Gladiator

Written: 1999
© Julie Ruffell 1999.
Timeline: Sometime between "Thirty Days" and "Warhead" (season five)
Disclaimer: Xena: Warrior Princess is the copyright property of Renaissance Pictures, Universal Studios and Studios USA. This fan fiction story was written for entertainment purposes only.
Description: Torres, Janeway and Paris are captured by the Oraci and Torres is forced to fight as a gladiator. The more she fights, the more her personality changes. Janeway and Paris need to figure a way out before the Torres they know is gone completely.

"Gladiator"

TEASER

1 INT. CELL

We open with nothing but black. The sound of DRIPPING WATER can be faintly heard. We FADE IN as though looking through someone's opening eyes. The eyes belong to JANEWAY. She has a small cut on her left temple, and the blood has run down her face. She sits up from her lying position on the stone floor, and groans. She feels her head, and then sees the blood that has come off on her hand. Janeway sighs and looks around the cell. It's fairly big, with a small cot at every wall. There is a large hole in the front wall, which is where the FORCEFIELD is located that leads in and out of the cell, to the corridor. Right next to Janeway is TORRES, and on the other side of the cell is PARIS. Both officers are unconscious. Janeway moves over to Torres, who is lying on her back, her right arm slung over her stomach. Torres has a large, dark bruise that covers her right eye, and half of her right cheek.

JANEWAY
Lieutenant? B'Elanna, can you hear me?

Torres groans and opens her eyes.

TORRES
Captain?

JANEWAY
(nods) Can you sit up?

Janeway helps Torres sit up, and lean against the cot. Janeway moves over to Paris, but we stay on Torres who is grimacing in pain. We move to look at Janeway and Paris as Janeway helps Paris to his feet.

PARIS
(groans and holds the back of his head)
What hit me?

JANEWAY
The butt of a riffle. Our Oraci hosts were obviously not interested in us for the purposes of trading.

TORRES
The question is, what are they interested in?

Janeway and Paris move over to Torres and Paris kneels down beside her.

PARIS
(seeing Torres' bruise)
Ouch. Are you okay?

TORRES
Never better.

We hear the sound of HEAVY BOOTS and we turn to look at the forcefield. Four guards step into view. The forcefield is lowered and three of the four guards step inside, guns at the ready. GUARD #1 points at Paris with the barrel of his phaser rifle.

GUARD #1
Come with me.

PARIS
What for?

GUARD #1
I said, 'Come with me.'

Paris doesn't move. Guard #1 takes aim at Paris.

GUARD #1
Don't make me ask you again.

Janeway steps forward.

JANEWAY
I'm his Captain. Take me.

GUARD #1
I asked for him.

Guard #1 grabs Paris and starts to lead him out. Torres jumps to her feet and moves to stop him, but the two other guards in the cell block her path. Paris dragged out. Torres struggles with the guards.

TORRES
Tom!

The guards push Torres back, and as they exit, they turn the forcefield back on. They move down the corridor, and Torres runs to the forcefield, not being able to do anything but watch with a worried look as Paris is taken away, to who knows where.

FADE OUT:

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

2 INT. ASTROMETRICS LAB

SEVEN is working when NAOMI enters. Seven turns to look at the door and sees the young girl.

SEVEN
Naomi Wildman.

NAOMI
Hey Seven. What are you doing?

SEVEN
I am recording sensor readings from the spatial anomaly we came here to investigate.

NAOMI
Oh. Well, can you take a break?

SEVEN
(raises eyebrow)
A 'break'?

NAOMI
You know, take some time off. I was hoping we could spend some time together today.

Seven turns back to her work.

SEVEN
I am currently occupied. Perhaps another time.

NAOMI
Okay. I understand.

Naomi starts to leave. Seven turns to look at the girl's slumped shoulders. She looks back to her work.

SEVEN
Naomi Wildman.

NAOMI
What?

SEVEN
I have almost completed with the necessary requirements. I will comply with your request.

Naomi's face lights up.

NAOMI
All right! I have the best thing planned.

SEVEN
Would you like to assist me in my work to speed up production?

Naomi joins Seven and they start to work.

CUT TO:

3 INT. PRISON CORRIDOR

Janeway and Torres move along through the corridor, two guards in front of them, and behind are Guard #1 and GUARD #2. Janeway and Torres WHISPER their conversation.

TORRES
I'm worried about Tom.

JANEWAY
I'm sure he's fine. It hasn't been that long.

TORRES
If they've hurt him...

JANEWAY
Easy, B'Elanna.

We move down the corridor and see a light at the end of it. They move closer and closer, and as they reach it, all we see is white as we:

CUT TO:

4 EXT. ARENA - DAY

The white light fades and we focus on Janeway and Torres who are blinking at the brilliance of the sun. We move to look at the arena. The ground is made of sand, and on top of high walls sits the crowds, all around the circular arena. We can see a gate on either side of the arena, as well as another gate strait ahead. Also strait across is a shaded booth located up in the crowds where the world leader, ATTAIR sits. Guard #1 grabs Torres, while Guard #2 grabs Janeway.

GUARD #1
Let's go.
(pushes Torres forward)
Move!

They are dragged out to the center of the arena, the crowd cheering loudly. We move to look at the gate under Attair's booth, and out steps a middle-aged Oraci, the race that inhabits this planet. He is NIPAR. He steps out before the crowd, between the restrained Janeway and Torres.

NIPAR
Thank you all for coming. You will not be sorry. We bring to you today, a brand new contestant.

The crowd roars its approval.

NIPAR
Though they do not come from our quadrant, anywhere they travel, their name means death. These people make their way across the stars, destroying entire planets, leaving nothing but death in their wake. We have managed to capture some of its deadly crew. Behind me stand two of the captured, but for you, we'll have one enter the rink and fight Steel Jaw!

