OK, Paramount owns all...we'll return everything as we found it :::wink:::
Warning: Consentual sex.
Kathryn Janeway waited in the shuttle for her travel companion and pilot. She sighed as looked up at the ceiling. Tuvok was still appalled (if a Vulcan could be appalled) that the Efirmans were only willing to negotiate with her and Commander Chakotay. But they were running low on food supplies and Efirma Prime had been the first class-M planet they'd passed in over three weeks.
She looked at the doors when her second-in-command entered. "Commander."
"Captain." He stowed his gear and walked up to the pilot's seat. "How should we crash the Sacajawea today..."
She glared at him, as he started the pre-flight check. "You're not crashing anywhere..."
"Aye Captain. B'Elanna wanted me to give you this." He handed her a PADD. He smiled as she studied it intently. "Everybody has wished us have fun."
"The upper atmospheric disturbances are interfering with all communication with the planet," she commented as she ignored his last comment. They were negotiating permission to gather and trade for food supplies anyway...And it had to be done in person, the representative of the Efirman government had said.
"We're ready." He contacted Tuvok as he started the engines. The big external doors opened and Chakotay flew the shuttle out. He looked at his companion. *All right, Kathryn. Ignore me.* "Cleared shuttle bay doors. Proceeding to Efirma Prime at Warp five. Estimated time of arrival forty five minutes."
*Forty-five minutes. Don't even start thinking about being alone with him for forty-five minutes, Kathryn.* Janeway told herself firmly. *Keep your mind on your mission.*
"Did you review all the information the First Minister sent, Commander?" *That's it keep it business. Nothing to worry about there.*
"Yes, Captain. I'm as familiar with Efirman culture and politics as can be expected of someone in the neighborhood for only two days." *Ok, Kathryn* Chakotay silently responded, *we'll play the official game for now, but you can't keep it up for ever.*
"Their negotiation protocol seems a little restrictive, I'm hoping that we can work around that. I'd appreciate it if you would watch my performance during the negotiations. Make sure I don't violate any of their regulations."
"Of course."
The remainder of the trip was spent in detailed discussion of the Efirman negotiation style. Exactly forty-five minutes later the Sacajawea entered obit around Efirman Prime. It was a small planet of deep turquoise blue and swirling green.
"Beautiful." commented Janeway, "It reminds me of Neptune."
Chakotay agreed, but silently noted that the planet's blue was not half as appealing as Kathryn's eyes.
"We are being hailed, Captain."
"Put it through."
"Greetings Federation shuttle, this is the Ministry of Trade. Please land your shuttle at the coordinates now being fed to your computer. First Minister P'nil is most anxious to make your acquaintance
"Thank you, we are most anxious to meet the Minister as well. Please inform his honor that we should arrive in ten minutes. Sacajawea out." When Janeway finished speaking Chakotay cut the comm-signal and turned the shuttle into it's new flight plan.
Ten minutes later the two officers stood at the hatch ready to make first contact with yet another Delta Quadrant species. Janeway only hoped it turned out to be one of the more successful contacts of their journey...
Chakotay began the security lock down of the shuttle as the Captain proceeded to the opening hatchway at the rear of the shuttle. The first two Efirmans Janeway saw were two armed guards on either side of the hatch door. There were several other men standing a few feet in front of her and one proceeded towards her.
"Captain Janeway, I am First Minister P'nil. It is a pleasure to welcome you to our home." The Efirmans all made their traditional gesture of greeting by holding their arms out and crossing them at the wrists, leaving their palms open.
Janeway returned the gesture. "First Minister, we have been honored by your invitation." Chakotay, having also noticed the two guards, began a wary descent down the ramp. She couldn't see him, but she could hear the slow, deliberate steps he was taking. She had a growing sensation that something was not right with their situation and she could tell by his walk that Chakotay felt it too. It was more than just the presence of the guards. Something else had piqued her senses, but she wasn't sure just what--at least not yet.
"You must be Voyager's First Officer." The minister greeted him with the same hand gesture.
"Yes, I am Commander Chakotay." He returned the gesture, recalling its meaning from his studies of their culture. The extension of their arms conveyed willingness to help and the open palms were to symbolize a desire for honesty, but the crossing of the wrists warned that a person was willing to protect themselves from any type of personal assault.
"May I show you both to my office. We may begin our negotiations over some refreshments." Janeway and Chakotay began to follow the minister to a large purple building a few meters ahead of them. The rest of the minister's party fell in step behind them, as did the guards. Kathryn gave Chakotay a questioning glance, trying to find out if he was as uncomfortable with their current circumstances as she.
The Efirmans had gone all out for the welcoming ceremonies. A large band, playing traditional music, sat on the platform. Unconsciously Voyager's senior officers found themselves walking in time with the music.
Chakotay looked at the Captain and grinned, "Reminds me of all those endless reviews at the Academy."
Kathryn smiled, "I hated them." She looked around her, "They sure are treating us to the spectacle."
"I noticed. It doesn't..." He didn't finish speaking as they were greeted by yet another dignitary. The newest dignitary was introduced as Ambassador R'Vaut. Again the traditional greetings were exchanged.
A new set of security guards replaced the ones from the shuttle and together with the Ambassador they entered the presidential palace to start negotiations.
Janeway frowned slightly...the amount of pomp and display had not been mentioned in the data sent by the First Minister. She wondered what else had been left out. She glanced again at her First Officer, wondering what he thought of all this. Not much she decided, if his scowl was any indication. She hoped they would get a few seconds alone...
"Welcome to Efirma, I am Second Prelate B'Pryl, aide to President D'Nar." Again the ritual exchanges.
"Thank you for the welcome," Janeway said.
B'Pryl smiled. "If you would come this way, we will start with the negotiations."
"They don't waste time," Chakotay said as they entered a small conference room. She nodded in agreement.
#
#
Janeway risked a glance at her chronometer. Three hours. They'd been sitting here three hours. And all they had accomplished was permission to negotiate. She resisted the urge to rub her eyes, but her restlessness did not go unnoticed by Second Prelate B'Pryl.
B'Pryl smiled. "I think refreshments are in order." She rang a bell. "Since we will be negotiating for food supplies and plants, I thought it appropriate to offer samples of our local cuisine."
Janeway nodded, "Yes, we would appreciate that."
Two servants entered caring trays of fruits and prepared foods. They placed the trays on the table and stepped toward the door. B'Pryl and the Ambassador walked around the table. "Please Captain, Commander, do try some of our foods." B'Pryl said as she bit into a lime-green fruit.
Chakotay looked at the Captain and whispered, "I'm game if you are." He picked up a plate and took several samples. He smiled as he bit into a chocolate like cake. "This is good." He almost laughed as he watched the Captain bite hers.
