INT. BRIDGE

Seven ENTERS and takes position by a science companel. Kim again seems concerned by what appears on his companel. Janeway seems to be in a great deal of pain.

KIM
The readings are clearing up now.
Another ship has come through the
side-space window and is heading
our way at high warp.

CHAKOTAY
Voyager?

KIM
(mortified)
No sir! It's Borg!

JANEWAY
Red alert!

The ship goes to red alert.

EXT. SPACE - BORG SHIP AND VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

A Borg scout ship approaches Voyager.

INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

The Bridge is rocked by a Borg attack. The crew recovers and examines companels for vital data.

TUVOK
(works companel)
We are caught in a tractor beam.
Remodulating shield harmonics have
no affect on the beam.

KIM
We're being hailed, audio only.

JANEWAY
Let's hear it.

Kim works his companel.

BORG VOICES
We are the Borg. We seek the
technology to enable us control
over side-space manipulation.
Surrender all data on this subject
and prepare to be assimilated.

JANEWAY
That all? We will not cooperate
with you. We demand...

A charge of ENERGY builds up in the science station near Kim. It suddenly shoots forth, striking Janeway and knocking her to the ground.

BORG VOICE
Non-compliance is not an option.

Chakotay and Meedan help up Janeway. Tuvok is shocked by electricity when he touches Tactical controls. The same thing happens to Paris when he touches Helm.

PARIS
I can't use helm controls!
TUVOK
Shields are failing.

EXT. SPACE - BORG VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

A half Borg/half Federation Voyager comes out of warp. It fires at the Borg scout ship, causing widespread damage. Voyager is released from the tractor beam.

INT. BRIDGE

The shaken crew scrambles to check companels.

SEVEN OF NINE
A new Voyager is assaulting the
Borg ship. It uses Borg technology
to penetrate their shields.

EXT. SPACE - BORG VOYAGER AND BORG SHIP (OPTICAL)

Borg Voyager fires torpedoes at the Borg vessel,
causing it to completely explode.

INT. BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

The crew watches the Borg ship's demise.

JANEWAY
Mr. Kim, hail Voyager.

The mainviewer changes to show the Bridge of Borg Voyager is constructed of both Federation and Borg technology. The Borg/Federation crew, consisting of Paris, Tuvok, Neelix and Kim stand by their positions. Borg Seven of Nine stands in the center of the Bridge. They wear tattered remains of Starfleet uniforms. Although not as mechanized as true Borg, this crew is laced with Borg implants throughout their bodies.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
We are Voyager. State your purpose.

The Voyager Bridge crew is left speechless.

EXT. SPACE - GLOWING VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

The stationary Voyager pulsates with unusual power.

INT. JANEWAY BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

The Bridge is filled by numerous Janeways at various positions. Another Janeway ENTERS via a turbolift and sits in the command chair.

COMMAND JANEWAY
What is the status of the new
Voyager armada?

TACTICAL JANEWAY
(examines companel)
Of the six ships, four remain. One
reached terminal fade and no
longer exists. The other has been
assimilated by a Borg vessel.
Fascinating! The cube assimilated
the polluted Voyager ship as well.
Fade has now spread to two percent
of the Borg vessel.

Science Janeway works a companel.

SCIENCE JANEWAY
My side-space research shows that
twenty-nine percent of Borg
universes will assimilate the
Krasheem-Lauria world next. If
we contaminate the Krasheem-Lauria,
we could begin a cascade fade
throughout much of the Borg
multiverse.

COMMAND JANEWAY
An interesting hypothesis. Prepare
a simulation for review.

Alarms go off, causing the Janeway crew to scramble.

COMMAND JANEWAY
What is it?

TACTICAL JANEWAY
Tachyon fields, straight ahead!

EXT. SPACE - GLOWING VOYAGER AND BORG (OPTICAL)

Two Borg cubes suddenly appear near Glowing Voyager and head for the ship from two sides.

INT. JANEWAY BRIDGE AND MAINVIWER (OPTICAL)

Two approaching Borg cubes can be seen on the mainviewer.