Torres and Janeway are pulled back, as the gate to the left opens. Out steps a monstrous alien, with two fangs which are so large, they stick out of his mouth. They are stained red with blood. He has only three fingers on each hand, but they each have long, sharp claws. STEEL JAW is covered in scars, some small, others more serious. He has no left eye, for it has been removed in battle.

NIPAR
Steel Jaw has won thirteen battles, but now he must face...Terrible Parish, known for the dreadful demise he gives his enemies.

The gate on the right opens and Paris enters the arena. His chest is bare, and he is armed with only a small dagger. His eyes dart around. Paris looks at the crowd, which cheers. Beads of sweat have formed on Paris' brow. His eyes fall on Torres and Janeway, but they then move to his opponent who bares his teeth. Paris stares at Steel Jaw, and he takes a deep breath. Nipar looks up to where Attair has moved into his booth. Attair waves his hand. Nipar bows and turns to the fighters.

NIPAR
May your deaths be painful, and entertaining. Begin!

The sound of the crowd increases as Nipar quickly moves away. Steel Jaw roars loudly. He charges at Paris. When Steel Jaw is almost upon him, Paris leaps to the side, but Steel Jaw is prepared for the move, and his claws rake across Paris' back. Paris falls into the dirt, and before he recovers, Steel Jaw picks him up and holds him over his head. He roars and tosses Paris. The crowd cheers.

CUT TO:

5 EXT. ARENA - DAY

Torres struggles against the guards.

TORRES
This is madness. Stop this. Let him go!

GUARD #1
Quiet.

JANEWAY
We came here peacefully.

GUARD #2
Silence!

JANEWAY
I'm the Captain. It should be me out there.

GUARD #2
(holds a gun at her neck)
I wouldn't recommend speaking again if you value your life. I will not hesitate to kill you.

CUT TO:

6 EXT. ARENA - DAY

Paris gets up, wipes the blood away from his lip, and grimaces at the pain the movement brings.

PARIS
So we're going to play rough, huh?

NIPAR
First blood!

STEEL JAW
I am invincible!

Steel Jaw comes at Paris again. We move to a close-up of Paris' hand and see him clutch the dagger tighter. We move to several tight shots of Steel Jaw charging, Paris' eyes and Paris holding the dagger. When Steel Jaw is almost right upon him, Paris jams the knife into Steel Jaw's thigh. Wide shot of both fighters as Steel Jaw hollers out in pain, as the crowd cheers. Steel Jaw removes the dagger from his thigh and throws it away, in the direction of Torres and Janeway. It lands in the sand.

STEEL JAW
For that, I'll make your death that much more painful.

PARIS
Bring it.

STEEL JAW
You are a small man. Do you really think you can defeat me?

PARIS
I can try.

STEEL JAW
You'll fail.

PARIS
If you're so sure, then stop talking and fight.

Steel Jaw roars, and Paris pushes off of the ground, sending himself slamming into Steel Jaw. The two go down, but before Paris can do much, Steel Jaw is on top of him, straggling him by the throat.

CUT TO:

7 EXT. ARENA - DAY

Torres watches the battle before her.

TORRES
Tom!

She looks at the dagger, and then back to the battle. She stomps her foot down on Guard #1's foot, and he cries out, releasing her. Torres turns and hits Guard #1. As Torres runs off, Janeway struggles with Guard #2, but Guard #2 holds her tighter and holds his gun at her neck. She stops.

CUT TO:

8 EXT. ARENA - DAY

Torres grabs the dagger, and runs towards Paris and Steel Jaw.

CUT TO:

9 EXT. ARENA - DAY

Steel Jaw strangles Paris, who is running out of air. Steel Jaw laughs.

STEEL JAW
I never lose.

Torres slams into Steel Jaw and they go rolling away from Paris. They land facing each other on the ground, and Steel Jaw throws himself on Torres. He holds up his claws, ready to kill her with them, when Torres stabs him in the stomach with the dagger. He cries out and then falls off of her, dead. The crowd's cheers grow louder. Torres turns to look at the body, and she backs away from it. Close-up on Steel Jaw's dead face. His eyes are open. Close-up on Torres' face, which has a look of disgust on it. Suddenly, Guard #1 pulls her to her feet. He has a bloody nose, and he pulls a gun, holding it at her neck. Nipar moves over to them.

NIPAR
You killed him! You! You're a woman! Women can't be warriors in the fights. Do you have any idea --

Nipar stops himself, noticing the cheering of the crowd. He turns to look at them, screaming in the stands. He looks to Attair. The world leader nods his head. Nipar turns back at Torres, a smile spreading across his features.

NIPAR
You're lucky. The crowd loves you, and so does Attair. Looks like your career in the arena is just beginning.

TORRES
What are you talking about?

NIPAR
A revelation.
(to crowd)
Friends, never before have we seen a woman gladiator, but never have we seen a the members of such a fierce crew. This woman has killed Steel Jaw within moments of entering the arena. Tomorrow, we will see how good a fighter she is. Don't miss the first fight of Lady Death!

The crowd cheers. Nipar smiles wickedly and once more faces Torres.

NIPAR
You're going to make history, Lady Death. We never thought of putting women in the fights, because we never thought they would be able to win, but you, you're something I've never seen. If you fight like you did today, you'll bring in the greatest profits the fights have ever seen, and once more Attair will reward me. Now, since you won, it's time for your reward. Don't worry, it's well worth it. You'll never be able to get enough.
(to Guard #1)
Take her.

Torres is dragged off to the gate under Attair's booth. Two guards pull Paris to his feet, and both he and Janeway are lead off, back towards the prison.

PARIS
Wait! Where are you taking B'Elanna?

GUARD #2
That's no concern of yours. Move.

PARIS
No, wait. Please.

