1
00:00:02,800 --> 00:00:06,509
Captain's log, stardate 50074.3.
2
00:00:06,680 --> 00:00:10,719
We have evidence that a wormhole
appeared and disappeared
3
00:00:10,880 --> 00:00:12,836
in a nearby solar system.
4
00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:15,150
We're on our way to investigate.
5
00:00:15,360 --> 00:00:20,480
Based on neutrino levels, it's six months
since the wormhole's last appearance.
6
00:00:20,640 --> 00:00:24,474
From the pattern
of interstellar plasma, it isn't fixed.
7
00:00:24,640 --> 00:00:26,596
It's travelling through space.
8
00:00:26,760 --> 00:00:30,548
If it's shown up
in the same location more than once,
9
00:00:30,720 --> 00:00:33,075
it's possible its exit point is constant
10
00:00:33,240 --> 00:00:36,630
and it's wagging around the Delta
Quadrant like the tail on a dog.
11
00:00:37,360 --> 00:00:42,559
- Approaching coordinates of wormhole.
- Mr Kim, initiate neutrino scans.
12
00:00:42,720 --> 00:00:46,156
- Aye, Captain.
- Mr Tuvok, scan this area for lifesigns.
13
00:00:46,320 --> 00:00:49,471
Maybe someone has helpful information.
14
00:00:49,640 --> 00:00:54,031
I am picking up an M-Class atmosphere
on a second planet, human lifesigns.
15
00:00:54,200 --> 00:00:58,113
However, metallurgic analysis indicates
a pre-industrial civilisation,
16
00:00:58,280 --> 00:01:00,271
a Bronze Age level of technology.
17
00:01:00,440 --> 00:01:03,876
- Curious, Captain.
- What is?
18
00:01:04,040 --> 00:01:07,669
I have evidence they have had contact
with the Alpha Quadrant.
19
00:01:07,840 --> 00:01:11,310
- What kind of evidence?
- An energy discharge
20
00:01:11,480 --> 00:01:15,871
that appears to be consistent
with the recent use of a replicator.
21
00:03:07,600 --> 00:03:11,798
If they have a replicator, maybe the
wormhole leads to the Alpha Quadrant
22
00:03:11,960 --> 00:03:15,919
- and someone has travelled through it.
- I appreciate your enthusiasm,
23
00:03:16,080 --> 00:03:19,914
but let's see if we can back up
your assumptions with facts.
24
00:03:20,080 --> 00:03:24,551
Commander Chakotay, you and Paris
go to that planet and look around.
25
00:03:24,720 --> 00:03:30,272
Launch a probe to gather information
about the local population's appearance.
26
00:03:30,440 --> 00:03:37,152
In the meantime, Ensign, start a profile
of this wormhole's neutrino emissions.
27
00:03:38,800 --> 00:03:42,759
Let's see if we can confirm
that it leads to the Alpha Quadrant.
28
00:03:42,920 --> 00:03:46,879
Captain's log, stardate 50074.5.
29
00:03:47,040 --> 00:03:50,032
Based on information
found by the probe,
30
00:03:50,200 --> 00:03:53,954
we have replicated local attire
for Chakotay and Paris.
31
00:03:54,120 --> 00:03:56,509
They are on the surface to investigate.
32
00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:18,878
This is where
we picked up a replicator signature?
33
00:04:19,040 --> 00:04:21,031
Hard to believe, isn't it?
34
00:04:22,440 --> 00:04:23,714
"Oh, those many years ago
35
00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:27,395
"The people's hearts were sad and low
36
00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:30,677
"Then the Sages to the city came
37
00:04:30,840 --> 00:04:33,957
"They came upon a burning flame
38
00:04:34,120 --> 00:04:37,669
"Just as the Seers said they would
39
00:04:37,840 --> 00:04:41,230
"They lifted Takar's blinding hood"
40
00:04:43,240 --> 00:04:45,196
Well?
41
00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:52,078
- What did you think?
- It was... very nice.
42
00:04:52,240 --> 00:04:56,279
Nice? I'll wager you've never heard
the "Song of the Sages"
43
00:04:56,440 --> 00:05:00,558
more beautifully or faithfully recited.
44
00:05:02,480 --> 00:05:08,953
He's got a point. We have never
heard it more beautifully recited.
45
00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:11,151
The first verse is free,
46
00:05:11,320 --> 00:05:13,834
but the next will cost you three frangs.
47
00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:15,956
I'm sorry. Not today.
48
00:05:16,120 --> 00:05:20,272
But I need money for ointment
for my eye. Please, gentlemen!
49
00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:24,752
Go away, old man. Can't you see?
These are men of commerce.
50
00:05:24,920 --> 00:05:27,673
They have no business with silly poems.
51
00:05:27,840 --> 00:05:31,799
And may I say, gentlemen,
you both have very fine shoes.
52
00:05:32,760 --> 00:05:34,716
Excuse me?
53
00:05:34,880 --> 00:05:37,713
Sages say you tell a lot
about a man from his shoes,
54
00:05:37,880 --> 00:05:43,000
and I can tell
that you're men of refinement, affluence.
55
00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:47,438
- We've got to be going.
- You're obviously new in Takar.
56
00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:50,068
Can I interest you in some property?
57
00:05:50,240 --> 00:05:53,835
- We're not settling here.
- What about transportation?
58
00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:59,518
The Sages say, "Time's an asset." You
shouldn't waste your assets walking.
59
00:05:59,680 --> 00:06:03,958
You'd be wearing out
those... fine shoes of yours.
60
00:06:04,120 --> 00:06:06,873
I'm sorry, but we're really not interested.
61
00:06:07,040 --> 00:06:09,429
- Tom?
- Excuse me.
62
00:06:12,840 --> 00:06:17,630
I'm picking up a E-M dampening field
around that. It looks like a temple.
63
00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:22,396
- Then the temple's where we look.
- Thank the Sages I found you.
64
00:06:22,560 --> 00:06:27,588
- Don't enter without wearing your ears.
- Look, friend, I thought I told you...
