1
00:00:03,480 --> 00:00:07,189
Captain's log, stardate 50063.2.
2
00:00:07,360 --> 00:00:12,309
We've accepted an invitation from
the Nechani to take leave on their world.
3
00:00:12,480 --> 00:00:15,836
We're enjoying learning
about their culture.
4
00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:20,630
This sanctuary honours
our Ancestral Spirits.
5
00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:23,598
Their presence is very strong here.
6
00:00:37,680 --> 00:00:40,274
Those are brothers
of the Nechisti Order.
7
00:00:40,440 --> 00:00:44,035
They've devoted their lives
to serving the spirits.
8
00:00:44,200 --> 00:00:47,078
Here's something
you might find interesting.
9
00:00:52,320 --> 00:00:55,357
- What do you think this means?
- Hard to tell.
10
00:00:55,520 --> 00:01:00,275
- A fertility symbol, maybe?
- Or a blessing for good luck or wisdom.
11
00:01:00,440 --> 00:01:02,476
Or happiness... and love.
12
00:01:04,760 --> 00:01:07,991
- Do you hear something?
- What?
13
00:01:23,960 --> 00:01:27,191
- That's beautiful!
- It looks like a shrine.
14
00:01:33,080 --> 00:01:37,471
- We don't want to be left behind.
- I just want to take a quick look.
15
00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:48,116
Kes!
16
00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:51,916
Kes, can you hear me?
17
00:01:52,960 --> 00:01:57,033
Help! Somebody! We need help!
18
00:03:43,360 --> 00:03:46,636
- What happened?
- This shrine is protected.
19
00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:48,756
She didn't touch anything!
20
00:03:48,920 --> 00:03:51,434
An energy field knocked her down.
21
00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:53,909
Torres to Voyager. Medical emergency.
22
00:03:54,080 --> 00:03:56,548
Beam Kes and Neelix to sickbay.
23
00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:04,958
This is most unfortunate.
I must ask you to leave.
24
00:04:05,120 --> 00:04:07,873
First we have to find out what happened.
25
00:04:08,040 --> 00:04:10,235
Which energy was she exposed to?
26
00:04:10,400 --> 00:04:12,709
I... I have no idea.
27
00:04:12,880 --> 00:04:15,440
Only the monks can truly understand.
28
00:04:15,600 --> 00:04:18,797
Then we'll investigate for ourselves.
29
00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:21,110
That would disrespect the spirits.
30
00:04:21,280 --> 00:04:23,430
One of our crew has been injured.
31
00:04:23,600 --> 00:04:25,591
We won't stand by and do nothing.
32
00:04:25,760 --> 00:04:29,070
She's been punished by the spirits and
will die.
33
00:04:29,240 --> 00:04:31,356
If you prevent us from helping Kes,
34
00:04:31,520 --> 00:04:35,593
we will hold you responsible
for anything that happens to her.
35
00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:37,716
I will make a report to our captain.
36
00:04:37,880 --> 00:04:39,836
You'll hear from her.
37
00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:43,037
I'll be happy to do what I can to help.
38
00:04:43,200 --> 00:04:45,919
But your presence makes things worse.
39
00:04:46,080 --> 00:04:48,036
Please, leave now.
40
00:04:54,680 --> 00:04:56,830
Her lifesigns are weak but stable.
41
00:04:57,000 --> 00:05:00,390
Her synaptic pathways are in shock
42
00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:02,676
which is disrupting cortical functions.
43
00:05:02,840 --> 00:05:06,355
It is similar to a coma,
but without the usual markers.
44
00:05:06,520 --> 00:05:08,476
Can you cure her?
45
00:05:08,640 --> 00:05:11,359
I have to know more
about what caused this.
46
00:05:11,520 --> 00:05:17,231
We're not allowed near the area but Kim
and Torres are scanning the sanctuary.
47
00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:21,154
They'll report to you.
I'm going to talk to the magistrate.
48
00:05:21,320 --> 00:05:24,790
He might be able to cut through
the restrictions.
49
00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:29,112
Excuse me, Captain.
I'd like to do something to help.
50
00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:35,309
The Nechani must have some
kind of data on this energy field.
51
00:05:35,480 --> 00:05:37,755
Go and see what you can find.
52
00:05:40,840 --> 00:05:42,796
I'll be back soon.
53
00:05:45,760 --> 00:05:49,435
Captain, I'm caught
in a difficult situation.
54
00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:54,913
I'm not a spiritual leader. I don't know
why the spirits do what they do.
55
00:05:55,080 --> 00:05:57,036
I'll talk with the brothers.
56
00:05:57,200 --> 00:06:02,911
I've asked them to speak to you
but they consider the matter closed.
57
00:06:03,080 --> 00:06:06,356
They have expressed their sympathies
for your loss.
58
00:06:06,520 --> 00:06:09,717
There is no loss at this point.
Kes is still alive.
59
00:06:09,880 --> 00:06:13,873
Can't you insist
that the monks meet with me?
60
00:06:14,040 --> 00:06:17,669
The Council don't involve themselves
with government
61
00:06:17,840 --> 00:06:21,435
and we don't interfere
in spiritual matters.
62
00:06:21,600 --> 00:06:24,068
That's always worked well for us.
63
00:06:24,240 --> 00:06:27,277
Can you tell me
what happens at the sanctuary?
64
00:06:28,920 --> 00:06:30,911
I'll try.
65
00:06:32,480 --> 00:06:37,315
That shrine is where the monks go
to receive the gift of purification.
66
00:06:37,480 --> 00:06:42,395
- It is one of our most holy places.
- Monks enter it without being harmed?
