DISCLAIMER: You all know the drill - Paramount is God. All hail Paramount. They own everything in the Star Trek Universe - I'm just
using my overactive imagination to take their characters where they refuse to go. All in the name of fun, not profit (I wish).
RATING: PG-13 Nothing my momma couldn't read.
<< BACK TO PART XII: THE BEST OF TIMES
Chakotay tried to keep the bounce out of his step as he walked along the corridor. He was sure that everyone he passed was looking at him strangely and knew immediately from looking at him that he had spent the night in the Captain's quarters. Don't be ridiculous, he admonished himself. You're just being paranoid. He entered the mess hall and walked over to the galley.
"Good morning, Commander," Neelix greeted him. "Did you sleep well?"
Chakotay froze for a moment before he realized that it was a perfectly innocent question. "Not bad."
"Can I get you something for breakfast this morning?"
"Just coffee," he said, grabbing a piece of fruit from a nearby basket. "I'm due on the bridge in fifteen minutes."
He might actually have had time for breakfast had it not taken him so long to wipe the grin off his face from reading the PADD Kathryn had left for him.
He turned around and saw Tom, Harry, and B'Elanna sitting at a table. B'Elanna saw him and motioned for him to join them. He hesitated for a moment, but then made his way over to their table.
He could have sworn Tom was giving him a funny look as he pulled up a chair and sat down, but he ignored it and chalked it up to paranoia. Neelix came over and poured Chakotay a cup of coffee.
"Everyone's still talking about the party last week," said the Talaxian. "I'd say it was a real success."
Chakotay nodded, looking at the fruit he was peeling to avoid their gaze. "You all did a fantastic job. We should do things like that more often."
"I think the Captain really enjoyed herself," said Tom, with a smirk that implied a double meaning. Chakotay saw B'Elanna elbow her husband in the ribs, but she was smiling as well.
He paused for a moment as if thinking. "Yes, I think she did." It was with great difficulty that he kept from laughing or even smiling � they had both spent the entire party trying to resist the urge to leave. He could see that Tom, and to some extent B'Elanna, were puzzled at his expressionless face, and he thought Harry beside him was looking smug. "I think pretty much everyone had a good time," he added. "Now, I'd love to stay and chat here all morning, but I have some work to do before my shift, so I'll see you all at the briefing."
He got up from the table and left the mess hall.
Harry glanced over his shoulder to make sure he was gone before he turned back to Tom and B'Elanna. "You two are out of your minds," he said, leaning across the table and speaking quietly. "I didn't see anything."
"He ran out of here pretty fast after we mentioned the Captain," insisted Tom.
"He had work to do. Besides, he didn't even blink when you said that the Captain had a good time."
"Just because you can't keep a straight face when anybody mentions a woman you're interested in doesn't mean other people can't. Especially Chakotay � you and I know first hand how well he can bluff."
"And you didn't see them dancing," said B'Elanna. "I was skeptical at first, too, but�I've never seen them like they were at the party."
"You commented yourself how relaxed she looked," pressured Tom.
"I'm not buying it. First of all," said Harry, "She was looking forward to it for days � you said so yourself. And besides, everybody enjoyed themselves."
B'Elanna decided it was a waste of effort to try and convince Harry, so she changed the subject. "Especially Seven of Nine. Did you see her? She actually seemed to be having fun."
"Why is that so surprising?" said Harry defensively.
B'Elanna looked at him with a smirk. "Come on, Harry � she's always looked at social gatherings as a waste of time. Now, all of a sudden she's one of the last people to leave."
"So what? She was having a good time. A lot of people stayed late."
"I'm surprised you even noticed, Harry," said Tom. "You were never more than two meters away from Megan the entire evening."
Harry blushed and sputtered, "So what? We're friends."
"Come on, Harry � you've had a thing for her for years. Now that she's finally interested, you're all over her."
"I am not!"
"Hey, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it. As a matter of fact, I think you've finally found a woman you can actually have � she's not Borg, dead, a terrorist, or a hologram. And now that she likes you, she's not the wrong twin anymore."
B'Elanna snickered at that. "He's got a point, Harry." She then decided to put him out of his misery. "Well, we've got a briefing to go to. Unless you'd rather stay here and make fun of Harry," she added in Tom's direction as she rose to leave. Tom had a final chuckle at Harry's expense before he got up as well, and Harry soon followed him.
The Captain was not on the bridge when Chakotay exited the turbolift, and when he entered the conference room he found it empty except for Tuvok and the Doctor. Chakotay sighed with relief � there was little chance of Tom making innuendoes about him and the Captain when Tuvok was around.
He was barely even in his seat before Tom and the others showed up. Before long, Seven and Mark entered the room, in the middle of a conversation. They stopped talking abruptly when they saw the room was occupied, and they sat down across from each other.
Captain Janeway was only a few minutes late by the time she finally showed up, a large cup of coffee in one hand and a PADD in the other.
"Sorry I'm late," she said with a wave of her hand with the mug in it. "Ensign Vorik is surprisingly talkative, for a Vulcan."
The staff chuckled as she took her seat at the end of the table.
"Let's make this quick. Tuvok � any sign of trouble?"
"A large contingent of Brennin ships appears to be shadowing us, but they are still five light-years away. I suggest we nevertheless proceed with caution."
