Captain Katherine Janeway�s day had started out as hell and it hadn�t gotten any
better as it had continued. She sat in her captain�s chair, rubbed her forehead and stared
down at the planet that was causing them so much trouble. Earlier that day they had come
across this planet and started scanning it. It was rich in dilithium, which they always
needed, and had the right kind of foodstuffs that they could use to restock their pantry.
The planet�s populous was warp-capable, and Janeway thought that it would be safe to
contact the people. She wasn�t wrong, but it certainly hadn�t gone the way she expected.
There were actually two peoples on the planet, nearly equal in size and each
occupying a hemisphere on the planet. They had been at war for years, over who should
be in control of everyone. Janeway had contacted one of the peoples and opened
negotiations. During their time on board Voyager, they stole most of the phaser rifles
from the storage lockers. Janeway was furious but there was little that she could do
besides pout. Within an hour, the other side of the planet had contacted Voyager
demanding reparations for supplying their enemies with weapons. Janeway had told them
that the weapons had been stolen but they didn�t believe her. Everything after that had
been open hostilities.
Janeway sat in her command chair, extremely frustrated. She desperately needed a
cup of coffee.
�Captain, I�ve brought you something.� said a young male voice. She looked up
and to her left and saw Ensign Kim standing next to her with a delicate china cup. As he
lowered it into her hand, she could see that it was filled with a dark, rich liquid. Janeway
smiled.
�Still shooting for that promotion I see.� she said, her voice filled with wry
humor. Ensign Kim blushed. �Thank you.� Captain Janeway sipped the coffee, feeling its
warmth slide down her throat. It wouldn�t solve all her problems but it certainly made her
feel better. For a moment anyway.
The bridge of the U.S.S. Voyager rocked as something hit their port bow. The
crew of Voyager was surveying an asteroid belt that was rich in needed minerals and
dilithium.
�What was that?� Janeway demanded as she grabbed onto her captain�s chair for
support. Her cup of coffee shook in her hand and she tried desperately not to drop it.
Ensign Kim hurried back to OPS and Lieutenant Tuvok at tactical tapped at their
console�s searching for an answer.
�Its a Starfleet captain�s yacht.� Ensign Kim gasped in surprise. Janeway stared at
him, not believing what she had heard. �From the Enterprise.�
�How did it get here?� Janeway asked next.
�There was a spacial disturbance five meters off our port bow.� Tuvok explained.
�It appeared within our shields and deposited the yacht.�
�Are there any lifesigns?�
�Only one.� Kim replied. �Its very faint.�
�Beam him to sick bay. Chakotay, come with me.�
Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay rounded the corner and entered
sickbay, not knowing who or what they would find inside. When they came inside, both
the Doctor and the patient on the biobed turned to look at them.
�Ah, captain, glad you could make it. I was just having the most interesting
conversation with our new visitor. Captain Janeway, this is...�
�Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise.� The older man stood, and
extended his hand to Janeway. �I have quite a few questions for you.�
�I imagine you do. Doctor, can he leave sickbay?�
�Certainly.� the hologram replied. �He suffered minor injuries during his trip but
nothing life threatening.�
�Wonderful. Come this way captain.� Janeway lead Picard out of sickbay, and to
her ready room. She sent Chakotay to look after the captain�s yacht and arrange quarters.
Once they arrived at her ready room, she sat in her chair and indicated to Picard for him
to do likewise.
�I know you have questions for me captain, but first I�d like to know how you got
here.�
�So would I. The last thing I remember is my ship being attacked by a Romulan
Bird of Prey. Then I was in your sickbay. I�m in the Delta Quadrant aren�t I?� Picard
noticed how Janeway�s face had fallen.
�Yes, you are in the Delta Quadrant. I was hoping that Starfleet had sent you with
new technology for us to get home quicker.� Janeway said. �A spacial anomaly dropped
you here but we don�t know what caused it. My crew will start work immediately
repairing your ship.�
�I appreciate that. Meanwhile, is there anything I can do for you?� Picard asked.
