another episode from the files of CW's imagination. Taking place a little over a month after At Home in The Stars (my Basics 3). The first two stories in this series were posted under the title Alternate Basics (Basics 2, Basics 3 (At home with the Stars), and a brief description of a Cardassian plot not shown in the pilot).
The second plot involves the ship's 1st wedding. Again, I leave the star dates blank. Several have tried to explain; the Heisenberg Uncertainity Principle is my excuse this time. This is my first story post in narrative rather than script form.
I think Ensign Wildman's baby should have been named Kimberly Kathryn. (And I still do!!!!)
All the usual disclaimers apply. The characters may belong to Paramount, but what they do between episodes, during the summer, and in my rather dangerous mind are my concern. This is, after all, my alternate universe.
These two stories are the only time I wrote in the present...please forgive me. ;-)
Second disclaimer: With this episode, I will be stepping on toes. I can hear the keys typing now. I know B'Elanna's research is banned by the Federation. Their survival should be more important to them than a treaty with the Romulans (the number of Romulans in the Delta Quadrant *being rather limited*). Janeway, the scientist is of course fascinated by the work. As captain... But after 2 years of near catastrophes, having her ship taken, and almost continuous fighting... I also wanted B'Elanna to do something, even it started out on the sly, that didn't require 'cleaning' up. (i.e. faulty evolution or lost bombs).
"Captain's log Star date 50***. The away teams have finished collecting food supplies and plants. It's been a successful five days. Neelix says that we should be able to go another 3 months without resupplying. Kes is expanding her gardens, and we have collected seeds and root stocks for her. She is attempting to grow some fruit trees found on the planet.
"We will be traveling to an anti-neutrino star to collect anti-matter. Lieutenant Torres and Ensign Kim are working on a collecting probe."
Janeway looks up. She picks up her data pad and starts to read the morning reports.
Her door chimes ring. She smiles. An excuse not to read the reports.
"Enter."
"Captain, we'd like to talk to you." Her excuse is Lieutenant Edmund Waterbury and Ensign Lucy Rogers.
"Yes."
"Captain, we'd like to get married," Lieutenant Waterbury says.
Janeway looks up. "Permission granted." She has watched the crew pair off, but she is still startled. "When?"
"Three weeks. On her birthday."
Lucy smiles.
"All right. Let me know what you want. Congratulations."
One of a Captain's privileges, and she has never done it before.
She watches them leave. She returns to her reports.
The chimes ring again. This time it is Chakotay.
"Captain, the last of the away teams and supplies have been beamed aboard"
"Very good Commander. By the way Lucy Rogers and Edmund Waterbury are getting married in three weeks."
"Well good for Lucy. Whenever you're ready, the ship is ready for departure.".
"I'll be out in a minute."
Captain." He leaves and she doesn't start reading her reports again.
#
#
Tom watches Chakotay as he takes his seat, and smiles. He is positive something is going on-he has been for sometime. But recently...
"Lieutenant Paris, are you planning to sit there and smile all day?" the Captain admonishes him.
"No ma'm. Course laid in for the anti-neutrino star."
"That's better. Take us out of here, warp 5. Time to arrival?" She takes her seat.
"Six hour and thirty three minutes, Captain." Tom is trying not to grin.
She has figured Paris would be one of the first to notice. Just not this soon. She looks around quickly. The rest of the bridge crew are busy at their stations. She glances at Chakotay who shrugs his shoulders.
#
#
"This is not exactly standard procedure," Harry mutters as he enters the last pieces of data into the computer.
"Well Star Fleet, we are experimenting. We don't have the right equipment to collect anti-matter safely and no one had a better idea."
"Calm down, B'Elanna. I helped with the design, remember."
"I know. I'm having second thoughts. What if the containment field breaks down, what if..."
"We use the last of our anti-matter," he finishes her sentence. "It will..."
Chakotay's voice interrupts. "Bridge to engineering."
"Torres here."
"Lieutenant, we have entered orbit around the anti-neutrino star. You can launch the probe any time."
"We're ready." She looks at Harry. "Well, here goes." She pushes a button.
Harry turns to his console. "Probe has cleared the ship. Setting course for the heaviest concentration of anti-matter." He crosses his fingers. "Clearing the star's outer shell. Contact.
"Capture of anti-matter confirmed. I am now returning the probe to a distance of 500 kilometers."
"Engineering to bridge." Torres feels anxious. She always does on the first try of one her experiments or improvements, and this one is very important to her.
"Bridge."
"Commander, we are now bringing the probe to a distance of 500 kilometers. When we have done a complete scan, we will beam the anti-matter into a level 1 container for further analysis."
"Very good Lieutenant"
#
#
Harry beams some of the anti-matter into a level 1 container.
"Stop, Harry," B'Elanna motions for him to come help. "We have a large enough sample. Scanning the contents. Well Star Fleet, here goes." She pushes a button and reads the output. There's a lot of contamination, it looks like we picked up a lot of stellar dust. Should be easily gotten rid of."
She places a small device on the container. The gases inside start to swirl and separate.
"OK Harry, beam the bottom 2/3 out."
He does and she removes the device and rescans the container.
"Contamination is gone. Triple A grade of anti-matter. It will work fine. It will take several hour to decontaminate each batch." She looks around as Tuvok enters.
"Good evening Lieutenant," Harry greets the security officer.
"Lieutenant Torres, Ensign Kim."
"Sir." She hands him her data pad.
He reads it, nods his head. "Very good. Both of you. How many collecting trips will the probe need to make to refill our supplies?"