67
00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:47,588
They prepare themselves with a sacred
ritual, speaking to the Ancestral Spirits.
68
00:06:47,760 --> 00:06:50,194
Then they are able to enter the shrine.
69
00:06:50,360 --> 00:06:53,511
How does the ritual offer protection
against the field?
70
00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:57,593
You want explanations for everything.
I don't have them.
71
00:06:57,760 --> 00:07:02,629
Only the brothers who have gone
through the ritual know what happens.
72
00:07:04,440 --> 00:07:09,958
The energy field that Kes encountered.
Can anyone help us analyse it?
73
00:07:10,120 --> 00:07:14,511
We only know that
it is a naturally occurring phenomenon.
74
00:07:14,680 --> 00:07:20,550
If you're saying there's nothing you can
do to help Kes, I won't accept it.
75
00:07:20,720 --> 00:07:24,030
If I could help you, I would.
I swear it.
76
00:07:26,080 --> 00:07:28,230
I blame myself.
77
00:07:28,400 --> 00:07:32,075
If I'd seen that she was
approaching the shrine...
78
00:07:33,600 --> 00:07:38,276
There's nothing more to be done now.
You have our sympathy.
79
00:07:45,080 --> 00:07:47,116
Have you been given a report?
80
00:07:47,280 --> 00:07:53,753
Yes. A lesson in the challenges of
getting scanner readings through rock.
81
00:07:53,920 --> 00:07:58,152
We've established a biogenic field
at the site of the accident.
82
00:07:58,320 --> 00:08:02,836
That explains the neuroleptic shock.
She was lucky not to die instantly.
83
00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:06,754
The Nechani monks can enter the field
without being harmed.
84
00:08:06,920 --> 00:08:11,869
- Really? They wouldn't tell us how?
- No, they wouldn't.
85
00:08:19,400 --> 00:08:24,190
She's not responding to treatments.
I'm running out of ideas.
86
00:08:24,360 --> 00:08:29,992
Brain activity is so low there may be
permanent damage even if I revive her.
87
00:08:31,240 --> 00:08:35,677
The longer she stays like this,
the less likely it is she'll recover.
88
00:08:42,360 --> 00:08:46,399
- How is she?
- There's been no change.
89
00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:52,672
I've researched everything I could find
about the sacred shrine.
90
00:08:52,840 --> 00:08:57,038
I didn't undercover much scientific
evidence but there was one story -
91
00:08:57,200 --> 00:09:00,875
it was in a very old text,
I'm not sure how reliable -
92
00:09:01,040 --> 00:09:03,554
about a boy who recovered
from this condition.
93
00:09:03,720 --> 00:09:07,872
He was a young prince who wandered
into the shrine accidentally.
94
00:09:08,040 --> 00:09:12,830
He went into a death sleep. Everyone
said it was the will of the spirits.
95
00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:17,596
His father, King Nevad,
refused to accept that.
96
00:09:17,760 --> 00:09:21,958
He went through the ritual
to seek an audience with the spirits.
97
00:09:22,120 --> 00:09:24,156
He pleaded for his son's life.
98
00:09:25,200 --> 00:09:28,875
The spirits, in their mercy,
granted his request.
99
00:09:29,040 --> 00:09:32,191
That was the only trace of hope
that I could find.
100
00:09:34,480 --> 00:09:36,436
Maybe it's enough.
101
00:09:36,600 --> 00:09:41,799
You've certainly done your research.
I heard that story as a child.
102
00:09:41,960 --> 00:09:45,032
It suggests there's a chance for Kes.
103
00:09:45,200 --> 00:09:47,111
That was a very specific case.
104
00:09:47,280 --> 00:09:51,671
Nevad claimed responsibility
for the prince as a father and a king.
105
00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:54,149
That's why the spirits listened to him.
106
00:09:54,320 --> 00:10:00,111
The captain of a starship is responsible
for every member of her crew.
107
00:10:00,280 --> 00:10:01,633
She is.
108
00:10:01,800 --> 00:10:07,079
Then on that basis,
I'd like to go through the ritual myself.
109
00:10:13,480 --> 00:10:15,710
I haven't heard from the magistrate
110
00:10:15,880 --> 00:10:19,919
but the monks might
let me go through the ritual.
111
00:10:20,080 --> 00:10:25,200
Captain, you've never put much trust
in religious ceremonies.
112
00:10:25,360 --> 00:10:27,316
What do you hope to accomplish?
113
00:10:27,480 --> 00:10:32,076
I don't expect to speak
to the Ancestral Spirits.
114
00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:34,959
But when the monks go through the ritual
115
00:10:35,120 --> 00:10:38,317
something allows them
to withstand the biogenic field.
116
00:10:38,480 --> 00:10:41,278
That might provide clues to a treatment.
117
00:10:41,440 --> 00:10:44,557
- Some kind of physiological change?
- Yes.
118
00:10:44,720 --> 00:10:47,678
The shamans of the Karis Tribe
on Delios Vll
119
00:10:47,840 --> 00:10:51,435
practise a ritual that increases
the resistance of their skin.
120
00:10:51,600 --> 00:10:54,592
It protects them
from plasma discharges.
121
00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:56,716
Something similar must happen.
122
00:10:56,880 --> 00:11:00,919
The Doctor should monitor
your physical condition
123
00:11:01,080 --> 00:11:05,073
and you should have a way
to call for an emergency beam-out.
124
00:11:05,240 --> 00:11:07,549
We don't know what the ritual entails.
125
00:11:07,720 --> 00:11:10,632
I've been reviewing
our cultural database.
126
00:11:10,800 --> 00:11:15,828
Most spirit quest ceremonies involve
a physical challenge or endurance test
127
00:11:16,000 --> 00:11:18,992
to prove the mastery of spirit over body.
