Voyagers
By Maquis Leader
Chapter 6: Liberation
“Are we ready?”
“We’ll take the small shuttle and go get Eggplant’s ship. We’ve got fifty phaser rifles in the cargo bay.” B'Elanna told Captain Janeway. “Harry is taking one of the larger shuttles from here and he has fifty rifles as well.”
“We’ll meet you on the other side of the stream in 30 minutes.” Her voice was as calm as if they were discussing Sunday brunch. “Were you able to get supplies for us?”
“The Liberator is fully stocked with food and water thanks to the Kazon.”
“The Liberator?”
“We got tired of calling it ‘the Big Ship’. We’ll set off the virus when we launch and there’s another surprise or two we rigged up to keep them busy.” Listening to B'Elanna, Tom and Harry grinned at the thought of the ‘surprises’ the Kazon had coming. “Once we get up there, we’ll have to deal with ten or maybe fifteen Kazon. It could get a little dicey.”
“We’ll keep Sam and Kes back. We should be able to handle them. We’re in great shape thanks to all the hard work.”
“I’ll signal you again when we take off, Captain.”
“We’ll be ready, B'Elanna. Be careful. All of
you.”
“You too, Captain. Torres out.” B'Elanna gave Tom a rough hug. “You be careful, flyboy.”
“You too, Klingon wench.”
Harry watched them kiss for a few moments. “Will you two knock it off!”
“Jealous, Starfleet?”
“Don’t be, Harry. I’ll kiss you, too.” Tom laughed as Harry ran for the door. He turned back to B'Elanna. “Come on, baby, time to go home.”
Kathryn looked over at Tuvok. “Assemble everyone on the other side of the stream. Quietly.”
“Understood, Captain.” He went outside to where his security team was waiting for orders.
“Are you ready?” Chakotay handed her the bag of supplies and the bag of personal belongings she was taking.
“After four months in this hellhole?” She grinned at him. “You bet your ass.”
“Give me one last kiss before – before we go.” He pulled her against his body. “One last kiss.”
“You’re the only good thing about being here.” She brushed her lips across his. “When we look back, you’re all I want to remember.”
“Remember this.” His mouth pressed down on hers and his tongue plunged into her mouth. Big hands cupped her bottom molding her to him and pressing his erection into her belly. He tasted and teased her until they were forced to break for air. “Mita chante, remember I love you.” One last soft kiss. “Tekihila.”
“Hell, I can’t even remember my name after that.” She lay panting against his chest.
A knock on the door interrupted them. “Captain, Commander, everyone is moving to the rendezvous point.”
“We’re coming, Tuvok.” Kathryn grinned up at Chakotay. “Just reminding the Maquis who’s the boss around here.”
Chuckling, Chakotay picked up his own bags and followed her out.
Across the stream, Voyager’s crew had gathered into two groups. Kathryn headed for one and Chakotay took the other. As they waited tensely in the darkness for the sound of shuttles, Kathryn’s badge vibrated against her skin. Tapping it, she opened a channel. “Janeway.”
“We’re on our way. Torres out.”
The word spread quietly and quickly through the groups. A few minutes later, the sound of engines roared overhead. Tuvok and his team lit the line of leola home brew they had poured out earlier. Flames rippled along to form two makeshift landing pads. A shuttle landed neatly inside one of the outlines and the back hatchway began to drop open.
B'Elanna started tossing phaser rifles out as soon as there was enough room for her to lean out the opening hatchway. “Get in and head for the back – out of the way!”
A spectacular explosion lit up the night sky and a rumble shook the ground. Kathryn turned to look just as a second fireball rose from the direction of the Kazon compound. “What the hell was that?”
“That should be ground vehicles going up!” B'Elanna bared her teeth and grinned fiercely in the firelight. “We set charges all over the compound!”
“Where’s the second shuttle?”
“On it’s way – it’s coming in from a different direction!”