COMMAND JANEWAY
Where did those Borg come from?
Why weren't they detected?

SCIENCE JANEWAY
They're equipped with advanced
cloaking devices! We didn't expect
such subterfuge from the Borg.

COMMAND JANEWAY
Idiots! Anything is possible in
the multiverse!

SCIENCE JANEWAY
(reviews companel)
We're being hailed.

COMMAND JANEWAY
Oh, very well, put them on screen.

The mainviewer image changes to reveal the inside look of the Borg Collective.

BORG VOICE
We are the Borg. We seek the
technology to enable us control
over side-space manipulation.
Surrender all data on this subject
and prepare to be assimilated.

TACTICAL JANEWAY
How much time do you give us?

HELM JANEWAY
Yes. We require a certain amount
of time issued to us, that way
we'll be given a chance to devise
a cunning scheme to defeat you.
BORG VOICE
Your request is irrelevant.

COMMAND JANEWAY
Very well. We will send our
response to you at once...

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER AND BORG VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

Borg Voyager and Voyager face each other.

INT. BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

The Borg Voyager crew and Bridge can be seen. A stunned Janeway turns away from the mainviewer and signals for the transmission to be muted.

JANEWAY
What the hell is going on here?

SEVEN OF NINE
My... counterpart has turned the
ship into her own collective.

KIM
They're not affected by fade. It's
possible their Borg modified
engine changed the original warp
signature of their Voyager.

JANEWAY
Then why are they here?
Reestablish the transmission.

Kim takes the mute off. Janeway turns to the screen.

JANEWAY
I am Captain Janeway of...

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
(interrupting)
The Federation vessel Voyager. We
are aware of who you are. Similar
crewmen once served aboard this
ship.

JANEWAY
I see. Thank you for aiding us
back there. May I ask...

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
(interrupting)
Your thanks are not relevant. We
are not here to aid you but to
destroy all Borg ships. They must
not be allowed to assimilate
side-space technology. We detect
Borg vessels from across the
multiverse attempting to access
this single universe. Why?

JANEWAY
We need to discuss this
face-to-face Captain...?

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
My designation is One of Fifty-two.
Do you have information on why the
Borg gather here? We must know.

BORG TUVOK
(examines companel)
A new ship approaches us. It
registers as Starfleet.

Borg Voyager ends transmission. Kim examines his companel.

KIM
Confirmed. If it's another Voyager,
it's unlike any we've seen so far.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER A (OPTICAL)

A sleeker, larger version of Voyager approaches Borg Voyager and regular Voyager at slow impulse. It is Voyager A. Voyager A halts by the two other ships.

INT. BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

The crew watches in awe as Voyager A approaches them.

JANEWAY
Hail them.

The image on the mainviewer changes to show a sophisticated Bridge, captained by a young female humanoid. By her side is an older Seven of Nine with a Starfleet rank of Commander. The Doctor is also on the Bridge as well as other N. D. crewmen.

CAPTAIN WILDMAN
We monitored your fight with the
Borg and got here as soon as...
my God! Kathryn Janeway!

JANEWAY
You have me at a disadvantage. And
you would be...

A stunned Seven of Nine steps forward.

SEVEN OF NINE
Naomi? Naomi Wildman?

The Bridge crew is stunned.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE - THREE VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

Voyager, Borg Voyager and Voyager A remain stationary near each other.

INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

Janeway, Seven, The Doctor (with MOBILE EMITTER), and Tuvok wait by the transporter pads. Tuvok signals a N. D. crewman to begin transportation. Borg Tuvok and Borg Seven of Nine MATERIALIZES on transporter pads. After they survey their surrounds, both step forward.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
As requested, we are aboard your
vessel. Begin the meeting now.

BORG TUVOK
The Borg must not be allowed to
acquire side-space technology.

JANEWAY
We'll begin when representatives
from the third Voyager arrive. All
relevant information will be
discussed momentarily.
(gestures to Seven)
In the meantime, Seven will escort
you to the conference room.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
Proceed.

Borg Tuvok and Borg Seven EXIT with Seven. The Doctor stares at Tuvok as Borg Tuvok leaves.