�As a matter of fact there is.� Janeway said with a smile. �I have a bit of a
problem on my hands that I think you�ll be able to help me with.� Picard�s eyebrow raised
with the unspoken question. �the planet we are in orbit around houses two factions. One
stole a number of our phaser rifles during negotiations and now the other faction is
beginning to retaliate. As you are the best diplomat the Federation has to offer, I�m glad
you showed up on our doorstep. And please, call me Katherine.�
�I�m glad I can be of some help.� Picard said honestly. �But ultimately I would
like to get back to my own ship. Being a captain you understand how confused my crew
must be.� Janeway certainly knew how paternal Picard must have felt about his crew, she
felt the same way. �For the meantime, I�d like to look over your records, to update myself
on your situation. Familiarize myself with your crew, since I�ll certainly be working
closely with them.�
�By all means. I�ll have them downloaded to your quarters.� Janeway tapped on
her console and Ensign Haslup came inside the room. �Please escort Captain Picard to the
guest quarters.�
�Yes ma�am. This was sir.� Ensign Amber Haslup began to lead Captain Picard
down the hallways, on the lookout for anything amiss. Some may have considered it to be
paranoid, but as a security officer Ensign Haslup was not about to take any chances.
�Sir, here is the update you requested.� Lieutenant Anna Tan quickly caught up
with her friend and Picard. She handed three PADDS to Picard and then asked, �Amber,
are you coming to the party tonight?�
�I wouldn�t miss it.� Amber smiled and assured her friend that she would indeed
be there.
�What party?� Picard asked. Both young women blushed.
�Its my son�s birthday party.� Lieutenant Tan explained.
�I wasn�t aware that Voyager was a family ship.� Picard was slightly confused.
�It didn�t start out that way, but when it looked like we wouldn�t be getting home
any time soon, it was bound to happen. My son is one of three children on board. Actually
sir, the child�s father served with you. William Tan?�
�Ah yes, I remember him. Congratulations. Who are the other children?�
�There�s Naomi Wildman, her mother was pregnant when she was assigned to
Voyager and then there�s Icheb.� Lieutenant Tan added.
�Icheb? No last name?� Picard scrolled through the data on the PADDs,
skimming it for key words and phrases.
�Icheb is a Brunali. We recently freed him from the Borg.� Ensign Haslup
continued directing Picard down the hallway and Lieutenant Tan walked with them.
Picard gave the ensign a surprised look. �We have run into the Borg on several occasions.
There is another crew member named Seven of Nine who was with the Borg for ten years,
and with Icheb we freed three other children. They have since found their families.�
�Fascinating. Thank you ladies.� By this time they had reached the guest quarters
of Voyager. Picard stepped into the doorway and held up the PADDs. �I see I have a lot
to catch up on.�
�You have had a most interesting journey captain.� Picard said, tossing the
PADDs down on the table in the conference room. �The Kazon, the Vidians, the Hirogen,
the Borg, Species 8472...you are certainly living up to Starfleet�s aspiration of
exploration.�
�Indeed.� Janeway chuckled. �We�ve had to cut our losses sometimes, but I think
we�ve done the best we can given the circumstances.�
�I agree. I also see that you have freed people from the Borg. I should be
interested in talking with them.�
�You were assimilated by the Borg, weren�t you?� Janeway asked quietly. She
knew it was a sensitive part of the other captain�s history. Even as she spoke the words
she could see Picard swallow hard and pull on the bottom hem of his uniform.
�Yes, I was. I can certainly feel sympathy for those crewmen. You also have
children on this vessel?�
�It didn�t start out that way.� Janeway replied, echoing Lieutenant Tan�s earlier
sentiment. �We�ve had to adapt.� Picard nodded thoughtfully then turned the
conversation to the matter at hand.
�Now, these two houses, do they have anything in common?�
�They live on the same planet. That�s about it.� Janeway could not keep the
sarcasm out of her voice. �The side that stole our weapons is led by a man named Janos.
The other side is led by Lavu, a woman of considerable power. Each side has
approximately the same amount of supplies, resources, and up until a few days ago,
weapons.�
�What negotiating methods have you tried?�
�We managed a transporter lock on all of our weapons and beamed them back on
board. Lavu is still angry with us for supplying weapons to her enemies and Janos is
furious that we took away that which was not his to begin with.� Janeway rubbed her
forehead in frustration. �Suffice to say, negotiations went downhill from there.�
�This is certainly going to be a diplomatic challenge.� Picard said, almost smiling.
