CAPTAIN'S LOG - STARDATE 54553.4
Captain Katherine Janeway reporting.
We've encountered an unusual request from 7 of 9 — to initiate controlled contact with what she describes as a "non-hostile lifeform of unknown species." This entity, Jax Zod, goes by the title Superman, initiated contact with 7 of 9, proposing a complete medical examination.
Jax Zod's intentions appear to be benign. He has newly acquired abilities beyond those of most species, granting him the title of 'Superman'. 7's attitude toward this Superman is unusually enthusiastic. She firmly believes in his moral character and believes fulfilling his requests will benefit Voyager.
If she's wrong, we'll be ready. If she's right... We may be standing on the edge of first contact with something truly extraordinary and an ally on our long journey home.
SECURITY LOG – STARDATE 54553.4
Lieutenant Commander Tuvok reporting.
A security detail has been assigned to Sickbay for the arrival of the subject designated "Superman: Jax Zod." Three officers will accompany me; phasers are set to stun. Although stun may not affect his biology. Stronger settings may be required if he turns hostile.
Given the subject's uncertain nature, I have adjusted containment field parameters to a rotating frequency modulation — sufficient to restrain most known energy-based entities. Probability of containment breach: 18.4%.
Logic dictates readiness, not fear.
MEDICAL LOG – STARDATE 54553.4
Emergency Medical Hologram, supplemental.
The Captain has once again volunteered my services for another "unique" medical case. As usual, I'm provided with no biological data, no transporter biofilter records, and no preparation time — but apparently, I am still expected to work miracles.
I've configured Sickbay for multi-spectrum analysis and reinforced the EM containment field — just in case our visitor decides to ignore Starfleet hygiene regulations.
Personally, I anticipate a lifeform of exceptional biological curiosity. Professionally, I anticipate headaches.
SEVEN OF NINE – PERSONAL LOG – STARDATE 54553.4
I anticipate the arrival of Jax Zod. Initially, I saw him as a unique opportunity to study a powerful species. After my discussions with him, I find myself looking forward more to the man than the mysteries of his species' biology.
Additionally, there is hope that Voyager's mission to return to the Alpha Quadrant might be greatly reduced. If that is the case, what will I do next?
INT. SICKBAY – U.S.S. VOYAGER STARDATE 54553.4
The hum of the warp core thrums faintly through the deckplates — a low, constant heartbeat that does nothing to calm the tension in the room. Sickbay is spotless and silent, every biobed gleaming beneath the steady white light.
The Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH), The Doctor, moves briskly from console to console, fingers flicking across holo-panels. His expression is part curiosity, part irritation.
"If the captain expects me to examine an unknown lifeform, I would at least appreciate thirty seconds of sensor data beforehand," the Doctor mutters to himself.
At the doorway, Tuvok stands with the immovable calm of Vulcan discipline, but the three security officers flanking him are less composed. Phasers hang at the ready on their belts, and one of them keeps glancing around the room, waiting for the arrival of an unknown, but powerful species, Superman.
"Sir, if this thing beams in hostile—" Ensign Parker begins to air the fear that is building within.
Lieutenant Commander Tuvok cuts into his question, not giving him the chance to express his fears, "You will act in accordance with Starfleet protocol, Ensign. No assumptions."
A brief pause. Parker swallows hard and nods.
"I, for one, will assume it's intelligent enough not to make me regenerate the biobed, again," The EMH replies dryly.
The sickbay doors hiss open. Captain Janeway strides in, her face composed but her eyes razor-sharp. Seven of Nine follows, precise and silent, her posture betraying just a trace of tension.
"Report," Professional as always, Janeway takes command of the room.
"Nothing to report, no transporter signatures detected in the buffer network. If your guest intends to arrive, Captain, they're not using our systems," the Doctor spat.
"Seven, are you certain he is coming?" The Captain looked towards 7of 9.
"I am," she nods calmly.
The medical bay goes silent, each person waiting for Superman's appearance.
"Captain, Sensors are registering a subspace fluctuation," the Doctor announces.
Janeway's gaze fixes on the air between them, as a low, thrumming pulse it is the familiar sound and sight of a transporter beam.
"He's there," Tuvok points toward the center of the room.
SUPERMAN stands in the center of sickbay. Broad-shouldered, calm, his unique uniform catches their eyes, while the red cape stills as the last traces of light dissolve around him. His hands are open and relaxed at his sides.
Ensign Parker's hand twitches near his phaser, but Tuvok raises a hand, "Steady."
Superman's eyes move from face to face; analytical, gentle, unafraid, "I appreciate your caution. I come in peace."
The Doctor stares at his tricorder, baffled.
Seven steps forward. The tension in the room shifts, "Captain… this is him. The one I told you about."
Janeway studied him, "Then let's begin." Janeway nods to Tuvok. "Security detail: remain on alert, but keep your weapons holstered. Doctor, begin your examination."
"At last, something interesting!" The Doctor lifts a medical tricorder and begins to circle Superman slowly, scanning from head to toe. His holographic brows furrow almost immediately.
7 of 9 follow suit, scanning with her device. Janeway watches and waits patiently. Although Tuvok is curious, he maintains his wariness.
"Extraordinary… cellular density far beyond humanoid norms. No identifiable pathogens, no DNA structure I recognize, and…"
He pauses, tilting the device. "...either you have no heartbeat, or it's beating at a frequency well outside biological range.