Harry plugs some numbers into the computer. "Seventeen, possibly twenty, sir. There is a very high contamination rate."
"I see you are purifying the antimatter to a higher standard. Is that necessary?" Tuvok looks at B'Elanna.
"I have some ideas about recalibrating the warp engines to maximize efficiency. I need a higher grade." B'Elanna hopes that sounds impressive.
He raises an eyebrow. "How long do you think you will need to finish?"
"Two days, sir." Harry looks at B'Elanna puzzled. What?
"I will let the Captain know. Carry on."
"If we're going to be here all night, I'm going to eat something first. B'Elanna..."
She cuts him off. "I'll get Hogan and Carey to help. Let's get this batch into storage. Report back in 1 hour." She leaves.
#
#
Tom looks around the dining hall and joins Harry for dinner.
"I've been thinking of waffles covered with maple syrup."
"Well, all you are going to get is leola root biscuits. And some strange casserole. Try the green jam on the biscuits. It cover's the taste."
Tom takes a bite. "Maybe I'll just eat the jam. It's actually pretty good. Don't tell me what it is. I'd rather not know."
"So, I heard you got caught daydreaming on the bridge."
Tom laughs. "I wasn't daydreaming. I was thinking."
"Yea right. About what?"
"You know Harry, I'm not sure you would believe me if I told. And it's not my place to tell."
Tom is smiling at his little secret, as B'Elanna joins them.
"Daydreaming again Tom? You already have most of the crew trying to guess who she is?"
"Who who is?"
"Nice try. Is Jenny back in your life?"
"Yes she is. But that isn't what I was thinking about. Like I told Harry, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. Try the green stuff with the biscuits. It hides the taste."
"You mean the Sidelian Slime jelly."
"Oh, yuck. I knew I didn't want to know."
"Just kidding Tom. I haven't a clue what it is. And I don't want to find out. You want awful. Try Klingon food. Neelix' food is a gourmet delight compared to that."
They all laugh.
#
#
B'Elanna quietly enters the engineering lab and locks the door. She has been working on her project for over 3 years; starting in the alpha-quadrant. In her spare time, she would read journals and quietly experiment. She finally had constructed a device a few weeks ago, but had to wait until she had a higher grade of anti-matter to test it.
She takes a rather hap-hazard looking device from a cabinet and places it on the table. So far she has not told anyone, but if it works, she will have to convince the Captain to let her continue.
#
#
Captain Janeway looks up from B'Elanna's report. "Looks good, you were able to refill the storage containers to ninety two percent of capacity."
"Yes, captain."
"Why the higher standard?"
"I've been working on a project."
"Lieutenant, only a few things require such high purification standards."
"Captain?"
"Lieutenant. What are you working on."
Torres is nervous, but determined to get approval. "Captain, I know it's against Federation Regulations and everything, but isn't a more important point our survival."
"Our survival is important." Janeway stands. "But cloaking devices are still banned by treaty."
"Captain... How did you know?"
"Cloaking device was the logical choice. How far are you?"
"I tested the prototype last night. Captain, I was planning to re-test it tonight. Would you care to come watch?"
"Lieutenant ... I'll be there."
"Engineering lab at 1900 hours. Captain."
She sits back down as Torres leaves.
Two years ago this would have been an easy decision. 'No'.
But after 2 years and too many deaths...
It will boost crew morale. That is important, especially after so many disappointments.
It isn't like they would use it to sneak up and attack. Just avoid conflict. Something they haven't be able to do.
The ban is from a treaty with the Romulans. And even the Federation hasn't been faithful to that ban.
And it's her decision.
"Captain's Personal Log star date 5****. Lieutenant Torres has designed and built a cloaking device. I marvel at her achievement and admit I am curious to know how she did it. But can I let it be used on Voyager? Can I not?
"After two years of Kazons and Viidians.... And who knows what lies ahead?
"Despite a Federation ban on cloaking devices, I am inclined to allow her to continue her research.
"It won't be the only decision I have had to make that goes against the Federation and Star Fleet. But if I have to face the consequences of my actions, I will have succeeded in bringing my crew and ship safely back to the alpha quadrant."
She sits and stares at the terminal. She has made a number of decisions in the delta-quadrant that are not covered under Star Fleet or Federation regulations. Including asking the Maquis to join her crew. She smiles.
Her ready-room chime rings. "Enter."
"Captain."
"Ensign Rogers."
"You wanted us to let you know our plans, Captain." She is very nervous.
"Ensign, your wedding is the first on Voyager."
"So I've gathered, Captain. Here are our plans. And thanks Captain." She leaves rather quickly, nearly plowing into Commander Chakotay as he enters.
"Excuse me Commander."
"Lucy, Captain. We're ready to depart. Course has been set for back to the alpha-quadrant. Everything all right."
"It's just been an interesting afternoon. Commander, B'Elanna's conducting a little experiment this evening. I was planning on watching. You want to come."
"That depends." He smiles at her.
"Commander." Her laughing eyes cancel the stern tone. "Let's not give Tom to much to wonder about." She indicates they should re-enter the bridge. She glances at Tom, but he is looking very professional and trying to ignore them. "Lieutenant Paris, take us out of here. Warp 8."
"Yes Ma'm."
#
#
B'Elanna puts her cloaking device on the lab table and starts inspecting it. Every so often she stops to tighten something. The lab door opens. "Captain, Commander. "
"This is the device?" Janeway looks at it critically.
