Welcome!

These are a couple of Star Trek Voyager scripts, "The Strangers" and "Gate of Tears," that I wrote way back in 1999 and which I sent in to Paramount Studios during the penultimate season of Voyager.

Although they didn't use them, they liked them enough to invite me out to Los Angeles to pitch other ideas to them, which I did.  Ultimately, they did not buy anything from me, however I am quite convinced that the last act of "The Strangers" helped inspire the last season Voyager episode "Body and Soul."  I can never prove it, but there are similarities and the timing is right; They got my script about a year before Body and Soul aired, and I read it takes about a year for an episode to go from conception to completion.  So, I choose to believe that I had some influence over Star Trek history, no matter how trivial.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

-Rick

email me

The Strangers - Synopsis

Star Trek Voyager Script:  “The Strangers”

During an encounter with an alien vessel, the Doctor becomes trapped in the holodeck.  Like a ghost, he can see and hear what others are doing in the holodeck, but he cannot make himself seen or heard by them.  He watches as several of the crew members reveal hidden sides of themselves through their holodeck programs.  Neelix is rueful at the prospect of never seeing his people again.  Tuvok laments he will not see his children grow up.  Janeway consults Dr. Freud over guilt about getting Voyager lost in the Delta Quadrant.  Seven explores the childhood she never had.  Paris consults a Klingon priest about relationship problems with Torres.  Eventually, the Doctor realizes that the aliens are not the benign benefactors they seem, but are in fact an evil species bent on destroying Voyager.  To escape the holodeck, he transfers his program to Seven of Nine's neural-implant, and together they expose the aliens for what they really are, and save the ship.

NOTES:
Required Guest Cast (in order of appearance)
Pleetos (male humanoid alien)
Arginess  (female humanoid alien)
Ensign Schindler (male crew member)
Alixa (female Talaxian - Neelix's sister from “Mortal Coil” episode) *
Vulcan Child (male, about 10 years old)
Dr. Freud (male, elderly human)
Flotter (male, holodeck character from “Once upon a time” episode) *
Trevis (male, holodeck character from “Once upon a time” episode) *
Klingon Priest (male, elderly)

* Although these 3 characters appeared in previous Voyager episodes, they require heavy makeup, so if the actors who originally portrayed them are unavailable, substitutes could be used.

 Required Non-Standard Sets (in order of appearance)
Balcony scene from “Romeo & Juliet”
Dungeon
“Big Band” nightclub room
Star-Fleet HQ banquet room
Vulcan child's bedroom
Dr. Freud's office
“Flotter” holo-novel glade scene from “Once upon a time” episode
Klingon temple room
Grand Canyon vista

Required Non-Standard Optical Effects (in order of appearance)
“Beautiful” version of alien spaceship
“Malevolent” version of alien spaceship

The Strangers - Teaser

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

The Strangers - Act One

FADE IN:

4   EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)                                    4

At warp speed, with the Okreepon spaceship following alongside.

5   INT: HOLODECK, DUNGEON SCENE                                      5

DOCTOR
(shocked, disbelieving) Seven..?

SEVEN HOLOGRAM
You heard me, you ugly slug!  On... your... knees...  Now! (cracks whip)

SCHINDLER (O.C.)
(from behind Doctor) Yes, Mistress Seven!  I will obey!

Doctor spins around and sees a man kneeling on the floor, facing the Seven hologram with bowed head.

DOCTOR
(confused) Ensign Schindler?

SCHINDLER
I have been very bad, Mistress.

SEVEN HOLOGRAM
(cracks whip again) Then you shall be punished!  Now... crawl to me!

DOCTOR
(disparagingly) Sorry Ensign, but I need to interrupt your... entertainment.  I need your help to get out of here.  (Schindler ignores Doctor)  Ensign?   Ensign, I'm talking to you...

Doctor reaches to touch Schindler on the shoulder, but his hand passes through Schindler like a ghost. Doctor stares at his hand in disbelief.

DOCTOR
What's going on? What's happened to me..?

6   INT. BRIEFING ROOM                                                6

Senior staff seated around table.  Janeway enters.

JANEWAY
Okay, let's get... (looks around) Wait a minute...  Where's the Doctor?

CHAKOTAY
I don't know.  I assumed he was on his way.  I sent him a notification of this meeting.