128
00:11:19,160 --> 00:11:21,435
I think this one will be similar.
129
00:11:21,600 --> 00:11:25,275
A series of ordeals
will result in biochemical changes.
130
00:11:25,440 --> 00:11:31,390
Maybe the Ancestral Spirits really do
control what happens in the shrine.
131
00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:34,630
To each his own, Commander.
132
00:11:34,800 --> 00:11:40,272
But if we scratched deep enough, we'd
find a scientific basis for most doctrines.
133
00:11:40,440 --> 00:11:44,638
When I learned about the science
underlying the vision quest,
134
00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:48,349
I was disappointed.
The mystery was gone.
135
00:11:48,520 --> 00:11:51,717
Maybe the Nechani choose
not to lose the mystery.
136
00:11:51,880 --> 00:11:55,668
Under other circumstances,
I'd go along with their choice.
137
00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:58,513
Right now, it's killing one of my crew.
138
00:11:58,680 --> 00:12:01,513
- Bridge to the Captain.
- Janeway here.
139
00:12:01,680 --> 00:12:05,434
You have an incoming transmission
from the magistrate.
140
00:12:05,600 --> 00:12:08,319
Put it through to Chakotay's office.
141
00:12:10,720 --> 00:12:12,676
I must congratulate you.
142
00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:16,355
Your approach to this problem
has fascinated the Council.
143
00:12:16,520 --> 00:12:19,193
- They've approved my request?
- Eagerly.
144
00:12:19,360 --> 00:12:22,830
They're honoured
that you want to seek the spirits.
145
00:12:23,000 --> 00:12:28,233
The ritual traditionally begins at sunset.
A guide will meet you at the sanctuary.
146
00:12:28,400 --> 00:12:30,516
I appreciate your efforts.
147
00:12:31,600 --> 00:12:35,559
I have been greatly troubled
by your misfortune.
148
00:12:35,720 --> 00:12:39,395
If you are able to convince the spirits
to spare your friend,
149
00:12:39,560 --> 00:12:41,790
no one will be happier than I.
150
00:12:47,880 --> 00:12:53,113
The subdermal bioprobe will transmit
any changes in your biochemistry.
151
00:12:53,280 --> 00:12:59,071
The implant also contains a homing
beacon which we'll be able to pick up.
152
00:12:59,240 --> 00:13:02,437
Just tap it like a combadge
and we'll transport you.
153
00:13:02,600 --> 00:13:04,795
Thank you both.
154
00:13:11,640 --> 00:13:13,870
I don't think that will be necessary.
155
00:13:14,040 --> 00:13:19,194
It is normal to carry arms on a mission
when you don't know what to expect.
156
00:13:19,360 --> 00:13:22,238
This is
an information-gathering mission.
157
00:13:22,400 --> 00:13:24,675
I don't want to appear hostile.
158
00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:31,316
Energise.
159
00:14:17,240 --> 00:14:21,153
Do you know anything
about chromodynamic lights?
160
00:14:21,320 --> 00:14:24,153
No, not really.
161
00:14:26,480 --> 00:14:28,948
I suppose I could look at it.
162
00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:34,717
You tune them too high, they burn out.
You tune them too low, they sputter.
163
00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:38,953
I've told the monks to replace them with
neodyne lights. It would save hours.
164
00:14:39,120 --> 00:14:42,556
- What is that?
- It's called a tricorder.
165
00:14:42,720 --> 00:14:46,713
- What exactly does a tricorder do?
- It's a scanning device.
166
00:14:46,880 --> 00:14:48,836
Interesting. May I?
167
00:14:49,000 --> 00:14:53,949
Oh, atmospheric reading, energy field
analysis, technical database...
168
00:14:54,120 --> 00:14:56,634
This is a convenient thing to have.
169
00:14:56,800 --> 00:15:00,759
I didn't mean for you to keep it.
I'll need that back.
170
00:15:01,840 --> 00:15:03,956
No, you won't.
171
00:15:05,640 --> 00:15:09,349
- You're my guide.
- Guide, advisor, spiritual companion...
172
00:15:09,520 --> 00:15:11,750
Whatever term you prefer is fine.
173
00:15:11,920 --> 00:15:14,354
Why didn't you say something earlier?
174
00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:18,309
Shall we get started?
175
00:15:37,920 --> 00:15:39,956
It's all right, Kathryn.
176
00:16:08,240 --> 00:16:12,870
Would it break any vows of secrecy
to tell me what this ritual will involve?
177
00:16:13,040 --> 00:16:17,318
- Why do you think I know?
- Haven't you been through this before?
178
00:16:17,480 --> 00:16:20,313
Don't worry. I'll help you find your way.
179
00:16:20,480 --> 00:16:25,190
Have you completely
committed yourself to this journey?
180
00:16:25,360 --> 00:16:26,873
Yes.
181
00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:31,033
You'll go through what the monks do
to help them find the spirits?
182
00:16:31,200 --> 00:16:32,599
Yes.
183
00:16:32,760 --> 00:16:36,389
So you can send biochemical data
back to your ship?
184
00:16:36,560 --> 00:16:41,315
It wasn't magic. Our bioscanners
detected the probe under your skin.
185
00:16:41,480 --> 00:16:45,268
- I hope that's not a problem.
- Makes no difference.
186
00:16:45,440 --> 00:16:48,512
You are fond of your little devices,
aren't you?
187
00:16:49,480 --> 00:16:52,836
- They've always served me well.
- I'm sure they have.
188
00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:55,355
Please, come this way.
189
00:17:08,440 --> 00:17:12,069
- Who are you?
- I'm Kathryn Janeway.
