Captain's Log, Stardate 53556.4.
We've towed a damaged vessel aboard
and are attempting to repair it
while the Doctor treats the Qomarian crew
who have suffered minor injuries.
Stay away.
lf you don't cooperate, l can't treat you.
When we agreed to be examined
by this ship's Medical Officer,
we didn't know that you were
a primitive computer matrix.
l assure you there is nothing primitive about me.
Hmm.
l am programmed to perform
more than five million medical procedures.
Does that include bloodletting?
No, but l'll be happy to add it to my repertoire.
We are ready to return to our ship.
Could you contact one of your superiors?
Doctor to the Captain.
Please report to Sick Bay.
Already on my way.
The Captain is coming here now.
lf you want to talk to her, you can have a seat.
lt is a very irritating program.
Maybe we can disable its speech subroutines.
You're not authorized to do that.
How are our guests?
Their injuries are minor.
Unfortunately, l can't say the same
for their lack of manners.
Doctor.
What is the status of our ship?
To be honest,
we're having a little trouble
understanding your technology.
The problem is your technology.
lnterference from your antiquated scanning devices
shut down our propulsion system.
Forgive us, Captain.
We live in a closed system.
We are not accustomed
to interacting with other species,
especially inferior ones.
Well, then...
l guess we'll leave the repairs in your superior hands.
Our injuries will have to be treated first.
ls there someone other than this hologram
who could help us?
No one who's better qualified.
Hmm.
Very well.
Try to bear with our
deficiencies just a little longer.
This way, please.
l've been working on the railroad
All the livelong day
l've been working on the railroad
Just to pass the time away...
What is that?
This?
A hypospray.
No.
What you were doing.
Preparing your medication.
No.
With your voice.
You mean... singing?
"Singing."
Do it again.
Yes, do it again.
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah
Someone's in the kitchen l know-ow-ow-ow
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah
Strummin' on the old banjo and singin'
Fee, fi, fiddle-ee-I-o
Fee, fi, fiddle-ee-I-o-o-o-o
Fee, fi, fiddle-ee-I-o...
Strummin' on the old banjo.
lt is a unique mathematical variation.
Difficult to quantify.
How do you suppose the algorithms are generated?
Maybe it's a fractal.
Or wave-form calculus.
Do you mean to say a culture as superior as yours
has never heard music of any kind?
There are other kinds of music?
Of course.
The little ditty l just sang is an early American folk song,
but countless cultures have produced
thousands of types of...
music—
instrumental, choral, orchestral.
What is the purpose
of this "music"?
ls it an encryption code of some kind?
There is a mathematical component to music,
but primarily it's a form of artistic expression.
"Artistic expression"?
Using sounds and images
to convey ideas and emotions.
Why would anyone do that?
Well... to... communicate their feelings.
Can't they do that through speech?
Yes, but music is much more...
expressive and entertaining.
You mean to say
that this "music" is... recreational?
lt does have other applications.
Uh, as a matter of fact, l've recently been doing
some research into its therapeutic properties,
but... yes, primarily,
we use it for... enjoyment.
"We"?
You mean to say others aboard your ship
are capable of producing this phenomenon?
Well, maybe not with my level of expertise,
but there are quite a few members of this crew
who possess musical skills.
Maybe we judged this culture too quickly.
Hmm.
Our database contains the works
of thousands of musicians and composers.
lf you'd like, l could download some selections for you.
Could you sing them for us?
Captain's Log, supplemental.
The Qomar have completed repairs to their ship
and, surprisingly,
have invited us to visit their system.
Apparently, it's no longer "closed" to outsiders.
Harry, can you make sense of any of this?
We're picking up thousands of subspace transmissions,
all encrypted differently.
Between the satellites and the spacecraft,
it's like navigating an obstacle course.
With all this traffic,
the Qomar might not even know we're here.
Apparently, they do.
We are being hailed.
Captain, you now have
the privilege of meeting Prelate Koru.
Welcome to the Qomar Planetary Alliance.
Thank you, Prelate.
We're looking forward
to learning more about your culture.
Our civilization is no doubt intimidating.
We'll do what we can
to avoid overwhelming you during your stay.
l appreciate that.
l understand we're not as advanced as you,
but we're fast learners, and we'd like to...
We want to learn more
about the algorithmic expressions
you call "music."
We're prepared to give you complete access
to our musical database, as well as...
Your Emergency Medical Hologram.
We'd consider an exchange of technology
if you give us complete access to this device.
l believe he's made some recordings.
No, not recordings.
How about a recital?
"Recital"?
A live performance.
We can put together a program
of various styles of music.