JANEWAY
(taps com badge) Janeway to the Doctor.  We need you in the main briefing room, on the double. (pause) Doctor, respond please.  (pause) Computer, locate the Doctor.

COMPUTER
The EMH program is off-line.

JANEWAY
(impatient) Well then, activate the EMH and have him report to the Briefing Room, pronto.

COMPUTER
Unable to comply.  The EMH program is not available.

JANEWAY
Not available?  That's odd.  B'ellana, would you check that out, please?

TORRES
(nodding) Aye, Captain.  (Torres exits)

JANEWAY
Okay then, let's get started.  First order;  Damage.

CHAKOTAY
No major damage.  All primary systems are sound.  Some minor sub-systems are still not fully operational.  The replicators on decks 9 and 10 won't work, and we've lost all power in section 4 of deck 11.  I'm beginning to think the good Doctor is another casualty.  Anyway, everything should be back on-line within the hour.

TUVOK
Defensive systems are fully operational, should we need them.

JANEWAY
All right, good.  Keep me posted.  Next business; our new friends.  What do we know about them?

SEVEN
This species is unfamiliar to the Borg.

TUVOK
I have done preliminary scans of their ship.  Their technology seems to be at least comparable to ours in most respects.

PARIS
They seem kind of nice, but that sensor beam packed a lot of punch for a scan.

TUVOK
Agreed.  They scanned us very deeply.  They may have gotten as far as the computer core, but I can detect no evidence of a security breach.  I do not believe that any critical encryption was compromised.

JANEWAY
That's good to know.  Anything else unusual?  Guesses?  Gut feelings?

NEELIX
I have to say, Captain, they do seem very friendly.

JANEWAY
I agree, Mister Neelix, they do seem hospitable.  We could use a break, so I hope they are what they seem.  Well, I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt.  We'll invite them over then, unless someone sees a reason not to?  (staff shakes heads)  Okay then, it's settled.  Now, we'll need someone to go over there.  Any volunteers?

CHAKOTAY
I'd like to volunteer, Captain.  I haven't been off the ship in a while.

JANEWAY
All right, good.  I'll call our hosts and extend the welcome mat.  Chakotay, meet me in the Transporter Room in twenty minutes.  Dress uniform.  Everyone else, dismissed.

7   EXT. SPACE - VOYAGER (OPTICAL)                                    7

At warp speed, with the Okreepon spaceship following alongside.

8   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM                                             8

Janeway and Chakotay enter in dress uniforms.  Supernumerary at console.

JANEWAY
Energize.

Supernumerary taps console.  Pleetos materializes on pad, smiling.

JANEWAY
Welcome aboard the USS Voyager.  We extended to you the hospitality of our happy races.

PLEETOS
(makes grateful arm gestures) Thank you, Captain.  I am honored to be here.

JANEWAY
Allow me to introduce my first officer, Commander Chakotay.  You mentioned earlier that we could visit your ship.  I was hoping he could have that privilege.

PLEETOS
Of course, Captain.  Yes, he'll do nicely. Please feel free to go over at your convenience.  Just beam to the same coordinates from which I came.

CHAKOTAY
There's no time like the present.  With your permissions, Captains, I'll head over.

PLEETOS
Enjoy yourself, Commander.  I trust you will find our vessel intriguing.

CHAKOTAY
Thank you.  (to Janeway) I'll report back within the hour, Captain.  (he climbs onto transporter pad) Energize. (dematerializes)

JANEWAY
(gesturing toward door) Now, if you'd like, I'll show you around a bit.

ARGINESS
(cheerful) Thank you, Captain.  I have been looking forward to this!

Janeway and Pleetos EXIT.

9   INT.  HOLODECK; BIG BAND NIGHT CLUB SCENE                         9

Kim, dressed in tuxedo, playing clarinet in front of large band, which is labeled "The Harry Kim Orchestra."  Hologram of SEVEN dressed in evening gown is nearby, singing a big band era tune.  Doctor watches from the sidelines, seated at a table.