Paris is pushed forward. Close-up of Paris' face as he turns to look at Torres as he walks. Close-up of Torres as she turns to look at Paris while she walks. Wide shot of the arena as the crew are lead out separate ways.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

10 INT. CELL

Janeway sits on one of the cots, while Paris paces.

PARIS
What are they doing with her? It's been hours.

JANEWAY
Calm down, Tom. I'm sure she's fine.

PARIS
We can't know that. I was almost killed out there. Who knows where they took her or what they want. She could be dead.

JANEWAY
They wouldn't have gone to all the effort to capture us, just to kill her.

PARIS
I should have stopped them.

JANEWAY
There was nothing you could have done, Tom.

PARIS
It doesn't matter! I should have done something, anything. I should have stopped them.

JANEWAY
I know you're worried. So am I, but we're going to get out of here. B'Elanna can more than take care of herself. She's fine.

Paris sighs and sits next to Janeway.

PARIS
I'm worrying, I know, but I love her.

JANEWAY
(places hand on Paris' shoulder)
I understand.

GUARD #1
Get in there.

Guard #1 drags Torres into view. He lowers the forcefield, tosses her in and leaves. Janeway and Paris move over to Torres, who is disoriented.

JANEWAY
B'Elanna, are you all right?

TORRES
I'm...I'm not sure.

PARIS
Where did they take you?

TORRES
(holds her head)
I can't seem to remember. I feel...funny. Strange.

JANEWAY
Any injuries?

TORRES
No, I'm all right. I just feel so different.

JANEWAY
Do you feel sick?

TORRES
No, that's not it. I've never felt like this before.

JANEWAY
You're sure you don't remember where they took you?

TORRES
(closes her eyes)
It was dark. I remember bottles, little glass ones, filled with a green liquid. The guard strapped me to a cold, metal table. I must have blacked out.

JANEWAY
Sounds like a lab of some sort.

TORRES
It could have been.
(opens eyes)
I don't know.

JANEWAY
Do you remember if they did anything to you? They must have brought you there for a reason.

TORRES
(frustrated)
I don't know.

JANEWAY
I'm sorry. I'm not trying to push you.

Paris helps Torres over to a cot.

PARIS
Here, lie down.

She does. Close-up on Torres' face as her eyes close.

CUT TO:

11 EXT. ARENA - NIGHT

Nipar steps into the arena to find Attair standing in the center. Nipar joins him.

NIPAR
Have you seen the sales? People are begging to get in to see Lady Death.

ATTAIR
If she can prove herself like she did today, I want her fighting twice a day.

NIPAR
She won't be able to survive that.

ATTAIR
What about her Captain?

NIPAR
I don't know if she fights like Lady Death. Besides, if Lady Death dies, that would be the time to put the Captain in the fights.

ATTAIR
Agreed, but I want you to find more female fighters. The populace loves it.

NIPAR
That will be easy to arrange. We have Voyager's Captain. They'll come for her. They have an amazing crew, full of new aliens, and there's plenty of women. They even have a female borg. It will be a new age of gladiators.

ATTAIR
Make it happen and you'll be rewarded more than you can imagine.

NIPAR
I can imagine a lot, Attair.

ATTAIR
Trust me. More than you can imagine.

NIPAR
You know, if we were to enlarge the arena --

ATTAIR
Bringing down Voyager will cost a lot of money. I don't want to spend anymore profits.

NIPAR
A better idea would be to charge an entrance fee to all the other arenas to receive a live video feed, but double ticket prices.

ATTAIR
(smiles)
I like how you think.

NIPAR
I know.

ATTAIR
You have one hour to get the video feed set up.

NIPAR
Consider it done.

ATTAIR
That's why I like you, Nipar.

CUT TO:

12 INT. CELL

Close-up on Torres' face, her eyes still closed. She opens them and rolls onto her side. She sits up and scowls.

TORRES
How long was I out?

PARIS
All night.

TORRES
Why did you let me sleep so long?

PARIS
What's wrong?

TORRES
What's wrong? We should be looking for a way to escape and you're letting me sleep, that's what's wrong.

JANEWAY
After yesterday --

TORRES
I don't care about yesterday!

JANEWAY
Lieutenant.

TORRES
(glares at Janeway)
Is there a problem, Captain? It's not like the two of you have done anything. You're obviously waiting for me to fix the problem like you always do. You sit up there on the bridge, waiting me to supply you with all the answers while you do nothing.

PARIS
B'Elanna!

TORRES
Don't get me started on you. (to Janeway)
Frankly, Captain, I do all the work on the ship, but you never cut me any slack. You demand the most outrageous things, but you never give me the time to accomplish them, and if something goes wrong, it's my fault.

JANEWAY
(calmly)
Are you done?

TORRES
(steps up to Janeway)
I'm just getting warmed up.

The forcefield drops and guards enter.

GUARD #1
It's time.

TORRES
For what?

GUARD #1
Your first official fight.

TORRES
The only person I'm interested in mopping the floor with is you.

Guard #1 raises his gun.

TORRES
Well aren't you a big man? You're lucky you have that phaser. I'd keep it close if I were you.

Torres leaves with the guards, leaving a stunned Janeway and Paris.

CUT TO:

13 EXT. FLOTTER'S FOREST - DAY

Seven and Naomi enter the holodeck, which has been turned into Flotter's forest. Seven follows Naomi to the lake where FLOTTER lives.

NAOMI
Flotter?

Flotter rises from the lake.

FLOTTER
Naomi! How are you? It's been awhile.

NAOMI
I know. We've been really busy on Voyager.

FLOTTER
But nothing Captain Naomi can't handle, right?

SEVEN
Naomi Wildman, your designation on Voyager is not Captain.

FLOTTER
Of course it is. She told me so.

SEVEN
You are mistaken.

FLOTTER
Naomi, is this woman with you? What is she talking about?

NAOMI
(faces Seven)
Come on, Seven. This isn't real.