190
00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:16,631
- Is this where the ritual begins?
- Oh, the ritual... yes.
191
00:17:16,800 --> 00:17:19,951
We're waiting. Come. Join us.
192
00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:25,591
- What exactly are you waiting for?
- Just waiting.
193
00:17:27,640 --> 00:17:31,838
- How long have you been sitting here?
- How long has it been?
194
00:17:32,000 --> 00:17:38,599
- Why ask me? I've lost track.
- It's been a while. I know that.
195
00:17:38,760 --> 00:17:41,399
Oh, it's been...
196
00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:43,790
as long as we can remember.
197
00:17:50,560 --> 00:17:54,678
I have to wait a lifetime
before I can go through the ritual?
198
00:17:54,840 --> 00:17:57,513
- Did you hear anyone say that?
- No.
199
00:17:57,680 --> 00:18:00,513
All we said was that we're waiting.
200
00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:05,674
I'm just trying to understand how this
works. The monks I saw were young.
201
00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:08,559
They couldn't have waited
such a long time.
202
00:18:08,720 --> 00:18:12,633
- She's right about that.
- She's a smart one.
203
00:18:12,800 --> 00:18:15,030
She thinks she is, at any rate.
204
00:18:15,200 --> 00:18:19,318
This is a test, isn't it?
To prove my determination.
205
00:18:19,480 --> 00:18:23,951
A test? She thinks we're a test!
What is she talking about?
206
00:18:24,120 --> 00:18:28,557
She must like tests.
I suppose tests make sense to her.
207
00:18:28,720 --> 00:18:31,314
Has anyone tried to open this door?
208
00:18:32,160 --> 00:18:36,711
How many times do we have to tell you
that we are waiting?
209
00:18:36,880 --> 00:18:41,158
My dear,
why don't you just sit down and relax?
210
00:18:41,320 --> 00:18:45,154
- You're much too tense.
- You're welcome to wait with us.
211
00:18:45,320 --> 00:18:48,995
My friend is depending on me.
I have to go through the ritual.
212
00:18:49,160 --> 00:18:53,711
- I wonder if she's always this impatient.
- She's just determined.
213
00:18:53,880 --> 00:18:56,678
She wants to get on with it.
214
00:18:56,840 --> 00:19:00,435
She could be friendly
and sit for a few minutes.
215
00:19:00,600 --> 00:19:02,989
No, she knows what she wants to do.
216
00:19:03,160 --> 00:19:07,711
She's not the kind to sit around
when she has a mission to accomplish.
217
00:19:13,960 --> 00:19:17,430
I told you.
I told you it was locked.
218
00:19:25,920 --> 00:19:27,876
Yes?
219
00:19:29,320 --> 00:19:31,276
I mean no disrespect,
220
00:19:31,440 --> 00:19:34,750
but unless there's something
I'm supposed to accomplish here,
221
00:19:34,920 --> 00:19:36,876
I'd like to continue with the ritual.
222
00:19:37,040 --> 00:19:39,759
By all means.
223
00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:52,151
I'm not sure how to begin.
224
00:19:52,320 --> 00:19:56,757
- Do you want me to give you orders?
- I'll do whatever you ask.
225
00:19:56,920 --> 00:19:59,798
You think this is about
doing what you're told?
226
00:19:59,960 --> 00:20:04,351
No. I'm sure there's spiritual
significance behind the challenges.
227
00:20:04,520 --> 00:20:09,196
- Challenges? That's what you expect?
- I don't know what to expect.
228
00:20:09,360 --> 00:20:13,433
Many ritualistic rites
have commonalities.
229
00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:17,673
This one may be different.
I'll do whatever is necessary.
230
00:20:17,840 --> 00:20:22,755
I don't doubt that. But do you realise
that all of this is meaningless,
231
00:20:22,920 --> 00:20:26,959
that all that matters is
finding your connection to the spirits?
232
00:20:27,120 --> 00:20:29,793
I'll make every effort to do that.
233
00:20:29,960 --> 00:20:32,520
But I didn't come here
for enlightenment.
234
00:20:32,680 --> 00:20:35,240
I'm trying to save
a member of my crew.
235
00:20:35,400 --> 00:20:39,871
That's a worthy cause.
I hope the spirits listen to you.
236
00:20:40,040 --> 00:20:42,031
Then let's begin.
237
00:20:43,560 --> 00:20:45,869
The first challenge.
238
00:20:46,040 --> 00:20:49,032
Stand like this.
239
00:20:50,120 --> 00:20:51,997
Hold that.
240
00:20:54,680 --> 00:20:58,593
Now... what do you see in your hands?
241
00:21:01,200 --> 00:21:04,636
I see... a stone.
242
00:21:04,800 --> 00:21:07,394
Keep looking.
243
00:21:12,120 --> 00:21:14,190
Her respiration and pulse are steady
244
00:21:14,360 --> 00:21:18,638
but there's been a build-up
of lactic acid in her muscles.
245
00:21:18,800 --> 00:21:21,030
- Is she in danger?
- Not at all.
246
00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:26,069
She's probably experiencing the strain
you'd expect in an endurance ritual.
247
00:21:27,800 --> 00:21:30,837
Nothing so far suggests
a treatment for Kes?
248
00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:33,036
It's too early to tell.
249
00:21:33,200 --> 00:21:36,078
I'm downloading the information
from the bioprobe
250
00:21:36,240 --> 00:21:39,232
into a program
which is analysing the data.
251
00:21:39,400 --> 00:21:43,837
Even the smallest physiological change
may prove significant.
252
00:21:51,880 --> 00:21:54,348
What do you see now?
253
00:21:55,800 --> 00:21:59,395
I still see... a stone.
