PROTOTYPE
Episode 29
Part G

 

Torres: "If both sides were annihilated, why continue your war?" APU 3947: "All Automated Personnel Units were programmed to achieve victory." Prototype Unit 0001: "Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming." APU 3947: "The Cravics have penetrated our defence shields."

Torres: "Has anyone over all these years managed to stop this war?" APU 3947: "The Pralor and the Cravic called a truce." Torres: "Wait a minute. If both sides called a truce, then why didn't they stop you from fighting." APU 3947: "They attempted to do so." Torres: "And?" APU 3947: "We terminated the Builders." Torres is shocked by the news.

Meanwhile, Paris is making progress, though dodging crossfire as he goes. Paris, via comms: "Paris to Voyager. Approaching the entry point." Tuvok, via comms: "Acknowledged. Showing a rift in the defence field off your starboard bow." Paris, via comms: "I'm on it."

APU 3947: "When it was anticipated that the war would end the Builders no longer required our services. They attempted to terminate us. In doing so, they became the enemy. We are programmed to destroy the enemy. It is necessary for our survival. Now that you have constructed a prototype, we will soon outnumber the Cravic Units. We will achieve victory." A Cravic weapons shot penetrates the laboratory, causing a fire. APU 3947: "This is 3947. All Units report to Reconstruction Bay No. 1." Torres: "The individual energy codes, is that why the Builders added them, to prevent the procreation of these Units? My God, what have I done!"

Torres, still staggering from the enormity of what Unit 3947 has told her, notices a sharp engineering tool on the tray in front of her. She makes a decision, and takes hold of the tool.

She hefts the tool as if it were a dagger. Her back is to Unit 3947 who cannot see what she is doing. He is distracted by the raging fire.

She turns to the prototype. As she hesitates, the Prototype Unit 0001 turns to her and says: "Prototype Unit 0001 is ready to accept programming."

She resolves to do the deed and stabs the prototype in the power module, destroying the circuits and killing the prototype!

At once Unit 3947 sends an energy charge at her, throwing her backward and injuring her in the process.

APU 3947 comes and looks down at her. "You have terminated the prototype." Torres: "Yes, I have."

APU 3947: "You will build another." Torres, defiantly: "Never."

APU 3947: "Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, I told 6263 you were not our enemy." Torres speaks as to a friend: "I never wanted to be your enemy. I'm sorry." At that moment, Paris' transporter beams takes her and she is beamed off the Pralor ship. transporter

She materialises, unconscious, in the shuttlecraft. Paris, via comms: "Shuttle to Voyager. I've got her, but she's injured. Tell the Doctor to stand by. Beam her out as soon as I clear that defence field." Tuvok, via comms: "Acknowledged, Mr Paris."

Tuvok: "The ships are continuing to exchange fire, Captain. They're ignoring the shuttle."

Janeway, via comms: "Bridge to Engineering. Stand by warp engines. We'll engage the moment Mr Paris gets back." Kim, via comms: "Aye, Captain."

Voyager cruising at warp speed, the Pralor and Cravic ships far behind them. The Doctor has treated Torres' injuries and she has made her report to the Captain.

Janeway and Torres are in the Messhall together. Kes pours them coffee, telling them: "One pot of Landras blend, compliments of the chef. Torres: "Mmmm. I never thought Neelix's coffee could taste so good." Kes: "I'll tell him you said so." She leaves.

Torres: "I don't know what to say." Janeway: "As far as I'm concerned, you did what you thought was necessary to ensure the safety of this crew." Torres: "Thank you."

Janeway: "It must've been difficult." Torres: "Difficult?" Janeway: "To destroy what you created." Torres: "It was necessary."

Janeway: "I read your report. It was no small achievement, B'Elanna. You gave that Unit life."

Torres: "You should've seen it, Captain. It was incredible. I installed that module, and the prototype looked up at me and asked me for programming."

Janeway: "As I said, it must've been difficult." Torres: "It was necessary."