Disclaimer and notes: see pt 1
Neelix smiled as he looked at the three boxes of Margolayan goose eggs. The Captain had initially resisted his pleas to stop at Margolay Prime, but in the end had agreed. They had spent yesterday gathering supplies--mostly perishables that he was planning to use in the next day or so. Today he would treat the crew to real fresh-eggs. He had been in the ship's database and had read how human's liked their eggs. He was going to serve scrambled eggs--plain and with additions like cheese and fungi.
He started the gas grill and prepared his pans as the first diners came in. He carefully cracked the first egg over the pan. As the runny interior splashed into the pan a noxious odor spread from the kitchen to the dining hall.
As Neelix quickly stepped back from the odor, he knocked over one box and managed to break most of the eggs in it.
The early diners were fleeing the dining hall with the odor chasing after them.
By the time a young Ensign from engineering had shut the air-exchange-system on deck 2 down, the smell was everywhere. Rotten eggs permeated throughout the deck. It was then a matter of releasing the contaminated air into the vacuum of space--removing the putrid odor of hydrogen sulfide from the ship.
#
#
Several hours later, wearing protective clothing and masks, security and engineering personnel removed the remainder of the eggs and prepared them for disposal: while others scrubbed down the walls and cleaned the furniture.
#
#
"Captain," B'Elanna announced an hour after the initial incident. "There is no way Voyager's waste-systems can handle all those eggs. We run a risk of the hydrogen sulfide being converted into sulfuric acid--and that would eat through the pipes."
"Agreed. We're too close to the Narbezian system so we can't jettison the eggs. Have them placed in transporter two. We'll beam them off near a star when we leave." The Captain turned toward her computer screen. "Doc?"
"Three of the crew suffered from headaches: they've been treated and released. Ensign Bell suffered some minor lung damage. I'm holding him in sick-bay for observation. The others on deck 2 at the time of the accident are fine. A number did feel nauseous--a common enough reaction to the smell of hydrogen sulfide. All in all, I'd say we were very lucky there weren't more casualties."
Janeway turned to Neelix, who was still looking a little greener than usual. "Neelix, these eggs?"
"I've never had anything like this happen before, Captain. Margolayan goose eggs are renowned in the sector. I'm so sorry Captain. I mean...If there is anything I can do?"
"Neelix, it wasn't your fault." Janeway turned toward B'Elanna. "We'd better check the refrigeration units too."
"Aye Captain."
"How long until deck 2 is usable?"
"We hope to have the air completely exchanged by fifteen-hundred hours. Though the smell may linger for a while. The quantities will be within recommended safe limits. The smell may not be. We've had complaints of the smell on other decks." B'Elanna frowned deeper as she continued. "I've got teams working on that too--we didn't completely contain the gas on deck 2. Again all the quantities are within the safe limits. We're lucky Ensign Bell had the presence of mind to shut down the air exchange--or the whole ship might be reeking."
Janeway nodded. "Write him up for a commendation. Because of the...incident, I've made some changes to the away-team. B'Elanna I need you to stay on the ship--Commander Chakotay will still command the away-team. Neelix, I'd like you to examine all the perishables we picked up on Margolay, just in case."
"Captain," Chakotay's voice said over her comm-badge. "We're receiving a message from the Narbezian government."
"I'll be there." She left the briefing room and stood by her chair. She felt, rather than saw the Commander glance at her.
Captain Janeway faced the viewscreen to look at the speaker. "I'm Minister Vilart," the older woman said. "Narbezian Minister of Trade."
"I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager. We would like permission to enter orbit around Narbezia and to come to surface to trade."
The greenish-yellow Trade Minister nodded. "We've been notified or your coming. What kind of trade were you considering?"
"We would like to trade for supplies and materials."
"Captain, if you would send me a list of items you would be offering in trade."
"Madam Minister, we'll transmit the list immediately." She motioned for Harry to send it. "We'll have an away-team land to meet with you and see what is available for trade."
The Minister smiled. "We look forward to meeting with your delegation. I've just sent a list of traders presently on the planet and their wares. Will you be offering shore leave to your crew?"
"I would like to."
"I can make the necessary arrangements here. Captain Janeway, we look forward to meeting you. I've also sent landing instructions for where we will receive your team. Vilart out." The screen turned brilliant maroon with a centered logo in a strange script before fading to the familiar star field.
Janeway smiled slightly, now if the rest of their time at Narbezia went so well. She glanced at her First Officer, who was already looking at her. Their eyes held for a split second. She turned away, noting her increased heart rate. "Commander, have your away-team prepare for departure in an hour." She hoped her voice sounded normal--she couldn't tell.
"Aye, Captain." *A little obvious,* he thought, but no one else seemed to have noticed. He watched as she went to her ready room.
She was interrupted by the arrival of Neelix. "Captain, according to the list of traders the Narbezian's sent, there's a Talaxian dealer on the planet. I may be able to restock my supplies of Leola root."
"Leola root isn't common in this sector."
"No Captain, it's not. This may be my last time to resupply for a long while."
She didn't smile. "It's going to be expensive, because it's so rare?"
"Very likely Captain. I..." He looked very disappointed. "We've only had minimal luck growing it in the hydroponics bay. I've always been able to buy or find it on the planets we've visited." He paused. "I understand Captain. We would be better off resupplying with more of something less expensive. Leola root is a luxury we will have to do without."
"I'm afraid so, Neelix. I'm pleased that you are willing to make this sacrifice for your fellow crewmembers."
"Captain, I am honored to do so."
"Thank-you, Neelix." She watched Neelix leave and her First Officer enter. He also watched Neelix leave.
"Commander?"
"Captain, the away-team is ready, we can leave anytime." He looked back at the closed door. "Captain, what did you say to Neelix?"
"He just told me that Leola root was too expensive a luxury. He won't be resupplying on Narbezia."
"That's too bad. I was really looking forward to a slice of leola root pie." His grin belied the words.
She looked at him. "Commander, good luck with the Narbezians. If you are interested, there's still a small supply. I'll request that Neelix bake one for your return."
#
#
The Captain glanced up from the year end reports at the sound of her comm-badge chirping.
"Captain, the local atmospheric disturbances are making it difficult to keep a transporter lock on the away-team." B'Elanna said.