65
00:06:27,760 --> 00:06:30,797
What do you mean,
"wearing your ears"?
66
00:06:30,960 --> 00:06:36,910
You're really not Takarian. Nobody visits
the temple without displaying one ear.
67
00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:44,916
Must be some sort of fetish.
68
00:06:45,080 --> 00:06:48,356
If you're not wearing one,
you could be fined or arrested.
69
00:06:48,520 --> 00:06:50,476
You wouldn't want that to happen.
70
00:06:50,640 --> 00:06:55,316
And let me guess. It just so happens
you could sell us a couple of these ears.
71
00:06:55,480 --> 00:06:58,711
As a matter of fact, I can.
72
00:07:12,520 --> 00:07:14,476
Captain's log, supplemental.
73
00:07:14,680 --> 00:07:18,036
I'm joining Torres
and Kim in the science lab
74
00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:21,192
to hear what they term
exciting news.
75
00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:24,636
The wormhole does lead
to the Alpha Quadrant.
76
00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:28,679
The problem is, on this end,
it jumps from point to point so quickly
77
00:07:28,840 --> 00:07:33,595
that at maximum warp, by the time we
got to its next location, it would be gone.
78
00:07:33,760 --> 00:07:38,788
So we were thinking we'd bring
the wormhole to the ship.
79
00:07:38,960 --> 00:07:44,239
We've detected an instability as a result
of the wormhole's last appearance here.
80
00:07:44,400 --> 00:07:49,997
If we can amplify that instability,
we might get the wormhole to reappear.
81
00:07:50,160 --> 00:07:53,311
Like using a magnet
to move a compass needle.
82
00:07:53,480 --> 00:07:57,109
The question is,
how do we polarise the instability?
83
00:07:57,280 --> 00:08:00,556
We haven't figured that part out yet.
84
00:08:03,920 --> 00:08:07,993
Gentlemen, as the Sages say,
"Your goods are now my goods."
85
00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:13,359
- And my feet are now cold.
- Could I interest you in mining futures?
86
00:08:13,520 --> 00:08:19,072
Don't push your luck. So far,
I can't say I like this town very much.
87
00:08:34,440 --> 00:08:36,396
On the other hand...
88
00:08:44,800 --> 00:08:48,236
My friends. The Holy Sages.
89
00:09:04,480 --> 00:09:06,835
Behold, the Holy Icon.
90
00:09:14,840 --> 00:09:16,751
Greed is eternal.
91
00:09:16,920 --> 00:09:19,070
Greed is eternal.
92
00:09:19,240 --> 00:09:21,754
Greed IS eternal!
93
00:09:21,920 --> 00:09:24,753
Greed is eternal.
94
00:09:27,080 --> 00:09:30,390
What wisdom have you learned
from the Sages?
95
00:09:30,560 --> 00:09:33,518
A wise man can hear profit in the wind.
96
00:09:33,680 --> 00:09:36,194
A wise man
can hear profit in the wind.
97
00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:39,432
- Chakotay to Voyager.
- Janeway here.
98
00:09:39,600 --> 00:09:41,750
We found the replicator, Captain.
99
00:09:41,920 --> 00:09:47,233
A wise man can hear profit
in the wind. A wise man can...
100
00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:52,596
And now, dear friends,
in our great beneficence,
101
00:09:52,760 --> 00:09:58,551
you may come forward to honour
our greatness and glorify our generosity.
102
00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:01,314
Approach the Holy Sages.
103
00:10:03,680 --> 00:10:07,468
Approach your gods
and speak your heart.
104
00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:19,839
I am a sandal maker
from the poorest area.
105
00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:23,072
- The laziest, you mean.
- Speak, my friend.
106
00:10:23,240 --> 00:10:27,074
- What is your business with the Sages?
- I am in need of assistance.
107
00:10:27,240 --> 00:10:30,437
My shop is failing. I can't feed my family.
108
00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:33,398
Same old song.
109
00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:36,791
My wife and her mother,
my five children, the baby.
110
00:10:36,960 --> 00:10:40,555
That's seven employees.
Eight, if you count the infant.
111
00:10:40,720 --> 00:10:44,599
- How can your shop be failing?
- You're not paying them, are you?
112
00:10:44,760 --> 00:10:48,469
My mother-in-law is ill.
My children are very young.
113
00:10:48,640 --> 00:10:54,556
Oh, don't tell me none of them
are working. Ignorant, lobeless fools!
114
00:10:54,720 --> 00:10:59,396
Exploitation begins at home!
115
00:10:59,560 --> 00:11:02,438
Exploitation begins at home.
116
00:11:04,040 --> 00:11:07,794
Exploitation begins at home!
117
00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:10,470
Exploitation begins at home.
118
00:11:16,120 --> 00:11:21,877
I see my mistake. I promise to exploit
my family before the end of the day.
119
00:11:22,040 --> 00:11:26,033
But could I have some food
and some medicine?
120
00:11:26,200 --> 00:11:29,237
- Huh!
- Until my business improves.
121
00:11:29,400 --> 00:11:32,517
Here's something far more valuable.
122
00:11:32,680 --> 00:11:37,356
One copy of the Rules of Acquisition,
cheapest binding possible.
123
00:11:50,880 --> 00:11:53,792
- That'll be ten frangs.
- But I...
124
00:12:01,840 --> 00:12:04,559
That's all for today.
Return tomorrow.
125
00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:09,556
Captain's log, supplemental.
126
00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:15,431
The away team has some disturbing
observations about the planet.
127
00:12:15,600 --> 00:12:19,912
It seems the people have a myth, an
epic poem called "Song of the Sages",
128
00:12:20,080 --> 00:12:23,993
which predicts the arrival of two
demigods from the sky, the Sages,
129
00:12:24,160 --> 00:12:26,674
who would rule
as benevolent protectors.
130
00:12:26,840 --> 00:12:29,308
These Ferengi are anything
but benevolent.
131
00:12:29,480 --> 00:12:33,951
They've co-opted local mythology
by using technology like the replicator
132
00:12:34,120 --> 00:12:37,032
to convince people
they're the two Sages.
