Summary:   Paris faces a classic dilemma.
 

Sandrine's, on the starship Voyager, early evening, the club is crowded. Tom Paris and Neelix are at a corner table, playing chess.

"Actually, Mr. Paris, the situation on Allisia is quite desperate.
Certain members of the crew think that we should be doing more to help."

"It's not my department."

"Well, the captain doesn't want anyone to leave the ship.
"She has removed the Matrix Controller from the main transporter."

"She's just being careful."

"Perhaps.  It took some doing, but I managed to get my hands on the controller.  I want you to keep it.  You're the only one I can trust."

Neelix places a small metallic cylinder on the chessboard.

The Doctor and Seven of Nine make their grand entrance.
They join Captain Janeway and Tuvok at a table in the front row.  
   
"Captain, the antidote would be their only chance for survival.
It could take months to develop.  I don't expect Voyager to wait."

"I'm sorry, Doctor.  The Allsians don't have holographic technolgy,
and I can't let you take the Mobile Emmiter.  You're leaving with us."

"I could save millions of lives!"

"It's always about you, isn't it, Doctor?"

Seven has heard enough.

"Harry Kim, I have a request."

"O.K. What'll it be?"

"You are aware of my preference."

"I don't think I remember."

"I'm quite sure that you do."

Harry picks up his clarinet.

           You must remember this,
           It's futile to resist,
           When time and space align.
           Relativity applies,
           As stars fly by.    

Paris keeps an eye on the club from his table.
B'Elanna Torres drops by for a friendly chat.

"Hi Tommy.  Buy a lady a drink?"

"I think you've already had enough."

"I've had enough of this planet.  We've been in orbit for three days."

"We're all ready for some changes."

"I hear the Doctor is ready to abandon ship."

"Some people think so."

"And she's going with him." 

"I guess that's up to her."

The Doctor stops by to pay his respects.

"Mr. Paris, I must compliment you on this fine establishment."

"And I compliment you, Doctor.  How's our girl?  
You've been keeping her busy?"

"Very.  She has a knack for research.  
Any word on the transport controller?"

"If I had it, I wouldn't give it to you."

"I'm sure that you have your reasons."

"You'll have to ask your date about that."

And Chakotay shares his unique perspective.

"Another big crowd tonight.  Seven seems to be having a good time."

"All the gin joints in the delta quadrant, and she walks into mine."

"You know, Neelix has been arrested.  It's most unfortunate."

"Neelix can take care of himself."

"It's unfortunate that Neelix is in the brig,
and the transport controller is still missing."

TBC