Uh, will the Emergency Medical Hologram sing?
He'll be the star attraction.
Thank you.
You're very kind.
That was a selection
from the opera Don Carlos, composed by Giuseppe Verdi,
a towering figure in Earth's musical history.
Another human musical form is called "jazz,"
which has flourished since the early 20th century.
Mathematically, you'll find the rhythmic structures
quite interesting, particularly the use of syncopation
which is said to make the music swing.
You may also notice some fascinating
trigonometric functions in the counterpoint,
but l suppose l'm going off on a tangent, aren't l?
He's very funny.
So, without further ado,
l give you Harry Kim and the Kimtones.
We wish to hear the Doctor.
Yes, the Doctor.
Bring back the Doctor.
We want the Doctor to sing.
Doc, they're dying up there.
You've got to do something.
Pick up the tempo.
That old black magic has me in its spell
That old black magic that you weave so well
Those icy fingers up and down my spine
The same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine
The same old tingle that l feel inside
And then, that elevator starts its ride
And down and down l go
'Round and 'round l go
Like a leaf that's caught in the tide...
Well, if you like jazz,
you're going to love rock 'n' roll.
lt was one of the 20th century's greatest inventions.
Does the Doctor sing rock 'n' roll?
l wouldn't say it's his favorite genre.
No, he's more of an opera man.
As am l.
Aren't you one of the musicians?
Harry Kim.
Vinka.
Welcome aboard Voyager.
Um, if you'd like to see the rest of the ship,
l'd be happy to give you a tour.
Maybe later.
l was wondering if you could introduce me to the Doctor.
Congratulations, Doctor, you stole the show.
Thank you, Captain, but l can't take all the credit.
There was something in the air, a certain magic.
lt was one of those rare moments
when audience and performer become one.
Doctor.
Prelate.
Tincoo.
l will introduce your singing to more of our people.
l'm flattered.
You will perform on our planet.
l'd consider it an honor,
but you'll have to negotiate the terms
with my... representative.
l don't understand.
l believe the Doctor is referring to me, Prelate.
Another concert would mean extending our stay.
When would you want to schedule the performance?
As soon as possible.
The Doctor could perform
at one of the lecture halls at the university.
l'm not sure a lecture hall
would meet the acoustic requirements.
l'll help you make
whatever modifications you think are necessary.
Sounds like you've got yourself a booking, Doctor.
l'd like to reproduce a backdrop
which was used in a production of Pagliacci
at Teatro de la Scala—
Earth's most famous opera house.
lt's beautiful.
Your taste in design is as refined
as your taste in music.
We'll replicate it for you.
Excellent,
but we still have the problem with the sight lines.
What's wrong with the sight lines?
lf you consider the height of the average Qomar,
it's obvious that anyone seated in the back five rows
will have an obstructed view.
You're right.
They won't be able to see anything
but the top of your head.
The glare could blind them.
You'll have to excuse Lieutenant Torres.
Her appreciation of music is limited
to a smattering of Klingon drinking songs.
We'll have to increase
the rake of the floor by five degrees.
You really think they're going to redesign
an entire building just to appeal to your vanity?
Vanity has nothing to do with it, Lieutenant.
l'm concerned about my audience.
We are prepared to make whatever changes
the Doctor thinks are necessary.
Thank you, Tincoo.
While we're at it, Lieutenant,
l'll need some help with my wardrobe.
l'm an Engineer, not a costume designer.
l'd like you to make an adjustment
to my mobile emitter that would allow me
to make quick changes between songs.
That sounds exciting.
Oh, it will be.
l plan to segue from Don Juan to Rigoletto
in the blink of an eye.
lt will be a triumph of...
Arrogance and self-absorption?
Just trying to help.
Your crewmates don't seem to appreciate your abilities.
You've noticed that, too.
That must be very frustrating for you.
You have no idea.
We'll be starting in two minutes.
l'd better get into costume.
How do l look?
You look perfect.
l wish l had a subroutine to eliminate preshow jitters.
l could help you add one to your program.
You're very sweet.
l'm just a little... nervous.
Why?
l'm about to expose your entire culture to music
for the first time.
The responsibility is... enormous.
Your performance tonight will be transmitted
to hundreds of millions of people.
ls that supposed to help me relax?
lt's time.
Report.
l didn't order a Red Alert, Captain.
Well, someone did.
The command originated in...
Astrometrics.
Seven of Nine to the Captain.
l've found evidence that the Qomar are attempting
to sabotage Voyager.
On my way.
What have you got?
l believe the Qomar are attempting
to disable our com system.
How?