254
00:22:07,520 --> 00:22:10,034
You're not going to tell me
what to draw?
255
00:22:10,200 --> 00:22:14,239
That would be too easy. It's up to you.
Draw whatever feels right.
256
00:22:14,400 --> 00:22:17,790
I've never been able to draw.
My sister was the artist.
257
00:22:17,960 --> 00:22:20,793
- And you were the scientist.
- It's true.
258
00:22:20,960 --> 00:22:25,670
While the other children were playing,
I was doing mathematics problems.
259
00:22:25,840 --> 00:22:28,832
Mathematics.
I can see why you enjoyed it.
260
00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:32,993
Solve a problem, get an answer.
The answer's right or wrong.
261
00:22:33,160 --> 00:22:37,312
- It's very absolute.
- I've always found that satisfying.
262
00:22:37,480 --> 00:22:39,436
I'm sure you did.
263
00:23:17,800 --> 00:23:20,155
What did you see?
264
00:23:21,280 --> 00:23:25,353
- I'm not sure.
- Describe it.
265
00:23:29,680 --> 00:23:31,352
Uh-huh...
266
00:23:31,520 --> 00:23:35,399
What? What is it?
What have you found?
267
00:23:35,560 --> 00:23:40,759
There have been increases in
the respiration and neuropeptides.
268
00:23:40,920 --> 00:23:44,879
- Is that bad?
- It suggests a gruelling experience.
269
00:23:45,040 --> 00:23:49,556
The saturations of neuropeptides
have risen to an abnormal level.
270
00:23:49,720 --> 00:23:54,111
- Is that good or bad?
- I can't say for the Captain.
271
00:23:54,280 --> 00:23:57,556
But it's a substantial
piece of information.
272
00:23:57,720 --> 00:24:02,271
Neuropeptide levels this high could
create a barrier to biogenic energy.
273
00:24:02,440 --> 00:24:04,795
So you have something to help Kes?
274
00:24:04,960 --> 00:24:09,715
Not yet. But it's the first thing that
allows me to formulate a hypothesis.
275
00:24:09,880 --> 00:24:14,032
It should be me going through that.
I let Kes get hurt.
276
00:24:14,200 --> 00:24:18,239
You're wallowing in useless remorse.
I'll have to ask you to stop.
277
00:24:18,400 --> 00:24:22,916
- It's bad for the patient.
- It's frustrating to be so helpless.
278
00:24:24,760 --> 00:24:29,629
If it's any consolation, Mr Neelix,
I do understand.
279
00:24:34,880 --> 00:24:37,678
I'm exhausted. Oh, thank you.
280
00:24:37,840 --> 00:24:43,119
Your microprobe should be transmitting
interesting information to the ship.
281
00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:50,637
- What is that?
- It's a <i>nesset.</i>
282
00:24:50,800 --> 00:24:54,713
They're able to travel from this world
into the spirit realm.
283
00:24:54,880 --> 00:24:57,030
They serve as gatekeepers.
284
00:24:57,200 --> 00:25:01,591
Gatekeepers? Then I'm ready
to enter the spirit realm?
285
00:25:01,760 --> 00:25:04,593
Do you think you're ready?
286
00:25:07,120 --> 00:25:10,590
- Yes, I do.
- Then you are.
287
00:25:10,760 --> 00:25:14,070
Go ahead. Put your hand in.
288
00:25:28,600 --> 00:25:33,116
- We can stop right now if you like.
- No, I'm not quitting.
289
00:25:47,880 --> 00:25:52,431
- Don't be afraid.
- It's burning me! My chest!
290
00:25:52,600 --> 00:25:55,797
Very tight!
291
00:26:07,840 --> 00:26:09,876
Captain.
292
00:26:10,040 --> 00:26:12,349
Captain.
293
00:26:12,520 --> 00:26:14,476
Kathryn.
294
00:26:14,640 --> 00:26:19,714
- I'm dying.
- Everyone dies eventually.
295
00:26:27,320 --> 00:26:31,359
It's three days since she slept.
How long can she go through this?
296
00:26:31,520 --> 00:26:36,992
I understand but her vital signs are
stable. She's in no immediate danger.
297
00:26:37,160 --> 00:26:41,233
She's been poisoned
with an unknown toxin.
298
00:26:41,400 --> 00:26:45,359
It could lie dormant for days
then kill her in minutes.
299
00:26:45,520 --> 00:26:49,354
You're implying
that I'm not paying attention. I am.
300
00:26:49,520 --> 00:26:52,159
If I thought she was in jeopardy,
I'd act.
301
00:26:52,320 --> 00:26:55,517
Is anything preventing her
from using the homing signal?
302
00:26:55,680 --> 00:27:00,595
No. She's fully conscious and has
motor control. She could signal us.
303
00:27:00,760 --> 00:27:04,309
Are you getting enough information
to justify this ordeal?
304
00:27:04,480 --> 00:27:07,233
I am getting some remarkable data.
305
00:27:07,400 --> 00:27:11,951
Her biochemistry is undergoing
unique interactions. Look.
306
00:27:12,120 --> 00:27:15,954
This amino acid has been formed
by a breakdown of a toxin.
307
00:27:16,120 --> 00:27:20,636
It's affecting the neurotransmitters
and has a hallucinogenic effect.
308
00:27:20,800 --> 00:27:24,793
- Is she delusional?
- She's on a psychoactive drug.
309
00:27:24,960 --> 00:27:27,952
Is she in no condition
to activate the signal?
310
00:27:28,120 --> 00:27:33,592
I don't believe so, and I think this change
will give us our answers.