133
00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:40,317
Being Ferengi,
they haven't just co-opted the mythology.
134
00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:43,153
They've cornered
the market on everything.
135
00:12:43,320 --> 00:12:46,710
The Ferengi live in a temple,
136
00:12:46,880 --> 00:12:49,997
while people are lucky
to have a roof over their heads.
137
00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:52,833
According to people we met,
138
00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:57,073
before the Ferengi came, the society
was primitive, but it was flourishing.
139
00:12:57,240 --> 00:13:01,392
What I'd like to know is how two Ferengi
got to the Delta Quadrant.
140
00:13:01,560 --> 00:13:05,633
- We've looked into that. Mr Tuvok?
- According to Starfleet records,
141
00:13:05,800 --> 00:13:09,156
about seven years ago,
the Starship Enterprise
142
00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:12,392
hosted negotiations to own
the Barzan wormhole.
143
00:13:12,560 --> 00:13:17,634
Included among the bidding parties were
two Ferengi known as Arridor and Kol.
144
00:13:17,800 --> 00:13:21,952
And this Barzan wormhole, it's
the same one we've discovered now?
145
00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:25,635
Apparently, but we've confirmed
what nobody knew then.
146
00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:30,271
The wormhole is fixed in the Alpha
Quadrant. In the Delta, it jumps around.
147
00:13:30,440 --> 00:13:33,796
- It turned out to be worthless.
- The Ferengi were not aware.
148
00:13:33,960 --> 00:13:37,589
In an attempt to secure
the wormhole, they were pulled in
149
00:13:37,760 --> 00:13:39,910
and deposited in the Delta Quadrant.
150
00:13:40,080 --> 00:13:42,548
Now what are we going to do with them?
151
00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:46,633
I don't intend to leave them here to
continue exploiting an innocent society.
152
00:13:46,800 --> 00:13:49,997
Are we near
getting the wormhole re-opened?
153
00:13:50,160 --> 00:13:53,789
We've been bombarding the instability
with verteron particles.
154
00:13:53,960 --> 00:13:57,430
So far everything is going to plan,
but it's tricky.
155
00:13:57,600 --> 00:14:02,549
A hundred factors could deflect it.
A gravimetric shift, a solar flare.
156
00:14:02,720 --> 00:14:08,033
If we get it here, it won't be for long.
We have a short window of opportunity.
157
00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:12,955
If we can get the wormhole here,
we'll be taking two passengers with us.
158
00:14:13,120 --> 00:14:16,396
We'll turn them over to Ferengi
authorities when we get there.
159
00:14:16,560 --> 00:14:19,552
The Ferengi
are not members of the Federation.
160
00:14:19,720 --> 00:14:22,553
They are not bound
by the Prime Directive.
161
00:14:22,720 --> 00:14:27,236
Nor would the Prime Directive allow us
to interfere with affairs of this society
162
00:14:27,400 --> 00:14:30,073
as much as we disapprove of them.
163
00:14:32,760 --> 00:14:35,354
The Federation hosted the negotiations.
164
00:14:35,520 --> 00:14:40,799
And if it weren't for those negotiations,
the Ferengi wouldn't be here.
165
00:14:40,960 --> 00:14:45,431
So one could say,
without being unreasonable, I think,
166
00:14:45,600 --> 00:14:49,559
that the Federation is partially
responsible for what's happened,
167
00:14:49,720 --> 00:14:53,030
and therefore duty-bound
to correct the situation.
168
00:14:55,480 --> 00:14:59,234
That is a most logical interpretation,
Captain.
169
00:14:59,400 --> 00:15:04,235
143... 144...
170
00:15:04,400 --> 00:15:08,552
145... 146...
171
00:15:08,720 --> 00:15:12,508
147... 148...
172
00:15:16,240 --> 00:15:20,756
- Profits from Ga'nah are down.
- Mmm.
173
00:15:20,920 --> 00:15:26,472
Are you listening to me? I said, profits
from the Ga'nah Province are down!
174
00:15:26,640 --> 00:15:29,677
Down? Profits are down?
175
00:15:29,840 --> 00:15:35,597
Both of you leave me alone! Can't you
see I'm trying to conduct business?
176
00:15:35,760 --> 00:15:38,832
I'm... sorry, Arridor.
177
00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:42,276
It's just that...
they can't get enough of my lobes.
178
00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:46,149
Where were we? Oh, yeah...
Profits are down?
179
00:15:46,320 --> 00:15:49,153
And what are we going to do about it?
180
00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:51,754
Why are you looking at me? Ask Kafar.
181
00:15:51,920 --> 00:15:55,435
He's in charge of collections
in the Ga'nah Province.
182
00:15:55,600 --> 00:15:56,999
Kafar!
183
00:15:58,920 --> 00:16:03,198
- You called, Great Sage?
- What is the 95th Rule of Acquisition?
184
00:16:04,200 --> 00:16:06,156
Expand or die?
185
00:16:07,280 --> 00:16:10,716
- He knows the rules better than you.
- He does not.
186
00:16:10,880 --> 00:16:14,873
And where is it we've been trying
to expand this month?
187
00:16:15,040 --> 00:16:17,190
Into the Ga'nah Province, Great Sage.
188
00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:21,592
And who is in charge of collections
in the Ga'nah Province?
189
00:16:21,760 --> 00:16:25,355
- I am, Great Sage.
- Then why are profits down, idiot?
190
00:16:25,520 --> 00:16:29,069
- Where's our money?
- Forgive me, Lesser Sage.
191
00:16:29,240 --> 00:16:31,708
I told you to stop calling me...
192
00:16:58,640 --> 00:17:00,596
Who are you?
193
00:17:00,760 --> 00:17:04,514
Captain Kathryn Janeway
of the Federation Starship Voyager.
194
00:17:04,680 --> 00:17:08,832
- The Federation?
- Shut up, Kol. Let me handle this.
195
00:17:13,480 --> 00:17:17,439
What is the Federation
doing in the Delta Quadrant?