By overloading it with millions
of teraquads of irrelevant data.
What do you mean by "irrelevant"?
They're transmissions...
all addressed to the Doctor.
Precisely.
l've only been able to decipher
a small fraction of them so far,
but they include invitations
to social and scientific functions,
requests for personal encounters,
and cloying tributes to the Doctor's talents.
Computer, stand down Red Alert.
This isn't sabotage, Seven.
This is fan mail.
Fan mail?
People who admire performers
are called "fans."
The word, l believe, derives from "fanatic."
Exactly.
Why would the Doctor inspire fanaticism among the Qomar?
Music is new to them.
Clearly, they're very excited about it.
This glorification
of the individual is irrational.
The Doctor is merely reproducing the work of others.
Why do his fans fixate solely on him?
l suppose he's the embodiment of what they admire.
He can do something they can't,
and that makes him special.
Perhaps, but that doesn't explain their interest
in the minutiae of the Doctor's life.
"What does he do
in his spare time?"
"To how many decimal places
can he calculate pi?"
This one wants to know his favorite quadratic equation.
People have always fantasized
about knowing celebrities personally.
l suppose it's a way of making themselves feel more important.
Tuvok to Janeway.
Go ahead.
We have a security problem on Deck 2.
On my way.
Just think, Seven.
As personal friends of the Doctor,
we're the envy of millions of Qomar.
Our efforts to accommodate them
have gotten out of hand.
l guess their interest in the Doctor
is greater than we expected.
Much greater.
l recommend we refuse all further requests
for transport from the surface.
Agreed.
And we should evacuate
these visitors immediately.
They are interfering with normal ship's functions.
Tuvok, when have functions aboard this ship
ever been normal?
Thank you for coming.
Please accept this eight by ten by four
singing replica of me.
Thank you so...
One at a time, one at a time, now.
Please, now, do not touch the Doctor's mobile emitter.
Captain.
lsn't this exciting?
l'm not sure that's the word l'd use for it.
Excuse me.
Sorry, excuse me.
l'm sorry, Captain,
but you'll have to wait your turn
like everybody else.
l'm not here for an autograph.
We need to talk.
l'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Doctor,
but this is getting a little excessive.
l'm only doing what l can to ensure
that first contact with the Qomar goes smoothly.
Does that include using our replicator reserves
to create miniaturized versions of yourself?
l would never do such a thing.
As a matter of fact, the Qomar have devoted
an entire holo processing plant
to manufacturing them for me.
l see.
Well, in any case, you've been neglecting your Sick Bay duties.
l haven't received a report in three days.
Oh, come now, Kathryn.
lt's not as though
there's been a flood of medical emergencies.
l wasn't aware we were on a first name basis.
l-l meant "Captain."
l'm sorry.
Oh, that's perfectly all right, Doctor,
or do you prefer "Maestro"?
Please.
Either is acceptable.
Well, then, let me make it clear to both of you:
Maestro, you're finished for today.
Doctor, report to Sick Bay, now.
Well, well, well.
lf it isn't the wandering minstrel.
What's the nature of their medical emergencies?
Apparently, these two young ladies
became dizzy and disoriented
while waiting in line to see you.
l'll take over from here.
Be careful, Doc.
You seem to be hazardous to the Qomars' health.
l'm Vinka.
l'm Azen.
Hmm. Neither of you appears to be ill.
We wanted to meet you in a more intimate setting.
So we told your security officer we were sick.
Sick Bay is for medical treatment only.
l'm afraid you'll have to leave.
But there's so much about you we want to know.
Yes, you're a very stimulating hologram.
l-if you're here for a replica,
they're available in the Mess Hall.
We don't want a replica.
We want the full-sized version.
l-l-l'm flattered, really, but if you
don't leave now, l'll have to call Security.
l'll bet you can calculate pi to over a thousand digits.
Security to Sick Bay.
Have you ever balanced simultaneous equations?
Computer, deactivate Emergency Medical Hologram.
Here you are.
l needed to find some peace and quiet.
l want to show you something.
What's this?
You inspired me to create
my own musical composition.
lt's based on the intersection of two fractals.
Tincoo, this is extraordinary.
l created it for you.
l don't know what to say.
Will you sing it?
l'm not sure l can.
lt's very complex.
The melody's lovely,
but some of these notes are well beyond
the human vocal range.
You are not human.
No, but...
l can help you reconfigure your vocal processors.
l don't think there's time.
My last concert's tomorrow.
Why does it have to be your last concert?
Because Voyager is scheduled to depart.
Stay here with us.
l have responsibilities on Voyager.