"How long?" Janeway replied
"We're working on it in transporter room one--nothing difficult--just time consuming. It'll take about an hour and twenty minutes to calibrate them."
"Very good, keep me informed. Voyager to shuttle."
"Chakotay here. Captain?"
"We're having problems with the transporters, B'Elanna expects to have them recalibrated in about an hour and twenty minutes."
"Oh well, Captain. At present speed, we expect to land in twenty-five minutes. Chakotay out."
She looked back at the report and sniffed. "Damn, the smell of sulfur is here too. Computer, increase air-exchange-rate in Captain's ready room by ten percent."
#
#
Chakotay guided the shuttle to the landing site, making last minute adjustments for wind direction and speed. He landed the craft near the waiting Narbezians. He found it curious that they had flown over several busy spaceports, but were landing out in the middle of no where. "Secure shuttle. Lieutenant Hargrove, I want you to remain on board, just in case." There was something wrong...Or was there? Chakotay was tempted to put his uncertainty down to delta-quadrant paranoia.
The three other members of the away-team gathered at the rear, and the quartet exited the shuttle. Minister Vilart and an escort were waiting for them.
"Welcome to Narbezia, Commander Chakotay."
"Thank-you Madam Minister."
"If you would follow me, we have a reception in your honor planned, and then we will give you a guided tour of the markets.
The Narbezians set off at a brisk pace, Chakotay and the away-team right behind them. They were headed for a small grove of trees and some hills, where the trail narrowed.
Lieutenant Forrest was flirting with Ensign Moog. "This is exactly the location I would use for Royston."
"I hope we don't do Richard. We should do something more cheerful. Another murdered king play. No." Joan Moog (the set designer for Macbeth) replied.
"But the location is perfect--Stanley's troops over there on that hill, Henry's behind the hills, and poor Richard's here." He looked around the grove as they entered. "This is a perfect place for an ambush. Good cover, blocked view...Commander is something wrong?" Mike Forrest had nearly walked into the Commander.
"I don't know." There wasn't time for anything else as a phaser blast exploded the stump they were standing next to. The away-team dropped to the ground and pulled out their phasers. "Damn, Away-team to Voyager." The place was still. "Voyager, are you there?"
"Voyager here, Commander is something wrong?"
"The Narbezians just ambushed us."
"Get back to the shuttle: transporters are still not able to cut through the atmospheric disturbances." Tuvok's voice was calm, unlike the surrounding trees, which erupted with phaser fire.
The others heard the message. The grove of trees was a good ambush site. They couldn't see beyond the trees, and the shuttle was blocked from view. "Some reception." Chakotay muttered. "Mike and I will provide covering fire, you two when you get to that rock back there, cover for us." He looked at Lt. Forrest. "Go." They started firing randomly as the other two ran back to the rock. Ensign Moog signaled them, and started firing her phaser into the woods, her partner joined in the fire.
Chakotay nodded and they started running. Phaser fire erupted around them, but no blasts came near them. About eight steps from the rock, a blast hit right in front of the Commander. He dove to the ground. When he tried to stand, he realized that in the process he had managed to twist his ankle.
Mike Forrest returned. "Commander let me help."
Chakotay shook his head. "Get back to the shuttle and communicate with Voyager. I'll be fine--once the transporters are on line. Help me to the rock." They made their way to the rock slowly, on the ground. "Lieutenant," Chakotay added, "Let me know when the shuttle takes off. Oh and let me have your comm-badge." Forrest handed him the badge, puzzled. "Now get going." He grabbed his phaser and positioned himself behind the rock. "That's an order. Go!" He started firing into the woods as the other three members of the away-team bolted toward the shuttle. When they had cleared the grove of trees, the Commander quickly removed his own comm-badge and pinned it on the inside of his pant leg by his good ankle and pinned Forrest's to his chest. He started firing again.
#
#
"Shuttle to Commander Chakotay, we've lifted off," Hargrove announced over his comm-badge.
"Very good--contact Voyager and get back to the ship." Chakotay's voice responded. "Chakotay out."
"Shuttle to Voyager..."
#
#
Chakotay smiled, he figured that B'Elanna would have the transporters reset within half an hour. He rubbed his ankle, then made sure his hidden comm-badge was firmly attached. The rock was a lousy defensive position, but either the Narbezians were lousy shots or were after hostages. He fired toward the source of phaser fire. There was flash of light and he was unconscious.
When he came to seconds or minutes later, he was surrounded by ten Narbezian soldiers.
"Hello, you wouldn't by any chance have a doctor?" Chakotay looked around while rubbing his head. No response. "No. I didn't think so." He sat there about a minute. "Do you speak at all?"
A yellow Narbezian with braided green hair approached from the grove of trees. "Remove his comm-badge." He ordered one of the soldiers. "Commander Chakotay, your team escaped--but you knew that. You, however, are far greater prize than we could have hoped for."
"Captain Xykator, it's a pleasure to see you again too," Chakotay's voice was dripping with sarcasm. "I gather you're not a simple freighter Captain?"
"Actually Commander, it's General Xykator."
"Well, congratulations on the promotion."
The general scowled at the Commander. "Our friends tell us you are important--we'll find out how much your Captain *needs* you." He signaled the soldiers. "Escort this man to the presidential palace. Commander, it's been a pleasure to see you again. Enjoy your stay on Narbezia." Narbezians were equally capable of sarcasm. One of the soldiers prodded Chakotay to stand. Groaning he did, and then limped along with his escort.
#
#
Janeway frowned as the shuttlecraft sent the message. "Damn," she said, not caring if the crew heard. She tapped her comm-badge. "B'Elanna how soon until the transporters will be ready?"
"About fifteen minutes Captain."
"The Narbezians ambushed the away-team. They've captured the Commander."
"Shit. Sorry Captain. The others?"
"They were able to get back to the shuttle. Any chance..."
"We may be able to cut a minute or two off."
"Captain," Tuvok cut in. "We are receiving a message from the Narbezian government."
She grimaced, took her usual bridge stance, hands on her hips. "On screen."
"Captain Janeway, I'm President Tajzeel," the Narbezian president smirked as he calmly sat behind his desk.
"Mr. President. You are holding one of my crew. We want him back. NOW."
"Now, now Captain Janeway. Don't get testy. We'll return him." He paused. "After we arrange a suitable trade."