On the horizon, a ship raced toward them followed closely by a larger ship. Phaser fire danced over the lead ship causing it to shudder. The shields sparked and glowed protectively around it.
“Damn! I thought you took care of the Kazon ships?” Chakotay shouted over the noise.
“We did! The virus – “ She stopped as the attacking ship went silent and the lights flickered and went out. It fell gracelessly to the surface. The fireball tumbled across the landscape.
“Good job!” Kathryn shared a triumphant look with Chakotay.
The second shuttle landed primly in the still burning spot reserved for it. Harry was standing in the hatch as soon as it opened. He began tossing out rifles to those crewmembers that didn’t have one.
Phaser fire lanced out from their perimeter. “We must hurry!” Tuvok shouted. “The foremen will undoubtedly contact the Kazon!”
“Move it, people!” Kathryn herded the rest of her group into Harry’s ship.
Tuvok and his security teams were edging toward the hatches as the final crewmen boarded.
“Chakotay! Chakotay, wait!”
Chakotay turned as a figure ran out of the darkness. A phaser burst hit the person in the back. Chakotay returned fire and a scream echoed from across the stream.
“Chakotay! Please!” The wounded woman stumbled out of the dark.
“Seska!”
“Please take me with you…” She crawled toward him. “Please…”
He considered kicking her away, but couldn’t. Her back was torn open by the Kazon weapon and she was obviously in agony from the mortal wound.
“Don’t let me die here, Chakotay…”
Scooping her up, he carried her into the shuttle.
“That’s our ship?” Kathryn stared out the front viewport at the ship they were approaching. “That monster?”
“That’s the Liberator.” Harry grinned. “Now you know why we kept calling it ‘the big ship’.”
“It looks like the one Chakotay took out with the Liberty.” She eyed the ship. “We don’t have enough people to crew it.”
“It’s not as sophisticated as Voyager. A lot of it is cargo space and crew quarters. We think it’s a troop carrier. B'Elanna has snuck in a lot of changes in the control systems, we can handle her, Captain.”
“It’s not like we have a choice.” She leaned down closer to his ear. “Where’s Tom?”
“He took the small shuttle that he’s been using and went ahead to let them know we’re coming.” At the Captain’s surprised look, he grinned again. “He’s telling them we’re bringing up weapons.”
“Leave it to Tom Paris!” She chuckled. “I swear he’s part Ferengi.”
“Paris is on that ship?” Ayala set his rifle down with a thump. “He’s warning them we’re coming?”
“He’s on our side – “
“Captain, he’s betrayed us at every turn! What he did to you –“ The big man bit off his words. “He’s a dead man.”
“No one is to harm Tom Paris, is that clear.” She settled her hands on her hips. “He’s been working for us all this time. And what you think happened – didn’t.”
Tuvok’s eyebrows rose. “The incident in the Kazon compound was a deception? The bruises were quite real as I recall.”
“Window dressing, Tuvok.” She scanned the group. “Anyone who lays a hand on Tom Paris answers to me.”
On the other shuttle, Chakotay watched Kes tend to Seska’s wound. “I can’t do anything more than make her comfortable.”
He nodded. The phaser had torn through her, leaving a wound he doubted Dr. Fitzgerald could have repaired.
“Chakotay…” Seska’s voice was weak. “I’m sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore, just rest.”
“I love you. I’ve always loved you.” She groped for his hand. “I thought we could start a new life here.”
“Seska, what we had was over long ago. I never lied to you, I never told you I loved you.”
“But you loved me, I know you did!”
“I cared for you, but – I’m sorry.”
“It’s because of her.” Tears ran down her face.
“We were through long before I met Kathryn. We came together out of anger and hate, Seska, there was no love.” He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I’m sorry.”
His combadge vibrated against his chest. “Chakotay here.”
“Chakotay, were about to touch down, sensors indicating twelve life signs on board.”
“I’m on my way, B'Elanna. Chakotay out.”
