The Other Torres | A Star Trek Fanfiction *Book 1*

Projections-Chapter 47

[Corridor]

"What's wrong?" Barclay asked, as the EMH looked shocked that he hadn't vanished.

"The remote holoprojectors were taken offline. I shouldn't be able to exist outside sickbay?" the Doctor asked.

"That's because you're a--" Barclay began.

"A real person. Yes. I'm getting the idea." said the Doctor.

[Engineering]

"Magnetic constrictors are online. The warp core is stable. Let's get started on those plasma relays. You, who are you?" Janeway asked.

"I'm the Emergency Medical Hologram." said the Doctor.

"I didn't know you could be projected into Engineering." said Janeway.

"I can't. But it's a long story. I'd rather not get into it right now." said the Doctor, it would take to long to explain.

"Fine. We have three wounded crewmembers over here." said Janeway coming out from the warp core.

"I'm afraid I have a more pressing matter to attend to, Captain." said the Doctor.

"What do you mean, you have a more pressing matter to attend to? And who are you? I don't recognise you." Janeway said.

"Oh, don't mind me, I'm just assisting the Doctor." said Barclay.

"Doctor, I am ordering you to take care of these wounded crewmembers." said Janeway.

"Computer, delete Janeway." said the Doctor. (I hope I'm not the only one who cringed when he said that.)

She stays where she is.

"The computer's not responding to vocal commands. The protocols are starting to freeze up. We don't have much time." said the Doctor.

"Jarvis, Parsons, put these men under arrest." said Janeway.

Two crewmembers walk over holding phasers.

"Don't worry, those phasers aren't real, they're just holograms." said Barclay.

"I wouldn't be so sure. I was injured earlier." the Doctor states.

"That means the holodeck safeties are off." said Barclay.

"Now, just a moment. Let's not do anything hasty." said the Doctor

"Who are you? Are you two responsible for bringing us here?" Janeway asked.

"Actually, no. The array you discovered is controlled by an entity you will come to know as the Caretaker. Or Banjo man. He's actually an alien life form who's caring for a species known as the Ocampa who live nearby." said the Doctor. (How does he know the Caretaker had a banjo?)

"Enough! I don't know what this is all about, but clearly you're involved. Take them to the brig. I'll question them later." said Janeway.

"No, I don't think so." said the Doctor.

"You're in no position to argue." Janeway threatened.

"I'm not arguing. I'm simply pointing out that in several seconds the entire crew of Voyager will be transported to the array, where you will be tortured and probed for medical information. It will be quite painful, but not fatal." the Doctor said.

"Bridge to Janeway. We're being scanned by the array, Captain. It's penetrated our shields." Harry said over the comm. (Wasn't he deleted?)

"What kind of scan?" Janeway asked.

Some people disappear.

"Bridge. Janeway to Bridge, respond. What are you--" Janeway disappeared.

"Time is running out, Doctor. The oxidation levels in your neural tissues are rising. You've got to destroy this ship and bring this programme to an end." said Barclay.