SEVEN
This is a holodeck simulation. I understand it is not meant to be real.

NAOMI
Right, pretend.

SEVEN
Pretend. A child's game where reality is suspended. Like Ensign Paris' Captain Proton program.

NAOMI
Exactly. So, pretend.

FLOTTER
(to Seven)
I'm Flotter. What's your name?

SEVEN
(to Naomi)
I do not understand why the crew participates in such an inefficient use of their time.

FLOTTER
I asked your name.

NAOMI
Seven, don't be rude to Flotter. You'll hurt his feelings.

SEVEN
He is merely a computer generated image. He is incapable of feeling emotion.

FLOTTER
I feel emotions just fine. Naomi, your friend certainly isn't very friendly.

NAOMI
I guess borgs don't have an imagination.

Naomi storms out of the holodeck. Seven watches her go, a look of hurt in her face.

SEVEN
I am not borg.

CUT TO:

14 INT. CELL

Janeway inspects the wires behind a panel she has just removed. She starts to slowly move her hands closer to the wires.

JANEWAY
If I can just --

She moves to touch a wire, when a small forcefield activates and shocks her. Janeway jumps back.

JANEWAY
So much for that idea.

PARIS
Forcefield?

JANEWAY
(nods) We can't even get to the wires.

PARIS
I wish B'Elanna were here.

JANEWAY
So do I, Tom, but we don't know when they're going to bring her back.

PARIS
You mean if they bring her back.

JANEWAY
If they don't, we'll find a way out and save her. We will get out. We've made it out of tougher spots than this.

PARIS
Something's wrong with her. I've never seen her act like that.

JANEWAY
They're doing something to her out there, Tom. I wish I knew what. Just keep in mind that she's not herself right now.

Once more the guards return with Torres, but they don't throw her inside this time. They are laughing and clapping her on the back. Torres is cut and bruised, having just returned from a fight.

GUARD #2
And then, pow! You're amazing Lady Death! What a fight.

GUARD #1
Finished him off nicely.

They drop the forcefield and Torres turns to face them.

TORRES
What's the rush, boys? Nothing exciting going on in there. Can't I stay out here with you?

The guards stop being friendly and shove Torres inside.

TORRES
Your loss.

Paris grabs Torres as she walks by.

PARIS
What was that?

TORRES
(gets out of Paris' grasp)
Jealous? Relax, Tom. I was working on a way out.

JANEWAY
Are you all right, Lieutenant?

TORRES
This is nothing compared to what I did to my opponent.

JANEWAY
What do you mean?

TORRES
I'm a gladiator. They throw me in the arena with another prisoner, and only one of us is allowed to leave alive. So everyday, I have to either kill a man, or die. Any ideas how to get out of here?

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

15 INT. MESS HALL

Seven enters the Mess Hall and moves over to the kitchen where NEELIX is busy preparing a meal.

NEELIX
Why, Seven, hello. Have you come by for something to eat?

SEVEN
No, I have not. I have come to ask you a question about Naomi Wildman.

NEELIX
Naomi? Is she all right?

SEVEN
She is undamaged, but I believe I have caused an emotional response from her.

Neelix leads Seven to a table.

NEELIX
What do you mean?

SEVEN
She brought me to the holodeck to engage in a game of 'pretend' with a character named Flotter.

NEELIX
That's her favourite one.

SEVEN
The character referred to her as the Captain of Voyager, and when I corrected him, Naomi Wildman became...upset. Her behavior escalated as I continued to speak with her, while ignoring the holographic image of Flotter. I do not understand.

NEELIX
Come on, Seven. Didn't you ever play pretend when you were younger?

SEVEN
I can remember many occasions when my parents engaged in the activity with me.

NEELIX
And do you remember how you felt when you played?

SEVEN
I recall outbursts of laughter.

NEELIX
Well, there you go. It's fun. You remember fun?

SEVEN
I do not.

NEELIX
Spend some time with Naomi and Flotter. You'll remember.

Neelix returns to the kitchen.

CUT TO:

16 INT. CELL

Janeway and Paris are alone once more in the cell.

JANEWAY
I don't understand it. When she leaves, Torres is violent and hostile, but she returns --

PARIS
--she's a whole new person.

JANEWAY
Exactly. Something happens to her when she leaves this cell and I want to know what. It could be dangerous.

JOTAS the guard walks into view.

JOTAS
It's the injection.

PARIS
The what?

JOTAS
Haven't you figured it out yet? The winner of every fight receives an injection, which is a highly addictive drug.

Jotas has an edge of anger in his voice.

JANEWAY
Why?

JOTAS
They say it's a reward, but in reality, they use it to make the fighters more aggressive. When they first receive the injection they are happy and carefree, but within twelve hours, it starts to wear off. At that point, their body is filled with adrenaline and they have no control of their anger. Put them in the arena like that and they tear each other apart. All so they get another injection.

JANEWAY
You don't sound too happy about that.

JOTAS
It's barbaric. About fifteen years ago, our prisons were all over crowded. Crime was out of control, and we couldn't fit any more perpetrators in the prisons. Our world leader, Attair, asked for suggestions. Nipar suggested the gladiator fights. Prisoners would then get killed everyday, reducing the population in the prisons, while also preventing crimes from being committed, because no one wanted to be involved in the fights. It worked and the population loved watching two prisoners kill or be killed. Then the prisoners rioted, killing hundreds of innocent viewers and guards. That's when Nipar formulated the drug, which kept the prisoners under his control.

PARIS
So, why is B'Elanna out there? We came to your planet on a peaceful mission, and we were captured and locked up. We didn't commit any crime.

JOTAS
The problem with Nipar's solution was that it worked too well. After several years, we only had one prisoner left, and he killed himself when he didn't get the injection. The people were outraged. They loved the fights. I don't know what kind of sick person takes joy in watching other suffer, but Attair and Nipar knew the kind of profits that the fights were bringing in. Nipar started turning to capturing other ships and forcing their crews to fight.