"I want to see him. To make sure he is all right."
"That can be arranged." The president signaled someone and the Commander hobbled in.
"Captain," he grinned--but his voice was full of pain.
She kept her voice calm, "Commander, are you all right?" Obviously he wasn't: she needed to kill some time.
"Yea, I'm fine. Except for the ankle--I don't know if it's sprained or broken. Hurts like hell though."
"Captain," the president cut in. "I hate to break up this happy reunion, but we need to negotiate. What are you willing to trade for the return of your Commander."
"I'll have to consult with my staff. Give me ten minutes, Mr. President."
"Five. President Tajzeel out."
The screen went blank.
"Any suggestions?" She asked Tom and Tuvok.
"Captain, Star Fleet policy is very specific on the paying of ransom..."
"Mr. Tuvok, I have no intention of paying any ransom--we just need to stall for time, until the transporters are ready. I want to string them along without committing to anything. Tuvok, at the end of the five minutes I'll talk with Narbezians. I want a transporter lock on the Commander, so when the transporters are on line we can beam him out."
"Yes Captain."
"Tom, set a course out of here warp 8: as soon as the Commander and shuttle are back on board--we're leaving. Harry, I want continuous scans--we don't need any unexpected company. How long till the shuttle docks?"
"Ten minutes, Captain." Harry answered glancing at the data. "No sign of any other ship in the area."
"Good," was the Captain's reply. She typed something into her terminal--B'Elanna responded that she would send the signal announcing when the transporters were ready through the computer. She looked at some other data, while working on her plan.
"Captain, it's been five minutes." Tuvok was calm, as always.
"On screen. Mr. President, what kind of trade are we talking about."
"Captain Janeway, I'd hoped you were willing to be reasonable. I have friends who tell me you have some remarkable technology. We would like it."
"Well, I don't know if the Commander is worth that much." She heard Tom laugh. To bad she didn't have anything to throw at him. "We have some nice phasers..."
"Captain. I'm talking about the technology unique to your ship. I told you, I have some good friends who know what your ship is capable of."
As the president was speaking, Neelix ran onto the bridge. "Captain, captain. I heard....Oh." He noticed he was interrupting.
Janeway looked at him and smiled briefly--he had just given her an idea. Frowning, she turned back to the Narbezian--obviously their *friends* hadn't told him everything about their technology. "Mr. President. I am not prepared to negotiate with our *unique* technology. You have three minutes to rethink your offer. I'm sorry Commander, but to make an omelet one must break some eggs." She signaled Tuvok to cut the transmission. "We have three minutes, Harry..." She quickly explained what he was to do. Grinning he quickly left. "B'Elanna, how soon?" She asked her comm-badge.
"Captain minutes--no more than six. We're running the calibration check now."
"Good, Harry will explain to you the plan." She looked quickly at Tuvok, then Tom. Tuvok wouldn't do--he was too honest, especially without time to prepare. Tom...Tom could be dangerous.
She stated to the crew. "We still need to stall for a few more minutes. No one over-react to whatever I may say. Mr. Tuvok on screen. Ah. Mr. President, have you reconsidered?"
"Captain, I have it on good authority that the last thing you want is..."
"Mr. President, we do have some remarkable technology. Including a *emanation ray.* We are not prepared to negotiate for Commander Chakotay's return, nor are we willing to leave him in your hands. I recommend you release him to us now. You won't like the consequences." Her terminal blinked. She quickly looked down and noted that the shuttle had just completed docking. Looking back at the screen, it was obvious she had flustered the president. He had stood to chat with someone off screen--the sound was muted. Chakotay was still there--he was grinning. Janeway had to stop herself from smiling. She hoped they didn't notice his grin. She quickly shook her head: he noticed and tried to frown.
The president turned back to the screen. "Captain, you don't have such technology." He was calling her bluff. Now to prove she wasn't.
"Mr. President. I don't know your source of information, but obviously it isn't that good. Mr. Paris. You are hearby promoted to acting First Officer. Ensign James, would you please take the commander's place at the *conn.*" She hoped Paris caught on before he said anything.
"Aye, aye Captain." Paris stood and swaggered arrogantly to the commander's chair. He knew a con-game when he heard one. He turned to look at the screen and with a wry grin, "Captain, it will be a pleasure to serve under you." He also had the pleasure of seeing the Commander wince and hear her sharp intake of breath. Tom quickly sat down. Even though his *promotion* was only for a few seconds, he would enjoy it. He noticed she had a message on her screen. "Captain."
She glared at him, and then glanced at her screen. She nodded. B'Elanna was ready. "Last chance Mr. President." She said coolly. When the president hesitated, she continued. "Lieutenant Torres, activate."
The bridge crew watched as Commander Chakotay was transformed into thousands of twinkling lights to be replaced by one of Neelix's eggs. For a split second it hovered over the floor...then fell and smashed. The look of horror and nausea on the President caused Tom to laugh.
"Mr. President. I warned you. I think you should open a window. Ensign James take us out of here, warp 8." After the screen returned to the field of stars, she turned to Paris. "*Lieutenant.* Thank-you for an over-done performance. Janeway to sick-bay. How's the Commander?"
"Captain, he's suffering from a sprained ankle. Apparently he had to walk some distance on it. It'll take several hours for the tendons to heal. Otherwise he's fine." The Doc sounded as pompous as ever. "He's taking it very well. He's still laughing."
For that matter, so were most the bridge crew.
"Any sign of the Narbezian fleet?" Janeway asked the ensign who had taken Harry's place.
"No Captain. Nothing," she said trying not to smile.
Tom grinned.
#
#
Commander Chakotay slid of the bio-bed and put his weight on his foot. "I'm fine Doc." He said as he walked across the sick-bay and back.
"None the less, Commander. I want you to take it easy--no hover ball games or Klingon exercise programs for several days."
"Yes Doctor."
"And I want to see you again in 48 hours."
"Aye, aye Doctor."
"Commander, you may leave. Oh! I have a message for you, from the Captain." He pointed to his terminal. "It made no sense to me when I received it."
Chakotay looked at it and laughed. He was still grinning as he left.
Doc looked at the brief message again.
Kes leaned over and looked at it. "The last one back's a rotten egg???"