"This will definitely be on our list," she whispered in return as she sipped a fruity beverage.
B'Pryl watched with amusement as the two officers enjoyed the food and talked quietly with each other. She nodded to the Ambassador who quietly returned to his seat. "I see you like our local foods. What are you willing to offer in exchange?"
Janeway looked up, startled by the sudden question. "We discussed our options with the Minister of Trade. Help with repairs on your central computer..." She clutched her stomach as she sat down quickly. Her eyes swam, then she collapsed. Chakotay was by her side quickly, his question of what was happening died on his lips as he collapsed on top of her...
As Chakotay felt his consciousness slipping into blackness he struggled to see what was happening around him. Unable to move the only clue he gained was the sight of armed and helmeted troops streaming through the open door. He heard screams and saw the invaders firing their weapons. His last thought before passing out was that at least he had landed on top of Kathryn, his body her shield against the weapons.
#
#
When he awoke there was a putrid stench of acid and smoke. The smell was offensive enough, but the smoke burned his eyes as well. Blinking back tears, he opened his eyes and tried to focus. There was little to see, the room was dark. He could just make out a portion of night sky through a small window over his left shoulder. Either he had been unconscious for some time or they had been moved a great distance. He listened, but could here no indication of anyone else nearby.
"Captain?" he called softly.
No answer.
"Captain Janeway?"
He cocked his head hoping for a better angle. Was that a moan?
"Kathryn?"
The groan grew louder. He smiled, at least she was with him. He rolled over onto his hands and knees. *If you try to walk you'll probably fall or step on her, better crawl.* He began to shuffle along the floor on all fours feeling for his Captain. He found her about four meters from his left shoulder. His hand welcomed the soft feel of her skin until he realized what portion of her body he was touching. Hoping she would be too groggy to be angry he jerked back his hand.
He hadn't even realized he wasn't in uniform until that touch. Where were their uniforms? Who was responsible for this. *You won't find any answers here in the dark. Wake Kathryn and go from there.*
She was starting to struggle against the sedative. He shuffled around until he could support her back and lifted her into a sitting position against his chest.
"Who's there?" she demanded sharply.
"It's all right, Kathryn. It's me."
"Chakotay, what happened?"
"I'm not sure, I saw a group of armed troops attacking the meeting room just before I blacked out. I'm assuming our food was poisoned. Why we're here or even where here is I'm not sure."
"Are we both naked?"
"I'm afraid so. Apparently they felt we didn't need our uniforms or our communicators. Very thorough of them."
"Let's get a better understanding of our position. Have you surveyed the room?"
"No, I wanted to wake you first, to make sure you were all right."
"Well, I'm fine. Let's see what we can learn about our cell here. You go left, I'll go right."
"Aye."
They began to crawl around the room searching for anything that might lead to a better understanding of their situation.
"There's only the one window, I'm going to see if I can get a view of the terrain."
Chakotay nearly lost consciousness again when Kathryn stood to look out. The pale moonlight did little to illuminate their cell, but it was more than adequate to reveal the naked form of the beautiful woman at the window.
Turning away quickly, but knowing that vision would never leave his mind Chakotay stumbled into the wall. As his hand hit the ground a welcome touch of cloth greeted him. "Captain," he choked out still trying to regain control of his body, "I think I've found us some clothing."
#
#
*Tom sat in the big chair. *This isn't so hard,* he told himself. *I could do this.* Feeling even more cocky than usual he leaned back lazily in Janeway's seat. When the Efirman ship decloaked and fired a torpedo, he was totally unprepared. As the ship rocked violently, Tom Paris fell to the deck with a crash.
"What the hell was that?" Tom Paris yelled as he climbed off the floor. He spun briefly to toss the question at Harry Kim and dashed to the helm. The frightened young man sitting there was already scrambling out of the seat. Not good...he should have stayed at his post until I told him differently, Tom thought in the back of his mind. He settled into the seat and checked the controls. The ship's orbit was deteriorating and Voyager was plunging wildly through the atmosphere! "Get Tuvok up here, now!" he called over the cacophony of the alert sirens and damage reports echoing around the bridge. "Report!"
"We've been attacked," Kim yelled back. "Sensors are down; I don't know what hit us. Shields down!"
"I've got negative helm control! Our orbit is deteriorating! Engineering! I need engines!" Tom shouted. I wish she was here, he thought desperately.
B'Elanna shouted back, "Good God, Tom! The nacelle is completely gone!" The shouts of engineers could be heard in the back ground. Harry thought he could hear cries of pain as well. "There is no way in Sto'vokor that we are going to have any engines again!"
Tuvok ran onto the bridge then and took charge. Tom had time to think, She's gonna kill me when she comes home! That is, if she has a home to come back to.
"Shields, Lieutenant!" Tuvok was saying to Torres.
She snorted. "I'm trying--What?! Everybody, out!! Bridge, we have a warp core breach in progress! Repeat: There is a warp core breach in progress! We are abandoning engineering!"
Tuvok shouted to the computer, "All hands! All hands to escape pods! Abandon ship! Repeat: Abandon ship!" Tuvok was ushering the bridge crew into the turbolift. "Mr. Paris, now!" he called because Tom was still furiously working at the helm.
Paris followed Harry into the turbolift, trying to keep his footing on the trembling deck. Tuvok didn't follow. "Tuvok," Tom yelled as the doors were closing.
"I must be certain that all hands are in the pods and then launch them," Tuvok called.
Tom was shoving people through the closing doors. "You'll need help," he told the Vulcan as the turbolift doors closed. Tuvok nodded.
Harry plucked the stifling collar away from his throat. It was getting hotter. I hope someone has a plan; we could certainly use the Janeway touch right about now.
#
#
Janeway had turned her back to Chakotay and pulled on the rough one-piece jumpsuit that he'd given her. She tried to hide her modesty by feigning respect for his privacy. She doubted it had worked. Chakotay sometimes seemed to know too much for his own good--or was that for her own good?
She knew he'd gotten a good look earlier but that couldn't be helped. What was she supposed to do, cower in a dark corner? She was now embarrassed because he was embarrassed. The fabric was scratching the tender skin in areas too used to delicate clothing. She forced the irritation into the back of her mind, delegating it as just that and therefore unimportant. "Chakotay?"
"Yes?" Chakotay still had his back turned to the captain. He could feel the heat in his cheeks and elsewhere. Why didn't I look away when I realized she was naked? She's going to be mortified. I'm going to be mortified.
Janeway was far from mortified, however. "Are you dressed?" she asked.
"Yes, Captain." A pause; he kept his back to her. "Uh...Captain..."