�But I have an idea. I already have my own ship, and I can offer myself as a mediator
between both factions and yourselves. I will wear civilian clothing and perhaps your
doctor can...alter my physiology so I don�t look so human. Hopefully that way I�ll be able
to get through to both of them.�
�I�ll contact the doctor and make an appointment. Would you like me to hail both
sides and invite them to Voyager?�
�Yes, if you can�t convince them I�ll try from my yacht.� Picard stood, adjusted
his uniform and took a deep breath. �Lets hope this works.�
Picard was learning his way around the ship and managed to find Sickbay on his
own. He entered, and felt an overwhelming wave of fear rise up inside of him. Two Borg
were sitting in Sickbay, being scanned by the doctor. As his brain figured things out his
fear subsided as he realized that these were the liberated members of the crew. As he
continued his rationalizing he saw that they only had a few Borg components, the woman
more so than the young man.
�Ah, Captain Picard, nice to see you finally made it. May I introduce Seven of
Nine and Icheb.� Seven merely tipped her head while Icheb stood from the biobed and
held out his hand. Picard shook it and smiled.
�Its a pleasure to meet you captain. I have ready a lot about you in my studies.�
Icheb looked Picard over with intense curiosity.
�Icheb is studying for his Starfleet Academy entrance exams.� The Doctor
explained. �He�s recently finished his historical studies.�
�I see. If we get the opportunity, I�d be happy to give you a first person account of
some of my more memorable experiences.�
�Thank you captain!�
�I�ve finished with your checkups. You may leave.� The Doctor shooed the two
ex-Borg out of his sickbay to fully concentrate on the visiting captain. �Now lets see,
what shall we dress you up as....� The Doctor mentally scrolled through his database
while Picard sat himself on the recently vacated biobed.
�You�re an EMH aren�t you?� Picard asked. The Doctor nodded.
�Our chief medical officer was killed when the Caretaker flung us across the
galaxy. I�ve been functioning in that capacity ever since.�
�I remember reading about that. We have an EMH on my ship, looks just like
you.�
�Really?� The Doctor perked up with interest.
�Yes, well....our doctor hates the thing. Refuses to use it. And it was one of the
systems that was assimilated by the Borg.�
�Oh. Do you have an alien you�d like to look like or should I just pick
something?�
�I should probably look like a Delta Quadrant alien. A friendly one at that. Any
ideas?�
�Our cook is Talaxian. He has been our Ambassador for some time. Perhaps the
two of you could combine forces.� The Doctor looked over Picard with a critical eye.
�Yes, I think a Talaxian would suit you just fine.�
Several hours later the surgery was complete and Picard felt a little fuzzy. His
mental capacity was unchanged and in that aspect he was thinking as clearly as he ever
had, but with the tufts coming out of the side of his face and the hair pouring off the top
of his head he felt distinctly fuzzy. The Doctor handed him a mirror and Picard managed
not to jump at the sight of himself in the reflective glass.
�Thank you Doctor.� He said, his gratefulness sincere. �You do good work.�
�That�s what I�ve been told.� The Doctor said as he carefully put away his
instruments. �While you were unconscious, the captain called. She has managed to
convince both factions to meet with you and Mr. Neelix in the mess hall in one hour.
She�d like you to meet her there as soon as possible.� The Doctor stepped to one side of
the sickbay and pulled out a bundle of clothing. �I also took the liberty of replicating you
a set of Talaxian clothing.� Picard caught the bundle that the Doctor threw to him.
�Enjoy.�
Although Janeway had been told by the Doctor what alien Picard had been
manipulated to look like, she wasn�t prepared for the full effect. For starters, he had hair;
bright orange hair. Neelix was delighted, of course, and greeted Picard the enthusiasm he
showed every guest of his domain.
�Captain Picard! An honor to meet you! I must say, you make a fine looking
Talaxian!�
�Thank you Mr. Neelix. How long until the delegates get here?�
�About half an hour. I thought I�d serve them a few appetizers while we talked.
The two peoples don�t have much in common, although they come from the same race. I
think our best bet will be to convince them that they can live on the planet together.�
�I agree. Perhaps there is something that each side has that the other needs. We
could set up a trade agreement between them.� Picard scratched at his mutton chops. He
looked around the mess hall and noticed that one side was gaily decorated in bright
colors. �I had forgotten the birthday party was to be here.� He turned to Janeway. �Will
that be a problem?�
�The party isn�t scheduled to begin for another three hours.� Neelix said since he
knew Janeway didn�t know. �If we run out of time we can move the negotiations to the
conference room.�
�Tuvok to Janeway.� Janeway tapped at her combadge, opening the channel.
�I�m here Tuvok. What is it?�
�The delegates from the planet have arrived. Shall I escort them to the mess hall?�
Janeway could tell from the tone in her chief of security�s voice that he was not amused
by the whole situation. Before beaming the delegates on board, all weapons on Voyager
had been locked down under the tightest security measures. There would be no weapon
snatching this time. Janeway, Picard and Neelix waited patiently for the delegates to
arrive. Within minutes the doors opened, and six people entered.