The ambush scene: Richard refers to Richard III (Wow, I wrote a foot note)
Kathryn Janeway was asleep, a smile on her face as she stretched suggestively.
"Dreaming of me, my love?" A voice said.
She woke quickly and nearly rolled over on top of Q. "That's the right idea dear," he said as he dragged her closer.
She drew back, pulled her blanket around her and stood. "What the hell. Q?"
"Yes darling, it's your beloved."
"My beloved? Not even in your dreams. Get out of my room! Get off my ship! Get out of my life!" She clutched the blanket tighter.
"You really do look sexy in that nightgown. Why don't you put the blanket down, and come back to bed."
She glared at him, trying to think of something to say.
"And you have been picked for a singular honor, I was hoping for a more loving response." He smirked at her frown. "That's right Kathy, you've been selected to be the mother of my child."
"Uhh. What?" She kept hoping this was a bad dream.
"Kathy dear, you should be so honored that the continuum selected you, they singled you out for this greatest of honors."
"Honor? Some honor. Leave."
"Ahh, Kathy I can't until...The continuum needs us to replace the Q who committed suicide. His suicide create a hole, an abyss that needs to filled. We were selected because of our *intimate* involvement in his death. What should be more natural than the two of us procreate--to conceive an offspring to replace him."
"This is a bad dream," she muttered to herself.
"I would think this was a fantasy come true." As he moved to stand beside her, she stepped toward her door.
"Are you leaving or not." She watched as he stood there. "Then I am. Good-night." She turned and opened her closet. "And I shall not procreate with you. You are an arrogant, self-conceited, unprincipled, ill-mannered...boor." She grabbed her uniform and stepped into her sitting room. She changed, using the blanket as a cover. Blushing all the while. The blanket would probably not offer any cover from his prying eyes anyway. She stormed out of her quarters. Now where to go. Chakotay's quarters were next door--that would be worse than staying, but for the opposite reason. That left sick-bay.
#
#
"Captain, are you all right," Kes's voice said in her dream.
Janeway shifted with a soft grunt. She was dreaming that she was asleep on a biobed and very uncomfortable.
Someone shook her shoulder. "Captain?"
Janeway opened her eyes with a start and looked around. If she was in sick-bay then...Then it hadn't been a dream. She groaned.
"Are you all right Captain?" Kes asked.
She shook her head to clear it. "I will be. What time is it?"
"Zero eight thirty," Kes answered.
"My god, I was suppose to be on the bridge an hour ago. I've got to go."
"Commander Chakotay is there. He was very concerned when we discovered you weren't in your quarters. What happened anyway?"
Janeway rubbed her forehead. "Q happened. He showed up in my bed and wouldn't leave." She had a headache. "Can I have some aspirin?"
"Sure, what did Q want?" Kes asked as she filled the hypospray.
"Me. He wants *me* to bear his child." She didn't bother to hide the distaste in her voice.
"Captain!" Kes frowned, omnipotent beings were strange. She had, had enough the first time she'd met one. "No!"
Kathryn tapped her comm-badge. "Janeway to bridge." She smiled as the Commander's voice responded.
"Captain, feeling better?"
"No, but I'll be there in about half an hour." She looked at Kes, "Thanks. I'll be going."
"Captain, eat something before going to the bridge."
"I don't think I can, I've lost my appetite. I'm going to return to my quarters first."
#
#
She warily entered her quarters. Q could be anywhere, anything. "Q? Are you here?" She almost sighed with relief when there was no response. She showered, dressed in a clean uniform, and put her hair up. She was now ready to almost believe it had been a nightmare.
#
#
Chakotay watched the Captain enter the bridge and take her seat. She looked like...Awful. "Captain, is everything all right?"
"Fine Commander." She didn't want to talk about what had happened--just in case it had been a dream. "Status report."
"All systems..." The ship started to shake.
"Captain, we've been overtaken by a high-energy plasma-wave. It wasn't on any of our sensors." Harry's voice was slightly edgy.
"He's correct, Captain," Tuvok calmly stated. "Shields are dropping rapidly, eighty percent, seventy percent. I've been able to stabilize them at sixty-five percent Captain."
"Tom, do we have control of the ship," she asked
"Barely Captain. I've got thrusters, I'm just able to keep control and keep the ship from flipping. Dampeners are weakening too. And I have no directional control."
Janeway tapped her comm-badge, she had a pretty good idea what was going on, but first. "B'Elanna?"
"Captain, I have no idea what happened. We've lost warp, and I'm shutting down all non-essential systems to keep the shields and life support going." There was an Klingon expletive. "The plasma conduits are overheating!"
The Captain frowned as she stood: she was tired and now furious. The anger was very audible as she quietly spoke. "Q? Where the hell are you? Show yourself!" Her volume rose slightly at the end.
"Your wish is my command, Madam Captain." He was sitting in her chair. "Your loyal minions await your command." He spread his hands to indicate the crew. "Hello to you to Commander," he nodded at the glaring Commander. "Madam Captain, have you reconsidered..."
"I've reconsidered nothing. I still want you the hell off my ship. And stop playing games. You are acting like a petulant little child who didn't get his way."
"Kathy, dear, I'm insulted. But as you wish." He snapped his fingers and the violent shaking stopped.
"The plasma wave has vanished." Harry said.
"Of course. What do your instruments say." Q snapped his fingers again, vanished to reappear next to Harry. He starred at the instruments. "Fascinating. This stuff really means something." He walked away.
Harry looked down at his display terminal, "Captain, all the data is scrambled--it's gibberish."
She turned and glared at Q. "Restore all the ship's systems to normal. AND LEAVE."
"Madam Captain, there's a certain unfinished business...."
"No."
The entire bridge crew was watching the Captain and Q with fearful fascination. No one else had any idea what the conversation was about. Chakotay figured Q was the reason she had been late and had spent the night in sick-bay.
Q looked at Chakotay, "Commander, is she always so decisive? I see she is. It's one of the things I love about her. Auf wiedersehn Madam Captain. I shall return--soon." With a snap, he was gone.
She buried her face in her hands. God, what a mess.
Chakotay spoke, "Harry?"
"Commander, all systems are back to normal."
"Very good. Keep the ship at yellow alert until further notice. Captain..."
She waved a hand to cut him off. "You have the bridge, I'll be in my ready room."
