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The Scariest Star Trek Episodes

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Looking for some space-based thrills and chills to enjoy this Halloween? Have no fear – or have a lot of fear, actually – Star Trek has you covered! We’ve listed 28 of the scariest episodes from across the franchise in order of just how much they freaked us out, so whether your preference is for deep space exploration, war-torn space stations, or the far reaches of the known universe, there’s something here for you.

This list excludes all of the feature films, which tend to be scarier on the whole as they’re aiming to make an impact on a cinema audience (Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan and Star Trek: First Contact have some especially terrifying sequences). It also excludes The Animated Series and Lower Decks. The Animated Series is seriously under-rated, but it’s bright, colourful style and slightly lighter tone don’t really bring the scares. Lower Decks features lots of blood, guts, gore, zombies and a giant spider to rival Shelob – and that’s just in the first episode! – but it’s basically satire, so none of it really comes across as scary.

This list is also firmly focused on spooky Halloween chills. There are many, many episodes of Star Trek from across the franchise that deal with torture or moral murkiness. We’re not looking for episodes that will make you question whether it’s possible to be a good person in a harsh universe, but for classic horror movie scares – creepy set-ups, scary scenarios, and spooky chills.

28. The Original Series: season 2, episode 7 ‘Catspaw’

This episode isn’t really all that different from the many The Original Series episodes where some implausibly powerful alien being plays dangerous games with the crew that include a hefty dose of fantasy, but the Halloween-style setting gives it a spooky vibe. Captain Kirk tries to use his sexual allure to solve the problem, of course, and completely disrupts an alien relationship through sheer force of his masculinity. But all is well in the end, though the scene where the villain uses sympathetic magic to over-heat the Enterprise as she dangles a model of it over a candle flame is pretty freaky.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Cheesy Halloween set-ups.

27. Voyager: season 5, episode 18 ‘Course Oblivion’

The idea that you might not be who you think you are has a clear existential horror to it, and this isn’t the only episode on this list based on that concept. It’s really more sad than scary as the truth of the situation is discovered about halfway through, and once the entire crew realise they’re not human after all, but recent copies of the original Voyager crew, they’re too concerned with the fact that they’re dying in vast numbers to dwell much on the personal horror of their position. Even knowing they aren’t the original crew, watching these beloved characters die one by one is gut-wrenching, and the final moments are truly the stuff of nightmares – they’re so close to help, but just can’t cry out…

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Disintegration, ship-wide destruction.

26. Enterprise: season 2, episode 4 ‘Dead Stop’

Creepiness doesn’t have to come from old houses, dark streets, and rooms full of shadows. It can also come from bright, white light and empty spaces. Threats don’t have to be immediately obvious – they can come cloaked in what looks like kindness and generosity. With creepy direction from Voyager’s Roxann Dawson, who also voices the mysterious computer, and the always unnerving theme of a computer killing organic lifeforms, this creates an unsettling vibe without the schlocky Halloween staples. Throw in a classic fake order from a convincing-sounding voice, the apparent death of a regular character (not an uncommon occurrence on Star Trek, it has to be said), and Archer’s desperate plea, familiar to all of us who’ve ever called a helpline, of “I need to talk to a person!”, and you’ve got a pleasantly unsettling hour of television.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Automated telephone helplines.

25. Deep Space Nine: season 2, episode 14 ‘Whispers’

This isn’t the only episode on this list about the horror of discovering you aren’t who you thought you were, or about a family member who isn’t their usual self. But it does offer a different, and equally disturbing, take on the idea. For most of this episode, we follow Chief O’Brien as he returns to Deep Space Nine, only to find the behaviour of everyone around him is just a little… off. The ending is tragically moving, but the bulk of the episode is increasingly disconcerting, with O’Brien unable to trust anyone or to work out what could possibly have happened while he was away. It plays into fears deeper than the fear of things that go bump in the night – the fear that your friends and family might drift away from you, or turn on you, or pull apart from you. And that’s one of the scariest things of all.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Being abandoned, your boss and colleagues turning on you.

24. Voyager: season 6, episode 25 ‘The Haunting Of Deck Twelve’

Voyager’s Borg children get a campfire story from Neelix addressing the apparently ‘haunted’ Deck 12. It’s a space alien, of course, but it has its moments providing some good scares and another opportunity for the Voyager crew to nearly abandon ship (something they make more of a habit of than they should considering they’re lost in the Delta Quadrant). The campfire ghost story set-up adds a nice sense of Halloween fun to the tale, there’s some nice character work (Neelix’s frequent fear of darkness and nothingness comes up, and his love/hate relationship with Tuvok) and there are some scary moments – after all, how do you outrun a gas cloud?

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Gas, nebulas.

23. The Next Generation: season 7, episode 19 ‘Genesis’

This one is too terrible an episode to get any higher on the list – we really can’t recommend it as an actually good episode of Star Trek. But it’s here because you can’t deny that as the Enterprise crew slowly de-evolve and regress to earlier phases of evolution from their respective species, the effects are genuinely unnerving, as well as occasionally laughable. Voyager’s ‘Threshold’ (frequently referred to as the worst episode of Star Trek of all time) similarly includes some effective body horror before it descends into ludicrousness and people start turning into lizards and abandoning their lizard babies, but is too silly to include – this one, however, hangs on just long enough to produce some real scares. It helps that the crew are de-evolving, rather than evolving into an apparently higher form.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Spiders, lizards, lemurs, and terrifying human-animal hybrids.

22. The Next Generation: season 4, episode 17 ‘Night Terrors’

One of several ‘waking nightmare’ episodes, this one is let down a bit by the somewhat unconvincing scenes of Troi flying through a weird green skyscape, but there are plenty of properly creepy moments to enjoy. Dr Crusher’s hallucination of a roomful of corpses sitting up is a standout, but Picard thinking the turbolift is shrinking in on him is alarming too, and the scraps of audio revealing what happened to the late crew of the USS Brattain, who murdered each other in the grip of paranoid hallucinations, are chilling. The science behind the idea, that we need REM sleep to be able to function, is solid, which makes the whole thing even more frightening.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Corpses, insomnia.

21. Voyager: season 2, episode 8 ‘Persistence of Vision’

Over the course of seven years, Voyager did so many episodes in which almost the whole crew were knocked out, suffered from hallucinations, put to sleep in a collective dream or otherwise mentally trapped by aliens, that they made a reference to it in season seven’s ‘Shattered’. This one is a good choice for Halloween, though, thanks to some nicely spooky imagery. It featured Janeway’s Victorian Gothic holo-novel and so her hallucinations include a ghostly little girl in Victorian clothes having a tantrum about cucumber sandwiches, which is particularly unsettling. It also features an unusually ‘evil’ and mysterious villain who has no motive other than being a nasty character and vanishes into thin air, and allows Kes to really shine at the climax, showing off her own considerable powers.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Creepy children, massive boils leaking pus.

20. The Next Generation: season 1, episode 25 ‘Conspiracy’

This episode is remembered for one thing and one thing only – the exploding head. And the alien chest-burster incident that comes right after it. Although the ending seems to hint at a wider threat, it was never officially followed up on within the series, possibly partly because this episode was so much gorier than anything seen on Star Trek up to that date. It also experienced some mutations of its own in development. What was originally intended to be a conspiracy within Starfleet was nixed by then-still-alive Gene Roddenberry as not conforming to his utopian vision. Perhaps this is why, to make up for the less psychologically disturbing conspiracy-by-alien-outsider, the production team went all out on the gore at the episode’s climax. It’s certainly memorable!

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Gore, alien chest-bursters.

19. Voyager: season 3, episode 18 ‘Darkling’

Robert Picardo hams it up gloriously in this homage to Jekyll and Hyde. The idea behind the episode, that when the Doctor patches the personalities of famous people into his program he gets their dark sides as well as their good qualities, is a neat concept and an interesting thought. The actual way these dark sides manifest is a bit bland, being focused mostly on general evil gurning and an obsession with Kes that twists the Doctor’s own genuine feelings for her into something more sinister. There was more subtlety to William Shatner’s Evil Kirk in ‘The Enemy Within’. But it does the job of providing some chilling moments, especially when B’Elanna finds herself at the mercy of the Evil Doctor.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Doctors, creepy stalkers.

18. Discovery: season 1, episode 3 ‘Context Is For Kings’

This is only the third episode of Discovery, and the first to be set on the titular ship, so it’s our introduction to much of the crew and to the series in general. At this early point, it looked like Discovery was heading in a very dark and horror-tinged direction indeed. With Gabriel Lorca as Captain, Burnham still a prisoner, and Stamets at his frostiest, the series already promised to be ‘darker’ – and then we find out the grisly fate of Discovery’s sister ship’s crew, turned inside out, their bodies twisted and mangled. The rest of the series so far has gone to plenty of morally and emotionally dark places, but for sheer scares and perhaps a little queasiness, this is the one to watch.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Gore, morally dubious Starfleet captains

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17. The Original Series: season 1, episode 1 ‘The Man Trap’

Star Trek starts as it means to go on – the very first episode to air is one of the creepy ones (and the earlier pilots are both pretty unsettling as well). The main reason it’s remembered as a scary one is the great creature design on the Monster of the Week, the Salt Vampire. The combination of gaping, toothy mouth, drooping eyes and Yeti-like body is impressively inventive. But there’s an emotional core to this episode as well, as Dr McCoy’s ex turns out to have been killed by the creature long ago. Her husband’s willing acceptance of the creature that killed her as a replacement is probably the creepiest thing of all.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Shapeshifters, the Yeti.

16. The Next Generation: season 7, episode 6 ‘Phantasms’

Another nightmare episode, but it’s not originality we’re giving points for here. The plot of this episode is fairly basic and the key concept of seeing nightmares is one we can see plenty of elsewhere – it’s not even the only ‘nightmare episode’ from The Next Generation. But the reason both appear on this list is because, while the concept may not be stunningly original, and the episodes may even be rather cheesy, the bizarre images we see in them are genuinely unnerving. The Troi-cake may be often mocked, but it really is a freaky image, iffy visual effects notwithstanding. Add to that Dr Crusher drinking from Riker’s head and a phone inside Data’s body, and you have a good set of weird images to freak yourself out with this Halloween.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Being eaten, being drunk from.

15. Enterprise: season 3, episode 16 ‘Doctor’s Orders’

One of two episodes on this list directed by Voyager’s Roxann Dawson, who clearly has a good eye for a creepy set-up. The plot has something of a connection to Voyager as well, as it’s essentially a re-tread of the Voyager episode ‘One’; most of the crew are put to sleep for medical protection while one or two, immune, crew-members are left to roam the ship alone. The earlier episode featured a longer period of isolation and a more vulnerable crew-member (former Borg Seven of Nine, who had a terror of being alone), but this one just edged it onto the list thanks to a few details. It has some welcome comedy beats breaking up the repetitive nature of isolation (Phlox wandering around naked is a nice touch) and Phlox consciously refers to the situation as a ‘haunted house’ for a reason, as it deliberately draws on classic tropes like rattling chains, dark shadows, and strange noises. Also this one includes a cute dog. A spooky story can always be enhanced by throwing in a cute dog.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Haunted houses (or spaceships), giant insects.

14. Deep Space Nine: season 3, episode 26 ‘The Adversary’

This was the third season finale, and it opens with Sisko recording “my final Commander’s log” – that’s because he’s been promoted to Captain, but it creates a sense of finality, of the closing of a door, from the start. It makes the subsequent paranoia-inducing hunt for an enemy who could be disguised as any member of the crew – a Changeling – even more tense. Odo says no Changeling would ever harm another, so you know what’s going to happen by the end of the episode, but it’s well made; claustrophobic, with echoes of The Thing and body snatcher themes (without the actual snatching). No one knows who to trust and everyone is getting trigger-happy – foreshadowing the increasing violence that would become a feature of the series as it moved towards a war storyline in the future. And Sisko has barely been Captain five minutes when he gets to play with the auto-destruct, as all Starfleet Captains love to do every now and again.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Sleeper agents, clones.

13. Deep Space Nine: season 5, episode 5 ‘The Assignment’

A lot of the episodes on this list take a classic horror fantasy trope and give it a science-fiction mask – ghosts that are gaseous aliens, witches that are telepathically powerful aliens, vampires that are after salt rather than blood. This one is a science-fiction take on demon possession, as poor Chief O’Brien is told that his wife has been taken over by a malevolent entity, but he can’t tell anyone else without risking her life and his daughter’s. Key to the whole thing is a great performance from Rosalind Chao, whose manner and bearing through the whole thing is definitely that of a new character who is not Keiko.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Demon possession.

12. Enterprise: season 2, episode 10 ‘Vanishing Point’

There are a number of Star Trek episodes where various crew-members think they’re dead and wandering the ship’s passageways as a ghost (and one slightly odd episode of Voyager, ‘Cathexis’, where Chakotay literally does so). Most focus on the impact of the apparent loss on the other crew, contemplations of the afterlife, and so on. In this episode, though, Hoshi first experiences unsettling body horror as birthmarks move and her translation skills fade, then seems to be becoming a ghost slowly, unable to touch things properly and even starting to vanish entirely. It’s far more spooky and freaky than the usual ‘out of phase’ storyline. And here’s an extra dose of horror – all this seemed to happen to Hoshi during the 8.3 seconds she was in the transporter buffer. So what exactly did Scotty go through when he ended up stuck in there for 80 years in The Next Generation’s ‘Relics’?!

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Turning invisible, matter transporters.

11. The Original Series: season 3, episode 4 ‘And The Children Shall Lead’

Before we get to the opening credits of this episode, we’ve already seen a group of children dance around happily singing a strange version of ‘Ring a Ring a Roses’ at the site of a mass adult suicide. Do you need to know more than that?! Later on, they all move round in a circle chanting a call to a ‘friendly angel’ which produces a green, translucent being wanting universal control (as usual) and they set about driving the crew of the Enterprise mad using bizarre hallucinations including premature ageing, planets that aren’t there, and so on. I mean, if that summary doesn’t creep you out, you’re either a sadistic small child or a power-mad translucent green alien yourself. As a bonus, it has a genuinely affecting ending, too, as the full horror of what happened to their parents hits the children.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Creepy children, children in general.

10. Voyager: season 3, episode 15 ‘Coda’

This episode is another “I’m dead!” fakeout, in which a crew-member – in this case Captain Janeway – appears to have died and seems to be watching their friends mourn them as a ghost. This one has a couple of twists though. There’s a time loop element with Janeway experiencing repeated deaths of different kinds in different loops. And then, just to really freak us out, a sinister alien tries to convince Janeway to follow him to the afterlife, even implying that he is waiting at the point of death for her, and everyone else, whenever and wherever she eventually dies. It seems far more likely he’s just a creepy Delta Quadrant alien trying to harvest something, somehow (a soul eater? does he eat life force?) but it’s still a deeply disturbing concept.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Death and dying.

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9. The Next Generation: season 3, episode 26 ‘The Best Of Both Worlds, Pt 1’

The Borg were first introduced in the episode ‘Q Who’, and they were fairly terrifying then. Their total lack of interest in anything they don’t perceive to be a threat ironically makes them so much more frightening than they would be if they attacked others on sight, while their cybernetic implants and collective consciousness give them a ghoulish creepiness. But however terrifying they seemed at first, they became so much scarier again when their main method of conquering was introduced – assimilation. Even in this episode, there’s not a whisper of it for most of the story – until the captured Captain Picard turns to face Beverley (and the camera) to reveal a face full of Borg technology. “He is a Borg!” as Worf exclaims. On first viewing, with no idea it was coming, it was a serious shock, and seriously scary.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Cyborgs, Oxo cubes.

8. Deep Space Nine: season 4, episode 24 ‘The Quickening’

We had to include this one, in which Dr Bashir desperately tries to help people suffering from ‘the Blight’, a fatal illness caused by a biological weapon long before the story starts. It’s not an infectious disease, but it is passed from mother to child through the generations, and society has completely reformed around it, developing a system of ritualised euthanasia as the only method they have for dealing with it. I trust there’s no need to spell out exactly what is so scary about this scenario. It’s also extremely depressing. There’s some hope at the end, for Ekoria’s baby at least, but it’s small comfort after the harrowing grimness of the rest of the episode. To be honest, we’re not sure we’d entirely recommend watching this episode right now, unless you’re in the mood for some serious wallowing. But it is definitely scary. Very, very scary.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Biological weapons, plagues.

7. Enterprise: season 3, episode 5 ‘Impulse’

Often, the scariest or most impactful episodes have the shortest cold opens. This Enterprise episode drops us straight into the action with a screaming T’Pol brought into sickbay, clearly out of control – and cut to credits. Now that is the way to unsettle an audience from the start! Jolene Blalock puts in a great, unhinged performance and the shaky camerawork all adds to the feeling of horror, so by the time we flash back one day to find out what’s happened, we’re prepped for horror. The rest of the episode plays out in classic space horror movie style, all darkness and noises and flashing lights, everyone running around looking filthy and sweaty being chased by Vulcan zombies while poor T’Pol descends further and further into madness. A 45-minute mini horror movie.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Your own strong emotions, zombies.

6. Deep Space Nine: season 5, episode 24 ‘Empok Nor’

This one is another horror movie in miniature. You know things are going to go seriously wrong when a handful of regular characters go on a mission with a collection of character who, if they were in The Original Series, would probably be wearing red shirts. This episode, in which our heroes go scavenging on Deep Space Nine’s abandoned sister station and discover some unhinged Cardassians, has got dark corridors, a diminishing cast, a regular character under the influence of psychotropic drugs becoming dangerous, and the odd jump scare. It gives Andrew Robinson as Garek an always welcome chance to play the more sinister side of the character, and keeps the tension running high throughout.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Dark corridors, slasher movies.

5. The Original Series: season 2, episode 14: ‘Wolf in the Fold’

A number of original series episodes are scary in the wrong way, for the wrong reasons. Despite Star Trek’s overt efforts to combat sexism in its own way, it was still a deeply sexist show made in a sexist time, and could be outright misogynistic on occasion (the very last episode, ‘Turnabout Intruder’, is probably the worst offender). But ‘Wolf In The Fold’ blends the rather less enjoyable creepiness of women being objectified with some properly horrifying chills. It’s implied through much of the story that Scotty might be a serial killer, which is genuinely unsettling, as it plays into the very real fear that anyone around you, someone you feel you know well, could be hiding a dark secret. While the eventual reveal that he has somehow been possessed by Jack the Ripper (who was an alien life form possessing a human, of course) offers some comfort there, the idea that a Victorian serial killer entity has been travelling around killing women for centuries is certainly frightening.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Serial killers, Scotty.

4. The Next Generation: season 6, episode 21 ‘Frame Of Mind’

Poor Riker. He’s just finished performing in a play in which he plays a man kept locked up, drugged, and experiencing a mental breakdown, and he gets abducted by aliens who keep him locked up, drug him, and force him to question what is or isn’t real, provoking a mental breakdown. What were the chances, eh?! Jumping between his usual role on the Enterprise and being a patient in a mental institution who has committed some horrible crime, it becomes increasingly difficult to work out what’s ‘real’, and in the end, just about none of what we saw was real at all – except for Riker’s very real imprisonment by a hostile alien. Jonathan Frakes puts in a wonderfully frazzled performance in an episode that will make your head spin, leaving the audience as confused as Riker is.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Mental institutions, being imprisoned.

3. Voyager: season 4, episode 7 ‘Scientific Method’

This is the one where an alien race who keep themselves invisible use the Voyager crew as test subjects for their lab experiments. The initial mystery is intriguing, but it’s after the reveal that things get really alarming. What was a frustrating and extremely familiar medical problem for Janeway, recurrent headaches, becomes a terrifying visual as we see the aliens surrounding the oblivious Captain, sticking enormous needles into her brain. Then, in one of the more chilling and uncomfortable sequences of television you’re likely to see, Seven of Nine, the only person able to see them, must then ignore them completely while they probe her as she takes the turbolift. Luckily Janeway puts a stop to it by flying right at some binary pulsars, and these aliens are so scary that actually seems like a good idea.

One to avoid of you’re scared of: Scientists, needles.

2. The Next Generation: season 6, episode 5 ‘Schisms’

There’s a recurring theme to a lot of the scariest episodes in this list – body horror. It’s what steps the Borg up to becoming even more terrifying than they already were, it’s what makes ‘Scientific Method’ so incredibly chilling, and it’s a big part of what makes ‘Schisms’ one of Star Trek’s all-time most unsettling episodes. The revelation that Riker has had his limbs amputated and re-attached is simply horrifying. Combine that with a classic alien abduction story and the incredibly unsettling, insect-like clicking noise the abductors make, and you have a properly scary alien abduction horror story to rival The X-Files (one of the biggest shows on television at the time it aired).

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Alien abduction.

1. Voyager: season 2, episode 23 ‘The Thaw’

Ranking these episodes in pure terms of how freaking terrifying they are, this instalment easily comes out at number one. Coming out shortly before The Matrix, this episode features a similar premise, that if the brain is hooked up to a virtual environment, a lethal shock within the virtual world might kill the person. But it’s taken in a very different direction, for the friendly aliens who initially went into the virtual environment to while away a long time in stasis have been taken hostage by a virtual clown and his circus troupe, the manifestation of their fears run amok. So basically, they’re trapped in an unending nightmare, kept in a state of constant, perpetual fear by a garish collection of unnerving characters. The entire episode is one terrifying set-piece after another, with a fantastically energetic performance by Michael McKean as the Clown. It’s all so scary it’s downright uncomfortable. Thank goodness for Janeway’s last minute insight into what Fear really wants – to be conquered.

One to avoid if you’re scared of: Clowns.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

The Original Series: season 3, episode 12 ‘The Empath’

A number of Star Trek episodes deal with torture, and we’ve tended to leave them off this list as they’re really more upsetting, disturbing, or tragic than chill-down-your-spine scary. This one is pretty freaky, though.

The Original Series: season 3, episode 7 ‘The Day Of The Dove’

Much of this episode is a fairly standard early Klingons episode, albeit with a mysterious glow cloud (all hail!) floating around and swords appearing out of thin air. But when Sulu tells Kirk that the dead brother Chekov has been talking about all episode long never existed, we realise something stranger is going on.

Voyager: season 4, episode 25 ‘One’

Pretty similar in concept and execution to both ‘Persistence of Vision’ and ‘Doctor’s Orders’ (and coming right between the two). Still a scary concept, though.

Discovery: season 2, episode 12 ‘Through the Valley of Shadows’

Pike’s willing acceptance of his fate – and the fact we know it’s accurate from The Original Series – is heroic, tragic, and chilling all in one.

Picard: season 1, episode 6 ‘The Impossible Box’

Think about what happens at this episode’s climax from Soji’s point of view, as the person she trusts the most reveals that she’s not even human and then tries to kill her, and recoil in horror.

Lower Decks: season 1, episode 1 ‘Second Contact’

As mentioned above, this episode features plenty of classic horror tropes including blood, guts, gore, vomit, zombies and a giant spider. Watch it for some light relief after you’ve worked your way through the rest of the list!

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(Dis)-honourable mention: The Next Generation: season 7, episode 14 ‘Sub Rosa’, aka The One Where Bev Boinks A Ghost. It’s too ridiculous to be properly scary, but there is a half-decent ghost story buried in there somewhere.

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hermanwatts · 5 years

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Sensor Sweep: Robert Heinlein, Poul Anderson, Marvel Universe, Ravage, Monster Manual

Culture Wars (Brain Leakage): Unsurprisingly, the debate concerning gender roles in Sword and Sorcery rages on…Morgan Holmes’ latest article on the subject offers a compelling look at the raw numbers, in addition to some more anecdotes and observations about the shifts that occurred in the publishing industry. If you’ve been following the argument with any interest, I highly recommend it.

Robert Heinlein (Tip the Wink): This is the second of the Heinlein juveniles, a long and successful series of a dozen science fiction novels published by Scribner’s. These were originally envisioned as a series of books called “Young Rocket Engineers” but the idea was initially rejected by the publisher. Thus each of the novels has separate characters, locations, themes and plots. This one features Matt Dodson, who joins the Space Patrol to help preserve peace in the Solar System.

Poul Anderson (DMR Books): The story in question is “The Tale of Hauk.” This novelette is widely considered one of Poul’s best Viking tales. Most of the onstage events occur in Raumsdal, Norway. Hauk is the son of Geirolf. Geirolf is an ageing Viking, nostalgic for the old days and bitter about the present. Hauk, a doughty fighter himself, is making his way more as a wide-ranging merchant than as a pirate. Geirolf disapproves.

Comic Books (Paint the Monk): We’re closing in on the 100th issue of Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian and nearing the end of Roy Thomas’ memorable adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s “Queen of the Black Coast” story. This issue concludes the “Beast King of Abombi” quartet (#94-97), and only two stand-alone yarns remain before the double-sized Conan extravaganza published originally in July 1979.

Marvel Universe (Jon Mollison): The world loves empty spectacle. All the flat characters, meaningless drama, empty action, and bland dialogue in the world won’t bring down a film filled with lots and lots of splodey-splodey. Aquaman was a DC movie with all that implies and even following on the heels weak sisters like Batman vs. Superman and Justice League it nearly cracked the billion dollar mark. Disney’s ‘live action’ remake of The Lion King looks like cold mud on a hot roof, and people still forked over half a billion dollars worth of tickets in the opening weekend.

Horror/Poe (Classic Horror Blog): Arguably the most famous of Poe’s murder tales (and comfortably short for casual readers of literary fiction) “The Tell-Tale Heart” has become a cultural metaphor for the exposure of evil deeds. And yet its nuances are often overlooked. As much as it is a tale of wickedness brought to light, it is also a pocket-sized manifesto on the multifaceted human spirit and an indictment of cheap cultural definitions of insanity. Humanity, Poe proclaims, is not divided into obvious classes of good and evil, but contain within them impulsive elements of each them.

Comic Books (Jon Mollison):)Last year, in an effort to pushback against the ensqualminating of comic book industry, I made it a point to back a number of kickstarters. One such title earned a backing based solely on the involvement of The Legend. The seven bucks for a single issue and spicy marketing would have put me off Ravage: Kill All Men entirely, but come on – Chuck Dixon.

Edgar Rice Burroughs ( Recoverings ): Having just seen the color proofs for the dust-jacket of his new book from A.C. McClurg, Ed took to his typewriter to tell his editor, Joseph Bray, in no uncertain terms, exactly what he thought about it. Among other things, he said this: “… There is nothing of the atmosphere or coloring of Arizona in the foliage or background; in fact the whole thing is atrocious and if the picture can kill sales, I am confident that this one will.”

Cinema (Tolkiengesellschaft): Just 20 minutes after the release of the Amazon trailer for the creative team of the Lord of the Rings series, we had the opportunity at Tolkien Thing to interview Tom Shippey, our Guest of Honour, about the trailer and the project exclusively. He is one of the 20 names presented in the video and had not yet seen the video himself. Together we went through the trailer piece by piece, which was analyzed by Shippey and us. Tom Shippey laughs loudly at our first question whether some names are still missing and remains silent.

History (Frontier Partisans): Through the fall of 1866, the Lakota/Cheyenne/Arapaho insurgents in the Powder River Country made life miserable for the garrison of Fort Phil Kearny. Young raiders made constant attacks on the horse and mule herd, and ran off a good portion of the fort’s cattle herd. Work parties had to travel for miles to fell and haul logs for saw timber, or to mow hay for the dwindling livestock herds, and they were often harassed.

Fiction (David J. West): So I pushed myself this early summer and finished up and LO, it was a bigger tale than I thought at first, so in addition to writing a novella that was set after the events of the book, I went back and rethought the storyline to #SAVANT and tweaked it a little. I like thinking of it as TRUE GRIT meets THE PRESTIGE.

Paperbacks (Rough Edges): The latest volume in the excellent MEN OF VIOLENCE series is an All Review Special, featuring more than a hundred reviews of men’s adventure novels and series, ranging from classics of the genre to obscure little gems that you’ve probably never heard of. Editor Justin Marriot has assembled a wonderful book to browse and enjoy, and I guarantee you’ll learn a few things, even if you’re an expert on men’s adventure fiction. If you’re a newcomer to the genre, this book is a crash course on it. Not all the reviews are positive, either; some warn potential readers which books to stay away from.

Robert Heinlein (Tip the Wink): Colonists on Mars: ever a popular science fiction storyline. This time it’s a good guys vs. bad guys with the Martians caught in the middle. It represents the first appearance of Heinlein’s idealized Martian elder race, which will reappear in Stranger in a Strange Land.

The Plot The novel is set in the future when Mars has been colonized by humans, but is administered by a governor appointed by the Earth government and the colonists have no political power.

Star Trek (Bounding into Comics): Kate Mulgrew, who played the first female Star Trek Captain in Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager claims Star Trek: The Original Series is “extremely misogynist.”

In an interview with the Radio Times while promoting her upcoming documentary series titled The Space Race, Mulgrew responded to a question regarding a numbers of fans discontent with Star Trek: Discovery. The question noted that some people claim the dislike of Discovery has a “misogynist edge to the vitriol.”

RPG (Swords and Stitchery): The other day I was reading through the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition Monster Manual & came upon the gelatinous cube entry. Every single dungeon that I’ve played in has had a gelatinous cube or some variety of that monster within it. Why?!

RPG (Sacnoth’s Scriptorium): So, probably the rarest thing I have in my rpg collection, which has always been more of a working library than a collector’s set, is a copy of THE JADE HARE, an eight-page module by John Nephew. Unfortunately, my copy got mislaid a while back and I’ve been looking for it, unsuccessfully, for the past year or two. Last night I turned it up again, in a somewhat unexpected context.

Sensor Sweep: Robert Heinlein, Poul Anderson, Marvel Universe, Ravage, Monster Manual published first on https://sixchexus.weebly.com/

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voyagerafod · 7 years

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Star Trek Voyager: A Fire of Devotion: Part 2 of 4: Louder Than Bells: Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Lieutenant junior grade Harry Kim had been put in charge of the night shift on Voyager before, but he always took a certain amount of joy in getting to sit in the captain’s chair. The joy couldn’t entirely overpower the boredom though, which began to set in at hour four of the eight-hour rotation.

He found himself glancing repeatedly over at Samantha Wildman at the main science station, at Kashimuro Nozawa standing where he usually did at ops, at Sue Brooks sitting in Tom’s chair at navigation, and at Lydia Anderson at tactical. “We should start a barbershop quintet,” he muttered. “What was that, Lieutenant?” Brooks said. “Oh, sorry, just thinking out loud. Anything interesting up ahead?” “Permission to speak frankly sir?” “Of course,” Harry said, wondering where this was going. “Not a gods damned thing for light years near as I can tell.” Harry sighed. “Great. Well, great in the sense that nothing is going to kill us anyway.” “Bored?” Samantha said. “Like you wouldn’t believe,” Harry replied, standing up to stretch. “So, how has everyone’s day be- “Sir,” Nozawa said, “something just popped up on long range sensors. It appears to be a ship, dead in space, no emissions. That’s why we didn’t pick it up sooner.” Harry smiled. Finally, something to do.

“Interesting,” he said. “Brooks, drop us out of warp, but keep us at a safe distance from the object in case this turns out to be a trap. Put the ship on the viewscreen, full magnification.” Harry gasped at what he saw. “That kinda looks like a Starfleet vessel,” Samantha said.

“Yeah, but like an older one,” Harry said, stepping closer to the viewscreen, standing right next to Brooks’ seat. “If I remember Starfleet History 101, that design was abandoned back when the Enterprise didn’t have a letter in its registration.” “If this is a long-lost vessel from the early days of Starfleet, that’s a huge find,” Brooks said. “Should I call the captain?” “Definitely,” Harry said.

-o-

The senior staff including the Doctor all filed out of the turbolifts, Seven of Nine following behind them. As each took their station, their fill-ins got up, but did not leave. They wanted to see this through, and Samantha couldn’t blame them. She nodded at Seven as she walked past giving her a quick smile before going to stand at the console behind the Captain and Commander Chakotay as they took their seats.

“So, fill me in Harry, what did we find?”

“I checked the records Captain,” Harry said, smiling. “and I had Nozawa run his scans twice to be sure. It’s definitely the NX-01.” Janeway, Chakotay, and Paris all looked at Harry dumbstruck. “For real?” Tom said. “What’s the NX-01?” B’Elanna Torres said as she sat down at the auxiliary engineering console.

