Tieran/(Kes) and his companions burst into the main chamber of the imperial hall and kill the imperial guards, clearing a path to the Autarch sitting at the other end of the chamber.

picture order: top to bottom, and left to right in each row: a guard is killed (3 screenshots), then another (1 screenshot), and another (2 screenshots), and Tieran/(Kes) kills a servant carrying a tray (1 screenshot)

The attackers march up to the Autarch and his son who stand to meet their fate.

Tieran/(Kes) tells the Autarch just before he kills him: "Ah, the venerated Autarch. I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time."

Ameron, the Autarch's younger son, catches his father's dead body. "Father!"

In a rage Ameron leaps over the table to attack Tieran/(Kes) but Resh seizes him. Tieran/(Kes): "Where's his brother?" Resh, holding the struggling Ameron: "He should have been here." Tieran/(Kes) points back down the hall with his/(her) weapon as a signal about Ameron: "Get him out of here, lock him up!" Resh hauls Ameron away.

Adin has gone to the control room behind the hall. He calls out a report: "According to their security logs Demmas was transported to Voyager over an hour ago." Tieran/(Kes): "He's going to be a problem but we'll have to deal with him another time. Give me the talisman."

Adin unclasps the talisman from around the neck of the dead Autarch and presents it to Tieran/(Kes) who puts it on.

Tieran/(Kes), referring to the talisman: "This was stolen from me two hundred years ago and I've dedicated every moment since to putting it back where it belongs." Adin: "Loyalty and service to the new Autarch." Nori: "Loyalty and service."

The imperial hall on Ilari.

Tieran/(Kes) to Resh: "I want you to pay a visit to my supporters in Yaro province. Give them all new titles, whatever I promised. And of course I couldn't overlook your faithful service. I think the title First Castellan suits you very well.

picture order: top to bottom, and left to right in each row: Tieran/(Kes) pulls down a wall-hanging, and throws aside two ornaments, then races toward a display of flowers

Tieran/(Kes): "I feel like I've finally come home again, but it's hardly as I left it." He/(she) pulls down a wall-hanging. "My portrait should be hanging here. As for the rest of this nonsense, it's nothing but a useless display of wealth, as if the first Autarch needs to impress anyone." Another wall-hanging is torn down. "Everything should look as it did during my reign."

But as he/(she) seizes a vase of flowers he/(she) stops. Part of Kes influences him as he grasps a flower, inhales its perfume.

Tieran/(Kes) looks back at Nori.

He/(she) then runs across the chamber to Nori and presents the flower to her.

Tieran/(Kes): "I trust you'll take care of all that, and we'll need some new servants too. Oh what is it? You don't look happy."

Nori: "I'm happy that we've accomplished our goal. But there've been some unexpected changes and I don't know how they'll affect our future together. I don't even know if I'm still you're wife." Tieran/(Kes): "Forgive me. I hadn't considered how unsettling this must be for you. Don't worry. You know how much I depend on you. Your loyalty and encouragement have helped make this victory possible. I'll always share everything with you, just as I always promised." He/(she) leans forward to kiss his wife but....

....a guard calls out: "Autarch!" which interrupts the moment and the kiss is not given as Tieran/(Kes) tells Nori: "Now I'm afraid I have business to attend to." and goes to deal with it - it is the prisoner Ameron.

Ameron, handcuffed, is brought before the new Autarch who orders the guard: "Leave him here. Everyone else is dismissed."

Tieran/(Kes): "Ameron, you and I haven't had a chance to get acquainted. I'm Tieran." Ameron: "Tieran!" Tieran/(Kes): "I like the way you say that. We didn't get off to a very good start, did we." Ameron: "You murdered my father right in front of me!" Tieran/(Kes): "I shouldn't have let you watch that. I'm sorry, but his death was necessary to make way for the rightful heir." Ameron: "Demmas is the rightful heir, not you." Tieran/(Kes): "How many times have people said the very same thing to you? It must've been hard to hear every day, the constant reminder that your brother is destined to be ruler just because he was lucky enough to be born first. I don't think that's fair, do you?" Ameron: "It's the law." Tieran/(Kes): "Doesn't have to be. It can change. Demmas is off hiding on some alien ship and you're here, with me. I'm sure it's an opportunity you always dreamed of, to prove that you're really a natural leader and not just a weak copy of your father. Now you can have that chance, if you're willing to take it." Ameron: "You mean if I join you." Tieran/(Kes): "We have so much to offer each other. Your heritage would help solidify my claim, and in return you'll have real power, to control the lives of millions of people, to reward your friends, punish your enemies, everything you want can be yours for the asking. Everything." Ameron: "After what you've done." He tries to pull away but the usurper pulls him back: "That's all in the past! You should be thinking about the future. Would you rather be a martyr to your brother's cause or rule by my side?"

Janeway: "Captain's log, supplemental. Demmas has decided to remain on board Voyager for the time being but continues to monitor the worsening situation on Ilari."

In the Captain's Ready Room, Demmas, Tuvok and Janeway are in discussion. Demmas: "This coup attempt is turning my people against each other. They're splitting into factions, mine and Tieran's." Tuvok: "Whom does the law recognise as Autarch?" Demmas: "Officially I inherit the title on my father's death, but this isn't a matter of law. It's about loyalty. Some people will follow whoever has more power, and right now that's Tieran. He's gaining support every day. He's already recruited some of my less reliable allies, which may include my brother Ameron." Janeway: "Your brother? I assume he'd been killed." Demmas: "So did I, until I learned otherwise from sources on Ilari. Tieran spared his life, no doubt in order to win his loyalty. Ameron's always been easily swayed." Tuvok: "And you believe he would betray you."

Demmas: "That's very possible. And if he does there will be no way to avoid a civil war. I must strike now, before Tieran is fully prepared." Janeway: "There are always alternatives to war. Before you send in your fleet I suggest we hear from the Doctor and consider the possibility of removing Tieran from Kes safely."

In Sickbay. Doctor: "I've identified the transfer mechanism. This cortical implant was automatically activated at the moment of death. It enhanced Tieran's neural pattern and sent it out along the peripheral nerves. The actual transfer took place," lifting one of the body's hands and passing the scanner over it, "through these bio-electric microfibres. When they came into direct contact with Kes they transmitted Tieran's pattern up through her nervous system and into her brain." Demmas: "I assume Tieran would implant a device like this in his new body as quickly as possible." Tuvok: "Perhaps we can use that to our advantage." Doctor: "My thoughts exactly. This synaptic stimulator will tap into the implant in Kes' body and remove the alien neural pattern. Then her own consciousness can take over." Demmas: "Yes, but how close would you have to get to use this device?" Doctor: "To be fully effective it would have to come into direct contact with her skin." Demmas: "If I could get anywhere near her I'd use a thoron rifle to be absolutely sure." Janeway: "Not if you want my help. Kes is still a member of this crew under my protection." Demmas: "I'm very sorry she got caught in the middle of this, Captain, but too many innocent lives have already been lost, including my father's." Janeway: "Then let's work together to prevent any more deaths. Don't risk the lives of your soldiers until you've exhausted every other option." Demmas: "What exactly do you suggest?" Tuvok: "If Tieran is anticipating an attack by your fleet, he may not be guarding as carefully against an individual infiltrating the imperial hall. I believe I would be able to get close enough to Kes to use the Doctor's device." Janeway: "Your knowledge of the hall and its defences would be invaluable to us." Demmas: "Alright, we'll try your strategy."

Janeway: "Your knowledge of the hall and its defences would be invaluable to us."   Demmas: "Alright, we'll try your strategy."

 

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