There was Janos and Lavu, and they had each brought their first in command and
a bodyguard. They were certainly some of the most interesting aliens Picard had seen.
Most species he encountered often had skin like humans, fur, scales or feathers. These
people had all of the above in equal quantities. The only difference he could see between
the two is that Lavu and her people were a rosy pink, while Janos and his followers were
a turquoise blue. Everyone wore robes in darker shades of their natural colors.
�Welcome to Voyager.� Janeway said, putting on her most diplomatic smile.
�This is Picard and Neelix. They will be leading the negotiations. Please, take a seat.�
Janeway gestured towards the largest table in the mess hall. Neelix went back into his
kitchen area and returned with two trays laden with finger foods.
�I�d like to start these negotiations by talking about what you have in common.�
Picard began, folding his hands and placing them on the table.
�Captain Janeway gave weapons to our enemies!� Lavu snarled and rose to her
feet. Janos stood as well.
�She gave us nothing! We took them from her in a covert operation. But she stole
them from us!� Janeway now hung her head in her hands and when she peeked through
her fingers she could see that Picard looked more than a little stunned. He recovered
quickly.
�Well then, you have a common enemy. Perhaps we can start from there. Lavu, it
must be apparent that Captain Janeway didn�t give the weapons to your enemies and
Janos, you had no right to have them in the first place. What matters now is that both of
you are back where you started.� Janos and Lavu glanced at one another and slowly sat
back down. �Can either of you explain to me why you are in conflict?�
�We have fought over the planet for centuries. They have their half and we have
ours. Both sides have always wished for full domination.� Janos explained.
�We have had tentative negotiations in the past.� Lavu added. �But there has
never been enough trust on either side.�
�We�ve been discussing your problem and had an idea.� Picard said discreetly.
�Janos, your hemisphere is rich in titanium and other alloys. Lavu, your people have
become experts in the field of engineering. I know you don�t know the history of the
Federation, so I�ll just give you a quick overview.
�The Federation is made up of over one hundred planets. They all work together
to build ships and colonize worlds. They are all very different, and yet they manage to get
along. They are a considerable force in the Alpha Quadrant. You have the opportunity to
recreate that, in a way, here. You each have something to bring to the bargaining table.
You may be equal in force, but you do not have identical resources. If you share, you can
become something greater than either of you could be alone. A peace between your
peoples has the potential to enhance the lives of everyone living on your planet.� Picard
finished, sat back down at the table, and waited to see how the two leaders would react.
They were all quiet for a moment, glancing at each other and their own people. Finally
they stood, and made motions to leave.
�You have given us something to think about Picard.� Janos said as he
straightened his robes. �Thank you for that.�
�I will certainly bring this up with my council.� Lavu said as she walked towards
the door. �Thank you Picard, Captain Janeway.� She dipped her head towards each
captain as she spoke.
�Mr. Tuvok, please escort our guests back to the transporter room.� Although they
hadn�t turned on each other, Janeway still felt deflated after the negotiations. A look over
to Picard told her that he felt the same.
�That was certainly one of the most interested delegations I�ve ever conducted.�
Picard said after Janos and Lavu had left. �They come in ready to tear each other�s throats
out, I give one speech, and they leave saying, �I�ll think about it�.� Picard crossed his
arms over his chest and shook his head. �I envy you Katherine, in some ways. Out here
where you really are where no one has gone before.�
�But dealing with people such as these, it gives you an unsatisfactory feeling.�
�Aye.� Janeway couldn�t help but smile now at the serious British accent and
Starfleet demeanor coming out of the clownish Talaxian appearance. �I suppose I shall
have to remain in this...costume until the negotiations are finished. Please contact me if
they hail us. I�ll be in my quarters.� Picard turned on his heel and left the mess hall.
Neelix looked down unhappily on his plates of food that had barely been touched.
�I suppose the Lieutenants Tan can use this for the birthday party.� the cook
murmured to himself. �They�ll be here in half an hour. The negotiations ended just in
time.�
�Thank you for all your help Mr. Neelix.� Janeway told the man. �Please give the
Tans my best, will you?� Neelix nodded as Janeway left the mess hall, nearly as
downtrodden as the other captain had been. He started to clean up, and finished
preparations for the Tans birthday party.