PARIS
They've done this to others?

JOTAS
Countless others. Nipar has grown very rich. He doesn't even care that his wealth comes from the suffering and deaths of others, and Attair is even richer. They're only concerned with their own well being.

JANEWAY
(steps forward) It doesn't sound like you agree with your leader.

JOTAS
Of course I don't! I'm very sorry for what they're doing to your friend, but I'm a guard, and there's nothing I can do.

JANEWAY
You can speak out.

JOTAS
One person doesn't mean much. No one cares what I think.

JANEWAY
Have you tried?

JOTAS
No.

JANEWAY
Then how can you know? Maybe there's more people out there who are just like you, but they're too afraid to say anything. You could give them that voice.

JOTAS
(thinks for a moment)
No, it's impossible. I can't change them.

PARIS
Take a chance. Think of how many people you could save.

JOTAS
I can't.

PARIS
Why not? You say you disagree with what's happening, but like a coward, you refuse to do anything.

JOTAS
What do you know? I have a family, and I will not bring this down on their heads. Don't think for a moment that Nipar won't use them to silence me.

GUARD #1
You there!

Jotas turns in surprise to see Guard #1 and Guard #2 returning with Torres, who is injured a little further.

GUARD #1
Why are you talking to the prisoners?

JOTAS
I...I was telling them to be quiet. They've been yapping non-stop.

Guard #1 lowers the forcefield and Torres steps inside.

GUARD #1
Let's go.

The three of them leave, but we move the camera into the cell. Torres lies down on a cot.

TORRES
You should have seen me out there today. I was unstoppable. He hardly touched me.

JANEWAY
What happened after the fight?

TORRES
The crowd cheered and I was brought back here, same as always.

JANEWAY
They didn't take you anywhere?

TORRES
Why would they?

JANEWAY
What about that lab they took you to the first time?

TORRES
(sits up)
There is no lab.

JANEWAY
Then where did they take you?

TORRES
I told you, I don't remember, but they didn't do anything to me.

Janeway turns away from Torres.

JANEWAY
We're getting out of here.

Torres stands quickly.

TORRES
We can't.

JANEWAY
(faces Torres) Why not?

TORRES
There's no way to get past the forcefield.

JANEWAY
Sure there is. While you were gone, I got the panel off the controls. With a little work, I know you can figure it out.

TORRES
(beat)
Even if we got out, there are guards everywhere. We can't escape.

PARIS
(stepping in)
You were so eager before. Why are you being defeated so easily?

TORRES
I'm just being realistic.

JANEWAY
(long beat, looking at Torres)
We know about the injections, B'Elanna.

TORRES
(defensive)
What are you talking about?

JANEWAY
The injections they give the winners. They've drugged you.

TORRES
(laughs)
That's ridiculous.

JANEWAY
No it's not. It's the truth. We're getting out of here. We have to get you treated.

TORRES
Captain, look, there is no way out, and whoever told you about this...injection, is lying.

JANEWAY
Are they?

TORRES
You would think a Captain would take the word of her crew over the word of a stranger.

JANEWAY
Normally I would, but right now, you're the stranger. You leave this cell as one person and come back as another. We don't know who you are anymore, B'Elanna, and it's because of the injections. Stop lying. Let us help you.

TORRES
You don't know what you're talking about.

JANEWAY
I do know. I know you're addicted. I know you're changing. I know that you don't want to escape, because you need the drug. You can't function without it, can you? That's why you're always so eager to fight.

TORRES
Maybe I just like to kill people. Do you believe that? No, because that's not me, right? But maybe it is. After all, I'm a lair.

JANEWAY
B'Elanna, you need help.

TORRES
Not from you I don't. Either of you. I'm fine.

JANEWAY
You might think you are, but that's only because you can't think straight. The drug has control of you.

TORRES
I told you there is no drug! What do I have to do to prove it to you?

JANEWAY
Take care of the forcefield.

TORRES
And then what? How far do you honestly think we'll get? Believe me, Captain, there is no way out of here, and there is no injection.

JANEWAY
We can't help you until we escape.

TORRES
Are you even listening to me? I don't need any help because there is no drug.

Torres turns her back to Janeway.

JANEWAY
We're leaving with or without your help. I refuse to sit here and watch you slowly fall apart. Look at yourself, B'Elanna. Do you even know who you are? I sure don't. The B'Elanna I know wouldn't accept this predicament. The B'Elanna I know wouldn't treat her fellow officers with no respect. The B'Elanna I know wouldn't seem to enjoy killing people.

Torres backhands Janeway, hard, and she flies back, hitting the floor.

PARIS
Captain!
(runs to Janeway. Faces Torres)
Why did you do that? What's wrong with you, B'Elanna?

TORRES
Just...leave me alone. Both of you!

Torres moves away from them and faces a wall.

TORRES
(whispers, while looking at her hands)
What have I done?

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

17 INT. CELL

Paris inspects the bruise Torres has left on Janeway's face.

PARIS
I can't believe she hit you.

JANEWAY
She's not herself. We have to get her back to the ship and have the doctor treat her.

PARIS
Any ideas on how to get out of here?

JANEWAY
We'll have to attack the guards next time they lower the forcefield to put B'Elanna back in here.

Jotas steps into view.

JOTAS
I wouldn't. You'd just be throwing your lives away.

PARIS
How much did you hear?

JOTAS
Enough. You're not going to escape.

JANEWAY
Why? Are you going to stop us?

JOTAS
It's my job.

JANEWAY
It was your job when it is right, but it stopped being right a long time ago. Help us. Take that chance. Be that voice.

JOTAS
I can't. You don't understand.