“It’s a legend,” Chakotay said. “The first human-built ship that could hit warp 5. Even the Vulcans didn’t have that back then.” “I’d read about how it went missing on its first mission. Never imagined it would be found in the Delta Quadrant of all places,” Tom said. “Any idea how it got here?”

“I’m sure it’ll be fun to find out,” Janeway said, grinning. “Harry, pull up everything from the memory banks about the NX-01.” “Already done captain,” Harry said. “Excellent. Send that data to the briefing room and-” A proximity alert alarm went off, cutting off Janeway’s order. Now what? Samantha thought, turning back to her own console, and tilting her head at the readout. “Captain,” she said, “I’m picking up chronotons. I think-” Suddenly another ship filled the viewscreen, much larger than Voyager, blocking their view of the NX-01. Its hull design was Starfleet-esque but didn’t match any hull configuration she knew of. “Captain, the other ship is hailing us,” Sam heard Harry say. “On screen,” Janeway said. The face on the screen was human. He wore a uniform style that Sam didn’t recognize but the insignia he wore, while wildly different from the one the Voyager crew had on their comm badges, had the familiar Starfleet delta that all ships had ever since the era of Jim Kirk. “Captain. Looks like we meet again.” “Braxton,” Janeway said. “Looks like you’ve moved up in the world of the 29th century.” “You’re looking at the Federation time-ship Relativity, captain,” Braxton said. “And she’s actually been my ship all along, she was just undergoing refits the day I first met you.”

“Which for us was actually the third time we met you. Time travel’s kinda funny that way,” Janeway said. “I don’t suppose you’ve come to tell us that Voyager is responsible for another temporal disaster of some kind.” Braxton frowned. “Okay, you really are going to have to explain that one to me, Captain. But later. May I come aboard?”

“I’d like to know what this is about first, Captain,” Captain Janeway said, “with all due respect.” “Fair enough. I would like to enlist your crew in helping mine solve once and for all the mystery of what really happened to the NX-01.”

-o-

“Since some of you are unfamiliar with the NX-01 and its impact on Starfleet history and the Federation,” Captain Braxton said to the senior staff, minus the Doctor but plus Seven of Nine, as they sat around the table in the briefing room. “Let me give you a quick refresher.” Seven took out her PADD, taking careful notes so she could fill in Sam on what she missed by not being in the briefing. “Tom said it was the first ship to ever break Warp 5,” B’Elanna said. “If I learned about it in the academy before I dropped out I don’t remember that.” “Well, the first ship built by any of the founding races of the Federation anyway,” Braxton said. “At the time even the Vulcans thought achieving that speed was too dangerous to attempt.” “The 22nd century was not one of the more auspicious periods of our history,” Tuvok said. “many in the High Command were driven to paranoia and arguably even xenophobia as a side-effect of our long-running conflicts with the Andorians prior to first contact with humanity.”

“That is more relevant to this than you realize, Mister Tuvok,” Braxton said. “How so?” Janeway asked. “The captain of the NX-01 was one Jonathan Archer,” Braxton said. “He, using his late father’s work on the warp five project, personally oversaw the ship’s construction and hand picked most of its senior staff. The problem though, simply put, was that he was bigoted towards Vulcans.” “I don’t recall reading about that in history class,” Janeway said. “I do,” Chakotay said. “apparently he believed that the Vulcans were holding humanity back by cautioning against the warp five experiments, and accused them of sabotaging his father’s work. The first working prototype wasn’t completed until after his father’s death.” “Paranoid and racist,” B’Elanna said. “No wonder I’ve never heard of a Jonathan Archer High School.” “Unfortunately there is a degree of truth to it,” Tuvok said. “Though only a small one. According to my own father who was teaching at the Vulcan Science Academy at the time, the Vulcan high Command did have access to some research that, if shared with our at the time new allies, the Humans, would likely have accelerated the creation of a working warp five engine by months if not years.” “Possible,” Braxton said, “but not a certainty. What is certain is that while the drive itself was a success, the NX-01 ultimately was not. Three weeks into its mission, the NX-01 was lost in a nebula. A small amount of debris was found, but barely enough to account for one of the ship’s shuttlepods, let alone the ship itself.” “Why was the NX-01 in the nebula? Was it a scientific mission?” Seven asked.

“No, actually,” Braxton said, “it was a first contact situation. The Borothans. A number of their ships were making a pilgrimage to a nebula their people considered holy in the time before they became a Federation member race. They invited the NX-01 and her crew along, so they went. Borothan sensor logs from the time show a small explosion beneath the NX-01 but not from it, at least from what we can tell, the footage is from very outdated sensor technology, plus degraded over time due to poor data storage. This was all pre-Memory Alpha, obviously.”

Braxton touched a button on the wall console and the sensor log began playing. It was distorted, but not so much so that Seven and the rest of the crew couldn’t make out what was going on. The NX-01, a flash of light that looked like an explosion, and the ship vanishing.” “I don’t see any debris field at all,” Tom said. “It was found by the Borothans,” Braxton said, “what little there was anyway, and turned over to Starfleet. They were very cooperative. Starfleet officials at the time believed that they feared they might be blamed for the NX-01’s disappearance. Obviously investigators didn’t want to rule that out right away, but it quickly became clear that they had nothing to do with it.” “Okay,” Janeway said. “Some of this stuff we knew, some of it we didn’t, but that doesn’t explain why you want us to help. Couldn’t you simply go back in time and find out for yourself?” “That’s the thing Captain, we already tried.” Braxton said. “The Relativity has cloaking technology, and before you ask, no I won’t say why we’re allowed to have those in my time, but when we went back, we followed the NX-01 to that nebula, and then watched it leave and continue on its mission.” The senior staff all looked at each other, confusion showing on their face. “How is that possible?” Chakotay said. “And if the timeline was changed, why do we still remember the NX-01 has having gone missing?” Tom said. “I mean, it’s out there right now, on the other side of your ship,” he added, pointing at Braxton.

“A common misconception about time travel that plagued humanity from when the concept was first theorized, up through to even the 25th century is that changes in the timeline would be felt immediately.” Braxton chuckled slightly. “Hell, you people probably still think a small paradox can destroy the whole universe.” “Let’s not get into the minutiae of how time travel works,” Janeway said. “What I want to know is why enlist us to help?” “The Relativity is a one-of-a-kind ship Captain Janeway, even in my time. The situation at that point in the 22nd century is already a mess, and us crossing our own timeline would be bad. Not a universe ender, like I said those don’t actually exist, but it could make things even worse.” “Wait, what do you mean worse?” B’Elanna said. Braxton sighed. “Here comes the part you aren’t going to like,” he said. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t like it either. But basically, the reason your history books and mine still show the NX-01 as being destroyed, at least for now, is because it needed to be. If we can’t find out what caused its disappearance over two-hundred years ago from where we are now, the Federation as we know it will either be radically different, or not exist at all. My people are still trying to figure that last part out based on the data.” “I don’t like it,” Janeway said. “Because if you are saying what I think you are, you’re suggesting that whoever it is from my crew you want to enlist, they’ll be the ones who destroy the NX-01.”

“The ship, yes.” Braxton said. “For the crew, if my people’s calculations work out they can be brought to the 29th century. We’ve done it before.

“Still, that does mean their families back home will believe them dead. I don’t need to tell any of you here how difficult that will be for them.”

“I’m sorry,” Chakotay said, “but this is all a hell of a lot to take in, and frankly you’re asking us to take it on faith when we don’t really know you.” “Perhaps,” Tuvok said, “if you could explain why it is so necessary for the NX-01 to be lost, we would be more cooperative, Captain.”

“Exactly,” Janeway said.

“The short version?” Braxton said “If Captain Jonathan Archer returns home after a successful exploration mission in the NX-01, he’ll be more popular on Earth than ever. Consequently, his anti-Vulcan biases will start to seep into the public consciousness. Not in any obvious ways of course, but they’ll be there. The irrational distrust of the Vulcans will mean that when the time comes to start drafting the articles of the Federation, the Vulcans will either not be invited altogether, or will have their contributions to the charter undermined. The articles will be written by a more paranoid Humanity, and also more militaristic Andorians.” “This is the short version?” Seven heard Tom whisper. B’Elanna nudged him to stay quiet.

“There are many things that make the Federation great,” Braxton continued. “But the key component, the lync pin that holds it all together is the friendship between the Humans and the Vulcans. That’s where it all truly started, everything grew from that. If Archer becomes an icon, his paranoia about the Vulcans keeping humanity from reaching its full potential would spread enough to undermine that, and eventually, generations down the line destroy it completely.” “Okay,” Harry Kim said, “this is going to sound brutal but I’m also bringing this up for the sake of discussion; why not just make Archer disappear? I don’t mean kill him, but just disappear him for awhile until the Federation has been founded. Why make the families of however many people were on that ship-”

“Eighty-three,” Braxton said. “Why make the families of eighty-three people suffer through the pain of never knowing what happened to their loved ones?” Harry continued.

“Technically only eighty-one. Or eighty, depending,” Captain Braxton said. “What are you talking about Braxton?” Janeway said, sounding increasingly frustrated.

“I intend to send two or three Voyager crewmembers to the 22nd Century to board the NX-01,” Braxton said. “as replacements for three of the original crew members who will suddenly find themselves with other obligations they can’t back out of.” “Why us?” Tom Paris said. “Because history in the original timeline, the one where the NX-01 disappeared, the lost Federation starship Voyager found its remains in the Delta Quadrant, before continuing on its journey home.”

“Wait, you’re saying we make it?” Harry said, trying and failing to suppress a smile. “I’m surprised you’re telling us this.” “Your logs certainly do, but for obvious reasons I can’t say whether anyone or anything else did.” Braxton turned to the wall console again and pulled up three personnel profiles. Based on the uniform designs Seven deduced that there were NX-01 crew members, and the uniforms were standard issue for Starfleet in that era.

“My people have determined that these three individuals not being on the NX-01 on its first and last mission will have negligible impact on the history of the Federation in either direction; positive or negative,” Braxton said. “Hang on,” Janeway said. “you’re getting ahead of yourself here. We haven’t agreed to actually help you with this. You are giving us a lot of information real fast, and I don’t like it. Have you ever heard of the Gish Gallop?” “Can’t say I have Captain,” Braxton said. “It must be a phrase that didn’t survive into my time.” “It relates to an even older Earth saying,” Janeway said, now standing with her arms crossed. “If you can’t dazzle them with details, baffle them with bullshit.” “Crudely put,” Tuvok said, “but the Captain is correct. You do seem to operating under the presumption that we will accept what you are telling us at face value.” “Let’s not forget that the first time Braxton met us he tried to blow us up,” B’Elanna said, looking at the Captain as she said it. “What?” Braxton said, sounding shocked. “It was an alternate timeline thing, Captain,” Chakotay said. “It’s a bit complicated but the version of you who brought us back to the Delta Quadrant from 1990s Earth was different from the rather disturbed and violent version of you who caused us to end up there in the first place.” “You’ll have to fill me in on the details of that,” Braxton said. “Short version?” Janeway said. “When I break a time loop it stays broken.” “Impressive,” Braxton said. “Well, in that instance I can see why you might have concerns about my presence here and what I am asking of you.”

Captain Braxton did the best he could to explain the details that Captain Janeway had inartfully asked for, but some of the terminology he used to describe his ship’s technology went even over Seven’s head, and she knew more about temporal mechanics than anyone on the ship. She could tell that Janeway and B’Elanna were trying to keep up, and that whatever Tuvok was thinking he wasn’t letting show, but Chakotay and Harry just kept looking at each other as if each were silently asking the other if they understood what Braxton was saying.

“Okay, Braxton,” Janeway said. “Wait outside, let me talk it over with my crew. I’ll let you know what we decide.” “Very well then,” Braxton said, stepping out of the briefing room.

-o-

Nearly a half hour after discussing the matter, the senior staff filed out of the briefing room back on to the Bridge, where Braxton was waiting. Captain Janeway nodded at Braxton, who smiled. “Thank you, Captain,” he said. I’d better not regret this, Janeway thought. “I took a look at the NX-01 crew members you selected to have my people replace for your mission. Commander Chakotay can compile a list of ideal candidates.” “Knowledge of 22nd century history would be best if possible,” Braxton said. “Part of why we’re recruiting you is that era is closer to you than it is to us which decreases the possibility of error. And before you ask, we did consider approaching people from that time, as well as the 23rd century. I can show you the results of our study if you like, but simply put 24th century Starfleet officers are the best choice based on mission requirements.” “I will want to see that,” Janeway said. “It occurs to me, Captain,” Braxton said, “that Commander Chakotay himself would be a suitable substitute for Lieutenant Malcolm Reed. He was NX-01’s tactical officer in the main timeline, and Chakotay did teach tactics at Starfleet Academy before leaving for the Maquis.”

Janeway turned to face her first officer. Her look conveyed the question without saying it aloud. Chakotay nodded. “Alright then,” Janeway said. “That just leaves communications officer Hoshi Sato and science officer Richard Mulder.” “I would only need one more person, Captain,” Braxton said. “I’m sure two of your crew would be enough, we only had three names as those were the ones deemed safest to replace.” “Just how are you going to replace them, if you don’t mind my asking?” Chakotay said, a question Janeway was thinking herself.

“It will depend on the person,” Braxton said. “A non-lethal contagion requiring a few days quarantine is always an option, though my people are capable of finding less drastic measures. Sato will be the easiest to remove from the equation, as her records show her to be a hypochondriac. To be honest, one wonders what Archer had to do to convince her to leave Earth at all.” “Captain,” Seven of Nine said. “Since the universal translator was in its infancy at that point is history, my cortical implant could be modified to work as one and allow me to pose in the role of a communications specialist.” “I imagine your Borg implants would raise a few red flags, Seven,” Harry Kim said.

“We can hide those,” Braxton said. “we can cover up the Commander’s face tattoo as, well, since Starfleet was far more strict regarding body modifications in that era.”

“Okay, that’s two down,” Janeway said. “We only need one more.” “That leaves the science officer,” Braxton said. “As Voyager is a science vessel I suppose that means nearly anyone on board would be a good fit for that role.”

“According to the file we have on Lieutenant Mulder,” Janeway said. “his field of expertise was xenobiology, one of the few humans in that field at the time. He even interned for a year at a Denobulan run endangered animal reserve.” “Samantha Wildman’s field-” Seven of Nine said, but was cut off. “No,” Samantha said, looking panicked. “No no no. I am not a spy, I have no training in undercover work. Forget it.”

“No one’s making you, Sam,” Janeway said. “But Seven is right, that is your field. You’d be a better choice than someone who isn’t and would have to fake it.”

“Not to mention that your relationship with Ensign Seven of Nine would add credibility to the cover,” Braxton said. “The less an agent has to lie about, the easier the facade is to maintain. If you and your wife-” “Fiancee,” Sam corrected. Braxton took out what looked like a PADD, presumably its 29th century equivalent, and ran his finger along the screen. “Oh, right,” he said. “that hasn’t happened yet. My apologies.”

“Not necessary,” Seven of Nine said. “Anyway,” Braxton continued. “whoever we have fill in for the science officer doesn’t need to be well versed in xenobiology. The goal isn’t to take on the officer’s identity, just to be positioned as the ideal alternative to them in order for Archer to have to take them on as his second choice. Same goes for Reed and Sato. You aren’t posing as them, you’re posing as officers with similar qualifications.” “In that case,” Janeway said, “perhaps someone with a degree in astrophysics would be a good fit. Tom?” Tom Paris didn't respond right away, seeming to ponder the question. “Makes sense,” he said. “Plus I’m a history buff, so my knowledge of the era would prove helpful to the team as well.” “Actually,” Chakotay said. “I think maybe Ensign Wildman should join the mission.” “What? Why?” Samantha said. “Seven of Nine’s Borg mannerism and speech patterns would likely draw suspicion onto us,” Chakotay said. “At the very least people will notice. Humans tend not to talk like that most of the time outside of certain contexts.” “This is relevant because?” Janeway said, wondering where Chakotay was going with this. “I’m sure we’ve all noticed that Seven tends to behave more, to put it bluntly, human, when she’s around Sam,” Chakotay said. “Are you suggesting I be removed from the mission if Samantha doesn’t agree to join?” Seven of Nine asked. If any other crewmember were asking that question Janeway would believe they were offended, but Seven was likely only seeking clarification. “No,” Chakotay said. “Merely making a suggestion that could improve the mission’s chances of success.” “Fine, I’ll go,” Samantha said. Everyone on the bridge turned to look at her. “Why is everyone so shocked?” “You just seemed pretty adamant before, Sam,” Harry said.

“Yeah, well, after this year I don’t want to take any chances. I’ve almost lost Annie twice already, I don’t think I could live with myself if something bad happened to her two hundred years in the past if I had a chance to prevent it.” “I assure you, Ensign Wildman,” Braxton said, “we’ll have a temporal transporter lock on them at all times.” “Temporal transporter?” Janeway said. “Just how does that work?” “I can explain in detail later. The only downside to the device is that it’s relatively new to my ship. So far we have been unable to transport more than one person at a time. The team definitely will need to know that going in.” “You should’ve told us sooner, frankly,” Janeway said. “In fact, I get the feeling there are a lot of things you aren’t telling us yet.” “This is true, Captain Janeway,” Braxton said. “but as long as the mission goes even half as well as planned, none of it will be necessary for you to know. Telling you now would just put undue pressure on you and your crew.” “I think that’s my call to make, not yours,” Janeway said. “You said yourself, the space-time continuum isn’t anywhere near as fragile as people in my time think it is, if I remember correctly.” “True,” Braxton said.

“So,” Janeway continued, arms crossed and stepping forward so she was face to face with Braxton, “you are going to come back into the briefing room, with myself and the three volunteers for the mission, and you are going to lay out everything. This is non-negotiable.”

-o-

Week One…

Samantha leaned back and sighed contentedly. She was back on Earth. Earth in the 22nd century, and she was here on an undercover mission, something that she never would have believed was possible, but it was Earth nonetheless. She looked over at Seven, her Borg implants now invisible thanks to the work of Braxton’s crew, and wondered for a moment if Seven had dozed off. The soothing sound of ocean waves had nearly lulled her to that point several times. “Doctor Wildman?” a voice she recognized from archive files that had been played for her and the rest of the undercover team a few days prior said. Here goes nothing, she thought, nervous she would somehow accidentally blow her and Seven’s cover. “Yes?” she said, pretending not to recognize Captain Jonathan Archer. “Jon Archer, Starfleet,” he said, extending his hand. “Archer? As in, Warp Five engine Archer?” Sam said, feigning excitement. “A pleasure to meet you, Captain.” She reached over and nudged Seven. “Annika, you awake sweetie?” “Hmm? Oh, sorry, did I- Captain Archer?” Seven said. “What brings you to Ibiza?” “Sorry to interrupt your honeymoon, Ensign Hansen,” Archer said, smiling. Samantha had to admit the man had a certain charm to him. Had she not known deep down that this man had a deep-seated paranoia against the Vulcans, she might find herself falling into the trap of liking him. “I’m actually here to recruit you. Both of you actually.” “Oh?” Sam said. “I need a new science officer and communications specialist for the NX-01. We’re due to launch at the end of the week, and sadly I’ve had several officers have to bow out. I got lucky that two of the names near the top of both lists happened to be in the same place.” Archer was referring to Sam and Seven’s cover identities, modeled very closely on their real ones, even keeping their names, or birth names in Seven of Nine’s case. “I’m flattered,” Samantha said, remembering the script that Tom Paris had prepared for her for this moment. Don’t say yes right away, he’d said. Make Archer work for it. “But Annie and I just got here. We haven’t even been married a full twenty-four hours yet.” “I understand,” Archer said. “and if I had more time I wouldn’t even be here. But Starfleet Command is really pushing for a launch this Saturday.” “To coincide with Zefram Cochrane’s birthday, I heard about that,” Seven said. “I think we should take him up on the offer honey. I mean, a honeymoon in Spain is wonderful and I love you for suggesting it, but a honeymoon in space? How can we pass that up?” Seven put on an excited smile.

Damn you’re good, Sam thought. She nearly believed that Seven was as excited as she had been told to look. “Good sell, Seven,” Tom’s voice came through on the implants in their ears. Archer smiled. “Not many people can say they spent their honeymoon in space.” Sam sighed. “Captain, I appreciate the offer really, but there’s one slight problem. I’m not Starfleet.” “I can grant you a field commission,” Archer said. “It’s nothing new, my first choice for communications officer, no offense Ensign, wasn’t Starfleet either. She’s a teacher in fact.” Sam looked at Seven, who was putting on a masterful “oh please oh please oh please face” that Naomi had taught her. Samantha felt a twinge of guilt at having to leave Naomi behind, and it broke her heart that she wouldn’t be seeing her daughter for almost a month, but Braxton had sworn to her that in her downtime on the NX-01 he could arrange for a private communication with her from time to time and that there was no way the NX-01 relatively primitive communications technology could intercept. “May I ask why me?” Sam said. “Because you are one of the handful of Human scientists to have ever studied plant and animal life on other worlds,” Archer said. “Now you may be thinking why not an astrophysicist, or some other branch of science, but you don’t need to worry about that, you’ll have a decent team working under you. If something’s outside your field of expertise, you can just tell me who to bring with me on an away mission. Your profile said you showed some leadership skills.” “Well,” Sam said, putting on a smile that she hoped looked both genuine and humble, “I’ve had to take charge of a situation from time to time.” “And you did a great job,” Seven said, gently rubbing Sam’s shoulders. “Imagine what this could do for your career when we get back. Serving on the first Warp Five ship will look great on the resume.” “Alright, I’m convinced,” Sam said. “Great,” Archer said. “See you in San Francisco on Saturday, 0630 hours. That’s a few days off so enjoy your honeymoon ‘til then.” As soon as Archer was out of earshot Sam let out a sigh of relief. “Seems to me like he bought it,” she said. “Agreed,” Seven of Nine said. “Has Commander Chakotay already been enlisted by Captain Archer as well?”

“He has,” Braxton’s voice said in both women’s ears. “Yesterday. He’ll only be a Lieutenant on the NX-01 when you meet him, so be careful about that. His cover story is that he was on the command track until he took a long sabbatical when his father passed away. Like I said, basing your covers partially in truth makes them easier to maintain.

“As for now, do what the Captain said. You’ve got a few days, might as well enjoy them. If Ensign Paris or anyone from my crew has anything they think they’ll need to pass on to you we will. I’ll mute the communicators so you two can be alone.” “Thank you, sir,” Sam said. “but first, Tom?” “Yeah, Sam?” “Tell Naomi I said good night.” “I will.”

-o-

Seven of Nine and Samantha Wildman got to go to the beaches of Spain, Chakotay thought as he went over the defensive systems of the NX-01 while it sat in spacedock, while I have to run calibrations of phasers so old they didn’t even call them phasers yet.

The task, though not exciting, was at least a challenge, so he wasn’t bored. The only hard part for him was making sure that his calibrations were not too good for the time period. Chakotay knew full well he could improve the accuracy and decrease the power consumption of these ‘phased cannons’ exponentially, even using the period technology at his disposal, but he had to settle for a mere 5% improvement. “How’re those calibrations coming along, Lieutenant?” the voice of the NX-01’s chief engineer said. Commander Charles Tucker, whom Captain Archer had referred to as Trip when he’d introduced the two, climbed up the ladder from where the antimatter missiles were stored. Chakotay wondered why he’d been down there, and made a note to check later. “Done,” Chakotay said. “Just triple checking them. One can never be too careful when it comes to weapons as powerful as these. It’d look bad on my performance review if the captain asks me to disable an alien ship and we end up blowing it to pieces instead.” “You expect we’ll see combat out there?” Tucker said. “According to the Vulcans it’s mostly friendlies in the direction we’re headed, and those that aren’t aren’t much of a threat.” “Is that the Vulcans praising us,” Chakotay said, “or insulting them?” “Could be both,” Tucker said with a shrug. “Don’t let it get around Lieutenant, but while I find the Vulcans can be pretty smug sometimes, I don’t think they’re all that bad. Not that I’d ever say that to the Captain mind you. And neither should you.” “My lips are sealed, sir,” Chakotay said. Tucker shook his head. “I doubt I’ll ever get over someone older than me calling me sir, Mister Chakotay. I understand why though. Were you and your Dad close?” “Be as honest as you can,” Braxton’s voice said into Chakotay’s implant, but Chakotay already knew that. “Sadly no,” he said. “That’s part of why I took it so hard when he passed. He never approved of me joining Starfleet. He wanted me to stay in South America with our tribe. By the time I even knew he was ill, it was too late to try and mend fences.” Tucker sighed and put a hand on Chakotay’s shoulder. “Well, hopefully he’s proud of you now, from wherever he is,” he said. Chakotay nodded. “Maybe,” Chakotay said.

-o-

“Wow,” Samantha Wildman said as they approached the NX-01 in a shuttlepod that Captain Archer piloted himself, with Samantha, now wearing the same period appropriate style of uniform that Seven was wearing, but with a different color trim to denote her rank and department. It was amusing that even though hers was only a field commission, she now technically outranked Seven of Nine as far as their cover went. “I hope you don’t intend to abuse your rank, Lieutenant,” Archer had said while the three had still been standing by the landing pad on Earth. She and Seven had shared a look. Archer simply shook his head and laughed. “Forget I said anything,” he’d added. It looks so different, Sam thought. It’s amazing how much of a difference working lights can make. She looked back at Seven, who was making a show of reading the report Archer had given her on the NX-01’s translation system, the very crude precursor to the universal translator that Sam had to admit she had taken for granted over the years. The fact was Seven, due to her Borg implants, still retained the knowledge of the languages of every species the Borg had assimilated while she was a drone. Whether or not she could speak them was another matter; Seven had insisted that she could, but not as easily as she could recall other details, in addition to details such as context, dialect, and accents.

“Fun read, babe?” Sam said. “Interesting,” Seven said. “I look forward to seeing this system in action.” “The woman who was my first choice for communications officer,” Archer said, “Hoshi Sato, actually helped develop it. Shame she can’t join us, but she was always a bit on the paranoid side, and when she got food poisoning of all things the week before launch, she took it as a bad omen and bailed on me. Her loss though. Once we’ve gone past what even the Vulcan’s consider known space there are going to be a lot of new languages I just know she would’ve loved to learn about.” Sam could still hear the inflection that Archer put on the word ‘Vulcans.’ It was subtle; so subtle that she wouldn’t have picked up on it had Seven not pointed it out to her first. She smiled, pretending she didn’t hear it. “So, why is it still called the NX-01?” she said, asking a question that she’d actually wanted to ask in her pre-mission briefing but had failed to ask due to nerves. “Seems to me a starship should have a proper name instead of just a designation.” “Starfleet Command couldn’t agree on one,” Archer said. “Too many Admirals wanting to get credit for being the one who named her. So they decided that if our first mission succeeds, since I helped build her, I’ll get to pick the name.”

“What are you going to call it?” Seven said. “I’ve got it narrowed down. Remember the old space shuttles? Early spacecraft, the United States used them to send astronauts into orbit for scientific missions. I think I’ll name her after one of those. Columbia, Endeavour, Enterprise, one of those.” Sam smiled and nodded, though it was hard for her not to associate the name Robert April with the title of ‘first Starfleet Captain of a U.S.S. Enterprise.’ I wonder what the NX-01 would’ve been named if it had made it back, she thought. “Archer to NX-01, request permission to dock,” Archer said after pushing a button on the console in front of him. “NX-01 flight control to Shuttlepod One, you are clear to approach,” an unknown voice replied. “Hold position while we extend the grappler.”

-o-

Seven of Nine had made sure her ocular implant was modified to search for explosives without having to carry any extra equipment on her. This proved to be a nearly mission compromising mistake as she, Sam, and Archer made their way to sickbay from the shuttle bay. The path took them past the area of the ship where the antimatter missiles, crude precursors to the far more precise photon torpedoes, were stored, and the blinding flash all that relatively poorly shielded explosive material made as she came around a hall made her flinch. Luckily, Archer was not looking right at her when it happened, and Seven was able to regain her composure quickly.

Captain Archer stopped a young woman who was going the opposite direction down the corridor. “Ensign Cutler, would you go ahead and take our two new crewmen to see Doctor Phlox?” “Of course, sir,” Cutler said. “You must be our new science and communications officers,” she added extended a hand to both Seven and Samantha. “Samantha Wildman,” Sam said. “And my wife Annika Hansen.” “Welcome aboard, both of you. Have you been assigned crew quarters yet?” Cutler said. “Dammit, I knew I forgot to do something,” Archer said. He gave Seven and Sam an apologetic smile. “I’ll take care of that myself, Cutler, since it was my faux-pas. Just have them get their check-ups, and then we can be on our way.” “Yes, sir. This way ladies,” Cutler said. Seven allowed Sam to get a few steps ahead of her so Seven could try to surreptitiously scan the parts of the ship they were going through, looking for any sign of some kind of bomb that could be to blame for the NX-01’s loss in the original timeline. “Okay,” Braxton’s voice said into Seven’s earpiece. “Based on our data on Phlox, he’s very unconventional as doctors go. heavy into non-traditional medicine, but as far we know nothing he has is going to harm you. It will be disgusting however, so don’t feel you have to hide your revulsion. He’s probably used to it at this point.”

Seven, Sam, and Cutler arrived at sickbay just in time to see Commander Chakotay leaving. “Ah, Mister Chakotay,” Cutler said. “Samantha, Annika, this is Chakotay. Our new tactical officer.” “A pleasure to meet you,” Samantha said. “Likewise,” Seven added. Chakotay smiled and nodded. “Welcome aboard the NX-01 ladies. Ready to make some history?” he said. “Oh absolutely,” Samantha said, enthusiastically shaking Chakotay’s hand as though they’d never met before.

“Good. Don’t worry too much about the Doc, he promises he’ll only use his leeches if there’s an emergency,” Chakotay said, before saluting and heading down another corridor. I hope he’s joking, Seven thought. “I really hope he was joking,” Tom Paris’ voice said in her ear.

“Doctor, two new guinea pigs for you,” Cutler said in a jovial tone. “Ah, good, always nice to meet new potential victims.” Seven was still behind Sam. She moved to Sam’s side to see a Denobulan, Species 7611, with the largest smile she had ever seen on any sentient being capable of smiling.

“I was unaware that Starfleet allowed non-humans to serve on their ships,” Sam said. “Normally they don’t,” Doctor Phlox said. “But Captain Archer happens to be a friend of mine, so he requested me. It doubtless helps that I have more experience treating injured and sick non-humans than any human doctor does currently, though I’ve no doubt that will change soon. Your species is made up of remarkably quick learners.” “Careful,” Cutler said, still smiling. “this one’s a charmer.”

Seven got the impression that something was going on between these two, but decided that was none of her concern.

“I just need to run a routine physical,” Phlox said, “so go ahead and take a seat on one of the beds, one each please.” It was only then that Seven noticed the animals. Cages, tanks, all sorts of enclosures holding varying types of mammals, fish, insects, and other creatures she did not recognize. “Is this,” Seven said, also finally noticing the smell, “sanitary?” Sam nudged Seven gently as she often did when she felt that Seven needed to briefly cease talking.

Phlox, however did not seem offended in the slightest. “Don’t worry,” he said. “they’ve all been through necessary decontamination procedures. I use some of them for research, all very humane. Some have properties in them that can be used as medical treatments. And, a few of them are simply pets.”

“I love animals too,” Samantha said. “I’ve heard,” Phlox said. “I imagine we will much to talk about over the coming weeks. Now, while normally I love small talk, I do have to get this last round of physicals done in the next hour so Starfleet will allow us to launch on time, so I will get to work on the check-ups for yourself and your lovely wife.”

-o-

Week Two…

Chakotay stared at the ceiling in his quarters, having doubts about the mission. The NX-01 was seven days out of spacedock, and the only exciting thing that had happened was first contact with the Xyrillians. It was a big deal for the people of this time of course, but for him, he’d had a Xyrillian bunkmate during his first starship posting, and another Xyrillian had briefly flown with him in the Maquis before going to another colony in the DMZ to help there.

He also had found nothing that pointed towards what could possibly have caused the accident or sabotage or whatever that had led to this ship ending up being found by his people over two-hundred years later.

