CONCERNING FLIGHT
Episode 79
Part F

The character "Da Vinci" is a holographic character. I omit mention of his holographic nature to avoid having to constantly denote him using the long and unwieldy term "Hologram Da Vinci".

 

Voyager’s Bridge. Kim: "Sir, they seem to be on the edge of a precipice, but we're still too high for transport."

On the hilltop Janeway examines the flying machine. Janeway: "You've made some improvements."

Da Vinci: "I took your advice after the last attempt, and increased the reach of the wings." Janeway: "The angle of attack?" Da Vinci: "Yes, yes, that too. Unfortunately, the River Arno is quite absent. This time, if we fail only the stones will break our fall."

Janeway: "The wing is stationary. That's good. This looks like duranium alloy - should be light enough." Da Vinci: "Catarina, this time it will work."

Their pursuers nearly catch up with them. The blue beam from a weapon passes near Janeway and Da Vinci.

Janeway hurriedly clambers into the flying machine. "Then let's find out." Da Vinci, already in his seat, fastens her in.

Voyager’s Bridge. Kim: "I'm reading weapons fire on the surface near the Captain's position. We're running out of time, sir." Paris: "Seven hundred kilometres." Chakotay: "Hold on, Kathryn, just a few more seconds."

Hilltop. Da Vinci: "Together, up." Janeway: "Andiamo!"

Their pursuers can only watch as.....

Janeway and Da Vinci quickly walk the machine to the edge and push off.

The flying machine works - they soar through the air!

Janeway and Da Vinci are elated.

Da Vinci: "Catarina, we're flying!" Janeway: "Like the birds!" Da Vinci: "Like the birds!"

They fly far out of the reach of their pursuers.

Janeway and Da Vinci are delighted with the machine's success and find it exhilarating to be flying!

Voyager’s Bridge. Tuvok: "I have a fix on the Captain. They are in," he hesitates for a fraction of a second as he registers surprise, "mid-air, on what appears to be a crude gliding apparatus." Paris: "500 kilometres!" Kim: "I'm locking on. Broad confinement beam."

Chakotay: "Energise."

The transport beam starts to take Janeway, Da Vinci and the flying machine.

The pursuers exchange glances.

Kim: "Got them! I've beamed the whole contraption into Cargo Bay 1." Chakotay: "Get us out of here, Mr Paris." Voyager flees the planet.

Janeway: "Captain's log, Stardate 51408.3. We're back on course to the Alpha Quadrant. With the ship's computer and the Doctor's emitter returned to proper places, I've set aside some time to check on the Maestro."

Holodeck - Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop. Janeway enters to find the Maestro packing. "Leonardo, where are you going?" Da Vinci: "France. These Florentines do not deserve my genius. I have written to the King of France telling him of my adventures in the New World and invited him to soar with me off the towers of his castle."

Janeway: "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Da Vinci: "Why not? We ourselves have tested the design." Janeway: "But the materials. You'll never find those metals in France."

Da Vinci: "No? Then others will suffice. Machines that fly through the air, lightning flung from one's hands, mechanical women who live in boxes. These things I have seen! And these things I must re-create. And who knows? Possibly improve upon."

Janeway: "Leonardo, I think that little flight of ours went to your head." Da Vinci: "And my heart. My oldest memory, Catarina, is of a great bird perched on my bed, its feathers open towards me as if summoning me. Now you yourself have accused me of giving up, of er failing to complete my projects." Janeway: "I was trying to encourage you."

Da Vinci: "No, no. You were right. All my life I have wanted to fly. Perhaps my failure to do so has caused my heart to remain in flight, leaping from one thing to another, never satisfied, never complete." Janeway: "And now that you've actually flown....." Da Vinci: "Now who knows what I cannot accomplish."

Janeway: "I'd like to find out. Give my regards to the King of France." Da Vinci: "Catarina, will you walk with me to my carriage?"

Janeway: "It would be my pleasure." She takes his arm and they head for the door.

As they go, they pass one of Da Vinci's drawings. It depicts a bird in a cage.
dialogue and end music