They're a resourceful crew.
l am certain they will find a way
to compensate for your absence.
l'm not so sure about that...
but even if they could...
Voyager's the only life l've ever known.
The crew are my friends.
But they don't appreciate you the way we do— you know that.
You could have a new life here as a performer,
surrounded by people who admire and respect
your talent.
lt's very tempting, but...
By any mathematical standard, the medical care of 150 people
cannot compare to the cultural enrichment of millions.
You can't always explain things with an equation, Tincoo.
What about the simplest equation of them all?
One plus one.
l don't understand.
The time you have been here
has been the most stimulating of my life.
l feel the same way about my time with you.
Then stay here...
with me.
You're resigning your commission?
l've been asked to stay.
When this all started,
l thought you might have a little harmless fun,
and that you'd be responsible enough
to keep it in perspective.
l can see now that l was mistaken.
This isn't "harmless fun" for me, Captain.
lt's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to realize a dream.
What about your duty to Voyager?
l take that very seriously, but...
You're a part of this ship.
You sound as if you're talking about a piece of equipment.
That's not what l meant.
Then shouldn't l be given
the same respect
as any flesh and blood member of this crew?
Every member of this crew
is expected to fulfill his obligations.
lf Harry Kim met an alien woman on an away mission,
fell in love and decided
to spend the rest of his life with her,
raise a family, instead of continuing on this journey,
you wouldn't stand in his way.
You're not Harry Kim.
You're an Emergency Medical Hologram.
Then you do see me as a piece of technology.
l have given you extraordinary freedom—
to explore your creativity, to go on away missions,
to pursue personal relationships—
but enough is enough.
Why?
Because you don't see me
as an equal, and you never have.
Admit it.
l am responsible
for the medical needs of this crew.
lf l let you leave, what kind of Captain would l be?
Every other Starfleet officer chose to be here,
but l never had a choice— until now.
l've given this crew everything for five years.
lsn't it worth anything?
Haven't l earned the right
to self-determination?
You've lost other systems before
and always managed to find a solution.
You'll manage without me.
What about you?
Will you manage without us?
The Qomar are a technologically advanced species.
l have no doubt that my maintenance requirements
will be met.
Now which one of us
is looking at you as a piece of technology?
l'm not talking about your maintenance needs.
l'm talking about your emotional needs.
You've got people on this ship who care about you.
The Qomar certainly seem to care about me.
And when their tastes change?
What makes you think that's going to happen?
Fame is often temporary.
This isn't just about fame.
Oh, really?
lf you must know...
there's a woman involved,
one who appreciates me in a way no one on this crew ever has.
Well, it sounds like you'll have everything you need.
l believe l will.
l hope so, Doctor,
because once Voyager's gone,
you won't be able to change your mind.
That's a risk l'm willing to take.
As your Captain,
l should refuse this resignation,
but as your friend,
it wouldn't be right to stand in your way.
And you can't let the Captain ignore her health.
She's notorious for finding any excuse
to miss her appointments.
l'll send her weekly reminders.
And when Mr. Neelix becomes convinced
that he's suffering from the Toluncan Ague—
which he does every flu season—
don't argue with him, just give him a placebo.
Doc, l've been assisting you for three years.
l know the drill.
Yes, l suppose you do.
Remember, l'll be within com range
for at least another month,
so if any problems should arise...
Doc...
you're not really going to do this, are you?
l would have thought you of all people
would be glad to see me go.
Are you kidding?
Who am l going to torment after you're gone?
Well...
l've got some more good-byes.
l'll check in with you before l leave.
l'll be here...
redecorating your office.
Hello, Seven.
l wanted to see you before l left.
l've downloaded some social lessons
we haven't covered yet.
There are 17 new chapters.
Does one of them include instructions
for ending a friendship?
Our friendship's not over, Seven.
lt will be difficult to maintain
if we never see each other again.
l know it'll be hard for you when l'm gone.
l will adapt.
Yes, l suppose you will,
but it'll be hard for me.
Why?
You're getting everything you've ever wanted.
l thought you'd be the first one
to understand my desire to grow as an individual.
What l don't understand
is why you can't do that aboard Voyager.
l feel l've accomplished all l can here.
Oh, there's the occasional medical mystery
that challenges my programming,
but mostly it's become routine
and frankly, l feel my talents
are often taken for granted.
But when l'm standing on that stage performing,
and l see those rapt faces in the audience...
l feel l finally know what it's like
to be made of flesh and blood.
You simply crave attention, applause,
fan mail.
What if l do?
Those things are irrelevant.
To you, maybe,
but to me, it makes me feel appreciated,
even loved...