"Agreed. Tom, take us up to warp 8. Let's see if we can lose them."
"Aye, Captain."
"B'Elanna � how are things on your end?"
"Just fine, Captain. The engines haven't been running this smoothly in months."
"Good work. Seven � the modifications to the phasers?"
"Proceeding on schedule. We should have them ready to use against the Brennin within two days, and our simulations predict they will be much more effective against their shielding."
"Excellent." She leaned back in her chair and took a sip of coffee. "Anything else?"
"Yes," said the Doctor. "We're getting low on medical supplies. If we don't restock within the next three weeks, they'll be at dangerously low levels."
"That goes for the food supplies as well," said Neelix.
"I doubt we'll get the chance to resupply anytime soon � you'd better do what you can to make them last," said Chakotay.
"We've been stockpiling energy reserves," said B'Elanna. "If we divert them to the replicators we should be able to go longer without using emergency rations."
The Captain nodded at her. "Anyone else?"
"Yes, Captain," said Neelix. "Some of the crew were wondering when they will be reassigned quarters."
Tom was sure he saw Chakotay and the Captain throw a glance at each other, and their cheeks were definitely redder.
"That's a good question. Commander?"
"They, uh�" He cleared his throat. "Soon � I have a few things I want to run by the Captain, but I'm almost done. I'm going to give people a little longer to volunteer to pair up, so I'll finalize it next week." He was waiting for an opportunity to discuss Kathryn's�amendment�with her, and even if she was serious he didn't want the crew to know about it for a little while at least.
Looking around the table, the Captain saw that there were no other matters to discuss, so she dismissed them. Without a signal from her, Chakotay knew instinctively to stay behind, and she smiled as he watched the others leave.
As soon as the door closed behind the last person, he turned to her with a grin on his face.
"Well?"
"Well what?" she replied, feigning innocence.
"That little PADD you left for me � were you serious?"
"Oh�that," she said with a shy smile. He moved closer to her and sat on the conference table in front of her. She leaned her hip against it and faced him. "Yes, I was."
"What about the crew?" he said, trying to be objective and calm despite the elation that threatened to take over his rational thought.
She sighed. "Don't be ridiculous. You and I both know that Tom is on to us already. It won't be long before the entire ship knows."
He looked down at the floor and chuckled. "Maybe not. I think they've been trying to convince Harry, but with limited success."
"It won't take much, I'm sure. This crew is too observant for it's own good."
He laughed again, but looked up at her and became serious. "Don't you think we're taking things a little fast?"
"Hmm," she said, smiling. "Moving in together after only seven years � maybe you're right."
"I mean it. It hasn't even been a week since we�since the party. And it hasn't been that long since you decided that this was worth a try. This is a pretty big step."
"You don't want to?" she asked, disappointed.
"It's not that, Kathryn," he assured her. "I just want to be sure you're ready."
She thought carefully for a moment and ran her hand up and down his arm. "Well, we're practically living together as it is. The only difference will be that we'll only have one place to spend the night instead of two."
He took a deep breath, finding it difficult to think clearly when all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and spin her around. "It's a fairly�permanent arrangement," he said carefully.
She looked at him in surprise. "And that bothers you?"
"No�I'm kind of surprised it doesn't bother you." After a moment's thought, he reconsidered. "But then again, you never do anything by halves."
"Is that a yes?"
"I guess it is."
A huge grin broke out on her face, and she laughed and threw her arms around his neck. He put his arms around her waist and kissed her, lifting her off her feet. When he set her down again, she cleared her throat and straitened her uniform.
He looked sheepishly at his feet. "So much for keeping it off-duty," he muttered. "Sorry about that."
"I think you're entitled, since I snuck out on you this morning," she said, patting his arm. "Now, there's something I did want to mention," she said, starting for the door to the bridge. He followed her across the bridge towards her ready room as she continued, ignoring the questioning looks from Harry and Tom as they walked. "I'm going to be using the entire eleven minutes of comm time tomorrow at the request of Starfleet Command."
"Oh?" he said as they reached her ready room. "For what?"
She turned around at her desk and put her hands on it, leaning back. "Admiral Paris gave me a heads-up yesterday when I talked to him. He and three other admirals want to talk to me�about the Maquis."
He sighed and looked at the floor. "We knew this was going to come eventually."
She nodded. "Yes�and I want you to join me."
"What will the admirals think about that?"
"I don't care what they think about that � you should have a say in this. I want you to be with me."
"I'll be there," he assured her with a smile.
* * *
Captain Janeway picked up the remaining PADDs from her desk and carried them over to the couch by the window, along with her cup of coffee. She settled herself on the couch and picked up the report on the top of the stack, taking a sip of coffee. As she swallowed the bitter liquid, she made a face � it was ice cold.
"Ugh," she muttered, getting up from the couch. She moved over to the replicator. "Coffee, black."
Just as the cup materialized, the chime to her door sounded through her empty quarters and she grinned to herself � she had wondered how long it would take for Chakotay to drop by.
"Come in," she said, picking up her cup from the replicator. She heard the doors open and then slide closed again. "I was wondering when you'd get here," she said as she blew the steam off the top of her cup.
