MELD
Episode 32
Part C

In the Chez Sandrine holoprogram. Computer: "Radiogenic particle density at the measured co-ordinates was 1873 per cubic metre." Paris: "And the winner of sixteen replicator rations in the Paris radiogenic sweepstakes is? Computer?" Computer: "There is no winner today." Paris: "What! No winner? Computer, are you positive?" Computer: "Try your luck again. Tomorrow you could be a winner."

Kim, who has lost his bet: "Very funny."

Paris calls out: "You heard the little lady - try your luck again, folks. The pot grows daily until we have a winner. Enter your name on the PADD and pick a number."

Paris leads him from Chez Sandrine: "Can I buy you lunch, Mr Kim? I have an extra ration today." Kim is not willing to be mollified that easily. "Two, by my count. Ten per cent of the day's action. The only one who wins every day is you." Paris: "I think I'll have some prime rib (medium rare), mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and maybe some Yorkshire pudding, raktajino with whipped cream on...."

In the Captain's Ready Room, Tuvok has reported to Janeway that he mind-melded with Suder.

Tuvok: "So it ultimately turned out to be a worthwhile and enlightening experience." Janeway: "Did you get any of the answers you were after?" Tuvok: "It is difficult for me to accept, Captain, but Mr Suder was telling the truth as he knew it. He is a man with an incredibly violent nature living in an environment without any outlet to express it. I am surprised he was able to maintain his self control for as long as he did."

Janeway: "I guess in his earlier life he always found ways to release those impulses, like volunteering for the Maquis. What do we do with him?"
Tuvok: "If we were home, he'd be sent to prison."
Janeway: "The brig is the closest thing we have. But I don't think we can just leave him down in our dungeon for the rest of the trip."
Tuvok: "Nor would it be appropriate to leave him in the custody of someone in this quadrant."
Janeway: "I agree."

Tuvok: "Captain, he is prepared to die for his crime." Janeway: "An execution? You're not seriously suggesting that we-" Tuvok: "I only mention it because of the extenuating circumstances, and because he feels it would be an appropriate punishment."

Janeway firmly: "I don't. I prefer to rehabilitate him, not to end his life." She makes the decision. "We'll confine him to quarters. Work with Kim to install maximum security containment." Tuvok: "Pardon me, Captain, but allowing him the comfort of his own quarters doesn't seem an appropriate punishment for murder." Janeway: "If we don't get home soon, he'll be in that room a long time, Mr Tuvok. I think this is the best we can do under these circumstances." Tuvok: "Crewman Darwin's three sisters might not agree."

Janeway: "How is Suder since the mind meld?" Tuvok: "Quite calm and controlled. Clearly the meld initiated some high cortical activity in his brain." Janeway: "And you, Tuvok? Any adverse effects?" Tuvok: "I will admit that I am more disconcerted than I anticipated." Janeway: "Why don't you take a day or two off for meditation." Tuvok: "Thank you, but I am already taking steps to purge these residual feelings. I don't believe time off will be necessary. I will of course advise you of any further complications."

As Tuvok leaves, Janeway says: "Tuvok." He turns in the doorway. "Take care of yourself." He leaves.

Tuvok is working in the Messhall. He is the only one there apart from Neelix who is determined to chat with him. Tuvok: "I would prefer to be alone."

Neelix: "OK, alright! Far be it from me to bother anyone. If you really want me to leave, I'll leave." Tuvok: "I really want you to leave."

Neelix: "I don't believe you! Your voice says 'go away', but your heart wants me to make you smile." Tuvok: "Please, go away." Neelix: "Come on! A little smile! How is it going to hurt? I won't tell anyone." Tuvok: "What must I do to convince you to stop?"

Neelix: "C'mon, just a little itty bitty smile. Just let the mouth curl a little then."