“Please don’t let me die alone!” Her eyes pleaded with him. “Please say you’ll come back!”
“I’ll come back once everything is secured. I promise.”
On the Liberator, Tom had the remaining Kazon locked in one of the cargo bays. It had been ridiculously easy to lure them there with the promise of alcohol and a game of retq. “I wonder what the Captain’s going to do with you?”
In his experience, Janeway was tenderhearted and would no doubt want to drop them off somewhere. Problem was, leaving these guys somewhere left them able to pass on information to Jotrel or any of his clan that might follow. On the other hand, she was a Starfleet officer and perfectly capable of making the tough decisions when she had to.
“She may decide to space you. Then she’ll feel guilty. Then Chakotay will be unhappy. And B'Elanna might be concerned.” Tom pushed the controls to cycle open the bay. “And I really don’t want to deal with all that.”
“There are only two life signs on board.” B'Elanna told Chakotay as he joined her. “Ten just vanished from one second to the next.”
“Less for us to worry about.”
“One is in the upper section of crew quarters and the other is in one of the cargo sections.” She chewed her lip and hoped one of those blinking lights was Tom.
“Is that anywhere near the shuttle bay?”
“No, we should be okay.”
“We’ll track them down when we get in there.” He patted her shoulder. “Good work.”
Both shuttles landed in the huge bay next to the smaller shuttle Tom had piloted earlier. The crew filed out and gathered behind the ships.
“We need to get out of here as quickly as possible.” Kathryn told them. “B'Elanna will take a team to the engine room, Tuvok you and your teams find those other two life signs.”
As the two groups left, she looked over the rest of the crew. “The rest of you wait here until Tuvok has the ship secured. Commander, you’re with me. Harry, lead on.”
Harry took them to the main bridge. Pointing out the helm station to Chakotay, he took the weapons station. “Captain, if you’d take that station to my left, you’ll be able to get the ship’s status.”
“Demoting me, Mr. Kim?”
“No, ma’am!”
“At ease, Harry.” She smiled. “Right now, rank doesn’t mean much.” Kathryn ran her fingers over the console. “If I’m reading this right, impulse engines are online, but warp engines are offline.” Tapping her combadge, she paged B'Elanna.
“I know what you want, Captain. Give me 10 minutes.”
“Make it a quick 10 minutes.” She frowned over her board. “I’ve got shields up. I’m not reading any pursuit from the planet.”
“We planted the virus in every ship they have. They won’t be off planet for a while. And they’re going to be walking.” Harry told her.
“Good. Chakotay?”
“We’re headed for the Alpha Quadrant, Captain.” His fingers danced across his board. “Top impulse speed.”
“Go to warp as soon as it comes online.”
Chakotay tapped his combadge as it alerted him to a page. “Chakotay here.”
“Chakotay, she’s worse, can you come see her?” Kes’ voice was worried.
“I’ll be right there. Harry, take the helm.”
“Did we have someone injured?” Kathryn realized with a guilty start that she had assumed everyone was all right. “Everyone was accounted for.”
“Seska.”
“Seska!”
“She begged me not to let her die there.” He couldn’t meet her eyes.
“You brought that snake along with us?”
“She’s dying. What harm can she do?”
“She’s dangerous, Chakotay. Wounded animals are always dangerous.” Kathryn took his arm. “A rattlesnake can still strike even after it’s dead. Be careful.”
“I will.”
Watching him leave, Kathryn pushed away the fear that she might not see him again. “Harry, figure out how many people we need to run the bridge and get them up here.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Opening a comlink to Tuvok, she checked on the status of the life signs.
“One was Mr. Paris, he’s on his way to bridge. The other is nearby in one of the crew cabins.”
“Contact me when you’ve got them secured.”
“Yes, Captain. Tuvok out.”
“This ship is huge.” She scrolled through a deck listing. “Where’s a supply list?”
“The Kazon weren’t very good at that kind of thing.”
