In Voyager's Messhall, Paris is approached by Tuvok. Paris: "Well, if it isn't Mr Anonymous. Come to check up on your replacement?" Tuvok: "Since the Captain insists on allowing you to persist with this frivolous exercise, I thought you might benefit from the original probability studies I conducted before beginning the scenario." Paris: "Well, thanks, Tuvok, but I don't need any probability studies. I'm just sort of making it up as I go along." Tuvok: "Indeed. I'd be curious to know what you've 'made up' thus far." Paris: "Well, I was thinking: Paris and Janeway retake the ship and then she decides to execute all the conspirators." Tuvok says firmly: "That is an entirely implausible plot development. Captain Janeway would never behave in such an inhumane manner." Paris: "This isn't real life, Tuvok! It's fiction. Don't get so caught up in logic." Tuvok: "Logic is an integral part of narrative structure. According to 'The Dictates of Poetics' by T'Hain of Vulcan, a character's actions must flow inexorably from his or her established traits." Paris: "Well, I don't know anything about T'Hain, but I do know what makes an interesting story, and that's unexpected plot twists." Tuvok: "If you think I will allow you to turn this program into a parody, you are sorely mistaken." Paris: "Are you saying you are going to finish it yourself?" Torres comes up. She has overheard the last part of their conversation. "Artistic differences?" Tuvok: "I would hardly call Mr Paris' ideas 'artistic'." Paris, drily: "Apparently my instincts don't comply with the Vulcan dictates of poetics." Torres, eagerly: "Well, I've got a couple of suggestions that might help. Now, up until now the story's been nothing but action, which is fine, but what it needs is a little heart, a little emotion." Tuvok: "We are not writing a romance novel, Lieutenant." Paris: "'We'?" Tuvok explains: "I've decided that your efforts would benefit from my collaboration." Paris, sarcastic: "Oh, really." Torres: "Listen, I don't care which one of you is writing this thing. All I'm saying is that there is room in every good story for a little bit of passion." Paris: "Do you know, maybe you're onto something. I could add a steamy love scene between the Starfleet conn officer and the Maquis engineer." Torres banters back, sarcastically: "Oh that's realistic." Neelix comes up to the table with a pot of coffee. "How about a fresh pot of coffee to keep those creative juices flowing?" Paris: "Thanks, Neelix." Neelix: "While I'm here-" Paris: "Er, let me guess: you have a suggestion to make." Neelix: "Of course not. I would never presume to interfere in the creative process. It's more of a comment really. About the Neelix character-" Tuvok, with dry sarcasm: "How surprising." Neelix: "He would never betray the Captain the way he does in that story. No offence, Mr Vulcan, but I don't think you understand my character very well." Paris teases: "Tuvok, did you forget to follow 'The Dictates of Poetics'?" Tuvok to Paris: "Perhaps we should find some place quieter to work." Paris: "Now that's the first intelligent suggestion I've heard all evening." To the chagrin of Torres and Neelix who still have input they want to make, Tuvok and Paris leave the Messhall.

As Tuvok and Paris walk along the corridor to the Holodeck, they discuss Insurrection Alpha. Tuvok: "I believe our first step should be to create a carefully constructed outline of the remaining chapters." Paris: "I told you, Tuvok: I'm just making it up as I go." Tuvok: "We cannot proceed without a carefully constructed outline." Paris: "There you go with that 'we' stuff again. I don't remember agreeing to let you help me." Tuvok: "Need I remind you that it was I who first began the scenario." Paris: "And you think I'm compromising your creative vision." Tuvok: "In so many words, yes. It is my duty to ensure that ship's security is not compromised by your creative vision." Paris: "You had your chance to finish the story. You wanted to delete it." Tuvok: "True. But since that is no longer an option, I am now exercising my prerogative as the original author." Paris: "Look, Tuvok, for the last time: I don't need any help."

They enter the Holodeck. holodeck doors The Doctor is there waiting for them, holding a PADD and looking pleased with himself. "Ah, there you are. I have several brilliant ideas for upcoming chapters of your holonovel, as well as a list of revisions and dialogue changes that I believe will improve the earlier instalments." Paris: "I don't believe this." Doctor: "No thanks are necessary. In addition I'm prepared to offer my expertise in the creation of holographic mise en scène."

Tuvok: "Computer, override the EMH program's autonomous controls and transfer him back to Sickbay." Doctor: "Wait just a minute-" He looks indignant as, in mid-sentence, he dematerialises. Paris breathes a loud sigh of relief. "Thanks, Tuvok. Now that I think about it: I'll take it from here."

As Paris goes to access the Holodeck control panel, Tuvok remarks: "You may find that difficult, since I am the only one who can make additions to the program." Paris chuckles at this blackmail. Good-naturedly: "Alright, Tuvok, you win. We'll finish the story together." Tuvok: "That is a very rational decision, Mr Paris." To the computer: "Computer, re-initiate the holographic program entitled Insurrection Alpha. Security clearance Tuvok 4774." Computer: "The program has been re-initiated." Paris: "First thing we're going to change is that title." Tuvok: "Re-format the holomatrix for the addition of new interactive algorithms." Computer: "The holomatrix has been reformatted." Tuvok: "Re-open the narrative parameters file."

The holoprogram starts up, but fritzes strangely as it does so. Tuvok and Paris look around them, puzzled.