She had turned around and was watching his back. "Don't worry about it, Chakotay. It's not like you were peeping through a hole into my quarters. You happened to see me undressed, that's all. It was completely innocent."
Sure. But how I'm feeling now isn't completely innocent. He turned slowly to face her. A small smile was on her face. Relief flooded him; she was absolutely right.
"Let's concentrate on getting out of here and back to Voyager, shall we?"
"Absolutely!" Chakotay replied enthusiastically.
#
#
Tom watched the monitor, quietly cursing all the while as the escape pods were jettisoned. He struggled with the ship's controls to avoid the pods and to move the ship to a safe distance. Tuvok was calmly (and Tom thought *how could he look so calm*) focused on something. "We're clear of the pods. Everybody is accounted for."
"Very good Lieutenant, get to the shuttle bay. I'll open the doors from here...We have three minutes..."
Tom looked at Tuvok, "That sir..." Something beeped. Both looked at their consoles. "We're being boarded?" Tom hit the keypads too hard, but the information pulled up anyway. "Someone has sealed the warp core...What the hell is going on???"
Tuvok shook his head and ran to the emergency weapon storage. He grabbed two compression phaser rifles and a backpack of other equipment. Tom was by his side in seconds. Realizing that he and the Vulcan were the only two who could now save Voyager.
#
#
Harry hit his head as the escape pod landed. Looking at the other five passengers he nodded. A quick scan showed they had landed on Efirma Prime--in the middle of the desert. Fortunately it was night, but they would have to find shelter before the sun rose, turning the sands into an oven.
He helped each of the passengers out. Ensign Wildman was holding her two year old child. Harry quickly scanned the area. At least seven of the pods had landed nearby.
Everybody loaded the emergency supplies onto their backs and headed toward a rocky outcropping that would serve as the meeting place. He quickly notified the other pods where to go.
#
#
Janeway blushed slightly as she watched her First Officer examine the only window in their cell. Wondering for a second what he looked like...*Stop that.* "Well?"
"Sandstone," he remarked. "Not well put together...What's interesting is that there doesn't seem to be anybody else about."
"What is going on?"
He laughed, "Voyager should be looking for us soon."
"In the meantime, anyway out of here?"
"If I had a piece of wood or metal, I could probably crumble enough of the window so we could crawl out."
She nodded. The only thing in the cell had been the clothes. "Shh..." She cocked her head slightly. "Listen."
There were several seconds of silence as they both listened to a very distant whine.
#
#
"Well, what now, Sir?" Tom asked with just a slight edge of concern.
"Now, lieutenant we protect our ship."
Tom liked the way the Vulcan exuded confidence in the face of their situation. "Yes Sir."
Tuvok shouldered the supplies and led Tom into the nearest Jeffries Tube. "We will maintain our advantage of surprise if we restrict our movement to the access tubes. At your last reading how many intruders did the computer register?"
"Ten."
Tom could just see Tuvok's head bob in affirmation as he crawled behind the Security Chief. "Those odds are not insurmountable. We will begin by gaining entrance to engineering."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
#
#
Harry took stock of their situation. It reminded him too much of their last run-in with Seska. Except the Captain, Commander and Tuvok were not there. *At least you are not the Senior Officer* he told himself with relief. He looked at B'Elanna, she seemed to be holding up well.
"How many do we have, StarFleet?" the Klingon asked him.
"Fifty right now. I've received confirmation from two more pods, they're on their way. That'll give us sixty out of 146. I'll keep trying to contact the others, but with the atmospheric conditions here I don't think the communicators will work over too great a distance."
"Kes has the shelter pretty much under control. Very few injuries, all superficial. She managed to download the Doctor into his emitter before abandoning ship, but I don't think I'll activate him unless there is a real need," B'Elanna informed him.
Harry nodded. "As near as I can tell, everyone who has made it to this location was in the starboard escape pods. I hope those on the port side crashed with similar proximity, that would give Neelix some hope of keeping everyone together."
"They'll be fine, Harry. It's a relatively safe planet and we're all well trained."
There was a rushing sound and the officers turned to stare into the sandy expanse behind them. "What the...are you sure it's a safe planet?" began Harry, but he was unable to finish. The wind from the approaching phenomenon drowned any attempt at speech. Looking out into the desert B'Elanna saw a funnel cloud dancing it's way across the sand. Struggling to keep their balance Harry and B'Elanna headed back for the shelter. The twister grew as it approached.
#
#
"Did that sound like a transporter to you?"
"I'd say so. Do you think it's our captors?"
Janeway shook her head. "There's no way to know for sure, but as Tuvok would say, it is probably the most logical assumption."
Chakotay grinned at her unconscious imitation. "Standard defensive positions?"
Janeway frowned. "No, let's try a little cat and mouse and see if we can get out of here. You stand in the shadow by the door. I'll lay on the ground here in sight. Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll open the door."
Chakotay gave a curt nod of understanding. As the Captain lay down to bait their trap he grabbed her arm.
"Be careful, Kathryn."
The smile she returned could have melted his heart. "You too."
Chakotay took his position just as footsteps scraped the ground outside the door. *Whoever is out there is certainly being quiet.* he observed silently.
There was the scrape of a key in the lock and then a growing light as the door opened. Chakotay tensed as an Efirman entered the room and knelt next to the Captain.
"Kat-er-in Jin-wey?" the alien whispered.
Kathryn's eyes shot open as she realized they no longer had the use of their universal translators.
There were two Efirmans standing over her. Both seemed very young and nervous. Before she could stop him, Chakotay leapt from his hiding place and tossed the first alien across the room. As he grabbed the second in a choke hold she rose quickly to her feet.
"Chakotay, wait." she ordered. Both Efirmans were wide eyed. "I don't think they are responsible for our imprisonment."
"Help." squeaked the Efirman from under Chakotay's arm.
"Is he calling for help or offering?" questioned Chakotay.
"I'd say offering since he's speaking English."
Chakotay nodded sheepishly, "Good point." He released the alien and the young man spent several seconds gulping in oxygen.
As he gained his equilibrium the other Efirman surveyed the open door. With impatient gestures he beckoned the others to follow him through the door.
#
#
Harry and B'Elanna rushed into the encampment out of breath. The twister was coming at them quickly, but more dangerous was the sand and dust it was whipping around. The exposed parts of their skin were stinging and Harry felt as if he had already lost one layer of skin.
They were having difficulty leaving their eyes open, but managed to see that the crew had already begun gathering as much of their equipment as possible and moving it into a nearby cave. B'Elanna and Harry each grabbed an armful and followed. Upon entering, they found Sam Wildman had taken charge of the move and was trying to organize the placement of equipment and keep track of everyone entering the tiny haven to ensure that all were accounted for.