"Yes, Captain. I've been working on this for over three years. He (indicating Chakotay) didn't know either. I compiled data from technical journals on related subjects. And a year ago, I started gathering materials. This piece (she points to one of the center pieces) came from the Kazon ship that rammed us. There are still a lot of problems."
B'Elanna starts to enter data into the computer, turns and performs a final inspection on her device.
"Ready." B'Elanna picks up a remote. "Starting to engage cloaking device. Secondary programs on. Primary...on."
The device outline blurs, but does not disappear.
She looks at computer terminal. "To high in the IR range. As I said, still some problems. The biggest is in the UV-scattering."
She enters some information.
The device disappears and after a couple of seconds flickers back, B'Elanna looks at the computer again. "It loses a lot of energy because the UV-scattering fluctuates."
Janeway smiles at her. "That was impressive. Good job." The other two stare at her. This is not quite what they expected.
"Thank-you Captain.
"B'Elanna use whoever and whatever you need to make a working version."
"Captain." She is delighted, but surprised.
#
#
Chakotay glances at her. "No Federation treaty ban?"
She shakes her head. "Right now the added protection of a cloaking device is appealing. We have no idea of what we're getting into, but if it's anything like what we're leaving... If she can't improve efficiency of the device, it won't be usable."
They enter her quarters and she goes to her replicator. "Hot cocoa." She takes it and turns back to him. "Tell me about Lucy Rogers."
"Five years ago she was on a research ship that accidentally crossed into Cardassian space and was captured. A few months later, she happened to be a prisoner on a ship the Maquis attacked. She joined the Maquis. She hardly talks to anyone. No one knows what happened to her. And we never learned what happened to the others from her ship. She actually came and talked to you?"
"About her wedding. She was pretty nervous."
"She's made progress."
"They're having a simple wedding. Only a few people. Do you know, I've never done a wedding."
"First time for everything."
She looks up. So far they have very carefully avoided certain subjects. She can't decide if it was a veiled hint or an innocent remark. Still, she settles in close to him on the couch, sipping her cocoa. He puts his arm around her. "Kathryn?"
"Hmm?"
"Samantha Wildman's quarters are next to Lucy's. If Samantha trades quarters with Lucy's fiancee, she'll get larger quarters for her and Kim (the baby). Then Lucy and Edmund can cut through the wall and have more space."
"Structural integrity of the ship"
"Won't be a problem."
"If everybody's agreeable, go ahead."
#
#
In the past couple of weeks, they have met and talked. She has come to enjoy their time together. She realizes that she has missed not having someone to share her thoughts with. She also appreciates how patient he is.
#
#
Tom and Harry sit in the mess hall. They both look up and watch as Lucy and Edmund enter.
"Now that is great." Tom whispers to Harry. "Lucy doesn't like to be in crowds. Sweet girl, I'm glad she found somebody."
Tom starts to drink his coffee again.
Harry shakes his head. "Interesting. Two years ago, we were sent to capture the Maquis ship and crew. I'm sure Star Fleet wouldn't approve of how it's being done."
Tom swallows his coffee wrong and starts to cough and laugh.
"You all right Tom?"
"Yes, fine."
"What was so funny?"
"Harry, if you only knew. I've got to get going. See you around."
Harry sits there. Tom has this knack for twisting everything.
#
#
B'Elanna works on connecting a newer version of the cloaking device to a shuttle. In the week since getting permission, she has recruited Harry, Hogan, and some of the people in physics. Tom is also with them He will be the pilot when they're ready to try it outside the ship.
B'Elanna finishes tightening the last connection and signals the team to leave the shuttle.
The team gathers round B'Elanna and watch the shuttle as she starts the cloaking process. The shuttle flickers, then parts disappear, reappear as another section disappears. She shuts the device off and the shuttle reappears. "Check the scans. What went wrong?" She enters the shuttle to check the device. The others join her and they start to analyze what happened or rather didn't.
#
#
Several hours later, and a dozen or more changes, B'Elanna and team are ready to try the device again. They again gather around as she starts the cloaking process. The shuttle quietly disappears. For the next five minutes, she and her team conduct tests and scan for the shuttle. It reappears, completely drained of it's energy supplies. "We're still having problems with the UV-scattering.
#
#
In the two weeks following the test, the team has made a number of improvements and are ready to test the device outside. B'Elanna smiles nervously as looks around the bridge. She taps her comm-badge. "Tom you ready."
"All systems check out, whenever you're ready," he sounds cocky.
"Harry?"
"Ships scanners are calibrated to scan for the entire EM spectrum."
"Well let's do it."
Everybody on the bridge watches the screen as the shuttle disappears.
#
#
Afterward, during the senior staff meeting.
"There are still a couple of real problems," B'Elanna explains. "We calculate that the device would only cloak Voyager 10 minutes at warp 2 before completely draining the energy supplies. And at higher speeds it would be unusable."
"How drained?" Chakotay asks.
"We'd be able to maintain minimal life support, Commander. We should be able to restore most systems within an hour. At half impulse we calculate it would work about an hour."
"Lieutenant I'm impressed." Janeway smiles. "Please keep me informed on your research."
#
#
Kathryn smiles as she glances around the room. After all the funerals and memorial services held here, it's a very pleasant change to have a happy event. There is a small audience and in the back Neelix has provided food. Even the music is cheerful. Harry and four others are playing Vivaldi wind quintets. The couple stands before her.
"Since the days of the first wooden vessels, Captain's have had one happy privilege; that of uniting two people in the bonds of matrimony. And so we are gathered here today so that you, Lucy Rogers and you, Edmund Waterbury in the sight of your fellows and in accordance with our laws and our many believes, may pledge your allegiance to one another.