JANEWAY
Help us get to our shuttle, please. You'll show Attair and the people that there are those who don't agree with what's being done here.

JOTAS
I told you, I can't.

JANEWAY
Then you're a small, little man. I don't know how you can live with yourself when you watch others suffer everyday. You're as bad as everybody else. No. No, you're worse, because you know this is wrong, but you still won't help.

Janeway starts to walk away, back over to Paris.

JOTAS
Wait.

CUT TO:

18 INT. SICKBAY

Seven enters Sickbay.

SEVEN
Computer, active EMH.

The DOCTOR materializes before her.

DOCTOR
Please state the nature of the medical emergency.
(turns to see Seven)
Ah, Seven, what can I do for you?

SEVEN
I need your assistance in designing a holodeck program.

CUT TO:

19 INT. PRISON CORRIDOR

Nipar moves along through the corridor. Jotas enters from a joining corridor, and steps in front of Nipar.

JOTAS
Nipar, might I have a word with you?

NIPAR
That would depend on who you are and what you wish to discuss.

JOTAS
I am Jotas, Guard number 03694. I have served as a guard loyally for many years. I would like to talk to you about the crew of Voyager.

NIPAR
What about them?

JOTAS
Those people have done nothing to us. Why not let them go?

NIPAR
Tell me number 03694, do you have a family?

JOTAS
Yes, sir.

NIPAR
And you care for them by working here. Where do you think your salary comes from? If we were to stop capturing aliens, the fights would end and so would your family.

JOTAS
It's not right.

NIPAR
They're aliens! And before them, it was criminals. It's not like we're killing decent people.

JOTAS
With all due respect, sir, just because the aliens are different, it doesn't give us the right to kill them.

NIPAR
Yes, it does.

JOTAS
I urge you to reconsider.

NIPAR
I will not. Now, excuse me.

Nipar starts to leave, but Jotas blocks his way.

NIPAR
Step aside.

JOTAS
Not until you listen to reason.

NIPAR
Who are you to talk down to me? You're nothing. Nobody.

JOTAS
Wrong. Everyone is someone, and that includes the aliens. Let them go.

NIPAR
Or what?

JOTAS
You will not keep the control you have over the people forever, Nipar. They'll see you for what you are, and when that happens, it will all be over.

NIPAR
You call that a threat?

JOTAS
No, I call it a fact. Watch your back. Things are going to change.

Jotas leaves.

CUT TO:

20 INT. CELL

Janeway, Paris and Torres are asleep in the cell. Jotas moves up to the forcefield and lowers it.

JOTAS
It's time.

Janeway and Paris sit up, having never been asleep and Paris moves over to wake Torres.

PARIS
B'Elanna, wake up.

TORRES
What?

PARIS
We're leaving.

TORRES
I told you there's no way out.

PARIS
One of the guards is helping us.

TORRES
It's a trap. Go back to bed.

Paris pulls Torres into a sitting position.

PARIS
There's no reason for you to want to stay here except for the drug.

TORRES
There's no drug.

PARIS
Then get up, and let's go. We're going back to Voyager.

Torres does not move.

PARIS
Janeway wasn't lying, was she? You're completely addicted.

Torres stands.

TORRES
If I have to walk into a trap to prove there's no drug, then let's go. I'm just sorry you don't trust me.

Torres moves to stand with Janeway and Jotas. Paris follows.

CUT TO:

21 INT. CORRIDOR

Naomi walks down the corridor. Seven enters from behind her.

SEVEN
Naomi Wildman.

Naomi does not face Seven.

NAOMI
What do you want?

SEVEN
I require your assistance.

NAOMI
No you don't.

SEVEN
It is imperative that you come with me.

NAOMI
I don't want to.

SEVEN
You must comply.

Naomi stops walking and faces Seven.

NAOMI
Why should I go anywhere with you? You were mean to Flotter.

SEVEN
(places her hands behind her back)
I need you to accompany me.

NAOMI
How come you won't answer any of my questions?

SEVEN
You must comply.

Naomi looks at Seven and then starts walking the down the corridor the way Seven came, and Seven follows.

CUT TO:

22 INT. PRISON CORRIDOR

Janeway, Paris, Torres and Jotas move quickly, but quietly down the corridor.

JOTAS
We have to make it out of the prison before they come to get Lady Death for her next fight.

JANEWAY
Her name is B'Elanna Torres.

JOTAS
I'm Jotas.

JANEWAY
Captain Kathryn Janeway, and that's Tom Paris, but let's get to know each other later.

JOTAS
Agreed.

CUT TO:

23 INT. PRISON CORRIDOR

Torres and Paris are walking behind Janeway and Jotas. Torres is sweating and having trouble breathing.

PARIS
B'Elanna?

TORRES
I'm fine!

PARIS
I'm sorry about happened here, but soon we'll be back on Voyager and you'll be back to your old self.

TORRES
What do you mean my old self? The only people who are different are you and the Captain, turning on me like you did. I'm the one risking my life out there everyday.

PARIS
That's over with.

TORRES
We're not out of here yet. Maybe this was planned. Maybe this is just another one of their games. Did you think about that?

PARIS
We have to take that chance.

TORRES
Because you're too damn impatient to wait for Chakotay to come and get us. If we don't show up, he'll come for us.

PARIS
We're not suppose to rendezvous with Voyager for another three days. You could be killed out there before then.

TORRES
Thanks for the support.

PARIS
Have you seen yourself lately? I'm surprised you're still standing.

TORRES
Well, unlike you, I can last for more than thirty seconds in a fight.

She shoves him aside and move ahead, but she falls to one knee.

PARIS
(moves to her)
B'Elanna?

TORRES
Tom...

Torres falls forward but Paris catches her in his arms.

JANEWAY
B'Elanna!

Janeway and Jotas join Paris and Torres.

JOTAS
She needs another injection.

TORRES
I just slipped.
(gets up weakly)
I've never had an injection.