“Great.”
“Tom hid some files in the computer the last time he was up here. Look for a file called ‘snack bar’ and the code is ‘pizza’.”
She rolled her eyes. How typical. Her combadge got her attention. “Janeway.”
“Captain, we’ve found the last life sign. It’s a captive.”
“A captive?”
“A female. She’s quite frightened of us.” He paused. “Perhaps if another woman were to speak with her.”
“Understood. Where are you?”
“Deck 4 section Alpha room 102.”
“I’ll be right there. Janeway out.” Turning her station over to Sam Wildman, she headed for the lift. At the doors, she hesitated. “How exactly do I find that?”
“The lift will take you to deck 4 section Alpha, then just follow the numbers.”
“Thanks, Harry, wouldn’t do for the Captain to get lost.”
Damn, was he lost? Chakotay would have sworn they came into
the lift from the right. The corridor stretched out endlessly. Guess I’ll
just call for help. Maybe an Indian guide will come along.
“Hey, Chief, you on your way to the bridge?”
Chakotay spun; Tom Paris was rounding the curve of the corridor behind him. “You! What the hell are you doing here?”
“Getting off the planet, same as everyone else.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” He said softly.
“You are?” Tom’s eyebrows rose.
“Yes. So I can kill you.” Chakotay punched him in the face.
Staggering back, he threw up his hands. “Wait, I can explain everything!” A fist in his stomach doubled him over.
“Save it!” Forcing Tom against the bulkhead, he slammed his head repeatedly against the metal. “After what you did to her, you think you can just walk in here and we’ll take you back?”
“Wait, it’s not –“ His head bounced off the bulkhead again. Stars burst behind his eyes.
Locking his fingers around Tom’s throat, Chakotay began squeezing, trying to crush his windpipe. “You can wait in your white man’s hell, Paris! The devil better watch his back! You might stab him with a pitchfork!”
Struggling against the other man’s strength, he gasped for breath. Chakotay’s weight held him pinned to the bulkhead while his hands slowly cut off the air. Clawing at the Indian’s hands, Tom twisted frantically as the world turned red.
“Chakotay! No!” Kathryn pulled at his hands. “Let him go!”
“He deserves to die!” He squeezed harder on Tom’s windpipe.
“No!” She slammed her elbow into Chakotay’s side.
Wincing, his grip slackened, allowing her to shove him away from Tom. “What the hell did you do that for?”
“He didn’t do anything, Chakotay!” She stepped between him and Tom. “It was an act to fool the Kazon!”
“Explain the bruises on your face!” He glared at Tom over her shoulder.
“Those were real. So everyone would believe he’d forced himself on me.”
“You let me believe –“ His eyes glittered dangerously. “You let me believe he’d raped you!”
“I’m sorry, Chakotay.” She put her hand on his arm, but he jerked away from her touch.
“My fault, Chief.” Tom’s voice cracked. “I made her keep it a secret.”
“You could have told me! You should have told me!”
“Chakotay, I made her promise.” He stepped out from behind her protection and looked the other man in the eye. “You know she won’t go back on a promise.”
“Get the hell out of my sight, Paris!”
Laying a hand on Kathryn’s shoulder, Tom left for the bridge.
“Chakotay, I – “
“Don’t talk to me right now.” He pulled her into his arms. “Don’t.”
She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tight. Her lips trailed kisses over his face and neck until she felt his tense muscles relax.
“It tore me apart to think you bartered your body for me.” He whispered into her hair.
“I’d barter my life if I had to. I love you.” She jumped and yelped as her combadge vibrated. “We have to change that! Janeway here.”
“Captain, the captive is becoming quite agitated.”
“I’m on my way, Tuvok.”
“What captive?”
“They found a woman in one of the cabins. Come with me?”
“Lead on, Mac Duff, I’m lost anyway.”
“Some Indian you are. Can’t backtrack along your own trail. Ouch!” She jumped as he swatted her on the butt.