There was a short pause. "I wasn't aware you were expecting me."
Her eyes widened at the unexpected voice and she whirled around to see Commander Walker standing at the entrance to her quarters, grinning.
She stunned into silence for a moment. "Mark�I'm sorry," she stammered out finally. "I thought you were�"
"He's on the bridge � he relieved me about two hours ago."
She mentally cursed herself for not keeping a firmer control on her thoughts. "What can I do for you, Mark?"
His grin widened. "I was hoping you'd join me for dinner."
"I'd be delighted," she told him. "What did you have in mind?"
"My quarters?" he suggested.
She nodded and he led the way out the door and down the hallway.
When they reached the quarters that he and Cassandra were sharing with Lieutenant Carey, she was surprised when she entered to detect the aroma of garlic, butter, and parmesan in the room. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"I know you're telepathic," she said with a wry smile, "But you had dinner prepared already?"
He gave an embarrassed smile and looked down at the floor. "Don't take this the wrong way, Captain, but�I actually had other plans for tonight."
"Oh?" She thought for a moment. "Seven of Nine?"
"Seven of Nine," he confirmed. "I've been stood up, I'm afraid. I thought it would be a shame to let it go to waste. I hope that won't stop you from joining me."
"Not at all," she reassured him. "It smells delicious. What is it?"
"Fettuccine Alfredo with garlic bread," he explained over his shoulder as he walked over to the replicator. "One of my favorite Terran dishes." He grabbed the two plates from the replicator where they were being kept warm and moved back over to the table. "I was hoping Seven would enjoy it as much as I do," he added as he sat down.
"Did she say why she couldn't make it?" asked the Captain as she reached for a piece of garlic bread.
Mark shrugged. "She said something about updating the Astrometrics scans of the Brennin vessels in the area."
She looked up, surprised -- Seven had given her a brand new scan not four hours ago.
Mark glanced up and caught her confused look before she had a chance to conceal it. His face fell.
"I see," he said softly. "She's getting very good at hiding things from me."
"I'm sure she's just trying to be thorough in her scans, Mark."
He smiled sadly. "I can tell you don't really believe that. You and I both know that's not it."
She sighed. "Mark�I've seen that you're very�fond�of Seven, but maybe you're just moving too fast."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean�you seem to be interested in becoming romantically involved with her. She's some a long way in the past four years, but�to be honest, I'm not quite sure if she's ready for the kind of commitment you're probably looking for."
"I haven't seen anything to convince me of that. And no offence, Captain, but I can tell a lot more about her state of mind than you can."
"You haven't known her for very long. I was there when she was liberated from the Collective. I watched her integrate with the crew, regain her individuality� I like to think I can read her rather well."
"I'm sure you can," he conceded. "But what makes you think she's not ready for a relationship?"
She thought for a moment. "It took Seven a long time to begin socializing with the crew on a purely platonic basis. Even now, she calls almost everyone by their rank off-duty. It's only in the past few months that she's stopped showing reluctance in attending social functions. I think a relationship like you're looking for with her is a big step. Maybe you're pushing her too fast."
"Maybe she could use a good push. When she first started socializing with the crew, was it voluntary?"
"Not really," she conceded. "But socializing with the crew is one thing � pursuing a relationship is entirely different."
"I agree. But that doesn't mean she doesn't have to face her fear."
"Her fear?"
"I think that's why she backed out on me tonight. She's afraid of exploring that aspect of her humanity."
"Don't push her, Mark � the more you try to force her, the more she'll pull away."
He sighed in frustration. "I can sense something in her � I don't know whether to call it a soul, a personality, or what, but it's there. It's so close I can almost touch it, but it always seems just beyond my grasp. That � that � is what I'm willing to push for. That part of Annika that was buried when she was assimilated. I think � I hope � I can bring it to the surface."
"I hope you're right."
"It's like there's a war going on inside her�between what she's had to be to cope and what she could become, given the chance. Seven of Nine seeks perfection and wants to be efficient. Seven likes things to stay the way they are. But there's more to her than that. Annika is a sensual, emotional, amazing individual� she wants to experience new sensations, new emotions. I want Annika."
"But the rest of us, we know Seven. If you described her like that to anybody but me, they'd think you're crazy."
"But you know her. You understand."
The Captain put her elbows on the table and leaned forward. "Mark�you can't change who she is."
"I'm not trying to�I don't want to get rid of the Seven we all know � her Borg personality traits are a part of her. What I want to do is help her find a balance between her Borg self that she's had most of her life and her human self that she's only beginning to discover�a balance I don't think she's ever had."
"Maybe she has," said the Captain softly, thinking of her interaction with Seven in Unimatrix Zero.
"Oh?" said Mark, his curiosity peaked.
"When I visited Unimatrix Zero�you're familiar with our involvement with Unimatrix Zero?" He nodded. "When I went there with Seven, she was human."
He frowned. "In what way?"
"In every way. Her implants were gone, she was dressed differently, she acted human�and the others called her Annika. Watching her with Axum�if I didn't know her, I would never have guessed that she was Borg."
Mark frowned. "Wait�did you say Axum?"
She looked up from her meal in surprise. "Yes," she said softly after a moment. "Why do you ask?"