#
#
"Captain's personal log, stardate 50202. It's been one hellish day. The bastard Q wants me to *procreate* with him. God what a thought. The damn man--whatever--is selfish, arrogant, and a real pig. Even if he was my only choice, I wouldn't." She stopped. "Delete log." She was not going to record for posterity all those expletives. She may say them (occasionally), think them (more often), but she was sure as hell not going to have Star Fleet Command hear them.
She looked at her unfinished dinner. Even without leola root, she couldn't bring herself to eat one of Neelix's meals. For that matter, she probably wouldn't be able to eat anything--even a chocolate mousse torte from Chez Panache.
She wondered how the Captain of the Enterprise had dealt with Q. He had visited Picard's ship how many times. *A superior morality.* B.S. Q's proposition was...was amoral. She reached for a cup and started to throw it against the wall, but stopped. "Kathryn, you're letting him get to you. Calm down." She sat on her couch, and tried to meditate, using the techniques Tuvok had taught. "See the inner light..."
She jumped when her doorchime rang. "Enter."
"Captain, I stopped by to see if everything was all right?"
She sighed with relief when she saw her First Officer. She should have known. Q didn't need to ring a doorchime.
"No, everything is not all right. The man is menace...I'm sorry, it's not your fault he's here." She paused.
"Would you like to talk about it?"
She grimaced, "Not really." Again she paused, he started to turn to leave. "Commander. Chakotay, would you like some tea--I have a secret supply of real tea I've been saving."
"Tea would be fine, Captain." He watched her as she walked from the couch to her teapot. He'd never seen her so wound up. He noticed the partially eaten dinner. "Have you eaten anything today?" He was worried about her.
"Some, not much." She handed him a cup. "I haven't been very hungry." They both sat on her couch.
"So I notice." There was long, uncomfortable pause. "If you'd rather I left," he said. He didn't want to leave, but it was obvious she didn't want to talk about whatever had happened.
"No. Please stay. Q wants to..." There was no easy way to say this--especially to the man sitting next to her. "He wants...When the other Q committed suicide, it created some sort of hole. The continuum has sent Q to...to..." She took a deep breath and looked at him. His dark eyes offered comfort and...(She didn't have time to think of the other) She spoke fast. "Q is supposed to *procreate* with me to replace the deceased." She saw his face register shock and horror. "This morning was his reaction to my refusal." She stood and started to pace. "I find the whole thing repulsive--but if he keeps harassing Voyager. He could easily destroy the ship."
"You aren't seriously considering..." He didn't, couldn't finish.
"No, of course not. It's just...I don't know." She looked at him. "I think he wants my co-operation. I don't think he will physically force himself on me." She was shaken, but she found comfort in talking to a friend. She smiled-half-heartedly at her First Officer. He smiled back.
"Have a seat: you need to settle down. We don't have anyway of replicating you a new carpet if you wear out this one."
She laughed slightly.
"That's better." He patted the couch beside him.
She didn't sit, but she did stop pacing. She moved to look out her window. She was still agitated, but talking with a friend helped. "Me, he wants me to have his child. I never considered a family. That didn't have any place in my plans and goals." She stared at the stars for several seconds. She did occasionally wonder... "Do you have any regrets?" She asked.
"Anybody who doesn't is either very young or a liar." He was uncertain where this conversation was going.
"Do you regret leaving Star Fleet?"
"Not really." He did sometimes wonder if he would have met her if he had remained. "I left Star Fleet when staying would have meant violating my principles." There were too many broken promises and deaths. "And you?"
She smiled. "Of course." After a brief hesitation, she continued. "I sometimes think of what I gave up, when I left Stellar Sciences. Command doesnŐt give one much time for a private life, especially when one is Captain. I sometimes wonder how my life would have been different if I had stayed in Stellar Sciences."
"You wouldn't be here in the middle of no where."
"I'd be researching some anomalous black hole on the edge of the galaxy." She smiled slightly. "Being here, strangely, isn't one of my regrets. I mean, yes I'd like to get home, find some place we could get Voyager repaired and overhauled, enjoy *real* food. But this is the adventure of a life-time." Literally, she added mentally. "I've always wanted to be among the first to see a new place, meet a new people."
He grinned. "To boldly go..."
"Mmhuh. Would you have taken your ship into the badlands that day if???"
He shrugged. "Yes. But I would have left Seska behind."
She nodded her head. "What was life like in the Maquis?"
"Long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of shear terror." He glanced at her. "Very transitory. One very rarely became close to anyone. People drifted through--they might stay a couple of days or weeks. Very few stayed in a cell more than a month. Those who stayed longer became members of the general staff. We never stayed in any one place more than a few weeks. For years I just wandered." He looked in his tea cup. "Voyager is the first place I've been able to call home for an even longer time."
She watched him stare at his cup. "And your family?"
"After our father was killed, I lost contact with my brothers. I'd see them occasionally. I didn't even know I had been an uncle for two years until three weeks before coming to the delta-quadrant." He stopped and looked at her. Even during their four months on New Earth, they had never talked about their pasts and families. "And your family?"
"Whenever I was home, I would try to see both my mom and sister. I'd been so busy with Voyager, that my last trip to Earth I didn't get a chance."
"And Mark?" He'd wanted to know more about the other man in her life, but...
"Mark?" She looked at the stars. "We'd been together for a long time. He was always supportive of me, willing to give up his wish for a family, for my goal to make Admiral. When we started this odyssey, he was my motivation to get home. And one day..." She was speaking to the stars, not him. "...I was talking to Kes, after that transporter accident. We were talking about the loss of loved ones and I realized afterwards that...that it was time for me to let go. That I had already let go." He'd become her excuse to avoid dealing with the fact that for two years she'd been falling in love with her second-in-command. Mark had been so safe and reliable. Chakotay was definitely not *safe,* even Star Fleet had considered him dangerous.
Dangerous--Q.
She sighed and turned back to Chakotay. "Well at least I had a few minutes today, when I wasn't thinking about Q."
"Pleased I could help." She did seem a little more relaxed.
She frowned suddenly. "After I left the bridge, what did the crew say about...everything?"
"Some of it is unrepeatable."
"I can imagine."
"Mostly they think it has something to do with the suicide. Revenge, a prank, something like that. I don't think anybody has even come close to guessing his real reason. I would have thought it wasn't necessary or possible."