�This is so cute!� Anna Tan squealed as she pulled a jumper out of the box her
son had ripped open. Andrew was now playing with the wrapping paper, paying no
attention to the gift inside. Several more gifts were piled on a nearby table, and he eyed
them with interest. Tom, B�Elanna, Naomi and her mother, Neelix and Amber Haslup
had all been invited and were in attendance. The two year old tore around the mess hall as
the adults oohed and ahhed over the presents.
�This one is from Iana and myself.� Amber said as she handed Anna one of the
gaily wrapped boxes. Iana and Amber were roommates aboard Voyager, part of the effort
to conserve energy and space. Iana couldn�t be there as she was on duty, but wanted to at
least send her sentiments. Anna took the package and held it as Andrew tore off the
paper.
�Wow!� The two-year old�s eyes went wide as he saw what the gift was. Iana and
Amber had searched the database and found a building set that Andrew had his eye on. It
was made out of a kind of plastiform that couldn�t break but was easily digested if the
child in question chewed on it. �Thank you aunty Amber!�
�You�re welcome Andy.� Amber tousled the hair of the boy, smiling as he pulled
away to play with his new toy.
�Andy, you still have other presents to open. Come back here!� The mother
admonished. Andrew looked back and forth between his mother and the building set.
�Just two more, I promise.�
�Oh-kay.� Andrew put down the box and came back over to this mother, who had
the present from Naomi. The young girl had been a good baby-sitter for the younger child,
which Anna and Will especially appreciated. It gave them someone who didn�t have to
work a duty shift that was responsible and capable.
�Its a set of Flotter flash cards. To help him learn letters and numbers.� Naomi
explained. �I hoped it would make learning more fun for him.�
�Thank you Naomi.� Will Tan said. �These are great.�
�Who�s ready for some cake?� Neelix came over with his hands behind his back.
Andrew looked up with a familiar gleam in his eye.
�Cake?� he asked hopefully. Neelix nodded, then brought the ooey gooey
chocolatey goodness out from behind his back. Two candles were lodged in the ice-cream
and blazing merrily.
�Blow them out and make a wish.� Samantha Wildman urged Andrew. Andrew
approached the cake, blew as hard as he could, then shoved two handfuls of cake into his
mouth. Although Anna was horrified the rest of the adults laughed.
�Relax Anna, its just cake.� Amber said. Suddenly the ship rocked and the cake
fell out of Neelix�s hands and onto the floor. Everyone held on for dear life as the ship
shook.
�All hands to stations! We�re under attack!� Janeway�s voice blared over the
ship�s intercom. All of the adults scrambled to their feet and out the door, Naomi
snatched up Andrew and headed for the play room. Neelix looked forlornly at the ruined
cake, and decided that his place was on the bridge.
Neelix stepped out of the turbolift and nearly fell off his feet as the ship shook
again. He managed to grab onto the railing behind the command chairs and held on for
dear life. As the ship shook, Neelix could see that the other bridge crew was having to
hang on to their own consoles and stations.
�What�s going on?� Picard asked as he came on the bridge. He was still done up
as a Talaxian.
�We�re being attacked by two vessels.� Janeway explained. �One belongs to Janos
and the other is Lavu�s. I was just about the hail them.� Picard nodded. �Harry?�
�They�re answering.�
�On screen.� Janeway paced to the middle of her bridge. At her request, the faces
of the two leaders came up on the viewscreen. �I�d like an explanation.�
�Well captain, Picard�s arguments were so effective that we decided to make a
trade agreement.� Janos explained.
�That�s wonderful.� Janeway replied sarcastically. �But that doesn�t explain why
you are attacking my ship.�
�Captain Janeway, Janos and I realized that we could do so much more if we
worked together to obtain our goals.� Lavu leaned forward slightly and smiled. �We�ve
decided we want Voyager.�
�You can�t have her.� Janeway snarled. Janos and Lavu shrugged in unison.
�Then we will take her.� said Janos. �Lower your shields and prepare to be
boarded.�
�No.� Janeway growled. After that the viewscreen went blank and both ships
continued to fire on the starship. �Options.� The captain demanded.
�Our shields will last approximately ten minutes under this barrage.� Tuvok
reported. �Shall I return fire?�
�Target weapons.� ordered Janeway. Tuvok nodded. �What else?�
�We could try to outrun them.� Tom suggested. �But I�m not sure we�d make it.�
Without warning the panels on one side of the bridge blew out.