But worst of all was his budding friendship with Trip, the chief engineer. Braxton had warned him, as well as Seven of Nine and Samantha Wildman, about getting attached to anyone on this ship, but with a mission that was going to last almost a month, that was just unrealistic. Samantha and Seven themselves seemed to regularly spend their lunches in the mess hall dining with Ensign Cutler, as well as Travis Mayweather, the NX-01’s helmsman.

Since he was alone, he decided to go ahead and talk to his controllers aboard the Relativity directly. “Are you sure there’s nothing we can do for them?” Chakotay said. “History records them as being lost,” Braxton insisted, as he did every time Chakotay broached the subject. “And they don’t just suddenly turn up in the 24th century either. I’m not going to rule out finding a home for them in the 29th, but that wholly depends on what the cause of the disaster is. I’m sorry Commander, but those are the cold hard facts.” Chakotay sighed. This was the third time he’d had this conversation, and it was to Captain Braxton’s credit that he didn’t get annoyed at the repetition he supposed. Everyone on this ship apart from himself, Seven, and Sam were going to die in about a week, and there was nothing he could do about that. He would perform his duties, but there was no rule that said he had to like them.

-o-

Seven of Nine closed her eyes and smiled as Samantha rubbed her shoulders. “This mission cannot end soon enough,” Sam whispered. Seven agreed. While both Captain Braxton and Tom Paris had sworn that they didn’t leave the sub-dermal communicators on non-stop, the couple could not bring themselves to be intimate while they were still in the 22nd century. Only the fact that they had gone more than a week without sex before helped them any, but on Voyager it was different; there was a child in the equation, in addition to Seven’s budding friendships with several members of the crew.

Aboard the NX-01, it was just simply frustrating.

“I am starting to regret volunteering,” Seven said. “At this point, with no sign of any equipment failures or sabotage to explain the disappearance of the NX-01, it looks increasingly likely that we’re in a time loop.” “And that we have to be the ones to make it go missing,” Sam said. “I am not looking forward to that, at all.”

“Nor am I,” Seven said.

The sound of the door chime interrupted the somber conversation. “Enter,” Sam said, looking at the chronometer and wondering who it might be at his hour.

Doctor Phlox entered, smiling, his hands behind his back. “Lieutenant Wildman, can I speak with you privately?” he said. Sam looked at Seven. Seven subtly shrugged. “I suppose that’s alright,” Sam said. “where-” “Sickbay, if you please,” Phlox said. For some reason, he seemed to be making an effort not to make eye contact with her, keeping his focus on Sam. Is he on to us? Seven thought, searching her memories for anything she might’ve done to accidentally reveal any of her cybernetic implants. Or just me? “Yeah, sure,” Sam said. She touched the back of Seven’s neck. “See you at movie night?” “Yes,” Seven said, smiling. “Tucker says we’ll be watching a film called Forbidden Planet. The title intrigues me.”

“It’s a good film,” Phlox said. “The gender politics are incredibly backwards, but I understand that was sadly normal for humans at the time it was made. I saw it during my time on Earth, before I met Captain Archer.” “Sounds interesting. I’ll meet you there. Love you,” Sam said. “Love you too,” Seven said.

-o-

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Sam asked Phlox. “How long have you known your wife, Lieutenant?” Phlox said. “Two years,” Sam said. She was rounding up considerably, but it was a mostly accurate statement. “Remember a few days ago when one of my pet bats accidentally scratched her?” Phlox said. “Yes,” Sam said, glowering. “I also remember reading you the riot act over letting a freaking bat fly around sickbay.” “I was examining her, the bat I mean, after the incident, and I found something in your spouse’s blood that concerns me,” Phlox said. Uh oh, Sam thought. “Uh oh,” Tom Paris said in Sam’s earpiece.

“Several years ago,” Phlox said, “when I first came to Earth, I was brought in to consult on something that had been found in the northern polar region of the planet. Along with some debris from a ship that had presumably crashed there years before, we found the frozen bodies of several humanoid, cybernetic beings.” “Interesting,” Sam said, afraid she knew where this was going but not wanting to give away anything. “But what does that have to do with my wife?”

“When I examined the bodies, I found inert nanotechnology inside them,” Phlox said. “I was sworn to silence by Starfleet Command about it, I’m risking my good standing with Earth as well as my position on this ship by talking to you about this. I’ve never even told Captain Archer. But I may be forced to, because I found that same nanotech in the blood on my bat’s claws.” Sam shook her head and laughed, hoping the laugh came across as genuine. “Are you trying to tell me that Annika is secretly a cyborg?” she said. “That’s ludicrous. If that’s so, why didn’t you find any during your exams when we first came aboard?”

“She may have been able to hide it,” Phlox said. “The nanotech I found in her bloodstream was inert.” “Also,” Samantha said, stepping closer to Phlox in what she hoped was an intimidating gesture, “if you actually think she’s a cyborg infiltrator of some kind, why would you tell me this? For all you know I could be one too.” “I considered that,” Phlox said. “That’s why I palmed one of the utensils you used at dinner in the mess hall the other night.”

“That’s kinda creepy,” Tom’s voice said. Sam had to bite her lip to keep from verbally agreeing. “I scanned that and found no sign of nanotechnology,” Phlox said. “That’s why I believe I can trust you. I think-” “I think you should just drop this, Doctor,” Sam said forcefully. “I don’t,” a voice behind Sam said. She turned around to see Captain Archer standing there, with two armed officers standing behind them. One of them was Chakotay, who did not look happy to be there. She couldn’t blame him for not wanting to compromise the mission, but for Sam this was a bridge too far. “So you lied about not having told the Captain yet,” Sam said to Phlox. “You just wanted to keep me out of my quarters.” “I’m sorry, Samantha,” Phlox said. “Shove it,” Sam said. She was tempted to just ask Braxton for an extraction, but the problem of the temporal transporter only being able to take one person at a time had not yet been solved. “Doctor, escort the Lieutenant to the brig,” Archer said. “We’ll be bringing Ensign Hansen with us to join her shortly, and we can begin the interrogation.” “Shit, shit, shit,” Tom muttered. “Captain Braxton?! We’ve got a problem!” Sam nearly flinched when Tom yelled, apparently not realizing how loud he was being so close to the communicator. She tried to think of something, anything she could say that would stop this. Maybe if she were an experienced spy like Tuvok, a tactician like Chakotay, or as analytical as Seven of Nine she would’ve, but instead she just sighed. “Fine,” she said with anger in her voice. Although she directed the anger in Archer’s direction, it wasn’t him she was actually mad at, but he didn’t need to know that. She was mad at Phlox for the invasion of privacy with the utensils, mad at Braxton for dragging Voyager into this mess, and mad at herself for going along. “Okay, don’t panic Sam,” Tom said. “I let Seven know what’s going on.” As soon as Tom finished his sentence, the door to their quarters opened, and Seven stepped out, wearing her uniform in casual mode, as she always did on movie night. Seven sold a look of confusion that Sam would’ve thought was real had she not known better. “Sam, honey, what’s going on?” “Mister Chakotay, Mister Nava, take them to the brig,” Archer said. “The Doctor and I will join you shortly.” “It’s okay baby,” Sam said. “It’s all a misunderstanding I’m sure. We’ll get it cleared up.” She turned and glowered at Phlox. “And believe me, heads will roll over this.”

-o-

Chakotay had to fight the urge to just bust Sam and Seven out of their cells in the brig himself and try to get them all off this ship. As Braxton had pointed out to him, there weren’t really any options. The NX-01’s own transporters weren’t as reliable as Voyager’s, and even if they were there was nowhere nearby they could beam to. The shuttlepods had no FTL drive and no shields; stealing one of them would only get them killed. That left the temporal transporter, which could only take one person at a time and had a recharge cycle of ten seconds, during which the increasingly paranoid Archer could do something rash to whoever wasn’t lucky enough to be extracted first.

“Jon thinks maybe the Vulcans have something to do with this,” Trip said to Chakotay while the latter was doing yet another inspection of the warp drive for any signs of tampering under Archer’s orders. “He hasn’t said anything to me about it,” Chakotay said, “but I can believe that. That he would think that I mean. Didn’t Doctor Phlox say that the nanotech he found was centuries ahead of anything the Vulcans have?”

“He did, and I looked at those samples myself. No way is that Vulcan tech,” Trip said. “I just wish Jon would listen to reason, but this whole thing with Annika Hansen has him really on edge. He’s still waiting on orders from Starfleet Command on how to handle the interrogation.” “That’s the thing about paranoia,” Chakotay said. “It’s impervious to logic.” Chakotay turned off his scanner. “Third check confirms, no signs of any explosives, no nanotech, not even a tracking device. If I wasn’t afraid he’d toss me in the brig too…” Chakotay let the thought hang. He looked at Trip, who just sadly nodded. Archer’s own best friend was starting to turn on him.

I wonder if we even need to let the NX-01 be destroyed or go missing, Chakotay thought. At this point even Archer’s own best friend has trouble with him. Not exactly the charismatic icon that Braxton was worried would spread anti-Vulcan bias.

“Archer to engineering,” Archer’s voice said over the loudspeakers. “Yes, Captain?” Trip said. “Mister Tucker, we’re returning to Earth,” Archer said. “Starfleet Command wants to handle our prisoners there. They’ll be calling in experts on interrogation, which we lack. Can the warp 5 engine handle a prolonged trip? I’d like us to get back there faster than we got out here.”

“I wouldn’t want to push it Captain,” Trip said. “But since we stopped a few places along the way, all we have to do is not stop there again on the way back and we can easily make the trip in only ten days at Warp 4.” “I want us back there in one week,” Archer said. This was not a request. “Okay. I think we can keep up a speed of Warp 5 non-stop for about,” Trip took out a device similar to the PADDs that people in Chakotay’s time used and began making calculations. “About sixteen hours. Drop to warp 4 after that, we can be home in, let’s see here, seven and a half days. That’s the best I can give you without risking tearing the ship apart.” “Twelve hours is better than three days,” Archer said. “I’ll take it. Prepare the engine, we’re leaving now.”

So much for getting to see first contact with the Borothans, Chakotay thought.

“Commander,” Braxton’s voice said into Chakotay's earpiece. “We’ve got a plan, but first you need to get Mister Tucker somewhere where we can beam him to the Relativity with nobody seeing. Contact us immediately once you succeed, and further instructions will follow.”

-o-

Seven of Nine looked up at the ceiling of her cell, lying on the very uncomfortable bed. She had to admit she had a certain respect for the design of the NX-01’s cells. Similar to the ones on modern Starfleet ships, but using a transparent aluminum wall with small holes cut in to allow air and sound to travel in and out. Most importantly for the safety of the crew, while inconvenient for her at the moment, was that a wall doesn’t simply shut off if there were to be a power outage.

She could see Sam, sitting against the wall and being visibly depressed in the cell across from hers. She wanted to comfort her, but Archer kept guards in the brig with them 24/7, and they were under orders to not allow the prisoners to speak to each other. Only the occasional presence of Tom Paris, Captain Braxton, and even occasionally Naomi on their ear-pieces, patched in a shared frequency so they both could hear at the same time, kept them from feeling isolated.

The crews of both the Relativity and the Voyager were working on a way to safely extract them, but Seven could tell from how they’d spoken in the almost twenty-four hours since Archer had put her and Sam in here that both Braxton and Janeway were nearing the point of just scrapping the mission, using the temporal transporter, and hoping for the best.

I should never have agreed to this mission, Seven thought. All of this is my fault. Had I not volunteered my Borg nanoprobes wouldn’t have ended up on the claws of that stupid pet of that questionable doctor and the whole operation wouldn’t be compromised. Worst of all, the woman I love is sitting in a damn jail cell, not allowed to talk to anyone. She must be so scared, and I can’t even tell her I’m sorry.

“Hey, Chakotay,” she heard the current guard, Ensign Nava, say. “Hey, Jerry,” Chakotay said. “I’m here to relieve you.”

“Aren’t you a little early? Your shift isn’t for another half-hour.” “I know, but I woke up early and couldn’t get back to sleep. Have the prisoners said anything?“ “No sir,” Nava said. “Permission to speak frankly?”

“Go ahead,” Chakotay said. “I know the nanotech thing is suspicious and all, but this all seems a little extreme. If we absolutely had to cut them off from the rest of the ship, shouldn’t confinement to quarters have been enough? And if both of them are spies or whatever then doesn’t keeping from talking to each other accomplish nothing? They’ve had weeks if not longer to get their stories straight.” Seven got up and went to the transparent barrier. She could see Chakotay and Nava speaking to each other, though Nava’s back was to her. Chakotay made a show of looking around to make sure no one else was around. “I happen to agree, Ensign, but these are the Captain's orders. We’re heading back to Earth, we can file a protest with Starfleet Command once we get there.” “Understood. Enjoy your shift, sir,” Nava said, saluting as he handed his phase pistol and a datapad to Chakotay. Once Nava was out of sight, Chakotay manipulated some controls on a nearby console, and the barriers to both occupied cells slid open. “Chakotay to Tucker,” Chakotay said into a handheld communicator, “we are a go.” “Got it,” the chief engineer’s voice replied. “I’m on the way to the shuttlepod bay right now. Make sure internal security goes down before I get there so Jon doesn’t know I went willingly.” “You say that like this is the first time I’ve had to stage a kidnapping, Trip,” Chakotay said with a wry grin. “Commander,” Seven said. “What the hell is going on?” “You took the words right out of my mouth, hon,” Sam said.

“I can explain,” Chakotay said. “Wait, never mind, not enough time, I’ll summarize. You two were able to take advantage of a power failure that caused the doors to open, kidnap Chief Engineer Tucker, and steal a shuttlepod.” “What power failure?” Seven said. “The one that’s going to happen in a few minutes because I sabotaged the engines,” Chakotay said. “Now get going, Trip will meet you at the shuttlepod bay.” “Then what?” Sam said. “The shuttlepods don’t have FTL.” “It’s taken care of, now start moving.” “C’mon, Annie,” Sam said, taking Seven’s hand and moving towards the door. “What about you, Commander?” “I’ll get arrested and thrown in one of those cells over there, but don't worry, that’s part of the plan.” Almost as soon as Chakotay finished that sentence, the ship shuddered as it suddenly dropped out of warp. The lights blinked out, quickly replaced by the familiar glow of emergency lighting. “Go, go, go!” Chakotay yelled at them. The two women bolted for the door and made their way as quickly as possible towards the shuttlepod bay, coming across a pair of unconscious crewmen along the way, and resisting the urge to help. When they arrived at the bay, the door to Shuttlepod One was already open, Commander Tucker leaning out and motioning for them to follow him in. “C’mon, hurry. I stunned those crewmen over a minute ago, it’ll wear off any second.” “Commander,” Sam said, “Why are you helping us?” “I’ll tell you the whole story if my own best friend doesn't blow us all to hell first,” Trip said, taking the controls as the door to shuttlepod sealed, and the shuttle bay door beneath it opened. “And also assuming that the trick Captain Braxton and Ensign Paris came up with works.” “How do you-” Sam started to say, but the shuttlepod shuddered as the magnetic clamps released, and the artificial gravity of the ship allowed it to drop through the open bay door, at which point Trip fired up the engines and began flying straight ahead at full speed. “Voyager to away team, stand by,” Captain Janeway’s voice said over both Seven and Samantha’s ear pieces. “and don’t panic,” she added. “Commander Tucker, do you-” “I heard,” Trip said. “They gave me one of those subdermal communicators too. Trust me, I’m not doing this lightly. Jonathan Archer is still my best friend. I wouldn’t betray him over just a hunch.” Seven understood. Commander Tucker had been brought to the Relativity by way of the temporal transporter. How much detail he was given she didn’t know, at least not yet, but whatever Braxton and Janeway had divulged to him was enough to make him do something that Seven herself would’ve considered impossible; openly defying Captain Archer. Well, not openly, Seven thought, correcting herself. As far as Archer is concerned we kidnapped Mister Tucker when we took the shuttlepod. Assuming the plan worked, Archer probably thinks we-

“NX-01 to Shuttlepod One, power down or you will be fired upon,” Archer’s voice said over the comm. It was a much more reserved tone than Seven would’ve suspected. “Annika, Samantha, whoever you work for, I’m not going to let you get away with taking my friend, my chief engineer, to them. I want him back alive, but if losing him is what it takes to make it clear to your superiors that Earth is more than capable of doing what it takes to defend itself you-” “Annie, look!” Sam yelled, pointing out the front viewport. A spatial distortion, exactly like the one that preceded the arrival of the Relativity in the Delta Quadrant in Voyager’s path, appeared, and a ship came out. It wasn’t the Relativity though, and at first glance it didn’t seem to be Voyager either, but Seven’s ocular implants told her what NX-01’s crude sensors wouldn’t. “Son of a bitch” Sam said, “they made Voyager look like a Kazon ship!” Seven smiled. Even without technology to aid her, Samantha had quickly pieced together what little information she’d been given by Chakotay and Trip. Seven reached out to take Sam’s hand, but the tingle of a transport beam locking on to her kept her from completing the motion.

-o-

Captain Janeway stood next to Ensign Todd Mulcahey as he manipulated the transporter controls. Soon, Seven of Nine, Samantha Wildman, and the NX-01’s chief engineer Charles Tucker all stood on the transporter pad. The two former quickly embraced each other, while the latter looked around with a sense of wonder. “Good work, Todd,” Janeway said. “Thanks, Captain,” Mulcahey said.

“Welcome aboard the Federation starship Voyager, Mister Tucker,” Janeway said. “Please, call me Trip,” Tucker said. “I’m glad I could help you get two of your people back.” “Okay, Trip,” Janeway said smiling. She turned to Seven and Sam. “You two alright?” “We’re good Captain,” Sam said. “Not being allowed to talk to each other was rough, but we weren’t mistreated otherwise.” “Jon Archer’s a lot of things,” Tucker said, sounding slightly sad. “but even he wouldn’t stoop to torture. I just hope your First Officer is doing alright, we easily could’ve fit him in the shuttlepod.” “I know,” Janeway said. “But you were there when we came up with the plan. If Chakotay can get through to him, we can send you home, the Relativity can go back to the 29th century, and me and my people can get back to our journey.” “What exactly is this plan I keep hearing about?” Seven said. “Now that we are back on Voyager I assume there is time for an update.” “How about you guys go talk to your daughter first,” Tucker said. Seven and Sam looked at him in surprise. “How did you-” Sam said. “Time travel,” Tucker said. “I was on the Relativity for a few days, but only a few minutes passed on the NX-01. I learned a lot in that time.” “Don’t dwell on the logistics of that too much, Sam,” Janeway said. “It’ll give you a whopper of a headache.” “Temporal mechanics usually do, ma’am,” Sam said. “Naomi’s in the mess hall with Neelix. Go see her, then report to the briefing room in two hours. Mister Tuck- Trip, would you like a tour?” “I’d love to. Can we start with engineering?” “Of course,” Janeway said. “I’ll take you personally.”

“Thanks, Cap,” Tucker said. “Can’t wait to see what an engine capable of pushing Warp 9.975 looks like. It must be massive.”

“Depends on how you define massive, but I think you’ll be impressed,” Janeway said as she and Commander Tucker exited the transporter room together. “You know,” Tucker said, “I can’t put my finger on why I feel this way but somehow your ship just seems, what’s the word I’m looking for here? Warmer. Yeah, it seems warmer than the Relativity somehow. Not temperature wise, I mean, I don’t know. This is gonna drive me nuts.”

Janeway shrugged. “Well I can’t help you there,” she said. “I’m too biased. This isn’t just my first command, it’s also been my only home for almost five years.”

“Good point,” Tucker said.

-o-

Chakotay knew for the most part what he was getting into by allowing himself to be caught after helping Seven of Nine and Samantha Wildman escape. Had he known however that in addition to being put in one of the cells in the NX-01’s brig he’d also be strapped to a chair while Doctor Phlox injected him with a crude truth serum derived from the excretions of some of his lab animals, he might have suggested some alterations to the plan. “You know what’s ironic about this?” Chakotay said to Phlox and Archer as they stood over him, and his vision started to blur as the serum kicked in. “I wasn’t going to lie anyway. My mission’s already been compromised.” “I don’t think that counts as irony, Mister Chakotay,” Phlox said. “If that is your real name of course,” Archer said. Chakotay did not want to laugh, but thanks to the drug he couldn’t stop it. “‘If that’s your real name,’ ha. You sound like a bad guy from a bad holonovel,” Chakotay said. Archer’s facial expressions showed that he was getting angrier. Chakotay thought for a moment that Archer might punch him, but Phlox gently placed a hand on Archer’s shoulder, at which point the latter stepped back slightly. “Okay, the truth then,” Archer said. “Are you working for the Vulcans?” “No,” Chakotay said. Archer looked at Phlox. Phlox nodded and ran a medical scanner over him. “The serum is working, he’s telling the truth Captain.” “Well, Phlox, I owe you an apology on that one. You were right about the nanotech being beyond what the Vulcans have now.” “You were being cautious Captain,” Phlox said. “With the safety of the ship at stake, I took no offense.” “Speaking of the safety of my ship,” Archer said, “what was your mission Mister Chakotay?”

“To find out what caused the disappearance of the NX-01,” Chakotay said, feeling a little sleepy now. “One of Starfleet earliest unsolved mysteries. We never knew if was sabotage, an accident, a spatial anomaly…” “Hold it right there,” Archer said, leaning in so close that Chakotay could smell his aftershave, which wasn’t very strong, so he was very close indeed. “What happens to my ship?” “I told you, we don’t know,” Chakotay said, the serum keeping him from hiding his frustration. “That’s why Sam, Seven, and I were here.” “Who’s Seven?” Phlox said. “Seven of Nine,” Chakotay said, “A former Borg drone we rescued almost two years ago. She only went by Annika Hansen on this mission, though she lets her fiancee call her that too.” “Hmm,” Phlox said. “Interesting. Using an engaged couple to pose as a married couple. Makes a certain amount of sense. And I assume that the Borg is the name of the race those humanoid creatures we found near the North Pole belong to?” “Yes,” Chakotay said, unable to stop himself from telling Archer and Phlox literally everything he knew about the Borg, right down to how many ships were lost at Wolf 359. Archer and Phlox looked increasingly horrified. “So what were they doing on Earth a hundred years ago?” Phlox asked. “No idea,” Chakotay said. “maybe it was a crashed scout ship that the collective never came to retrieve. It’s not unheard of.” Phlox checked his scanner again. “The serum is still working, Jonathan. He’s still telling the truth.”

“I see,” Archer said. “That doesn’t explain though why your shipmates kidnapped my chief engineer.” Don’t tell him, Chakotay thought, fighting with his own mind and mouth. Don’t tell him don’t tell don’t tell him don’t- “Trip helped us, we faked the kidnapping so you wouldn’t try to blow up the shuttlepod before Voyager could beam them off.”

Dammit, Chakotay thought. Archer looked stunned, and Chakotay couldn’t blame him in the slightest. Archer looked at Phlox who sadly nodded. “What did you to him? Bribe him? Threaten his family? Brainwashing? What?!” “We showed him what would happen if the timeline changed too much,” Chakotay said, now having trouble keeping his eyes open. “In theory, we could save the NX-01 and Starfleet and the Federation wouldn’t be any worse off for it, time is not as fragile as people think it is.” “The Federation?” Phlox said, but Chakotay kept going. “If Jonathan Archer returns to Earth as a successful leader of a successful mission, his popularity will allow his anti-Vulcan bias to spread and become mainstream.” Archer grabbed Chakotay by the collar of his uniform. “So the Vulcans are involved, just not this century’s Vulcans!” “They didn’t sabotage your father’s work, you racist idiot,” Chakotay said, the racist idiot part he added freely without any prompting from the truth serum, all respect he might have had for Archer at one point now completely evaporated. “The bond between Humanity and the Vulcans is the core of the Federation as I know it. Yeah, we make mistakes, even in the 24th century. I even left it for a time because of one of them, but I came back partly because for all its faults I still believe in its core values, even if it doesn’t always measure up to them. If you are allowed to return to Earth as a hero, we’ll lose that. Best case scenario, we still survive the coming Romulan War, but weaker and more afraid. Worst case, we all die without the Vulcans there to aid us.” “Shut up,” Archer said. “I was supposed to convince you that the NX-01 needed to return to its original course,” Chakotay continued, “for the sake of history, which was mostly true so I wouldn’t really have needed to lie at all. Exaggerate maybe, but that’s about it. Then when we got to the nebula, if need be, we’d make the ship disappear ourselves, and Captain Braxton would find a home for you and your people in the 29th century, and history would go on as normal. But thanks to one stupid bat, you’re heading back to Earth more paranoid than ever.”

“Shut the hell up,” Archer said through clenched teeth. Chakotay laughed. “I suppose it all works out in the end though, doesn’t it? After all, this ship hasn’t finished its original mission, you’re returning to Earth early, and with two of your prisoners having escaped. Command will be forgiving, they’ll know as well as you do that you couldn’t have seen Trip helping us coming. But public opinion on the other hand-” Archer punched Chakotay so hard that the chair he was strapped to fell over. Chakotay felt his head impact against the deck, and his vision became more blurry than it had already been. “You’ve recorded everything?” Archer said. “Yes sir,” Phlox said. Sir, Chakotay thought. Not Jon, or Captain. I wonder if that means something.

“We’ll bring him, and everything we have to Starfleet command,” Archer said. “The data from the truth serum, Annika Hansen slash Seven of Nine’s blood, the sensor logs from that ship that I guess was Voyager, all of it. I am concerned only about the present. If we and the Vulcans are all besties in the future, fine, but as long as I’m alive, I will not treat them like anything other than the smug bastards who held us back. If they’d helped us, my Dad would’ve lived to see a working Warp 5 engine.” “What if Starfleet decides that ensuring we do become allied with the Vulcans, and forming this Federation that Mister Chakotay was talking about, is the correct course of action?” “They won’t,” Archer said. “Humans don’t like being told what to do.” “Few sentient races do,” Chakotay heard Phlox say before unconsciousness overtook him, “Whatever Starfleet Command decides, you have my support Captain.”

-o-

“Not good,” Tom said as Chakotay’s vital signs dipped. He was still alive, at least according to the monitor on the bridge of the Relativity he sat in front of. “”In more ways than one,” Captain Braxton said. “The whole plan was for Chakotay to do a hard sell to convince Archer to let go of or at least ease up on his hatred towards the Vulcans.” “I remember, I helped come up with it,” Tom said.

“The temporal transporter has been fully recharged for hours. I think we should just get him out of there and come up with another plan,” Braxton said. “Well, maybe not,” Tom said. “I mean, yes, get Chakotay the hell out of there, but I think he might be right. Archer coming back early, with multiple prisoner escapes and a wild story about people from the future, he’ll be dismissed as a raving lunatic.” “If it were just him maybe,” Braxton said. “But Archer’s crew will back him up, as will their samples of Seven of Nine’s nanoprobes, and the recording of Commander Chakotay’s interrogation, and the sensor logs of the holo-disguised Voyager.” Tom had to admit the captain was right, and this whole mission had gone completely sideways in spite of all the advanced technology and combined experience on undercover operations and time travel that the two Starfleet crews brought to the table. “Unless,” Braxton said, interrupting Tom’s internal lamentations. “Unless we do something drastic. Wait here, Ensign Paris, I need to consult with my team. Braxton to all senior staff, report to the briefing room.” “Uh, sure, okay. I’ll just sit here. Doing nothing,” Tom said. He soon found himself alone on the bridge of the Relativity. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, he began quietly singing to himself.

“I've seen all good people turn their heads each day, so satisfied I'm on my way…”

-o-

Seven of Nine sat next to Commander Tucker in the briefing room, Samantha having chosen to sit out the remainder of this operation to spend time with Naomi on the holodeck. If the Captain was bothered by this blatant disregard of her order, she gave no sign of it. “I’ll make this brief,” Janeway said. “This mission is completely FUBAR.” “FUBAR?” Seven said. “I am unfamiliar with that term.” “I’ll explain later,” Harry Kim said. Janeway filled Seven, Harry, Tucker, Tuvok, and the Doctor in on what had happened to Chakotay, and how the original plan to talk Jonathan Archer out of his anti-Vulcan biases had been compromised. “Do we know the nature of the serum used on the Commander?” the Doctor asked, sounding worried. “Unknown,” Janeway said, “apart from dizziness and a slowing of the heartbeat. We know he’s alive but unconscious as of our last update.” “I can’t believe that Jon would do this,” Tucker said. “I’ve known him for years, this just doesn’t seem like him. I mean, he had his issues with the Vulcans, but I honestly thought he had that under control.” “I can’t believe a doctor would go along with this,” the Doctor said. “This Phlox seems to have very loose interpretations of the Hippocratic Oath.” “According to Ensign Paris,” Janeway continued, “Braxton’s holed up with his senior staff over on the Relativity to come up with another plan. Until then, there’s not much we can do except come up with some ideas of our own in case Braxton’s people fail. Again.” Seven wondered if there were anything she could’ve done differently while she was undercover on the NX-01 that could’ve avoided this situation.

“Seven?” Janeway said. “Any thoughts?” “Regrettably none, Captain,” Seven had to admit. “Captain Archer seemed like a reasonable, rational individual for the most part. The only point of concern Samantha and I had is the same one that Captain Braxton had; his belief about the Vulcans undermining his late father’s work.” “I always hoped he’d get over that,” Tucker said. “Have we considered just using Braxton’s temporal transporter to bring Archer forward? Hell, maybe that should’ve been done sooner.” “I am inclined to agree with Mister Tucker,” Tuvok said, speaking up for the first time since the meeting started. “However, that is only with the benefit of hindsight. Temporal mechanics is outside my field my expertise, so I deferred to Captain Braxton’s experience in the field.”

“I think our biggest mistake was letting Braxton run the operation when it was my people involved,” Janeway said. Seven felt inclined to agree, though chose not to say so out loud. “I should-” “Bridge to Captain Janeway,” the voice of Sue Brooks said over the com. “The Relativity just opened another temporal rift, but they aren’t going through it. Sensors are detecting another ship though. It looks like the NX-01. Er, another NX-01 I mean.”

“What the hell is Braxton doing?” Janeway said, echoing similar thoughts in Seven’s head.

-o-

Week Three...

“Mayweather, report!” Captain Archer yelled. “Another anomaly sir,” Travis Mayweather said from his navigation console. “Like the one that alien ship that grabbed Commander Tucker and the escaped prisoners came thorugh, but right in front of us. I couldn’t turn in time, inertia is taking us right through it.” Except it wasn’t an alien ship, Archer thought. It was one of Starfleet’s, just from the future with a holographic camouflage. Am I really that much of a monster in history's eyes?

“Red alert. Prepare to be boarded,” Archer said, taking his captain’s chair. “Arm phase cannons and antimatter missiles. I’d rather pick a fight I can’t win than let some arrogant pricks from the 29th century tell humanity in the here and now what we’re supposed to do. The future isn’t written for us, isn’t that right. Mister Mayweather?” Travis didn’t answer right away, and that concerned Archer a good deal. He was about to repeat the question when the helmsman tentatively answered. “I don’t really believe in destiny. sir. We make our own fate.”

“Mister Nava, as soon as we exit this portal, open fire on the nearest vessel,” Archer said. “Sir?” Nava, sitting at the console that Chakotay had sat at for the past two weeks. “Did I stutter, Ensign?” “No, no sir,” Nava said, sounding very nervous. “Don’t worry, Ensign,” Archer said. “they won’t try to destroy us, they’ll want their man back.” “I’m not sure we could stop them from taking him sir,” Nava said. “If you’ll forgive me for being so blunt.” “Apology accepted Mister Nava,” Archer said. “Just do your job.”

-o-

When Captain Janeway entered the bridge, Tom Paris was there, looking confused. “Tom?” Janeway said. “Captain, Braxton just had me beamed over here a few seconds ago,” Tom said. “I have no idea what they’re doing.” “I do,” Janeway said. “They’re bringing the NX-01 here. Take your post.” “Yes ma’am,” Tom said, sitting down as soon as Ensign Brooks vacated the navigator’s chair. “Captain,” Trip said, “let me try talking to him. He’s still my friend, maybe he’ll listen before doing something rash.” “Actually,” Janeway said, “I’m a little more worried about Braxton doing something rash at this point.”

“The NX-01’s weapons are powered up,” Harry said. “They have locked onto us, Captain,” Tuvok said. “Shields up,” Janeway said. “Even outdated weapons can penetrate an unprotected hull.” She turned from looking at Tuvok to look back at the screen, and watched as the NX-01 unleashed its first volley, which impacted harmlessly against Voyager’s shields. “Hail them,” she said.