"Life on Voyager is not easy or safe. We find ourselves in an unique situation and far from home. But in coming forward together to pledge yourselves to each other, you embrace and underline the very essence of what we are doing, out here among the stars: to seek out a friend, to forge a lasting partnership, to boldly go into the joy and uncertainty of tomorrow, hand in hand."
Kathryn glances at Chakotay, smiles briefly, and looks back at the couple.
"Lucy and Edmund, please join your left hands, and repeat after me." She continues with the words and phrases that have united couples throughout the centuries.
Being so far from home, the ceremony has added poignancy. It is very quiet as the bride, then the groom repeat their vows and exchange rings.
She smiles at the couple. "Lucy and Edmund, you have exchanged your vows and tokens before this company of your colleagues, and friends. You have honored us by allowing us to be a part of this ceremony, and of your love for each other.
"Now, by the power vested in me by Star Fleet Command, and by my office as Captain of this vessel, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss."
In the back, Harry's quintet starts playing again. The small audience offer their congratulations.
Kathryn steps back toward the wall and watches.
finis
And thanks to DC for the wedding vows (which I modified some), who borrowed the beginning from TOS 'Balance of Terror' by Paul Schneider.
I picked on a cloaking device for many reasons: it would be an interesting (even if not original) research project; the information needed specifically about cloaking devices would not be available (I really doubt it's in Voyager's computer) or have been easily accessible to B'Elanna earlier; related information would be available; if it works, it would make their trip safer (and minimize conflict). The Federation has not been entirely faithful to the ban and I wanted something that wasn't going to create mutant turtles; I could work with the optical physics; and research in ST tends to be one episode long even when it works and research quite often fails the first time and second. I wanted something that could become an ongoing side story.
There is a major flaw in the original design of her cloaking device. If I have my way (and it's my story) it now becomes an ongoing storyline. Every so often it is mentioned and there is some progress in the research. But because it makes solutions to easy, my inclination is it's not perfectable. There's something they're missing and unless they come across a Romulan or Klingon vessel with one, they are stuck trying to figure it out on their own.
This story started as the main plot for the cloaking device story, but that story took on a life of its own, so they were separated. Then it developed into a bit of an adventure. And I had fun writing it too. Yes, the set-up is a bit forced. And I'm not going to worry about it! And it is very much a J/C story.
Couple of months after Materials and Methods.
"Captain's Log stardate 50***. Voyager has entered the Hafflidian System, where we have just finished contacting the leaders of the system. We have opened negotiations because one of the planets in their System has dilithium, and Voyager's supplies are getting very low. I will be meeting with the senior staff to tell them the conditions for these negotiations. I have also asked Neelix to attend."
#
#
Chakotay looks at Janeway. "Captain, the Hafflidian's request is unreasonable and contrary to Star Fleet rules."
"The commander is correct," Tuvok adds in that slow, logical voice of his. "It would be unwise for both you and Commander Chakotay to attend negotiations on their homeworld."
"Gentleman, I agree. But we do need the dilithium and scans of the area show no other locations where we can find any."
"Captain," Neelix chirps in. "I've never personally dealt with the Hafflidians, but I know others who have. They are very elitist. They only negotiate with the heads of state or in our case the commanding officers. If they don't get their way, they just don't talk to you. But they are known for keeping their promises."
"But the shuttle pilot doesn't have to be a commanding officer?" Paris asks.
"They don't allow anyone else near their homeworld until after negotiations are completed," Neelix adds. "And they're very paranoid. That's why Voyager isn't allowed to get any closer."
"Captain, all these restrictions, just you and I, unarmed, the ship must stay 6 hours away, make me uneasy."
"I'm not comfortable with it either. But we need the dilithium." Janeway looks at B'Elanna.
"We've needed to resupply for several months, but haven't found a source. If we don't replace our supplies soon..." B'Elanna doesn't need to finish.
"We will be in communicator range, and Voyager can get to the planet in less than 6 hours if needed. We have already gained an unjust reputation in this quadrant, and I'm going to try to improve it. And we really don't have much choice. We'll leave in an hour. Mr. Tuvok you will be in command during our absence. I want you to do a series of training drills. We should be gone 48 hours, we'll report in every 6 hours. If after 7 you haven't heard from us, then you may come to our rescue." She is more irritated by the Hafflidian's requirements than she would care to admit. "Dismissed." The others leave and she stands there.
Chakotay doesn't like the conditions at all. He motions to B'Elanna. "Monitor communications on Hafflidia."
"I can arrange to monitor it in engineering, since I'm suppose to observe, not help during the exercises."
He leaves to get his gear and then check the shuttle over.
#
#
"Welcome aboard Captain. We're ready to leave whenever you are."
"Commander." She acknowledges him briefly, then turns back to stash her gear. This could be awkward, she thinks.
She watches him guide the shuttle out of the ship. Yes, very awkward.
The shuttle goes to warp and he looks at the displays-all normal. He turns around to see what the Captain is doing. She is sitting in the back, reading.
"We should be arriving in five hours and twenty six minutes."
"Very good, Commander." She doesn't look up from her book, but she is aware that he is watching her. She starts to laugh when she realizes she has just read page sixteen for the fourth time.
"An amusing book? What are you reading?"
"The Life Cycle and Physiology of the Morelian Blood Fluke."
"Sounds fascinating." His tone implies the opposite.