“Watch it, wasichu, I’ll scalp you and leave you here all alone.”
“You’ll still be lost.”
Tuvok was waiting outside cabin 102. Tapping the control next to the door, he led them inside.
“Dear God.” Kathryn stopped in shock. A naked woman was tethered to the bed with a chain that led to a collar around her neck. Crouching on the floor, she whimpered and cringed away from them.
“Get her loose, now!” She snapped.
“She becomes quite agitated when anyone approaches. I was concerned she would injure herself.”
Chakotay stepped forward and the woman scrambled to the other side of the bed. The chain snapped taut as she reached the end.
“Wait.” Kathryn placed a hand on his arm. Walking slowly around the bed, she held her hands out. “I won’t hurt you.”
The woman strained backwards away from her. The chain quivered with the tension.
“I won’t hurt you.” She knelt down. “We’ll help you. We’ll get you some clothes and no one will hurt you.”
Crouching lower, the woman began to cry.
“Tuvok, get Kes to help her. We may need to sedate her to get her out of here.” Sighing, she turned and walked back out into the corridor.
“Are you all right?” Chakotay slid his hand under her elbow as they walked back to the lift.
“I will be.” She rubbed her forehead. “What kind of animals chain a woman to a bed?”
“You just answered your own question. Animals.” As the lift brought them to the shuttle bay, he stopped. “You don’t have to go with me.”
“I know.”
Kissing her cheek, he led the way inside the shuttle where Seska lay dying.
“I’ve given her medication for the pain.” Kes told them as they entered the shuttle.
Kathryn watched as Chakotay went to the wounded woman. “Kes, there’s a woman that needs your help. The Kazon were holding her in one of the cabins. Tuvok can give you the details.”
“I’ll go right away.” Grabbing a med kit, she left the shuttle.
“Chakotay, please don’t leave me.” Seska clutched at his shirt. “Tell me you love me.”
“Seska.” He sighed. “I can’t. I can’t lie to you.”
“It’s because of her!” She struggled to sit up.
“It doesn’t have anything to do with her.” He glanced up at Kathryn.
Kathryn leaned against the bulkhead watching. Chakotay was too honest to lie to anyone about his feelings, even if they were dying. The conflict in his eyes tore at her and she gave him what she hoped was a supportive smile.
“I’m dying, Chakotay!” She pulled a small phaser out from
under the blanket. “If I can’t have you, neither can she!”
”Put it down!” He jerked back as the phaser swung toward him. “This won’t solve
anything.”
“She’ll be dead and rotting in hell!”
“You’ll have to kill me.” He stepped in front of Kathryn. “Can you kill me, Seska?”
“Chakotay, please – “ She coughed and blood ran out of her mouth. “I love you.”
“Then put the phaser down.” Keeping his voice soft and calm, he motioned Kathryn to move back.
“No, no! She can’t have you!” Tears poured down her face. “You were supposed to be mine. They promised.”
“Who promised?”
“When they sent me to the Maquis, they said I could keep you when the others were killed.” Fresh blood trickled out of her mouth. “They promised I could keep you.”
“Who, Seska? Who promised?” Chakotay edged himself and Kathryn farther away from the wavering phaser.
“The Order. I’m allowed to keep someone if I want.” She coughed again, spraying blood. “You would have been happy on Cardassia, I know you would have.”
“Cardassia?” The pain must be making her delirious. “You mean Bajor?”
“Bajor?” Seska laughed spitefully. “Those weaklings? Always thanking their prophets! For what? For putting them into slavery? I was beautiful, Chakotay…” She ran her free hand over her neck. “I had such beautiful neck cords. The Order had them removed for the mission. Now I’ll never be beautiful again. Never…” The phaser drooped in her hand.
Chakotay pushed Kathryn back toward the hatch. They were almost to safety when Seska’s eyes opened and the phaser jerked up again. “You were promised to me, Chakotay… I would have taught you such exquisite pleasure can come from pain.” Her finger tightened on the trigger. “You’re mine!”