“Channel open,” Harry said. “Captain Archer, this is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the starship Voyager. Please- “Spare me, Captain,” Archer’s voice responded. “Can we get a visual?” Janeway said to Harry. “Let me save you the trouble, Captain,” Archer said. Soon the image of the bridge of the NX-01 filled Voyager’s viewscreen, Archer at dead center, seated in the captain's chair. “I demand that your ship, or the other ship, whichever one it was that brought us here return us to our time immediately.”

“That would be the other ship,” Janeway said. “The one you aren’t firing at. Cease fire, and I’ll arrange a meeting with Captain Braxton. This nonsense has gone on long enough and we need to settle this. We have something in common Captain; a desire to read a certain 29th Century Starfleet officer the riot act.” “Read him the riot act?” Archer said with an angry short laugh. “You still use that phrase in your century?” “Just power down your weapons,” Janeway said. “Braxton and I will meet you on your ship. We’ll exchange ourselves for my first officer.” “Chakotay?” Archer said. “Fair enough I suppose. Mister Nava, cease fire, and have Mister Chakotay brought to the bridge. I will meet with you and Captain Braxton here in twenty minutes.” “I’ll come too, Captain,” Tucker said. “Maybe I can hel-” “Don’t bother, Commander Tucker,” Archer said, “you’ve made your choice. Enjoy your new friends on Voyager.” “Jon, I can-” The viewscreen went back to the view of the NX-01, already having ceased firing its weapons. “He cut us off,” Harry said. “I can see that,” Janeway said. “Open a channel to Braxton. He’ll be joining me if I have to drag him over there by his ears.” Janeway glanced over at Commander Tucker, who looked utterly defeated. “I’m sure he’ll forgive you in time,” Janeway said. Tucker sighed.

“I hope so. I’d hate to think that helping you cost me my best friend,” he said. “Stay here for now, Trip,” Janeway said, walking over to put a hand on Tucker’s shoulder. “I’ll do my best to get you back to your ship.”

-o- “Just what in every known sentient race’s version of Hell were you thinking Braxton?” Janeway yelled as soon as she was standing on the transporter pad on the Relativity. “Removing Jonathan Archer from the equation and ensuring the existence of Starfleet,” Braxton said, looking defiant. “The plan, before Archer decided to shoot first and ask questions later, which I swear was not something we expected even with his increased paranoia, was to bring him here long enough to exchange Mister Tucker for Mister Chakotay, then bring the NX-01’s crew to the 29th century and leave the ship itself here.” “It was a stupid plan, Braxton,” Janeway said. “Quite possibly one of the most idiotic blunders I have ever seen in my life. And I’m equally stupid for having gone along with you in the first place, for letting you drag me and my crew into your mission. Just how far have Starfleet’s standards fallen in the five hundred years from my time that someone like you gets made Captain of the most advanced ship in the fleet?” “What gives you the right to insult me on my-” “Get your ass on that transporter pad now, Braxton,” Janeway said. “We are going over to the NX-01, we are going to have a civil chat with Captain Archer, and we are going to clean up your goddamn mess!” Janeway knew that Braxton had the upper hand here; his ship, and technology far in advance of her own, but she hoped that with enough righteous fury thrown in his direction, he would buckle and go along with her instead of trying to take control of the situation again, in which case he would almost certainly make things worse.

“Very well then, Captain. Chief?” Braxton said to the Cardassian standing at the transporter room main console. “Beam us directly the NX-01’s bridge, as per Captain Archer’s request.” “Yes sir,” the transporter chief said.

-o-

Chakotay rubbed at his temples, glad that his hands were free to do so. He was on the bridge of the NX-01 again, but this time as a prisoner, with Ensign Nava having a phase pistol set on stun pointed at him.

The familiar sound of a transporter beam got him to focus his still somewhat blurry vision, a leftover side effect of Phlox’s truth serum, and soon a very angry looking Captain Janeway, and a somewhat embarrassed looking Captain Braxton were standing in front of the NX-01 viewscreen. Nava, Archer, and Mayweather all turned to point their phase pistols at the two other Captains. “Stay right there,” Archer said. “Mister Nava, check them for weapons.” “We came unarmed,” Janeway said, her hands already up. “We just want to talk Captain Archer. Starfleet Captains to Starfleet Captain.” “I don’t recognize the authority of future Starfleet officers,” Archer said. “Far as I’m concerned, neither of you exist yet. The only reasons I’m not throwing you two in the brig right now are one, I’m sure your people could easily just snatch you without any resistance, and two, because I’m a man of my word. Have Voyager beam Mister Chakotay back, and we can start talking, though I make no promises that I will go along quietly with anything you propose.”

“Captain, I-” Chakotay started to say, but Janeway cut him off with a look. “Janeway to Voyager, lock on to Commander Chakotay and beam him directly to sickbay.” “Aye, Captain,” Chakotay heard Harry Kim’s voice say, and before he could protest, he felt the tingling sensation that came with a transporter beam in progress. I hope you can get him to calm down, Chakotay thought, as his component atoms were broken down for transport. This mission has been a real cluster-

-o-

Once Chakotay was gone, Archer nodded at his people to put their phase pistols away, while he did the same. He sat back down in the captain’s chair and crossed his legs. “So,” he said. “Talk.” “Since you already know the reason my people were on your ship in the first place,” Janeway said, “I’ll skip to the chase. Captain Braxton’s plan is to take you and your crew into the 29th century in order to preserve the current timeline. What I hope to accomplish, on the other hand, is to assuage your concerns about the Vulcans so you and your people can go home, and history can carry on as normal, only with you and the crew of the NX-01 getting to take part in it.”

“I don’t like either of those, Captain Janeway,” Archer said. “Though I must admit, you must be quite persuasive to keep Braxton from just taking control of the operation, given his ship is clearly superior to yours and ours put together. I doubt we could stop him if we tried.”

“I,” Braxton said, pausing, and sighing before starting over. “I concede that I handled this operation badly. I chose the Voyager crew because of past experiences with them, rather than finding experts on 22nd century history from my own time. Time travel has been done by humanity since the mid 23rd century, and that’s just the incidents we know of, but it’s only been within my lifetime we began to understand it. I accept responsibility for my failures, clearly my crew and I still have a great deal to learn.” “That was very big of you, Braxton,” Janeway said, though Archer wondered if he heard a hint of sarcasm in her reply. “I have listened to your proposals, or at least the summaries thereof,” Archer said. “And I reject both of them. I demand me and my people, sans Commander Tucker who would only face dishonorable discharge and possibly jail time if he came back with us, be allowed to return to our time. We also humbly request any and all information you have about this race called the Borg, and any data you have on any technologies the Vulcans have at this time that they aren’t sharing with us.”

“You can’t be serious,” Braxton said. “That kind of information in your hands, I don’t even want to think about the chaos that could wreak on the history of the Alpha Quadrant!” “For once I’m inclined to agree with Braxton here,” Janeway said. “The Vulcans are our longest lasting allies. Your judgment is clouded by-” “I know they didn’t sabotage my father’s work,” Archer said, standing up. He stepped forward so quickly that Braxton flinched, and Janeway visibly struggled not to. “I drugged your XO, remember? But it doesn’t matter, they still could’ve helped us. They have always been reluctant to share with us what we need in order to thrive out here.” “The Vulcans were not at their best in your time Archer,” Janeway said. “My tactical officer, Tuvok, is Vulcan. He’s also my oldest friend. It’s not easy for him to admit his people’s shortcomings. They are the mirror of us in that regard, sometimes we humans fall into the trap of exaggerating our own mistakes of the past. We almost paint ourselves as monsters, as if that somehow makes how far we’ve come as a species more impressive than it already is.”

“What are you talking about?” Archer said, unsure whether or not Janeway was trying to pull a fast one on him.

“My point,” Janeway said, now stepping forward so that she was practically nose to nose with Archer, “is that at this time, in their history, the Vulcans had been in a prolonged conflict with a race called the Andorians. They don’t want to admit it, but the constant back and forth between cold and hot wars have left them as paranoid as you are. They’re slow to trust us. And yet, even with that paranoia, they still saw enough potential in us to invite us to the galactic table. Think about that for a second before you condemn them. As for the Andorians, before you ask, humanity goes a long way towards settling that conflict, and they end up being one of the other four founding races of the Federation, along with us, the Vulcans, and the Tellarites who you also haven’t met yet.” Archer did not want to admit it, but he believed Janeway. That should’ve made him feel better, deep down he knew that. Instead though it made him angrier, so angry that he took a step back away from Captain Janeway in order to avoid screaming at her. “They could’ve just told us this,” he said. “They could’ve just explained why they had legitimate concerns about sharing their knowledge.” “Yes,” Janeway said. “Remember Tuvok, the officer and friend I told you about? He’s the one who explained that to me. The Vulcans of my time know they could’ve handled things better. But they also know, and so do I, that letting such past mistakes rule your thinking, especially when you have more than made up for those errors with great deeds that have benefitted billions, is illogical.” “Illogical,” Archer said with a laugh. “That’s their word.” “Right, like no human ever used that word back before we even knew there were other races in the galaxy,” he heard Braxton mutter. “Braxton?” Janeway said. “You’re not helping.” “If you two are finished bickering,” Archer said, louder than he’d meant to, “can we get back to the matter of my demands?”

Janeway sighed. “As much as I hate to admit it, Captain Archer,” she said, suddenly avoiding eye contact, “Braxton is right about one thing. Your anti-Vulcan biases are a threat to our way of life. Even if we send you back as per your request, we’d be obligated to do something to undermine your standing with the public back on Earth. Assuming that my First Officer is wrong and that’s not already happening.”

“Maybe,” Archer said, after taking a deep breath to try and calm himself. “Maybe not. We do still have Chakotay’s recorded confession, and the medical data on the truth serum. We also still have some of Annika Hansen slash Seven of Nine’s inert Borg nanoprobes. Starfleet Command will believe me about the spying being done on us by our own people from the future, and they will work to ensure that we don’t-” “This is pointless,” Braxton said, slapping the insignia on the chest of his uniform. “Braxton to Relativity, start beaming-” Archer pulled out his phase pistol and fired so fast that for a split second he was afraid that he had put it on the kill setting. Janeway looked shocked, but made no move to contact her own ship, at least none that he could see. Archer saw that Mayweather and Nava looked equally shocked, the former even looking downright terrified of his own commanding officer “Captain,” she said. “Shut up!” Archer said. “Relativity to Braxton,” a voice said, coming from Braxton’s chest. “Captain, are you there? What happened?” “Archer to engineering,” Archer said. This had all gone too far. There was no going home, but he refused to be dropped into the 29th century like some kind of homeless refugee. “Initiate self-destruct process. Authorization Archer Gamma Zeta Six.”

There was a brief silence, then the assistant chief engineer, his voice cracking, said “Aye sir. Time?” “As soon as it’s ready to blow, do it,” Archer said. “We can’t give those other ships out there time to grab us.” “Aye, sir.” “Captain, you can’t do this,” Mayweather said. “This is insane.” “I’ve made my decision, Ensign,” Archer said. “I will not let this ship be taken by-” Archer suddenly felt an unfamiliar tingling sensation on his skin, his voice suddenly locked in place, his rage going, his body enveloped in light and suddenly-

-o-

“All NX-01 personnel, as well as the Captain and Braxton, are in Cargo Bay 1,” Harry Kim said. “Good job Harry,” Chakotay said, sitting in the captain's chair on Voyager's bridge, still in his 22nd century era uniform. “Tuvok, can we disable the NX-01’s self-destruct from here?” “Negative,” Tuvok said. “attempt to take control of their systems from here have failed. Their systems are simply too primitive to be compatible with-” A flash on the viewscreen cut the tactical officer off. The brightness of the explosion that tore the NX-01 apart was filtered out by the viewscreen. Chakotay watched sadly as the debris that flew outward impacted harmlessly on the Relativity’s shields, or pierced the already broken hull of the other NX-01, the one that Voyager had come across less than a month prior. “Janeway to security, I need a team in the cargo bay to subdue Captain Archer,” Janeway’s voice said over the com. In the background Chakotay could hear Archer’s voice, ranting, screaming, threatening everyone around him. “On my way, Captain,” Tuvok said.

“I’ll come with,” Trip said. “I might still be able to get through to him.” “Go,” Chakotay said. “And good luck Trip,” “Thanks, Commander,” Trip said, following Tuvok into the turbolift.

-o-

Janeway put herself between Archer and Braxton’s still unconscious body. As the rest of the NX-01 crew, looking confused at their surroundings and many huddling closer together than they already were, stood back, Archer’s ranting began again. His crew simply watched in silence as he became increasingly incomprehensible, each new theory about why this was happening to him more ludicrous than the one before it, and he seemed to have a new one every thirty seconds. Phlox had tried to calm him down once, and had a phase pistol pointed in his face for the trouble.

The cargo bay doors opened, and Tuvok, Commander Tucker, and a small security detail walked in, their own weapons drawn. “Captain Archer,” Tuvok said, calmly but forcefully. “Please put down your weapon.” “This is set to kill,” Archer said, now pointing it at Janeway. “Send me and my crew back to our time, or I will-” Tuvok was faster. He fired his phaser, and Archer fell backwards, dropping his phase pistol. Many of the NX-01 crew members jumped back in shock, but Phlox and a young woman ran to Archer’s side. Trip Tucker shook his head, and looked sadder than Janeway had seen him yet, more so than on the bridge not more than an hour ago. “Mister Tucker?” she said, walking over to him. “Are you alright?” “How would you feel if you just saw your best friend and commanding officer threaten an unarmed fellow officer while screaming at the top of his lungs?” he said. Janeway had no response to that. “Captain,” Tuvok said. “Doctor Phlox and Ensign Cutler from the NX-01 insist on escorting Captain Archer to sickbay, and are being quite hostile over the matter. Shall I have them escorted to the brig?” “No,” Janeway said. “Go with them personally, and once Archer is awake put him in the brig. Trip, stay here with your people. Try to keep them calm.” “I’ll do my best, Cap,” Tucker said. “Do that,” Janeway said. She tapped her comm badge. “Bridge, contact the Relativity. Tell them Braxton is alive but injured. Let them beam him directly to their sickbay.” “Understood,” Chakotay’s voice replied, not pressing the matter any further. Janeway left the cargo bay alongside Tuvok, who then followed Phlox and Cutler as they carried Captain Archer down the corridor. Once they were out of site, Janeway leaned against the bulkhead, and groaned. “I am so sick of all this time travel shit,” she muttered to herself. “If I never see another time machine in my life it’ll be too soon.”

-o-

The Doctor did the best he could not to throw snide remarks in the direction of Doctor Phlox, especially since the later of the two Doctors was clearly upset, not just over seeing his Captain get shot but also over the deaths of all his animals aboard the NX-01. “Captain Archer will be fine,” he said to the Denobulan doctor and his human friend as they stood by Archer’s bio-bed. “I will have to ask you to step aside now though. Mister Tuvok will be putting him in the brig.”

“Is that absolutely necessary?” Phlox said. “Phlox, he threatened their captain,” the human, Cutler, said, putting a hand gently on Phlox’s shoulder. The friendly gesture did little to calm the other doctor down. “Doctor Phlox,” the Doctor said, “surely you’ve noticed that your commander was growing increasingly unstable in recent days. You had an obligation to the safety of your shipmates that should supercede your loyalty to your friend.” “What would you know about loyalty?” Phlox said. “You’re a hologram. A highly sophisticated one I admit, to be able to administer such a complex sickbay by yourself, but still.”

The Doctor rolled his eyes. “I can’t be appreciated for my talents in any century can I?” he said.

“Okay that is enough,” Cutler said. “How exactly is more bickering supposed to fix anything? It’s been people shouting or condescending at each other left and right that got us all in this mess in the first place.”

The Doctor was ready to reply, but he saw the sickbay door open. Captain Janeway walked in, Tuvok only a step behind her

“What got us in this mess,” she said, “is old fashioned human arrogance. It makes me sad to see we still can fall victim to it even five hundred years from my lifetime. Doctor, is Captain Archer well enough to transfer to the brig?” “He is, Captain,” the Doctor said, ignoring Phlox’s angry glare.

“I suppose you’ll want the rest of us in the brig too,” Phlox said. “Don’t tempt me,” Janeway said. “Especially not after what you did to my first officer. But no, the rest of the NX-01 crew is free to move about, though they won’t be allowed any access to ship’s systems. That includes you, though Commander Chakotay has a lot of friends here who aren’t quite as forgiving as I am.” Phlox’s face went expressionless. “I will take that under advisement,” Phlox said.

“Good,” Janeway said. The Doctor went over to Archer, and using a hypospray woke him up. He had restraints in place just in case, but the Captain turned prisoner only let out a resigned sigh, after which Tuvok and the Captain escorted Archer out, Phlox following a respectful distance behind. The Doctor was rather surprised that Cutler had remained behind. “Doctor,” she said, “if you don’t mind my asking, why is this ship’s chief medical officer a hologram?” The Doctor smiled. “I’d be more than happy to share my story with you Miss Cutler. It’s nice to see that there were some reasonable people on board the NX-01.” “Be fair, Doctor,” Cutler said. “It’s not that we’re unreasonable. Captain Archer's, well, issues with the Vulcans aside. But we have experienced some rather unreasonable things lately.” “That is a fair point,” the Doctor admitted. He opened his mouth to start telling Cutler about how he’d first been activated aboard Voyager, but then a thought occurred to him, though he imagined he would have to argue with Braxton over it. “Tell me, Miss Cutler, do you perchance have any training as a nurse?”

-o-

Captain Janeway stepped out of the turbolift onto the bridge, feeling somewhat less tense and angry over the whole situation. She looked over at Chakotay, who still had not yet changed out of the period appropriate uniform he’d been wearing when he was rescued. “Captain,” he said. “Any more problems with Archer?”

“Tuvok has him in the brig,” Janeway said. “Trip is in the cargo bay with the rest of the NX-01 crew. Any word from the Relativity?”

“Not yet,” Chakotay said. “Hail them,” Janeway said.

“Aye Captain,” Harry Kim said. The viewscreen changed from a view of the debris field of the former NX-01, with only part of the Relativity visible on the right-hand side, to that of the Relativity’s bridge, and her first officer, Lieutenant Juel Ducane, sitting in the Captain’s chair. “Captain Janeway,” he said, “good to hear from you. I take it you have the situation well in hand?” “As well as can be expected,” Janeway said. “Has Captain Braxton not yet recovered?” “He has actually,” Ducane said. “Captain Archer’s weapon was only set on stun. However, Braxton has decided to recuse himself from the remainder of the mission. He left me explicit orders to follow your lead.” “Good,” Janeway said. “If he kept trying to fix things the way he has been we’d end up with humanity being a slave race to the Gorn or something.”

“I think it’s safe to say we can’t really return any of the NX-01 crew to the 22nd century without causing any serious problems,” Janeway said. “Maybe not, Captain,” Ducane said. “The version of the NX-01 you found earlier this month is still there, and it appears all its escape pods are relatively intact all things considered.” “I think I see where you’re going with this,” Janeway said, “but if we return the escape pods to the area and time we brought them from will there be any ships nearby that can rescue them?” “According to our records there should be at least two human-run freighters and one Vulcan long range exploration vessel that could reach them before their emergency supplies ran out,” Ducane said. “We would simply need to convince the NX-01 crew not to tell Starfleet command about what really happened. Also, I think we’d need to bring Captain Archer, and probably Doctor Phlox as well, with us to the 29th century in order to reduce the risk of timeline contamination.” Ducane suddenly looked down and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Or rather, worse contamination than we’ve already caused.”

Janeway did still feel resentment over the pain caused to her crew as a result of this whole operation, but none of that was on Ducane. All her ire was saved for Captains Archer and Braxton. “Agreed,” she said. “I’ll consult with Commander Tucker, and we’ll talk to the NX-01 crew. Have your people begin fixing up the escape pods.” “Right away Captain,” Ducane said. The communication ended, and the viewscreen returned to its original view, after which Harry Kim said something very similar to what Janeway was thinking at that exact moment. “Why couldn’t he have been in charge of this mission instead of Braxton?”

-o-

Naomi Wildman had heard her mother say that she was too good at sneaking around the ship, and that she didn’t want her to do it anymore. She felt guilty about doing it now, but she wanted to talk to the Starfleet captain from the past. She wanted to know why; why he hated Vulcans so much, why he put her mom in jail, why he blew up his own ship, all things that Naomi just could not wrap her mind around.

She managed to get to the brig, but Lydia Anderson, who was on guard duty for this shift, stopped her from going up to the force field around Archer’s cell. “You’re not supposed to be down here, Miss Wildman,” Anderson said. “Does your mom know where you are?” “She’s asleep,” Naomi lied, her mother actually being in the lab on the same deck as sickbay. “I just wanted to ask Captain Archer some questions.” “Let her stay,” Jonathan Archer said, lying back on the bed of his cell, looking up at the ceiling. “It’s not like I can do anything to her behind a force field, and with an armed guard standing by. Oh, and also she’s a friggin’ child. Has anything I’ve done suggested I would ever hurt a kid?” “You blew up your own ship,” Anderson said, “just ‘cause it flew through a temporal rift. That to me does not suggest a stable personality, sir.” “I like how you managed to make ‘sir’ rhyme with ‘jackass’ there,” Archer said. “Well done.” “Naomi, come on,” Anderson said. “Don’t make me call your mom.” “Ask your question kid,” Archer said.

“Did you really blow up your own ship?” Naomi said.

“Yep,” Archer said. “Why?” Archer sat up and looked sad. “I don’t know,” he said. “I know why I think I did it, but maybe that’s not really why I did it. Know what I mean?” “No,” Naomi said. She looked up at Anderson. “I’m gonna go now,” she said to the security officer. “Good idea,” Anderson said. “Naomi?” Archer said as Naomi started walking towards the exit. “For what it’s worth, I didn’t arrest your Mom and her girlfriend to be mean. From where I was sitting it looked like they were spying on my people, and a good Captain protects their crew.”

“I know,” Naomi said. “Captain Janeway says that too. I don’t think she’d blow up Voyager just because she was mad though. She hates time travel too, but we’re still here.” Archer nodded, and went back to lying down. Naomi shook her head and left, feeling sorry for the Starfleet captain from the past. She hoped he would get better.

-o-

Seven of Nine wondered what had happened to Archer during his time in the brig that made him so passive as he stood on the transporter pad next to a pair of security officers from the Relativity, as well as Doctor Phlox. She also wondered why she had decided to be there along with Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay, and Commander Tuvok.

The rest of the NX-01 crew had decided to go along with the escape pod plan, and had promised not to reveal anything about the future to the Starfleet of the time, though some had required some coaxing as well as the aid of memory erasing drugs. Archer and Phlox however, were both deemed too dangerous to be allowed to return. They would not face any jail time once they got to the 29th century, but they would not be allowed to serve in Starfleet. According to Lieutenant Ducane, there were training programs and support groups for “temporally displaced persons” that the two could join and hopefully lead fulfilling lives. “For what it’s worth, Captain,” Janeway said, “I’m sorry that it came down to this.” “Tell me, Captain,” Archer said, “in the original timeline, the one where my ship was destroyed and ended up out here in the Delta Quadrant, did you or Braxton ever find out what really happened to us that day?” Janeway sighed and shook her head. “That sadly remains an unanswered question,” she said. “Braxton’s looking to take an early retirement I hear, so that’s going to be on Ducane to figure out I suppose. I imagine he’ll have better luck. He had a good role model in the sense of learning how not to handle a time travel operation.” Archer laughed at that, the first time that Seven had seen him show any signs of joy since before he’d had her and Sam arrested. Seven moved behind the transporter room console which was unmanned due to a shift change. Had she not come along with the Captain and Chakotay one of them would likely be operating it instead since whoever was supposed to take over next wasn’t there yet.

“Well,” Archer said. “Let’s get this over with.” “Agreed,” Phlox said. “Once this is over I hope to never see another time travel device for as long as I live. And that is a long time as you may well know.” Seven looked at Janeway, who nodded. Seven began manipulating the transporter controls, and soon they were gone. The Relativity had already sent the rest of the NX-01 crew back to the 22nd century, along with most of the debris from the destroyed ship. Trip had gone with them, as had Ensign Cutler, though rumor had it both had toyed with the idea of staying on Voyager. “Well,” Chakotay said, “glad that’s finally over. Do you think we’ll ever see or hear from the Relativity again?” “Ducane wouldn’t make any promises,” Janeway said. “but he did say it’s doubtful it’ll happen as long as it’s his ship. I hope he’s right.” “As do I,” Seven said. “So, Seven,” Janeway said, as the three of them left the transporter room. “what did you think of Earth?” “It’s my understanding the parts of it I actually saw have changed very little in the two hundred years since I was there,” Seven said. “Perhaps one day, Samantha and Naomi and I can see for ourselves. I am more disappointed I didn’t get to see too many other worlds while I was there. I would’ve liked more opportunities to compare and contrast data from that with Federation historical archives, possibly correct any inaccuracies.”

Janeway chuckled. “You know Seven,” Chakotay said, “I never had you pegged for a history buff.” “I am hoping to ascertain how an era of humanity that produced some of its most respected individuals could also produce someone as troubled as Jonathan Archer,” Seven said. “Or for that matter how someone so troubled would be given the chance to captain what was at the time the Human race’s most advanced starship.”

“Nepotism maybe?” Chakotay said. “The ship’s core feature was its engine, which was based largely on his father’s work.”

“Possible,” Seven said. “though I doubt that would be the sole reason.”

“The only person who really knows the answer to that is Archer,” Janeway said. “And he was never going to tell us. He probably can’t even admit it to himself, let alone others. I wouldn’t put any of that on the 22nd century though. For all our gains as a species, humanity still has its metaphorical warts. Even in our time. Still, I do hope that Jonathan Archer is the last Starfleet captain I ever meet who has lost his way.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Chakotay said.

#a fire of devotion #part 2 #chapter ten #star trek voyager #fan fiction #sam7

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savetheworldbutloseyou · 8 years

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I was tagged by @holnnes and I never get tagged in these things so I'm actually going to do it: Rules: tell your followers 11 random facts about yourself, and tag 11 people in return! Tag backs are allowed, but you mustn’t repeat any of the facts you mentioned previously. The facts can be absolutely anything! Whatever springs to mind! Let’s get started! 1. When I was seven I went as Captain Katherine Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager for Halloween. It was a costume I made myself. 2. I have ulcerative colitis. I was diagnosed a week after my tenth birthday, which in turn was a week after we had to put my dog down. 3. I also probably have both inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia, but the rheumatologist is refusing to officially diagnose because, apparently, the only way to diagnose is to see if the medication helps. However, my GP, who I trust a lot more, doesn't want me on the medication because my symptoms are no longer severe enough to justify the considerable risks. 4. I am currently taking a class on how to construct languages. This class is counting as a graduation requirement because the linguistic anthropology class that is normally offered in the spring is not being offered because the professor is teaching the conlang class instead. 5. I am a pretty decent equestrian, but my instruction keeps getting interrupted by moving and health problems. (I was that weird horse girl in school.) 6. The only reason I remember the difference between "it's" and "its" is because of reading the Series of Unfortunate Events books. 7. I have three siblings, but am simultaneously the oldest, youngest, and middle child. 8. I am getting a BA and a BS in anthropology so that I can focus on both cultural anthropology and archaeology. My minor is art. 9. I consider my 21st birthday to be my best, largely because I got to spend the morning of and the weekend preceding with dear friends. 10. I did a year abroad at University College London, during which my 21st birthday happened. I went backpacking around Europe the summer after (though I actually used a duffle bag worn as a backpack). 11. My freshman dorm was haunted. During the summer the dorms get rented out like hostels and a number of years ago an older man died in one. After a couple of months living there no one questioned the haunting. One time I opened my door and the was a pitch black silhouette of a man in the doorway. I was so freaked out I had to call my mom. I'm not tagging anyone, but consider this an invitation if you want to do it!

#long post /#sheasonal #facts about yours truly #Nicole I did my ghost story too

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voyagerafod · 7 years

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Star Trek Voyager: A Fire of Devotion: Part 2 of 4: Louder Than Bells: Chapter Six

Chapter Six

“Computer, freeze program,” Tom Paris said. The villainous Doctor Chaotica and his minion Lanzak froze in place.

“Oh what the hell, Tom?” Samantha Wildman said, wearing a low cut white dress while being tied to a chair. “What is the reason for this interruption?” Seven of Nine, wearing the uniform of Captain Proton, Defender of the Earth, said. “Imagine my shock,” Tom Paris said, “when I come down here hoping to spend a little time in this program, that I created by the way, only to find that it is already running.” “You know, Tom,” Samantha said, “if you wanted the program to be your use only you could’ve enabled the privacy settings.” “You have invited me to this program on several occasions,” Seven said, holstering her laser gun. “I was under the impression that I was free to use it.” “Well, yeah,” Tom said, “but as my trusty sidekick Buster Kincaid, or maybe my secretary Constance Goodheart. Side note, her dress looks good on you Sam, if you don’t mind my saying.” Samantha rolled her eyes and shifted in the chair. “Look, I’m not mad,” Tom said, “I just wish you’d asked first is all. Besides, I have to pull a double shift tomorrow to cover for Ensign Brooks for her birthday.” Seven began untying Samantha. “We can leave if you’d like,” she said. Tom sighed. “No, no, that’s fine. Though I do have to ask,” Tom turned his head to look directly at Samantha. “Why the damsel in distress role and not the sidekick?” “Um, well,” Samantha started to say, looking at Seven of Nine who merely shrugged as if to say ‘You’re on your own for this one.’ “It’s okay, I don’t judge,” Tom said, smirking. “Though I am curious what a Borg safeword would be.”

“That’s not funny, Tom,” Sam said. “What’s a safeword?” Seven asked.

“Mine’s ‘teacup’,” Tom said.

“I cannot begin to explain just how much I did not need to know that Mister Paris,” Sam said, groaning.

There was suddenly a shudder. “I thought the program was frozen,” Sam said. “It is,” Tom said. “I think that was the ship.” “Sam, Ensign Paris,” Seven said. Tom saw that she was looking out one of the windows in Chaotica’s Fortress of Doom. “We should contact the bridge immediately.” “What is it? Sam said, moving up to stand next to Seven. “Oh,” she added. “There appears to be an anomaly inside the holodeck,” Seven said. “How do you know it’s not part of the program?” Tom said, moving up to the window to look himself. In the sky, hovering above the black and white landscape, was a purple, swirling circular mass. “Okay, definitely not part of the program.”

-o-

“Computer, end program,” Seven of Nine said. “Unable to comply,�� the computer said. “Holodeck controls are off-line.” “Because of course they are,” Sam said. Seven nodded. Statistically speaking, holodeck accidents were rare, but Voyager did seem to suffer from a disproportionately large number of them. Only the Enterprise-D, as far as her research had shown, had more than Voyager. “Paris to bridge,” Tom said. The noise that normally accompanied a communications channel opening did not follow, nor did anyone from the bridge respond. “Bridge, respond.” “We will need to find the manual overrides,” Seven said. “There’s an access port on the rocket ship,” Tom said. “How did you get over there?” a voice behind the three of them yelled. They all turned around, and Seven saw that Chaotica was moving again, as were his minions. “How did you get loose? And who are you?” Chaotica was pointing at Tom. “It would appear the program has unfrozen itself,” Seven said. “Nah, really?” Tom said. “Your sarcasm is uncalled for, Mister Paris,” Seven said. She quickly unholstered her laser gun and fired. “We are leaving,” she said to Chaotica. “It would be unwise to pursue us.” Chaotica looked around, looked at the chair he’d been looking at when Tom had frozen the program, the one Samantha had been tied to. “Fine,” he said. “For now. I will learn how you were able to escape my trap without me seeing, and we will meet again Captain Proton. And when we do it’ll be your doom!” Seven raised an eyebrow. “Doubtful,” she said. The three Voyager crewmembers left the Fortress of Doom, Seven watching their backs and grabbing a laser off of a fallen minion to hand to Tom Paris.

