DAY OF HONOR
Episode 71
Part E

 

In space. Paris: "I'm lowering the oxygen ratio. That should give us a few more minutes." Torres: "I'm feeling kind of groggy." Paris: "Oxygen deprivation." Torres: "And you're lowering it?" Paris: "We have to try to make it last as long as possible." Torres: "It's ironic, isn't it." Paris: "What?" Torres: "Today, the Day of Honour, is the day that I'm going to die." Paris: "We are not going to die! Would you stop talking like that?" Torres: "We have to face up to it, Tom." Paris: "There's something I've been wanting to ask you." Torres: "Well now's the time." Paris: "When we first met you didn't have a very high opinion of me." Torres: "That's putting it mildly. I thought you were an arrogant, self- absorbed pig." Paris: "Flattery won't get you any more oxygen. Do you think I've changed?" Torres: "A lot. Now you're a stubborn domineering pig. I'm just kidding. There I go again, just pushed you away. You were right about me. It's what I do - push people away." Paris: "Well, it's a sure fire way of not getting hurt." Torres: "What a coward I am." Paris: "Shh."

USS Voyager, surrounded by Caatati ships.

Bridge. Chakotay: "Our weapons are more powerful than theirs. I say we fight."

Kim: "Maybe if we give them something?" Janeway: "Like what? I can't imagine what would satisfy them now." Seven: "I will go. They asked for me. If I surrender myself perhaps they'll let you leave." Janeway: "That's very generous but I will not turn you over to them." Seven: "I was only offering to do what was best for this group." Janeway: "You're part of this group now and we're going to protect you."

Janeway: "It's time to stop talking about this. Tom and B'Elanna are in trouble and we have to find them."

Janeway: "Tuvok, what's the status of our weapons array?" Tuvok: "Weapons are at the ready but our shield strength is extremely low." Janeway: "We'll have to shut down non-essential systems. Re-route power to the shields. We're going to fight."

Seven: "That might not be necessary. Caatati technology is dependent on thorium isotopes. If they had enough they could become self-sustaining." Kim: "But we don't have that much thorium to give them."

Seven: "When the Borg assimilated the Caatati the survivors lost the ability to replicate the isotopes. But I have retained that knowledge. I could design an energy matrix that would produce thorium isotopes in large quantities." Chakotay: "If you've had this knowledge all along, why didn't you say so?" Seven: "I am not accustomed to thinking that way. Borg do not consider giving technology away, only assimilating it." Janeway: "What made you consider it now?" Seven: "I am not certain." Janeway: "Maybe it was just an unexpected act of kindness. Work with Vorik to build the energy matrix while I convince the Caatati there's a better way out of this."

Seven turns to leave the Bridge, surprised at the human trait that has surfaced in her.

In the Science Lab, Seven carries over a piece of equipment she has devised with Vorik: "This energy matrix will produce 944 grams of thorium per day."

Janeway: "Now you can power all your systems, and begin to rebuild your replication technology. Will you allow us to leave?"

Lumas: "One device isn't enough for all our ships."

Seven: "Using this matrix as a template you can construct as many as you like. We can provide you components and specifications." Lumas: "You're free to go, and thank you." Seven: "You're welcome."

Janeway looks at Seven, pleased, not just by her producing the energy matrix but that she thought to do so in order to help the Caatati and the Voyager crew.

Seven departs, leaving Janeway alone for a moment.

In space. Computer: "Warning. Oxygen level at 104 millibars." Torres: "Tom, come on, open your eyes." Computer: "Warning. Oxygen level at 87 millibars." Paris: "I was having a dream."

Torres: "There's something I have to say." Paris: "Me too. I'm glad the last thing I'll see is you." Torres: "I've been a coward about everything, everything that really matters." Paris: "Now you're being a little hard on yourself." Torres: "No, I'm going to die without a shred of honour, and for the first time in my life that really bothers me. So I have to tell you something. I-" Computer: "Warning. Oxygen level at 71 millibars." Torres: "I have to tell you the truth." Paris: "The truth about what?" Torres: "I love you."

Paris is stunned. After a moment, she says: "Say something." Paris: "You picked a great time to tell me." Torres and Paris hold each other.

Voyager arrives, visible as a reflection on Torres' suit. Janeway, via comms: "Voyager to Tom Paris. Tom, do you read me? Respond." Paris, via comms: "We're here." Janeway, via comms: "Prepare to beam aboard."

The transporter beam takes them.