Chakotay felt hands pushing him to one side as the red beam lanced over his head. Falling out the open hatchway, the deck slammed into his side forcing a grunt out of him. “Kathryn?”
“Get off me, you big oaf!” Kathryn wriggled out from under him to lie gasping on the deck.
“You okay?”
“I think you broke a rib.” She winced as she sat up.
“Sorry.” He glanced back up into the shuttle. “She was a Cardassian?”
“I’ve heard the Obsidian Order surgically alters some of their agents.”
“They promised her she could keep me?” He shuddered. “Did she honestly think I would have stayed with her? My worst enemy?”
“Somehow, I don’t think you’d have had a choice. Didn’t you hear the part about pain?” Seska would have kept him like the Kazon had kept the poor woman they’d found.
“Did she think she could keep me like a pet?” The idea disgusted him.
“I can see you now in a sexy little loin cloth and chained to the bed.” An imp of mischief prodded her. “Too bad there aren’t any holodecks on this monster.”
His eyes widened in shock. “Kathryn!”
“Captain, Commander, are you injured?” Tuvok trotted over to them. “We detected phaser fire.”
“Seska had a phaser.” Kathryn pointed into the shuttle.
His eyebrows practically climbed into his hair. “There are no life signs in the shuttle.”
“She was wounded.” Chakotay helped Kathryn to her feet. “I made the mistake of feeling sorry for her. Space her with the Kazon.”
The Vulcan nodded as he walked into the shuttle.
Kathryn stood on the raised dais of the large conference hall they’d found. Chakotay and Tuvok were to one side and slightly behind her. Tom Paris stood to her other side. The rest of the crew was gathered expectantly in front of her.
“Good morning. I know we had an eventful night and nobody got any sleep. However, we don’t have to work in the mines today.”
Cheers and clapping greeted her words.
She waited for it to die down before continuing. “Lieutenant Paris assures me that as large as this ship is, it’s relatively easy to crew and Commander Chakotay is working on a temporary duty roster. Temporary crew quarters have been assigned as well. As we get settled, we’ll have a more permanent schedule. We have supplies, but it’s important that we conserve water. There are no replicators and the recycling system isn’t as efficient as we’re used to. There are sonic showers as well as a laundering system, so we’ll be clean. But no baths for the foreseeable future.” Kathryn smiled at the laughter. Everyone knew of her fondness for a long hot soak.
“We have starcharts for a large section of the Delta Quadrant. Those charts show planets with resources we can use and friendly races, as well as races we need to avoid. The Borg have also been located so we can avoid their area.” She waited as the crew digested that last bit of information. “We also know Voyager’s position as of 38 days ago and she’s not so far ahead that we can’t catch her.”
There were several whoops and hollers over that news. Most had been afraid Voyager would be too far away to ever catch.
She shifted her attention to Tom and motioned him to come stand beside her. It hadn’t escaped her notice that hateful looks were being sent his way. “We have this information because Tom Paris risked his life to get it for us.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know what everyone thought and it’s a testimony to Tom’s acting skills. But he was on our side the entire time. He traded for the weapons, combadges, med kits, and acquired the ships. We’re free and on our way home because of Tom Paris.” She squeezed the taut muscles under her hand.
“What about what he did to you?” Someone called out.
“It didn’t happen.” She slid a stern gaze over the assembled crew. “We faked the entire incident to fool Seska and the Kazon. The deception was necessary to keep Tom safe while he worked for our escape.”
“You’ll treat Lieutenant Paris with the proper respect.” Chakotay stepped up to stand at the other side of Tom. “Or you’ll answer to me.”
No one said a word.