"Actually I'm reading Shakespeare. The Voyager Theater Society wants to do 'Much Ado About Nothing'."
"You planning on auditioning?"
"Lord, no. I don't have time anyway."
"That's always your excuse." He looks away quickly. He mutters to himself, "You promised to take this slowly. Patience."
Kathryn watches him. 'I can't keep avoiding what is happening. I have to make a decision. When can I find time...'
#
#
The five hours plus pass slowly. Every so often they start a conversation, but it doesn't last more than a couple of sentences. Chakotay drums his fingers on the console. The sensors chirp. "Captain, we're being hailed by the Hafflidians."
"Very good Commander, put it on the screen." She moves to stand behind him.
"Captain Janeway, I'm Minister Maklin, welcome to Hafflidia. You should be receiving the signal from our landing beacon. Please follow it in."
"Thank you Minister Maklin." She looks down at Chakotay. "Commander."
"We are receiving the signal, slowing to impulse. Captain."
The shuttle approaches the capital of Hafflidia. He busily reads the incoming data and watches the view screen. "Captain. Look-" He points to some recently damaged buildings showing on the screen. "There's been some fighting here." His fingers push a couple of buttons and the landing-beacon signal disappears. "We've lost the signal." He never did like the Hafflidian's restrictions. Before landing the shuttle he will take a quick tour. He flies the shuttle over the capital, noting where the government buildings are, a river. and what is probably the presidential palace. And signs of recent battles. He glances at her.
She has noticed too, and it is bothering her. She pushes another button. "This is Captain Janeway, we've seemed to have lost the signal."
The Hafflidian minister reappears. "We noticed you were off course. We are preparing to send another signal."
"Thank-you. We are receiving it. OK Commander, let's not lose this signal."
"Yes Captain."
#
#
The shuttle lands at the Hafflidian air field. There are a number of other ships, including the Hafflidian fleet parked there.
They exit the shuttle and are greeted by the Hafflidian President and his staff.
"Captain Janeway, welcome to Hafflidia."
Chakotay looks around, no one seems to be paying attention to him. He works on securing the shuttle and then looks about. The Hafflidian security guards watch him, but allow him to wander a short distance from the shuttle. Usually he enjoys first contact missions, but this one bothers him.
They are escorted to a surface shuttle and driven through the city to the palace. While she continues to talk with the president, he studies the route.
The shuttle stops long enough for a massive ornate greenish-metallic gate to open. They enter the courtyard of the presidential palace. A well kept garden, dry fountains, and surrounding them an exquisitely-crafted-monstrous building.
#
#
"Welcome, I have business to attend to, but my aide here will show you around. We will meet in an hour for dinner."
Janeway, Chakotay, the aide, and couple of guards enter the palace.
The grand entry hall is just that, grand. Red marble-like stone walls, ornate metal decorations, tawdry-uncomfortable looking furniture, and a gaudy chandelier-like light source.
The aide shows them through the hall, up several staircases to their room.
#
#
The room is simpler than the rest of the palace. But still is very upscale. It consists of a sitting room with a table, a sofa, and some chairs, and another room. Chakotay takes their gear into the other room. He re-enters trying not to smile. She is looking around.
She notices his smile and looks in the other room. She turns around, a little red. She avoids looking at him and moves to the window.
"The building must be sound proof," she says to change the subject, before it begins.
"This is a very old building, but there has been a lot recent construction too. And there is a lot of security. Notice the guards at the walls. And there was no one on the street. Captain, I..."
"Commander, how many rooms would you say there are in this wing?"
"We passed a lot of doors."
"Yet we were put in the same quarters..." She stops and looks around. "Commander..."
He nods as he starts to closely examine the room. "I hear the Hafflidians are 'telepathic'..." He pulls a microphone down. from a lamp. "I think we have just become involved in some sort of intrigue." He grins. He moves to stand near her and they speak very quietly.
"It makes no sense. Unless they think they can gain an advantage when we start negotiating." She is puzzled.
"Captain, I think we may have come in the middle of a civil war."
"And they're hoping to negotiate our help..?"
#
#
The presidential dining room is large and very gaudy. There are a number of servants carrying dishes and trays of food. There are eight armed guards around the perimeter of the room and more in the halls. There are six Hafflidians at the table, including the President. The atmosphere is a forced cheerfulness. Janeway and Chakotay are sitting at opposite ends of the table, each participating in several conversations. He is having a hard time pretending to enjoy himself. She is doing a better job.
The President is talking to Janeway. "Is it unusual for women in your culture to attain such a high rank?"
She keeps smiling. "Not at all. In our culture women have the same opportunities as men." In the back of her mind she is thinking 'What's with the Delta quadrant?' She is the only female in the room.
"I ask, because some of our neighbors don't share your views. You have met the Kazon? We have had some contact with them. Fortunately not for awhile."
"Yes we have." She would rather not continue.
"Ah, Captain. Yours was not a pleasant experience either."
"Mr. President, about the dilithium."
"Yes, you want to mine dilithium from Hafflidia 7. We see no reason to not grant you permission."
Thank-you, Mr. President."
"It is our pleasure to help you anyway. Your visit is a great honor."
She smiles. "Thank-you. It is an honor to be here." Her smile becomes less forced when one of the guards comes over and distracts the president. She looks at Chakotay. He is talking with one of the Hafflidian ministers. The president talks to her again.
"Captain Janeway, I'm sorry. But there is a matter that needs our immediate attention. If you would be so kind as to excuse us, my guards will escort you back to your room." He stands up, so do the other Hafflidians and they leave. Two guards wait to escort Janeway and Chakotay.