Superman's eyes shift toward the Doctor. A flicker of interest, maybe even admiration.
"You're… not quite solid, are you? There's a shimmer, almost like a heat distortion," Superman comments on the information his super senses are providing him.
The Doctor straightens, clearly pleased, "Excellent perception! You're quite right, I'm a holographic projection, the Emergency Medical Hologram, to be precise. And may I say, I prefer adaptive photonic matrix to 'not quite solid'.
Superman's expression softens with curiosity, "A being of light that thinks and feels. Remarkable."
"I've been saying so for years, but no one listens." The Doctor continues his examination with a less grumpy countenance.
Seven steps closer, expression composed but eyes bright with data-hunger.
"Captain, with your permission, I would assist the Doctor. Borg medical analysis incorporates multispectral cellular mapping and comparative xenogenetic data from over ten thousand species."
The Doctor stiffens, mildly affronted.
"Which, impressive as that sounds, hardly qualifies you to perform medical procedures. My expertise spans millennia of Federation research. I've catalogued and treated more species than you've likely encountered in your collective state."
Seven's tone turns cool — precise as a scalpel.
"The Borg have not merely treated, they have assimilated and integrated biological and technological information across countless civilizations. Our—
(catching herself) —their expertise in analyzing and adapting to new lifeforms exceeds that of any single individual."
The Doctor folds his arms, smiling thinly. "So your argument for medical authority is… invasive conquest. How very humanitarian."
Janeway cuts in before the sparks can ignite, "Enough. You'll both cooperate. The Doctor will lead the medical analysis, and Seven will provide comparative data when requested. Clear?"
In unison, the Doctor and 7 of 9 respond, "Understood."
Superman can't quite suppress a faint, bemused smile. "I can step outside if you two need to settle rank first."
Janeway shoots him a sharp, almost motherly glance, "You'll stay right where you are, Mister Zod. Surely you don't expect me to refer to you as 'Superman.'
"Mr. Zod is fine," Jax responds.
The Doctor scoffs at the absurd title.
"Captain, the phonetic structure resembles early Human mythological nomenclature. Possibly symbolic," Tuvok offers an olive branch to Jax.
Choosing now as a good time to exit, Janeway acknowledges Tuvok's contribution, "Keep me informed of any developments, Doctor. Commander Tuvok, stay with them."
As the doors hiss closed behind her, the tension softens into curiosity and quiet cooperation. Superman, calm and respectful, turns his gaze back to the Doctor and Seven.
The Doctor and 7 of 9 begin their 'cooperative' effort to study Superman's body.
"I have an initial reading for his overall durability; his skin is at least durable enough to take a Type II Phaser beam and have 0 damage." 7 explains.
"Excellent, strength indicates a force of 98,066.5 joules, around 100 times greater than a trained boxer." The Doctor is impressed.
"We can also take his speed of 80mph and give us an estimated Power Level of 420," 7 concludes.
"Agreed," the Doctor gives a genuine smile, or his best version of one.
The sudden klaxon echoes through the ship. Red alert siren fills the corridor. Outside the viewport, the stars streak and the ship shudders.
"Tuvok to the bridge. Captain, what is the situation?"
"Security breach, subspace entity has breached the aft shields. Shields are at seventy-five percent and falling. Report to the bridge immediately!" Janeway orders over the comms.
Seven's posture tenses; the Doctor freezes mid-scan.
"The subject's examination is paused. Doctor, secure all reference data and stand by for evacuation protocols. Prepare the medical bay to receive the injured," 7 doesn't ask but immediately takes command.
"Acknowledged."
CUT TO: BRIDGE
The overhead view shows the aft section of Voyager being struck by a torrent of unidentified energy bolts.
Captain Janeway appears on the main viewscreen of Sickbay, "Seven, Doctor, we have hostile vessels locking on. You two remain in Sickbay with Mr. Zod. For now, he remains contained until our security threat is neutralized.
"Understood, Captain." The viewscreen darkens. Seven turns to the Doctor with controlled urgency. "Perhaps we should be ready for the worst case. His assistance might alter the threat scenario. I propose that we release him from the containment field if it becomes apparent that we need him.
The Doctor's scan console flashes warnings, "You would release an unknown alien lifeform mid-combat?
Seven meets his gaze calmly, "He has volunteered for study. He has expressed a desire to serve. In this crisis, his capabilities might ensure Voyager's survival."
The Doctor grimaces, checking readings, "Fine. But I will release him if there is no other choice or appropriate command orders me to, understood?
"Understood." Just as 7 and the Doctor reached an understanding, they were interrupted by Lieutenant Commander Tuvok.
"Tuvok to Sickbat: New orders, Mr. Zod is granted permission to exit containment for active threat mitigation. Remain in sickbay until the Captain authorises movement.
"Understood, Lieutenant Commander Tuvok. Releasing the containment field now," The Doctor taps the musical sigils and commands on the sickbay command suite.
Supermanlooks at Seven and the Doctor, "I was waiting. I can help."
The Doctor and Seven exchange a look — the intensity of cooperation and competition weaving together. "Very well, but you stay here, under supervision, until we need you to interfere," the EMH huffed.
Nodding her head, "I concur, please remain at the ready, Jax."