“Neelix and Kes have located the mess hall and are cooking up breakfast, everyone grab something to eat and then check with Commander Chakotay as to your duties and cabin assignments.” Taking one last look at the crew, Kathryn allowed herself a broad smile. “I’m proud of how well everyone adapted to a difficult situation. You worked hard and never gave up on getting out of there. Good job.”
They broke into applause and cheers once again.
Catching Chakotay’s hand, she squeezed it gratefully. “Thank you for standing up for Tom.”
“I still haven’t forgiven him. I understand, but I can’t forgive.”
“I’m going to clean up what passes for a briefing room. Get the senior staff up there in 30 minutes.”
“Aye, Captain.”
Just off the bridge was a large briefing room. Surveying the mess, Kathryn sighed. The Kazon must have used this room to live in. Empty bottles and cups littered the room and rotting food was scattered everywhere.
Rolling up her sleeves, she swept the mess off the table and into the empty container she’d brought with her. “Well, it’s a start.”
When the senior staff began trickling in for the meeting, they found their Captain happily wiping off the large table. While the room was still in need of a cleaning, it was at least presentable enough for their meeting.
“Have a seat.” Kathryn waved them towards the chairs she’d cleaned and placed around the table. “Report.”
“I located Sickbay and I’m doing an inventory of the supplies.” Kes spoke up. “There’s a surprising amount. I don’t believe the Kazon have ever been in there.”
“They don’t treat their wounded, remember? They kill them.” Tom told her.
“Oh.” Her blue eyes were wide. “The woman has been moved to Sickbay and I sedated her. She’s been seriously… traumatized.”
“Help her as much as you can.” Kathryn turned to Neelix. “What’s our food situation?”
“Well, we’re pretty well stocked.” He rubbed his hands together. “The list Tom gave me was updated a few days ago. I’ll run an inventory and see if there’s anything that’s not on his list.”
“There were shipments that I wasn’t able to sneak a peek at.” Tom grinned at Kathryn. “Just a few.”
“How many warriors were they planning on bringing up here, Tom?”
“About three hundred, Captain. Considering how they eat – we should have plenty of food for awhile.”
“We should set up a hydroponics bay like we did on Voyager.” Neelix patted Kes’ arm. “You loved growing our food, sweetie.”
“So, we don’t need to stop for supplies? That’s good.” Kathryn turned her attention to B'Elanna. “What about Engineering?”
“Luckily, I’ve been able to work up here for the last few weeks. It was a complete shambles.” She snorted. “Now it’s almost livable.”
“The Kazon weren’t big on housekeeping.” Kathryn indicated the pile of trash under the viewports. “I think there’s a sofa under there somewhere.”
“Top speed is warp 5. We’ve got plenty of energy and supplies. The Liberator doesn’t use the energy Voyager does despite the size difference.”
“Guess there’s something to say about having a less sophisticated ship.” She nodded at Tuvok. “Security?”
“I have located a Security deck and two separate brigs. From the ships schematics I have found three separate armories and weapons lockers are scattered throughout the ship. They are all empty.”
“Empty? I thought the Kazon had sent weapons up here.” Chakotay looked at Tom.
“They’re not bright enough to actually put them in the armory. The containers are probably still in the cargo bays.”
“Lieutenant Paris is correct.” The Vulcan nodded in agreement. “In the bay we arrived in there are several containers of phasers and various weapons. I will assign teams to bring other weapons from the different bays to a central location.”
“Different bays? How many does this monster have?” Kathryn frowned. “Harry?”
“There are five landing bays, Captain. The Kazon used them all. They weren’t very organized.”
“Bullies never are, Harry.”
“We have six shuttles. Three are the size of a standard Federation shuttle. The two we brought the crew up in can carry around fifty people and the last one can carry around one hundred. I think it’s meant to carry troops to the surface. It’s like a big flying cargo bay.”
“Can we call it a shuttle?” Chakotay shook his head. “That’s bigger than the Liberty was.”
“Next to the Liberator it’s a shuttle.” The younger man nodded. “Heck Voyager is a shuttle next to this ship.”