She walks very close to him. "Do you get the feeling this is more than a simple escort." He nods his head.
#
#
They enter the room without speaking, and both examine the room.
"At least the food was palatable."
She laughs, "I haven't listened to so much meaningless small talk since the last time I had dinner with a bunch of admirals."
"Something we didn't have to worry about in the Maquis." His tone becomes more serious. "There is something going on. There's been some street fighting. And I think they are expecting it to escalate."
"Something pulled them away from dinner just after the president gave us permission to mine. Did you get any idea as to how serious?"
"Hard to tell, they tried to make it seem that everything was under control. I don't think they've been in power long."
She looks out the window. "Everything seems all right. But the two guards outside the door..."
He shakes his head. He doesn't know.
"Voyager is less than 6 hours away. Do I risk the negotiations on a suspicion?"
"We do need the dilithium."
"I know." She hesitates as she considers which situation is worrying her the most, the behavior of the Hafflidians, or the fact she has considered the implications of sharing the room. "Well, we should get some sleep." She walks into the bedroom, returns and tosses Chakotay a blanket. "Captain's privilege. Night."
#
#
B'Elanna watches her crew and takes a few notes. So far they've done a good job. She turns back to her monitor, in the last 10 minutes communications have increased on Hafflidia. She stops reading. She taps her comm-badge. "Torres to Tuvok."
"Tuvok here. Lieutenant, the exercise parameters require no communications."
"Lieutenant, There's something wrong on Hafflidia, I'll meet you in the ready room."
#
#
She enters the ready room. Tuvok is waiting for her. "Lieutenant?"
She pulls the data up on the computer. "In the last 10 minutes there has been an increase in communications on Hafflidia. The Captain and Commander have landed in the middle of civil war, and a major attack on the capital has just commenced."
Tuvok studies the data. "We'll cancel the exercise. How long to bring all of engineering back on line?"
"Fifteen minutes."
"We'll leave in 15 minutes." He nods his head and she leaves.
#
#
Chakotay lies on the sofa, half asleep. Something has wakened him, but he's not sure what. He grabs his robe, and walks to the window. In the distance there is obviously a large fire. There is running in the hall, he goes to the door. It is locked. He returns to the window and notices the palace troops running to the walls. He dresses quickly and some explosions in the city.
A minute or so later he enters the bedroom. Kathryn is asleep. He touches her shoulder, "Captain, wake up."
She rolls over. His use of her rank has added significance to his request. "What's wrong?" She notices he's in uniform.
"I'm not sure, but I think the palace may be under attack."
"Give me a minute." He leaves and goes back to the window.
She joins him with her hair still in a braid.
There is a flash of light in the courtyard and the building shakes slightly.
"Janeway to Voyager."
"Voyager here," it's Tuvok.
"We seem to be in the middle of an attack."
"Captain, we are aware of that. Voyager should be at the planet in 4.5 hours."
"We'll try to get to the shuttle, otherwise find us on the planet."
"Yes Captain."
"Commander, if we get separated, the first one to the shuttle will beam the other aboard."
There is a flash of light accompanied by a loud roar, the building shakes, and part of the exterior wall falls. They both duck under a table. When the dust settles, there is a large gaping hole in that wall. They both look out the hole.
"I believe this would be a good time to leave," Chakotay grumbles. "This way." He steps onto what remains of the ledge and inches along the wall.
She reluctantly follows. "Couldn't we use the front door like everybody else?" she mutters to no one in particular.
They make their way to a tree growing close to the building. A large branch hangs under the ledge. They use the tree to make their way to the ground. All the while the battle continues to be waged outside the palace, with occasional explosions in the interior courtyard.
Kathryn looks around. "What did we land in the middle of?"
"Who knows? Let's just leave in one piece."
They work their way around the courtyard, staying close to the building. There is some activity in the courtyard, as troops move past, but no one notices them. The heaviest amount of fighting seems to be on the side of the yard opposite from where they are. The shelling intensifies.
Several Hafflidian soldiers run past them, she indicates they should head in the direction the Hafflidians came from.
The Hafflidian Palace is very old and more of a castle than palace. The troop barracks are located near the main gate. The Hafflidians troops are defending the palace, so when Janeway and Chakotay arrive at the entrance to the barracks-nobody is left inside.
"I wonder," he starts to ask.
"What?"
"If the original builders had a siege mentality. If they did, there may be a way to get to water..."
"And we can try to follow it. This is as good a place to look as anywhere."
They enter and carefully make their way down the darkened hallway, checking each door.
"I found the armory." She whispers as she looks in a room. "We could use some light."
"And some phasers." He adds. She returns carrying a couple of phasers, and a light torch.
They continue down the hallway until it dead ends.
He kneels by a metal grate, she shines the light down. They can just make out the stairs leading down. The grate opens easily.
"It's been used recently." He notes the fresh footprints.
"Once more unto the breach..."
#
#
The stairway descends deep into the ground, winding and twisting it's way through the granite-like rock. It is narrow and uneven. The little light made by the torch barely penetrates the darkness. They descend quietly, the stairwell has a horrendous echo.
The stairs open on wide hall, that has seen a lot of junk stored over the years. They follow the footprints toward the back. A metal gate blocks their way. This time it is locked. He's about to fire his phaser at the lock, when she stops him.
From somewhere there are voices. The place echoes so badly, it's hard to pinpoint from which direction. They duck behind some of the 'junk'. The voices get closer.
