SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME
Episode 116
Part F

 

In the Messhall the reception is not going well. There are a number of Voyager crewmembers. Tomin, guarded by Neelix, is with Paris, and is laughing non-stop as Paris reels off some jokes about holograms. Paris: "How do you bend a hologram's ear? Use a prism. What did the counsellor say to the hologram? You're projecting."

Tomin, still laughing, to Neelix: "This humour, it's a revelation."

A crewman brings over a tray of drinks. Neelix, dismayed when Tomin takes one of the drinks while still holding one in his hand: "Are you sure you wouldn't prefer some more coffee?"

Tomin: "Coffee! Yes, I'll have that too. Go."

Neelix heads toward the Galley to fetch some coffee. As he starts to pass Chakotay, the First Officer takes him by the elbow and turns him round, stops him and faces him. Chakotay: "Neelix, is it my imagination or is our guest of honour drunk?" Neelix: "Commander, I tried! I had an itinerary, I even set up a prayer dais in his quarters, but I just couldn't control him. The Captain is due back in the morning with the Kadi minister. What do I do?" Chakotay: "Pray."

The Doctor enters with Seven on his arm.

Paris sees them and goes over to them: "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Doctor: "Mr Paris, I believe you know Seven of Nine, my date for the evening."

Paris: "Oh, you don't say? Well," getting in a dig, "your last date ended up in Sickbay. I hope this one goes a little smoother."

Doctor: "There's no need to be insulting."
Seven: "It's alright, Doctor. I believe he is merely engaging in small talk. May I get either of you gentlemen a drink?"
Paris: "Yes, a gin and tonic with a twist."
Doctor: "You know I don't drink. I don't have the stomach for it."
Paris groans at the Doctor's joke.
Seven: "A well-crafted joke, Doctor."
She leaves to fetch Paris' drink.
Paris: "Impressive. You've actually taught her to be polite. But don't think you've won our bet. She was supposed to bring a real date."

Doctor: "Photons and forcefields, flesh and blood - why quibble over details? I'm just as real as any of you."

Tomin calls out drunkenly from the other side of the room: "Where's the funny man?!" Neelix, anxiously: "Mr Tomin, please, why don't, why don't we sit down?" Tomin catches sight of Paris: "Oh, there he is, there he is." Paris waves. Tomin calls out: "Ensign Paris, tell us another one of those hologram jokes!"

Doctor to Paris: "You've been stealing my material?" Paris: "That guy's so lubricated he'll laugh at anything." The Ambassador weaves his way unsteadily across the room to join them.

Tomin, with jollity: "There he is, the Ambassador of Humour."

Paris puts on a large fixed smile........

......as does Neelix who smiles hugely but at the same time mutters desperately to the Doctor and Paris: "I could use a little help here."

Doctor: "Seven, perhaps now would be a good time to review Lesson Twenty-three: Toast the Town." Seven: "Very well." She moves to the middle of the room and taps her glass with a piece of cutlery to quiet everyone and gain their attention.

Seven: "Ladies and gentlemen, I require your attention. May cultural differences encourage us to build bridges of understanding."

The Doctor looks on proudly.

Seven: "To all that makes us unique." She raises her drink to the toast.

A lot of people applaud. As Neelix claps he turns and looks at the Doctor, applauding him as well for how socially successful Seven has become thanks to his tutoring.

Tomin takes Neelix aside: "Who is that extraordinary female?" Neelix: "Seven of Nine." Tomin: "I want to meet her." Neelix: "Take a number."

Seven rejoins the Doctor and Paris. Paris: "That was lovely." Seven: "Thank you."

Paris to the Doctor: "I've got to admit it, you've done wonders. Alright, you win." Seven: "Win?" Paris to the Doctor, crassly unaware that Seven is putting two and two together: "I know when I'm licked. You tell me when you want me to start those double shifts."

Seven: "You made a wager regarding me? Clarify."

Too late Paris and Seven realise their faux pas. Doctor: "It's not what you think."

Paris: "Er, don't blame him, it was my idea."

Seven to the Doctor, reproachfully: "I believed your interest in my social development was sincere, not motivated by personal gain." Doctor: "It was sincere." Seven: "Clearly I am not the only one who requires social lessons." Sarcastically, handing her glass and cutlery to the Doctor: "Thank you for a lovely evening."

She heads for the exit as Paris and the Doctor exchange looks.

As she approaches the starboard exit, she finds Tomin blocking the way.

Tomin grabs her arm. Ogling her openly: "Hey, why don't we go back to my quarters? I've studied human mating rituals."

Seven angrily: "Remove your hand or," violently shaking his hand free, "I will remove your arm."

Tomin is shocked by her reaction and cannot believe it as she walks out.

Tomin, turns to address the whole room, outraged: "Did you hear what she said to me?!"

Everyone, including Chakotay, cannot help but turn to look.

Tomin: "I am the guest of honour!!"

Chakotay and Neelix seize hold of Tomin. Chakotay: "Ambassador, it's been a long day. Maybe you should get some rest."

Tomin: "No! I'm not leaving! I want another drink!"

But the drink finally gets the best of him. He teeters unsteadily, then collapses and passes out, dramatically bringing the unsuccessful reception to a close.