B'Elanna raised her voice to be heard over the increasing whale of the wind. "All right everyone, we only have a few more minutes before that twister in on top of us. We are going to have to forget about the rest of the equipment and get the entrance sealed off to protect us." Harry and B'Elanna reached for phasers while Kes and Sam ushered everyone to the back of the cave, although there really wasn't far to go. Just as the rumbling noise of the storm became almost deafening, the senior officers fired at the ceiling of the cave allowing a crumbling wall of rock to form. They were left with little light, and no food or water beyond the emergency rations they had managed to salvage in the skirmish to enter the cave. Sam's child began to cry, and for a brief moment B'Elanna wished she could also express her fear. Instead, she stood stoically, and tried to exude the same confident look she had often seen Janeway use. *I will reunite this crew with the Captain. I will keep them all safe.*
#
#
When the sounds from outside indicated the end to the storm, B'Elanna and Harry pulled their phasers and attempted to cut their way through the rubble.
"Impotent Kahless!" Torres swore as it became clear that the phasers were inopperative. She pulled out her tricorder and scanned, "When we cut the rock, we uncovered a layer of triridium: it's natural radiation interferes with phaser circuits."
"Harry's eyes couldn't conceal his trepication. "We're trapped."
B'Elanna felt her shaky command demeanor slipping. With worried eyes she nodded to her friend. "Like rats, StarFleet. Trapped like rats."
#
#
The Efirman who'd so recently been in Chakotay's grasp scurried from the room. Janeway's Efirman--the one who'd knelt beside her and spoke so gently to her when she'd been 'injured'--waited and took Janeway's arm. He pulled her down the dank corridor at a brisk run.
Janeway glanced back to make sure Chakotay was with them. Then, she concentrated completely on the task at hand--communication. "Do you understand me?" she asked the Efirman who held her.
He didn't slow but turned and gazed intently into her eyes. And in her mind she heard **I cannot the way of mouth.**
Janeway stared wide-eyed at the man. Apparently the Efirman were a telepathic race...but the Efirmans she'd been in diplomatic contact with had used verbal communication. As if he'd read her mind, **The ones of mouth are not of us. Kathryn...help us.**
"What do you mean?" she asked and Chakotay, attempting not to stumble in the dark, looked up at her.
She heard the Efirman's question in her mind. She tried to fill her thoughts with the confusion she was feeling--a difficult feat since she normally pushed confusion and doubt away. Then a flood of thoughts, abstract and alien, danced through her mind like aimless butterflies in a field. She caught the overriding request, **May I?** And, strangely enough, Janeway knew that J'noh--for that was the Efirman's name--wanted to form a stronger telepathic link with her. She also sensed that it was not an action J'noh took lightly.
Considering, Janeway reflected on her experience with the Vulcan mind meld, an extremely personal experience for both parties. She remembered being lost in Tuvok's memories...**I have to understand!** J'noh felt her consent. He quickened the pace, hurrying his brother along.
Janeway understood so much now. Already, the connection was growing stronger; she saw glimpses of J'noh's life. She knew the man in front of them was a brother to J'noh, not in the biological sense, but in a much deeper way. A way in which she was about to be initiated.
She felt J'noh's brother's alarm and then saw him pull a weapon and fire into the corridor ahead of them. J'noh pulled her past a unconscious Efirman. **One of the ones of mouth; not our brother.** J'noh's thoughts were becoming more human through his association with her.
The group emerged into blinding sunlight and were immediately caught in a transporter beam. The Efirmans must have called telepathically, Janeway thought. She knew from J'noh that they were going to a safe place where she would be made to understand.
#
#
"Ouch," Tom muttered quietly. Tuvok glanced back quickly, then continued on their path. Suddenly he stopped and signaled a halt. Both men had out their tricorders and were scanning. Tom grimaced. Voyager was moving, but not under her own power. He smiled as he fervently hoped that for once Voyager's computers had not been accessed by the alien. He watched as Tuvok started crawling again. Gods, he hated crawling through the Jeffrey tubes. All he wanted to do after an hour of this was stretch out, stand...hit somebody.
Again Tuvok signaled a halt. He motioned for Tom to come closer. They were about to enter engineering through B'Elanna's office. The tricorders showed there was no one about--or any sign of detection devices. Silently they removed the covering and Tuvok slipped in. He again scanned the area and motioned Tom to follow him. Tom landed with a thud, that brought an admonishing glance from Tuvok, who quickly gained access to the computer.
"There are now 20 aliens on board--Efirmans. They have tried to access the computer." Tuvok typed a few more commands. "All the escape pods were jettisoned and have landed on the planet."
Tom nodded. They couldn't find out more without running the risk of detection. "The warp core?"
Tuvok nodded. "Apparently they've placed a temporary seal on it. I show only six Efirmans in engineering, seven on the bridge and the rest scattered throughout the ship." He typed a few more commands. "I've shut down life support on decks eight through two."
Tom again scanned outside the closed door, then checked his rifle, with a grim look he stood ready...
#
#
B'Elanna scowled. *Now what?* she asked herself. *What would Janeway do if she and her team were trapped in a cave?* She didn't have a clue, she only knew she had to remain confident. "Harry, scan the entire cave, let's see if we can find another way out of here. Ayala, take some readings on that entrance. Look for the safest way to remove the rocks by hand."
She looked around at the faces of the crew, trying to exude calm and patience; the problem was they were two qualities Klingons found in short supply.
Harry came to her rescue ten minutes later. "Lieutenant, I think I found something."
B'Elanna eagerly made her way to the back corner of the cave. "What is it Harry?"
"There's a small passageway about a half a meter behind these stones. If we use some muscle we could probably break through."
"How small is the passage?"
Harry's eyes lost a degree of certainty. "About a meter square."
B'Elanna shook her head. "That's too small, we'd never fit."
"You wouldn't but I would."
B'Elanna spun around to find Kes standing behind her. "You're right Kes, you probably would fit. But, I can't send you in there alone and no one else, except the baby, would fit."
"Activate the Doc."
This time Torres spun to face Harry. "What?"
"Activate the Doctor, he can control his own size, and fit anywhere."
B'Elanna considered the options. There weren't any others. "All right, Harry open them a door."
#
#
Janeway materialized in darkness. *Not again* she groaned silently. She felt a hand slip itself into hers and knew instinctively that it was Chakotay's.
"I can't see, and I won't let us be separated." he explained.
"It's all right." she allowed, hoping he didn't hear her pleasure at his touch.
"J'Noh?" she called.