DOCTOR
Not much difference between the
Two, I'd say.

TUVOK
On the contrary, Doctor. Being
Borg, I am sure my counterpart
would not appreciate your wit and
power of observation as I do.

The Doctor is temporarily silenced. Tuvok gestures for another transport to begin. Capt. Wildman and Lt. Doctor MATERIALIZE on the pads. Tuvok dismisses the transporter crewman. Captain Wildman smiles and approaches Janeway. She grasps Janeway's hands firmly.

CAPT. WILDMAN
I know you're not my Kathryn, but
I missed your face so very much.
And Tuvok... I've missed you too.

The Doctor examines his counterpart.

LT. DOCTOR
Are you... a hologram?

DOCTOR
Are you... real?

LT. DOCTOR
I am a holographic lifeform.

DOCTOR
But, you have no mobile emitter...
and you're a Starfleet Lieutenant!

LT. DOCTOR
(boastfully)
I've been upgraded to the most
advanced holographic program in
Starfleet history. My mobile
emitter is internal, and as far as
my rank, I received that after I
attended Starfleet Academy.

DOCTOR
(jealous)
No doubt, another Starfleet first.
So, you made it back to Earth?

CAPT. WILDMAN
Only thirty-eight of us survived
our journey home. Ironically, no
matter how much they honored us on
Earth, the Doctor, Anna Hansen and
myself were already vowing to
return to the Delta Quadrant. We
enrolled in Starfleet together, and
now fifteen years later we're here
looking for our missing crewmates.

TUVOK
Missing crewmates?

LT. DOCTOR
During our original trek through
the Delta Quadrant, a humanoid
guided us to what we thought was a
state-of-the-art Federation ship
called the Dauntless. Captain
Janeway and forty others boarded
the Dauntless with the humanoid.
Without warning, the ship
transformed and sped away
with amazing acceleration. We
never saw the crew since then.

Janeway and Tuvok exchange looks.

JANEWAY
This humanoid, was his name
Arturis?

CAPT. WILDMAN
Yes! You met him in your universe
as well? What happened to this
Arturis when you encountered him?

JANEWAY
We should discuss this later...

CAPT. WILDMAN
(interrupting)
I've spent my entire life trying
to locate the Dauntless. We've
searched the Delta Quadrant for
the last three years until we
discovered the side-space window.
We scanned it and were stupefied
by the results. In three months we
cataloged so much that I thought
we'd run out computer data space!
Over time, we noticed dozens of
Voyagers coming to this one spot.
I don't know why, but I knew I
could find answers to my quest
from one of those ships. Please,
my mother was also one of those
kidnapped by Arturis. I must know
what happened to them.

Janeway is uncomfortable as she ponders her response.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM

Seven, Borg Tuvok, and Borg Seven ENTER the empty room. All three remain standing. Seven is disgusted by what she sees in Borg Seven.

SEVEN OF NINE
We will wait here until the others
arrive. Do you require anything?

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
Information. Do you lead this
collective?

SEVEN OF NINE
We are not drones on this ship. We
are individuals.

BORG TUVOK
Indivualism. Non-efficient use of
limited resources and personnel.

SEVEN OF NINE
That depends on the goals that
need to be achieved. What are the
goals of your collective?

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
To eliminate the Borg empire.

SEVEN OF NINE
A lofty and ill-conceived goal,
considering you are but one ship.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
We have combined technology from
both Borg and Federation. We are
superior.

SEVEN OF NINE
Obviously not, since you lost
Captain Janeway and other members
of your group.

The statement stirs a memory in Borg Tuvok.

BORG TUVOK
Janeway, Kathryn M. Former captain
of U.S.S. Voyager. Killed while
attempting to seize a transwarp
coil from a disabled Borg vessel.

SEVEN OF NINE
(reflective)
A similar incident occured in my
Universe... but with different
results. The Borg set a trap for
us, and to save my crewmates I was
forced to surrender to the
Collective. Later, Captain Janeway
led a team into the heart of Borg
space to rescue me.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
We... I refused to surrender to
the Collective. We fought back,
which resulted in the deaths of
two-thirds of Voyager's crew and
the near destruction of our ship.