"... will need to be informed that our guests have disappeared." Two of the Hafflidian cabinet ministers walk by.
"He was hoping to use them to gain the assistance of their ship."
"You want to tell him?" The first minister asks. They stop at the gate to unlock it. They continue through, letting the gate close behind them. Chakotay grabs it before it closes. They also pass through, letting the gate close behind them.
The next room is apparently a crypt of some sort, and very old. The stone carvings are badly damaged. At the back, a narrow tunnel continues onward.
There are dim torches along the wall lighting the way.
They let the ministers get ahead. When she figures they are far enough away, she tries to contact Voyager, but they are deep underground. She looks at Chakotay with it's been one of those days looks, and they continue.
They can still here the faint chattering of the two Hafflidians they are tailing, as they proceed along the barely lit tunnel. The tunnel makes a sharp turn to the left, and widens considerably. There is also more noise and light.
They proceed cautiously. Around the next corner are a couple of Hafflidian soldiers.
They retreat back to the turn.
"The command bunker," she angrily-but very quietly-comments.
"Probably, but we need to get by it. There were a couple of little side tunnels." They return to the last side tunnel.
"Little is right. A horta would be useful about now."
"Sorry, didn't bring one." He takes the light and looks in. "It does gets larger and it turns to head in a parallel direction. Shall we?"
They crawl about three feet before the new tunnel opens up. She stands up and bangs her head. "Damn." She rubs it.
"You all right?"
"I'll be fine, after we get out of here and leave these damn tunnels." Her temper is starting to show. "Do you have any idea where we are?" She stops to get her breath.
"My best guess is we're under the open space east of the palace, the river should be soon." He flashes the light around.
"Let's go, Voyager will be here in a couple of hours, and I would like to save the shuttle."
"Aye, aye Captain."
The tunnel turns to the right and then back in the correct direction. There is a hint of light up a head. As they get closer, they realize it is coming from a crack in the tunnel wall. She looks in the crack-into the command bunker. She recognizes the Hafflidian President and some of his aides. As the Hafflidians walk by the crack she can pick out some of the conversation. Chakotay stands close behind her and watches too. After a couple of minutes, they continue.
"We need more up-to-date information," she mutters. "Neelix' is a little old."
"Seven governments in five months." He chuckles. "Possibly eight after tonight."
"No wonder they're paranoid. And no wonder the streets were empty. All the sensible people have left."
They come to a fork in the tunnel and agree upon the left one.
This tunnel rejoins with the original tunnel. This end is less well maintained, and dark-no torches light the way. And it is quiet, except for the sound of not to distant water.
They come to the river, the tunnel entrance is gated and locked. But the tunnel continues on, so they do too.
There is another exit, a crawl space which they use to escape the moldy, damp air.
She breaths deep, "At last, fresh air."
They are about three feet from the river; they can hear the sounds of battles around them and see several large fires, including one upstream from where they are.
"The air field."
He nods.
She walks down to the water and rinses her face and gets a drink. She hopes the Doc can cure anything that might be in the water. Chakotay joins her.
"The river is probably the easiest way to get to the field. It goes near the main gate and will provide some cover."
She starts to stand, he stays on the ground. "I don't know about you," he says. "But I need a breather." He motions for her to sit down beside him, she does. They sit there quietly for about 10 minutes before continuing on their way. They follow the river through the Hafflidian capital to the air field.
#
#
The battle damage is now obvious. There are objects burning and smoldering. The buildings around the air field are aflame, but the air field is relatively undamaged.
Janeway and Chakotay leave the river and hide behind an abandoned vehicle. Through the fence surrounding the field, they can see their shuttle. It is apparently undamaged, but heavily guarded.
"Why isn't the Hafflidian fleet responding?" He points toward the docked fleet.
"Since there may be yet another new government-they're probably just waiting it out. I wonder which side is guarding our shuttle?"
"Does it matter?"
She shakes her head.
They continue along the river to a spot hidden by a large building. Using one of the stolen phasers, Chakotay cuts through the fence. They enter the field and use the building as cover to get closer to the shuttle.
There is a lot of activity near their shuttle.
They each study the layout of the field. There are four buildings, including the one they're hiding next to, and a number of ships. One of the buildings-probably a hangar is about 500 meters beyond the shuttle, another to their right is obviously the barracks, and the fourth building to the left about half the distance to the first is another hangar. The Hafflidians are concentrated around the shuttle and barracks. The surrounding fires provide the only light.
He leans back against the crate they're hiding behind. "Relax. There's nothing we can do for the moment."
She leans back too.
They sit there, occasionally looking over the box. Nothing changes.
After possibly fifteen minutes, the sirens go off.
"Company," she mutters as the number of Hafflidians increases and the pilots go to their ships.
"Voyager just entered their scanning range," Chakotay has out his phaser. "They may be willing to sit out the eighth coup-but...
"Janeway to Voyager."
"Voyager here."
"Mr. Tuvok go to red alert, you've been detected. And try to contact whoever is in control of this place."
"Yes Captain."
"We have to get to the shuttle, now!" She looks around. She shifts position to get a better view. He looks too.
"What do you see?"
"The glimmerings of an idea." She speaks a little louder to be heard above the roar of the engines of the departing fleet. There are now only eight Hafflidians around their shuttle. She tinkers with her phaser while waiting for the noise to subside. He watches her curiously.
"We need a diversion. I think this will cause the phaser to overload." She indicates how she will cross the wires. "Now to find a suitable distraction." She again looks around.
"A grass fire behind the barracks and an explosion to get there attention." He points just past where they originally entered the field.
