MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
Episode 82
Part C

 

In Prometheus' Sickbay, the Doctor hears the computer announcing shipwide: "Auto-separation in ten seconds. 9....8....7....6...." Doctor, speaking over the countdown: "Computer, what's happening?" No response. "Computer!" Computer: "5....4....3...."

Prometheus Bridge. Computer: "....2....1.... Separation sequence in progress."

This and the next two pictures: the Prometheus separates into three separate modules.

Nevala: "We're in attack formation. Each section is armed and responding to our command."

A Romulan officer is injured by an exploding console....

..... and falls to the ground.

Rekar: "Attack pattern beta four seven." Computer: "Specify target." Rekar: "The Starfleet vessel, bearing 162 mark 7." Computer: "Pattern and target confirmed."

The Prometheus opens fire on the attacker.

The Nebula class starship is hit.....

.....and disabled by a shot to its rear from one of the Prometheus modules. Rekar: "I think we should consider that a successful test. Begin the re-integration sequence then get me a full damage report." Nevala: "Yes, Commander."

She gets up from her post and goes over to the injured Romulan. "He's hurt."

Rekar: "Take him to the medical bay."

Nevala helps the injured officer to the turbolift.

Prometheus Sickbay. Computer: "Re-integration sequence complete." Doctor: "Computer, is there any way for me to gain access to the communication system to send a message to another ship?" Computer: "Negative. Communications access requires level 4 clearance or above."

The Doctor hears Nevala and the injured officer entering. He wonders what to do. What if he is found?

He decides to bluff and steps forward.

Doctor: "Please state the nature of the medical emergency." Nevala, turning with a small start: "Who activated you?" Doctor, thinking quickly: "You did, automatically, when you entered Sickbay."

Nevala: "Can you treat him?" Doctor: "Of course, that's my function." He scans the patient. "Third-degree burns, hairline jaw fracture, and a ruptured blood vessel in his brain. I'll have to operate." Nevala, as the Doctor fetches a tray of medical instruments: "You're a Starfleet program. Why should I trust you?" Doctor: "I'm a doctor. Whether my patient is human or Romulan, I'll do everything in my power to save him. You're welcome to assist me if you like, or maybe you just prefer to supervise." Nevala: "Report to me when you're finished." Doctor, acknowledging: "Mmm hmm." She leaves and the Doctor at once stops operating.

Doctor: "Computer, can I access this ship's EMH program or do I need some kind of clearance for that too?" Computer: "Access to that program is unrestricted." Doctor: "Activate him."

The EMH is activated. It is a different, newer, model than the Doctor. EMH Mark 2: "Please state the nature of the medical emergency."

He sees the Doctor. "What the hell are you doing in my Sickbay? I've been programmed to identify every member of this crew. You aren't one of them." Doctor: "That's because I'm-" EMH Mark 2: "State your rank and security clearance." Doctor: "I don't have clearance. I'm an Emergency Medical Hologram. I've been sent here to-" EMH Mark 2: "Mmm, yes, yes, yes, yes. You're the Mark 1 EMH, the inferior program."

Doctor: "Inferior?!" EMH Mark 2: "Beady eyes, terrible bedside manner, I recognise you. But you're not part of this database. What are you doing here?"

Doctor: "If you disengage your vocal subroutines for one second, I'd explain. I was transmitted onto this ship by a Starfleet vessel over 60,000 light years from here." EMH Mark 2: "60,000 light years? We don't have ships that far out."

Doctor: "It's the Starship Voyager. We were taken into the Delta Quadrant four years ago by an alien force-" The EMH Mark 2 spots the Romulan on the biobed and hurries over to the control console.

As the EMH Mark 2 goes to press a control: "What are you doing?!" EMH Mark 2: "Activating intruder alert." Doctor: "That's the last thing you want to do!" EMH Mark 2: "Security-!" The Doctor puts a hand over his mouth to muffle him. Doctor: "Listen to me! This vessel has been taken over by Romulans. The crew is dead. You and I are the only Starfleet officers on board. Do you understand?" The EMH Mark 2 nods and makes muffled acknowledgement.

The Doctor takes his hand away and glares at him. The other nods - he will not try to call Security. EMH Mark 2: "Computer, deactivate EMH."

He deactivates.

The Doctor impatiently orders: "Computer, activate EMH."

The EMH Mark 2 re-appears. EMH Mark 2: "Please state the nature of the medical emergency."

He turns to the Doctor: "Now what?!"

Doctor: "I need your help!" EMH Mark 2: "Starfleet security protocol 28 subsection D: 'In the event of hostile alien takeover, the EMH is to deactivate and wait for rescue.'" Doctor: "I'm afraid you don't have that luxury. There are two ships at stake here, yours and mine. Now, I need to know more about what's happening. Is the Federation at war with the Romulans?"

EMH Mark 2: "No. The Romulans haven't gotten involved in our fight with the Dominion." Doctor: "The who?" EMH Mark 2 takes a breath to start explaining then decides on the brief: "Long story."