**I am here Kathryn. We are safe. This is the place of the brotherhood.**
She squeezed Chakotay's hand. "J'Noh seems to be telepathic. I've allowed him to form some kind of link. He says we're safe here, it's what he calls the place of the brotherhood."
"Any idea what that means?"
"Not yet, but I'll keep you posted. J'Noh? Is there a place we can go to discuss what has happened?"
**Yes, Kathryn. Follow me, there will be light there.**
That information pleased Kathryn more than anything. She followed the dark form in front of her through what appeared to be a cave or tunnel. Despite the circumstances she could not stop thinking about how perfect Chakotay's hand felt in hers.
#
#
Tom grinned as he watched the second intruder collapse. Damn, he wished he could do that neck pinch thing. Silent. None of the others had an inkling they were being hunted.
Voices, the last four were conveniently huddled in a group. Tom quickly checked his weapon and nodded to Tuvok. They turned the corner and rapidly fired, three Efirmans fell. The fourth had ducked.
Tom rubbed his head and looked in surprise at Tuvok. Again the voice filled his head.
**I help you.**
"What the Hell," Tom looked at Tuvok. "What's going on..."
**I am of the brotherhood.**
Tuvok stepped forward, his rifle at the ready. "The Efirmans are apparently telepathic."
The lone Efirman female stood. "No," she spoke. "Just some of us. I'm D'vel. Let's see, you are Tuvok and you are Tom." She smiled at them. "And I suppose you want explanations?"
#
#
The Doctor fussed with his uniform before looking around. "Well, I'm glad *somebody* had the decency to remember me." He glared at everybody. "Quite the new home you found for us."
B'Elanna muttered something. "Doctor, we need you to go through this tunnel and find out what is there."
"I'm a physician of the highest order...not a miner."
"Doctor," Kes said quietly. "You and I are the only ones who can fit in there. We need your help."
The Doctor stuck his head in the small entryway. "It is a tight fit."
"I've modified the emitter so you can control your size," B'Elanna remarked
"Delightful. What do I need to do?"
"First find out where this leads...Then we'll send Kes and you're to find some way to get us out of here."
He nodded. "Not my primary function--but I'll do it."
B'Elanna pointed to his emitter, "This sequence will decrease your size by fifty percent. Reversing it will increase it. Got it?"
"Yes, of course." He punched the buttons on the emitter and shrank. His normally tenor voice was pitched slightly higher. "Well, help me up."
Harry controlled his urge to laugh as B'Elanna lifted the Doctor up to the entrance to the tunnel.
"Remain in contact," B'Elanna said as he started crawling down the tunnel.
#
#
Janeway could see light coming from under a door. With a sigh of relief, she gripped his hand a little tighter.
Chakotay smiled as he felt her fingers tighten around his, almost without thinking he let his thumb stroke the back of her hand. "What does J'noh say?" He whispered.
Janeway was startled by the sound, it had been silent for a while--only the sound of footsteps. "He's hasn't said anything."
**We are there. Tell your loved one that.**
Quickly she dropped his hand, hoping she could control the blush that was spreading over her face before they entered the lit room.
"Kathryn, is everything all right?" Chakotay asked, concerned about her sudden change in demeanor.
"Fine..." She stammered. "We're there."
#
#
Tom snorted. "Yeah, an explanation would be just dandy. Like why did you blow our nacelle to hell. Why did you board us. Why did we have to jettison our entire crew into god knows what."
D'vel shook her head. "The brotherhood is not responsible for the attack on your ship. We were aboard the vessel that did so, but we are not working for them."
Tom looked totally unconvinced. "Oh, yeah. We believe that don't we Tuvok?"
The Vulcan was staring intently at the woman. "Perhaps we should, Lieutenant."
"What?"
"Your mental capabilities do not allow for this woman's normal form of communication, but mine do. I am receiving a great deal of information at the moment. She is telling the truth, she is here to help us. Now I suggest that we check the ships systems to determine the extent of the damage to Voyager."
Tom was now totally lost. "Yes sir, if you say so."
#
#
"Doctor to Lieutenant Torres."
"Torres here, have you found anything?"
"Rock."
"Very funny, doctor. Harry remind me to rewrite his humor sub-routine. Now, did you have something to report or did you want to play some more?"
The Doc snorted with indignation. "I was just going to say that you can send Kes on through. The passage opens up slightly just ahead. It's still too small for most of you, but Kes should be able to walk comfortably."
"Very well, stand by."
A few minutes later Kes reached the doctor. "Hello doctor."
"Hello Kes, it's good to have you. This place is quite disturbing."
"Shall we get started?" asked the small woman.
The Doc swept his arm gracefully, "By all means." Together they set off down the dark passage.
Fifteen minutes later they were nearly lost in an enveloping darkness.
"I don't like this." complained the Doc.
"It's not so bad."
"How can you say that. I can barely see anything and my optical sensors are far more advanced than mere eyes."
"You forget doctor. I was born underground. I know exactly were we are. Just stay close and I'll..."
"You'll what? Kes?"
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what? I didn't hear anything."
"There it is again. No, you couldn't have heard it, it's telepathic." She tapped her comm-badge. "Kes to Torres."
"Go ahead Kes."
"B'Elanna, I've found something. I'm catching snippets of telepathic conversation."
"Can you tell who it is?"
"No, but I don't think they are dangerous. We're going to check it out."
"Be careful, and stay in touch."
"Affirmative. Kes out."
#
#
Kathryn and Chakotay stepped into the room behind J'Noh. There were several other Efirmans present who looked up at their arrival and then returned to their work.
Chakotay stepped closer to Kathryn and placed a hand protectively against her back. "Where are we?"
**Tell him we are in the stronghold of the brotherhood. Here you are safe. There is much to discuss, but we must wait for the others.**
"He says we're safe here, it's their headquarters. Apparently we are waiting for someone before he will explain further."
Chakotay frowned. "I don't like this, Captain. Are you sure we can trust them? For all we know they are the ones who attacked the trade negotiations."
"Commander, I am disappointed in you. J'Noh and his brother rescued us. They are here to help."
**Do not be angry Kathryn Janeway, he mistrusts us because he loves you. Your safety is important to him**
Kathryn blushed deeply. How could J'Noh know so much? How could he be so sure of Chakotay's feelings. She wasn't.
**I am sure because you are sure, Kathryn. I know only what your mind tells me.**
Kathryn's cheeks grew even more red.
"Captain? Is everything all right?"
"Yes, Chakotay." she stammered. "The telepathy is just a little taxing."
Chakotay looked far more concerned than a First Officer had a right to be. "J'Noh, is there some place where the Captain could rest?"