He frowned. "When I asked Seven if she would have dinner with me tonight, I sensed something like nervousness or panic in her. I didn't think anything of it, at first � I assumed it was just general anxiety over what I guess you would call our first date � but it was accompanied by other emotions as well. Fear, uncertainty, regret, pain, loss�and some affection. The only word I was able to make out of it all before she suppressed it was 'Axum'. I didn't know what it meant."
"He was one of the people she knew from the time she had spent there as a drone."
"They were friends?"
"They were�more than friends."
"I see," he said, beginning to understand.
"When she met him again�he tried to renew their relationship."
"And Seven was reluctant," he guessed.
"At first. I only know what she told me, but�she began to remember their relationship, the feelings they had shared."
"And then it was destroyed."
She nodded. "Afterwards, Seven admitted that she and Axum had been more than friends. I think the experience affected her more than she was willing to admit."
"I'll bet," he muttered. "That also explains why she thought of him earlier�my interest in her reminds her of him."
She reached over and put her hand on his arm. "Give her time, Mark. Give her time."
* * *
Chakotay entered Astrometrics and saw that the Captain and Seven were already there.
"Not a moment too soon," said the Captain as he entered. She tried to smile, but was obviously concerned about the outcome of this discussion with Starfleet brass.
Seven nodded at the Captain. "We're ready to begin."
"Do it."
A group of four individuals were sitting at a table wearing the uniforms of Starfleet Admirals. On the far left was Admiral Paris, seated next to a woman with blond hair that Kathryn recognized as Admiral Nechayev. On the right of Nechayev was Admiral Hayes, who had been communicating with Voyager since their first contact four years ago. The man to the right of Hayes at the end of the table was unfamiliar. He was an older man, nearly bald with a grey beard.
"Hello again, Captain," said Admiral Paris. "I believe you know Admiral Nechayev and Admiral Hayes, and this is Admiral Blackwell."
She nodded her acknowledgement.
"We apologize for taking up your crew's comm time," said Nechayev. "But we felt it was necessary to have this discussion with you."
Taking the hint from Nechayev's expression, the Captain nodded at Seven of Nine to leave. The ex-drone nodded at the Captain and left Astrometrics. She watched her go over her shoulder, then turned back to the Admirals on the viewscreen.
"This is my First Officer, Commander Chakotay," she said, extending her hand towards the man at her side.
She saw Nechayev and Hayes glance at each other in surprise, and Blackwell did not look impressed. Only Owen Paris did not seem surprised.
"We had expected to discuss this in private," said Blackwell.
Janeway's expression became cold. "I understand that, but I insist that he be present. He's my First Officer, and moreover I understand that what we're going to discuss involves him and his former crew."
The other three looked at Blackwell, who appeared to be the senior officer of the group, and after a moment he nodded. The Captain's shoulders sank in relief � this would be much easier with Chakotay at her side.
"Well, since our time is somewhat limited, let's begin," said Hayes. "Now, I'm sure we're all familiar with your logs, Captain, but perhaps you could further describe the status of the Maquis on Voyager."
Her jaw set � this was not going to be a pleasant conversation.
"I'm sorry?"
Hayes glanced at the others, puzzled.
"The status of the Maquis," repeated Nechayev.
The Captain leaned forward with her hands on the console in front of her. "As far as I'm concerned, Admiral, I don't have any Maquis on my ship. I don't have Maquis officers and Starfleet officers � I have a crew, and an exceptional one at that."
Her vehemence took them by surprise, and the leaned back in their chairs and glanced at each other uneasily. Hayes addressed her again after a few moments.
"The Maquis are serving under you? They follow protocols?"
"I'll admit we hit a few rough patches at first. But now? Absolutely."
Chakotay spoke for the first time. "Captain Janeway and I decided from the start that if our crews were going to work together, it would be as a Starfleet crew."
"I imagine she didn't give you much choice in the matter," said Nechayev with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm surprised she didn't throw the lot of you in the brig," said Paris. Although Nechayev and Hayes snickered slightly at this, Blackwell frowned, and the Captain got the sense he took the comment seriously.
"Believe me, Admiral," she said, ignoring Blackwell's somber expression, "It occurred to me more than once over the first few weeks."
The Admirals, except Blackwell, smiled at this, but she continued on a serious note.
"But if I had, I can say with absolute certainty that we wouldn't be alive right now. I've come to rely on them as much as any of my Starfleet officers. And in some cases, more than that," she added, with a meaningful look at Chakotay.
"I'm curious as to why you put Maquis officers in positions of seniority ahead of your own officers," said Nechayev.
The Captain considered for a moment before she replied. "Well, to begin with, I think it was a natural move for me to make Chakotay my First Officer. He sacrificed his ship to save Voyager, he was the leader of the group we were trying to integrate, and he was a former Starfleet officer. In hindsight, it was the best decision I ever made, followed closely by my decision to follow his recommendation for chief engineer."
"Lieutenant�Torres," said Hayes, looking at a PADD. "Half-klingon?"
"And one of the best engineers I've ever had the privilege of working with. When she came on board, she was volatile, sometimes unreliable�now, she's a fine officer. I would trust her with my life and the lives of this entire crew."
"She's turned her life around," said Admiral Paris with a smile.