SEVEN OF NINE
Is that when you chose to turn
the surviving crew into your
own collective? You are an
aberration!

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
You dare? I saved their lives!

BORG TUVOK
It is true. We that survived the
attack were injured... dying from
severe radiation poisoning. One of
fifty-two linked us in the mind
hive and healed us. We arose, and
were given a new purpose; The Borg
empire must fall.

Seven is disturbed by the statement.

INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

Capt. Wildman is in near tears as Janeway, Tuvok, The Doctor and Lt. Doctor stand near her.

CAPT. WILDMAN
Arturis blamed you for the
destruction of his homeworld?

JANEWAY
I made a deal with the Borg to
fight and even greater threat,
Species 8472. Our intervention
caused Species 8472 to abandon
their war against the Borg. The
Borg regained control of the Delta
Quadrant and later assimilated
Arturis's people. In Arturis's
mind, Voyager caused the calamity
to his world as much as the Borg.

LT. DOCTOR
My Captain also assisted the Borg
against Species 8472. In all
probability, Arturis kidnapped them
and turned them over to be
assimilated!

TUVOK
The multiverse is a place of
infinite possibilities. Perhaps the
Arturis of your universe took them
for another purpose entirely.

CAPT. WILDMAN
No. I can feel it. My mother...
my friends... they're gone.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

Maquis Voyager approaches the Voyager fleet.

INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

Janeway does not know how to comfort Capt. Wildman.

JANEWAY
Captain, you may consider leaving
this universe now. Your ship is
not affected by fade since your
warp signature is different from
ours, and I don't want to endanger
your crew on this mission.

CAPT. WILDMAN
I will not abandon you again!

JANEWAY
Abandon ME? Captain, I insist you...

CHAKOTAY (COM VOICE)
Captain, this is the Bridge.

Janeway taps her com badge after a beat.

JANEWAY
Yes, Commander.

CHAKOTAY (COM VOICE)
We've got more company; Maquis
Voyager is back. They're asking
to meet with you immediately.

JANEWAY
Send their beaming coordinates
here. Janeway out.

TUVOK
(to The Doctor)
Doctor, if you would escort Captain
Wildman to the conference room...
DOCTOR
Yes... yes of course.

The Doctor, Capt. Wildman and Lt. Doctor EXIT. Tuvok walks over and works the transporter controls.

JANEWAY
Energize.

Maquis Chakotay and Maquis Torres MATERIALIZE on the transporter pad. Tuvok is wary of their intentions.

JANEWAY
Now here's a surprise. The man who
threatened to destroy us and vowed
never to work with the Federation
is back. Why the change of heart?

MAQUIS TORRES
Four Borg cubes.

TUVOK
Our sensors detected nothing.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
Neither did ours, until the cubes
almost ran right over us. Our
sensors are being jammed by
something at the focal point.

JANEWAY
What became of the Borg?

MAQUIS TORRES
Judging by the debris we found,
they're nothing but scrap metal.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
That's just for starters. We've
found debris from dozens of Borg
and Voyagers here. Captain, as much
as it pains me, I think it's time I
reconsidered your offer...

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

The fleet of Voyagers heads towards a massive glow of pulsating energy. Voyager and Maquis Voyager have
sections of the ships disappearing and reappearing.

INT. BRIDGE

Janeway and Tuvok ENTER from a turbolift and move to their stations. Chakotay, Kim, Seven, Paris, Meedan and Cairn are on the Bridge. Meedan and Cairn scan with their tricorders.

KIM
All Voyager crews have returned to
their ships, Captain.

CHAKOTAY
Our sensors are still down. We
can't tell what we're up against.

CAIRN C
That glow is the energy source for
the side-space window. We must
collapse it in twenty minutes to
avoid terminal fade.

PARIS
I think I can see a ship inside
the focal point...

INT. BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

Glowing Voyager can now been seen on the mainviewer.

KIM
Captain! We're being hailed by the
new Voyager.

Janeway fights with a bout of pain.

JANEWAY
I think I'm going to regret this,
but send the hail through.

