IN THE FLESH
Episode 98
Part G

 

USS Voyager by the Species 8472 habitat.

Janeway: "Captain's log, stardate 52136.4. We've managed to avoid a military conflict with Species 8472, at least for now. In an effort to strengthen the truce, we're exchanging technology."

Seven joins Janeway as the Captain prepares to beam down to the habitat. Seven hands her a PADD: "The design schematic for our nanoprobe weapons as requested." Janeway: "This could go a long way toward allaying their fears." Seven: "Perhaps." Janeway: "Have a little faith, Seven." Seven: "It's difficult to have faith in an idea which may prove tactically unsound." Janeway: "Tactically unsound? Perhaps. It could also be the first step toward peace. It's a risk I'm willing to take. Are you sure you won't join us? It would be your first chance to see Earth." Seven: "I prefer to remain aboard Voyager. If problems arise while you're in the habitat-"

Janeway: "There won't be any problems. Nothing tactical, at any rate. We're entering a stage of diplomacy where most of the problems will be cultural. How do you shake hands with an 8472? We'll be fine." Seven: "When you ordered me to disarm the warhead during the negotiation I anticipated an immediate attack. I believed they would take advantage of your human weakness. I was wrong. If I had been in your position we would most likely be engaged in a battle with 8472 at this moment. How did you know? "

Janeway: "I didn't. Like I said-" Seven interrupts: "Faith." Janeway enters the transporter room, leaving Seven pondering her words.

Bullock and Kinis are performing another welcome, this time for Tuvok and Neelix.

Bullock: "Welcome to Terrasphere 8, Starfleet Command re-creation. I am Admiral Bullock and I'll be acquainting you with our facility. Questions, comments - bring them to me. Problems - talk to Lieutenant Kinis. Commander Tuvok, you wanted to examine our thermionic generators."

The 8472 disguised as the Vulcan Starfleet lieutenant "Kinis".

Tuvok: "Yes." Bullock: "I'll take you there personally. Ambassador Nellix?" Neelix: "It's Neelix, sir." Bullock: "Neelix. You'll be joining the Lieutenant. He'll familiarise you with our environmental control technology." Neelix: "Wonderful." He takes hold of Kinis's arm in a friendly way as they leave. Neelix tells "Kinis", and Tuvok overhears: "I look forward to hearing your perspective on Vulcans."

Boothby and Janeway are strolling through the gardens together. Janeway: "You didn't happen to re-create a little coffee shop on Market Street, the Night Owl?"

Boothby: "Afraid not. You're welcome to stay, put your feet up. We won't be returning to fluidic space for another day or two." Janeway: "Thank you. But the real Earth is a long way from here. I'd like to get back on the road. What are the chances they'll listen to you?"

Boothby: "I can't promise you the moon, Captain. My superiors aren't as forward thinking. Peace with humans? They're going to hit the roof! But, I'll tell them what happened here today and, with a pinch of luck, a few of them might see the light." Janeway: "Well, you've got Voyager's comm. frequency. You know how to contact us. I hope we can keep this process alive."

Boothby: "Don't call us, we'll call you. Oh, I almost forgot." He produces a rose from his bag. He smells it. "Ahh."

He presents it to Janeway, just as the real Boothby would have done. She is delighted. "Genetically synthesised, but they smell just as lovely."

Chakotay and Archer have been spending time together and are strolling through the gardens. Chakotay: "Looking forward to going home?" Archer: "At least I can finally get out of this form." Chakotay: "For what it's worth, you made a terrific human." Archer: "It's a shame. Too bad our species are so different otherwise I'd ask you for a second date." Chakotay: "You did offer to be my guide. How about a tour of your realm sometime?" Archer: "I'd like that." Chakotay: "Well, I'm due back on Voyager. We leave at 0400."

Archer: "I'll never get a chance to do this again." They kiss. "Any better this time?"

Chakotay smiles. "You're a quick study."

0400 hours: Voyager leaves the habitat and continues its homeward journey.