"I hardly think you can be objective here, Owen," said Nechayev.
"Maybe not, but he's still right," said Chakotay. "Lieutenant Torres has become a different person from the one that came on board Voyager seven years ago."
"That can be said for many of the former Maquis," agreed the Captain. "They're a fine crew, and any one of them would do Starfleet proud."
"I noticed your rather�glowing�recommendations in their personnel files," said Nechayev. "I must admit I was somewhat surprised."
"Captain Janeway doesn't take nearly as much credit as she deserves," said Chakotay. "But she doesn't exaggerate. She's been an exemplary leader over the past seven years, and she's moulded this crew into an efficient team."
"I can see that from some of the entries in your logs," said Paris.
She nodded and paused, wanting to say something but unused to speaking with officers who outranked her. "Permission to speak freely?"
Nechayev and Hayes looked at each other and then at Paris, who nodded.
She took a deep breath and asked the question that she knew the entire discussion was leading up to.
"When we get back to the Alpha Quadrant, do you plan to hold them responsible for their crimes?"
The Admirals did not respond immediately, and looked at each other as if to confirm that they were all on the same page.
"Quite frankly," said Nechayev. "That's why we wanted to speak to you in person."
"We read your recommendations and your logs, and we wanted to speak with you to determine�well, to hear it from you personally," said Hayes.
She raised an eyebrow and waited for them to continue.
"I think from what we've heard so far," said Nechayev finally, "It seems as though we will have no reason to prosecute them, but I'm not making any promises. With all due respect to Admiral Paris and the Pathfinder project and your crew's determination, Captain, there's no telling when you'll get home. Things could be different down the road."
This was the best that the Captain had allowed herself to hope for, and her shoulders slumped in relief. She reached over to squeeze Chakotay's arm. Looking back at the viewscreen, she noticed that only Admiral Blackwell seemed displeased.
"One point of concern, however," said Admiral Hayes, "Is that some of your crew was lobbying the Cardassian government for the release of Maquis prisoners."
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Chakotay move to answer, but she laid her hand on his arm to stop him from taking responsibility.
"Yes," she acknowledged, "I'm well aware of that�and, quite frankly, I think they've got a point."
They were obviously surprised at that. "You do?" said Admiral Paris.
She nodded. "From my understanding, all prisoners of war were to be released?"
"That's right," Paris told her. "But you know the Cardassian prison system � it's less than fair, and that's putting it mildly."
"The few remaining Maquis clearly pose no threat to Cardassia. What possible reason can they have to continue holding them?"
"You can't say for certain that they're not a threat," protested Nechayev. "That's what Starfleet said when they first learned of the Maquis."
"The situation on Cardassia is far different from what you may remember, Captain," added Hayes. "Over 800 million Cardassians died in the final days of the war alone. The new government is very reluctant to show any leniency towards a group of people who made it their mission in life to kill Cardassians."
"They were willing to release the Federation prisoners, weren't they?" she countered.
Nechayev sighed. "After pressure was applied from the Federation Council."
She crossed her arms. "And now we come to the heart of the issue � the Federation isn't willing to protect its own citizens."
"They forfeited that protection the minute they broke the treaty with Cardassia," said Nechayev defensively.
Chakotay had kept silent until now, well aware that his opinion on this would not be held in high esteem by the admirals, but he spoke up finally. "I don't mean to say 'I told you so,'" he said, "But the Cardassians broke that treaty at the first opportunity."
The Admirals were well aware of this fact and shifted uncomfortably.
"Wouldn't you defend your home in the same situation?" asked Captain Janeway rhetorically. "From what I've heard, that's exactly what the war with the Dominion was all about � protecting your homes from the Founders. Starfleet launched an offensive to prevent being wiped out by the Dominion. How is that any different from the Maquis?"
"I'm surprised, Captain," said Paris. "In all the years that I've known you, you've never shown any particular sympathy for the Maquis."
She turned her head towards Chakotay and then looked back at the viewscreen with a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. "Well, Admiral," she said finally, "I don't believe I had met any before we were thrown out here."
After she said this, a new idea took root in her mind, and she considered it for a few seconds before deciding it was worth a try.
"You say these prisoners are a bunch of criminals?" She didn't get a response but continued nevertheless. "Then if the Cardassians won't release them, why don't you extradite them?"
Chakotay and the Admirals looked at her in surprise, this idea having never occurred to them. After a moment of silence, Admiral Paris chuckled and shook his head.
"Never black and white with you, is it, Kathryn? You always have to head straight for the gray area."
She looked at him with a raised eyebrow and made eye contact with each of the Admirals in turn. Nechayev and Hayes were eying her with restrained admiration and respect, but a chill ran down her spine when she met Admiral Blackwell's gaze. She was met with such unrestrained hostility and fury that she nearly gasped. When she blinked, though, and looked again, he was merely staring at her impassively. Her attention was drawn away from him when Admiral Nechayev spoke again.
"That might be a viable option, Captain. You do realize that would mean a Federation trial and most likely incarceration."
"It's better than a Cardassian prison," said Chakotay, and he could see by their reactions that the Admirals agreed with him.
"We'll give it some consideration," promised Hayes.