Not for what l've been programmed to do,
but for who l've become.
Doctor, you're receiving a transmission.
Route it to Cargo Bay 2.
Doctor, this is Tincoo.
l want to see you immediately.
l have something to show you.
What is it?
A surprise.
l think you'll be very pleased.
l'll beam down as soon as l can.
Seven...
You shouldn't keep your fans waiting.
Thank you
for being so prompt.
Of course.
What's the surprise?
l had an inspiration.
Another musical composition?
Better.
What's this?
l've solved all our problems.
l wasn't aware that we had any.
Well, you were reluctant to leave your ship,
and you also doubted your ability
to sing my composition, so l created a superior
holo-matrix.
l-l don't understand.
lt's simple.
Now you can stay aboard Voyager, and he can sing for us.
Listen.
You can't make a superior singer
simply by creating a new matrix.
l beg to differ.
My vocal processors are enhanced
with polyphonic sequencers.
l am not only capable
of singing notes well beyond your limited range,
l can produce multiharmonic overtones
through the use of amplitude vacillat...
Why did you do that?
Tincoo, music is more than mathematics,
and l am much more
than a program with musical subroutines.
All of my experience, all of my passion
goes into every note that l sing.
When you listen to me, when my singing moves you,
you're not just hearing notes.
You're hearing my artistry...
my... soul.
l've duplicated that, too.
l thought you wanted me.
l did, but now, l've developed
a far more sophisticated piece of technology.
Technology...
l thought you would be pleased.
You seemed reluctant to leave your ship.
You told me that the time you had spent with me
was the most stimulating of your life.
lt was.
You inspired me to do my greatest work.
But l thought...
Yes?
That you and l...
What?
Well, l suppose l'm no longer on the bill tomorrow.
Of course you are.
lt will be your farewell performance.
Of course.
You wanted to see me?
l need your clearance code to delete my medical database.
You sure you want to do that?
lf you give one of your fans a heart attack,
you won't be able
to resuscitate him.
l need more space in my matrix.
For what?
To expand my musical subroutines,
so that l can sing this composition.
Well, l'm surprised you're asking me for help.
l recall your saying that my appreciation for music
was limited to "a smattering of Klingon drinking songs."
Please, B'Elanna.
l'm asking you as a friend.
Everything depends on this.
What's so important about this composition?
Tincoo wrote it for me.
Your girlfriend?
l wouldn't call her that.
Don't tell me you two had a fight.
Let's just say,
she doesn't appreciate me quite as much as l thought she did.
But that will all change.
Once l perform this,
she will see me for the artist l truly am.
Look, Doc, l don't know anything about this woman,
or why she doesn't appreciate you,
and l may not be an expert on music,
but l'm a pretty good Engineer.
l can expand your musical subroutines all you like.
l can even reprogram you to be a whistling teapot,
but, if l do that, you won't be you anymore.
Tonight, l was planning to perform a song
composed by one of your own people.
When you consider she heard music for the first time
only a few days ago,
it's an extraordinary accomplishment.
But although it's a very beautiful composition,
l'm afraid it's beyond my abilities.
So instead, l'm going to sing an old Neapolitan ballad.
lt's a song about lost love.
Thank you, Doctor.
That was fascinating.
lt is because
of your inspiration that l can now present to you
a new and exciting musical program— a singing
holographic matrix...
designed specifically to extend the range
of humanoid vocal capabilities,
singing my own musical composition.
Come in.
Good morning, Captain.
What's this?
A formal request
to be reinstated.
So you've taken off your tails and put them between your legs.
Yes, ma'am.
You offended a lot of people who care about you.
l know.
l was a fool, l'm sorry,
and l'm willing to do whatever l can to rectify the situation,
starting with the deletion of all my musical subroutines.
Permission denied.
But, Captain...
No "buts," Doctor.
You're expected to follow orders,
just like every other flesh and blood
member of this crew.
Resume your normal activities—
all of them.
Yes, ma'am.
Dismissed.
Oh, Seven, l didn't see you.
l suppose
you've come to gloat.
l have something for you.
What is it?
Fan mail.
Delete it.
l don't want to read another word.
Then l'll read it for you.
Seven...
"Dear Doctor,
"l regret that your last performance
"was not as successful as you'd hoped.
"There are still those who appreciate
"your unique talents and admire you as an individual.
l'll always consider myself your loyal fan."
Who's it from?
lt's signed, "Seven of Nine
Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix 01."
l've been working on the railroad
All the livelong day
l've been working on the railroad
Just to pass the time away
Can't you hear the whistle blowing?
Rise up so early in the morn...