LIFESIGNS
Episode 35
Part E

 

Doctor: "Doctor's personal log, stardate 49504.3, inaugural entry. Kes and Mr Paris have conspired to get Danara and me alone together in a place Paris considers romantic. I've never felt more uneasy."

The Doctor is on the Holodeck. The holo-environment is that of the surface of Mars, he is sitting in a Chevy and above him are the stars - a very romantic setting.

Danara appears. Doctor, nervously: "I, I wasn't sure you were coming." Danara, also nervous: "Neither was I." Doctor: "If you don't want to be here-" Danara: "No! I do."

Danara: "Where are we exactly?" Doctor: "On a planet called Mars inside a primitive land-based vehicle. It's called a '57 Chevy. Mr Paris is quite an automobile aficionado. This is his program." Danara: "What is it that we're supposed to be doing?" Doctor: "I believe it's called," he hesitates then recalls what Paris told him, "parking." She nods.

There is an awkward silence. Suddenly: "I almost forgot. These are for you." He turns and in rapid succession passes her several gifts from the back seat: flowers, a box of chocolates and a cuddly toy.
Danara, overwhelmed: "Thank you. You're, you're very- very thoughtful."

He puts the radio on and a romantic song plays: 'I Only Have Eyes For You'. Doctor: "I downloaded a new dancing subroutine program into my program this morning. Would you like to get out and try it?" Danara: "Actually, I wouldn't mind just sitting here for a while." Doctor: "You wouldn't?"

Danara: "Those moons and star formations are so different from anything I've ever seen before."
Doctor: "Well, if you're interested, I could point out a few astronomical highlights. You see that bluish planet there? That's called Earth. It's where Starfleet Headquarters is located. And over there, that's Cygnus. And there, that constellation is called Hercules, named after a character in ancient Greek myth. Hippocrates was also a Greek. He was the father of Earth medicine. And that cluster over there, that's called the Pleiades."

As he talks, she moves closer. At first he is nervous about it.

Then he realises that the time is right - what they most want to do is kiss.

Afterwards she snuggles up to him and he puts his arm around her tenderly.

He closes his eyes, enjoying being with her, and feeling very happy and content.

Their romantic time together continues.

Next morning Paris hurries onto the Bridge.

Paris goes up to Chakotay: "Sorry I'm late." Chakotay: "That's alright, Mr Paris. We don't need you. Mr Grimes has taken your place at conn." Paris: "But it's my shift." Chakotay: "Not today it isn't." Paris: "What, because I was ten minutes late?" Chakotay: "That's right."

Grimes is at the conn.

Paris turns to Janeway: "Captain." Janeway: "Don't look at me, Mr Paris. Commander Chakotay has complete discretion in this matter."

Paris turns back to Chakotay: "So, when should I report back for duty?" Chakotay: "When you decide to start taking your job seriously, we'll discuss it. But right now, you're dismissed." He takes Paris by the arm to steer him away.

Paris: "Get your hands off me!" He shoves Chakotay away, causing him to fall over.