“Tom, what about this Federation ship, the one you found? Is there anything else we can retrieve off of her?”
“The USS Oklahoma.” Tom told her. “And no, ma’am, I destroyed her.”
“What? We could have scavenged all kinds of useful items!” Neelix protested.
“I scavenged everything I could.” He glared at the Talaxian.
“But there had to have been medical supplies, replicators – “
“I walked through that ship for hours! Stepped over the dead bodies of Starfleet officers – and took everything I could carry!” Tom’s face was flushed with anger. “Including the Captain’s combadge! I looted her ready room with her laying there staring at me!”
“Easy, Tom.” B'Elanna put her arm around his shoulder. “Tom bought the information about the ship’s location. That meant that others could, too.”
“And we’d have Alpha Quadrant technology popping up in the Delta Quadrant.” Kathryn nodded. “Good job, Tom. As nice as it would have been to go back to her, we have to remember the Prime Directive.”
Tom shot her a grateful smile. Tom Paris, defender of the
Prime directive? Now there’s a twist!
“Chakotay?” Kathryn turned her attention to him.
“I’ve assigned temporary quarters on decks 10 and 11. The quarters on 3 and 4 would be better, but they’re not in good shape. We’ll need crews working cleanup for a while. B'Elanna and her people should stay closer to Engineering in the quarters there. Neelix has set up in the mess hall on Beta section. There’s a cargo bay directly above and below where we can store the foodstuffs. It would probably be best if we shut down the majority of outer decks to conserve energy.”
“Agreed. We don’t know how long this ship is going to be home for us. We need to stretch supplies as far as we can.” She bit her lip. “Hopefully we can catch up with Voyager before that becomes a problem.”
“We know where she was a month ago, and we’ve plotted an intercept course. Thanks to the starcharts Tom got for us.” Chakotay nodded in Tom’s direction. “We have an advantage over Cavit. We know what areas to avoid as well as the best places to resupply.”
“I’m curious as to why Voyager isn’t farther ahead of us. Any theories?”
“Uh, Captain, that may be my doing.” B'Elanna studied the stained tabletop intently. “I knew Cavit was up to something, so, I, ah, planted a virus in Voyager’s computers.”
“You did what?” Kathryn raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“Nothing really damaging. If someone tried to take out my command codes, the warp drive goes off line. Permanently.”
“Permanently!”
“I can fix it, Captain!” She assured her. “It’s a changing algorithm so if someone attempts to eliminate it, it changes it’s own coding. But I have the key.”
“So they’ve been limping along at impulse?” Kathryn laughed. “Serves them right.”
“Gives us a chance to catch up. And with the cloak – sneak up.” Tom patted B'Elanna’s leg under the table.
“The cloaking circuits?” Kathryn asked
“We may be able to install them on Voyager.” He handed a PADD to her. “You’ll have to check with B'Elanna.”
“Hmm… this has promise.” Kathryn handed the PADD to Chakotay. “With a 75 year journey ahead of us, cloaking technology could come in very handy.” Standing, she laid a hand on Chakotay’s shoulder. “Everybody get some rest, it’s been a long day. Kes, figure out where you want your hydroponics bay – God knows there’s plenty of space – and we’ll get a crew on it first thing. When it’s ready, we’ll make a quick stop for seedlings. Harry, scout out a good place for that. Dismissed.”
After the others filed out, Kathryn stepped around to look Chakotay in the eye. “What’s with the separate quarters? You tired of me already?”
“I wasn’t sure what you would want to do.” He smiled at her.
“I want to wake up next to you.” She tangled her fingers in his raven hair. “To do that, I have to go to sleep next to you.”
“I see the problem.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I don’t believe in favoritism in assigning crew quarters.” He moaned as she nipped at his neck and her hand slid down between his legs. “But I’m willing to make an exception in your case.”
“I thought you might.”
Chapter 6.5 (a plot what plot interlude)