Summary for Star Trek: Voyager episode
Bride of Chaotica

Season 5, Episode 12
Stardate: Supplemental

Guest Stars:
Martin Rayner as "Dr. Chaotica"
Nicholas Worh as "Lonzak"
Jim Krestalude as "Alien #1"
Tarik Ergin as the "Robot"

Story by:
Bryan Fuller

Teleplay by:
Bryan Fuller and Michael Taylor

Events:
No, don't adjust that set. The show starts by advertising itself as "The Adventures of Captain Proton" ;-)

We're watching Chapter 18: "The Bride of Chaotica!". Constance Goodheart, Proton's associate, has been captured by the evil Dr. Chaotica, who plans on turning her over to Arachnia, the Queen of the Spider-People.

We watch as Tom and Harry (Proton and Buster) prepare with grim determination to save the damsel in distress. But lightning strikes out from Chaotica's castle and Proton's ship is struck, bursting into flames.

Harry and Tom are watching this, using one of Proton's view screens. There is no colour, only the black and white of really old movies. Apparently we are in the holodeck while Tom and Harry watch the summary of Chapter 17.

Harry claims they didn't burst into flames, and asks why the summary is inaccurate.

Tom explains that it brings the audience back for more.

They set about turning a number of dials and clicking a lot of switches in preparation for their time on the holodeck, and Tom commands the computer to begin the current chapter. The music swells and Harry announces Chaotica is trying to communicate with them. Tom turns on the "imagizer" and we're treated to a screaming Goodheart.

Chaotica commands them to surrender, but they refuse. Tom demands the release of Goodheart but Chaotica refuses. Harry, having some difficulty keeping a straight face, responds with the classic "You won't get away with this" line and Chaotica unleashes another weapon.

Their 'ship' is hit and they lose all maneuverability. Harry looks through their periscope and sees mountainous terrain ahead of them. To make things worse the landing gear won't deploy (Tom smacks the console trying to make the landing gear work; Harry seeing this imitates him though he doesn't seem to know why he's doing it ;-).

Despite a bumpy ride the ship and crew survive. Harry opens the hatch to the ship and Tom welcomes them to "Planet X".

Tom explains that they must battle Chaotica's soldiers, disguise themselves in the uniforms of the soldiers they defeat, and then defeat Chaotica.

Harry is concerned. He claims Tom promised there would be "slave girls" in this chapter. Tom reassures him that once they get within Chaotica's "Fortress of Doom" they will free his "harem".

Harry is happy with this news.

Out on the 'surface' Harry notices this looks identical to the landscape in the "Mines of Mercury" chapter. Tom explains that sets weren't cheap, and unlike Mercury, here there is no volcano.

They take a few steps and are stopped by a mild earthquake. Looking around Harry spots a glowing halo swirling about 10 feet off the ground. The halo is in colour (red and blue).

Tom tells Harry this isn't Chaotica.

The show cuts to opening credits and commercials

When we return Harry tries to shut down the holodeck. But the computer is unable to do so. The controls are offline. Tom tries calling to the bridge but that doesn't work either. They agree to try the manual override, to be found in the 'ship'.

On Voyager's bridge, Janeway demands a report. Chakotay tells her they dropped out of warp and are at a standstill. Tuvok tells her that the engines are operational.

The ship shudders and Chakotay reports that the ship is surrounded by a gravimetric force and it's disrupting the power systems. Tuvok starts reporting new systems going offline. Janeway orders a scan for ships in the area.

Down in the holodeck Tom and Harry have run into an old foe of Proton's: Lonzak. Lonzak is accompanied by a couple of Chaotica's soldiers. Tom points out they need to keep moving so he pulls out his laser pistol and shoots Lonzak, who takes a good deal of time to fall in a very theatrical manner. Harry joins him and they shoot the soldiers as well. Tom and Harry continue on their way, Harry shooting a soldier a second time just for good measure.

Back on the bridge they learn they still have the impulse engines. Janeway gives the order and they try to move, but as the impulse engines head for critical the ship fails to move. So Janeway orders a stop to the effort.

