HOMESTEAD: Episode 169

HOMESTEAD : Episode 169

That night, Neelix enters the almost totally dark Messhall, lifts the coffee pot from the hob and pours himself a mug. standard doors The sound of the doors and his presence make Janeway, who is sitting on one of the sofas, turn.
Janeway: "I didn't think anyone else stayed up this late."
Neelix: "Er, I wouldn't want you to have coffee all by yourself."
Janeway: "Have a seat."
Neelix: "I've been thinking about something. It's a little hard to put into words and I haven't really made a decision yet, and of course I would never ignore my responsibilities on Voyager."
Janeway: "Of course not."
Neelix: "I take them very seriously."
Janeway: "I know you do. I've been thinking about something too. Maybe you could help me."
Neelix: "I'd be happy to."
Janeway: "It's an idea I'd need to talk to Starfleet Command about."
Neelix: "It must be important."
Janeway: "It is. Now that we've established two-way communication with Earth, it seems to me Starfleet could use a permanent ambassador in the Delta Quadrant. This ambassador would have to stay in frequent contact with Voyager."
Neelix: "Certainly."
Janeway: "It would be difficult for me to run this ship without you, Neelix, but that might be a sacrifice I'd be willing to make, for the greater good of Starfleet. Of course, the assignment would be entirely voluntary. You wouldn't be interested, would you?"
Neelix is relieved and happy that Janeway has given him, not just a way of not having to ask to leave the ship, but a useful role he can undertake.

Neelix goes to Voyager's Shuttlebay where his little freighter Baxial will take him away from ship and crew forever. Many of the crew line the corridor from the turbolift to the Shuttlebay, standing in both silent tribute and farewell.
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Janeway awaits him at the entrance to the Shuttlebay.
Janeway: "Goodbye, and good luck, Ambassador."

As Neelix goes to enter the Shuttlebay, Tuvok stops him: "Mr Neelix." He does one or two dance steps, enough for Neelix to achieve his mission of getting him to dance. Tuvok says farewell: "Live long and prosper."
Much moved, Neelix enters the Shuttlebay.

His ship, Baxial, takes Neelix away from Voyager forever.

Neelix arrives back on the Talaxian colony, to be welcomed by Brax and Dexa - he has at last reached "home".

T H E E N D

	His ship, Baxial, takes Neelix away from Voyager forever.
	Neelix arrives back on the Talaxian colony, to be welcomed by Brax and Dexa - he has at last reached "home".