There's an old Talaxian song my mother used to sing me as a child. I'm going to sing it to you every day from now on. It goes-" Suddenly Tuvok cannot stand any more and his self-control snaps. He seizes Neelix by the throat. Neelix: "Aargh! Mr Vulcan, I can't breathe, I can't breathe! I'm sorry, in fact I, I-"

Tuvok strangles him! Neelix's lifeless body slumps by the replicator.

Tuvok looks down at Neelix's dead body. Tuvok: "Computer, end holodeck program."

Below 4 pictures: the holoprogram deactivates - the Messhall surroundings disappear, leaving the bare holodeck. Tuvok then leaves the Holodeck.

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Chez Sandrine holoprogram. Computer: "Particle density at the measured co-ordinates was 1415 per cubic metre." Paris: "And the winner is? Computer? Computer?"

Chakotay enters: "There won't be any more winners."

Paris addresses Chakotay informally: "Oh, come on, Chakotay, we're just having a little fun, the recreational facilities of the Delta Quadrant being what they are."

But Chakotay keeps things formal: "I've heard you're responsible for this, Lieutenant." Paris: "I didn't think Starfleet would have a problem with it."

Chakotay, sarcastically: "With a senior officer running a gambling operation and skimming profits from each day's proceeds? Now why would Starfleet have a problem with that?"

He picks up the PADD which contains all the names and bet details. Chakotay: "Since you all seem to have extra replicator rations you won't be needing these. Today's pot is hereby confiscated." Everyone groans. He continues to Paris: "The Captain's put a lot of faith in you, Mr Paris. She'll be disappointed. You're on report."

Paris acts unbothered. "Now there's a tough job, filling out reports."

He returns to playing pool. He calls out, apparently to no one, but so that the departing Chakotay can clearly hear: "But somebody's got to do it."

Kim, grumpily: "Thanks a lot."

Tuvok visits Suder in the Brig again. Suder: "I did not hear you come in, Lieutenant." He gets up. Tuvok: "How are you feeling?" Suder: "Centred." Tuvok: "Don't be misled. Your violent instincts still exist. You are simply suppressing them as Vulcans do." Suder: "I can feel the difference. It's almost as if I can observe the violence inside me without letting it get too close. It is quite remarkable what you Vulcans have learned to do." Tuvok: "Understand that this will not be a permanent change, unless you commit to a strict daily regime of meditation and mental exercise. I also believe that a series of holodeck programs designed to allow your violent tendencies to be released in a safe environment may help to purge your aggressive impulses." Suder: "Holographic violence does not give the same sensation as the same thing. I've tried it." Tuvok: "Has anyone ever suggested targeted neuro-synaptic therapy?" Suder: "That didn't work either." Tuvok: "Our Doctor is programmed with the medical knowledge of every Federation world. Perhaps he'll know of some treatment you haven't tried." Suder: "Since the meld I feel capable of controlling myself. Perhaps with your help I can learn to stay this way. It must be difficult for you." Tuvok: "Difficult?" Suder: "Knowing violence as I've known it." Tuvok: "I have studied violence for over a hundred years." Suder: "Studying it and knowing it are two different things, aren't they? It's attractive, isn't it?" Tuvok: "Attractive? On the contrary, I find it disturbing." Suder: "You're right, it is disturbing, never knowing when that impulse may come, or whether or not you can control it when it does. You live on the edge of every moment, and yet in its own way, violence is attractive too, maybe because it doesn't require logic. Perhaps that's why it's so liberating. Ironic isn't it, that I can share with you of all people what I have kept hidden from everyone all my life. Can we do it again, Tuvok?" Tuvok: "Again?" Suder: "The meld." Tuvok: "That would not be advisable." Suder: "I understand. Really, I do. I've thought about it a lot. In a way, a mind-meld is almost an act of violence, isn't it." Tuvok: "I don't understand why you-" Suder: "Penetration, your will dissolving mine, the joining. It seems to me that a mind-meld might be fatal if you lost control."