JOTAS
You've had plenty.

TORRES
Liar! You're the one that caused them to turn on me.

Torres punches him and he falls to the ground, blood covering his lip. Janeway and Paris move to restrain Torres. Torres struggles, but Jotas leaps up and puts a hypospray against Torres' neck. She loses consciousness over his shoulder and he hoists her up. Jotas drops the now empty hypospray.

JOTAS
It was the only way. When she wakes up, her system will have worked out the adrenaline, but she'll have a long road to recovery. Now, let's get out of here.

They head out.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

24 INT. CELL

Nipar enters the prison cell where Janeway, Paris and Torres once were. Guard #1 and Guard #2 are inspecting the scene.

NIPAR
What happened?

GUARD #1
The aliens have escaped with Lady Death.

NIPAR
I know that! How did it happen?

GUARD #1
There is no evidence that they used force. I think they had help.

NIPAR
Did guard number 03694 show up today?

GUARD #1
We have not been able to reach him.

NIPAR
Find him.

The guards leave. Attair enters.

ATTAIR
So it's true.

NIPAR
Attair! Sir. What are you doing here?

ATTAIR
I heard that Lady Death had escaped. She should been under our complete control by now, Nipar. Is your drug faulty?

NIPAR
No, sir. I believe that the other two from Voyager had help from a guard to escape. They took her with them. She never would have gone otherwise. The addiction is instant.

ATTAIR
Then I trust you can correct the situation? Lady Death is scheduled to fight today, and the entire world will be watching.

NIPAR
I'll have her back before the fight, sir. She won't get far.

ATTAIR
See that she doesn't, or you'll find yourself in the ring.

CUT TO:

25 EXT. CITY ALLEY - NIGHT

Close-up on Torres' sweaty face. She opens her eyes. Torres' POV: She opens her eyes to see a blurry Janeway and Paris. They come into focus.

TORRES
What...happened?

JANEWAY
You attacked Jotas and he put you out with a hypospray.

TORRES
I didn't mean to. I just...please. I can't.

PARIS
Can't what?

TORRES
(sobbing)
Please. Please. I can't go on without it.

PARIS
Without what?

TORRES
Please.

JOTAS
She needs the drug.

JANEWAY
Just hold on, B'Elanna.

TORRES
(grabs Janeway)
I can't. Give it to me!

JANEWAY
Never.

TORRES
Please! I can't make it without it, Captain. Tom. Tom, if you love me, you'll help me.

PARIS
I am helping you.

TORRES
(stands)
Get the hell away from me! I don't need you, any of you!

JOTAS
Someone's going to hear her.

Janeway and Paris move to restrain Torres.

TORRES
If you take one step further, I'll kill you. I'm not leaving.

JANEWAY
We're going to get you some help, B'Elanna.

TORRES
There's only one thing I need, and you don't have it.

She turns to leave, but Paris grabs her and puts a hand over her mouth. She tries to struggle, but the adrenaline is gone, leaving her weak.

PARIS
We better hurry.

CUT TO:

26 INT. BRIDGE

Seven and Naomi enter the holodeck, which has been turned into the bridge. Paris, TUVOK, KIM and other crewmen are at their stations.

NAOMI
What's going on Seven?

TUVOK
Captain on the bridge.

Flotter rises from the Commander's chair, dressed in a Starfleet uniform.

FLOTTER
The bridge is yours, Captain.

NAOMI
(faces Seven)
You did this?

SEVEN
With the assistance of the Doctor.

NAOMI
Thanks Seven.

Naomi hugs Seven to Seven's surprise. Naomi walks over and sits in the Captain's chair, while Seven takes her position behind the command chairs.

NAOMI
Thank you, Commander Flotter. Mr. Paris, set a course.

PARIS
Aye-aye Captain.

Naomi smiles up at Seven, and Seven raises her eyebrow with a slight smirk in response.

NAOMI
Engage.

CUT TO:

27 INT. HANGER BAY

Jotas, Janeway, Paris and Torres enter the large hanger bay. Paris still holds Torres and he still has his hand over her mouth. The hanger bay is dark and the four move quietly along.

JOTAS
Your shuttle is this way.

Torres is no longer struggling against Paris' pull, since she has grown to weak. He supports her and she moves like a rag doll, barely able to keep her eyes open. Suddenly Jotas stops.

JANEWAY
What is it?

JOTAS
They're expecting us.
(points)
There's about ten guards on the other side of the room, standing by your shuttle. No doubt there's others hiding about.

As Janeway and Jotas talk, we move to a close-up of Torres.

JANEWAY
Any ideas?

Torres' POV: The guards (Janeway and Jotas continue speaking).

JOTAS
We'll have to come up with a distraction of some sort.

We move back to Torres, who's eyes light up at the site of the guards. She bites Paris' hand. He cries out in pain and releases her. Torres stumbles forward, waving her hands.

TORRES
Here!

Phaser fire begins to light up the room, and everyone ducks to cover. Paris looks out at Torres.

PARIS
B'Elanna!

Torres ignores Paris and continues towards the guards. Nipar steps into view and Torres falls to her knees at his feet, shaking with need.

TORRES
Please. I need more.

Nipar pats her head.

NIPAR
And I shall reward you for returning.

He pulls out a hypospray. We cut to a shot of Jotas.

JOTAS
No! This has to stop.

Jotas leaps out from behind his cover, phaser firing. It strikes Nipar in the chest, and he falls to the ground. The hypospray shoots across the floor and Torres crawls towards it.

JANEWAY
(to Paris)
Get to the shuttle.

Janeway and Paris run, using Jotas' distraction. Paris runs over to Torres. We cut to a shot of Torres as her hand closes around the hypospray. She holds it up to her neck, but Paris arrives and knocks it out of her hands.

TORRES
No!