J'Noh nodded and led them to a small room just off the main area. **Here you will be alone. I will come for you when the others arrive.** He paused as he closed the door and looked deep into Kathryn's eyes. **Do not fight your heart, Kathryn Janeway, it will be your salvation.**
#
#
D'vel smiled at Tom, it was obvious the young man was not certain about what was going on. She noted that while Tuvok had relaxed his hold on his weapon, Tom had not. Not that she could blame him.
Tom watched the woman warily. The whole situation was just too strange for his tastes--he preferred a direct fight when at all possible with a visible enemy. But he pulled up the systems report. "Good God..." He looked at Tuvok then D'vel...
Tuvok looked at the data his eyes opened wide..."Fascinating," he managed to say as Vulcan-like as ever.
D'vel nodded. **The plan was to capture the ship...** She started then realized that Tom was having problems with the telepathy, so she continued out loud. "The repairs will be completed in less than five hours. As for the members of the crew, I sent an alert for members of the brotherhood to find them--before the government does."
Tuvok nodded as he pulled up the data on where the pods landed. He stepped aside and D'vel stepped in to look. She concentrated, her eyes closed then she leaned on the counter. She shook her head when Tuvok offered assistance. Suddenly she frowned.
"The government have taken your Captain and Commander prisoner."
#
#
B'Elanna walked over to the entrance of the cave--between the storm and the phasers they had done a good job sealing themselves in. Carey nodded as she approached. "We've almost opened up a small hole on top--the structural integrity of the pile isn't very good."
As he spoke, several rocks slid off the pile.
"Keep anybody not directly working on removing rocks away."
"Yes ma'am." He returned to work.
B'Elanna returned to the small crawl-space and peered in.
"Don't worry, B'Elanna everything will be all right," Harry said.
She nodded. "Do you know if Tom made it off the ship before it blew?"
Harry laughed quietly. "Either that or he single-handidly fixed the thing and we will all have to be eternally grateful to him..."
She smiled.
#
#
The room wasn't much, but the sacks lying on the floor were obviously some kind of mattress. Kathryn eyed with a disdainful look, then yawned. She was tired. She felt his hands on her shoulders and his warm breath in his ear as he spoke quietly. "We should try to get some sleep before whomever shows up."
She nodded. "It doesn't look particularly comfortable."
He stepped away and felt the mattress and smiled. She could just see the beginnings of his dimples in the dim light. "It's not too bad." Sitting down he motioned for her to join him.
She looked around quickly, there was only one. Tentatively she sat down beside him. Without saying a word she lay down and closed her eyes. Trying like mad to ignore him as he lay down behind her.
#
#
Tom shook his head trying to gain some equilibrium; things were far too confused. The crew scattered and in danger from the local government? The ship in disarray, but being aided by their supposed captors? The Captain and Commander prisoners? It was all coming a little fast.
"Why would the government capture our commanding officers?"
D'vel sighed sadly. "They are not the rightful rulers of my people. The government can feel their power slipping away and will do anything in their power to regain it. The population will be told that the Brotherhood is responsible for the destruction of your ship and crew. It is their hope that this will be a firebreak in the growing support for my people."
"Who are your people?" asked Tom
"We are Efirmans, but we are not like the others. Our telepathy has made us the subject of persecution and mistrust for centuries. Over the last few decades people have begun to change their attitudes about us. But, in some the old hatred is strong. The government feels that we would be too great a threat to their power and have decided to do everything they can to eradicate us."
Tom was shocked. She was talking about mass murder. He began to loose his sense of mistrust. These people had offered them help, but he now resolved to help them.
#
#
Kes followed the voices that only she could hear. In only a short time they led her to a small corridor with three doors. She raised a small hand and rapped quickly at the first door. **Hello** she sent out.
The door opened and a young woman stood looking at her in surprise. **Hello. You are not of the brotherhood, who are you?**
**My name is Kes. I am a member of the crew of Voyager, a starship in orbit around your planet.**
**Yes, I know of Voyager. Are there more of your crew nearby?**
**They are trapped in a cave several kilometers in that direction.** Kes said as she indicated the way she and the Doc had traveled.
**Please come in. My name is S'car. I will help you, but I must tell the others first.**
At the woman's invitation Kes stepped eagerly into the lighted room. The Doctor followed.
"Kes, what is going on?"
"They are going to help us, but we must be patient."
"They? What they, I only see one young woman."
"There are many more nearby, doctor. I can feel their minds. S'car is contacting them now."
"Well, I hope they hurry. If this rescue takes too long I know Lieutenant Torres will find some way to blame me."
#
#
Kathryn awoke slowly. Her first thought was surprise at how easily she had fallen asleep. *Poisoning, kidnapping, and escaping can take a lot out of a person, Kathryn.* she told herself.
The next thing to gain her attention was how comfortable she was. *This mattress wasn't as bad as I feared.* she observed. The pillow was especially nice. Kathryn sighed as she snuggled more deeply into Chakotay's arms. *I could stay here forever.*
It took a moment for Kathryn to realize why she was so comfortable. When she did her eyes flew open and she stared directly into Chakotay's sleeping face. Trying not to panic she took stock of the situation. Her body was pressed tightly against his, her head on his left arm and his right arm draped possessively across her waist. There was a look of complete peace on his face.
Kathryn looked at his face as she tried to gain control of her racing heart. How could he do these things to her even while he slept? She knew she should get up, move across the room, pace, do anything to remove herself from his arms--but, she couldn't. She couldn't get up, she couldn't tear herself away from this feeling of warmth and comfort.
Her hands were moving of their own volition. Without realizing it she had begun to caress his hard muscled chest. The front of his coveralls had fallen open and she was unable to stop her hands from slipping inside. Gently they traced random patterns across him, the warmth of his skin sending shivers up her fingers and into her heart.
When he opened his eyes, Kathryn froze. When he smiled, bringing those devastating dimples to life, she forgot how to breathe. She opened her mouth to say something--anything, and he quickly place a finger across her lips. His eyes dancing across her face, trying desperately to understand what she was thinking. She didn't know how he could learn that since even she didn't know what she was thinking.
His finger slid slowly off her lips and down to her jawline. Chakotay gently traced the curve of her neck before plunging his hand into her tangled hair. Kathryn felt her heart triple its beat. She had to move--but didn't.
#
#
Tuvok shook his head. "Then why are you repairing our ship?"