196
00:17:17,600 --> 00:17:21,878
It's a long story. We've been stranded
here for the past two years.
197
00:17:22,040 --> 00:17:26,591
We're on our way back to the Alpha
Quadrant and we're taking you with us.
198
00:17:26,760 --> 00:17:30,116
This is an outrage.
We won't allow you to...
199
00:17:31,200 --> 00:17:34,397
You're crazy.
It would take decades to get back.
200
00:17:34,560 --> 00:17:36,516
Show them, Mr Tuvok.
201
00:17:38,200 --> 00:17:42,193
We have been bombarding a local
instability with verteron particles.
202
00:17:42,360 --> 00:17:48,196
If all goes to plan, the Barzan wormhole
should re-open in a matter of hours.
203
00:17:48,360 --> 00:17:50,749
And if all doesn't go to plan?
204
00:17:50,920 --> 00:17:54,151
One way or another,
you're coming with us.
205
00:17:54,320 --> 00:18:00,919
We've been kidnapped,
snatched from the embrace of bliss.
206
00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:05,756
It's all over. No more limitless profits.
207
00:18:05,920 --> 00:18:10,277
No more unquestioning adulation
of the masses.
208
00:18:10,440 --> 00:18:13,716
No more quadruple lobe rubs.
209
00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:17,316
If I'm not mistaken,
the Federation has rules.
210
00:18:17,480 --> 00:18:20,995
They forbid you to interfere
with indigenous cultures.
211
00:18:21,160 --> 00:18:27,156
What about your interference? You've
manipulated religion for your own ends,
212
00:18:27,320 --> 00:18:29,276
pretending to be their Sages.
213
00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:32,034
Who's to say
we aren't their Sages, Captain?
214
00:18:32,200 --> 00:18:37,035
- Don't be ridiculous.
- The song is of Sages who do miracles,
215
00:18:37,200 --> 00:18:41,034
which, thanks to our replicator, we do.
216
00:18:41,200 --> 00:18:45,876
The song is sung of men coming
from the sky on a burning flame.
217
00:18:46,040 --> 00:18:50,431
When we crash-landed our shuttle
in their quaint little town square,
218
00:18:50,600 --> 00:18:56,118
trailing behind us
a roaring ribbon of burning plasma.
219
00:18:56,280 --> 00:18:59,590
You mean, we really are the Sages?
220
00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:06,957
The point is, Captain, that these people
have believed for centuries
221
00:19:07,120 --> 00:19:11,159
that gods, known as the Sages,
would deliver them from their strife.
222
00:19:11,320 --> 00:19:13,276
To them...
223
00:19:15,800 --> 00:19:18,109
...we are those Sages.
224
00:19:18,280 --> 00:19:22,717
What happens to a people
when they lose their gods?
225
00:19:22,880 --> 00:19:28,238
Despair, fear, confusion.
226
00:19:29,160 --> 00:19:33,438
And how can you as a moral people
227
00:19:33,600 --> 00:19:36,592
blithely tear down the spiritual structure
228
00:19:36,760 --> 00:19:42,073
that has supported a community
since before their gods were flesh?
229
00:19:42,240 --> 00:19:47,075
- What would you be leaving them with?
- Tell us, Arridor. Tell us.
230
00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:49,196
Darkness...
231
00:19:49,840 --> 00:19:51,796
Doubt...
232
00:19:51,960 --> 00:19:53,598
Hopelessness.
233
00:19:53,760 --> 00:19:56,513
That... was beautiful.
234
00:20:01,560 --> 00:20:03,516
Mr Tuvok...
235
00:20:04,920 --> 00:20:07,514
Transport them back to the surface.
236
00:20:13,520 --> 00:20:16,557
- We did it, Arridor.
- We won.
237
00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:37,035
We can't let the Ferengi
continue exploiting people.
238
00:20:37,200 --> 00:20:42,832
- But we can't kidnap their gods either.
- What other option is there?
239
00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:47,039
What if the gods didn't just disappear
suddenly and inexplicably?
240
00:20:47,200 --> 00:20:50,158
What if they left voluntarily?
241
00:20:50,320 --> 00:20:53,118
The gods would be gone,
but the people would be prepared.
242
00:20:53,280 --> 00:20:56,078
- They might accept it as natural.
- Exactly.
243
00:20:56,240 --> 00:21:00,950
How do we get Ferengi to walk
away from a monopoly on an economy?
244
00:21:01,120 --> 00:21:04,271
- What motivates a Ferengi?
- Profit.
245
00:21:04,440 --> 00:21:07,910
- So make it profitable for them to leave.
- Or less profitable to stay.
246
00:21:09,560 --> 00:21:11,516
How do we do that?
247
00:21:11,680 --> 00:21:16,231
We have to out-Ferengi... the Ferengi.
248
00:21:21,320 --> 00:21:25,518
There we are. I've re-configured
the matter-antimatter generator
249
00:21:25,680 --> 00:21:29,150
to produce ionic disruption
around the temple.
250
00:21:29,320 --> 00:21:34,110
- No more unexpected beam-outs.
- Let's see how smart they are now.
251
00:21:36,440 --> 00:21:40,433
- Kafar!
- You called, Great Sage?
252
00:21:40,600 --> 00:21:44,639
Find out who has the audacity
to disturb us in our divine vault.
253
00:21:45,960 --> 00:21:47,916
And make it quick!
254
00:21:50,600 --> 00:21:54,752
Who has the audacity to disturb
the Holy Sages in their divine vault?
255
00:21:58,840 --> 00:22:00,353
Grand Nagus!
256
00:22:03,040 --> 00:22:05,474
Not the Grand Nagus.
257
00:22:05,640 --> 00:22:09,315
I'm his official messenger,
the Grand Proxy.
258
00:22:14,520 --> 00:22:17,512
But Grand Proxy, how did you...
259
00:22:17,680 --> 00:22:21,958
Through the Barzan wormhole.
The humans stabilised it temporarily
260
00:22:22,120 --> 00:22:24,714
and were kind enough to send a probe,
261
00:22:24,880 --> 00:22:29,476
informing us
of your... impressive operation.