She shrugged, "Who knows, they're Q. The reports from the Enterprise made for fantastic reading--it was almost science fiction. Those reports now seem tame." She finally moved over to the couch and sat down. Thinking about Q had caused her to tense up again.
Chakotay pulled his knees under him and faced toward her. Placing his hands on her shoulders he turned her so her back was toward him and gently started to massage her shoulders. He tried to keep his mind a blank, to avoid thinking about another massage and what had almost happened. He felt her start to relax. She moaned quietly. That was all it took, he stopped. "I should go," he whispered, reluctantly removing his hands from her shoulders. She turned to look at him. She was so close.
Kathryn felt her own pulse increase as she looked into his eyes. "I think so too." Neither moved for several seconds. She reached up to touch his tattoo, but he took her hand and held it. Finally, they both leaned toward each other for a quick kiss, then he left.
#
#
Tom Paris looked at the shot he had set up. Then he walked around the pool table to analyze it from another direction. Satisfied he returned to his original position placed his cue stick, drew it back...
"Damn, I did it!" He exclaimed. Sandrine's was empty, the others had left about half-an-hour ago.
"Hah," a voice said.
Tom twirled around. "Q."
"At your service. Nice shot."
"Thanks, are you here to annoy me too?"
"Monsieur Paris, such a lovely city don't you think. Never mind. I need your help."
"My help? I thought you guys were omnipotent."
Q smiled. "We are, but I still need your help. I can make it worth your while."
"I'm sure you can. But maybe..."
"A sure bet. You run a betting pool. How about I guarantee something will or won't happen."
"I run a clean game. If you will excuse me." He moved to set the balls up for another difficult shot. He dropped his cue stick as it turned into a snake. Just as quickly it was a cue stick again. "What do you need?" Tom asked cautiously.
"I'd like information on courting human women."
"No problem. Computer activate characters Sandrine and Ricki." The two holographic prostitutes appeared. "Ladies, this man would like help in learning how to court a woman."
"Monsieur, you have cum to ze right spot. We will teach you everyzing we know." Sandrine wrapped her arms around Q.
He pulled away. "This is not what I meant. Delete characters. I think that is the phrase." It was, the two women disappeared. "I am interested in courting a particular *lady*."
"Oh." Tom lifted an eyebrow. He looked at Q critically. "And what am I supposed to teach you?"
Q almost snapped his fingers but reconsidered turning Tom into a peacock. "There's a lady I'm interested in, I'd like her to return the interest."
"Start by being honest with her. Tell her you're interested. Compliment her. Bring her flowers and other trinkets. Computer activate character Ricki. Don't worry, she won't drape herself all over you."
"Tommy," she said. "It's been a while."
"Ricki, Q here needs a flirting lesson."
"Q, what an unusual name. Are you from around here?" She turned her attention toward Q.
"Flirt. She's good at it. You know, small talk." He could see that Q hadn't grasped the idea. "Ricki, flirt with me."
"Oh, Tommy you know I like to flirt with you. You're so cute when you are in this sort of mood. So what happened to you today."
"Not much, Ricki...Use her name," he added as an aside to Q. "Just an interesting *anomaly.* What fascinating things happened to you?"
"Nothing, except some jerk tried to hit Ramon with a cue stick."
"Freeze character. See it's not difficult. You want to try?"
Q shook his head. "Somehow I don't see Kathy as the flirting type. She's much too dignified."
Tom looked at him strangely and laughed grimly. No wonder the Captain had been so upset. "I doubt you will have much success. I don't think she can even tolerate you. Anyway you have some pretty stiff competition."
"Not that stiff. Will you help me?"
"Sure." For self preservation anyway. "First thing. Antagonizing the Captain really will get you no where. She will stand her ground. You have to be patient with her." Tom grinned. Very patient--the Commander had been patient for two years now. "Don't overdo the compliments either. She's a scientist--astronomy I think. Talk with her about science. Supernovas and such. You must know a lot about that kind of stuff." Q nodded, so Tom continued. "I don't think you stand a chance in hell, if you want my honest opinion. She and the...."
"Thank-you Lieutenant. I will give your suggestions a try." He snapped his fingers and vanished in a beam of light.
"How rude." Tom looked at the pool stick on the ground where he had dropped it. "Computer end program."
#
#
Kathryn Janeway continued to sit after her first officer had left, confusion and anger overwhelming her. Anger at Q for upsetting her so much; anger at herself for admitting more than she'd ever intended; and anger at Chakotay for loving her. And confusion in general--even 24 hours after Q had shown up in her bed, she had no idea what was happening. It felt beyond her control, and she didn't like that. Captain Janeway prided herself on being in control.
She glanced at the picture sitting on the small table by the couch. "Well, I suppose Mark, we both knew this was coming. Be happy. Remember me." She picked it up, funny how the moment didn't seem sad, but liberating.
"Lost in thought my dear," an unfortunately familiar voice said behind her.
"Can't you use the door like everybody else."
Q shrugged his shoulders. "You look lovely tonight, Kathy...Kathryn."
"Go away, and leave me and my ship alone." She was tired, but she was still angry."
"Being with you, is when I'm happiest, why should I want to leave."
She must be too tired, she thought. He actually sounded funny. She giggled, but quickly controlled it. No point in encouraging him.
"My love smiles." This wasn't going like how he expected. She was laughing. "You're not suppose to be laughing!" He almost snapped his fingers, but thought better of it. He noticed the picture she was holding. "Ahh, the dogsitter. How is bonny Mark today? No, you wouldn't know would you. It's about time you decided to give him up. I always knew you would come around."
"I have done no such thing. Go away, please."
"Kathryn," if one thing didn't work, try another. "Be the mother of my child, and I'll send this ship home. With a quick snap of my fingers and you'd be home. Though I'm not sure you--personally--would recognize it."
Her fury was quite audible. "You are, you all are, corrupt and amoral. What gives you the right to...And don't tell me *Moral Superiority*. I've not seen any sign of the that--I've not even read about any *Moral Superiority*. Go away. Or better yet, find a pig to mate with."