D'vel smiled sadly. "We were once renowned shipbuilders. Efirman shipyards were the busiest in this sector." She continued in her mind, forgetting about Tom. **Two generations ago the present ruling family came to power after a devastating civil war...**
Tom could only pick out bits and pieces and he shifted in frustration, before glancing at the data on the screen. D'vel noticed and started speaking out-loud again. "To maintain their power, too many ships destined for elsewhere disappeared. It didn't take long for our customers to realize what was happening and they stopped doing business with us. My Grandfather was a master shipbuilder. He was left without a job and was ruined. Then the government started to blame the brotherhood." She looked at her small audience. "Our family and many of the brotherhood fled to the desert mountains where we have lived..."
She looked at the data on Tom's screen. "They have started to rebuild the...Nacelle?" She looked at Tuvok. **They will do an excellent job...but it would be better if they somehow had access to the design specifications.**
Tuvok looked at Paris, who stepped away as the Vulcan moved to the terminal. With a look of astonishment he watched Tuvok ease the restrictions on accessing some of the computer's information.
#
#
B'Elanna drummed her fingers against the tunnel floor, staring down it hoping to see anything. Harry watched her with a grin. Patience had never been one of B'Elanna's better traits. They both turned quickly when a shout came from the rock pile.
Everybody was standing as B'Elanna approached the crew. Carey pointed excitedly to the entrance. "Someone is moving rocks on the other side." The half Klingon listened carefully, sure enough she could hear the sound of moving rock. She was about to order everybody back to take a defensive position, when her comm-badge chirped.
"Kes to Torres."
"Kes? You found help???" B'Elanna asked.
"Yes. There is a small colony here. You might want everybody to stand back."
"All ready done. Torres out." She smiled, then frowned as she looked at Harry. *What is going on?*
#
#
She closed her eyes, willing him to continue...to stop. She didn't know which. His fingers gently combed out her hair for several seconds before she felt the pressure on the back of her neck bringing her face closer to his. She didn't resist. When the pressure stopped she opened her eyes to find herself drowning in his. "Chakotay..." She started to say as he moved the last few inches. She stopped breathing when his lips met hers.
There was a scraping sound behind them and she sat up quickly. Her face was rosy, her breathe rapid.
"Good morning," a young feminine voice said. "I'm C'mel, J'noh's sister. He asked me to bring you breakfast and a change of clothing." The 12 year-old girl looked at the two officers and giggled. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding..."
Kathryn shook her head, "You weren't, thank-you..." She stood a brushed herself off. The young girl giggled again and left. "I'm famished." She quickly walked over to the supplies the girl had left. She pored herself a glass of some liquid and ate a couple of pastry-like items before looking at the change of clothes that had been left. She smiled. It looked much more comfortable than the scratchy clothes they had found in their cell...She blushed some more. "A bath would be nice right now," she didn't bother to look at Chakotay--knowing he would be smiling at her.
#
#
Tom watched the Efirmans who were working on the warp core. As near as he could tell they were doing an excellent job of returning the core to specs. He took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves. The brotherhood had done nothing to arouse suspicion, he had to try and trust them. As he watched the engineers work he wondered at the reaction a certain Klingon would show upon her return. Thoughts of B'Elanna made him frown and he began to search for Tuvok.
He found the Vulcan working with D'vel. "Tuvok, what are we doing about the crew? B'Elanna...and everyone else are down there and in danger."
"D'vel's people are looking for our crew members. I am confident that they will contact us when they have located them."
"Shouldn't we do something. I hate just sitting here."
"What would you suggest, Lieutenant? We can not leave the ship unattended, we can not contact the official government, and we can not use our communicators. We will simply have to remain patient."
Tom sighed. "Yeah, OK. I just hope we find them soon."
#
#
With everyone cowered at the rear of the cave there was a small safety zone around the cave entrance. Dust and powder rose heavily in the stale air as the last of the rocks tumbled away from the entrance. "B'Elanna?" Kes called.
Torres stepped forward. "Right here, Kes. Good work." She eyed the Efirmans next to Kes with interest.
Kes began her introductions. "This is S'car, H'tan, R'pol, and G'ven. They are members of the Brotherhood. They say Voyager was attacked by the Efirman government, and they have offered us assistance."
B'Elanna was listening as she helped the crew members exit the cave. "Let's get everyone out of this heat, and you can fill me in."
The group began to make it's way toward the sandstone cliffs a few kilometers to the south. "Kes, do you have any information on Voyager? We were in the middle of a warp core breach, and Tuvok and Paris were still aboard."
"Voyager is safe. The Efirmans were able to prevent the breach." Kes looked at S'car in surprise. "The brotherhood has two agents aboard the ship, but have not heard from them yet." Kes tilted her head as she received S'car telepathic information. "B'Elanna, S'car says that they are a small cell of the brotherhood. They would not have access to the information we need about Voyager. But she is willing to take a few of us to those that will."
B'Elanna nodded. "All right. I'll send you, Harry and myself. The rest of the crew should be fine, I'll leave Carey in charge; he loves being in charge."
#
#
She heard him rise from the mattress and cross the room, but she couldn't force herself to turn around and face him. She began to study the intricacies of the cloth in her hands. She stiffened when she felt his hands on her shoulders.
"Kathryn."
"Chakotay...I...These clothes should be much more comfortable." she finished lamely.
She was unable to resist when he turned her to face him. She closed her eyes as he returned his hands to the depths of her hair. "Kathryn, we need to talk about this."
"About what, Commander?" she asked trying once again to force protocol between them.
Chakotay's answer was a second kiss. This one was far less timid than the first and it's passion made Kathryn groan in spite of herself.
Chakotay removed his lips from hers and placed several small and feathery kisses on her cheeks and forehead. "This, Kathryn. I want to talk about this."
Captain Kathryn Janeway of the USS Voyager could not find her voice. She could barely remember to breath. Shaking her head she pulled away from the heat of his embrace. Her heart was immediately sorry for the action, but it did help to clear her head. After a moment she managed to clear her throat. "Now is not the time, Commander. I suggest we change our clothing and eat a little something. Our Efirman friends will be returning shortly, and I would like to try to contact Voyager."
Several emotions flashed across Chakotay's face in a matter of seconds. Kathryn was fairly certain she spotted anger, frustration, humor, and another that scared her far more; for an instant she was sure she had seen love.
Chakotay smothered his response and took the clothes Janeway was holding out to him. "Don't eat everything while I'm changing, all right?"
She smiled at him in relief. He wasn't going to press the issue; at least, not now. "It's a deal." She waited until Chakotay turned his back before taking off her clothing and putting on the fresh garments.
"Uhm, Kathryn..."
She glanced over her shoulder at her first officer, chastising herself for doing so. Fortunately, he was already wearing his trousers. "Yes?"
"Are you, uhm..."
"Yes."
Chakotay turned, holding up his shirt--which was obviously too small. "I think that's mine," he said, pointing at Janeway.