311
00:27:33,760 --> 00:27:37,833
The toxin in her bloodstream
may be the key to Kes's treatment.
312
00:27:38,000 --> 00:27:40,833
Commander,
the decision is ultimately yours.
313
00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:45,755
However, I believe the captain
would wish to complete the ritual.
314
00:27:47,800 --> 00:27:52,191
We'll leave her there for now.
But I'm not moving until she gets back.
315
00:28:19,560 --> 00:28:21,676
What is this?
316
00:28:22,640 --> 00:28:24,915
An hallucination?
317
00:28:25,080 --> 00:28:30,552
I'm only here to serve as a voice,
an interpreter for the Ancestral Spirits.
318
00:28:30,720 --> 00:28:32,676
I see.
319
00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:38,790
If there are other beings here,
could I see them myself?
320
00:28:38,960 --> 00:28:42,032
You mean you want proof
that we exist?
321
00:28:42,200 --> 00:28:45,636
- That would be helpful.
- It's irrelevant.
322
00:28:47,560 --> 00:28:49,835
I don't want to be disrespectful.
323
00:28:50,000 --> 00:28:54,437
I've gone through every part of the ritual
that I've been asked to.
324
00:28:54,600 --> 00:28:58,878
Everything you've gone through is
meaningless. You've been told that.
325
00:28:59,040 --> 00:29:01,793
I know.
326
00:29:01,960 --> 00:29:07,034
I just want to bring this to completion,
to make my request.
327
00:29:07,200 --> 00:29:10,078
Then, by all means, do so.
328
00:29:15,760 --> 00:29:19,275
I cite the story of King Nevad
as precedent.
329
00:29:20,800 --> 00:29:23,109
In the same way he pleaded for his son,
330
00:29:25,160 --> 00:29:28,755
I ask that Kes be restored to health.
331
00:29:28,920 --> 00:29:34,472
Your request is inconsequential.
You have what you need to save her.
332
00:29:40,640 --> 00:29:43,074
Welcome back.
333
00:29:44,720 --> 00:29:47,757
- How long?
- Does that matter?
334
00:29:47,920 --> 00:29:49,911
I'd like to know.
335
00:29:50,080 --> 00:29:54,915
39 hours. Take care of yourself.
Your body is weak.
336
00:29:55,080 --> 00:30:00,757
Our physical conditioning programs
didn't quite prepare me for this.
337
00:30:00,920 --> 00:30:04,037
- Has it been worthwhile?
- I think so.
338
00:30:07,520 --> 00:30:10,717
I was told that I had
what I needed to save Kes.
339
00:30:10,880 --> 00:30:14,873
Then it must be true.
The spirits would not deceive you.
340
00:30:21,280 --> 00:30:23,475
Whenever you're ready.
341
00:30:30,880 --> 00:30:32,871
Thank you.
342
00:30:45,560 --> 00:30:50,793
You could use a night's sleep and
a solid meal but you're in good shape.
343
00:30:50,960 --> 00:30:54,475
- When can you begin treating Kes?
- Right away.
344
00:30:54,640 --> 00:30:58,633
The ritual may have been arduous,
but it was worthwhile.
345
00:30:58,800 --> 00:31:00,791
The toxin was the key.
346
00:31:00,960 --> 00:31:04,839
It produces a natural immunity
before one enters the biogenic field.
347
00:31:05,000 --> 00:31:07,275
How is that a cure for Kes?
348
00:31:07,440 --> 00:31:10,876
I've created a program to analyse
the immune mechanism
349
00:31:11,040 --> 00:31:13,235
and develop a treatment regimen.
350
00:31:13,400 --> 00:31:15,197
Then let's get started.
351
00:31:15,360 --> 00:31:19,194
If you'll excuse me,
I'm probably more useful on the bridge.
352
00:31:29,040 --> 00:31:33,716
I'll carry out the treatment in stages
to reduce the stress from the changes.
353
00:31:35,640 --> 00:31:39,076
- Is something wrong?
- I don't believe so.
354
00:31:39,240 --> 00:31:44,360
Hmm, her electrolyte balance
is deviating, but that's not unexpected.
355
00:31:44,520 --> 00:31:46,476
- It isn't?
- Hmm...
356
00:31:46,640 --> 00:31:48,437
What?
357
00:31:48,640 --> 00:31:53,873
If you keep pestering me,
I can't concentrate on what I'm doing.
358
00:31:56,200 --> 00:31:59,158
Something is wrong!
359
00:31:59,320 --> 00:32:01,595
What is it, Doctor?
360
00:32:01,760 --> 00:32:05,912
Her cardiac functions are being
disrupted. I don't understand it.
361
00:32:08,640 --> 00:32:11,757
Lectrazine should counteract
the disruptions.
362
00:32:14,160 --> 00:32:20,110
Her biochemical levels are exactly what
they need to be. She should be awake.
363
00:32:20,280 --> 00:32:22,589
- Why isn't she?
- I can't explain it.
364
00:32:22,760 --> 00:32:27,356
Her vital signs are unstable.
I have to discontinue treatment.
365
00:32:30,200 --> 00:32:32,555
I don't understand it.
366
00:32:33,600 --> 00:32:36,797
- Can't we try again?
- It's too dangerous.
367
00:32:36,960 --> 00:32:39,520
- Do you have any other options?
- No.
368
00:32:39,680 --> 00:32:45,630
I'm sorry, but it appears that everything
you went through was meaningless.
369
00:33:03,480 --> 00:33:07,871
You meant it, didn't you? Everything
I went through was meaningless.
370
00:33:08,040 --> 00:33:11,077
- Yes.
- I did everything you asked of me.
371
00:33:12,160 --> 00:33:14,720
You led me to believe I could help Kes.