Q looked at her, "Madam Captain, I could change you into that pig...If I so desired. Lucky for you, I don't." He moved to sit beside her. "Kathy, you're a scientist." She nodded. "A scientist does not make a decision without having all the facts presented to her?" She nodded again. "You are working without all the facts. Come with me, and I'll show you what life with me would be like. I can show you things *scientists* only dream of."
She looked at him puzzled. "What do you mean?" She grimaced as he took her hand in his.
"Have you ever seen a DNA molecule. I don't mean in a test tube, but at the molecular level--seen how guanine and adenine interact. The actual process of mitosis. Have you ever wondered at the strength of the hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands together. I can show you that, and more. Science at a level *no one* has ever seen, people dream of this. You can live it." She looked interested, but wary. "Come with me, if at the end of the trip you haven't changed your mind, I'll leave. I'll try to convince the continuum to let me find someone else to procreate with."
"You will?"
"Q's honor. Yes, Kathryn I will go. But should you change your mind..."
"Let me tell my..." She finished her sentence while looking at a long-complicated chain of beads. "...crew where I'll...What is this?"
"DNA. Don't worry about the electrons, they're the things whizzing around our us."
"DNA? Whose?"
"Don't worry, no harm will come to the cell because we are here. Look around."
"This is incredible." She moved over toward the molecule and started to examine it. "Absolutely incredible. She reached out to touch it. The molecules shifted as she reached for them. She looked both directions--it went on forever.
#
#
Commander Chakotay looked up. She had been late again. Just as well. He hadn't slept well after leaving her quarters. He wasn't sure if he could look at her, let alone work with her, after last night. He hadn't planned on kissing her.
He felt Tuvok's eyes on him as the Vulcan entered the bridge. Chakotay returned the look. "Lieutenant?" He'd sent Tuvok to check on her.
"Commander, may I see you in the ready room."
"Yes," he looked at Tuvok, the Vulcan's demeanor didn't reveal anything, but his actions sure did. Even the others were watching them with questioning looks.
"Lieutenant?" Chakotay asked him after the doors swished closed, there was definitely something wrong.
"Commander, it's Captain Janeway. She's not aboard the ship."
"Damn. It's Q. He's taken her."
Tuvok raised an eyebrow. "It is unfortunately a logical reason. I've checked her quarters. After you left, she was apparently alone for about twenty-three minutes before she disappeared."
Chakotay looked at him quickly, no way of knowing just how much the Vulcan knew or guessed. "Did she tell you anything about Q's visit?"
"No, she did not. I expect she told you though."
"The continuum apparently want Q and her to...to procreate."
"Fascinating. To replace the one who committed suicide. Q did say that the loss of a Q might have serious consequences on the continuum."
Damn-cold logic, Chakotay thought. "She doesn't want to."
"No, she wouldn't. Commander." There wasn't much one could do against an omnipotent being. "Commander, you're acting Captain until she returns."
At least the Vulcan was being optimistic. "Keep the ship at yellow alert. And scan the area." For what he didn't know, but it beat doing nothing.
"Very good, Commander." Tuvok turned and exited.
Chakotay stood there a few more seconds. He kicked the chair as he walked out.
#
#
Q leaned against a ribosome. "So what do you think?"
"Fascinating. And it is actually undergoing mitosis."
He smiled. "Look--there's a spindle fiber." He snapped his fingers and their observation post changed. They were outside the cell. Q watched Kathryn with interest. She was absolutely delighted by the sights she was being shown. He quietly waited a few more seconds for the cell to complete its division. He smiled. "Are you ready? I have a few more things to show you." He snapped his fingers again and they found themselves on a small rock in the middle of an area of space that she was completely unfamiliar with.
"Where are we?" She asked looking at the unfamiliar stars.
"Where no human has ever been before. Welcome to the Andromeda Galaxy. Or do you prefer M31?"
"Really? This is incredible. You can really leave the Milky Way and travel the universe?"
He stood behind her and whispered, "And so can you--if you agree..."
Without looking at him, she continued to look at the alien stars as she said, "No."
He shrugged, "I'm not done yet."
"Is there life in this galaxy?"
"Oui. And just as arrogant as you humans. Listen."
In the distance was a low hum.
"What's that?"
"One of their ships. It's coming our way. Would you like to have some fun?" He smiled as he thought of what torments he could put this ship through.
A large triangular ship flew over. It was maybe a little larger than Voyager, she noted. It was also heavily armored. She looked at Q, he looked as if he was about to..."Leave them alone."
"So decisive. Well all right." He snapped his fingers and she found herself on land--with blue skies surrounding her. There were sea birds all around.
"That's a frigate bird--I remember seeing pictures. Are we on Earth?" She asked. It was warm and humid, but she was too excited to notice.
"Si, you are on Earth."
"I don't know this place. It's enchanting. Can the animals see us?" The birds and the large tortoise she just noticed were apparently not paying any attention to them.
"No, they cannot see us. It would not do to have time continuum interrupted, now would it?"
"No, I guess not." She reached down to touch the tortoise, and then laughing, sat on its back. "So where are we?" She asked as she smoothed her uniform.
"But that would take all the fun out of it. You are about to witness an important discovery. But you humans are so slow to believe what you see. Over there--see." He pointed off into the distance. She could barely make out a couple of humans in the distance.
"Who are they?"
"Always asking questions, but if you insist..." Q snapped his fingers, they disappeared in a flash of light and reappeared near the two men wearing, what Janeway decided, was probably early nineteenth century clothing--she wasn't sure. One of the men looked very familiar. They were both young--not much older than Harry, about 23 or 25, though the older one might be 30. The familiar (and younger) one was dressed more for a walk around an English garden that exploring an uninhabited volcanic island. The other was in uniform--probably a naval uniform considering they were on an island. Not a very practical uniform either.
She watched, with fascination as the civilian poked among rocks, every so often putting something small in a bottle. "He's collecting bugs," she exclaimed, she could relate to doing that. Turning toward Q, she asked, "So who are they?"
Q shook his head and grinned.
The man in civilian clothes spoke, "Captain." Janeway started to respond, but quickly realized he was speaking to the other man.
"Yes, Mr. Darwin?" Responded Captain Robert FitzRoy of the H.M.S. Beagle.
"How long until we set sail?" He put another insect in a container.
"Tomorrow will be our last day here, then we set a course to Tahiti."
Charles Darwin nodded his head. He had not been able to persuade the Captain to stay longer.
