FADE IN:
1 INT: HOLODECK; Shakespearean Play Scene 1
Doctor playing balcony scene from "Romeo & Juliet" with hologram of SEVEN. Both are in full costume.
SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(to self) What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called, retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, and for thy name—which is no part of thee— take all myself.
DOCTOR
(hiding) I take thee at thy word. Call me but love and I'll be new baptized. Henceforth I never will be Romeo.
SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(surprised) What man art thou that, thus bescreened in night, so stumblest on my counsel?
DOCTOR
I know not how to tell thee who I am. My name, dear saint, is...
Tremor rocks scene. Strange light passes over everything. Doctor's image fizzles and fades for a moment, then comes back.
DOCTOR
Computer, freeze program.
Everything freezes, including Seven holo-character.
DOCTOR
What just happened? What was that?
Computer
A sensor beam of unknown parameters.
Doctor
A sensor beam? From where?
Computer
Sensor beam emanated from alien vessel directly ahead.
Doctor
(to self) Sounds like I may be needed back in reality. (to frozen Seven hologram) Sorry, my dear Juliet. We'll have to continue this another time. Parting is such sweet sorrow. (out loud) Computer, end program and transfer EMH back to Sickbay. (pause, no response) Computer? End program and transfer EMH back to Sickbay.
Computer
Unable to comply. The EMH program is unavailable.
Doctor
What? I am so available! I'm right here! Transfer me to Sickbay immediately!
Computer
Unable to comply.
2 INT. BRIDGE 2
Main Screen shows a beautiful, radiant alien spaceship ahead. Bridge lights are flickering. Janeway rushes out of Ready Room.
JANEWAY
Report!
TUVOK
Alien vessel has appeared directly ahead, Captain. Sensors did not detect its approach.
CHAKOTAY
It just suddenly appeared in our path. It must have been cloaked or something.
TUVOK
We were probed with a powerful sensor beam of some kind. It has disrupted many of our sub-systems. No permanent damage.
KIM
Everything should be back on-line momentarily, Captain.
JANEWAY
Raise shields. Any sign of hostile intent?
TUVOK
None that I can detect.
SEVEN
If they truly wished us harm, they likely would have fired by now.
PARIS
I'm glad to hear that. If that was only a sensor beam that just popped all our circuits, I'd hate to see what their weapons could do.
CHAKOTAY
Shields are up. I have phasers on-line, in case we need them.
KIM
They're hailing us, Captain.
JANEWAY
On Screen.
Pair of attractive humanoids, male and female, appear on main screen.
PLEETOS (MALE HUMANOID - ON SCREEN)
(cheerfully) Welcome to the Okreepon Republic! You are strangers to our eyes. We have never seen your like before.
JANEWAY
(a little more at ease) Thank you. I am Captain Janeway, of the Federation Starship Voyager. We are explorers, a long way from home. We're on a peaceful mission.
PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
Explorers! Wonderful! We too are explorers. Perhaps we can learn from each other! I am Pleetos, Captain of the patrol ship Rayceen, and this is my wife, Arginess.
ARGINESS (ON SCREEN)
(makes welcoming hand gestures) Welcome to our space, distant travelers. We thank the fortunes that have brought us together, and we offer you the hospitality of our happy race.
JANEWAY
You are very kind. Thank you both.
Bridge lights flicker and darken for a moment.
JANEWAY (Cont.)
Please pardon the mess. Your sudden appearance startled us, and I'm afraid your sensor beam has ruffled our feathers a bit.
PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
I'm very sorry, Captain. I am most embarrassed. We've been having trouble with raiders along our borders of late, so it is our policy to remain hidden and scan any unfamiliar ships as thoroughly as possible. Your vessel seems robust. I trust we have not damaged it?
JANEWAY
(jocular) It's quite all right, thanks... I think we'll survive!
Bridge lights and sounds return to normal.
TUVOK
(raising eyebrow) Indeed. All major systems are operational.
PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
Wonderful! Captain, I propose we meet properly, face to face, and share our experiences. We are eager to learn all about your people and your world, and to tell you of ours. I hope you have time to linger with us awhile.
JANEWAY
Of course, Captain Pleetos. We were hoping to pass through your space on the way to our home. If we can have your blessings to do so, we would certainly welcome your escort, and your company, along the way.
PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
Excellent! May I transport over to speak with you in person, Captain? You would be welcome to send anyone you wish to explore our modest vessel.
JANEWAY
That sounds reasonable to me. Could we have a little time to prepare for you? I'll have my people send the coordinates.
PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
Certainly, Captain. I will need some time to prepare also. After all, we didn't expect you anymore than you expected us! Please feel free to proceed on your way, and we will follow alongside.
JANEWAY
Very good Captain Pleetos, Thank you. I look forward to our meeting.
PLEETOS (ON SCREEN)
As do I, Captain! As do I!
Aliens vanish from the screen, replaced by image of their ship again.
JANEWAY
(to all) I want the senior staff assembled in the Briefing Room in five minutes. Helm, continue on our original course and speed. ...and keep a close eye on that ship. If it does anything even remotely suspicious, I want to know about it.
3 INT: HOLODECK; Shakespearean Play Scene 3
Doctor is pacing around the frozen Romeo & Juliet set.
Doctor
Doctor to Captain Janeway... Doctor to Mister Paris... Doctor to anyone! Computer, open a channel to the Bridge.
COMPUTER
Unable to comply. Holo-characters cannot operate beyond Holodeck parameters.
DOCTOR
But I'm not a hologram! I mean... I'm not a Holodeck hologram! I am the Emergency Medical Hologram, and I order you to transfer me to Sickbay at once!
Shakespearean set fades away and is replaced by a gloomy dungeon scene. Doctor's Romeo costume changes to his regular uniform. Costume of the frozen SEVEN hologram changes from that of Juliet to a black, leather cat suit. She holds a whip. Seven hologram reanimates, cracks whip at Doctor.
SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(snarling) Silence, you pathetic, whining worm! Stop your sniveling! (gestures to floor with whip) Now... drop to your knees and worship Mistress Seven!
OFF Doctor's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF Teaser