372
00:33:14,880 --> 00:33:19,954
I haven't led you anywhere. You've
taken me wherever you wanted to go.
373
00:33:20,120 --> 00:33:24,432
This was your ritual.
You set these challenges for yourself.
374
00:33:24,600 --> 00:33:28,354
It's true that I came here
with certain expectations.
375
00:33:30,880 --> 00:33:36,318
Are you saying that you simply
fulfilled my expectations?
376
00:33:36,480 --> 00:33:39,278
You'd have settled for nothing else.
377
00:33:40,200 --> 00:33:45,752
I'm not ready to give up. If there's
still a way to save Kes, I want to try.
378
00:33:45,920 --> 00:33:49,674
You've come back to seek the spirits.
379
00:33:50,880 --> 00:33:54,475
I don't know what I'm seeking.
380
00:33:54,640 --> 00:33:57,438
Then I believe you are ready to begin.
381
00:34:05,720 --> 00:34:08,871
Well, look who's come back.
382
00:34:16,440 --> 00:34:20,319
So, your adventure didn't work out
the way you'd planned it.
383
00:34:20,480 --> 00:34:25,190
You put yourself through
a lot of trouble for nothing, didn't you?
384
00:34:25,360 --> 00:34:29,751
Don't feel bad. You wouldn't believe
some of the things people have done
385
00:34:29,920 --> 00:34:31,876
on their way to seek the spirits.
386
00:34:32,040 --> 00:34:36,477
- So there's no real ritual?
- "Real" is such a relative term.
387
00:34:36,640 --> 00:34:40,519
Most of the challenges in life
are the ones we create for ourselves.
388
00:34:40,680 --> 00:34:44,514
And you are particularly
hard on yourself, aren't you?
389
00:34:45,400 --> 00:34:47,630
I've always been driven to succeed.
390
00:34:47,800 --> 00:34:50,314
Stubborn, I'd say.
391
00:34:50,480 --> 00:34:53,756
You didn't consider
sitting and waiting with us, did you?
392
00:34:53,920 --> 00:34:57,435
I'm here now
and I'm asking for your help.
393
00:34:57,600 --> 00:35:02,037
I want to understand the purpose
of waiting in this room.
394
00:35:02,200 --> 00:35:07,433
Isn't it enough to sit and be sociable?
We're good company.
395
00:35:07,600 --> 00:35:12,958
That's what I'm supposed to do.
Talk to the Ancestral Spirits.
396
00:35:13,120 --> 00:35:18,638
First we were a test,
and now we're the Ancestral Spirits.
397
00:35:20,520 --> 00:35:25,514
- Are you?
- That would be nice and quantifiable.
398
00:35:25,680 --> 00:35:28,797
If the spirits were something
you could see and touch
399
00:35:28,960 --> 00:35:31,428
and scan with your little devices.
400
00:35:31,600 --> 00:35:35,388
If you can explain everything,
what's left to believe in?
401
00:35:37,000 --> 00:35:41,152
I know it's an important part
of your religion to trust the spirits.
402
00:35:41,320 --> 00:35:45,359
But I wasn't brought up that way.
It's hard to accept.
403
00:35:45,520 --> 00:35:49,559
So much for your tolerant,
open-minded Starfleet ideals.
404
00:35:49,720 --> 00:35:54,271
There's a difference between
respecting beliefs and embracing them.
405
00:35:54,440 --> 00:35:57,750
Fine! Don't embrace a thing.
It's all the same to us.
406
00:35:57,920 --> 00:36:02,630
Go back to your ship and play
with your molecular microscanner.
407
00:36:02,800 --> 00:36:06,679
You've tried all that already.
It didn't work, did it?
408
00:36:06,840 --> 00:36:09,912
- Kes didn't get better.
- No, she didn't.
409
00:36:10,080 --> 00:36:12,435
- Why not?
- The Doctor couldn't explain it.
410
00:36:12,600 --> 00:36:16,991
So it's inexplicable.
A miraculous non-recovery.
411
00:36:17,160 --> 00:36:20,914
- We haven't found the reason yet.
- But of course you will.
412
00:36:21,080 --> 00:36:25,039
You'll find all the answers eventually
413
00:36:25,200 --> 00:36:29,830
with enough time and study
and the right sort of tools.
414
00:36:30,000 --> 00:36:34,357
- That's what you believe as a scientist?
- Be honest.
415
00:36:36,560 --> 00:36:38,755
That's what I've always believed.
416
00:36:38,920 --> 00:36:43,835
Even when her science fails,
she still has full confidence in it.
417
00:36:44,000 --> 00:36:46,958
Now there's a leap of faith.
418
00:36:47,120 --> 00:36:50,556
Unconditional trust.
Now that's promising.
419
00:36:50,720 --> 00:36:52,836
All right.
420
00:36:53,000 --> 00:36:57,551
If you're saying that science
won't help Kes, what will?
421
00:36:57,720 --> 00:37:01,156
- You won't like it.
- I'll do whatever's necessary.
422
00:37:02,560 --> 00:37:07,509
Kill her. She's as good as dead already.
Finish the job.
423
00:37:07,680 --> 00:37:11,992
Give her another jolt
of that... er, biogenic field.
424
00:37:12,160 --> 00:37:14,196
That would do it.
425
00:37:15,040 --> 00:37:18,157
- It would do what, exactly?
- There you go again.
426
00:37:18,320 --> 00:37:22,154
Always looking for a rational
explanation. There isn't one.
427
00:37:22,320 --> 00:37:28,077
Your orbital scans and medical
research have given you the facts.
428
00:37:28,240 --> 00:37:32,597
And they tell you
the biogenic field is lethal.