"I am returning to my ship, I shall send the boat back for you in two hours."
"Captain." Darwin watched Captain FitzRoy leave and returned to his collecting.
She looked around. The were near the shore, and for the first time she noticed the sailing ship in the bay. It seemed small; and against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean it was positively tiny. The island itself initially looked barren and flat. It was decidedly volcanic, they were standing on a lava flow. A second glance revealed that there were plants and animals--and there were the volcanoes. Not very high, but there. And in the distance, the island seemed to have some dense scrubby vegetation.
"So what do you think?" Q asked her.
She looked at him. "So this the Galapagos, like it was in 1800 and something. It's remarkable. And so different from the pictures I've seen."
"And here, this man had the germs of an idea. Let me show you what the great exploring ships of the past were like."
#
#
She looked at the man writing his notes in the very dim light from a small oil lamp. Kathryn laughed quietly. *We sure take things for granted, like light.*
As she listened to the scratching of his pen, she started to look at his collection of stuffed birds--particularly the birds that would become known as Darwin's finches.
"Fool," she whispered. Even though she knew no one could hear her, something about the small, dark, and extremely cramped quarters compelled her to keep her voice low. She picked up a specimen and read the label. "Collected Galapagos Islands. Which Island? Think, which island did you find them on. It will be important!" She stood behind the man, wanting to shout at him.
Charles Darwin heard not a word. He continued scribbling in his log book.
"Sir," a voice said from behind them. Both Kathryn and Darwin jumped. "Sir, the Captain would like you to join him for dinner at three bells."
"Tell him I would be honored."
"Sir." The young seaman left.
"Now, why did I agree. Most disagreeable man." He returned to his writing.
Q stepped out from the shadows. "It's time, my dear. Now you see why I find you humans so fascinating and so fallible. He won't publish what he finds here for twenty five years. And even then it will because someone else almost beats him to it." He took her hand and they disappeared.
They reappeared on the hull of Voyager. She was home--almost.
"You don't get a chance to see the stars like this very often?" He asked her.
"No." She took a deep breath. "It was a fascinating, very interesting trip. It was...It was incredible. But my original answer stands. No."
"Oh." He looked at her. "Don't tell me you are still pining away for that dogsitter, what's his name--Mark. Still trying to be pure and faithful for him?" She looked up at him, he frowned. Her reaction wasn't quite what he had expected. "He's married."
"Married? I'm glad he decided to continue with his life." She shrugged her shoulders.
"His wife is 3 months pregnant."
"I knew he wanted children." She replied nonchalantly.
Q looked at her, then smiled. "Kathy dear, I should have known. There's someone else isn't there--don't deny it. On this very ship. Only Captains are suppose to be distant, lonely, remote. Oh, Kathy, we could have a great time. Please come with me."
"No. My responsibility is to this ship and crew."
He looked at her sadly, "Well Kathy, I promised, but that promise will not please the continuum."
She looked startled. "Will they send..."
"Quite possibly, but so be it." He snapped his fingers one last time, as he whispered. "Au revoir mon capitaine. I cannot protect you from the continuum, I hope you enjoy my solution."
#
#
For Commander Chakotay, it had been a terrible two days. Not knowing where she was, what was happening, and having to pretend to not be as miserable as he felt. Tom was watching him, and Tuvok seemed concerned to.
He'd been asleep for less than an hour, when he woke from a most peculiar dream. Maybe it was still a dream, he thought as rolled over and found himself staring at the back of his sleeping Captain.
Somehow this all connected with Q. Or maybe it was a dream. If it was--he didn't want to spoil it--so he just stared at her, keeping still so as to not wake her. Wanting her to roll over, look at him...Just wanting her. Finally he took a strand of her hair in his hand and held it. Only one other time had he touched it. Twice, if he included the time he had used a lock of her hair for fire-starter. Unbeknownst to her, or anybody else, he had taken a few strands from that lock. It was now part of his medicine bundle.
She was wearing her coral gown, her hair was loose. When he had left her, she'd still been in uniform--he wondered where she had been for those 2 days.
This was either his wildest dream come true, or the beginning of a 70 year nightmare.
She stirred and he froze. He decided he was awake.
The last thing Kathryn Janeway remembered was Q saying he would leave, and something about a solution. She was glad he was gone; and that he had returned her to her bed.
Except something was not right. The blankets were wrong, the orientation of the bed to the window...Slowly reality sank in. She also became aware of another presence in the bed, his hand holding her hair, his quiet, uneven breathing, and the knowledge that all she had to do was look at him.
She knew she had to say something. But what. *Hi, nice to be back.* The longer neither said anything, the more awkward the situation would be. She should just look at him quickly, say *Hi, Q is still playing jokes.* Laugh and leave. Except...
Except she didn't want to leave.
He moved his hand to her shoulder and she tensed; and felt herself blush. Just lying next to him was overwhelming. She knew full well what would happen if she rolled over.
Chakotay gently slid his hand down her arm. When she didn't leap out of his bed, he moved closer. He buried his face in her auburn hair, just reveling in being this close. His lips brushed her neck and he heard her softly moan. He moved slightly so that he could look at her.
She rolled over to face him, her blue eyes focused on his.
Slowly he shifted his position so that he could entwine her in his arms and pull her close. Her arms wrapped around him and their lips met.
#
#
Lieutenant Tuvok was sitting in the Captain's chair when the computer signaled him that Captain Janeway had returned to the ship. He started to tap his comm-badge as he continued to read the information the computer sent. He raised an eyebrow--not that he was surprised. He'd suspected that this would eventually occur. Instead of contacting her, he sent a message to her computer.
#
#
Tom Paris was almost late for his duty shift. The ship hadn't been the same without the Captain. When Tuvok had announced that the Captain had disappeared--Tom figured that Q had taken her. He'd felt rather guilty, except somehow he didn't think that Q could successfully woo her. He didn't feel particularly enthusiastic as he stepped onto the bridge.
"Good morning Mr. Paris," a familiar voice said.
"Captain? Good morning." Tom smiled broadly. She didn't look like it had been a terrible ordeal--just a little tired. He was dying to know what happened with Q, all the sordid little details. He also knew that at best they would only learn a small amount. He sat down at the conn and glanced over the controls. Everything was nominal.