262
00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:37,228
Of course, the Grand Nagus, or his
official messenger, the Grand Proxy,
263
00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:42,793
is always welcome in our little world,
our rather poverty-stricken little world.
264
00:22:42,960 --> 00:22:47,636
We're thrilled he has taken an interest
in our very modest operation.
265
00:22:48,560 --> 00:22:52,917
If I were you, I'd save the grovelling
for the Nagus himself.
266
00:22:53,080 --> 00:22:56,516
You mean the Grand Nagus
is coming here?
267
00:22:56,680 --> 00:23:00,116
Of course not, you idiot!
268
00:23:00,280 --> 00:23:04,637
You two are going to him.
You've been recalled.
269
00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:06,756
- Recalled?
- We're ruined.
270
00:23:06,920 --> 00:23:08,876
You will be leaving immediately.
271
00:23:09,040 --> 00:23:12,999
This is not a time to lose
one's lobes. I'll think of something.
272
00:23:19,640 --> 00:23:22,598
Perhaps the Grand Nagus
doesn't understand
273
00:23:22,760 --> 00:23:26,514
that profits here
depend upon our presence.
274
00:23:26,680 --> 00:23:31,117
You see, to these people
we're, well... gods, actually.
275
00:23:31,280 --> 00:23:36,559
Without us to make the fools cower
in submission, there will be no profits.
276
00:23:36,720 --> 00:23:40,030
The Grand Nagus
knows about your scheme,
277
00:23:40,200 --> 00:23:43,317
the "Song of the Sages"
and all the rest of it-very clever.
278
00:23:43,480 --> 00:23:48,600
But he wants you back on Ferenginar
before the wormhole closes again.
279
00:23:48,760 --> 00:23:54,915
I'm sure the Grand Nagus wouldn't want
to lose such a lucrative revenue stream.
280
00:23:55,080 --> 00:23:59,358
The wormhole seems to open and close
on its own every seven or eight years.
281
00:23:59,520 --> 00:24:04,275
We would forward a fair share
of the profits every time it does,
282
00:24:04,440 --> 00:24:07,000
say, hmm... 20%?
283
00:24:08,760 --> 00:24:11,832
- That's coming out of your half.
- Shut up!
284
00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:16,312
The Grand Nagus has no intention
of losing profits from this market.
285
00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:20,837
That's why he's got a team of scientists
investigating the humans' technology
286
00:24:21,040 --> 00:24:26,034
to see if we can find a way to open
and close the wormhole when we want.
287
00:24:26,200 --> 00:24:29,510
Then perhaps the Grand Nagus
could recall one of us
288
00:24:29,680 --> 00:24:32,319
and leave the other behind.
289
00:24:32,480 --> 00:24:34,710
You could take Kol back with you.
290
00:24:34,880 --> 00:24:37,838
- Hey, wait a minute.
- That's enough!
291
00:24:38,000 --> 00:24:42,232
The Grand Nagus has recalled you both.
It's non-negotiable.
292
00:24:43,280 --> 00:24:47,478
Of course, the Nagus doesn't want
to upset the local population.
293
00:24:47,640 --> 00:24:50,108
He may send others in your place.
294
00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:53,158
That's why he wants you
to make a speech
295
00:24:53,320 --> 00:24:58,440
telling people their Sages have been
recalled to the Divine Treasury.
296
00:24:58,600 --> 00:25:03,071
Then he wants you to tell them
everything will be OK without you.
297
00:25:03,240 --> 00:25:06,789
Then he wants you to thank them
for their generosity.
298
00:25:06,960 --> 00:25:11,715
- Thank them?
- The 299th Rule of Acquisition.
299
00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:15,714
Whenever you exploit someone,
it never hurts to thank them.
300
00:25:15,880 --> 00:25:18,792
Then it's easier to exploit them next time.
301
00:25:18,960 --> 00:25:24,114
Wait a minute.
There's only 285 Rules of Acquisition.
302
00:25:24,280 --> 00:25:27,431
You've been gone a very long time.
303
00:25:30,480 --> 00:25:36,077
Oh, by the way, did I mention that the
Nagus is appropriating all your holdings?
304
00:25:36,240 --> 00:25:38,196
- What?
- All?
305
00:25:38,360 --> 00:25:43,593
- All!
- You can let us keep the females.
306
00:25:43,760 --> 00:25:48,390
I'll be back in 20 minutes
to approve your speech.
307
00:25:48,560 --> 00:25:50,869
I suggest you start writing.
308
00:25:53,360 --> 00:25:58,309
- You. Come with me!
- Of course, Greater Sage.
309
00:26:02,040 --> 00:26:04,998
What are we going to do?
310
00:26:05,160 --> 00:26:09,153
What a Ferengi always does
in a situation this grave.
311
00:26:09,320 --> 00:26:12,118
- Panic?
- No, you idiot!
312
00:26:12,280 --> 00:26:15,750
- He goes to the Rules of Acquisition.
- Oh.
313
00:26:15,920 --> 00:26:20,038
Unabridged and fully annotated,
with all 47 commentaries,
314
00:26:20,200 --> 00:26:25,957
all 900 major and minor judgements,
all 10,000 considered opinions.
315
00:26:26,120 --> 00:26:29,715
There's a rule
for every conceivable situation.
316
00:26:31,640 --> 00:26:35,269
Looks like Neelix is pulling off
quite a performance.
317
00:26:36,680 --> 00:26:40,719
There you are. Don't push.
There's plenty to go around.
318
00:26:40,880 --> 00:26:43,110
You're quite welcome.
319
00:26:43,280 --> 00:26:45,714
Look, please, one at a time!
320
00:26:45,880 --> 00:26:50,590
- Is he another Sage?
- Ever seen a Sage give away money?
321
00:26:51,720 --> 00:26:54,917
"Grand Proxy, avoidance of..."
322
00:26:57,200 --> 00:27:00,158
"Grand Proxy, censure by..."
323
00:27:02,240 --> 00:27:04,834
"Grand Proxy, encounters with..."