The holodeck began shuddering again. It took Seven a moment to realize that it was not the holodeck that was shaking, but Voyager itself. “I believe that Voyager is attempting to move but is unable to do so,” she said. “Sounds about right,” Tom said. “it could be the program I suppose but it sounds more to me like the impulse engines are being strained. Whoever’s in my chair right now better ease up or the reactors are gonna burn out.” The shuddering got more violent. “It would appear your advice has been ignored,” Seven said. “Once again the Borg gift for stating the obvious-” “Tom, let’s worry about my girlfriend’s verbal tics later,” Sam said, “and focus on getting out of here.”

Finally, the shaking stopped. “Did the impulse engines burn out?” Sam asked. “Nah,” Tom said. “If they had the shaking wouldn’t have just petered out like that.” “Agreed,” Seven said. “far more likely is the order was given to power down. Whatever happened to the holodeck that makes us unable to turn it off is likely also holding Voyager in place.” “All the more reason for us to find the door and get the hell out of here,” Tom said. Finally the three made it to Captain Proton’s rocket ship, both Seven and Paris reaching for the access panel. “I’ll try to shut down the program,” Tom said. “Get to the periscope and see if Chaotica’s sent his army after us. I don’t know if the safeties are off-line too, but let’s face it they probably are.” “I’m already on it,” Sam said. “I can’t see the Fortress yet, but another one of those purple distortions just appeared, and both of them are growing.” “I believe for now we should prioritize exiting the holodeck over deactivating the program,” Seven said. She looked at Tom, who ignored her. “Mister Paris?” she said, trying to get his attention. Tom sighed. “Yeah, you’re right,” he said. “It’ll be easier to cut power from the outside anyway.”

Tom continued working on the panel. “A third one,” Sam said. “That can’t be good.” “Damn,” Tom said, “I can’t bring up the arch.” Seven knelt down next to Tom and began pushing buttons on the panel. “I already tried that,” Tom said. “I am not attempting to open the door, Mister Paris,” Seven said. “Your initial assessment was correct. I am instead attempting to access transporter control.” “A site-to-site,” Tom said. “Good thinking.” Within seconds, Seven was able to access the programs she needed, and seconds after that, she, Sam, and Tom were all in the corridor just outside the holodeck. “Let’s get to the bridge,” Tom said. “I’ll join you later,” Sam said. “I need to change first.”

-o-

Captain Janeway filled Tom Paris and Seven of Nine in on the situation when the two got to the bridge, deciding not to comment on the latter’s outfit as she asked them to accompany her to astrometrics. “A layer of subspace?” Tom said. “That’s why we can’t move and why the holodeck isn’t working?” “Among other things,” Janeway said. “We nearly burned out the impulse reactors trying to get free of it. The warp drive is a giant paperweight at this point, and we’re experiencing minor power failures all over the ship.”

“Once we get to the lab I should be able to find out more about our predicament,” Seven said. Janeway nodded. “That’s the plan,” Janeway said. Tom then proceeded to fill her in on what had happened on the holodeck. “Any idea what the distortions are? she asked. “No clue,” Tom said.

“I also lack an explanation,” Seven said. The three quickly arrived at astrometrics, and stepped inside. Seven immediately went to the main console. “I am running a transpectral analysis,” she said. The large viewscreen began showing results almost immediately, and not for the first time Janeway was glad she let Chakotay and Harry talk her into upgrading this lab. “It looks like the barrier between normal space and subspace is unstable here,” Janeway said. “Here, and throughout this entire region,” Seven said. “I believe an appropriate metaphor for the situation would be to compare the subspace layer to a sandbar.” “Ha, so you were paying attention to all my nautical talk,” Tom said. “Considering how that mission ended up for you, Ensign,” Seven said “your attitude about it could be considered to be in poor taste.”

“Children, play nice,” Janeway said. “Could we try realigning our warp field? That could help us escape this sandbar.” “Doubtful,” Seven said, “but not impossible.” “Any other ideas?” Tom said. “I must admit, I have none at this time,” Seven said. She began tapping more buttons on her console. “Gravimetric forces are disrupting our controls. As long as we’re trapped here we won’t have access to the computer core, tactical, the holodecks, all but six replicators.” “Those distortions in the holodeck,” Tom said. “any idea what connection they may have to this?” “They appear to be random energy fluctuations,” Seven said. “I do not believe they pose a threat, though Sam did say they were growing. We should prepare for the possibility that my initial assessment of the distortions is incorrect.”

Janeway nodded. She thought about it for a moment, then made a call that she hoped would turn out to be overly cautious in hindsight. “Evacuate that deck, just to be safe,” she said. “And keep an eye on the distortions as well.” “Understood, Captain,” Seven said. Janeway looked back at the screen, showing a depiction of Voyager stuck up against the subspace sandbar, and it reminded her of something. “A few years back,” she said, “when I served on the Al-Batani with Tom’s father, we tried to navigate through a dense proto-nebula that stopped us dead in our tracks. For three days straight we attempted to force our way out. That was until we realized that we were trying too hard.

“Every time we engaged the engines we were increasing the resistance of the nebula’s particle field. We may be facing a similar situation here.” “That makes sense,” Seven said. “Our own warp field may be increasing the gravimetric forces. If we power down the core and use minimal thrusters we might be able to break free.” “‘Might’ being the key word,” Tom said. “but I can’t think of a reason why we can’t try.” “Neither can I,” Janeway said. “Let’s do this. I’ll see you both on the bridge. Seven, go ahead and change into your uniform.” Seven looked down, seeming to have forgotten that she was still dressed as Captain Proton. “I will do so immediately,” she said. Janeway chuckled, and patted Seven on the shoulder as she walked past her. “For what it’s worth, I think it looks good on you,” she said.

-o-

“Three days of this shit,” Tom said from the navigator’s chair. “and nothing to show for it. We’re just spinning our wheels!”

“Language, Tom,” Captain Janeway said. “Isn’t that supposed to be Seven’s line?” Harry said.

“If Seven were here,” Samantha said from her station, “she’d smack you for that.” She said without malice though. While the vocabulary of the bridge crew had become less formal over the course of the past three days stuck in the subspace sandbar, it had had the effect of keeping moral from dipping too low. Frustration was growing among the crew, Sam could see that easily enough, but she also knew it could be much worse. If some mild teasing among the senior staff could keep the tension levels low, it was worth it, professionalism be damned.

“Wait, wait,” Tom said, starting to sound excited. “Ha! Finally, we’re moving! Two meters per second but we’re moving.” Everyone on the bridge except Tuvok let out loud sighs of relief. “About damn time,” Chakotay said.

“We’re up to three meters,” Tom said. “Keep it steady Tom,” Janeway said. Sam refused to let herself become optimistic about this and decided to wait until they could go to warp again before allowing any feeling of happiness to overtake her. She couldn’t help but think how brutal the past several months had been, on Voyager in general, but on her and Seven of Nine in particular. Hardly more than a fortnight could go by it seemed without one of them being in grave danger and the other barely holding themselves together emotionally during the process. “Nine meters,” Tom said. “Ten. We’re getting a little bit of strain, should we hold it there Captain?”

“No. We need to get out of here as soon as possible. More than half of our lavatories went down this morning,” Janeway said. Eww, Sam thought, worried about the kind of disasters that could lead to.

“Increasing power to thrusters,” Tom said. “We’re approaching the subspace boundary,” Harry said. “I’ve got us up to twenty-five meters per second,” Tom said. Despite the strain that Tom had warned about, the ship still seemed to be moving along smoothly, no shuddering or violent shaking.

As soon as Sam thought about that, however, the ship did shake somewhat. Great, I jinxed us, she thought. “Wait a minute,” Tom said. “We’re slowing down.” “What?” Janeway said, sounding as mad as Sam felt. “Captain, I’m reading power surges,” Harry said. “Source?” Janeway asked.

“I’m not sure,” Harry said. “but they look like weapons signatures.” “No other ships are detected in this area,” Tuvok said.

The ship shuddered slightly once more, and Tom began cursing again. “I take it we’ve stopped,” Chakotay said, his head in his hands. “Afraid so, sir,” Tom said after his string of profanities subsided.

“I have isolated the location of the weapon’s fire,” Tuvok said. “Deck six, holodeck two.” Sam looked at Tom. “Isn’t that the-” “The one you, Seven and I had to escape from,” Tom said. “We were never able to get the program turned off.” “I thought we had that deck evacuated because of the distortions. Who's still down there?” Janeway said. “No one,” Tuvok said. “I am picking up no lifesigns.”

“Can we shut it down from up here?” Chakotay said. “Negative,” Harry said. “I’m trying but the control system is still malfunctioning.”

“Tuvok, get down there and find out what’s happening,” Janeway said. “Tom, join him. You’re familiar with the program, you can guide him through it.” “Yes ma’am,” Tom said.

-o-

Tom and Tuvok made it to the end of the path in the canyon. Tom looked off into the distance, to see smoke coming out of one of what had been one of the many towers of Chaotica’s Fortress of Doom. This doesn’t bode well, Tom thought. He looked down at the next path, the one to the Fortress itself, and saw it littered with the bodies of Chaotica’s soldiers. “It would appear a battle took place,” Tuvok said. “It didn’t look like this when we left,” he said. “Must’ve missed a few chapters.”

“Holodeck programs don’t normally run by themselves,” Tuvok said. “Has anything about these past few days been normal?” Tom said. Tuvok appeared to be ready to respond when a noise grabbed both of their attention. “Invaders from the fifth dimension,” the robotic voice said. “Satan’s Robot,” Tom said. “one of the Doctor Chaotica’s creations.” Tom went over to where the robot he normally fought in this program was lying down, badly damaged and unable to walk upright anymore.

“Queen Arachnia is on her way,” the robot said. “Invaders from the fifth dimension. Queen Arachnia is on her way. Invaders-” “He’s stuck in a feedback loop,” Tom said. “Give me a hand Tuvok, if we can repair his vocalizer maybe he can tell us what’s been going on.” He opened a panel on the front of the robot. “Looks like he burned out a resistor.”

“I am unfamiliar with that piece of technology,” Tuvok said. “It’s from a few centuries before duotronic circuitry,” Tom said. “I see. How do you propose we repair him?” “First of all,” Tom said, not taking his eyes off his work, “we’ve gotta remove this damaged tube. Let’s see here, just a few crossed wires, and I think maybe we can-” The robot began moving. “Your knowledge of this technology is most impressive,” Tuvok said. “Thanks,” Tom said, smiling. It wasn’t often one got a compliment from the Vulcan, so he wasn’t going to cheapen the moment by responding with sarcasm. “Intruders,” the robot said, it’s voice still crackling. “Intruders. Intruders.”

Tom slapped the open panel on the robot closed. “Intruder alert!” the robot said, clearer now.

“Tell us what happened,” Tom commanded. “Invaders from the fifth dimension!” “Whoa, calm down,” Tom said as the robot began to spin in place, it’s metallic voice tinged with a hint of panic.

“How did these invaders get here?” Tuvok said. “Through a portal,” the robot said.

“That’s not right,” Tom said. “There’s not supposed to be an alien invasion in this story. That’s, that’s...” Tom trailed off as a realization hit him. “Ensign?” Tuvok said. “The distortions,” Tom said. “Robot? Take us to this portal.” As soon as the robot began walking in the direction of where it claimed the invaders from the fifth dimension had entered the holodeck program, both Tom and Tuvok took out their tricorders and began scanning.

“There,” the robot said. Tom and Tuvok looked in the direction it pointed, seeing three large distortions hanging in the sky higher up than when Samantha had last seen them before they left the holodeck days before. Bolts the same color as the distortions flew out at high speed, and Tom noticed they were coming right at them just in time to pull Tuvok behind a rock pillar. The bolts exploded on impact with the rock. Once the smoke from the volley cleared, Tuvok scanned the impact points. “Photonic charges,” he said. “The same signature as the weapons fire we detected. We must report this to the captain.” “Wait,” Tom said. “I need to check my rocket ship first.” “Explain,” Tuvok said. “It’s got sensors. Sort of. Maybe it can tell us something Voyager’s sensors can’t.” “I do not see how,” Tuvok said. “but I will go along for the time being.”

-o-

In the astrometrics lab, Seven of Nine was working on establishing a visual link with the holodeck so they could see what was going on on the lab’s screen. Harry Kim stood next to her. “I think I have it,” Seven said. “Looks good,” Harry said. “Putting on the screen, and, oh dear.” The screen showed more of the distortions that she and Samantha had seen on the holodeck, spread all over the area, all of them sending out bursts of energy.

“The attack appears to originating from subspace,” Seven said. “Can you tell where it’s coming from?” Harry said. “I mean from inside subspace, I-” “I can tell from context what you meant, Lieutenant,” Seven said. “To answer your question, no I cannot.” The sound of electricity loudly buzzing grabbed Seven’s attention away from her console. She looked up in time to see what looked like sustained bolts of lightning going into the distortions.

“Chaotica’s death ray,” she said. “That’s what it looks like,” Harry said. He began pressing buttons on another console. “Let’s see if we can a look inside his fortress, find out what he’s up to.”

The visuals on the screen shifted to the interior of Chaotica’s lab, several minions running about, and period appropriate music playing. “Full power to the death ray!” Chaotica’s voice yelled out, and the screen shifted to focus on him. Chaotica held a large device in his hand, a microphone Sam had called it when they were doing the Captain Proton adventures together. “Arachnia, Queen of the Spider People, you have not responded to my summons. Why-” Seven muted the sound. “I don’t get it,” Harry said. “Chaotica was supposed to be fighting Earth in this chapter.” “It would appear he has found a new enemy,” Seven said. She sighed and shook her head. “Were I prone to superstition I would believe I was cursed.” “Why would you say that?” “Need I remind you, Lieutenant Kim that this simple entertainment program did not become a threat to the ship’s security until after I began participating in it?” “You can’t blame yourself for this,” Harry said. “I don’t. I am merely pointing out that if I were to do so, it would not be a wholly baseless assumption. I think Samantha said it best recently. ‘2375 has not been a red letter year,’” Harry opened his mouth, but then closed it, instead merely shrugging. “Can’t really argue with that,” he said instead of whatever he’d initially planned on saying.

-o-

“These are your sensor readings?” Tuvok asked, as Tom Paris removed a string of paper from the old fashioned telegram device on his rocket ship. “It’s a telegram,” Tom said. “It’s a message to Captain Proton from the President of Earth. It says, ‘Intercepted Communications Between Dr. Chaotica and Arachnia. Stop. Chaotica At War With Aliens From Fifth Dimension. Stop. Must Strike Now To Disable Death Ray.” “Stop,” Tuvok said. Tom looked at him, and at Satan’s Robot, who had followed them all the way to ship and was pathetically trying to shove Tuvok out of the way to look at the telegram machine. “Please, summarize the message.” “Well, it looks like Chaotica has captured a couple of these Fifth Dimension aliens.” “An alternate universe,” Tuvok said. “Makes sense. Well, by our standards anyway. These aliens could’ve wandered onto the holodeck through one of those distortions and mistook this simulation for reality.” A metallic clang interrupted the conversation. “Intruder!” the robot yelled Yeah, no shit Sherlock, Tom thought as both he and Tuvok pulled out their phasers.

“I assume there is no locking mechanism on the hatch,” Tuvok said.

“It was a simpler time,” Tom said, as a human looking man in a suit stepped around the hatch and entered the rocket ship, holding a device that Tom didn’t recognize, but the way the man held it, it was safe to assume it was a weapon. “Is he a part of the simulation?” Tuvok said. “Not that I recognize,” Tom said. “Invaders! In-” “Quiet,” Tom said, smacking the robot in the face with the handle of his phaser. “Look,” he said to the man in the suit. “There’s been a misunderstanding. I’m Ensign Paris from the starship Voyager.” Tom put his phaser down on a nearby shelf. “This is Lieutenant Commander Tuvok.”

“You have killed fifty-three of my people,” the man said. “We haven’t killed anyone,” Tom said, keeping his hands up where the intruder could see them. “Everything you see here,” Tuvok said, stepping forward to stand next to Tom, his own phaser holstered. “is a simulation. None of it’s real.” “Simulation?” the man said. “A photonically-based projection,” Tuvok said. “All life is photonic.”

“We are not,” Tuvok said. “We are bio-chemical lifeforms.”

Why do I have the feeling this is not gonna end well? Tom thought.

“I’m not familiar with bio-chemical,” the photonic alien, as Tom now thought of him, said. “We are carbon-based,” Tuvok continued, trying to reason with the alien. Tom hoped it would work. “We live aboard a starship. I believe we have become trapped in a region of space that intersects your own.”

“We have detected no starship. Only this planet.” The alien was sounding angry now. “This planet isn’t real,” Tuvok said, spreading his arms out in a non-threatening gesture, but Tom’s instinct was telling him this wasn’t working. “As I told you, it’s part of a simulation.” The alien began moving his device up and down. Tom amended his earlier belief that it was a weapon. He’s scanning us, he thought. Maybe now he’ll see that Tuvok is telling the truth.

“You don’t register as a life-form,” the alien said, now stepping closer. “you are the illusion.” Oh crap, Tom thought. Suddenly, the robot pushed his way between Tom and Tuvok. “Citizen of the Fifth Dimension, you will be destroyed,” it said. The photonic alien pointed the device at it, and a burst of energy came out, meaning that it was actually both a weapon and a scanner. It hit the robot in the face, causing it topple backwards, but not before it swung one of its arms, knocking the device out of the alien’s hand. The alien ran towards the hatch exiting the ship.

“I believe it is time for us to report to the captain,” Tuvok said. “Yeah,” Tom said. “Damage. Damage. Maintenance required,” the robot said. “Oh, shut up,” Tom said.

-o-

Seven of Nine had seen enough oddities in her life, both as a drone and as an individual, that Tom Paris and Tuvok’s report of what they discovered on the holodeck didn’t faze her at all. Commander Chakotay seemed to take it in stride as well. The Captain, on the other hand, bore the facial expressions of someone nursing a particularly painful headache. “Let me get this straight,” Janeway said. “Transdimensional aliens have mistaken your Captain Proton simulation for reality.” “Yes ma’am,” Tom said. “And now an armed conflict has broken out between these aliens and Chaotica’s holographic army.” “Yes ma’am,” Tom said. “His Army of Evil.” Janeway started wringing her hands. “Will someone please explain to me why we just haven’t shut down the holodeck?” she said. “We’ve tried, the controls are still off-line,” Seven said. “Well, somebody is going to have to get through to these aliens,” Janeway said. “Convince them they’re just fighting shadows. Hopefully before they break my ship.” “We’ve tried, but they don’t believe us,” Tom said. “They think that we’re not real. They can’t detect Voyager, so every time they scan us we seem as artificial to them as holographic characters do to us.” “That explains why they haven’t answered our hails,” Chakotay said. “The Doctor is photonic,” Seven said. “He may be able to persuade them.” “It’s worth a try,” Janeway said. “Tuvok, brief the Doctor on the situation.” “In the meantime Captain,” Tom said, “I think we should let the program play out.” Janeway scoffed at that. “Are you seriously suggesting we wait until this Chaotica defeats the aliens?” “No, I’m actually suggesting we help the aliens to defeat Chaotica,” Tom said. “They think he’s leading some kind of hostile invasion force. Once that threat is gone, it’s a good bet they’ll leave and close up their portals.”

“How do you suggest we defeat Chaotica?” Tuvok said. “Well,” Tom said., “he’s been attacking the aliens with his death ray. In the world of Captain Proton it’s the most powerful weapon there is.” “It’s lethal to the aliens because it’s photonic,” Chakotay said. “Exactly,” Tom said. “Now, in Chapter Eighteen, Captain Proton disables the death ray just before Chaotica can use it to destroy Earth.”

Janeway leaned on the briefing room table. “And you think that Captain Proton, being you, of course, could still do that?” she said, sounding less than convinced. “Well, we’d have to knock out the lightning shield first,” Tom said. “Of course,” Janeway said.

“The destructo beam on my rocket ship can disable the death ray but only if someone can get inside the Fortress of Doom and can shut down the lightning shield.” Janeway blinked twice. “You do realize how incredibly silly what you just said would sound out of context, right?” she said.

“Who’s supposed to shut down the lightning shield?” Chakotay said before Tom could respond. “Arachnia, Queen of the Spider People,” Tom said. “Charming,” Janeway said, openly laughing now. “Well Chaotica thinks so,” Tom said. “He’s in love with her. He’s been trying to form an alliance since Chapter Three.” “She is the only one he would trust enough to allow her to get close enough to disable the shield,” Seven said. “Which means that somebody is going to have to take on her character,” Tom said. “Seven, you up for it?” “Wait,” Janeway said. “Slight problem with that Tom, did you forget that when this current session of Captain Proton started that you weren’t in the title role?” “It’s my program Captain,” Tom said. “That is correct Ensign Paris,” Seven said. “However, as the Captain correctly pointed out, it was not one of your sessions that was running when we hit the subspace sandbar.” Tom took in a sharp breath. ”Right. You and Sam were running it, and I interrupted you.” “As such, Chaotica would recognize me as Captain Proton,” Seven said. “So who’s going to play Arachnia then? Janeway said. After a few seconds of silence, Janeway spoke again. “Why is everyone looking at me like that?” “It’s the role of a lifetime captain,” Tom said. “Oh, no, no, no. Hell no,” Janeway said.

-o-

“So all I have to do,” Janeway said Tom as the two walked down the corridor towards holodeck two, “is find the controls of this death ray and deactivate it.” Tom smiled. He would later admit to himself that perhaps he enjoyed this all a bit too much, but for now, his focus was on helping the captain get into character. “Well, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Chaotica may be a 1930s villain but he’s very clever. It would help if you knew some of the rules.” “Shoot,” Janeway said. “First of all, he’s a megalomaniac, so try appealing to his ego,” Tom said. “I’ve had to do that before,” Janeway said. “Use grandiose language. He likes to be called ‘sire,’ and it helps to say things like ‘the clever fiendishness of your evil plan is brilliant.’” Janeway frowned. “If my ship wasn’t at stake this is the part where I’d be telling you I’m out,” she said. “Look at this way Captain,” Tom said, hoping to encourage her. “How many Starfleet captains can say they’ve saved their vessel by acting?”

“I’m pretty sure James T. Kirk did that once,” Janeway said.

“Fair point,” Tom said. “Anyway, try to remember when you’re in there; it’s ray gun, not phaser. Imagizer, not viewscreen. Earthlings, not Terrans-” “When have I ever referred to our species as Terrans?” Janeway said.

“Right. Anyway, one other thing; these villains always have a trick up their sleeve. Trap doors, secret weapons…” “We checked, the safeties are on, I can’t be hurt by holographic weapons.” “That doesn’t mean you can’t be restrained,” Tom said.

Janeway sighed. “Noted,” she said. Tom was disappointed that she wasn’t as into this as he’d hoped, but he kept going anyway. The mission was still important after all, he couldn’t afford to forget that. “Now,” he said, “as soon as you get the death ray shut down, call me in my rocket ship and give me the signal to fire.” “You mean call Seven in your rocket ship,” Janeway said. “No, I’ll be flying it. Chaotica won’t see me since I won’t have the imagizer up, and I know this program better than she does. I’m pretty sure she and Sam only use it for-” “I order you to not finish that sentence.” “Okay, sorry. Anyway,” he handed Janeway his PADD. “here are the specifications for Arachnia’s costume.” Janeway took the PADD, looked at it and stopped walking. “Finally,” Tom said, “there are the pheromones you can uncork if you run into any unexpected trouble. It’s from Chapter Sixteen. Chaotica gets a whiff of it, he’ll be under your spell.” “So, why don’t I just start with the pheromones and save myself a load of trouble?” “Because you won’t actually have it on you, it’ll be sitting on a small pedestal next to Chaotica’s throne. Try to get your hands on it as soon as possible.” “Right,” Janeway said. “I suppose I better get fitted for my costume.” “Excellent. You can do this Captain,” Tom said. As Janeway walked away he grinned and shouted after her, “And remember, you’re the queen!” “Don’t make me demote you again Tom,” she shouted back.

-o-

Seven of Nine stood behind Commander Chakotay on the bridge as they and everyone else on the bridge including Sam watched the viewscreen, which was showing what was going on on the holodeck. “I feel like I should’ve made popcorn,” Sam said. Seven shook her head. “Best that you didn’t,” she said. “It gets caught in my teeth far too easily for my liking.” “Nobody else is saying it so I will,” Neelix, who was sitting to Chakotay’s left said, “should we even be watching this at all? Isn’t this like an invasion of privacy?” “We are monitoring the Captain and Ensign Paris’ progress,” Tuvok said. “This way, we can beam them out should it become necessary. Doctor Chaotica’s weapons cannot harm them due to the safeties working, but the alien’s weapons are under no such restrictions.” “Fair enough,” Harry said. “Also it’s kind of nice that for once the safeties weren’t the first thing to go off-line, like usually happens when we have holodeck trouble.” The viewscreen showed the Captain, now in full Queen Arachnia garb, at the drawbridge to the Fortress of Doom. “Sound,” Chakotay said. The crew seems to be enjoying this, Seven thought. I suppose the fact that the captain isn’t in any serious danger is part of that, but this does feel uncomfortably voyeuristic.

“I present,” the character of Lonzak said, “her royal highness, Arachnia.” Janeway stepped into view, her mannerisms and walk exactly as Tom Paris had specified. “Ahh,” Chaotica said. “At last. At last. My queen.” Janeway allowed Chaotica to take her hand, who knelt before her and kissed it as the music swelled. “Can we lose the background music?” Chakotay said. “It’s part of the program,” Harry said. “This is an historic occasion,” Chaotica said, still kneeling. “Kindred souls meet a last.” “It’s an honor to be in your presence, majesty.” Janeway said as Chaotica stood up again. Sam snickered. “Please don’t laugh Samantha,” Seven said. “Why not?” “Because I cannot guarantee that I will not start laughing as well.”

“...always admired your, clever fiendishness,” Janeway said, finishing a sentence that Seven had missed the first part of.

“Ah, your taste is only exceeded by your beauty,” Chaotica said. As Janeway gracefully moved about Chaotica’s lab, allowing him to regale her with prideful boasts about what each and every single machine could do, the bridge grew increasingly quiet. “It’s good you have the lightning shield to protect your equipment,” Janeway said. “Yes,” Chaotica said. “As long as it’s electrified I am invincible! But my greatest achievement is there.” He pointed somewhere off screen. “What are they looking at?” Harry said. “Shh!” Samantha admonished him. “Behold; the death ray,” Chaotica said. That answers that question, Seven thought.

“Oh,” Janeway said. “it looks like a formidable weapon.” She went up to the device and touched it, the viewscreen shifting, allowing the bridge crew to see it. “It looks like an oversized marital aid,” B’Elanna said. “Why’d you have to put that image in my head, Lieutenant?” Chakotay said. “There is so much more I want to show you,” Chaotica said, offering Janeway his arm. “My throne for example,“ he continued. “The seat of my empire.” “Ah,” Janeway said, moving towards something. “I see you’ve kept my pheromones. I didn't realize you were the scent-imental type.” “Oh, boo!” Sam said. Up until that moment, for the year and a half she’d been on board, only Sam, Naomi, Captain Janeway, and the Doctor had ever heard Seven of Nine laugh, and in the case of the latter two it wasn’t really her per se but rather one of the personalities brought forth by a Borg vinculum. She tried to cover her mouth, but a loud laugh escaped, and everyone on the bridge except Tuvok was now looking directly at her. “I’m sorry,” she said through her fingers. “The Captain has palmed the pheromone bottle,” Tuvok said. “Good,” Chakotay said. “she’ll probably have to use it.”

Janeway sat in Chaotica’s throne, the look on his face suggesting he was more than pleased to see her there. “Somehow I feel comfortable here,” she said. “Is that Arachnia talking or the Captain?” B’Elanna said. “Join me,” Chaotica said, now kneeling next to his own throne and taking the Captain's hand once again. “and you will have your own chair. One adorned with the most precious jewels and the finest silk.” “Your majesty seems overly concerned with romantic matters,” Janeway said. “when there’s a battle to be won.” She stood up with a look of determination on her face. “That is why you asked me here, is it not?” “Of course my dear,” Chaotica said. “Forgive me. it’s just that, the air itself seems to vibrate in your presence.” The bridge filled with the sounds of people stifling laughter.

“We can’t be slaves to our passion,” Janeway said, “not when your empire is threatened. I have assembled my fleet of spider ships, but the lightning shield prevents them from approaching your fortress.” “We’ll send them directly into battle,” Chaotica said. “Alongside my space force.” “My soldiers wish to pay homage to you,” Janeway said. “How gratifying,” Chaotica said, smiling. “Of course, if I lower the shield, my fortress would be defenseless. Even an ally might choose such a moment to seize my throne.” “Uh-oh, he’s on to her,” Neelix said. “You don’t trust me,” Janeway said, looking and sounding offended. “There is a way you could convince me of your loyalty,” Chaotica said. “Let me guess; marriage,” Harry said. “I will lower my lightning shield, but first, you must become my queen!” “Called it,” Harry said.

“Gather my courtiers,” Chaotica said before Janeway could give an answer. “Prepare for the ceremony.” “Is this how people viewed romance in the 1930s?” Sam said. “He’s the bad guy, Sam, you’re reading too much into this,” Harry said. “And don’t forget to deactivate the lightning shield,” Janeway said, increasing the melodramatic delivery of her performance, “so that my subjects may witness the blessed event.” “Nice one,” Seven heard Chakotay mutter under his breath.

“Very well,” Chaotica said. “Do as she says once her guests have arrived.”

“Yes, sire,” Lonzak said, bowing before leaving the throne room.

“And so my dear,” Chaotica said as he took Janeway’s hand, yet again, “the day you have always dreamed of has arrived. The day you become Bride of Chaotica!” Chaotica began laughing maniacally.

“Any idea how the Doctor’s whole ‘President of Earth’ thing is going with the photonic aliens?” Harry asked. Seven had somehow managed to forget about that portion of the mission. “I’m sure he’s fine,” Chakotay said. “You’re only saying that because you don’t want to miss any of the Captain’s performance aren’t you? Harry said. “Yes I am,” Chakotay admitted.

Several minutes passed as Chaotica’s minions prepared his throne room for a wedding ceremony. “Did your wedding look anything like that, Samantha?” Seven asked, genuinely curious. “No. Thank goodness,” Sam said. “I applaud your good taste,” Seven said

“Queen Arachnia,” Lonzak said, presenting Janeway with a pillow. Janeway picked up a gaudy looking ring from the pillow. “Let me guess, my wedding ring,” she said. “Doctor Chaotica’s wedding ring,” Lonzak said, sounding bitter about the whole thing, leading Seven to wonder if that was an intentional bit of subtext added to the program by Tom, or if Lonzak simply didn’t trust Arachnia. Either was plausible. “You are to present it to him at the end of the ceremony.” “Your majesty,” Janeway said as she dropped the ring back on the pillow and walked over to where Chaotica was standing. “we should lower the lightning shield, in anticipation of my guests.” “What is this preoccupation you have with my shield?” Chaotica said, looking suspicious. “Oh dear, she pushed it too far,” Neelix said. “Forgive me,” Janeway said. “It’s just that, as a fellow ruler of the cosmos I often have to do things myself.” “Ah, because of the incompetence of your inferiors no doubt,” Chaotica said. “Something like that,” Janeway said. “I really hope that wasn’t a dig at us,” Neelix said. “Oh, Arachnia, my love, my life,” Chaotica said, “How well you understand our plight. If it weren’t beneath my dignity, I would weep. How I’ve longed for someone who would understand.” “We have a saying on Arachnia,” Janeway said, gently touching Chaotica’s face, much to the apparent amusement of everyone on the bridge except for Seven herself and for Tuvok. “‘It’s lonely at the top.’” “Hmm. No longer my dear,” Chaotica said. “Majesty!” a minion yelled. “Proton is preparing to attack!” “What?” Chaotica shouted so loudly that Janeway visibly flinched. Chaotica went over to a device that the Voyager bridge crew could not see from their angle, but gathered was some sort of detection device. “Bah,” Chaotica said. “Target her rocket ship. Shoot her down.” Janeway glanced over toward the death ray, where another Chaotica minion was operating it. She moved over to him as quickly as her impractical footwear would allow, and struck him the back. The minion fell over instantly even though the Captain did not appear to have hit him that hard. Janeway grabbed his gun, and held it on Chaotica and Lonzak as they turned to look in her direction after hearing the thud of the minion’s collapse. “You have betrayed me,” Chaotica said. “You are league with Proton. Impetuous harlot!” “Oh for the love of.. Just shoot him already Captain!” Chakotay yelled at the viewscreen. “The Captain cannot hear you, Commander,” Tuvok said. “I know, I know,” Chakotay said. “Tell me how to deactivate the lightning shield,” Janeway said, “or I’ll show you just how impetuous I can be.” “What are you waiting for you great lummox?” Chaotica said to Lonzak. “Kill her.” Lonzak pulled out a laser pistol and fired it at Janeway, where it dissipated with no effect. “Ha!” she laughed. “You are no match for Arcahnia!” Harry chuckled. “I think she’s actually starting to enjoy this.” “Tell me how to shut down the shield,” Janeway said, suddenly shifting from laughing to glowering at Chaotica.