"Thank you," she told him sincerely. Her console in front of her beeped, and she looked at it before returning her gaze to the screen. "We only have thirty seconds left," she announced.
"It's been a pleasure talking to you again, Captain," said Nechayev. "And if I may say so�I can see how you've managed to keep your crew alive out there for seven years. I'm confident we'll have the opportunity to meet again in person someday."
"Likewise, Captain," added Hayes. "You're doing a fine job."
"We'll keep a docking bay open for you," said Owen Paris, echoing a phrase Kathryn had used in their first conversation. "And Kathryn? Give Tom�and his family�my best."
"I will, Admiral. Thank you."
The image on the screen faded and then cut out completely. Kathryn turned around and leaned back on the console, tilting her head back and closing her eyes. When she opened them again, she saw Chakotay grinning at her.
"You're incredible," he said, amazed. "You managed to all but exonerate the Voyager Maquis and get them to try and free the Maquis on Cardassia, all in an eleven minute conversation with a bunch of duty-crazed admirals. Very impressive."
She allowed herself a small smile. "Not to mention I managed to impress Admiral Nechayev � no small feat in itself." Her smile quickly faded, though, and a frown fell on her face.
"What is it?" he asked as they left Astrometrics, picking up on her strange mood.
"I'm not sure�I just have a bad feeling about something. I think it's that Admiral Blackwell."
"He was pretty quiet."
"It's more than that, but I can't put my finger on it exactly. Something about him gives me a knot in the pit of my stomach."
"Well, let's get your mind off him. How about some lunch in the mess hall?"
"Sounds good."
While they were eating lunch, their table was approached by Crewmen Briggs and Harding from the Yukon crew. The Captain hid a smile as they moved towards her, having a pretty good idea what the engaged couple wanted. She was proved right when they told her that they wanted to get married, and the sooner the better. They told her that they had been engaged for over a year now, and were more than ready to take the final plunge. She readily consented to perform the ceremony for them, and asked when they were planning on tying the knot.
"As soon as Neelix can throw everything together," was Amanda's reply, accompanied by a shy smile. "He says he can be ready in three or four days."
"Then it's settled. I look forward to it."
When they left, Chakotay leaned forward and spoke quietly across the table.
"I told you," he said with a grin. "And from what I hear, they won't be the last."
"Oh?" she said, leaning forward as well. "Who?"
"Can't say."
"Why not?"
"It's not official yet, and from what I hear the woman involved doesn't have a clue. Can't have her finding out ahead of time, can we?"
She reached over and whacked him on the arm. "Don't be ridiculous. I won't tell."
He enjoyed her frustration for a moment before he gave in. "All right," he said. "It's Ensign Larson and Ensign Brooks."
"Really? That's wonderful � I saw them dancing together at the party last week. They seem really suited for each other."
At another table in the mess hall, Tom was eating lunch with B'Elanna, Harry, and Megan Delaney. The other three were intent on their own conversation, but Tom was more interested in the commanding officers.
"Look at them," he hissed at the others. "I'm telling you, I'm right this time."
"Give it up, Tom," said Harry.
"I don't see anything unusual," said Megan. "What's the big deal?"
"Look at the way they're whispering to each other. They're acting like they're on a date or something."
"They're always like that when they eat together," said Megan innocently. "I don't see any difference."
Harry looked at Tom with a smug grin on his face. "Yeah, Tom, explain it to us."
"I don't know why I waste my time with you, Harry," he muttered, and stabbed at his salad with a fork. As he chewed, a new thought came to him and he grinned.
"Tell you what, Harry," he said as he swallowed. "B'Elanna and I have got some holodeck time saved, and all we need is a babysitter for Miral so we can have an entire day in the holodeck. If I'm right, you'll look after Miral for us."
"And if you're not?" said Harry, leaning back in his chair confidently.
Tom glanced at B'Elanna for approval, and she nodded at him, smiling smugly. "You get our holodeck time."
Harry started to extend his hand across the table, but stopped suddenly. "Wait a minute � what do you mean, 'if you're right'? How will we know?"
Tom thought for a moment and looked back at the Captain and Chakotay across the room. He leaned over and whispered in B'Elanna's ear, and she looked surprised, but then nodded reluctantly.
Tom turned back to Harry. "I say two weeks."
"Two weeks?"
"Two weeks for them to either tell the crew or just let us find out."
Harry preened. "You've got a deal." He shook hands with Tom, and then turned to Megan. "So, how would you like an entire day on the holodeck?"
He laughed as he and Megan left the table and walked out of the mess hall. Tom glared at them as they left, and when he turned around, he saw his wife frowning at him.
"Are you insane?"
"What?"
She leaned closer and whispered to him. "You think they're going to share quarters that quickly? Since when?"
"Just a feeling," he shrugged, then leaned across the table. "Did you notice at the briefing this morning the way they reacted when Neelix mentioned the quarters assignments? They both acted guilty or something. Not only that, Chakotay's excuse to wait until next week was flimsy. I think he's giving them some time to think about it."
She rolled her eyes. "You'd better hope so. If you're wrong," she added, stabbing her fork in his direction, "You're getting up for Miral's morning feedings for a week."