DOCTOR (V.O.)
Doctor's personal log.  I have been trapped in the holodeck for over four hours now.  The Computer will not respond to my commands to shut myself down, or to transfer me out of here.  I can't make myself seen or heard by anyone who enters the holodeck, and I can't leave the holodeck through the door because my Mobile Emitter is back in Sickbay.  Last time I go anywhere without that!  I've found I can access the holodeck control panel, but only when no programs are running, which, unfortunately, isn't very often.  I suppose my only recourse is to wait and hope someone notices that I'm missing, and that they'll get me out of here soon.  In the meantime, I've discovered a disturbing, yet uncomfortably familiar, trend in our crew's entertainment tastes.

DOCTOR
(chin supported on forearm, looking bored) Computer, exactly how many representations of Seven of Nine are there in the holo-buffer?

COMPUTER
There are currently sixteen representations of Seven of Nine.

DOCTOR
Sixteen! (to self, rolling eyeballs) I guess I can feel a little less guilty now. (out loud) Okay then, other than me, how many representations of the ship's Doctor are there?

COMPUTER
There is only one other representation of the Doctor.

DOCTOR
One?!  Well... so what... I'm a doctor, not a celebrity.

Song and music end.  Kim and Seven bow, audience applauds.

KIM
(to Seven) Outstanding as always, my dear.  (out loud) Computer, end program.

Everything vanishes except Kim & Doctor. Kim EXITS. Doctor follows, but when he gets to door, he tries to stick his hand across the threshold.  The Doctor's hand begins to vanish on the other side, so he pulls it back in.  Doors shut.

DOCTOR
Damn!  Well, at least maybe now I can find some answers before someone else shows up.

Doctor moves to console and begins tapping controls.

10  INT. BRIDGE                                                      10

Janeway ENTERS, moves to Torres, who is working at console.

JANEWAY
B'ellana, Any word on our wayward Doctor?

TORRES
Not yet, Captain.  His program is not in the sickbay memory buffer, where it should be when he's deactivated.  His back-up program is there, if we need to restart him.  There's no record of him being deleted though, so I think he's somewhere in the system.  I'm just having trouble finding him for some reason.

JANEWAY
Okay, keep at it.  Let me know if you find anything.

TORRES
(nods) Understood. (returns to work)

Janeway moves to Tuvok.

TUVOK
Our guest, Captain?

JANEWAY
Is with Seven getting a tour of Astro-metrics right now.  I must say, they seem like a very enlightened race.  I can't remember the last time I met such a warm and friendly people.

TUVOK
I concur.  Their intellect seems to be on a par with that of Vulcan's, and their benevolence mirrors the best that humanity has to offer.

JANEWAY
He's invited us to stop by and visit their home world, which we'll be passing near. He's shown me some images of it.  It looks like a beautiful planet, Tuvok.

TUVOK
...and our response?

JANEWAY
(shrugs) It would be rude to decline, and it's not really out of our way.  Pleetos said they'd help us replenish our supplies.  It would be a good break for the crew.  We haven't been to any M-class planets in a while.  I think we could stand to spend a few days in such good company, don't you?

TUVOK
I believe it would be illogical to pass up this opportunity, Captain.

JANEWAY
Who am I to question logic?   I'll give our answer then.  (addresses PARIS, at helm) Mister Paris, Any word from Chakotay?

PARIS
No, ma'am.  But we have a lock on his bio-emitter.  He seems fine over there.

JANEWAY
Open a channel.  Voyager to Commander Chakotay.  (pause)  Voyager to Chakotay, respond please.

Chakotay appears on the main screen. He is smiling broadly.

CHAKOTAY
(very cheerful) Hello, Captain!  Good to see you.  How are things over there?

JANEWAY
(staid) Just fine, thanks.  I was about to ask you the same question.

CHAKOTAY
Couldn't be better.  These people are wonderful.  They certainly know how to treat their guests!

JANEWAY
Good, I'm glad everything is working out. I look forward to seeing your full report.  When are you coming back?

CHAKOTAY
If you don't mind, Captain, they've invited me to spend the night, and I'd like to take them up on it.  They have some zero-gravity beds here that put our bunks to shame.

JANEWAY
(thinks it over, then shrugs) Well, we can't compete with that.  Have a pleasant evening then, Commander.  Report back in the morning.

CHAKOTAY
Will do, Captain.  You have a good night also.  Chakotay out.  (Chakotay vanishes from screen.)

11  INT: HOLODECK; STARFLEET HEADQUARTERS, BANQUET ROOM              11

SENIOR STAFF wearing dress uniforms, assembled in a rough circle, drinking champagne, laughing and chatting.  Doctor inspects hologram of himself.