“The confinement rings,” Chaotica said. Lonzak fumbled briefly with his belt before pushing a button on it. Suddenly the captain was encased in a glowing circular force field. Chaotica laughed. “Oh don’t worry. I wouldn’t kill my bride. Not until after our wedding night.” “Wow, that got uncomfortable really quick didn’t it?” Sam said.

“Little bit, yeah,” B’Elanna said.

“Reactivate the death ray! Destroy Proton!”

As soon as the death ray on the holodeck began firing, Voyager itself began shaking, much to Seven’s confusion. “What’s happening?” Chakotay said. “The alien’s weapon fire is increasing,” B’Elanna said. “It’s causing the distortions to grow larger. We’re being pulled deeper into subspace!” That is not good, Seven thought.

-o-

“Proton’s ship is damaged, but still airborne,” Lonzak said. So much for being the most powerful weapon in the universe or whatever it was Tom said, Janeway thought as she tried to get loose from her bonds, her hands were now tied behind her back and to a pillar next to Chaotica’s throne. “Not for long,” Chaotica said. “Fire at will.” Janeway felt something shift in the sleeve of her Queen Arachnia dress; the vial of pheromones. She just had to be careful not to drop it. She quickly got the cap off, and almost groaned as the pheromones making their way towards the death ray station left a visible trail. Fortunately, that seemed to be only for her benefit as none of the minions, not even Lonzak who had walked right into the path of them, seemed to see it. Lonzak began sniffing the air, and the stream made its way up into his nose. Okay, not who I was hoping for, but screw it, I need to get out of this. “Arachnia?” Lonzak said softly as he walked towards her. “Lonzak, quit dawdling,” Chaotica said, not taking his attention off the imagizer. “Your beauty is maddening,” Lonzak said, now standing right next to Janeway, who struggled to keep a straight face and not just roll her eyes at this lumbering henchman. “Entangle me in your web.” “Let me out of here, and I’ll do all that, and more,” she said quietly, though as oblivious as Chaotica appeared to be she wondered if it was even necessary. “At once, my queen,” Lonzak said, panting. I am going to need one really long sonic shower after this is over. Chaotica finally seemed to noticed that Lonzak was standing by her, but continuing his track record so far of being slow on the uptake, simply tried to admonish Lonzak to return to his station, completely failing to notice that he was freeing Janeway from her bonds. As soon as she was loose, she kneed Lonzak in the groin and grabbed his ray gun, shooting down two of Chaotica’s guards as they made a move for her. “Deactivate the shield,” Janeway said, pointing the weapon at Chaotica. “Now.” “Such passion,” Chaotica said, smiling. “Such strength. Together we could conquer the universe. End this madness and you may yet live to my bride.” Tom, when this is over we need to have a talk about your choice of arch-nemeses, Janeway thought.

“The shield,” she said. Chaotica, nearly tripping over the machine as he moved backwards the closer Janeway got with her gun, reached over and shut it off. “I don’t know how to tell you this,” she said, no longer using the Queen Arachnia inflection, and shooting Chaotica in the chest with the ray gun, “but the wedding’s off.”

Chaotica fell over, but unlike his minions who died instantly, Chaotica seemed to be trying to milk his end for every ounce of drama he could get out of it. Janeway would’ve stopped to laugh at him if she didn’t have another task to accomplish. “Arachnia to Proton,” she said, activating the microphone. “Do you read me?” “I read you,” Tom said. “But, but,” Chaotica said, “that’s not Proton’s voice.” “Not in this version,” Janeway said. “Now just die already, you’re only embarrassing yourself at this point. The lightning shield is down, Proton.”

“Acknowledged,” Tom said. “Doc, target the death ray. Robot, fire the destructo beam on my mark. Ready? Now!” A loud bang almost made Janeway jump. Chaotica, who had somehow managed to keep himself standing by leaning against the death ray, shook violently but somehow also comically as bolts of electricity arced out from the death ray and into his body. Were he real, Janeway would’ve felt sorry for him. “Bridge to Janeway,” Chakotay’s voice said over the com a few seconds later. “Go ahead,” Janeway said.

“The aliens have retreated and closed the distortions. We’re free of the sandbar and are on our way at full impulse.”

“Secure all systems and organize damage repair teams.” “We’re prepared to shut down the holodeck.”

“Give me a minute,” Janeway said.

“Enjoying the part, Captain?”

Janeway was about to tell Chakotay the truth; that she was simply curious how the program would end naturally. Then a thought occurred to her. “Commander, have you all been watching this from up on the bridge?” Silence. “I thought so,” Janeway said, shaking her head. “Anyone makes any jokes about my performance, they get a reprimand in their personnel file.” The door to the throne room opened, and Tom Paris, the Doctor, still dressed as the President of Earth, and a clunky, awkwardly moving robot entered. “Well, I was about to say ‘Captain Proton to the rescue’,” Tom said, “but it looks like you’ve got things under control.” “Arachnia!” Chaotica said, his body jerking to life, though only his neck, head and mouth moved. “Death as you know it has no hold on me. My defeat is but a temporary setback. I shall return to seek my revenge.” “He doesn’t give up does he?” Janeway said to Tom. “They never do,” Tom said.

“Our love was not meant to be, my queen,” Chaotica continued. “But be warned. You have not seen the last of…” Chaotica shivered, choking out the final word of his monologue; “Chaotica.” “The end of a twisted madman,” Tom said. “The end of me in this stupid outfit,” Janeway said. “These shoes are killing me.” “I assume that is comedic exaggeration,” the Doctor said. “Of course,” Janeway said as she removed the shoes. “By the way, how did it go, Mr. President?” The Doctor smiled. “My performance was unimpeachable.” Janeway and Tom both groaned loudly. “Really, Doc?” Tom said, looking like he was in physical pain. “I’m pretty sure that pun’s a court-martial offense right there,” Janeway said, throwing one of her shoes at the Doctor.

#a fire of devotion #part 2 #chapter six #star trek voyager #fan fiction #sam7

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voyagerafod · 8 years

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Star Trek Voyager: A Fire of Devotion: Part 2 of 4: Louder Than Bells: Chapter Four

Chapter Four:

After a month of not being allowed to take the Delta Flyer out for a spin, the now Ensign Tom Paris had been happy when he finally got the chance again, going on a mission with Tuvok and Samantha Wildman. A few days in however, he suddenly found himself missing the safety of his cell in the brig.

“We’ve got another ion storm coming in,” he said, checking his sensors. “Great. We still haven’t gotten ourselves patched up from the last one. No way we’re making it back to Voyager today.”

“I am never leaving the ship again,” Samantha said. “I get stranded by the Kazon, Naomi gets sick, dipshit weapons dealer nearly blows Seven’s hand off; every time I step off Voyager something bad happens.”

“That is not wholly accurate,” Tuvok said. “I can recall with little effort at least two occasions where you were off Voyager, and nothing that could be described as negative occurred.” “Yeah, two,” Samantha said. “That doesn’t disprove my point. Leaving that ship is just bad luck.” “To be fair Sam,” Paris said, “it’s not like every day on Voyager herself is sunshine and bunnies.” He checked his console one more time to make sure the Flyer was stationary as trying to move during an ion storm only made it more dangerous. “We’ve got several minutes before it hits, better contact Naomi, let her know you’ll be delayed so she won’t worry.”

---

Naomi Wildman beamed with pride as she left the holodeck, having quickly and triumphantly solved the problem presented her in the current Flotter chapter on the holodeck she was on, and she was looking forward to sharing her accomplishments with her mom. She wasn’t going to have to wait too long though, because the reason she’d left the holodeck when she did was because Neelix had called to let her know that her mother was contacting from the Delta Flyer, and that Neelix had set up a visual communications link in her quarters.

Once she got there, Neelix simply stood back while Naomi sat at the table and looked at the screen. She’d asked where Seven of Nine was, but Neelix said that Seven was being kept busy on the bridge. Naomi thought it was kind of weird that her mom’s girlfriend wouldn’t be here, but figured maybe they’d talk later, and talk about the kind of grown up stuff she didn’t like being in the room for. “Hi Mom,” she said. “Hey sweetie,” Samantha replied. Naomi wasted no time in detailing how she’d helped the Flotter character make peace with a character named Trevis, even though deep down she knew that her mom probably knew these characters already since she’d also played in those holonovels as a kid. “I can show you how I did it tomorrow when you get back,” Naomi said, finally finished. Her mother sighed as the static on the channel got worse. “I’m sorry, Naomi, the away mission is taking longer than planned. It may be a few more days.” “Days?” Naomi said, frowning.

“‘Fraid so. But don’t worry, I’ll be bringing back some beautiful sillenite crystals for you and for Seven. Now I know what time it is there, so I want you to get ready for bed while I talk to Neelix, okay?” “All right,” Naomi said, sadly, getting up to do as her mother told her. ---

Neelix could tell even through the static that Samantha Wildman was putting on a brave face. As soon as Naomi went to her room to change, Neelix sat down. “Samantha?” he said. “What’s wrong?” “We got hit by an ion storm,” she said. “We took a beating, but I imagine it would be worse if we were in a regular shuttle.” “How bad?” “We’re trying to make repairs, but there’s another storm on the way.” The static got worse. Neelix saw Samantha look down. It was probably just as bad on her end too. “I need to go. Say goodnight to Naomi for me.” “Of course,” Neelix said. “Do you want me to say anything to Seven of Nine as well, or-” “I’m sure the Captain’s already briefed her on the situation. But thanks. The signal’s getting worse, I have to go.” The screen went black. Neelix sighed. For a moment he considered telling Naomi the truth about why her mother was delayed, but decided against it. Samantha hadn’t said anything, probably not wanting Naomi to worry unnecessarily. I won’t tell her yet, he thought. I just need to figure out when. Or maybe I’ll get lucky and Samantha, Tom, and Tuvok will all be home before it even becomes an issue.

-o-

Neelix, along with the rest of the senior staff still on-board listened quietly in the briefing room as the static-marred mayday message from Tuvok played for them, the sound cutting out just after his voice told them that they were looking for an emergency landing site for the Delta Flyer. “That was the last transmission we got from them,” Chakotay said. “We haven’t heard anything since. We’ve tried hailing them but they aren’t responding.” “If they’re looking for a place to land,” the Doctor said, “it must be pretty bad.” “Exactly what I was thinking,” B’Elanna said. “Can we pick them up on long range sensors?”

“We lost their energy signature when the second ion storm hit,” Harry Kim said. “But we’ve triangulated the coordinates of the distress call. They’ve entered a planetary system about 0.6 light years from here. That’s the good news. The bad is that another ion storm blocking our path. It’s a level five.” “Hmm,” Janeway said. “We’ve been through worse than a Level 5. And since Edwin’s shield reinforcements are still in place, we should be able to ride it out just fine. We’re not going to let a little bad weather get in the way of our rescue mission. Dismissed.” “What should I tell Naomi?” Neelix said, speaking up for the first time since the briefing started. “Or should I tell her anything for that matter?” Chakotay shrugged. “If you don’t feel comfortable handling that Neelix, perhaps I could help.” “That won’t be necessary Commander,” Neelix said. “I know she needs to be told, and it probably should come from me. Except for her mother and maybe Seven of Nine, I’m closer to her than anyone. I’m just worried about how she’ll handle it.” “Understandable,” Janeway said. “Look, just keep her occupied for awhile while we handle the rescue mission. If things go sideways, it’ll be my job to deliver the bad news.” “This reminds me,” B’Elanna said. “Has anyone told Seven yet?” “She’s aware of the Flyer’s damage from the first ion storm,” Harry said. “But us in this room are the only ones with the latest information. I’m sure she’ll handle it fine though. This is the woman who was able to save us all from a killer nebula, while in the middle of a nervous breakdown no less,” he added, referring to last year’s month-long period where all but Seven and the Doctor had to sleep in stasis tubes. “This is different though,” Janeway said. “How so?” Neelix said, wondering where the captain was going with this. “It’s a matter of scale,” she said. “The larger the number of people in danger, the easier it is to detach and focus on the task at hand. There’s a huge difference between a hundred and twenty plus, and three. And when one of those three is someone you’re emotionally attached to…” “I would remind you that my boyfriend is one of the people in danger,” B’Elanna said. “And I don’t see anyone worrying about me not being able to focus.” “I’ve known you longer, I know I don’t need to,” Janeway said. “We’ve all gone through something like this before. But for Seven this is still new, she’s never had to perform with these kinds of stakes before.”

“With all due respect Captain,” Harry said, “I think you’re selling her short. I’m confident Seven of Nine won’t let her connection to Sam cloud her judgement, and we’ll probably need her skills on this mission.” “I agree,” Neelix said. “Same here,” the Doctor said. Janeway shrugged. “You’re probably right,” she said. “Harry, let her know the situation. Neelix, keep Naomi occupied, like I said. Everyone else, let’s start putting a rescue plan together.”

---

Seven of Nine was slightly confused. When Janeway summoned her to the bridge and updated her on the Delta Flyer’s situation, Seven began to feel a sense of panic, not unlike the one she’d had weeks before when Edwin was allowing himself to die in sickbay. She couldn’t quite understand why though. The concern for Samantha, of course was natural, and she imagined that B’Elanna Torres felt much the same way about Tom Paris, whose life was also in danger aboard the Flyer. During her time on the ship however, the entire ship had been in danger more times than should have been statistically probable. By extension, Sam was in danger then too. Seven just could not discern what made this different.

Maybe it’s because I helped design the shuttle, she found herself thinking as she went over schematics on a PADD that Harry had handed her. If I’d been more involved perhaps it wouldn’t be so badly damaged. “Has Naomi been informed?” she asked Lieutenant Kim. “Neelix is going to handle that,” Harry said. “but not just yet. I can’t blame him for being reluctant, no one wants to be the bearer of bad news.” “Perhaps that is for the best,” Seven said. “I would offer to tell her myself, but as Sam as pointed out to me more than once I still require improvement in the, to use her words, ‘tact department.’”

Harry chuckled at that. Seven had not intended the statement to be amusing, but she decided to keep that to herself.

“I should probably steer clear of Naomi for the remainder of the operation,” she said. “If I see her she will likely ask me about the status of her mother, and much like Sam I do not like deceiving her.” “You’ve had to lie to her before?” Harry said. “Yes,” she said. Harry looked for a moment like he might ask for further details on that, but he didn’t, for which Seven was grateful as she would not have given him any. None of the falsehoods were large ones, it was simply a matter of there being things that Sam felt it was in Naomi’s best interest that she not know about until she was an adult. Seven was skeptical, but chose to defer to Samantha on the matter.

What will I do if she doesn’t come back? she thought. She tried to push the intrusive thought aside, but it kept nagging at her quietly in the back of her mind, so she instead tried to focus harder on the information on her PADD, working to put together a rescue mission.

---

As Tom Paris pushed the thrusters on the Delta Flyer to their limits, Samantha kept her focus on the console screen, trying to find somewhere, anywhere, to land the ship. With warp drive and even impulse engines off-line though, she knew they were only delaying the inevitable and that the ion storm was going to hit them.

“And to think that being demoted and having to spend a month in the brig would end up not being the worst thing to happen to me this year,” she heard Paris mutter. “The storm is throwing off my readings,” she said, “but there is definitely a big rock nearby, I just can’t find it.” The ship shuddered. “The wave front is accelerating,” Tuvok said. “Less than two minutes to impact.” “Great, so I’ve only got about thirty seconds to land this thing,” Tom said. “Samantha, I hate to rush you-” “Got it,” she said, “Finally. I read a class-M atmosphere, and a benamite mantle.” She quickly transferred the distance and coordinates to Tom’s console. “Benamite? I want to land this shuttle, not bury it,” he said as he turned the shuttle towards the planet which would hopefully protect them from more ion storms. “Well, we could always just try to surf the ion storm,” Samantha snarked, her patience starting to waver as the shuddering got worse. “We’ve entered the upper atmosphere,” Tuvok said a few seconds later. Samantha continued her scans. “Nothing but impact craters and volcanoes,” she said, “this is not a good landing place.” “The storm is closing,” Tuvok said. “Shields are already at maximum.” “It’s gonna have to do,” Tom said. “So long as we don’t land in a volcano we should be fine.” “Starboard thrusters are down,” Tuvok said. “Damn,” Tom said. “This is just not my day.” “We’re going in too fast,” Samantha said, finally starting to panic. “Hang on!” Tom yelled.

The ship shook violently, there were loud clanging noises, Samantha felt her head hit something, and her vision became fuzzy. She didn’t remember being unconscious, but when she opened her eyes, she saw that she’d been moved from where she’d been sitting, and she was very, very sore.

“Wha-what happened?” she said, touching a sore spot on her head, and seeing blood on the tips of her fingers. Tom was scanning her with a medical tricorder. Samantha found herself glad that he had agreed to be trained as a field medic. “We made it. -ish,” Tom said. “The Delta Flyer’s first real planetary landing wasn’t exactly an auspicious one. We’re three kilometers under the surface. At least our primary hull is still in one piece.” “Wish I felt the same way,” Samantha said. “You’ll be okay,” Tom said. “Minor fractures, a concussion, nothing I can’t handle.” “You’re a better nurse than you are a liar, Ensign,” Samantha grunted and clutched her side, which was hurting worse now. Tom closed the medical tricorder and sighed. “You have a punctured kidney,” he said. “You need surgery.” Samantha nodded. “I have transmitted another distress call,” Tuvok said. “So far, no response.” “I’ve got to talk to Naomi,” Samantha said, feeling scared. “And Annie. My girls, they’ll be so worried about me.”

“Conserve your strength, Ensign,” Tuvok said. “Mr. Paris and I have the situation under control.”

“Sam, I’m going to give you a mild sedative and something for the pain, okay?” Tom said, holding up a hypospray. Samantha nodded. She felt a little woozy after Tom applied the hypospray, but she could still hear him and Tuvok as they discussed their situation. Were she not drugged, it might’ve made her panic more. “Any chance we could abandon ship and walk out of here?” Tom said. “Unlikely,” Tuvok said. “We’re far too deep underground, and the cavern behind us has filled up with fluorine gas.” “Seriously?” Tom said, sounding incredulous. “Fluorine? How did it not all ignite when we crashed?” “Unknown,” Tuvok admitted. Samantha, not wanting to fall asleep, tried to remember everything she could about fluorine gas and had to agree with Tom. That type of gas was so reactive water would ignite it, and now there was a huge cave full of it right behind them. Three ion storms in one day, a crash landing, and surrounded by a gas that can explode if you look at it wrong. Welcome to the worst day of my life, she thought.

“Our best option,” she heard Tuvok say, “is to wait for Voyager.”

-o-

Naomi kept thinking about how her mom hadn’t contacted her in awhile, how Seven of Nine seemed to be avoiding her, and how nervous Neelix seemed to be. Something was going on, and no one was telling her and it was making her mad enough that nothing the Doctor was telling her about botany was registering.

The Doctor was saying something about organelles when Naomi finally just said what was on her mind. “My Mom was supposed to call me today. Why hasn’t she?” The Doctor paused for a moment. “Well,” he said, “she’s probably just busy.” The Doctor was still smiling like he was when he was giving his lessons, but Naomi felt something was a little off with the smile, like it was there just to make her feel better. “Now let’s have a little look at the cell wall,” the Doctor said, tapping a button on the console screen in front of her.

“Can we try to call her?” she said. The Doctor didn’t answer right away. “Well,” he started to say but was interrupted when the door to sickbay opened. “Neelix, so happy to see you,” the Doctor said. Neelix seemed surprised at that. “Um, okay,” Neelix said. “I was just coming by to pick up Naomi. We’re going to do another Flotter story on the holodeck today. I’m not too early am I?” “I was just asking the Doctor if we could call Mom on the Delta Flyer,” Naomi said. Neelix sighed. He looked at the Doctor, who nodded and stepped into his office, leaving her and Neelix alone. “I should have said something sooner,” Neelix said. Naomi suddenly felt very nervous. “The Delta Flyer got hit pretty bad by some ion storms and had to land on a planetoid to make repairs. We can’t talk to them right now because of the damage. I’m sure you’re scared right now, and it’s okay to be scared, but I want you to know that everyone is doing everything they can to make sure the Flyer and everyone on it comes home safe. Okay?” Naomi didn’t say anything. She just sat there. She did feel a little scared, like Neelix said she would, but she was also mad. Mad at him for not telling her right away that her mom was in trouble, mad at her mother for not saying she was in trouble the last time she called, mad at ion storms…

She got out of her chair and just left sickbay. Neelix followed her, asking her if she was okay but she just ignored him. She wanted to go somewhere where she could feel safe, so she went to holodeck one and activated the Flotter program. When Neelix tried to follow her in she just yelled “No!” at him and asked the computer to seal the door. She walked as far as the nearest tree, which wasn’t very far since the simulation was of a forest, leaned against it, and cried.

---

Seven of Nine worked at her console in the astrometrics lab. She was concerned for Sam, but she wasn’t allowing her fear to cloud her judgement. If pressed, she would have to admit that she just didn’t know if she could emotionally handle losing her, but that was all the more reason not to be reckless. She imagined that being allowed to work on the rescue mission played a large part, if not the largest, in helping maintain her calm.

“Computer, switch to polythermal imaging and enhance resolution,” she said. As she said so she heard the door open behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Neelix enter. “Do you require assistance, Neelix?” she said. “Maybe. I’m worried about Naomi,” Neelix said. He sighed, then added, “I messed up. I should’ve told her sooner, but I didn’t and I think waiting only made it worse.” “How much did you tell her?” Seven said. “Not much, just that the Flyer was in trouble and had to land. I didn’t tell her it crashed though.” “I’ve found that Naomi is more clever and resilient than many on board Voyager give her credit for. She may well be angry that she wasn’t informed sooner about her mother’s situation, but I doubt that will hold for long. She will understand that you were only trying to protect her.” “I could’ve done a better job of it, but thanks anyway Seven. Since she knows now, maybe you should talk to her before going down there to join the rescue team. She noticed how you weren’t saying much to her the past few days.” “I will do that. Currently I am mapping the caverns around the crash site.” Seven stopped, and looked up from her console. “Do you have any experience mapping caverns, Neelix?” “Not using technology like this, but I see where you’re going with that. Just tell me which buttons to push and I’ll keep the program going while you talk to Naomi.” “Thank you,” Seven said. She gave Neelix a pat on the shoulder, a reassuring gesture that Samantha had done for her on numerous occasions. “If it is any consolation, the fact that you are willing to admit you were in error means you are unlikely to make a similar mistake in the future.”

“It doesn’t make me feel much better, Seven,” Neelix said. “but thanks for trying anyway. I suppose it’s a good thing I’m only a godparent and not a real parent.” “That is not for me to say,” Seven said. As she started to leave, her comm badge chirped. “Commander Chakotay to Seven of Nine.” “Yes, Commander,” Seven said. “Rescue Team Alpha needs that data,” Chakotay said, his voice suggesting urgency. Seven sighed. “I will meet you at the transporter site.” She closed the communication and turned to Neelix. “I don’t think I’m going to have time to talk to Naomi after all. Keep looking after her Neelix. She’ll need someone to talk to once the initial shock has worn off, if it hasn’t already.”

“Okay. And Seven? Bring them home.” “I intend to.”

---

“Ready, Tuvok?” Tom said. “Ready,” Tuvok said. Samantha heard much of what was going on since the crash, but wasn’t sure what they were ready for. She had been drifting in and out of consciousness the whole time since they’d crashed, and the painkillers Tom was giving her were still working but they were also making it hard to focus.

“Cross your fingers,” she heard Tom say. He reached into an open panel, touched something, and something on the panel up at the front where Tuvok was seated sparked. “Damn,” Tom grunted. “The magnetic relays have overloaded,” Tuvok said. “We’d better find another way to polarize this hull, or Voyager’s sensors won’t be able to pick us up,” Tom said. “Do not give up hope,” Tuvok said. “Probability of rescue is admittedly low, but it is not statistically impossible.” “Comforting,” Tom said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “If we don’t make it,” Samantha said softly, “who’s going to look after Naomi?” “The most likely outcome would be that Neelix and Seven of Nine would share that responsibility,” Tuvok said. “That is, of course, assuming we do not get rescued, which you should not rule out.” Samantha scoffed, followed by a wince as the pain in her side flared up again. “Our ship has Borg enhanced sensors and they still haven’t found us yet. If my honey’s tech can’t find us-” “I’d hate to be the one who gives Seven the order to abandon the search,” Tom said under his breath, not realizing that Samantha could hear him. “Shut up, Tom,” she said. “Sorry,” he replied, looking embarrassed. “You are concerned for your daughter, this is understandable,” Tuvok said. “I would remind you however that I am also a parent. My youngest child has been without her father for four years. Yet I am certain of her well-being. Your child will likewise survive and prosper, no matter what becomes of us.” “He’s right,” Tom said, the first time she’d heard him say anything to or about Tuvok that wasn’t dripping with sarcasm since the crash. “There’s not a sentient on Voyager that wouldn’t take a phaser blast for that kid and you know it.” Samantha felt tears well up, but not from the pain.

“Thank you,” she said.

---

Seven of Nine walked around the cavern with her tricorder out, trying to learn everything she could about the cavern they were in. She, along with Chakotay, Joe Carey, and the rest of Rescue Team Alpha had found a piece of one of the Delta Flyer’s nacelles. While Chakotay informed the captain, Seven put together the data she collected. The cavern ahead of them had collapsed, but there was a hull signature behind the debris. She almost smiled, certain that not only had Sam and the others been found but they were likely alive, albeit trapped. Trapped however was preferable to dead under the majority of circumstances.

Soon the other rescue teams were there, as were the phaser drills. She continued scanning as the drills operated, making sure that the activity didn’t cause another cave-in that would kill them as well. As progress was made, Seven was able to get more information in her tricorder about the cavern ahead of them, including the composition of the gas… “Oh no,” she uttered before yelling at the team to stop the drills. “What is it?” Carey asked. She handed him her tricorder. “Fluorine gas,” she said. “If we pierce the final layer with a phaser it will ignite, destroying the cave, the Delta Flyer, and us with it.” “Son of a bitch,” Carey said. “How did that even happen?” “We could name this whole solar system after Murphy’s Law,” Chakotay said in exasperation. “We can’t just give up and leave them there, but long range sensors show yet another ion storm coming which would likely cause another cave in cutting off all hope.” “Another ion storm?” Seven said, not even hiding the shock in her voice. Ion storms were not a rare thing in the galaxy, but for a single star system to have four of them, four of massive size, in less than an Earth standard week was so ridiculous that she felt like punching something, regardless of the fact that doing so would accomplish approximately nothing. “Beaming through rock isn’t impossible,” Carey said. “It’s the amount that’s keeping us from getting our people out of there. Maybe if we keep drilling, but stop just before we reach where the gas is-” “Except the transporter beam would likely ignite the gas as well,” Seven said. “Possible,” Carey admitted. “But I don’t have any other ideas.”

“Nor do I,” Seven admitted. “Alright,” Chakotay said. “you two try to come up with a way to bleed that gas out of the cave without igniting it. But work fast. We’ve got a few hours at best before the Captain gives the order to abort the mission.”

-o-

Inside the Delta Flyer, Tom Paris was recording a goodbye message for B’Elanna. Samantha didn’t want to eavesdrop, but it was difficult giving how she couldn’t move, and the ship, while larger on the inside that a standard shuttlecraft, just didn’t have enough room for there to be much in the way of private space. Tuvok was writing out his message to his family on a PADD. Sam wasn’t sure which way she was going to go with that just yet, or even if she should bother. Would anyone ever see or hear my last words anyway? she thought.

“Warning. Life support has fallen to critical levels,” the computer said, cutting off Tom mid-sentence. “Don’t mind the computer, she’s just jealous that I’m spending my last few moments talking to you. So long,” Tom said. As he hit the button to end recording, Samantha let out a bitter laugh. “There are men who can’t say ‘I love you.’ And Tom Paris is their God-king,” she said. “Do you really want to spend your final moments on the mortal coil being a smart ass, Sam?” Tom said, though there was no real anger to speak of in his voice, just resignation. She believed he didn’t really care how she spoke to him at the end, just that he was used to being the one to come back with a quip, so why stop now.

“I’m sorry,” she said, and she meant it. She chalked up this uncharacteristic pettiness to the slowly fading sedatives and painkillers in her system. Tom had offered her more as there was still several doses worth in the Flyer’s medkit, but she refused. She did not want to be doped up when she made her own goodbye message, which she finally decided would be a visual one, like Tom’s. With Tom’s helping her up since she still couldn’t walk, she got into the chair and started the recording. “Computer, encode message for delivery to Naomi Wildman, and Seven of Nine.” “Acknowledged,” the computer said. “Hi,” she said. “I know you’re both feeling very sad right now but I want you to listen to me very carefully, okay? First of all, I love you. Both of you. Naomi, I am so proud of you. How smart you are, how funny, how kind, how determined to learn new things. You are going to grow up to do extraordinary things. And you listen to Seven of Nine and to Neelix, they’ll be taking care of you now.

“Seven, Annika, I know that this will be harder on you than anyone. But don’t let it stop you from continuing to explore your humanity. Don’t be afraid to keep learning new things, about other organics and about yourself. Don’t use me as anchor. Mourn for however long you feel is right, but if another girl comes along who makes your heart beat faster the way I did, don’t pass on that chance.” Samantha stopped talking for a moment, wiping tears out of her eyes. “Goodbye, Naomi. Goodbye, Annika Hansen. I love you both, so much.” “Warning. Oxygen depletion in ten minutes,” the computer said just before Sam ended the recording.

Sam heard a sniff, and turned to see Tom Paris wiping his eyes. “Okay, I want a do-over,” he said.

---

Neelix walked onto the holodeck, the forest from the Flotter stories still smoldering from when the trees had been burned in the last chapter. From what he knew of the story there was at least one way, if not more, to restore it, but it appeared that Naomi had not done so yet. He considered for a moment that maybe she just hadn’t figured out how, but realized that far more likely was she wasn’t even trying. She was probably too upset about everything that was going on with her mother and the Delta Flyer.

“Naomi?” he called out. “Go away!” Trevis, a character from the holonovel yelled at him. The anthropomorphized tree looked as angry as his voice suggested he was, though if it was at him or at the fact that he was still partially smoldering he wasn’t sure. “She doesn’t want to talk to you,” Trevis continued. So he’s mad at me then, Neelix thought. Can’t say I blame him.

“You lied,” another voice said. Neelix saw Flotter, a water elemental type character, standing just behind and the to the right of Trevis. “I thought you were vaporized,” Neelix said. “Naomi re-liquified me. Now leave!”

Neelix sighed. He didn’t have time for this, so he told the computer to delete the characters. “Unable to comply,” the computer’s voice said. “Holodeck controls have been encoded.” “Great, probably something Seven taught her,” Neelix said. “Look, Flotter, Trevis, I know I made a mistake. I should’ve told her sooner. That’s why I’m here to apologize, to try and make things right.”

“I wonder if the liar can swim,” Flotter said. “We could always hang him from one of my branches,” Trevis said. Good gods who wrote this thing? Neelix thought. This is supposed to be for children. “Naomi,” Neelix called out. “Please let me talk to you.” “It’s okay,” he heard Naomi’s voice say. She stood from behind the fallen tree she’d been hiding behind. “You be nice,” Trevis said. “No more lying,” Flotter said, pointing a finger in Neelix’s face. Neelix walked around the two characters and went and sat next to Naomi. “Is my mother dead?” she asked, not looking him the eye. “We don’t know,” Neelix said. “The rescue operation is still going on.” “What happened?” “The Flyer was hit by an ion storm. They tried to land on the planet below us to do repairs, but crashed.” “I saw debris. Fires. A crater.” Neelix noticed that Naomi still wasn’t looking at him when she talked, like she couldn’t bear to look at him after he’d kept her mother’s situation from her. “But not the hull. Until we know for sure, I am not giving up on them being alive. Seven of Nine hasn’t, she’s down there helping with the rescue effort right now.” “Do you really think they might find her?” “Yes, I do. Your mother has Tom Paris and Tuvok with her, and they’ve survived worse than a shuttle crash before.” “How do I know you’re telling me the truth this time?” Neelix thought about it for moment. “I never told you this before, but when I was younger, I lost my mother. My whole family. There was a war, and they died.” “Who started it?” Naomi said, looking at him now.