The mainviewer image changes to show a Voyager Bridge filled with Janeways.

COMMAND JANEWAY
I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway of the
starship Voyager. Can we help you?

The Voyager crew stares at Janeway for a beat.

JANEWAY
What... are you? Why have you
created the side-space window that
has contaminated my ship?

HELM JANEWAY
Shall we tell them? Yes, why not...

Helm Janeway works her controls.

EXT. SPACE - DAUNTLESS (OPTICAL)

Glowing Voyager is suddenly replaced by the Dauntless.

INT. VOYAGER A BRIDGE

Capt. Wildman and Com. Hansen react to the sight.

CAPT. WILDMAN
Arturis...

INT. BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

The shocked crew watches the Bridge of Janeway's change into a Bridge of all Arturis's.

CAIRN
The Jencazees?
(beat)
Of course... their particle
synthesis technology allowed them
to appear to be Janeway and
Voyager.

CHAKOTAY
You know this race?

MEEDAN
We had an alliance with them. We
shared some of our phasing
technology with them to protect
their planet, but what have they
done to the Kell-Shaw homeworld
in this universe?

COMMAND ARTURIS
It wasn't my fault! I came to warn
them after the Borg assimilated my
people. I didn't know the Borg
followed me to Kell-Shaw!

JANEWAY
The Borg assimilated them...
because of you.

COMMAND ARTURIS
No! No! Rather than letting the
Borg access their phasing
technology the Kell-Shaw dissolved
their own planet! Voyager killed
them too! That's why we set up the
side-space trap with the last of
Kell-Shaw technology I found. For
their horrible crimes against the
multiverse, you must all die!

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

INT. BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

The stunned crew watches the Bridge of Arturis's.

JANEWAY
You're insane!

HELM ARTURIS
After watching my homeworld
destroyed because of you, who
wouldn't go insane?

SCIENCE ARTURIS
Speak for yourself! I am in
control of my mental facilities!

COMMAND ARTURIS
Shut up! They're the enemy, not us!
They're the reason why I gathered
you here from your universes!

INT. VOYAGER A BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

The crew of Voyager A listens to the mad ravings of the Arturis crew.

CAPT. WILDMAN
What have you done to my mother?

COMMAND ARTURIS
None of us are from your universe!
Go back to your own realm and find
your mother yourself. Don't forget
to check the Borg Collective!

CAPT. WILDMAN
I'll kill you myself!

SCIENCE ARTURIS
You think you can intimidate us
because your numbers are greater?
This ship can take on a hundred
Voyagers! You will all die!
EXT. SPACE - DAUNTLESS (OPTICAL)

The glow around Dauntless pulsates faster till it releases a powerful beam of energy like phaser fire.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER A (OPTICAL)

Voyager A is hit hard by the energy discharge. The energy discharge passes straight through the shields.

INT. VOYAGER A BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

Capt. Wildman, Com. Hansen, and other N. D. crewmen are at the stations. The huge energy impact causes companels to explode and all hands to be thrown from their seats violently.

INT. BRIDGE

The crew watches their companels intensely.

TUVOK
Voyager A has suffered heavy
damage to their Bridge.

Suddenly the Bridge shudders violently a pause later. The crew quickly recovers and works their companels.

CHAKOTAY
What hit us?

TUVOK
Unknown. The weapon does not
register on sensors.

Voyager is hit again, more violently than before.

TUVOK
Our shields are ineffective. We
have no defense against the weapon.

CAIRN
The energy discharge must be out
of phase.

JANEWAY
Return fire.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

Voyager and Borg Voyager fire phasers. Maquis Voyager is hit by an energy discharge. Voyager A spins away in flames.

EXT. SPACE - DAUNTLESS (OPTICAL)

All weapon's fire pass harmlessly through the ship.

INT. BRIDGE

The crew continues to be stunned.

PARIS
Did you see that? Our phasers went
right through that ship!

MEEDAN
It's out of phase as well. If we
could find the phase variance...

Meedan and Cairn begin to work their tricorders. The Bridge is rocked again. Janeway is in agony.