Back in the holodeck, Tom and Harry have reached their 'ship', but Tom can't get the override to work. Harry looks through the periscope and notices a second halo has appeared, and then a third. He claims they're getting larger.

Tom decides to try a site-to-site transport and they appear in a hallway on Voyager.

In Astrometrics, Janeway, Tom, B'Elanna and Seven are discussing their problem. Seven explains that space is unstable in this region of space and B'Elanna informs them they've 'run aground on a sub-space sand bar'. She's tried various things to get the ship free, but nothing works. She explains that while they're stuck the computer core, tactical, and holodecks will remain unavailable. Furthermore, there are only six functioning replicators left.

Janeway asks about the haloes in the Proton program and Seven suggests they are simply random energy fluctuations and pose no threat.

Janeway decides to keep an eye on them and evacuates that deck.

Janeway reflects on her past, stating she was Science Officer on the USS Albitani. They had investigated a dense proto-nebula. It took two days of trying to push through it before they realized their own engines were making it difficult to move, increasing the density of the material around them.

Seven interrupts her to provide the solution Janeway was about to propose: to minimize the energy output of the engines so they could ease through the 'sand bar'. Janeway orders an attempt be made.

Back in Proton's world, two of the haloes produce two 'humans' dressed in the garb of the 1930s (suits and fedoras).

They draw out a couple of scanning devices, examining the Fortress of Doom. But very swiftly they are captured by the now-recovered Lonzak. The aliens explain they mean no harm in a somewhat mechanical monotone. Linzak orders his soldiers to take them prisoner and the aliens offer no resistance. Using his wrist communicator Lonzak orders the lowering of the drawbridge.

In Chaotica's throne room Lonzak presents himself. When Chaotica asks whether he caught Proton, Lonzak must confess that Proton escaped. Chaotica orders the robot to grab Lonzak. But Lonzak quickly informs his liege that he has prisoners from "another dimension".

Chaotica dispenses with the punishment of Lonzak to interrogate the aliens, who are brought forth.

Upon arrival the first alien asks Chaotica for his name. Chaotica laughs, then shouts that he's been insulted. True to his character, Chaotica cannot imagine a reason these aliens are here except to invade Chaotica's realm. The aliens explain they are explorers searching out "other photonic life forms" (that's right, folks, light-based life forms).

Chaotica raves about how he'll crush them and their invading armies. The first alien explains to the second that Chaotica and Lonzak display aggressive tendencies, and that the interview is over. Chaotica agrees and orders them executed. Lonzak whips out a laser pistol and destroys the second alien as Goodheart screams. The first alien manages to activate his transporter device and evaporates in an alien transporter beam.

Chaotica orders his fleet to readiness and commands Lonzak deliver Miss Goodheart to Arachnia and invite Arachnia to join forces for the effort to conquer what he believes to be the fifth dimension.

The show cuts to commercials.

Back on Voyager, Janeway records a log entry stating that they've been stuck for three days. The mess hall is quite busy and it looks like seaweed is the main course. Janeway walks in, demanding coffee. Neelix explains that they've lost two replicators and is interrupted as Janeway provides Neelix with her version of "read my lips": "Coffee - black".

Neelix hurries over to the replicator and orders up the coffee. Taking advantage of the situation, Neelix starts to talk about something, but Janeway interrupts him for the second time to sip her coffee first (someone isn't getting their usual caffeine ration ;-).

Janeway then gives her attention to Neelix. Neelix is very concerned about other systems that are offline. Apparently there are only four functioning toilets onboard at the moment (serving 150 people according to Neelix). He claims there are line ups and there might soon be problems, "especially for the Boleans" whispers Neelix.

He also points out that only three sonic showers are working.

Janeway gets the idea, but is rescued from suggesting a solution, by Tuvok calling her to the bridge. She leaves the problem of finding a solution to Neelix.

Up on the bridge, B'Elanna has shut down the warp core and they're ready to try thrusters only. They manage to get up to 25 metres a second and approaching the edge of the sub-space 'sand bar' when they start slowing down, the ship shudders and B'Elanna detects weapons fire though she can't locate the source. Tuvok locates it in the holodeck where the Captain Proton program is still running. They cannot shut it down so Janeway sends Tuvok and Tom to investigate.