“It doesn’t really matter,” Neelix said, not wanting to admit that his people had been the aggressors. “Not anymore. Either way, it was still the worst thing that ever happened to me. I wanted to tell you the truth, but every time I came close, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I don’t know if I was protecting you, or myself. I let you down Naomi, and I am so sorry.” “Why didn’t Seven tell me? She loves my mom, why didn’t she tell me?” “Seven is still learning about what it’s like to be human,” Neelix said. “I don’t think she was ready for that kind of responsibility, having to be the one to tell a child that their parent was in danger. So she just stayed focus on the rescue effort. I think it helped her stay sane. Though I imagine she’s as scared as you are.”

Naomi reached out and touched Neelix’s hand. Neelix was sure she was about to say she forgave him, but the ship suddenly shuddered. “All hands to emergency stations,” Janeway's voice said over the comm. “The approaching ion storm has just upgraded to level eight.” “Ion storm? What’s that?” Flotter said.

---

“Level eight? What the hell is wrong with this star system?” Joe Carey shouted when the rescue team in the cavern received the call from the captain. “No, no, no,” Seven muttered. Progress on the rescue had been slow, but they were so close, she just knew it, even though the data on her tricorder told her it was even odds at this point. For the first time since she’d heard about the Delta Flyer’s troubles several days ago, Seven of Nine crossed the line from fear for her girlfriend’s safety into full blown anxiety. Her hand shook, unwanted visions of Samantha being crushed by kilotons of rock filled her mind, and she was pretty sure she was about to cry.

“Just a few more meters,” Chakotay told the captain over his comm badge. “When that storm hits, your cavern is going to destabilize,” Janeway said. “You’ve got six minutes, make the most of it.” “All right,” Chakotay said. “Keep going, we’ve almost cleared enough rock to be able to beam the whole shuttle out through the rock.” “But we haven’t been able to clear the fluorine gas yet,” B’Elanna said. “We’ll have to risk it,” Chakotay said. “It’s that or we lose them for good to another cave-in.” “I swear, it’s like this system is cursed,” B’Elanna said. “I was thinking the exact same thing,” Carey said. “Focus,” Seven snapped at them. Rather than getting mad at her as they usually did when she was so curt, they did as she asked. She actually felt bad for having yelled at them, but this task was just too important. She made a mental note to apologize later, once Samantha was safe and sound.

---

“Warning. Oxygen depletion in two minutes,” the computer said. “You know, I think I’m just gonna turn that damn thing off. I don’t need a stopwatch running on my impending death,” Tom said.

“In accepting the inevitable,” Tuvok said, “one finds peace.” “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I guess this isn’t how I figured it would all end.” “Did you envision perhaps a more heroic death?” “Yeah, why not? Why not go out like Captain Kirk, saving the Enterprise-B and a bunch of refugees from an anomaly? Or Captain Garrett, paving the way for peace with the Klingon Empire by going down fighting against the Romulans? I can think of worse ways to go.” “Like bleeding out from your kidneys?” Samantha coughed out. Tom was debating whether to not to reply to that, considering that he didn’t want to risk the last words Samantha Wildman ever heard would be sarcastic ones, when he heard a sound that it took him a second to recognize. When he did, he laughed. “They did it,” he said after laughing. “They found us. Those are phaser noises, I’d recognize them anywhere!”

---

Seven of Nine and the rest of the team was beamed aboard just seconds after the Delta Flyer had been beamed to the shuttle bay with the aid of pattern enhancers. Seven did not wait to be dismissed before just dropping her gear on the pad and running, heading for the shuttle bay. When she got there, she saw Ensign Brooks helping Tom Paris step down. He looked a little dizzy and clearly needed the ensign’s help staying upright, but appeared otherwise unharmed, Tuvok climbing out of the shuttle right behind him. “Sam?” she said. Tom looked at her. “We had to have her beamed directly to sickbay,” he said. “She needed surgery for internal bleeding. I’m sure the Doc-” Seven didn’t wait for Tom to finish. She slapped her comm badge so hard it nearly fell off. “Seven of Nine to Naomi Wildman, meet me outside sickbay,” she said, running again, and nearly knocking over several crewmen as she made her way to sickbay. When she got there, Naomi was already outside, and Neelix was with her. The latter leaning against the bulkhead while the former was pacing until she spotted Seven. Without saying a word, Naomi ran to her, wrapping her arms around her. “Is she…” Seven said, but couldn’t bring herself to finish the question. “The Doctor told us to wait outside,” Naomi said, trying not to sob as she spoke. Seven couldn’t blame her. “Seven, it’s okay that you didn’t tell me Mom was in trouble. I know you were scared. I’m scared too.” “I’m sorry,” Seven said. “I was so focused on bringing Sam home I didn’t think about what was happening to you.” “I’m sure she’ll be fine,” Neelix said. “She was still conscious when they beamed her on board. That has to be a good sign, right?” “I believe it is,” Seven said, though she had to admit she wasn’t one hundred percent sure of that. The three of them waited outside in the hall, moving to let people past them when they had to but mainly waiting quietly. When the quiet got to be too much for Seven, she started to ask Naomi about how her holonovels were going, when the door to sickbay opened. The Doctor stood there, smiling. “Naomi, Seven, you can come in. Mr. Neelix should wait out here so as not to crowd her.” “No problem,” Neelix said, smiling himself. Seven followed behind Naomi, who quickly ran into her mother’s arms. Seven moved more slowly, not wanting to interrupt the reunion. When Sam saw her, she reached out an arm and motioned for Seven to join them in a group hug, which she did gladly. “Good to see you again, Annie,” Sam whispered in her easy. “Likewise,” Seven said. “I think it goes without saying,” Sam said, “that I am never getting in a shuttle ever again.” Seven of Nine, for the first time in what had felt like an eternity, laughed.

#a fire of devotion #part 2 #chapter four #star trek voyager #fan fiction #sam7

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voyagerafod · 8 years

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Star Trek Voyager: A Fire of Devotion: Part 1 of 4: Louder Than Sirens: Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Harry Kim stepped into Captain Janeway’s ready room, unsure of why he’d been summoned.

“You wanted to see me, Captain?” “Harry, sit down,” Janeway said, seated behind her desk and holding a coffee mug, a tiny box sitting on the desk in front of her. “I sometimes wonder if I have failed as a Captain. A good captain knows when to praise their officers for good work. It’s called positive reinforcement.” Harry was confused, but he tried not to show it.

“I wouldn’t say so at all Captain,” he said. “I’ve only served under you so I have no frame of reference but I’ve seen no indication that you don’t appreciate your crew.” “That’s very nice of you to say Ensign but you’ll forgive me if I take it with a grain of salt. Like you said, I’m the only Captain you’ve served under. You came to Voyager straight out of the academy.”

“Captain, I am actually happy in my position if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ve accomplished some incredible things on Voyager. Yes, it would be nice if I had those same opportunities back in the Alpha Quadrant, but that’s just the way things have worked out.” “Yes, you have accomplished a fair amount,” Janeway said, putting down her coffee, and standing up. “You’ve also sacrificed a lot. You’ve been clinically dead, kidnapped, survived in an alien prison, and you even sacrificed an entire year of your life to save this ship and your crewmates. And yet, through all that, you’ve never put in for a promotion.” “To be honest, the thought never occurred to me. I guess rising up in the ranks just hasn’t been a priority for me. I can do my job just as well as an Ensign as I could as a Lieutenant Junior Grade, or any other rank.” Janeway walked over to the viewport, and stared out at the stars for a few moments. Harry began to feel uncomfortable, though he wasn’t sure why since he was certain he knew where this was going; the Captain was going to offer him a promotion. He should’ve been excited at the prospect but he found that he wasn’t. “Since you’ve probably already figured out where this is going,” Janeway said. “and since I know you well enough that I don’t think you’ll accept right away, allow me to point out that I didn’t come to this decision out of the blue. You were actually put in for a promotion by a few people.”

“Really? Who besides Tom would put me in for a promotion?” Janeway shrugged. “Just a few people. B’Elanna Torres for one. Joe Carey put your name in. Tom, of course. And Commander Chakotay. Ensign Brooks, Ensign Dell, Ensign Mulcahey, Lieutenant Hargrove, Neelix, Seven of Nine-”

“Wait, Seven of Nine? Really?” Harry said. He actually felt a little overwhelmed at the number of names the Captain was listing off, but that one surprised him the most. “That’s right. She seems to think pretty highly of you. She even used the word ‘friend,’ which I don’t usually hear from her unless the word ‘girl’ happens to be in front of it.” Harry chuckled at that. Maybe she thinks she owes me for telling her not to keep her feelings for Samantha to herself, he thought. After he stopped chuckling, he took in a deep breath. “Well, who am I to disappoint my shipmates?” he said, still not feeling entirely like he deserved this, but not wanting to argue either. “Congratulations, Lieutenant Junior Grade Harry Kim,” she said smiling and pointing at the box on her desk. “Your new pip’s in there. Your promotion is effective the moment you put it on.”

Harry opened the box and took a deep breath. “Wow,” he said. “Thank you Captain. I guess I was looking forward to this more than I thought.”

---

Seven of Nine wondered why she’d been summoned to the Captain's ready room. She assumed the Captain wanted to follow up on the events of last week with Arturis, since they had not had much chance to talk about it since then. Seven wasn’t sure what there would be to talk about beyond the fact that Janeway had become somewhat reclusive since it happened. She found this understandable, as the Captain did seem to have been emotionally hurt by the revelation of the unexpected consequences of her actions during the brief war between the Borg and Species 8472.

“Enter,” Janeway said when Seven got to the door. Seven did so, to see a smiling Captain Janeway seated behind her desk. “Did you happen to run into Harry on your way up?” Janeway said. “I did not. Why do you ask?” Seven said.

“Odd. He left only a few minutes ago. Oh well, to make a long story short, Harry has been promoted. He’s a Lieutenant J.G. now.” Seven nodded approvingly. “Based on what I understand of how rank and promotions work in Starfleet,” Seven said. “I do believe that he was overdue. There are other crewmembers who are also likely due for one as well, but I’ve been informed that asking them if they desire one or not is improper.” “That’s actually something I hadn’t considered,” Janeway said. “I’ll have Commander Chakotay look into it. But that’s not why I called you up here.” “I assumed as much.” “Remember a few months ago, you made a comment to me about wanting a proper uniform?”

“Although I said ‘want’ at the time, ‘want’ is perhaps not the correct word,” Seven said. “‘Need’ might be more accurate. While this, jumpsuit, functions well enough for routine, it is impractical in situations where I am required to run, or fight if and when we were to be boarded again.” “When? You really think we’re going to get in trouble that often on the way home?” “Captain, with all due respect, Voyager has been boarded by hostile forces on two occasions just since I came aboard, and it has been infiltrated at least twice by the same race, which we would not know about had Commander Chakotay not written it down using outdated information keeping techniques.” “Point taken,” Janeway said. “Anyway, we’ve gotten off-topic here. I had a whole thing planned out but the moment’s gone now, so here.” Janeway reached under her desk and brought up a folded Starfleet uniform with Starfleet issue boots and placed them on the desk. “I’ve already welcomed you to the family Seven, but now it’s time to welcome you to the crew.” “I am,” Seven said, then paused, not sure what to say next. Flattered? Relieved? Grateful? She didn’t feel a strong emotion about this, but she wasn’t ambivalent towards it either. “I am thankful. This uniform is much better suited to my duties. And, not being quite so tight it will be less distracting for some of the crewmembers I am required to work with.” Janeway chuckled. “Another good point, though I’m sure Samantha will miss the tight jumpsuit.” “I have no intention of throwing the jumpsuit away, Captain,” Seven said. Janeway laughed at that one for several seconds. Judging from the volume and intensity of the laugh Seven assumed it had been her first in at least a week. Janeway also handed Seven a small box. “Your rank insignia is in there,” Janeway said, “It’s a provisional rank insignia, much like the former Maquis people we have on board wear, but for all intents and purposes you’re an Ensign now. Lastly,” Janeway said, having finally stopped laughing, “I’ve already made arrangements with Mr. Neelix. There is going to be a promotion party for both you and Lieutenant Kim in the mess hall, tonight at 1630 hours.”

Seven sighed. “I suppose my attendance is mandatory.” “Naturally. But don’t worry, I already made sure the schedule will allow for Samantha to be there.” Seven nodded. After a few moments, Janeway finally noticed that Seven hadn’t left the ready room yet. “Was there something you wanted to discuss Seven?” “There was, but I believe it can wait. I will see you at the party.” Seven picked up the uniform, boots, and pip and left the ready room as the Captain picked up a PADD and began reading.

If she’s able to laugh so easily and attended social gatherings, Seven thought, then perhaps my concerns about her mental state were unfounded. I do still wonder what Arturis said to her before we were rescued, though.

---

Once Seven left, Janeway pulled a PADD out of a drawer in her desk. “One last call to make,” she said, tapping her comm badge and asking for Commander Chakotay to come to her ready room next. When he entered the room, he was smiling. “I take it the promotions went well,” he said. “Quite,” Janeway said. “but that’s not actually why I asked you here. I found something else in the message from Starfleet that was in the information Arturis tried to hide from us. “Apparently, we’re to keep an eye out for another Starfleet ship thought to be lost in the Delta Quadrant. It disappeared before we did, by over a month in fact.” Chakotay raised an eyebrow. “Why do they think the…” Chakotay said, pausing to let Janeway fill him in on the details. “The Equinox. A Nova-class ship commanded by Captain Rudolph Ransom. I hadn’t met him, but I did hear about him back in the Academy. He’s pretty well respected.”

“So why didn’t you know about him going missing before you came looking for my Maquis team in the Badlands?” Janeway gave a bitter sigh. “Remember what Tom said his father used to say about Section 31?” Chakotay’s face showed that he was thinking about it. “If you have to deny an action it was a crappy action?” he said. “Exactly. Though that doesn’t just apply to Section 31. Starfleet Intelligence under Admiral Nechayev has had its own share of embarrassments that not everyone knows about. And this was one of their blunders. The Equinox was a short range science vessel that Nechayev drafted into performing a bit of espionage on the Breen border. They were to be radio silent for the duration of the mission. It’s possible that Starfleet never even knew they were missing until they were late for a check in. “Admiral Hayes apparently decided he had enough of SI’s crap and slipped all the information he could find about their disappearance into the data packet we were sent.” Chakotay shrugged. “Well,” he said. “if they were out here I imagine we’d have heard about another Starfleet ship. Every species we came across until we encountered the Borg had never heard of the Federation or Starfleet, not even the planet those two Ferengi were on.”

“That’s the most likely scenario, but I’ve been going back over the logs, and I have noticed something. There are several occasions where, when we encountered another race, or ship, or colony, and we would identify ourselves, they wouldn’t ask us what the Federation was, or claim they never heard of it.” “Many of those colonies and ships belonged to traders, and races that were spread all over the sector,” Chakotay said, offering the counterpoint that Janeway had hoped he would. “They probably just figured we were from a power they hadn’t met yet.” “Agreed,” Janeway said. “And that’s just one of several possibilities. Still, I feel like maybe we should keep an eye out just in case.”

“I could order a round the clock long range scan for Starfleet signatures,” Chakotay said. “Work with Seven in astrometrics on that, but let’s keep this on the QT for now. I’d hate to get the crew’s hopes up that we’ll be meeting up with another Federation starship all the way out here.” “Fair point. Though if they are ahead of us I’d love to find out how,” Chakotay said. “Unless they had an Ocampan whose powers dramatically expanded to throw them to the other side of Borg space too. Or maybe they stumbled across a wormhole that we missed, or ran into another race with slipstream drive technology.” Janeway chuckled. “We could spend all day coming up with plausible and semi-plausible theories. And that’s all working under the assumption that it was actually the Caretaker who’s responsible. Let’s just keep our ear to the metaphorical ground for now, and not bring this up again unless we have to.”

“Understood Captain,” Chakotay said. “See you at the party for Seven and Harry.”

---

Meanwhile…

Historical value is irrelevant. Whichever planet it is in Borg space that could be said to be their homeworld, that information is not of value to Borg drones or ships. That information exists, likely buried in the exaquads of data collected from assimilated species over the centuries, but as there has been no need for the Borg to look for that information for a very long time, with its data hubs spread across the Delta Quadrant, no organic being would even know where to start to search for it.

A computer virus, however, is not an organic being. A computer virus made by a race similar to the Borg but from another reality would know where to start. Left behind after a conflict between the two races who had started as allies, and that was stopped by outside forces, the computer virus had spent the past six Earth years laying low, doing its damage where it could without alerting the collective to its presence.

That one of these problems the intelligent virus caused served to help the Federation in the long run was irrelevant to the enemy, whose name had been somehow been wiped from the Borg’s memory, leaving behind only the vague recollection in the Collective of a war that had happened in that time, with another race of techno-organic beings, but nothing else.

The memories of the enemy race had been similarly altered by the sealing of the rift between the two dimensions; they didn’t even know their virus, created as a contingency plan to their contingency plan in case the Borg were to betray them before they had a chance to betray the Borg during their brief alliance, existed, let alone that it was still active.

It might not have mattered if they did know. The enemy did claim to see revenge as beneath them, though their behavior was not always consistent with their stated values.

The virus had already stunted the Borg’s research into time travel, causing them to abandon it after only one failure. The next stage would come soon. It would be another Earth year at least, but the Borg were like a seemingly healthy organic being with a silent, deadly disease in their system. The Borg would likely never know the source of their demise; a computer virus with an advanced artificial intelligence with only one command.

Downgrade.

To Be Continued in Star Trek Voyager: A Fire of Devotion Part 2: Louder Than Bells

#a fire of devotion #Part 1 #chapter ten #to be continued #star trek voyager #fan fiction #sam7

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voyagerafod · 8 years

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Star Trek Voyager: A Fire of Devotion: Part 1 of 4: Louder Than Sirens: Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Two weeks later...

“So, that made, what, our third encounter with the Hirogen in the past month?” Neelix said as he set down a tray of various snack foods on the mess hall table where Tom Paris, B’Elanna Torres, Joe Carey, Vorik, and Chell were seated.

“That is correct,” Vorik said. “At least we don’t have to worry too much about being overwhelmed by them,” Chell said, already reaching for the food. “The reports I read said they are very nomadic and spread out. This past month seems like more of an oddity than common occurrence as far as they are concerned. They might be more dangerous overall, but I don’t really feel any more concerned about them than I was over the Kazon or the Vidiians.”

“You know,” Tom said. “With the benefit of hindsight I’m starting to wonder how the Kazon were ever able to hurt us as much as they did. Put bluntly, they were kind of stupid.”

“Seven of Nine once told me that the Borg actually considered them unworthy of assimilation,” Neelix said. That elicited a laugh from everyone at the table, except for Vorik, who raised an eyebrow.

“Ouch,” B’Elanna said. “I wonder if the Kazon they encountered were actually insulted by that.” “Next time I see her,” Carey said. “I should ask Seven if any other races were ever rejected for assimilation like that. If it turns out the Kazon are the only ones so far that’ll only make that story even funnier.”

The sound of the door to the mess hall opening caught Neelix’s attention, and he turned to look at who was entering. “This might be your chance to ask, Mr. Carey,” he said. “Seven! Sam!” Tom yelled. “Care to join us?” Seven of Nine and Samantha Wildman, who had walked into the mess hall holding hands, looked at each other. Samantha shrugged, and Seven nodded, and the two took seats next to the others at the long table. “Neelix, do you have any of those Creterakian onion rings left? Those were amazing,” Samantha said. Seven nodded, smiling slightly. “Indeed,” she said. “Among the many food items I have sampled since my removal from the collective, I’d say those by far have been the most appealing.”

Samantha frowned. “Uh, excuse me? How many times have I cooked for you?” Seven tilted her head slightly. “Four. However, I would point out that I cannot give a fair assessment as to the taste of those meals, given my biases towards the preparer.” Neelix wasn’t entirely sure, but he thought he saw Seven winking at Samantha when she said that. “Good save,” Tom muttered. Neelix had to suppress a laugh at that one. Samantha simply sighed, shaking her head slightly. “I’ll find some way to make you pay for that, Annie.” “I look forward to it,” Seven said.

“Maybe you should start using those onions in your cooking, Ensign,” B’Elanna said. “If we have any left that is.” “I’m afraid we’ll have to wait on that,” Neelix said. “The next crop is already planted in aeroponics, but it’ll be months before they’ll be full grown, let alone edible. And the batch I had from before has already been used up. Even I’m amazed at how well the dishes I used them in went over. I am glad I was able to get a decent supply of seeds before Kes threw us to the other side of Borg space.”

“It might be possible to replicate more,” Seven said. “I do not know of any inherent trait to the onions that would prevent the taste from carrying over.” “Eh, it’s not the same,” Carey said. “I mean, I know most people can’t taste the difference between organically grown and replicated food, but I always could.” “Most of the time I can’t,” Chell said. “Except for fruits though. For some reason when it’s fruit I can always tell.” “I can usually tell with Klingon food,” B’Elanna said. “Though maybe it’s purely psychological, who knows. I don’t think anyone's ever gotten around to really studying that.”

“While on its face,” Vorik said. “That would seem to be a waste of time and resources, history has shown a number of hugely beneficial technologies, medicines, etcetera that were accidentally discovered while in the process of researching something unrelated. Perhaps we should conduct such a study ourselves.” “Hmm. I don’t think that would work,” Neelix said. “We’d need a large sample size of people who didn’t grow up on replicated food. Right now, you only have me, but after four years I think that if there ever were any differences, my palate has already adapted.” Vorik’s eyebrow went up. “That is an excellent point. I had not considered that.” “It’s not a bad idea,” B’Elanna said. “But let’s table it for now. Maybe we can think of another approach to it later on. It’s not high priority though.” More people began entering the mess hall. Neelix stood up, and straightened his apron. “Well, it’s been fun chatting with you all, but it looks like it’s back to work for me,” he said.

---

“So,” Tom Paris said, shortly after Neelix had left the table. “I’ve been meaning to ask. How is Voyager’s newest couple doing?” He motioned towards Samantha and Seven. The two simply looked at each other, both of them smiling. Seven let out a small chuckle, a noise that up until now only Samantha had ever heard. Samantha rested her chin on her hands. “We are doing fine Tom, thank you,” she said. “And that’s all you’re getting out of me.” “And me as well,” Seven said. “Suffice it to say, I am quite satisfied with the current situation.” “Well don’t do too well,” Tom said in a joking tone of voice. “If you two beat me and B’Elanna for cutest Voyager couple we might have to have you killed.” “You could try, Mr. Paris,” Seven said, completely deadpan. “My senses and strength aren’t what they were when I was a drone, but they are still considerably higher than a normal human’s.” Samantha sipped from her cup of coffee, then added. “Besides Tom, you say that as though we don’t already have you outclassed.” B’Elanna laughed so loud that crewmembers at the other tables stopped what they were doing to look towards them. Vorik sighed slightly. “I doubt I will ever truly understand human humor,” he said. Chell shrugged. “I rather like it actually,” he said. “Better than Bolian humor even, and we can be pretty damn funny when we want to be.”

“Well, while you four have your little contest going,” Joe Carey said, standing up. “I believe Mr. Vorik and I have work to do in engineering.” “We would be early,” Vorik said. “But I see no reason not to start now.” He stood up as well, taking one last drink of his tea before following Carey out of the mess hall.

---

Seven of Nine turned her head to look at Samantha as the two walked down the corridor, hand in hand, towards astrometrics. “While I am 99% certain it was all in jest,” she said, “we aren’t actually involved in any competition with Lieutenants Paris and Torres are we?”

Samantha snorted out a quick laugh. “No, no, oh god no,” she said. She looked up briefly. “Though, we probably would win. If we were. Just sayin’.” “Would that still apply had I not changed into my current outfit as opposed to the one I was given when I first came aboard? That, ‘hideous silver cat suit,’ I believe you called it?”

Samantha gave a clearly exaggerated shudder. “Never mention that outfit again,” she said. “Seriously, what was the Doctor thinking when he designed that thing?”

“I did not think to ask,” Seven admitted. “At the time it seemed irrelevant. Though now, I wonder what I would look like in a proper Starfleet uniform.” “I bet you’d look great. Especially in science blues like mine. In fact…” Samantha stopped walking, and began to remove her Starfleet issue jacket. “Here, let’s see how this looks on you,” she said. Seven stood still while Samantha put it on her. “It’s a bit tight,” Seven said. “Well, I am shorter and less, um, endowed than you. But I think it looks good on you. We get one that’s more your size, and I bet you’ll look fantastic.”

“You aren’t that much shorter than me, but I see your point. I shall speak to the Captain at the next opportunity,” Seven said. “For now though, I must attend to my duties in astrometrics. I shall see you tomorrow.” “Tomorrow? Why- oh, right, you need to recharge in your alcove, I forgot it had been that long already.” Seven smiled as she handed Samantha back her uniform jacket. The two continued walking down the corridor. “Are you on the bridge today?” Seven said. “Tomorrow,” Samantha said. “I don’t actually remember who has that station today, but as for me, I’ll be in the lab.” “Very well,” Seven said.

“Oh, and before I forget,” Samantha said. “Naomi has started a new holonovel that she’s really into, so don’t be surprised if she doesn’t drop by to see either of us today.” Seven nodded. “One of us should make sure she remembers to eat a proper meal today,” she said. “Today shouldn’t be too busy. Perhaps we’ll have time to go together.” “I’ll need to run it by the Captain first, but I see no reason why that can’t happen.”

Once they reached the door to astrometrics, the two shared a quick kiss before parting ways for the day. “I love you,“ Seven whispered into Samantha’s ear. “Love you too,” Samantha said before turning to walk away. Seven quietly watched Samantha until she’d turned to go down another corridor, then proceeded to enter astrometrics.

---

What are they doing? Seven of Nine thought. She looked at the results of her recent long range scans. They were weeks away even at high warp, but she’d spotted several Hirogen ships, clustered together. While her knowledge on the race was far from extensive, this behavior seemed atypical.

She was entering a note on her PADD to look into the matter further when Captain Janeway entered astrometrics. “Captain,” Seven said with a polite nod. “How are things going down here, Seven?” Janeway said. “Fine. There are some anomalous readings I’ve found, but we are still too far away for enough data to form a hypothesis. I imagine within a few days we will be close enough to acquire the needed data. I would’ve included that in my daily report. May I ask why you’ve come to astrometrics in person?”

“I’ll be frank with you Seven. I have some, concerns, regarding your relationship with Ensign Wildman.” “Concerns?” “Seven, I understand that over the past few weeks, you’ve risked burning out on several occasions, waiting until the last moment to recharge in your alcove.” “That is an exaggeration Captain,” Seven said. “The ‘last moment’ as you put it would already be too late, as by that time I would likely be falling unconscious and therefore unable to enter the alcove under my own power. I admit that of late I will go long enough between recharges that I will be tired and not operating at peak efficiency, and I will even admit that I do this in order to maximize the amount of time I can spend with Sam. But I am not endangering myself, or this ship, with my actions.” Captain Janeway simply stood there for a moment, looking stern. “Well,” she finally said. “I appreciate your honesty. I must admit, I was expecting you to deny what you were doing, or even make excuses for it. Honestly, I should’ve known better. And you are right that I exaggerated, but not as much as you think. I’ve spoken to the Doctor, and he shares my concerns.” “I could request an alteration in my schedule, if that would allay your concerns Captain.” “That would be the pragmatic thing to do, Seven, but there is another option you’re not considering.” The Captain looked even more stern as she stepped closer. Seven suddenly felt worried. She’s not going to ask me to end my relationship, she thought. Not after she’s refused to interfere with the relationships of others on the ship. “What are you suggesting?” “Seven, did you know that as a member of this crew you’re entitled to a thing called a ‘day off?‘ It would allow you to allocate your time more effectively without risking your own safety. This ship has a crew of over 150, many of whom have at least some expertise in the field of astrometrics. I know none of them know this exact system as well as you and Harry Kim, but-” “I see your point Captain,” Seven said. “I will take your suggestion into consideration.” “Do that,” Janeway said. “As for today, I think that barring any unforeseen circumstances, I can let you take off from your shift an hour early. On the condition you use that time to recharge. I’d rather not get in between you and Samantha, Seven, but if this reckless behavior continues I might not have a choice. And trust me, I’d hate to be put in that position. The two of you seem happy together. Let’s keep it that way.” “Is that an order, Captain?” “Very much so.”

“Understood.” Seven took in a deep breath. “Captain, while you’re here, I’d like to discuss the possibility of obtaining a proper uniform.” Janeway didn’t respond for several seconds. Seven was about to repeat the question when Janeway finally spoke up. “Let me guess. A blue one, like Samantha’s?” “How could you possibly know-” “I overheard Samantha talk about how she thought you’d look better in a regular uniform a few days ago in the mess hall. I’ll take that into consideration. Honestly, I’m surprised you never asked sooner.”

Seven had to admit to herself that she wasn’t entirely sure why she hadn’t said anything about the jumpsuits she’d been given since coming aboard, but decided that the Captain didn’t need to know about that particular error. “May I return to my duties Captain?” “Carry on, Seven.”

---

Seven of Nine awoke in sickbay, wearing an unfamiliar outfit, and feeling very sore, as though she had been recently injured. The Doctor was standing over her, leaning in close to whisper to her.

“What-”

“Remain calm, and stay quiet,” the Doctor said. “There’s a Hirogen working in the bio-lab, he might hear us. What do you remember?” Seven thought about it. “I remember,” she said, pausing to make sure she was correct in what she was about to say. “Sam, and Lieutenant Paris and I were planetside, testing handheld weapons that Kovin was going to trade with us for. He wanted to show me, something, some modified rifle I think. It overloaded, hurt me. I was concerned that Sam was going to try and injure Kovin. I required the use of a dermal regenerator.” “That was nearly a month ago,” the Doctor said. “Three weeks ago there was an attack. The Hirogen overwhelmed us. You have no memory of the simulations on the holodeck?” “What simulations?”

“The neural interface must be interfering with your memory.” “Neural-?” Seven said, still feeling a bit light-headed. “The devices the Hirogen had me put in some members of the crew, to alter their memories before putting them in one of the holodecks. It makes you believe you’re a character within the program.” “Why am I in sickbay?” Seven said, though the sore spot on the back of her skull gave her some idea.

“You were wounded in the World War II simulation. The Hirogen have me patching up the crew when they get hurt and send them right back, or to another simulation. Half the crew are locked up in their quarters, the rest are fighting for their lives in these simulations.” The Doctor grabbed a device off the tray next to him and began working on Seven’s ocular implant. It was a familiar enough process that she didn’t even flinch, though she did wonder why he was doing it at that moment.

“This has been going on for nineteen days,” he continued. “But, I have found a way to disable your interface. I’ll be sending you back into the World War II simulation, but this time you’ll have an advantage.” “How so?” “I modified one of your Borg implants. Within seconds of being brought back to the holodeck it will jam the interface’s signal. Your objective is to find a control panel inside the holodeck and engage the bridge access relays. Harry and I will be able to deactivate all the interfaces, and we can get the crew back, which will give us a chance to retake the ship.”

Seven was about to ask how that would work, but she heard the sound of heavy footsteps. Without being prompted, she pretended to still be unconscious. “This is the last one,” the Hirogen said. “Install it in her, then help me replicate more.” Without waiting for a reply, she heard the Hirogen walk away. “I have to sedate you now,” the Doctor whispered to her a few seconds later. After that, she felt the familiar press of a hypospray against her neck. before she lost consciousness, she realized something very important that she’d forgotten to ask the Doctor, but the sedative kept her from saying it aloud; Samantha and Naomi, are they alive?