She nods. "I'll check in here for something flammable." She quietly moves toward the door to the building they've been hiding next to. The door is unlocked. 'Security is non-existent, fortunately,' she thinks as she looks around. There are scattered through out the hangar containers of smelly liquids, including several organic compounds that she remembers from Chemistry as being very flammable. She picks up a couple of containers-carefully, and carries them outside. She returns to Chakotay and starts to tell him her plan.
"I'll return the way we came in, and start the fire. I found some liquids that will ignite very easily. I can just use the phaser and not worry about overloading it. I'm hoping all the guards go to investigate, but if they don't..."
"I should go Captain."
"Chakotay-it's my plan. And the danger is no greater there than here. I'll let you know when I'm ready." She takes off before he can disagree.
"Stubborn," he mutters as he re-surveys the area between where he is and the shuttle.
She works her way around the building-still surprised by the incredible lack of security. In the field between the river and barracks she sprinkles the liquids on the grass and piles the containers.
After returning to the fence, she taps her comm-badge. "Janeway to Chakotay, I'm ready." He acknowledges and she fires the phaser. The grass ignites quickly and she starts to run back around the building.
Chakotay watches as six of the guards rush away shouting the alarm. There is an explosion-the containers-and several Hafflidians leave the barracks and run toward the fence. The two guards remaining are walking away from the shuttle, watching the fire. He turns quickly when he hears a noise behind him. It's the captain.
"Ready to leave Commander?"
"Yes ma'm."
She gets to the shuttle first and enters the command code to open the door. She enters, and Chakotay follows close behind. The door closes and he sits in the pilot's seat. "Skipping preflight, engines engaged, shields on maximum. Let's go." The shuttle takes off.
She looks at the screen, "We've been spotted. Weapons systems are on line." The fleet pursues them, but doesn't attack.
"We've cleared the planet's atmosphere, engaging warp engines." The stars blur and they leave the Hafflidia behind.
"Janeway to Voyager."
"Voyager here, Captain we detect the shuttle is heading toward us. The Hafflidian fleet is following, but making no attempt to attack, we'll intercept you in half an hour."
"Very good Mr. Tuvok." She turns toward Chakotay and starts to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"You. You're filthy."
"Captain, I doubt you're much cleaner." She looks at her hands and uniform. They both laugh and their eyes meet. She looks away quickly, and decides to move to the rear of the shuttle.
When she stands and starts to walk to the back of the shuttle, she feels him take her hand. A rush of emotion overcomes her, but she doesn't resist as he gently pulls her back. She turns and looks steadily into his eyes, fascinated and overwhelmed by the emotion she sees in them and her own response. She notices his free hand flip a few switches off-the data recorders she realizes. He pulls her down to him, she ends up kneeling. He kneels beside her. They lean toward each other, as their lips meet-she feels her own passions ignite. They each tighten their hold, drawing each other closer. As he starts to kiss her neck-she thinks, 'We have less than thirty minutes.' Suddenly she pulls back and without looking at him, returns to her seat, shaken by her own emotions and desires of the moment.
#
#
Tuvok watches the shuttle on the screen, the Hafflidian fleet is maintaining a respectful distance. "All stop, prepare to bring the shuttle aboard."
"Sir, the shuttle has slowed to impulse and is positioned to enter the shuttle bay." Harry pushes some buttons. "The shuttle has docked."
#
#
Tom Paris enters the shuttle bay. The shuttle door opens and the Captain and Commander exit. "Welcome back." He pauses and looks at them. "It looks like you two had a great time. There are apparently now 2 governments, one has given us permission to mine dilithium, and the other has filed a formal complaint. They claim you were dealing with the enemy of the people."
"Janeway to Tuvok. Take us to Hafflidia 7. Warp 4."
"Very good Captain. We'll be there in an hour."
Chakotay looks at her. "The government fell."
"Mr. Tuvok, let me know if the Hafflidian fleet approaches. I'll be in my quarters. Janeway out." Still without looking at Chakotay, she adds, "We have permission from *a* government of Hafflidia. We'll stay long enough to collect dilithium. Tom see to getting the shuttle inspected and cleaned." Her tone is a bit terser than normal.
"Yes ma'm."
She leaves and Chakotay departs a few seconds later. Tom shakes his head and does a quick check on the shuttle.
#
#
Chakotay sits in his quarters, staring at his sacred stones, ten minutes he has spent trying to concentrate and contact his spirit guide.
His mind wanders again, back to the source of his restlessness. Her, and more specifically the trip home to Voyager. It was obvious the passion of the moment had disturbed her. But during that embrace she had responded to him with an equal intensity.
#
#
Alone in her quarters, she turns from her computer after seeing that the dilithium had been brought aboard, and walks to the window to stare at the planet that all the fuss has been about. The Hafflidian fleet is shadowing them, but hasn't made an aggressive move. She has no intention of staying any longer than necessary. The ship moves. She watches until the stars blur as they go to warp speed.
She turns back from to her computer. "Captain's personal log stardate 50***." She stops and returns to her window. 'Star Fleet regulations don't say that Captains can't become romantically involved with one of the crew, but there is an unwritten shouldn't. But, 70 years from home... Is it fair to me, him, and more importantly the crew?'
"Kathryn," she mutters to herself. "I can play devil's advocate and not get anywhere... I could use an objective 2nd opinion." Her two choices are Kes and Chakotay. She is well aware of his opinion, and she wonders if Kes could be objective.
"Am I looking for an excuse to continue or stop?"