324
00:27:06,360 --> 00:27:10,353
- "See: 'Hopeless Situation'."
- I told you there was no rule.
325
00:27:10,520 --> 00:27:13,910
Then it's time to invoke
the unwritten rule.
326
00:27:14,080 --> 00:27:18,471
- The unwritten rule?
- When no appropriate rule applies,
327
00:27:18,640 --> 00:27:20,551
make one up.
328
00:27:20,720 --> 00:27:23,837
- That's a very good rule.
- Now, let's see...
329
00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:25,956
What should it be?
330
00:27:27,240 --> 00:27:31,631
The Grand Proxy is the Nagus's
official messenger, right?
331
00:27:32,920 --> 00:27:34,876
I've got it.
332
00:27:35,040 --> 00:27:39,909
When the messenger comes
to appropriate your profits,
333
00:27:40,080 --> 00:27:42,036
kill the messenger.
334
00:27:47,280 --> 00:27:49,236
Thank you, thank you.
335
00:27:56,280 --> 00:28:00,319
Thank you, Great Sage!
Oh, Great Sage, thank you!
336
00:28:08,680 --> 00:28:10,910
Arridor? Kol?
337
00:28:11,080 --> 00:28:15,073
Show yourselves. We can't
keep the Grand Nagus waiting.
338
00:28:15,240 --> 00:28:18,118
Lf... you say so.
339
00:28:18,280 --> 00:28:22,671
- What is the meaning of this?
- You're not bright for a Grand Proxy.
340
00:28:22,840 --> 00:28:25,752
Ex-Grand Proxy!
341
00:28:25,920 --> 00:28:28,229
But the Grand Nagus...
342
00:28:28,400 --> 00:28:30,356
...is on the other side of the galaxy.
343
00:28:44,960 --> 00:28:48,669
Wait! Wait! I'm not...
I'm not the Grand Proxy!
344
00:28:48,840 --> 00:28:51,195
Oh, no? Who are you then?
345
00:28:52,440 --> 00:28:56,991
- Stop! My name is Neelix!
- Neelix? That's not a Ferengi name.
346
00:29:01,680 --> 00:29:05,992
- Wait! I'm not Ferengi.
- What?
347
00:29:06,160 --> 00:29:10,551
- I've never even met the Grand Nagus.
- A likely story.
348
00:29:10,720 --> 00:29:12,995
It's true. I'm wearing a disguise.
349
00:29:13,160 --> 00:29:17,039
I'm really a Talaxian,
a crewman on Voyager.
350
00:29:17,200 --> 00:29:21,591
- If you're not Ferengi, prove it!
- I'm not sure how.
351
00:29:27,240 --> 00:29:30,437
- Doesn't that hurt?
- I can't feel a thing.
352
00:29:33,440 --> 00:29:36,113
He really isn't a Ferengi.
353
00:29:38,080 --> 00:29:40,036
On your feet.
354
00:29:41,960 --> 00:29:46,112
All right, Talaxian. Back to your ship.
355
00:29:46,280 --> 00:29:51,400
And tell those humans to keep their
hands out of our pockets, or else.
356
00:29:52,560 --> 00:29:55,199
And stay out!
357
00:30:05,160 --> 00:30:10,518
- We won! We won!
- No, my friend, not exactly.
358
00:30:10,680 --> 00:30:13,069
To be precise...
359
00:30:13,240 --> 00:30:15,595
we won again!
360
00:30:34,720 --> 00:30:36,676
What happened?
361
00:30:36,840 --> 00:30:40,549
- They know I'm not the Grand Proxy.
- Great!
362
00:30:40,720 --> 00:30:42,676
Let's get to the shuttle.
363
00:30:44,280 --> 00:30:47,317
- Who are you?
- I'm...
364
00:30:47,480 --> 00:30:50,358
- Well...
- You are another Holy One.
365
00:30:51,760 --> 00:30:57,039
- That's right. Another Holy One.
- Then you'll appreciate this.
366
00:30:57,200 --> 00:31:01,830
"The Sages in the sky did dwell
upon white clouds that held them well
367
00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:07,199
"Until the sentry rang the bell,
the Holy Sages never fell"
368
00:31:08,160 --> 00:31:12,153
- That'll be three frangs, please.
- But we didn't ask you to recite it.
369
00:31:12,320 --> 00:31:16,154
- You heard it, didn't you?
- It was nice, but we're in a hurry.
370
00:31:16,320 --> 00:31:18,959
No, please, sir! My eye...
371
00:31:19,120 --> 00:31:22,351
Look, friend, I'm sorry about your eye,
really, but...
372
00:31:22,520 --> 00:31:27,878
Wait a minute. Wasn't your patch
on the other side?
373
00:31:31,440 --> 00:31:34,432
- Sir?
- We've gotta go.
374
00:31:34,600 --> 00:31:38,195
Wait, please.
I'll throw in another verse gratis.
375
00:31:38,360 --> 00:31:43,229
"But when the ringing called them here,
from the sky they did appear"
376
00:31:43,400 --> 00:31:47,916
Tell me something. What happens to
the Sages at the end of the song?
377
00:31:48,080 --> 00:31:50,992
Hmm, let me see
now the... the final verse...
378
00:31:52,360 --> 00:31:55,477
It's been a very long time, you know.
379
00:31:57,920 --> 00:32:00,912
Those are very handsome shoes
you have, sir.
380
00:32:03,960 --> 00:32:07,475
Yes, it's coming back to me now.
381
00:32:07,640 --> 00:32:14,591
"And there, amid the eastern lights,
three new stars appeared that night
382
00:32:15,600 --> 00:32:20,799
"And with the ringing of the bell,
the Sages knew where they must dwell
383
00:32:21,640 --> 00:32:27,715
"The Holy Pilgrim led them back,
high into the sky of black
384
00:32:27,880 --> 00:32:31,793
"And riding on the wings of fire
385
00:32:31,960 --> 00:32:35,669
"The Holy Men rose higher and higher"
386
00:32:37,320 --> 00:32:41,359
Wait a minute. I know who you are!