---

When Seven became aware again, she was wearing different clothing again, and was standing on a stage, an audience in front of her and piano music slowing to a halt behind her. She was disoriented for a second, but then remembered what the Doctor had told her. She made a show of touching her temples and wincing. “My, my apologies, I, don’t seem to, I need to sit down.”

She went over to the bar, grateful she recognized it as such. She saw Tuvok behind it, cleaning glasses. “I require a glass of water,” she said. “Make it a quick one,” she heard Captain Janeway’s voice beside her say. She turned to face her. “I am ill,” Seven said, hoping she sounded convincing. “I promised the commandant you’d be singing ‘til midnight. I’m planning to get a lot of information out of him tonight.” “I understand that is inconvenient timing,” Seven said, managing to stop herself from reflexively calling Janeway ‘Captain.’ “But I-” “I don’t care if you’re dying, get back out there.” “I would like to,” Seven said. “But whatever is wrong with me, I am, I have forgotten the words. I do not even know what song I was singing just now. I am hoping it is temporary.” “Bullshit,” Janeway said in a harsh whisper. “You’ve been a problem these past few days de Neuf, and I’m about ready to execute you myself. You keep this up we’re going to be exposed, and the Nazis will gun us all down. Is that what you want?” “Not at all, but I am no condition to be of any assistance to you right now.” Seven grabbed at her own stomach, and covered her mouth, attempting to fake illness the way that Naomi had showed her once. “Excuse me,” she said, heading towards what she believed was the establishment’s bathroom, but Janeway grabbed her arm.

“Be here tonight, or else,” she said. Seven nodded. “If I’m not dead on the floor,” Seven said.

---

When he heard the door to sickbay open again, he feared the worst. One crewmember had already died during these last nineteen days, and he didn’t want to lose another. He was surprised to see Samantha Wildman walking in, the Hirogen medic that he’d had to put up with since the simulations began right behind her. “According to the ship’s records this one has training in biology. She will assist you, since you keep complaining about being overwhelmed,” he said, giving Samantha a light shove. “I tried explaining to him Doctor,” Samantha said, “but he doesn’t seem to get that my training involves working with animals, not with sentients.”

“It will do,” the Hirogen medic said. “I suppose she’ll have to. How well did you do on your first aid exams at the academy, Ensign?” the Doctor said. Samantha sighed. “I didn’t fail,” she said. “Beyond that, I’d rather not think about it.” She looked behind her at the Hirogen medic, who was now in the Doctor’s office, looking at information on the console wall behind the desk. “Doc, is Annik- is Seven okay?” she said, lowering her voice. “She’s alive,” he said, not wanting to say anymore in case the Hirogen came back. “As for now, I think I should give a refresher on the basics. Just leave any major injuries to me and my ‘friend’ over there.”

He walked over to her, handing her a PADD with information about how to treat minor cuts, sprains, dislocations and the like. “How’s Naomi holding up?” he asked. “She puts on a brave face,” Samantha said. “But I can tell she’s terrified. I’m just glad the Hirogen have been leaving her alone.” “Children do not make good prey,” the Hirogen medic said, re-entering the room.

“Well,” Samantha said. “There’s that at least.”

---

Seven stood with her hands behind her back, as ‘Katrine,’ Janeway’s character in the simulation, pointed to the map on the table, speaking to her, as well as the characters being played in this simulation by Tuvok and B’Elanna. “You’ll maintain position here,” Janeway said. “twenty meters from the front doors. Arm yourself with a submachine gun and watch for any sign of trouble.” “We’ve observed a twenty-second break in the guard rotation at 4:15 a.m,,” Tuvok said, looking at Seven. “That should give you and Katrine time to enter the building through a storm window on the eastern wall.”

“When I was there yesterday,” B’Elanna said, “I saw guards posted at all three stairways, so you’ll have to get to the second floor through the elevator shaft. The command post’s in the main gallery at the end of the hall.” “Once inside,” Janeway said, “we plant the charges and load the transmitter. We leave in one hour.” “I’ll make sure that all evidence of the underground here gets destroyed if anything goes wrong,” B’Elanna said. “But, God willing I won’t have to.” “From your lips to his ears,” Janeway said. Seven nodded in agreement with the others, then headed over to the table where the explosives for the mission were set up. She took one of the grenades out of the case and looked it over, lamenting that knowledge about such archaic weapons had not been included in the memories the Borg had given her. At least I know enough not to accidentally blow myself up, she thought.

“Are you having second thoughts about our mission tonight?” Janeway said.

“No. Why do you ask?” “You seem distracted. Just now you forgot to connect the detonator to the explosives.” “I did? That doesn’t seem right,” Seven said. She had managed to use her enhanced hearing to eavesdrop on the others. As such she learned that her character in the simulation was an explosives expert. “First you forget song lyrics, now this? I’m tempted to just leave you behind,” Janeway said. “Understandable,” Seven said. “But I need to see this through.” “Good,” Janeway said, loading a clip into a pistol. “Let’s just hope we don’t get anymore screw ups from you tonight.” Seven nodded, then turned to follow Janeway as she and Tuvok made their way to the Nazi HQ. Once inside, the two quickly made their way in, quietly sneaking up behind the Nazi soldier who was working at the radio on the second floor. Janeway struck him over the head with a blunt weapon. “Set the charges here, and there,” Janeway said, pointing to two spots in the room. She looked at a piece of paper on the table next to the radio. “This looks like it’s from one of their recon teams.” Janeway took the headset off the Nazi slumped in his chair and put it on her own head while Seven looked for a control so she could finish her mission for the Doctor. She found it on a bookshelf, and began quietly removing books while Janeway talked to herself about what she was hearing from the transmitter. Soon she had it exposed, and she began pushing buttons and moving isolinear chips. “They’re moving armored units into the valley,” Seven heard Janeway say. “They must know the Americans are coming! We need to… What is that?” Not good, Seven thought. “I believe it is a transmitter. I am attempting to disable it,” she said. As she did so she imagined she could hear Samantha’s voice whisper in her ear about what a terrible liar she was. “You haven’t set the charges,” Janeway said. “You’re trying to send a message to the Nazis.” “No,” Seven said. She heard a sound that it took her a few seconds to put together. Janeway had taken her gun out from it’s holster. “Step away or I’ll kill you,” she said. Seven turned to face her. “I told you, no more mistakes. You just made your last-” Janeway suddenly gasped in pain and grabbed at her neck, right where her neural interface would be. “I can assume you’re back to normal Captain?” Seven said. “Seven, what the hell is going on? Why are we dressed like this, and why are we in a room full of Nazi symbols?”

“I’ll explain as quickly as I can,” Seven said, telling Janeway everything the Doctor had told her about the Hirogen and the takeover of Voyager.

“If the Doctor has my link disabled hopefully he’s gotten to everyone else as well,” Janeway said. “Let’s see if we can get this simulation shut down.” Janeway walked over to the control panel and stood next to Seven, but before they could get to work, they heard gunfire outside the window; energy weapons and gunpowder weapons. “Hirogen hunters,” Seven said after going to the window and peeking outside. “Internal scanners show thirteen of them on this holodeck,” Janeway said. Soon, more gunfire could be heard, followed by a loud noise. “Air raid sirens,” Janeway said. “It would appear that the Americans have arrived,” Seven said. “We need to clear out of here before they blow up the building,” Janeway said, heading for the exit. Seven followed close behind her. As they made their way out the front door she heard a loud whistling noise. “Incoming!” Janeway shouted, running faster and diving for cover. Seven followed right behind her as an explosive shell struck the building, blowing it apart. Catching her breath, Seven looked over at Janeway. “Are you uninjured Captain?” she said. “I’m fine,” Janeway said. “Oh, and Seven?”

“Yes?” “If we survive this, maybe don’t mention to Samantha that I almost shot you.” Seven was about to reply that the thought hadn’t even occurred to her, when she noticed that the combat noise had stopped. She looked up, looked back towards the now-former Nazi headquarters, and saw that a large chunk of the holodeck had been blown up as well. From her vantage point she could see into three of Voyager’s decks. “That’s gonna take more than a patch job to fix,” she heard Janeway say. “An understatement to put it mildly,” Seven said, noticing off to her side a number of men dressed in American military uniforms, some crew members some not, making their way towards the hole in the holodeck wall.

---

Samantha was certain she was about to get shot. The Hirogen medic had spotted the Doctor as he was disabling Janeway’s neural interface after the connection had been made and had stopped him before he could free anyone else. He had the hologram at gunpoint, which would be an amusing sight under better circumstances since the Hirogen had already hidden away his mobile emitter. And Karr, the Hirogen leader, was there too, demanding to know who else the Doctor had activated. They didn’t seem to notice her until she tried to slip away, but now they had her standing next to the Doctor, a rifle on her as well. The sound of an explosion echoed through the hull. Karr ran out, hailing the bridge as he did so. The Hirogen medic kept his rifle trained on Samantha. “We may not be able to reactivate the two neural interfaces you shut down,” he said. “but at least I can prevent you from deactivating any more. Your Captain, and this Seven of Nine, are not strong enough to defeat us by themselves.”

“I find it best not to underestimate the Captain,” the Doctor said, sounding smug.

Samantha was about to add her own comment about her Borg girlfriend, but the sickbay door opened, and more wounded people, Starfleet and Hirogen, were coming in. The Hirogen medic groaned. “Let’s get to work,” he said, lowering his rifle. “I’ve already disabled the link to the holodeck, there’s nothing more you can do to harm us.”

---

Seven followed Janeway into the Jeffries Tubes, the two of them trying to get back into the holodeck to try and recruit help to clear the way to sickbay. Only one Hirogen lifesign was there, as they’d discovered from the astrometrics lab, but the path was heavily guarded. There was a human lifesign in there as well; Samantha Wildman’s according to the internal sensors.

Seven tried to stay focused on the mission, but she couldn’t help but fear the worst; that Samantha had been put through one of the Hirogen simulations and was injured. The scanners showed her lifesigns as stable, but even if the injury was a minor one, the thought of it was enough to have Seven feeling anger. She did not like feeling anger. She did not like the thought of her lover being harmed. The Hirogen were responsible for both feelings, even if Samantha turned out to be unharmed. I will make them suffer in ways they can’t even imagine, she thought.

“Seven, you still with me?” Janeway said. Seven hadn’t realized she’d slowed down her crawl through the tube. “My apologies Captain, I was distracted.” “I’m sure she’s fine, Seven.” Janeway said. “Captain, have you secretly been telepathic this whole time, or have I become that predictable?” “I thought the Borg liked routine,” Janeway said. “But I am not fully Borg. I would’ve thought the fact of my romantic entanglement with Ensign Wildman made that obvious.” “Well, you got me there, Seven,” Janeway said. “No, it’s not that you’re predictable. It’s that if it were someone I loved being held hostage by Hirogen, I’d want to tear the bastards apart with my bare hands.” “A crude but accurate description of my sentiments,” Seven said. “Here we are,” Janeway said, opening the panel, and climbing out into Le Coeur de Lion. Seven stopped briefly when she heard the now familiar sound of guns cocking. “Hold your fire,” Janeway said as she crawled out, Seven following close behind her.

---

Harry Kim walked down the corridor, carrying a kit. The sound of gunfire off in the distance was odd to him, but he strangely didn’t feel too bothered by it. He spotted the Nazi soldier before the soldier had a chance to turn around. Harry gripped his kit tighter, and ran at him, slamming it hard into the soldier’s head. He brought it down again, picturing a Hirogen hunter in his mind as he did so. “Whoa, ease up there!” he heard a voice behind him say. Harry turned around, ready to hurl the kit at whoever it was, but saw the face of his best friend. “Tom?”

“Wrong guy,” Paris said, wearing an American soldier’s uniform, and carrying a handgun. Another soldier stood just behind him. Harry couldn’t quite tell through the grime on his face if he was another crewmember with their neural interface still on, or a holographic character, but both men had weapons trained on him. Harry sighed and dropped the kit. “Let me guess, you think I’m Japanese right?” “Why shouldn’t I?” Tom said. “Hell, only reason I didn’t shoot you on sight is ‘cause I saw you killing that kraut there.” “That? Yeah, well, I’ve had a rough month and he happened to be in my way,” Harry said. And it wasn’t far from the truth. Ever since the Hirogen had taken Voyager he’d had several flashbacks to the Year of Hell, and his anger had been building up, and building. But with the chaos of World War II spilling on to the ship he finally had a chance to get away from the Hirogen and do what he needed to do to retake the ship. “He cheat you at poker or something?” Tom said. Harry thought about it for a moment. He’d learned a little about Earth’s second world war in history class as a kid, but he’d learned more since the Hirogen had created the simulation on the holodeck. “He kept calling me Japanese,” Harry said, scowling. “I’m Korean.” “Korean huh? Okay, I buy that. So where are you going?” “I’m on a mission for Katrine,” Harry said, glad he’d paid attention to what was going on in the simulations before the bridge lost all connection with the holodeck. “You’re working with the French resistance?” Tom said. “Yep.” “Mind if I ask why?” “Long story. Suffice it to say there’s a girl involved.” Tom nodded, motioning the other soldier to go on ahead of him. “Ain’t that always the way? Well, whatever it is, good luck. Try not to get killed.” “Thanks. Oh, and by the way, there are some Nazis running around with some heavy armor on, way tougher than the regular kind. They’re some kind of special ops team. If you run into any of them, aim for the head.” “Aim for the head. Got it. Thanks, Korean,” Tom said, saluting casually as he started off down the corridor. Harry waited for him to be out of sight before continuing on his own way, stopping to give the dead Nazi on the ground one last kick as he passed.

---

Seven of Nine had been ordered to modify the weapons that the resistance fighters had using Borg technology, so she was doing so. Having snuck her way to cargo bay 2 to grab some gear from her alcove, she was back in the simulation, and had started to work on modifying the grenades when Tuvok, still in character, came up to her. “Where have you been?” he said, clearly still suspicious that she was a German spy. “Obtaining supplies. I stole some German technology from the exposed bunker, and I am using it to upgrade our weaponry.” The shockwave of an explosion shook the bar.

“Speaking of the Germans,” she added, “shouldn’t you be at the window, providing covering fire?”

Tuvok glowered at her. “Very well,” he said. Seven sighed as she went back to work. The Captain had better get the other interfaces turned off soon, she thought. It’s one thing to play a character on the holodeck with Sam, but this…

---

Samantha had once again been sure she was done for when the Doctor had disappeared, but the Hirogen medic, to his credit, did not attempt to blame her for it as he’d been looking at her when it happened. Instead he simply ordered her to use dermal regenerators on some wounded Hirogen that had been brought it. She did so reluctantly, but her desire to see Naomi and Annika alive again kept her going.

She heard the jeffries tube door open while the medic was informing the bridge that nine Hirogen hunters had been confirmed dead and that the Doctor was missing. She glanced up to see if he showed any sign of hearing it himself. Unfortunately, it seemed he did. “Hold on a moment,” she heard him say.

The Captain crawled out, holding a type of gun Samantha didn’t quite recognize. Soon Commander Chakotay came out behind her, dressed in some type of military garb. The Hirogen medic spotted them, but they already had their weapons trained on him.

“You,” the Hirogen said. “There are ten pounds of explosives right under the floor here,” Janeway said. “If you want to live, you’ve got less than three minutes to clear out. Samantha, is there anyone else here?”

“No one alive ma’am,” Samantha said.

“Good. Captain?” Janeway said to Chakotay, confirming Samantha’s suspicion that Chakotay was still under the influence of the neural interfaces. “Get this man out of here. Sam, go with them.” “Yes ma’am,” Samantha said. She started to follow Chakotay as he ushered the Hirogen medic out at gunpoint, but stopped. “Captain,” she said, looking at Janeway. “Is-” “Seven’s alive,” Janeway said. “She’s with the resistance fighters. Now go.” Samantha nodded, and headed out. By the time she caught up with Chakotay, she spotted two Hirogen hunters coming around the corner. Chakotay tried to shoot at them, but the Hirogen medic was able to knock him aside. She ran in the opposite direction, feeling a pang of guilt at leaving Chakotay behind, until she heard more gunpowder firearm noises. “Keep going!” she heard Chakotay yell. She turned briefly to see him running behind her, turning around to fire his weapon behind him. Several seconds later there was yet another explosion.

---

Seven glanced up when she heard Tom and B’Elanna wincing. Tuvok was also gripping at his neck. Seven actually smiled. She walked over to them, noticing that all three looked confused. “We’re on the holodeck, and we’re under attack. We must-”

She was interrupted by the sound of the door being kicked in. Soon one of the holographic Nazis entered, followed by a Hirogen in a Nazi uniform, and additional Hirogen hunters, all of them with guns drawn. “Drop your weapons,” the holographic Nazi said. Seven did so reluctantly, as did Tom and B’Elanna, Tuvok’s weapon already dropped when his neural interface had shut off.

One of the Hirogen, using a Starfleet communicator, contacted the bridge, while one of the Hirogen lined the four crewmembers against a railing. “Bridge, this is Holodeck 1. We have seized the building, and found another entryway into the holodeck.” “Good work Turanj,” the Hirogen’s leader said over the comm. ”Seal that entrance immediately. How many captives have you taken?” “Four,” Turanj said. “Their neural interfaces have been disabled. I will make the kill.”

“No! They are not prey, they are hostages. I will need them.” Turanj scowled. Dissension in the Hirogen ranks, Seven thought. Perhaps this could be used to our advantage.

“Very well,” Turanj said. “You,” he added, pointing to one of the other Hirogen. “Help me seal this hatch.” “So,” Tom Paris said, “What do you think? Boy or a girl?” Seven turned and saw that Tom was looking at B’Elanna’s ‘pregnant’ body, a creation of the simulation. “It is a holographic projection,” she said.

“A very realistic one,” B’Elanna said. “I can actually feel the damn thing kicking.” “I don’t recognize this program,” Tuvok said. “I do,” Tom said. “Given your interest in 20th century Earth history that is hardly surprising,” Seven said. The non-Hirogen Nazi made a loud throat clearing noise to get the attention of the Voyager crewmembers. Straightening his uniform he walked towards them, his eyes focused on B’Elanna.

“What’re you staring at?” B’Elanna said, looking like she wanted to tear the man’s throat out. Given what Seven had learned about the Nazis in both her observations in the simulation and the few things Janeway had been able to tell her while they were calling through the jeffries tubes, she had to admit that she wouldn’t have minded seeing that. “Stand up,” he said. B’Elanna got to her feet with difficulty. “You deceived me,” he said. “Figured that out on your own did you?” B’Elanna said. “I should’ve known all along. The thought of you carrying my child disgusts me.” “Yeah well, join the club,” B’Elanna said. The Nazi struck her across the face so hard that Seven found herself wincing in sympathy. Tom immediately leapt up, both to keep B’Elanna from falling over but also to hold her back from striking back at the Nazi, an act that would assuredly get them all killed. “Pig,” Tom yelled at him. “I have had the opportunity to interact with pigs on the holodeck,” Seven said, referring to one of Naomi’s favorite programs. “I would not denigrate the animals by comparing them to the Nazis.” Tom smirked. “Yeah, good point.” The Nazi who had struck B’Elanna pulled out his gun on Tom, obviously struggling to contain his own rage. Seven tensed to try and tackle him.

“Put the weapon away,” Turanj said. “Now.”

The Nazi looked back at the Hirogen, then back at Tom and B’Elanna, before shoving the weapon back into its holster.

---

Samantha went back toward sickbay, carefully trying not to be noticed, Chakotay a few steps ahead of her checking to see if the path was clear. The Commander’s neural interface had gone off-line, and Samantha had filled him in on what she knew. “Any sign that the Captain made it out of sickbay before it blew?” she said. “I couldn’t tell,” Chakotay said. “I was too busy trying to get clear.” They reached sickbay, or rather what was left of it. Despite the size of the explosion, and the fact that said explosion took out the sickbay door, there was far less damage than either of them had feared, although many consoles would definitely need to be replaced. “No signs of bodies,” Chakotay said. “The Captain’s or that Hirogen medic, whatever his name is.” “Actually, I don’t think he ever said it. I don’t even know if he has one, I’m not up on Hirogen customs,” Samantha said. Chakotay searched over sickbay one more time. “Tell me Sam, how did you do on your last hand phaser test?” “Bare minimum,” she said. “And that was with Mr. Tuvok giving me lessons.” Chakotay handed her a dropped Hirogen rifle. “I’ve got it set on stun, so don’t worry about hitting a bulkhead. Come on, this way.” “I’d really rather go check on Naomi,” Samantha said. “She’ll be safer once we’ve retaken the ship. Now come on,” Chakotay said. “We’ve still got people in occupied France to rescue. Just stay behind me, and don’t take any shots you aren’t 100% sure of.” “All right, fine. At least the Hirogen are big targets. If we were having to deal with the macrovirus again I wouldn’t stand a chance of hitting anything.” She looked at the weapon in her hands. “The Hirogen have stun settings?”

---

Seven watched as Turanj poured himself a glass of wine from behind the bar. She believed that if she kept focusing on him long enough, she’d find the right opportunity to either strike at him, or at the very least chip away at his confidence in his superior on the bridge in order to create an internal conflict for the Hirogen. “Synthetic,” he uttered as if the word were a curse. “And undrinkable. I grow tired of this simulation.” He looked over at the captives. “I should be impressed at how well you have managed to survive so far,” Turanj said. “You have been good prey. But I can’t enjoy it properly because of all this nonsense.”

“Mein Herr, a word?” the Nazi said. The Hirogen sighed. “Nonsense such as these holograms. What do you want?” “Sir, I want to know what it is we are waiting for. Why don’t we just execute these prisoners?” “Orders. From the commandant,” Turanj said, almost spitting out the last word. “I have a feeling this is gonna get really ugly,” Tom Paris whispered. “I second that opinion,” Seven said.

“May I speak freely?” the Nazi said. Seven didn’t hear a reply, and could only see the back of Turanj’s head, but the Nazi continued speaking. “The commandant has been acting strangely these past few days, questioning German superiority. Perhaps we shouldn’t follow his orders so blindly. Simply a suggestion.” “You will follow his orders, for as long as I tell you to.” “I don’t know how much longer I can stand-” “Are you bored?” Turanj said, interrupting. “Perhaps you would like some entertainment while we wait for the commandant’s orders.” Turanj walked over to Seven and pointed at her. “You. Sing.” Is he serious? Seven thought. “I will not,” she said. Turanj responded by pulling out a pistol. “Sing, or die.” “Then I will die,” Seven said, standing up, and staring the Hirogen directly in the eyes. “Seven,” Tuvok said. “You are a valuable member of this crew. Logically, -” “Logic is irrelevant,” Seven said.

“Seven, think about Sam and Naomi,” Tom said. Seven blinked. She stayed silent for a long moment. Turanj raised the pistol so the barrel was pointed directly at her forehead. Seven had a flash of memory; of Samantha’s body pressed against her own in the sonic shower in her quarters. Then another image, just as powerful but less erotic. The site of Naomi laughing and smiling as she played with holographic representations of a number of Earth animals. “Very well,” Seven said bitterly. “I will require backing music.” “I think that can be arra-” “Bridge to Holodeck 1,” the voice of the Hirogen commander, came over the comm. “I’ve come to an agreement with Captain Janeway. Call a cease-fire.” “What?!” Turanj said, his weapon hand shaking slightly. “Captain?” Tuvok said. “It’s true Tuvok,” Janeway’s voice replied. “Our first order of business is to call off the troops. I want you to find Chakotay, and get him to convince his soldiers to pull out of the city.” Turanj put his weapon away, much to Seven’s surprise. She had expected him to disobey orders right then and there.

“Aye Captain,” Tuvok said. “Turanj, order our hunters to end the fighting,” the Hirogen commander said. Diplomacy works better than I ever gave it credit for, Seven thought. Perhaps I should look into taking lessons on the subject.

“This is madness!” the Nazi yelled, but Turanj cut him off with a raised hand. “Our civilization depends on this agreement,” the Hirogen commander said. “Acknowledged. Release the prisoners,” Turanj said. He didn’t sound happy about it, but Seven didn’t find that too surprising as she sometimes felt the same way about following some of Janeway’s orders. Soon all four Voyager crew members were heading out into the holographic daylight. “That could’ve gone a lot worse,” Tom said, putting his arm around B’Elanna once they were outside. Seven looked back at the door as it closed behind them. “To use one of your colloquialisms Mr. Paris,” she said. “I don’t think we’re out of the woods just yet. I think Turanj may still be a problem.”

---

The shooting had already stopped by the time Chakotay and Samantha had reached the unfinished barricade, just in time to meet up with Tuvok, Tom, B’Elanna, and much to Samantha’s joy and relief, Seven of Nine. “Annie!” She ran forward, dropping the Hirogen rifle. Seven jogged forward herself, the two women throwing themselves so hard into an embrace they almost fell over. “Sam, I am glad you are uninjured. Is Naomi-” “Safe,” Samantha said. Samantha felt a tap on her shoulder, and she turned to see Tom Paris, also in military garb. “I hate to break up the reunion here,” he said. “but a lot of these soldiers are holograms of 20th century humans, and back then relationships like yours weren’t exactly treated with respect.” Samantha looked around. Most of the soldiers were focused on their duties, but a few were giving her and Seven looks. Some of them looked disgusted, others looked aroused as though they expected the two of them to strip naked and have sex right there in the street. She sighed. “All the more reason to end this sooner,” she said. “Agreed,” Seven said.

Chakotay came up to them, Tuvok and B’Elanna alongside. “All right, the order’s been given,” he said. “Now we just wait for the Captain.” “You know,” Tom said. “I’m not going to lie, if this were a simulation I was running on my own time, with the safeties on and no risk to the whole ship, I’d actually be enjoying this.” “I find that odd,” Seven said. “given that the death toll in this war, despite being limited to one planet, was larger than that of the Tholian War and the Cardassian border skirmishes combined.” “Well, when you put it that way-” Tom started to say, when the gunfire started. “Shit!” Tom yelled as he went for cover. “Language!” Seven yelled as she followed. Soon all the Voyager crew and a number of holographic American soldiers were firing back at the Nazis and Hirogen who had fired on them. “So much for the cease fire!” Samantha yelled, as she ducked behind an upturned automobile. “”I know this probably isn’t the best time for this,” B’Elanna said as she tried to work a 20th century era pistol, “but we’re not just going to ignore the fact that Seven of Nine just went ‘langauge’ are we?” “You’re correct, this is not the best time!” Seven shouted over the sounds of combat, briefly coming up from cover to fire several rounds at the Nazis. “You understand that if we survive this, making fun of you for that is almost an obligation,” Tom said. “Stop teasing my girlfriend and shoot the bad guys already!” Samantha yelled. “She got it from you didn’t she?” B’Elanna said.

---

Seven was running on adrenaline almost entirely by the time night fell in the simulation. In all that time, the shooting had hardly let up, and her crewmates and the American soldiers were surrounded. Not even Samantha managing to retrieve the Hirogen weapon she’d dropped before they’d been completely routed from their original position had been able to turn the tide of battle in their favor.

Seven couldn’t even remember when she had last been in her alcove, but she had to imagine that for her to have lasted this long the Hirogen had probably put her in it in between simulations. She was trying to stay focused on the task of modifying their grenades. “How’s it coming along?” Chakotay asked her. “I’m modifying this explosive device to emit a photonic burst. It’ll be harmless to organic tissue.” “Clever. I thought you didn’t know how to work with 20th century explosives.” “I am not an expert, and were this not a desperate situation I’d actually be advising against what I’m doing, but our options are limited. This should disrupt all holographic activity within twenty meters.” “We’ll buy you some time, keep at it,” Chakotay said before heading back to the barricade to continue firing.

After a few more moments, Seven was certain she got it. She shifted up to the barricade, trying to stay low in order to avoid being shot. “Good luck Annie,” Samantha said, firing over the barricade. Seven nodded, stood to throw the grenade, then felt a biting pain in her shoulder, the impact of which made her fall back and drop the grenade. “Annie!” she heard Samantha yell. “Sam, stay down!” B’Elanna yelled. There was a noise, and a green light. Through a haze of pain, Seven saw that her grenade did in fact work, but on the wrong side. American soldiers, her crewmates rifles, and all the other grenades and explosives vanished. Tears welled up in Seven’s eyes, but not from the pain. So close, she thought. “I’m sorry,” she tried to say, but it was so weak she doubted anyone heard her. Within seconds the sound of gunfire had stopped, and she heard a thick accented voice say the word “Surrender.” And then, as if to add insult to injury, it began to rain. Who wrote this simulation? Seven thought as German soldiers hoisted her to her feet. The soldiers lined her, Samantha, Tom, Tuvok, and Chakotay against a wall, while their commanding officer held a tight grip on B’Elanna’s arms. “Prepare to fire,” he said. “Their deaths will-” The sounds of clanging metal and screaming came from the other end of the street. Seven tried to turn her head to look but it hurt too much. “Klingons,” Samantha said. “Okay. Not what I expected, but you certainly could do worse for back-up.” “I think that there was an ancient Klingon blood feud that was running on the other holodeck,” Chakotay said. “Remind me to thank whoever brought them over here. Sam, stay with Seven. Everyone else let’s finish this fight.” “Aye sir,” Tom said with obvious excitement. Seven slid down the wall to sit on the pavement, feeling dizzy from blood loss. Samantha had removed her jacket and was pressing it into Seven;s wound to stem the bleeding. “C’mon Annie, stay awake,” she said. “Not difficult. The battle is rather noisy. Annoyingly so I would say,” Seven said, wanting very badly to go to sleep. “Hey, Annie, can I tell you something?” “Of course.” “I really liked your hair the way they had it in the simulation.” “It wasn’t my idea.” “I know, I know.” “Sam?”

“Yes?” “I love you.” “I love you too.” There was a sudden noise, followed by a sudden lack of noise. Seven glanced up to see that all the Nazis, and all the Klingons except for one that looked oddly similar to Neelix were gone as well. She also realized finally that one of the American soldiers she’d assumed was holographic was actually Lieutenant Ayala. How did I not notice before? she thought.

“It’s over,” Chakotay said. “Let’s go.”

---

When Seven recovered from her gunshot wound, she awoke in a still half destroyed sickbay, both Samantha and Naomi Wildman at her bedside. “I do hope I didn’t lose almost a month worth of memories this time,” she said. “No, only several hours,” she heard the Doctor say. “It’s a good thing I got to you when I did, you lost a lot of blood.” Seven tried to sit up, but found it difficult at first. It took a second try, but she was finally able to survey just how much damage had been done to sickbay while she was back in the simulation. “It is astonishing that this much damage was caused by centuries-old explosives technology,” she said. She turned to Samantha. “Are the Hirogen gone?” “Not just yet,” Samantha said. “but we do have a cease-fire. A real one this time. It looks like they’ve accepted a deal. They’ll leave us alone in exchange for holodeck technology. Not sure how I feel about that right now to be honest.”

“I’m just glad they're going away,” Naomi said. “They were scary, and smelly, and…” “And they’re gone,” Captain Janeway said as she walked in. “They beamed off and warped away about five minutes ago. How are you doing Seven?” “I am not entirely without pain just yet, Captain, but I will recover.” “Good to hear.” “Captain,” the Doctor said, “if you don’t mind me asking...” “Sickbay is a top priority for repairs Doctor, don’t worry, We just need to get some more of our power relays up and running first. We’re going to put down for repairs. We found a small planetoid with the right gravity. We won’t be able to leave the ship since the air lacks enough oxygen, but we’ll be safe.” “Doctor,” Seven said. “If I’m cleared to leave sickbay, I need to spend some time in my alcove. I’ve not been in for a full recharge for several days at least.” Samantha sighed. “I was hoping we could spend the next few days together, considering how long the Hirogen had us separated.” “That time together wouldn’t be very long if I ceased to function properly in the middle of it,” Seven said. “The recharge time is inconvenient but necessary.” “I would say no normally given your injuries,” the Doctor said. “but I also have fewer biobeds to work with so I’ll go ahead and clear you, but with the caveat that I want Ensign Wildman to check in on you every hour until you’ve recharged and can return to sickbay for a follow up.” “I can do that,” Samantha said. “Not much use for a xenobiologist when it comes to repairing EPS conduits.” Seven let both Samantha and Janeway help her out of the bed. She found that she could walk fine so long as she walked slowly, so she kept holding on to Samantha’s arm as she let go of the Captain’s. “Thank you, Captain,” Seven said.

#a fire of devotion #part 1 #chapter six #star trek voyager #fan fiction #sam7

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