Paris grabs Torres and pulls her to the shuttle.

TORRES
No!

While the crew heads to the shuttle, we move to watch Jotas fight the guards. He hits guard after guard, knocking them out. Guard #1 steps forward.

GUARD #1
The aliens are getting away with Lady Death.

He changes the setting on his phaser and fires, hitting Jotas square in the chest. Jotas cries out and fall to the ground. Smoke rises from his body, and we show a close-up of his face, which shows he is dead.

JANEWAY
Jotas!

A phaser beam just misses her forehead.

PARIS
Captain, we have to go.

They board the shuttle.

CUT TO:

28 INT. SHUTTLE

Janeway leaps to the controls, since Paris still holds a struggling Torres.

CUT TO:

29 INT. HANGER BAY

The shuttle rises into the air. The guards fire, but Janeway breaks out of the hanger bay and the shuttle flies off.

CUT TO:

30 INT. BRIDGE

Kim, Tuvok and CHAKOTAY are on the bridge.

KIM
Commander, sensors have picked up an approaching vessel off out starboard bow.
(looks over the monitor)
It's the Captain.

CHAKOTAY
They're early. Must have finished sooner than they thought.

TUVOK
Or they encountered trouble.

KIM
She's hailing us.

CHAKOTAY
Onscreen.

The viewscreen changes from a view of the stars to Janeway's face.

CHAKOTAY
Welcome back. It's good to see you.

JANEWAY
You have no idea.

CUT TO:

31 EXT. VOYAGER

JANEWAY (v.o.)
Captain's log, supplemental. After being treated for her injuries, Lieutenant Torres was put under the Doctor's supervision as she recovered from the effects of the Oraci drug.

CUT TO:

32 INT. VOYAGER CORRIDOR

Janeway walks down the corridor.

JANEWAY (v.o.)
After a week, she began to regain control of herself and the Doctor released her from Sickbay. The drug caused no permanent damage to her physically, but I have given her time off to reflect on recent events.

Janeway arrives at the doors to Torres' quarters.

CUT TO:

33 INT. TORRES' QUARTERS

Torres is sitting on a chair, her legs up. She hugs a pillow tightly to herself, resting her chin upon it. She stares out of the window into space. The CHIMES of the door are heard. Torres does not move. The CHIMES ring again.

TORRES
(sighs)
Come in.

The doors slide back, admitting Janeway into the room. Torres does not look at her. Janeway walks over to Torres and sits opposite of her.

JANEWAY
How are you feeling?

TORRES
The Doctor has given me a clean bill of health.

JANEWAY
So, you're feeling all right?

TORRES
(beat)
In all honesty, I'm not sure, Captain. I mean, I'm having trouble remembering everything.

JANEWAY
Maybe it's better that way.

TORRES
Maybe.

JANEWAY
You don't sound convinced.

TORRES
I'm fooling myself. No matter how much of that stuff they put in me, I couldn't forget how I felt.

JANEWAY
What do you mean?

TORRES
The fights. It's not like I've never killed anyone, but it was always a matter of survival.

JANEWAY
So were the fights.

TORRES
No, that was sport. It was people dying to entertain others. And us, we didn't fight to live, we fought for the drug. That's all. I didn't care about you, or Tom, or my life. Just the drug.

JANEWAY
It's over, B'Elanna.

TORRES
(stands)
No, it's not. It will never be over. I can't escape or deny what I did there.

JANEWAY
(stands and faces Torres)
You did what you had to do. For all of us.

TORRES
You don't understand.

JANEWAY
Then explain it to me.

TORRES
(turns away)
Forget it. It's not important.

Janeway moves over to Torres, and spins Torres around to face her.

JANEWAY
Don't shut your emotions away, B'Elanna. You have to learn to confront them, or else you'll be doomed to repeat what happened when you learned about Maquis.

TORRES
(drops her head)
I've always had trouble figuring out who I am. A constant struggle to be human when a beast lurks within me. The drug released that beast, and that's who I was down there.

JANEWAY
You're saying the drug prevented you from fighting your Klingon heritage? There might be a grain of truth to that, but it's not the whole truth. Your Klingon side wouldn't have made you lash out at us.

TORRES
I can't know that. I always try to keep such a leash on it, that when it does show itself, it's worse than it would be if I just allowed it to surface naturally.

JANEWAY
Yes, but the drug heightened it, B'Elanna.

TORRES
No. No, that's not how it worked. The drug only increased my adrenaline levels. It had nothing to do with what I felt out there in that arena. Even when I was fighting the Cardassians, I never felt how I did out there.

JANEWAY
What did you feel?

TORRES
I enjoyed it. I reveled in it. I loved the feel of my opponent's blood on my hands and the crowd cheering my name.

JANEWAY
A Klingon loves battle, B'Elanna.

TORRES
But I don't! I rejected that life. It's sick to take pleasure in someone's death. Those people weren't my enemies, so there's no justification for what I did.
(looks out window)
I used to know who I was. Not I'm not so sure anymore. I can't tell if that beast is contained, or if it's roaming free.

JANEWAY
They pumped you full of something. There's no way to know the full effects it had on you, so you can't know exactly what it did to you. You can't know what feelings were yours, and which were brought on by the drug. One thing I'm sure of is the kind of person you are. Despite your temper, you're a caring person. You love Tom, and you care for this crew. Whoever that was during the fights, it wasn't you. Lady Death is not you. She was someone they created with their drug, but you killed her. She wasn't you. That's not who you are.

TORRES
(faces Janeway)
Then who am I?

Janeway holds her hand to Torres' cheek.

JANEWAY
Only you know the answer to that.

Janeway leaves and Torres watches her go. She turns around to once more stare out the window. With a tight shot on her face, we watch as a tear slowly runs down her cheek.

CUT TO:

34 EXT. VOYAGER

Voyager flies along.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FIVE