387
00:33:08,160 --> 00:33:11,197
I am the Holy Pilgrim!
388
00:33:24,600 --> 00:33:28,513
- Did you hear that? The Holy Pilgrim!
- The Holy Pilgrim?
389
00:33:28,680 --> 00:33:31,433
The Holy Pilgrim! The Holy Pilgrim!
390
00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:40,753
The Holy Pilgrim! The Holy Pilgrim!
391
00:33:43,600 --> 00:33:49,038
I have come to fulfil the destiny that is
prophesised in the "Song of the Sages".
392
00:33:49,200 --> 00:33:53,193
What in the name of eternal destitution
is going on here?
393
00:33:53,360 --> 00:33:56,432
There you are.
Do you not recognise me?
394
00:33:56,600 --> 00:33:59,068
I am the Holy Pilgrim.
395
00:33:59,240 --> 00:34:01,834
The Holy Pilgrim?
Who's the Holy Pilgrim?
396
00:34:02,000 --> 00:34:08,519
Quiet, you idiot. This man
is no Holy Pilgrim. He's a Talaxian!
397
00:34:08,680 --> 00:34:10,875
Talaxian?
398
00:34:11,040 --> 00:34:15,989
Oh, no, Great Sage, you are mistaken.
I am indeed the Holy Pilgrim.
399
00:34:16,160 --> 00:34:21,234
And just as the "Song of the Sages"
promises, I have come to lead you back,
400
00:34:21,400 --> 00:34:24,198
high into the sky of black.
401
00:34:26,200 --> 00:34:31,877
- I have prayed for this day to come.
- Lead them back! Lead them back!
402
00:34:32,040 --> 00:34:34,793
Lead them back! Lead them back!
403
00:34:34,960 --> 00:34:37,793
Lead them back! Lead them back!
404
00:34:37,960 --> 00:34:40,155
What do they mean?
405
00:34:40,320 --> 00:34:44,233
It must be in the song. We should
have listened to the whole thing!
406
00:34:44,400 --> 00:34:47,756
It looks as though you'll be seeing
the Grand Nagus after all.
407
00:34:47,920 --> 00:34:50,229
We'll see about that.
408
00:34:50,400 --> 00:34:52,356
This man...
409
00:34:52,520 --> 00:34:56,752
This man is a false pilgrim.
410
00:34:58,800 --> 00:35:01,553
He's come to steal your profits.
411
00:35:02,520 --> 00:35:06,354
I am not a false pilgrim and I'll prove it.
412
00:35:06,520 --> 00:35:10,069
- That's our cue.
- Chakotay to Voyager. On my mark.
413
00:35:10,240 --> 00:35:12,390
Stand by to initiate photon burst, Mr Kim.
414
00:35:12,560 --> 00:35:16,997
- Aye, Captain.
- I can't penetrate the dampening field.
415
00:35:17,160 --> 00:35:20,914
If the away team have difficulties,
we can't beam them out.
416
00:35:21,080 --> 00:35:24,197
Keep working on it.
We'll rely on their ingenuity
417
00:35:24,360 --> 00:35:27,238
to get themselves out if trouble arises.
418
00:35:28,520 --> 00:35:33,196
The song says that
"amid the eastern lights,
419
00:35:33,360 --> 00:35:37,194
"three new stars appeared that night."
420
00:35:37,360 --> 00:35:40,716
- That's what the song says.
- Look! Right up there!
421
00:35:40,880 --> 00:35:42,518
Now.
422
00:35:42,680 --> 00:35:44,989
Initiating photon bursts.
423
00:35:52,680 --> 00:35:55,638
- It's a trick.
- He's a fraud, I tell you!
424
00:35:55,800 --> 00:35:58,075
Kafar, arrest this man.
425
00:35:59,560 --> 00:36:01,516
Well, arrest him!
426
00:36:05,920 --> 00:36:07,876
Hey! Stop!
427
00:36:09,440 --> 00:36:14,798
- What do you think you're doing?
- Like the song says, Lesser Sage.
428
00:36:14,960 --> 00:36:19,238
"With the ringing of the bell,
the Sages knew where they must dwell"
429
00:36:26,480 --> 00:36:30,109
Like the song says, you Sages,
430
00:36:30,280 --> 00:36:33,352
it's time for you to go back
where you came from!
431
00:36:34,240 --> 00:36:39,109
- Yes! To the stars!
- And they must go on wings of fire!
432
00:36:39,280 --> 00:36:41,396
Wings of fire!
433
00:36:41,560 --> 00:36:45,394
Wings of fire! Wings of fire!
434
00:36:45,960 --> 00:36:47,916
The sky! The sky!
435
00:36:52,040 --> 00:36:55,476
We are your gods! This is outrageous!
436
00:36:55,640 --> 00:37:00,395
- We are your gods, your Sages.
- I am your god. Hands off your god.
437
00:37:03,800 --> 00:37:06,473
No, no! Wait a minute, people!
438
00:37:06,640 --> 00:37:11,953
There's no reason to interpret
the "Song of the Sages" so literally.
439
00:37:12,120 --> 00:37:14,680
Kafar! Tell them!
440
00:37:14,840 --> 00:37:17,559
We are fulfilling
the destiny of the Sages.
441
00:37:17,720 --> 00:37:22,840
I am the Holy Pilgrim. I have come to tell
you there's another verse to the song.
442
00:37:23,000 --> 00:37:26,549
It's..."Please don't burn the Holy Ones!"
443
00:37:26,720 --> 00:37:30,679
I'm sorry, Holy Pilgrim,
but that's not part of the song.
444
00:37:32,200 --> 00:37:34,156
Wings of fire! Wings of fire!
445
00:37:35,560 --> 00:37:40,429
Commander? I think now would be
a very good time for that beam-out.
446
00:37:44,120 --> 00:37:46,634
Wings of fire! Wings of fire!
447
00:37:51,160 --> 00:37:55,119
We've got to disable the dampening
field. Where's the generator?
448
00:37:55,280 --> 00:37:57,236
In the vault.