On the holodeck, Tom and Tuvok survey the situation. The Fortress of Doom looks rather damaged. Soldiers lay strewn about, dead. As is Miss Goodheart. Both Tom and Tuvok realize something is very much amiss.

They overhear the robot chatting away, quite garbled. Upon investigating they find it has taken some damage, including its ability to speak. Tom examines the circuitry, finds a blown resistor, and rewires the robot so it can speak and they can learn some answers to what has happened.

Once the repair is completed the robot seems quite agitated and keeps repeating "Invaders from the fifth dimension" and claims they came through portals. Tom knows there are no alien invaders in this story, then he realizes the sub-space distortions they saw earlier (ie the haloes) might be linked to this. He commands the robot to take them to the portals and the robot complies.

Soon the robot has lead them to the portals, which almost immediately start firing photon-based weapons at them. They manage to avoid the shots, hiding behind the rock. Tuvok decides they must tell the captain but Tom suggest they return to his 'ship' and use the 'sensors' there.

Meanwhile, in Astrometrics, Seven has managed to create a visual image of the holodeck. It just happens to show the portals. Soon after, the portals are struck by Chaotica's death ray. With a few adjustments Harry shows the interior of Chaotica's throne room, where two soldiers and Lonzak are repositioning the death ray gun.

Meanwhile Chaotica is calling for help from Arachnia, who has failed to respond.

Back in Proton's 'ship' Tuvok discovers that the 'sensors' are actually a ticker-tape machine (haven't seen one of those in a while).

The ticker tape provides him with some information on what has been happening (stuff we already know).

They are soon joined by the first alien, and everyone (but the robot) has a weapon drawn and pointed at the other.

The show cuts to commercials.

When we return the robot goes wild screaming "Invaders" until Tom backhands it on the face plate and orders it quiet, at which time the robot mumbles "invaders" and backs up ;-)

Tom lowers his weapon and explains there is a mistake. That he is from Voyager and is accompanied by Tuvok.

The alien announces that 53 aliens have already died.

They try to explain to the alien that the holodeck is a "photonic-based simulation". Unfortunately, when talking with a photonic-based life form this makes no sense at all. The alien, using his scanning device, isn't even able to identify Tom and Tuvok as life forms, and has no idea what a bio-chemical-based life form is. Furthermore, they haven't been able to detect Voyager.

The alien seems to menace Tom for a second and the robot springs to life, threatening to destroy the alien. Unfortunately the alien fires first, damaging the robot, which flails about, thus disarming the alien.

The alien flees.

Back on Voyager, in the conference room, Janeway is learning the bad news (this is a good scene for unintentionally humourous dialogue). She finally understands that the aliens think humans are as fake as holographic images are to humans. And they can't power down the holodeck because the controls are offline.

Seven suggests Doc might be able to reason with them, since he is photon-based. Janeway orders him briefed on the problem.

Tom suggests that the aliens think Chaotica is a legitimate invasion force. He suggests they help the aliens defeat Chaotica. To do that, they need to bring down Chaotica's "lightning shield" (i.e. a force field) that protects his fortress. If this is done Proton's ship has a device that can destroy the death ray and thus Chaotica will be helpless.

Tom explains that in the story the lightning shield is sabotaged by Arachnia. Apparently Arachnia is the only person Chaotica trusts (he loves her). So they need someone to play Arachnia to do the deed.

Janeway looks hopefully at Seven, but all eyes are on Janeway for the role. She tries to avoid it, but her destiny is inevitable. She is to be Arachnia, Queen of the Spider-People.

She tells Tom she is a size four.

The scene cuts to Sick Bay where Doc is thrilled with his mission. B'Elanna arrives as requested by Doc. He needs her to tailor his image so he can present himself as the president of Earth. She completes the job swiftly, telling him the appearance will take effect once Doc is inside the holodeck. Before he leaves Sick Bay to respond to Harry's summons to head for the holodeck, B'Elanna hopes he'll "break a leg" ;-)

Meanwhile, Tom and Janeway are walking the halls to the holodeck. Tom provides some hints on how to handle Chaotica. He tells her that Chaotica is a megalomaniac, likes to be called "Sire", and that she should pander to his ego. He gives her an example of just how campy Chaotica is and Janeway gives him a strange look as if to say 'you're kidding, right?'.

Tom continues with the briefing, providing translations for the usual Voyager terms (imagizer, not view screen, ray gun, not phaser, etc). He gives Janeway the specs for her costume, which raises an eyebrow as she reviews them. And then Tom explains the secret weapon, a vial of her pheromones. Apparently one whiff places Chaotica under her spell.

Once the shield is down Arachnia must contact Tom through Chaotica's microphone and Tom will disable the death ray.

Back on the holodeck, Lonzak delivers bad news to Chaotica, claiming three more of their ships were destroyed. Chaotica orders full power to the death ray, and then sends out a signal to the aliens, demanding their surrender.

A signal is received almost right away. It's Queen Arachnia requesting entrance across the drawbridge. Chaotica permits this.

Lonzak announces Arachnia and we can see it is quite a get-up she wears. The dress is like a body stocking, slit at the front and showing cleavage, with a large lace collar. She wears heels and hose. Her hair is up and is now black. Her black lipstick matches her black fingernail polish. She is very unlike the captain we are used to seeing.

Chaotica calls her "My queen" and bends to one knee to kiss her hand.

The show cuts to commercials.

When we return they exchange pleasantries, with Janeway showing only mild hesitation as she tries to recall the compliments Tom suggested to her.

She moves on to compliment him on his death ray, only to discover the object she thought was a death ray is actually the "cradle of persuasion" (a futuristic torture rack complete with brain probe). He guides her to the death ray.

Like a love-sick puppy Chaotica takes her on a tour, starting with his throne. She finds the vial of pheromones, Chaotica admitting it inspires him, and she slips it into a fold of her sleeve. Asking for his permission, which he grants, she sits herself upon the throne and crosses her legs.

She announces: "Somehow, I feel comfortable here" (apparently any command chair will do ;-)

Chaotica asks her to join him, that he will provide her with a wondrous chair of her own. But Arachnia isn't here for romance. She's here to 'win' a battle.

She claims she's summoned her "spider-ships" and that they await the lowering of the lightning shield to pay homage to Chaotica. He is touched, but suspicious, claiming that if he does this he'll be defenseless. So he suggests that she become his queen, so that he can trust her and then he will do as he bids.

Chaotica orders Lonzak to prepare for the ceremony of marriage. Arachnia agrees with these orders, adding an order to lower the shield so her people can witness the event. Chaotica agrees to lower the shield after her guests arrive.

Then he rejoices over the idea of having won over his bride-to-be.

Meanwhile, outside the fortress. the 'President of Earth' signals the aliens and the first alien appears. The President explains they share a common enemy, Chaotica. He also tells the alien of the illustrious Captain Proton, defender of the universe. The President explains that Proton is preparing a final assault on Chaotica, but that the alien's weapons are preventing this from happening. He asks the alien to stop firing so Proton can save the day.

The naive alien swallows this whole, and agrees to stop firing on Chaotica to allow Proton to fulfill his mission.

In Proton's 'ship', Harry, Tom and the robot work on the weapon that will neutralize the death ray. The robot helps by repeating whatever was most recently said ;-)

Tom wishes he could deactivate the robot (which the robot repeats). Then Tom goes further, claiming he will delete the entire program when he gets the chance.

Doc arrives, swearing he delivered a wonderful performance and that he convinced the aliens to cooperate.

Tom hopes Janeway is doing as well.

The scene slides sideways as Chaotica's throne room slides onto the tv screen.

Lonzak, minus his helmet, arrives with a pillow bearing a huge gaudy ring. Arachnia thinks it is for her, but in fact it for her to present to Chaotica during the ceremony.

Arachnia tries once again to convince Chaotica to drop his shield, aggravating Chaotica's suspicions again. She explains that underlings are so unreliable and she often does things herself. Chaotica appreciates that line of thinking.

But their conversation is interrupted by Lonzak who claims that Proton is preparing to attack. Chaotica orders the death ray be made ready, and Arachnia neatly judo chops the soldier into unconsciousness. Drawing the soldier's weapon, she holds Chaotica and Lonzak at bay. Chaotica orders Lonzak to kill her, but the ray gun has no effect. However, the "circles of containment" which are summoned by Chaotica and activated by Lonzak trap her in the middle of the throne room, helpless.

Chaotica promises not to kill her until after the wedding, and then returns to the job of destroying Proton. The death ray is once again manned and readied to strike. Lonzak fires the ray.

On Proton's ship, the ray hits and all shudder. Realizing there is a problem at Janeway's end Tom decides to use his 'destructo beam' to fight back. He asks Doc to fire it, but Doc doesn't know how. So Tom tells him to press the big button on the panel. Doc turns to a panel and is about to press a beam when Tom and Harry in unison shout "The other panel!"

Doc moves to another panel and activates the beam.

But it is too late, Chaotica has managed to damage Proton's ship.

Meanwhile, on Voyager's bridge, the ship is shuddering as the alien weapon's fire increases. This is causing them to shift deeper into sub-space.

The show cuts to commercials.

When we return, Proton's ship is being buffeted with repeated attacks. Doc takes a look through the periscope, announces "Incoming", and the ship rocks again.

Back in the throne room, Lonzak claims that Proton's ship is damaged but still flying. "Not for long" claims Chaotica who insists that the firing continue.

We find Arachnia is now chained to the pillar where Miss Goodheart had once stood. Arachnia manages to uncork the pheromones and we can see the mist rising and flowing away from her...towards the death ray.

Chaotica makes some adjustments to the death ray and hands it over to Lonzak to fire. Chaotica goes to supervise the shield and Lonzak finds himself under the spell of the pheromones that have now reached him. He turns to Arachnia, approaching her.

Chaoticia is involved looking at his viewscreen to enjoy the sight of Proton being blasted out of the sky.

Meanwhile, Lonzak has managed to walk to Arachnia, begging her to ensnare him in her web. She promises that and more if he will free her.

Just then Chaotica turns to discover what is causing the delay. He is not impressed with what he sees. He commands Lonzak back to his post, but it's too late. Deftly, Janeway swings Lonzak into the pillar head first and he goes down. She then grabs his ray gun and disables the two soldiers. Then she threatens Chaotica unless he decides to turn off the shield. Chaotica tries many soothing words to no avail. Finally, he shuts off the device, and Arachnia shoots him as well.

Grabbing the microphone, she tells Proton the shield is down. Proton has the President of Earth fire the destructo beam, and the death ray releases its energy on Chaotica, who has made the mistake of grabbing it while trying to stand.

Chaotica appears to be electrocuted.

Back on the bridge, Tuvok announces that the portals are closing, B'Elanna announces they are re-aligning with normal space.

Chakotay gives the order and Voyager breaks free of the sub-space trap they found themselves in.

Chakotay informs the captain, who gives orders for a clean-up operation. Chakotay offers to shut down the holo-deck, but she has him wait.

The robot, Harry, Tom and Doc all pile into the throne room. But they can see Janeway is fine. Chaotica gives his last threat, promising Arachnia he will avenge himself upon her. Then he dies.

However, the music swells and as the group look into the 'imagizer' they see "The End", followed by Chaotica's laughter and "?" on the view screen.

End of episode.

Personal reflections:

What a hoot ;-) !

This show was campy, comical, and had only a few minor nits to report (see the Nit spoiler for details).

A well-written story and certainly entertaining as a one-shot episode.

But let's not overdo a good thing, eh? Three episodes this year have included the Chaotica venue: "Night", "Thirty Days" and "Bride of Chaotica". Another Moriarty we don't need.

But kudos to those who revived the old serialized sci-fi thriller for the sake of this episode. It was appreciated by this viewer.

Thanks for your attention.



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