EXTREME RISK
Episode 97
Part B

 

Chakotay: "We were just discussing how to retrieve the probe. Is there any possibility of transporting it out?" Torres: "No."

Chakotay: "Just 'no'." Torres: "I don't see how we could get close enough."

Chakotay: "Is there any way to boost transporter range?" Torres: "Not in that kind of atmosphere."

Paris: "Well, if we can't transport it out, we'll just have to fly in and grab it." Tuvok: "Perhaps you weren't paying attention when the Malon freighter imploded?" Paris: "We won't be going in a Malon freighter, Tuvok. We'll be going in our new shuttlecraft."

Kim: "Here we go again."

Paris: "Let's face it Class-two shuttles just don't cut it in the Delta Quadrant. We've needed something bigger and better since we got here. It's time we built it!" Chakotay: "Tom, we've been through this I don't know how many times. We all appreciate your enthusiasm-"

Kim: "Speak for yourself, Commander." Chakotay: "Bottom line: we don't have time to design and build a ship from scratch."

Paris: "I knew you were going to say that, so I've given us a head start."

He invokes the schematics on the monitor: "Behold the Delta Flyer."

Paris: "Ultra-aerodynamic contours, retractable nacelles, parametallic hull plating, unimatrix shielding based on Tuvok's brilliant design for the multi-spatial probe, and a Borg-inspired weapons system." Seven: "The basic design elements are adequate." Paris gives a short laugh. "High praise."

Kim: "If we used isomagnetic EPS conduits in the plasma manifold we could maximise the power distribution." Paris: "That's the spirit, Harry."

Tuvok: "My shield designs could be successfully applied to a vessel of this size." Paris: "Big of you to admit it, Tuvok."

Chakotay: "And you think it'll be able to withstand the gas giant's atmosphere?" Paris: "The probe did." Janeway: "I'm impressed, but how quickly can it be built?"

Paris: "We could replicate the alloys and the new design components, use spare parts from storage. If we worked around the clock we could have it up and running inside a week." Kim: "I'm willing to put in as much overtime as it takes." Seven: "I will forego regeneration for the duration of the project."

Paris, turning to Torres: "What about you, B'Elanna? Building a new vessel from scratch, that's an engineer's dream come true." Pre-occupied, she quickly gives her attention for a moment and gives a brief smile in acquiescence.

Paris turns to Janeway: "What do you say, Captain?" Janeway: "Why are you all standing around?"

They leave, but Janeway notices Torres' lack of enthusiasm as she gets up and leaves. It sets the Captain thinking.

Paris, Tuvok, Seven, Kim and Torres are on the Holodeck, designing the Delta Flyer. Paris: "Computer, add dynametric tailfins to the nacelles."

Tuvok: "Computer, delete dynametric tailfins." Paris: "What d'you do that for?"

Tuvok: "We are not designing a hot-rod, Lieutenant." Paris: "That is exactly what we're designing: a 24th century warp-powered, ultra-responsive hot-rod."

Kim looks on amused.

Tuvok: "Your embellishments are purely decorative. They serve no practical purpose." Paris: "No, I beg to differ. If we make this thing look mean enough, other ships are going to think twice before taking us on."

Seven: "I suggest we return our attention to the matter of structural integrity." Tuvok: "Agreed." Seven: "Lieutenant Torres' hull design is flawed. We should be using tetraburnium alloys instead of titanium." Kim gives a small cough. "Er, B'Elanna?" They turn and see Torres is pre-occupied.

Torres, noticing them and forcing herself to pay attention: "Sounds fine to me. I'm going to finish up the thruster specs."

She leaves.

USS Voyager cruising at impulse speed.

In his quarters, Paris picks up and looks at a PADD.

The door signal sounds. Paris: "It's open." Torres enters.

Paris: "Hey." Torres: "Thruster specs." She puts a PADD on his table and turns to leave. Paris: "Thanks. Where're you running off to?" Torres: "My quarters."

Paris: "Stay a while. I'll replicate some dinner, a bottle of burgundy. We deserve a break, don't you think?" Torres: "Not tonight." Paris: "B'Elanna," and she turns, "what's going on?" Torres: "Nothing." Paris: "Well, then how come it's impossible to have a conversation with you?" Torres: "I'm sorry." Paris: "I don't want an apology. I want an explanation." Torres: "Tom, I'm tired."

Paris: "Asleep is more like it. You hardly said three words in that last meeting, and then when Seven changed your design you acted like, like you didn't care." Torres: "I guess I didn't." Paris: "I don't get it. How many times have we talked about how great it would be to do what we're doing now, to really collaborate - my piloting skills and your engineering expertise? We finally get the chance to create something together from the ground up and you're not the slightest bit enthusiastic?"

Torres: "I'm doing my job, aren't I? I delivered the thruster specs on schedule." Paris: "B'Elanna, I'm not your boss. I'm not questioning your productivity or keeping tabs on how many hours you put in. I just want to know what's going on."

He puts his hands coaxingly on her shoulders but she removes his hands. Torres: "I have to go." and she leaves. Paris watches her leave, concern furrowing his brow.