DOCTOR
Well, at least I found my lone alter ego.  (smiles at Neelix) Kudos to Mister Neelix.  Say, I look good in a dress uniform!  (looks at Doctor hologram's chest) I wonder how they pinned a medal on a hologram?

JANEWAY
(joining group) Congratulations, Mister Neelix.  (jocular) Oops, I forgot...  It's Ensign Neelix now, isn't it?

NEELIX
(smiling) Yes Ma'am, Captain.  Oops, I forgot, it's Admiral now, isn't it?

PARIS
Oh, stop it you two.  We all got promotions.  Stop hogging the spotlight.

JANEWAY
Yes, who would have guessed that getting promoted would be so easy.  All we had to do was get a starship from one side of the galaxy to the other.

NEELIX
And meet some mighty strange folks along the way!

SEVEN
(to Neelix, vaguely jocular) Some stranger than others.

NEELIX
Oh, come now Seven.  That's no way to talk about a fellow ensign!

TORRES
(to all) I just can't believe they gave medals to Chakotay and me.

CHAKOTAY
Yes, I figured we'd get ten to twenty!  I thought a pardon was generous, but this. (tugs at medal on his shirt)

KIM
(a little drunk) Look, who cares about the medals... or the promotions...  We're home! We made it! That's what's important!

All
(raising glasses) Here! Here!

DOCTOR HOLOGRAM
I'd like to make a toast, if I may.

DOCTOR
It's about time you said something.

DOCTOR HOLOGRAM
(raises glass) To our fine and lovely Captain, whose leadership inspired us across the cosmos.  To our crew, who had the wisdom to follow her. To the good ship Voyager, for having the mettle to carry us all home.  And finally, and most important, to home itself.  May we never be far from it again.

All, except Neelix
(raising glasses) Here! Here!

DOCTOR
(smugly, to self) I couldn't have said it better myself.

Crew continues chatting and laughing.  Neelix wanders away from them, with a somber expression.  He goes to a large window that looks out over the Golden Gate Bridge.  Doctor notices him leave the group, and follows.

DOCTOR
What's the matter, Neelix?  Didn't you like my toast?

ALIXA (O.C.)
(from behind) What's the matter, Neelix?

Doctor and Neelix turn around to see a young Talaxian woman behind them.

NEELIX
(not surprised, melancholy) Alixa,  It's good to see you.  Thanks for coming.

ALIXA
How could I not come see my own brother at his finest hour?  I am so proud of you, Neelix.  You look so handsome in your uniform.  But I see you are sad.  Why?

NEELIX
(sighs) Because of that, mostly. (gestures out window) Earth is a lovely planet.  The people here are wonderful.  But this... This isn't my home.  It isn't Talaxia.

ALIXA
But you left Talaxia behind long ago. After the war.  You said there was nothing there for you.  After your family was killed.  After I died.

NEELIX
(somber, looking out window) I know, I know.  I died too, on that day, Alixa.  I died inside.  And I stayed dead for a long time.  Until I met Kes.  She was so gentle and kind to me. (voice begins to crack) She taught me to live again. (sighs, looks back at crew)  The crew of Voyager;  I love them.  I love them now like I loved my family once.  Like I loved you.  But I only joined them to be with Kes.  By God, if she had joined the Borg instead, I would have followed her there.

ALIXA
But Kes is gone now, Neelix.  She left you.

NEELIX
Yes.  Kes is gone.  She had to leave.  I don't blame her for that.  But by then, I was too far from Talaxian space to go home.  And I had already adopted these fine people as my new family. (sighs) But I'll probably never see my world again, nor another like me.  I am surrounded here by friends.  by family.  but I feel alone.  so very alone.  Sometimes I wish I had never (pauses, chokes back tears, shakes off emotion)  Oh, why do I do this to myself?!  Sulking and whining about the past, here in a fabricated future!  Some morale officer I am!   Computer, end program.

ALIXA
Good-bye, Neelix.  I am always here for you, if you need me.

Everything vanishes except Neelix and the Doctor.

NEELIX (CU)
(quietly, melancholy, to self) I know you are, Alixa.  I know.

OFF Neelix's melancholy expression...

FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE