Star Trek: Voyager (TV Series)

Mortal Coil (1997)

Ethan Phillips: Neelix

Photos 

Quotes 

• Seven of Nine : The Borg encountered a Kazon colony in the Gand Sector, grid 6920.

  Neelix : Were they assimilated?

  Seven of Nine : Their biological and technological distinctiveness was unremarkable. They were unworthy of assimilation.

  Neelix : I didn't realize the Borg were so discriminating.

  Seven of Nine : Why assimilate a species that would detract from perfection?

• Neelix : Eleven years ago, I saw my world in ruins... my family murdered. All that's kept me going is knowing that one day we'd be together again, that I'd see them again... but it's not true, and I can't... live without that hope.

• Seven of Nine : These nutritional supplements are unacceptable.

  Neelix : What's wrong?

  Seven of Nine : They are pungent.

  Neelix : That's the whole idea. I've been adding Talaxian spices to broaden your palate.

  Seven of Nine : My palate is sufficiently broad.

• Chakotay : You're being called back to your life again, Neelix. Don't turn your back on it. We're your family now.

  Neelix : It's not enough.

  Chakotay : It is for us. "His function on this crew is diverse." That's what Seven of Nine said about you. Even our Borg understands how important you are on this ship. It's not just the duties you perform; it's the way you make people feel when you're around.

  Neelix : That Neelix is gone.

  Chakotay : I don't think he is.

• Neelix : Seven, I think you've made a wonderful addition to this crew. I know it's been difficult for you making the transition from Borg back to human, or half-human... or whatever it is you become. Actually, you're... just plain Seven to me.

  Seven of Nine : Your point, Mr. Neelix.

  Neelix : I guess I just want to say... you're surrounded by people who care about you, and whether you know it or not, Voyager is going to be a very good home to you. It certainly was to me.

  Seven of Nine : "Was?" Do you intend to leave?

  Neelix : Leave? No. I'll be around. Well... goodbye.

• [last lines] 

  Naomi Wildman : Mommy says you were sick.

  Neelix : I was, but I'm okay now.

  Naomi Wildman : Did a monster get you?

  Neelix : Yes, I suppose so, but I chased him away. Pleasant dreams.

• Seven of Nine : [during Neelix's Vision Quest]  You will be assimilated.

  Neelix : No time for that now. Maybe later.

• Neelix : I've been resting for two days straight, and resting makes me feel, well, restless.

• Seven of Nine : You are a peculiar creature, Neelix.

  Neelix : Thanks. I think.

• The Doctor : Until I'm certain the damaged tissue can function independently, you'll have to be injected with nanoprobes on a daily basis.

  Neelix : Well, as long as I don't start... uh... assimilating the crew or sprouting Borg implants, I... I'm sure I can live with it.

• Neelix : [witnessing his own death on the holodeck]  Nothing.

  Chakotay : What?

  Neelix : I died, and there was nothing. There was no one there. No Forest.

  Chakotay : Forest?

  Neelix : The Great Forest. The afterlife. I was taught that when I died, my ancestors would be there, waiting for me by the Guiding Tree. My sisters, my mother and father, my cousins, everyone who was killed in the war. I took great comfort in knowing that we'd all be together again one day. But it's not true.

  Chakotay : Maybe we pulled you back before any of that could happen.

  Neelix : No. I was dead for 18 hours, I should have... experienced something. I should remember *something*. It's just a story. A myth. There is no Guiding Tree. No gathering of the ancestors.

  Chakotay : You can't be certain of that. Don't throw away a lifetime of faith because of one anomalous incident. Death is still the greatest mystery there is.

  Neelix : I was there. I experienced it. There was nothing.

• Neelix : I-I didn't ask to be brought back!

  Seven of Nine : You were dead at the time.

  Neelix : Well, what right did you have to violate me? You Borg think you can fix anything, but you didn't fix me!

• Neelix : I don't really like the idea of Borg technology swimming around inside me.

  Seven of Nine : That is irrelevant. You need the nanoprobes to live.

  Neelix : Live? Oh, is that what I am doing right now, living? I'm beginning to wonder.

  Seven of Nine : By most definitions, you are alive.

  Neelix : Well, part of me isn't alive.

  Seven of Nine : Which part are you referring to?

  Neelix : I don't know, but something is missing. I don't feel like Neelix anymore. Maybe Neelix is gone. Maybe he died, and I'm all that's left.

• Neelix : Dead?

  The Doctor : For eighteen hours, forty-nine minutes, thirteen seconds. Congratulations, Mr. Neelix. You've just set a new world record.

• Chakotay : Don't throw away a lifetime of faith because of one anomalous incident. Death is still the greatest mystery there is.

  Neelix : I was there. I experienced it. There was nothing.

• Neelix : That's what's going to happen to all of us. Like a hologram, we just disappear into nothing.

• Neelix : Alixia? Why weren't you there?

• Neelix : [in his vision]  Captain! My sister, she was just standing here talking to you.

  Captain Kathryn Janeway : The dead girl? Oh yes, very charming. I can see the family resemblance.

• [repeated line] 

  Neelix : Duty calls.