PATHFINDER
Episode 130
Part F

 

Barclay heads back into the Pathfinder lab accompanied by Harkins and the Security guards. Barclay, crestfallen: "It should have worked. I don't understand why it didn't." Admiral Paris enters, carrying Barclay's PADD. He is accompanied by two personnel including a Technician.

Admiral Paris: "There you are. I've reviewed Mr Barclay's plan. I think it's worth an attempt." Harkins: "He's already tried, sir, without your authorisation. It didn't work." Admiral Paris: "I'm sorry to hear that."

Barclay: "So am I, sir. I appreciate your confidence in me, but I, I don't deserve it."

Harkins: "What would you like me to do with him, Admiral? He broke into the lab, accessed the MIDAS Array and resisted arrest." Admiral Paris: "You've put me in a difficult position, son. I was hoping that we'd be able to-" An audio alert from the console interrupts him.

Technician: "We're receiving a transmission." Admiral Paris: "From where?" Technician: "Co-ordinates 343.6 by 27."

Barclay: "The wormhole." Janeway, via comms: "Starfleet Command, come in." Admiral Paris: "Voyager."

Harkins: "Reg, give me a hand clearing up the signal." Barclay: "Lower the filter band by point three kilohertz."

The first conversation between Project Pathfinder on Earth and USS Voyager in the Delta Quadrant:

part 1      part 2

Janeway, via comms: "This is Captain Kathryn Janeway. Do you read me?" Harkins to Barclay: "I think she's talking to you." Barclay, via comms: "Captain, this is Lieutenant Reginald Barclay at Starfleet Command."

Janeway, via comms: "It's good to hear your voice, Lieutenant. We've been waiting a long time for this moment."

Barclay, via comms: "The feeling is mutual. Unfortunately, the micro-wormhole is collapsing. We have only a few moments."

Janeway, via comms: "Understood. We are transmitting our ship's logs, crew reports and navigational records to you now." She signals Tuvok to do so.

Barclay, via comms: "Acknowledged. And we're sending you data on some new hyper-subspace technology. We're hoping eventually to use it to keep in regular contact, and we're including some recommended modifications for your comm. system."
Janeway, via comms: "We'll implement them as soon as possible."

Barclay, via comms: "Er, there's someone else here who would also like to say something." Admiral Paris, via comms: "This is Admiral Paris."

Tom Paris becomes intent, hearing his father's voice after so long.

Janeway, via comms: "Hello, sir." Admiral Paris, via comms: "How are your people holding up?"

Janeway, via comms: "Very well. They're an exemplary crew, your son included."

Admiral Paris, via comms: "Tell him, tell him I miss him, and I'm proud of him."

Janeway, via comms: "He heard you, Admiral."

Barclay to Admiral Paris: "The wormhole is collapsing." Admiral Paris: "I want you all to know we're doing everything we can to bring you home." Janeway, via comms: "We appreciate it, sir. Keep a docking bay open for us. We hope to see you-" Contact is cut off.

Barclay: "That's it. They're gone."

Harkins: "You did it, Reg. I'm sorry I doubted you."

Admiral Paris: "Why the long face, Mr Barclay?"

Barclay: "Because, because it's over, sir." Admiral Paris: "No, Lieutenant. I'd say that Project Voyager is just beginning, thanks to you."

USS Voyager, in the Delta Quadrant, some 60,000 light years from home.

In Voyager's Messhall, the senior staff have gathered for a champagne celebration. Neelix fills the glasses.

Torres: "Anyone know this Barclay?" Doctor: "I took the liberty of reviewing his personnel file. He's had a rather colourful career, not to mention an unusual medical history. He's recovered from a variety of maladies, including transporter phobia and holo-addiction." Janeway: "Well, whatever his problems, he certainly came through for us." Chakotay: "Starfleet should give him a promotion."

Seven enters with a PADD. "I've finished analysing the data Mr Barclay sent. The hyper-subspace technology is promising. I believe we can look forward to future communications with Earth." Neelix: "Well, that calls for a toast."

Janeway: "Care to do the honours, Tom?"

Paris: "To my Dad. It's nice to know he's still there. And to the newest honorary member of the Voyager crew, Reginald Barclay, whoever you are."

Janeway: "To Mr Barclay." They lift their glasses.

Far away, in Barclay's apartment on Earth, two others are lifting their glasses too. Troi: "Congratulations."

Barclay: "Well, I'm not not sure I deserve congratulations." Troi: "Why not? It's quite an accomplishment." Barclay: "I, I couldn't have done it without your help." Troi: "What did Commander Harkins have to say about it?" Barclay: "Well, I think, I think he was pleased." Troi: "Why wouldn't he be? You're quite a catch." Barclay: "Well, not everyone would want a sister-in-law to date someone with my history."

Troi: "It's a new era. So tell me all about the lucky lady. I want details." Barclay: "Well, her name is Hope." Troi: "You're kidding." Barclay, as Neelix bounds onto him: "No, a-a-and she loves cats!"