She looked down. The shirt she wore hung loosely on her slender figure. "Right. Sorry about that."
"No problem." He turned around; Kathryn didn't bother as she pulled off the shirt and moved over to Chakotay.
"Here." She rested a hand below his shoulder and draped the shirt across his other arm.
Chakotay muttered thanks and extended the other shirt back to her. He resisted the urge to turn around, and wrap his arms around Kathryn. Instead, he pulled on the shirt she'd given him. It was warm from her body and had somehow managed to retain her scent after so brief a time. Chakotay took a deep, calming breath, and the warm fabric moved on his chest.
Kathryn stood watching Chakotay's back, his shoulders moving slightly as he breathed. Oh, yes, this is certainly the way to handle the situation--gawk at your first officer. Yes, this will definitely improve our chances of returning to Voyager. She turned away and picked up her glass. "Well, it's not coffee, but it'll do."
Chakotay turned to her and laughed. "I can see it now. The Federation News asks the newly returned starship captain how she stayed focused on returning to the alpha quadrant in the face of such a length of time; her reply, 'The coffee; I just kept thinking about the coffee."
Kathryn tried to look stern but couldn't resist a smile.
#
#
Tom's eyes suspiciously followed D'vel. *Why had no one checked on the other Efirmans over the past hours. Could anyone really run such a loose operation. Doesn't anybody...* He noticed D'vel smiling at him. *Damn,* he added. *She's telepathic.*
"No, Tom," she laughed quietly. "We are not that *stupid.* It just happens the leader of the boarding party is also of the brotherhood. I've been keeping him updated...And he's been keeping our *superiors* updated." The derogatory tone in which she said superiors, caused to Tom to wince.
Tuvok turned away from the warp core briefly, before continuing to analyze the substance the Efirmans had used to stop the breach. A chagrined Tom went back to monitoring progress on the Efirmans were making on the exterior repairs. A brief smile played on his lips as he thought of B'Elanna's response to all this. This time he heard D'vel's laugh in his head. **But why shouldn't the Efirman Government work so hard to completely overhaul this ship. It is, after all, going to be the flag ship of the Efirman fleet.** Even Tom could *hear* the sarcasm in her voice.
#
#
B'Elanna looked at Kes. Wondering what was going on. The three Efirmans escorts hadn't said a word. Every so often Kes would say something. They'd been walking most of the night. When Kes had told them what had happened, the half Klingon had wanted to set out right away--but even being impatient, she'd realized that they had to wait until nightfall before setting out across the desert.
They stopped at a pile of rocks that mercifully marked a small cistern. All six of the group gratefully drank the offered water and sat down to rest.
S'car stood and looked at Kes.
"She says we should stand together," Kes said to Harry and B'Elanna. Puzzled they moved to stand with the Efirmans there was a high pitched whine and then they vanished from the small oasis.
As familiar as she was to transporters, B'Elanna still felt disoriented as they appeared in a narrow dark cave. She grumbled something about the darkness and being tired of caves. Kes smiled and told her to follow along.
#
#
J'noh nodded to Kathryn as she entered the large cavern. There were a number of Efirmans sitting and standing. They all looked up at the entry of the two humans, then returned to whatever was occupying their minds. Kathryn could only understand some of the conversation.
**Events have proceeded to quickly,** she heard J'noh say. **We don't have time to teach you our ways.** He frowned as he continued. **The Efirman government has captured your ship.**
Kathryn stopped dead in her tracks, a look of horror on her face. Chakotay noticed and asked, "What's happened?"
#
#
"Have you given any thought to what is going to happen when Voyager is repaired?" asked Tom worriedly.
At this question Tuvok turned and gave his full attention to D'vel. "I would be most concerned about that subject also," he said with his usual understatement.
"Our plan was to allow the ship to be towed into a standard orbit. Then the brotherhood will begin to smuggle your crew back aboard. It will not be easy to keep the authorities unaware of our activity, but it is the best we could do on such short notice. If you have a more viable option we would be willing to follow your direction."
Tuvok stood quietly considering the possibilities. "I see no reason to deviate from the brotherhood's plan at this time. I will reserve the right to modify any action if I feel the ship is not being served."
D'vel nodded, "That is most acceptable."
Tom sighed with relief, things were finally starting to take shape. He tried not to think of the crew stranded below, *hang on guys, we'll get you home.*
#
#
It had only taken a fraction of a moment for her to force her body into a steely composure. It was a look she had practiced many times over her years as captain. Chakotay had seen the slight waver of her composure. He had seen her shock; her fear. It was just another sign of how well he had come to know her. Captain Janeway reached within herself to draw on that reservoir of strength. She needed to feel in command. She needed the parameters and protocol to fall into place. She hoped Chakotay would be able to sense this as well. "Commander the Efirman government has captured Voyager."
Chakotay's posture immediately stiffened at the use of his title. She searched his face, but could not find any clues as to his emotions. She silently thanked him and at the same time, chastised herself. *Why do I always do that to him?* She had to brush those thoughts aside. For now.
For now, her ship, her crew, needed her. She turned back to J'Noh. **I need to contact my people.**
**Your crew has escaped to the planet. A few of them are on their way here. I will bring them to you soon.**
Janeway stared after J'Noh as he walked away. Kathryn could feel Chakotay's eyes on her, but she couldn't turn to him. She had shut him out again, put the barriers in place. How many more times could she place herself behind a wall before he stopped trying to climb over and reach her? *Why can't I let him through?*
Any further contemplation by Janeway was halted by the sound of J'Noh screaming. Through their mind link, Janeway could feel his agony. She doubled over and her knees hit the ground. She gritted her teeth and shouted, "It's an attack--government soldiers!"
Chakotay pulled the captain to her feet and began running back down the hall they had come from. She was still having difficulty standing and allowed Chakotay to support some of her weight as they ran. The soldiers had entered the main room and were firing on the members of the resistance with their laser weapons. One shot caught Chakotay in the leg. He stumbled and fell to the floor.
"Chakotay," the captain dropped to his side.
"I can't move my leg." Suddenly, Chakotay pulled the captain flat to the ground--a shot whipped by where her head had been. "Go without me."
"Chakotay, I..." More shots rang past them. "I can't."
They could tell by the footfalls that the soldiers were getting closer. The captain spotted a fallen Efirman nearby. She slid over on her belly and retrieved the man's weapon. She returned to Chakotay and he grabbed the weapon. "I'll use this to cover your escape." She searched his eyes for a moment. She needed to help her crew, but why did she have to sacrifice him?
"Kathryn," his voice was low and forceful, "get out of here now."
She placed her hand on his chest. "I'll be back for you. I promise." Then she rose and took off down the corridor."