On the Bridge, Kim reports: "Captain, we just lost power in both transporter rooms. The com. went down and the Holodeck systems are completely scrambled."

The scene which appears is not what Paris or Tuvok expect - they are in a holographic simulation of Voyager's brig! Paris: "What are we doing in the Brig??" Tuvok: "I have no idea. I haven't given the computer instructions to create a location yet." "Hello, Tuvok." It is Holo-Seska! "I've been expecting you. If you can see me, you've obviously re-opened the narrative parameters file of the tactical scenario you've been working on." Tuvok: "How do you know that? You're a hologram." Holo-Seska: "That's right: a holographic representation of Seska, one of the Maquis shipmates you betrayed. I'd've thought all that time you spent spying on us might've given you a little more insight into the Maquis, but after looking over what you've already written I can see you need a little help. So I've created this representation of myself, to guide you through the rest of the program." Tuvok: "There is no more program." Holo-Seska: "There is now. I finished writing it for you, with a few revisions of my own." Paris: "Revisions?" Holo-Seska, with phaser aimed at them: "To start with: the Holodeck is now sealed. Your friends will find it very difficult to get you out of here. And the safety protocols are off, which means if I shoot you, and I am going to shoot you, you'll die." She enjoys the effect of her words. With false joviality: "But not just yet." She taps the Brig controls and lowers the forcefield. "You've got ten seconds to run." She starts counting: "....nine....eight...seven...." As she counts, Tuvok orders: "Computer, end program." Nothing happens. Holo-Seska: "...six...five..." Tuvok: "Holodeck to bridge. Emergency transport." Holo-Seska: "Oh, did I forget to tell you? The moment you re-started the program, the com. system went down. Four...three..." Paris to Tuvok: "I guess we'd better do what she says." They hurry to the exit. Holo-Seska: "Two...one..."

Paris: "You should never have crossed her, Tuvok." Tuvok: "She has been dead for over a year. There would have been no way to predict this turn of events." Paris: "I guess we should have known Seska wouldn't let a little thing like death stop her from getting even." They enter the holographic simulation's transporter room.

Holo-Janeway, who is inside the transporter room: "Tuvok, Tom, in here." Tuvok is not sure if it the real Janeway or a hologram: "Captain?" Holo-Janeway: "We're going to have to transport to the cargo bay and free the rest of the prisoners. It's safer than trying to make it on foot." She sets about adjusting the controls on the console.

Paris surmises from her words: "She's a hologram too." Tuvok to Paris: "Apparently she believes we're here to help her retake the ship from the mutineers." Paris replies: "I say we play along. We could use all the help we can get against Seska." Tuvok: "You're forgetting it was Seska who rewrote the scenario. For all we know, she has programmed Captain Janeway to betray us." Paris: "Suppose you have a better idea?" Tuvok: "The safest course of action is to avoid participation of any kind. Eventually the real Captain will discover our predicament and shut down the program from the outside."

Holo-Janeway finishes setting up the controls: "Let's move." "Hold it right there." Paris and Tuvok turn to see Holo-Chakotay and Holo-Seska pointing phasers. Holo-Janeway: "Back off." Holo-Seska: "Or what? You'll shoot us? Go right ahead."

Holo-Janeway: "Whatever you say." She fires the phaser rifle, but it backfires and vapourises her!

Holo-Seska: "Poor Kathryn. I guess nobody told her the phaser rifles from storage locker 3 have been malfunctioning." Holo-Chakotay: "You're an incredible woman, Seska." He kisses her.

Holo-Seska to Paris and Tuvok: "You see who's in charge now, don't you? So if I were you, I'd get moving again. The program's not over." Tuvok: "We have no intention of participating in this exercise." Holo-Seska: "You don't want to end up like your Captain, do you?" Paris: "You programmed all this: the malfunctioning phaser, the version of Chakotay who's attracted to you - none of it's real."

Holo-Seska to Holo-Chakotay: "You hear that? He thinks this is a game. Show him he's wrong!" Holo-Chakotay: "I've been waiting a long time for this." He fires his phaser at Paris, hitting his arm.

Tuvok catches Paris as he stumbles due to the pain. Holo-Seska to Paris (and Tuvok): "Next time you'll believe me when I tell you the safety protocols are off. Now you've got five seconds to start running again or you'll end up with more than a flesh wound." Tuvok helps Paris out of the room as fast as possible.

As he and Tuvok hurry along the corridor away from the transporter room, Paris comments: "So much for not playing along with Seska's program!" Tuvok: "Are you able to continue?" Paris: "I'll keep up. The question is: where are we going?" Tuvok: "I have an idea."

They enter the holographic simulation's Sickbay. Paris: "What's the point? This isn't the real Sickbay." Tuvok: "Maybe we'll be able to use some of this holographic equipment to treat your wound. Besides, it's as good a place as any to hide from Seska."

The holoprogram's version of the Doctor appears. (Seska's version of the Doctor will be called "Holo-Doctor", even though the real Doctor is also technically "Holo-Doctor".) "Please state the nature of the medical emergency." Paris: "No emergency, Doc. I'm fine." Holo-Doctor: "Nonsense, you have second degree phaser burns. Please have a seat on biobed 1." Paris: "It's alright, Doc. I'm telling you: I feel fine!" Holo-Doctor, scanning Paris with a medical tricorder: "You require treatment."