449
00:38:07,680 --> 00:38:12,629
- We cannot establish a transporter lock.
- Boosting power to confinement beam.
450
00:38:15,760 --> 00:38:18,718
Wings of fire! Wings of fire!
451
00:38:25,440 --> 00:38:28,000
- Arridor?
- What is it now?
452
00:38:28,160 --> 00:38:34,554
- We had seven years of pure profit.
- We did, didn't we?
453
00:38:36,400 --> 00:38:38,356
I can't shut it down.
454
00:38:40,680 --> 00:38:42,636
Stand back.
455
00:38:54,840 --> 00:38:57,308
The Holy Ones have ascended!
456
00:38:59,760 --> 00:39:02,911
- Is everyone OK?
- We're all in one piece.
457
00:39:03,080 --> 00:39:05,913
Good. Report to the bridge
when all is well.
458
00:39:06,080 --> 00:39:08,833
We'll enter the wormhole
in seven minutes.
459
00:39:09,000 --> 00:39:10,956
Acknowledged.
460
00:39:11,920 --> 00:39:15,629
We're not going through any wormhole
without our possessions.
461
00:39:15,800 --> 00:39:19,634
You're lucky to be alive. We beamed
your shuttle to the shuttlebay.
462
00:39:19,800 --> 00:39:23,395
Your possessions are back
with the people you stole them from.
463
00:39:23,560 --> 00:39:26,711
Ensign Murphy,
escort these... men to secured quarters.
464
00:39:26,880 --> 00:39:28,836
This is outrageous.
465
00:39:29,000 --> 00:39:32,879
I'll hold you personally responsible
for any losses we suffer!
466
00:39:33,040 --> 00:39:34,996
We'll sue!
467
00:39:38,520 --> 00:39:41,353
- Shield status, Mr Tuvok.
- Shields optimal.
468
00:39:41,520 --> 00:39:45,149
Engage thrusters
and ease us into position.
469
00:39:45,320 --> 00:39:47,436
- Sickbay to Tuvok.
- Go ahead.
470
00:39:47,600 --> 00:39:50,478
Ensign Murphy was found
unconscious on Deck 2.
471
00:39:50,640 --> 00:39:52,915
- Severe concussion.
- We suspect foul play.
472
00:39:53,080 --> 00:39:56,436
He was escorting the Ferengi
to their quarters.
473
00:39:56,600 --> 00:40:01,355
- Security is breached in the shuttlebay.
- Seal that airlock, Mr Tuvok.
474
00:40:02,720 --> 00:40:06,235
The Ferengi phasered
the shuttlebay door. They are exiting.
475
00:40:06,400 --> 00:40:08,675
Activating emergency containment field.
476
00:40:13,080 --> 00:40:16,675
- They're heading for the planet.
- Lock a tractor beam onto them.
477
00:40:16,840 --> 00:40:20,628
The gravitation of the wormhole
is refracting the beam.
478
00:40:20,800 --> 00:40:23,268
- The Ferengi are hailing us.
- On screen.
479
00:40:24,600 --> 00:40:28,434
Thank you for all your assistance,
humans.
480
00:40:28,600 --> 00:40:32,354
It was lovely doing business with you.
481
00:40:32,520 --> 00:40:37,469
We'll be heading back into orbit
to transport our acquisitions aboard.
482
00:40:40,280 --> 00:40:42,840
Beam those men back now, Mr Kim.
483
00:40:43,960 --> 00:40:46,793
I'm trying, but the scanners
are out of phase.
484
00:40:46,960 --> 00:40:50,157
Try setting the scanners
to a narrowband subspace frequency.
485
00:40:53,240 --> 00:40:55,993
They're trying to beam us back.
486
00:40:56,160 --> 00:40:59,038
They're using a subspace carrier wave.
487
00:40:59,200 --> 00:41:01,714
- Do something!
- Shields to maximum.
488
00:41:01,880 --> 00:41:07,034
- Shields are at maximum!
- Send out a high-energy graviton pulse.
489
00:41:07,200 --> 00:41:10,272
Let's see their transporter signal
cut through that.
490
00:41:10,440 --> 00:41:16,276
The Ferengi are emitting a pulse.
It's throwing the targeting scanners off.
491
00:41:16,440 --> 00:41:20,194
Not only that,
it's destabilising the wormhole.
492
00:41:20,360 --> 00:41:26,196
An eddy from the wormhole is attracting
their shuttle. They're being pulled in.
493
00:41:29,720 --> 00:41:33,076
- Reverse thrusters!
- They're off-line!
494
00:41:38,680 --> 00:41:42,150
Follow them in
before that wormhole collapses.
495
00:41:42,320 --> 00:41:45,392
Aye, Captain. Re-setting coordinates.
496
00:41:46,880 --> 00:41:50,077
Captain, the entrance to the wormhole
is moving.
497
00:41:50,240 --> 00:41:53,550
The pulse must have
increased its momentum.
498
00:41:53,720 --> 00:41:56,109
Adjusting course to follow.
499
00:41:57,760 --> 00:42:02,834
- It's too fast for us. I need more speed.
- Divert auxiliary power to the thrusters.
500
00:42:04,080 --> 00:42:07,868
- It's not enough.
- Initiate a high intensity impulse burst.
501
00:42:12,360 --> 00:42:16,638
Re-initiate the verteron field. Maybe
we can attract the wormhole back.
502
00:42:16,800 --> 00:42:20,793
The Ferengi graviton pulse knocked
the wormhole completely off its axis.
503
00:42:20,960 --> 00:42:23,872
It's jumping erratically now on both ends.
504
00:42:24,040 --> 00:42:25,996
Options?
505
00:42:32,240 --> 00:42:34,196
There are none.
506
00:42:39,240 --> 00:42:43,438
Mr Paris,
reset a course for the Alpha Quadrant.
507
00:42:44,600 --> 00:42:47,160
- Warp 6.
- Aye, Captain.
508
00:43:00,960 --> 00:43:02,518
Look.
509
00:43:02,680 --> 00:43:05,638
The Holy Ones are going home!
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