* * *
Captain's log, Stardate 55032.7 It looks like we've managed to outrun the Brennin fleet that was tailing us � at least for now. The senior staff is looking forward to taking a much deserved night off to celebrate the second marriage on Voyager, which will be starting in a few hours. I think it's a good omen for the future of the crew, and I've encouraged the entire ship to celebrate � keeping in mind that we're in a potentially dangerous situation, of course.
Captain Janeway looked up from the tactical report she was reading when the door to her ready room chimed.
"Come in," she said, putting the PADD aside.
Seven of Nine entered and walked to stand in front of the Captain's desk, her hands behind her back. "You wished to see me, Captain?"
"Yes," said the Captain, getting up from her desk and walking to the other side of the room. "I wondered if you were planning on attending the ceremony and reception tonight," she said as she walked up the stairs and turned around, leaning on the railing.
Seven raised an eyebrow. "Is my presence required?"
"No. But it is requested. This is the first real wedding on Voyager, so I expect a large turnout from the crew. I had hoped the entire senior staff would be present."
"The first wedding?" repeated Seven, puzzled. "What about Lieutenants Paris and Torres?"
"They didn't count," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "They eloped � or as close to it as you can get on a starship. Their idea of a wedding was to show up in my ready room and ask if I had five minutes to spare to marry them. They didn't tell the rest of the crew until afterwards."
"I see."
"So? Will you join us?"
Seven considered this for a moment, then nodded. "I will attend."
"Of course," continued the Captain, "This is a formal event � we'll all be in our dress uniforms." She turned around to the table in front of her couch and picked up a large flat box, turning back around to face Seven and handing it to her. "I expect you to be appropriately dressed."
Seven was puzzled, and walked up the stairs to the couch, where she sat down and opened the box. Inside was a neatly folded Starfleet dress uniform, in sciences blue.
"A uniform," said Seven, surprised and unable to think of anything else to say.
"I had a very interesting conversation with Commander Walker the other day. He was under the impression that you planned to ask me for permission to wear one."
"He was correct," said Seven, tracing her fingers lightly over the material. She looked up at the Captain. "I was waiting for an opportunity to do so."
"Consider it granted. I didn't think you had any interest in wearing a uniform. I'm glad Mark brought it to my attention."
"Thank you, Captain," said the ex-drone, putting a lid on the box and standing up to leave. She moved to the door, but when it opened, she stopped and turned back to the Captain awkwardly. "See you tonight," she said with a small smile.
* * *
"Neelix, you've done a marvelous job in record time," announced the Captain with a smile as she moved towards the Talaxian in the mess hall.
"Thank you, Captain. It was my pleasure. You're the one who did the important job today," he added with a grin.
"That cake looks marvelous," said B'Elanna. "Almost makes me regret that Tom and I avoided this."
"Almost," muttered Tom, with a sideways glance and the throng of people surrounding the newly married couple. "They've been trying to get out the door for close to an hour now. Oh, look�nope, intercepted again," he chuckled as the couple made a covert dash for the door but were stopped by the Doctor with good wishes.
"Ooh, the Doctor � that's going to hurt," said B'Elanna with a chuckle.
"This is getting ridiculous," muttered the Captain. "I think it's time we put them out of their misery. Doctor!" she called across the room, motioning for him to join her.
"I'm out of here," said Tom, and he and B'Elanna made a hasty retreat as the Doctor left the newlyweds alone and made his way towards the Captain.
"Rats deserting a sinking ship," she muttered to Chakotay behind her as Tom and B'Elanna busied themselves a few meters away. He chuckled under his breath but managed to put on a straight face as the Doctor approached.
"Don't worry," she whispered, "Remember what I said I was going to do? Well, remind me in about ten seconds."
"Yes, Captain?" said the hologram.
"Doctor," she said, taking a sip of her champagne. "I was just�wondering�" She looked at Chakotay for help, but he averted her gaze and tried not to laugh. "�how you and Ensign Porter are getting along."
"Just fine," he told her. "I must say she's easier to get along with than Mr. Paris, and she's quite talented."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"She has an excellent bedside manner," he continued.
"Captain," said Chakotay with a straight face. "I don't mean to interrupt, but you were going to�"
"Oh, yes, of course," she said hastily. "Excuse me, Doctor."
He looked a little put off, but seemed to accept it. The Captain handed her champagne glass to Chakotay and walked into the galley, where she pulled out a medium-sized box and carried it out, setting it down on a table near the middle of the room. He was surprised at the box � obviously she was doing something other that what he thought. Chakotay followed her and gave her back her champagne when she set the box down. Picking a knife up off the table, she tapped her glass to get the room's attention.
"Thank you," she said when the room was quiet. "I've already made one toast tonight, but I wanted to wait until our newlyweds had left before I took care of something else that had to be done. I didn't want to steal their spotlight, as it were." She took a deep breath and looked at Chakotay before she continued.
Tom's first reaction was that she was going to announce their involvement, but two things soon squashed that idea. First, Chakotay had a puzzled expression on his face and apparently had no idea what the Captain was going to say, and secondly, Tom didn't think that Captain Janeway would ever announce something like that in such a public way � both she and Chakotay were way too private for that.
"As you may have already heard," the Captain continued, "Commander Chakotay and I talked with a group of Starfleet Admirals a few days ago. They wanted to discuss the status of the Maquis on Voyager."
Many of the assembled crew reacted to this information, and she could hear disgruntled rumblings around the room. She held up her hand for silence, and waited for it until she continued.
"They didn't make any promises, but they gave me very good reason to believe that none of Voyager's Maquis will be prosecuted upon return to the Alpha Quadrant."
The room grew noisy again and she had to wait a minute before she continued. "Also, I was officially informed this morning that Lieutenant Paris' parole violation will be graciously overlooked." This announcement was greeted by laughter from around the room.
"On another note," she continued in a more serious voice. "Admiral Hayes and Admiral Nechayev have agreed to consider extraditing the Maquis still being held on Cardassia. Although they will most likely serve time for their crimes, they would no longer be in the hands of the Cardassian government."
This news was greeted by stunned silence, followed by excited chatter.
"They didn't make any promises," cautioned the Captain over the noise, "But I have every confidence they will give it fair consideration."
She looked at Chakotay before setting her glass down and reaching into the box on the table to pull out a smaller box that fit in the palm of her hand. "But that's not what I wanted to say." She took a step towards Chakotay. "My little chat with the Admirals made me realize that this was long overdue. We are one crew, and I think it's time that the final distinction be removed."
She opened the box, and held it out to him to reveal three Starfleet pips inside. She reached over and removed his Maquis insignia, replacing it with the pips, one by one.
She smiled at him and patted his chest, turning back to the crowd. "I told the Admirals this was a Starfleet crew. Now, we'll look like one."
She reached back into the box, pulling out another small one, and handed it to B'Elanna with a smile. After passing out a few more, she left it to Neelix to distribute the boxes among the Maquis crew that was present, and then she grabbed one final box and walked over to where her senior staff was gathered, admiring the shiny new pips on Chakotay's and B'Elanna's uniforms. Seeing that her entire staff was all present and accounted for, she turned to Ensign Kim.
"Harry, I got an interesting letter from your mother the other day."
The ensign shifted uncomfortably. "Oh�oh, really?" he said, clearing his throat nervously and trying to smile. He knew exactly what his mother might have said in such a letter, and it was not pretty.
The Captain tilted her head to the side and put on hand on her hip with an amused expression on her face. "She seems to think you're long overdue for a promotion."
The rest of the senior staff chuckled, while Harry looked down at his feet and stammered. "Captain, I�"
"I told her that I happened to agree and I'd already spoken with Starfleet Command." She smiled, opening the box to reveal a black-centered pip inside. "Congratulations, Lieutenant," she said, placing the pip on his dress uniform while the rest of the staff looked on in amazement. Chakotay was the only one not surprised � she had told him about it, and that was what he had expected her to do earlier.
Harry was too stunned to say a word for a minute, fingering the new pip on his jacket. He was finally brought out of his stupor when Tom clapped him on the back.
"Way to go, Harry," he said with a laugh. "Too bad I still outrank you."
The congratulations of the rest of the senior staff gave him his voice back. "Thank you, Captain," he said finally.
"You've earned it, Harry. I've lost track of the number of times you've pulled this ship out of hot water. You're a fine officer."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"It's not crunch time, Mr. Kim," she said with mock seriousness.
He laughed. "Right. Sorry, Captain."
She smiled at him, then turned her attention to Chakotay as he pulled her aside.
"Why didn't you tell me you were going to do this?" he asked, indicating his new pips. "I thought you were just promoting Harry."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I wanted it to be a surprise."
"Well, it's a wonderful gesture, and it means a lot to me. Thank you, Kathryn."
"You're welcome."
They were joined by Tom and B'Elanna, and soon after by Seven of Nine and Mark.
"I notice the Maquis aren't the only ones who got a new look," said B'Elanna when Seven joined them, indicating her new dress uniform. "It suits you, Seven."
Seven nodded her acknowledgement, but changed the subject.
After a few minutes of idle conversation, Tom suggested to Chakotay and the Captain that they join him and B'Elanna for dinner one night. He had an alterior motive, of course � careful scrutiny and observation of his commanding officers � but his motives were at least partially genuine. He and B'Elanna really enjoyed their company, and it had been a while since they had all seen each other off duty.
On an impulse, he added, "Mark, Seven, perhaps you'd like to join us as well."
Mark jumped at the opportunity, and pushed Seven to agree as well. After much less prodding than usual, she consented to join them after hearing the Captain agree for both herself and Chakotay.
"We could make an evening of it," suggested Tom, ever the matchmaker. "We could have dinner and then go to the holodeck."
"Sounds great, Tom"
"So who's cooking?" he asked with a grin.
"How about you, Seven?" suggested the Captain jokingly. "You're quite the gourmet."
She looked over at Seven, and noticed that she had her eyes squeezed shut and had her hand on her head.
"Seven?"
When she didn't answer immediately, the Captain reached over and put her hand on Seven's arm.
"Seven? Are you all right?"
"Yes," she finally replied. "It's�nothing. A slight malfunction in one of my auditory processors."
"Maybe you should go to Sickbay," suggested Chakotay.
"That won't be necessary," she insisted. "It has dissipated."
The Captain eyed her with concern, but let it pass for now as she turned her attention back to the conversation.
>> ON TO PART XIV : THE CRISIS
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