429
00:37:32,760 --> 00:37:35,069
If you believe the facts.
430
00:37:35,240 --> 00:37:37,151
Let all of that go, Kathryn.
431
00:37:37,320 --> 00:37:42,474
Take Kes back into the shrine
and trust the spirits to return her soul.
432
00:37:45,280 --> 00:37:50,832
The ritual I went through is meaningless
and Kes has not prepared herself.
433
00:37:51,000 --> 00:37:53,878
How could we be ready
to go through the field?
434
00:37:54,040 --> 00:37:57,669
If you believe you are ready,
then you are.
435
00:37:57,840 --> 00:38:00,991
There's no more to it than that.
436
00:38:01,160 --> 00:38:06,553
But if you go in with any doubt,
with any hesitation,
437
00:38:06,720 --> 00:38:09,951
then you're both dead.
438
00:38:10,120 --> 00:38:13,999
So what are you going to do, Captain?
439
00:38:15,560 --> 00:38:19,838
You know I won't let Kes die
if there's anything I can do to save her.
440
00:38:22,000 --> 00:38:24,912
I want to believe it's possible.
441
00:38:28,160 --> 00:38:30,116
I'm going to try.
442
00:38:33,880 --> 00:38:37,429
- Janeway to Chakotay.
- We've been worried about you.
443
00:38:37,600 --> 00:38:41,673
I'm all right. I want you to beam Kes
down here to the sanctuary.
444
00:38:41,840 --> 00:38:44,877
I'll bring her down myself.
Chakotay to sickbay.
445
00:38:45,040 --> 00:38:47,838
Prepare Kes for transport.
446
00:39:02,440 --> 00:39:06,638
The Doctor says she's deteriorating.
He didn't want us to move her.
447
00:39:06,800 --> 00:39:09,030
- You've found a way to help?
- Yes.
448
00:39:09,200 --> 00:39:11,873
I'm taking her back
into the biogenic field.
449
00:39:12,040 --> 00:39:15,077
I hate to question you, Captain,
but why?
450
00:39:15,240 --> 00:39:20,234
- I believe it will save her life.
- You have new information on the field?
451
00:39:20,400 --> 00:39:23,437
- I can't explain it.
- Captain...
452
00:39:25,360 --> 00:39:29,114
- You've been through a lot.
- I know what I'm doing.
453
00:39:30,200 --> 00:39:34,478
There are 800 megajoules of biogenic
energy running through that shrine.
454
00:39:34,640 --> 00:39:39,236
The thoron radiation levels are off
the scale. You'd be going into that.
455
00:39:39,400 --> 00:39:44,076
Take some time to think about this
and let us run a few more scans.
456
00:39:45,240 --> 00:39:47,470
No.
457
00:39:47,640 --> 00:39:50,950
Captain, this isn't like you.
458
00:39:51,120 --> 00:39:55,830
You'll always have my gratitude for
everything you've done to save Kes.
459
00:39:56,000 --> 00:40:00,630
But we couldn't ask you
to risk your own life like this.
460
00:40:00,800 --> 00:40:03,872
- Too many other people need you.
- He's right.
461
00:40:04,040 --> 00:40:08,636
I have to keep you safe,
for the crew's sake if not for your own.
462
00:40:08,800 --> 00:40:12,554
I'd rather not relieve you of duty,
but if your judgment's impaired...
463
00:40:12,720 --> 00:40:16,918
- He can't really do that, can he?
- Yes, he can.
464
00:40:18,480 --> 00:40:22,792
I suppose it might be necessary
if a captain were mentally impaired.
465
00:40:22,960 --> 00:40:26,953
But you're not crazy, Kathryn.
You know that.
466
00:40:27,120 --> 00:40:31,910
These people were willing to let Kes die
for disturbing their shrine.
467
00:40:32,080 --> 00:40:35,834
Can you take their word for it
that you'll be safe in there?
468
00:40:36,000 --> 00:40:38,150
I can't give you my word on that.
469
00:40:38,320 --> 00:40:42,791
Nobody knows what will happen
to them in the shrine until they go in.
470
00:40:42,960 --> 00:40:47,238
I don't know the answers. But you do.
471
00:40:57,520 --> 00:41:00,956
Captain, I don't understand this.
472
00:41:01,120 --> 00:41:05,796
Neither do I. That's the challenge.
473
00:41:53,760 --> 00:41:55,716
Kes...
474
00:42:02,320 --> 00:42:06,836
The tricorder readings of the shrine
reveal traces of iridium ions,
475
00:42:07,000 --> 00:42:09,958
which we could have known
about sooner.
476
00:42:10,120 --> 00:42:12,076
They're significant?
477
00:42:12,240 --> 00:42:16,199
They caused a dielectric effect
in the outer epidermal layers,
478
00:42:16,360 --> 00:42:22,959
neutralising the energy enough to make
the captain's biochemistry a defence.
479
00:42:23,120 --> 00:42:27,636
- Then how was I cured?
- The metabolic treatment protected you
480
00:42:27,800 --> 00:42:29,950
when the captain took you through.
481
00:42:30,120 --> 00:42:34,159
That exposure functioned like
a natural cortical stimulator
482
00:42:34,320 --> 00:42:36,880
and reactivated
your synaptic pathways.
483
00:42:37,040 --> 00:42:39,349
That's fascinating, Doctor.
484
00:42:40,240 --> 00:42:42,993
Captain?
485
00:42:43,160 --> 00:42:46,118
If there's something you disagree with...
486
00:42:46,280 --> 00:42:49,352
It's a perfectly sound explanation,
Doctor.
487
00:42:49,520 --> 00:42:53,229
Very... scientific.
|