JANEWAY
Evasive maneuvers.

INT. VOYAGER A BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

The Voyager A Bridge is in shambles and on fire. Some crew stagger to their stations but others remain on the ground. Capt. Wildman pulls herself into her seat.

CAPT. WILDMAN
Helm, get us out of here!

The Helmsman works the companel. Capt. Wildman notices Com. Hansen on the ground, unmoving. Capt. Wildman rushes to her side. She is horrified by what the bloodied and dead body of Com. Hansen.

CAPT. WILDMAN
Anna!

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

The Voyager fleet breaks formation and tries to escape weapon's fire. Maquis Voyager is hit in the port nacelle. Borg Voyager is viciously hit in the saucer section. Flames erupt in both ships.

INT. BRIDGE

The Bridge is in chaos. Cairn C and Meedan work on their tricorders and a science companel in the B. G.

TUVOK
Maquis Voyager has severe engine
damage. She's dead in space.

JANEWAY
Mr. Paris, put us between Maquis
Voyager and the Dauntless.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

Voyager moves to the side of Maquis Voyager and suffers another hit from an energy blast.

INT. BRIDGE AND MAINVIEWER (OPTICAL)

A bloodied Maquis Chakotay appears on the mainviewer.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
What the hell are you doing?

JANEWAY
I'm a little busy now, Captain.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
I will not go to my grave being
protected by a Federation ship!

JANEWAY
We're not moving unless your
engines come back on-line. If your
feelings are hurt, then too bad.
Janeway out.

INT. MAQUIS VOYAGER BRIDGE

Few Maquis crewmen remain standing by their wasted stations. Maquis Chakotay is at Helm while Maquis Torres works the Engineering companel.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
That woman! If our phasers weren't
down, I'd shoot her myself!

MAQUIS TORRES
Sounds as if you like her.

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
Say that again and you'll be going
home in the brig.

MAQUIS TORRES
I was right! You do like her!
(beat)
Got it! I have impulse engines!

MAQUIS CHAKOTAY
Get weapons back and I'll be
really impressed. We're going to
try evasive pattern Omega. Hang on!

INT. BRIDGE

The crew holds on for dear life as the ship shakes.

KIM
Maquis Voyager is moving off.

JANEWAY
We need to regroup. Signal all
vessels to retreat.

MEEDAN
(excited)
Wait! I've found it's phase
variance! Remodulate your shields
and weapons to this frequency!

JANEWAY
Send the frequency to the other
Voyagers. Tom, bring us about!
EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

As Voyager rotates to attack formation, the ship is hit by an energy discharge. The energy is absorbed by the improved shields. In the B. G., Maquis Voyager and Voyager A turn about. Voyager fires forward phasers. Voyager A fires phasers.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

Maquis Voyager moves past Borg Voyager. Both are hit by energy discharges but have shields that absorb the impact. Borg Voyager fires torpedoes. Maquis Voyager fires phasers.

EXT. SPACE - DAUNTLESS (OPTICAL)

Shots reign down on the Dauntless, causing massive damage.

INT. DAUNTLESS BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

Explosions occur everywhere as various Arturis's are knocked to the ground.

SCIENCE ARTURIS
They've found our phase variance!

COMMAND ARTURIS
Shift to a new phase line.

HELM ARTURIS
(works Helm, panicking)
There's no time! We must escape!

TACTICAL ARTURIS
You fool! Our side-space beam is
routed through the engines! Don't...

EXT. DAUNTLESS (OPTICAL)

The Dauntless explodes in a spectacular burst. A wave of energy cascades outward.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

The wave of energy passes through the ships without harming them. Voyager and Maquis Voyager phase briefly but then become completely solid.
INT. BRIDGE

The Voyager crew breathes a collective sigh of relief. Cairn scans the area.

CAIRN
Fade is at zero percent. The
side-space window is closed.

CHAKOTAY
(checks companel)
You're losing your dramatic flare,
Captain. We still had six minutes
before we reached terminal fade.

JANEWAY
Next time Commander, I promise to
cut it closer. Just for you.

Chakotay and Janeway share a well-deserved smile.

INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

Janeway works the transporter controls. Borg Seven MATERIALIZES on a pad. She steps forth to see Janeway.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
Your message was received. State
the purpose of this meeting.

JANEWAY
Meedan is about to take us back to
my universe, so I wanted to talk
with you before we left. Captain
Chakotay even contacted us. He
said we "fought with high honor,
for a Federation ship..."

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
(interrupting)
Such trivial matters are
irrelevant. What do you want?

JANEWAY
All right, I'll be blunt. I want
you to end your war with the Borg.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
Impossible. You of all people know
that the Borg must be purged!

JANEWAY
I think you have me confused with
another Janeway, perhaps the one
you watched die in your universe.
Seven told me about what happened
to you and to your crew.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
You know nothing.

JANEWAY
I know enough! You witnessed the
death of your friends, the only
family you had. It filled you with
rage and hatred, so much so that
you commandeered Voyager and began
your own personal war! It's wrong!
It has to end.

Borg Seven withdraws, not wanting to face Janeway.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
They must pay for what they have
done to you!

JANEWAY
At what cost? You're fighting a
war that you can't possibly win.
In the end, you'll be dead.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
My existence is... not relevant.

JANEWAY
You're wrong. Why do you think
your captain rescued you from the
Collective and fought the Borg so
hard to keep you free? Do you
think she'd want to throw your
life away on some useless
vendetta? If you do, then her
sacrifices will be in vain.

Borg Seven reflects on the words for a long pause.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
What would Captain Janeway want
me to do?

JANEWAY
She'd want you to step back from
the brink, or you will surely fall
into it just like Arturis did. Free
your crewmates... and make it home.

A confused Borg Seven steps back on a transporter pad. She stares at Janeway for another pause.

BORG SEVEN OF NINE
I will reflect upon your words.
(beat)
It... was good to hear your voice
again, Kathryn Janeway.

Janeway walks to transporter controls and works them. Borg Seven DEMATERIALIZES away.

INT. VOYAGER A READY ROOM

Capt. Wildman examines several PADDS at her damaged desk. The entrance door chimes.

CAPT. WILDMAN
Enter.

Lt. Doctor ENTERS and stands next to Capt. Wildman.

LT. DOCTOR
I've confirmed the arrangements
with Captain Janeway. The Kell-Shaw
have located our universe and will
guide us there.

CAPT. WILDMAN
Good. We need to start back to the
Alpha Quadrant right away.

LT. DOCTOR
We're going back to Earth? But our
mission... our missing crewmates...
CAPT. WILDMAN
(interrupting)
They're all dead or assimilated
and you know it. We need to
concentrate on our new enemy.

Capt. Wildman hands Lt. Doctor a padd which he reads.

LT. DOCTOR
Arturis? His threat is eliminated.

CAPT. WILDMAN
No it's not. There are other
universes out there with other
Arturis's, and any one of them
could be plotting our destruction
as we speak. We must strike first.

Capt. Wildman hands Lt. Doctor another padd. Lt. Doctor reads the information and is shocked.

CAPT. WILDMAN
(continuing)
We've scanned a side-space window
for the past three months and look
at all data we've gathered in that
short time! We'll take this back
to Starfleet and have our
scientists analyze it day and night
until we understand this technology.
Then it will be our turn.

Lt. Doctor tosses the padd onto the desk.

LT. DOCTOR
To do what? To kill as many of
these Arturis' as possible and
create another catastrophe like we
saw today? That would be murder.
Starfleet will never agree to this.

CAPT. WILDMAN
Then I'll find other scientist.
The threat of Arturis must end!

LT. DOCTOR
You're becoming as possessed as
he was, and look where that got
him. Naomi, revenge will not bring
back your mother or Anna or
Captain Janeway. Let this go...
before it destroys you too.

A saddened Lt. Doctor EXITS. Capt. Wildman silently ponders for a pause. She picks up the padd and continues to make calculations.

EXT. SPACE - VOYAGERS (OPTICAL)

The Voyager fleet moves through space at impulse.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FIVE

THE END
Star Trek Voyager: Fade (c) Loran Wlodarski