�We just lost our warp drive!� B�Elanna screamed over the klaxons and smoke.
�So much for that idea.� Tom mumbled to himself.
�We could outnumber them.�
�Pardon me?� Janeway turned to Picard, who was deep in thought.
�Scans of the planet show that they don�t have a large interplanetary fleet. Those
ships don�t even have warp capabilities. However, we have my yacht, your yacht, and Mr.
Neelix�s ship.� Picard explained.
�And the Delta Flyer.� Tom piped up.
�We can surround their ships with our own.�
�Do it. Mr. Paris, Seven you take the Delta Flyer. Harry, go with captain Picard.
Tuvok, have someone from your team meet me in my yacht. Chakotay, you have the
bridge.� Janeway was warming up to this plan and now endorsed it wholeheartedly. As
the regular bridge officers exited into the turbolift, replacement officers Lieutenant Tan,
both mister and missus slid into their places at OPS and helm respectively. A few minutes
later Will Tan reported,
�The captain�s yacht is away. Picard�s yacht is away. Delta Flyer is away, and Mr.
Neelix�s ship has left the docking bay.� Will Tan quickly changed the display on the
viewscreen to show all seven ships. The four smallest ships spurted out of Voyager and
quickly moved to encircle their enemies.
�Mr. Tuvok, prepare to fire on the vessels.� Janeway�s voice came over the com,
sounding small and far away. Chakotay could see that Janos and Lavu were beginning to
fire on the smaller ships, but their shields were holding up well. �I�m going to hail them.�
Janeway peppered her console with commands, doing the job of both helmsman
and captain. Beside her at the tactical station was ensign Haslup.
�Janos and Lavu. You have forged a wonderful new partnership and I don�t want
to ruin that. But I am not about to give up my ship. You are outnumbered. Your peoples
may have the potential for greatness, but your great moment will not be today.� Janeway
cut off the communication with the aliens and brought up the channel with Voyager. �I�m
not sure they�re going to listen.�
�I agree.� Chakotay nodded. �Now what?�
�Everyone fires at their weapons. When they can�t shoot at us anymore, we�ll
leave.� Janeway programmed a new flight move into her ship�s computer. �Mr. Tuvok,
are you ready?�
�Aye.�
�Fire.� At the same moment all four Starfleet ships and the Talaxian vessel shot
their energy weapons as the two enemy ships. Lavu�s shields held for a while but
eventually buckled. Janos wasn�t as lucky. His shields were fluctuating to begin with and
under the extreme duress they failed miserably. Smoke began to pour out of his ship and
it tilted on its axis.
�Janos is sending out a distress call.� Ensign Haslup reported. Her next statement
came as something of a surprise. �Lavu is responding.�
�Fascinating.� The word came out in a rush as she sat back in her chair. �They are
actually helping on another.� Janeway glanced back at the ensign and smiled. �Take us
back to Voyager.�
Two days later all the damage to Voyager had been repaired and Picard had shed
his Talaxian costume. Janos and Lavu had continued to communicate with each other,
although it seemed as though they had given up on Voyager. Janeway had gathered all her
senior officers in the conference room for an update.
�The warp engines are back online, and we can leave whenever we want.�
B�Elanna gave her report from engineering. �The captains�s yachts, the Delta Flyer and
Neelix�s ship have all their minor damage repaired as well.�
�That�s wonderful.� Janeway smiled. Then she noticed that Neelix didn�t quite
look as ecstatic as she thought he would. �What is it Neelix?�
�There is a stain on the carpet in the mess hall I haven�t been able to remove.�
�What kind of stain?� B�Elanna immediately asked, worried that something was
leaking.
�Chocolate cake.� Neelix�s mournful expression wasn�t much improved as
everyone sitting around the conference table began to chuckled. Even Picard shook in his
chair as he couldn�t contain a dignified attitude. �It won�t come out of the carpet!�
�I�m sure we can find someone who can get chocolate out of your carpet Neelix.�
Janeway reassured their guide. �Now, we have to discuss our other visitor. Have we
determined how captain Picard arrived here in the first place?�
�I have been running simulations to determine the cause.� Tuvok said. �I believe
that a Romulan device planted on his warp core is what deposited him here.�
�How does it work?� Chakotay then asked.
�I�m not sure. Romulan ships run off temporal anomalies, and this technology
must work off a similar principle.� Now B�Elanna spoke up. �I repaired the device to the
best of my abilities. I believe it overloaded when it was activated.
�Will it get me back to the Alpha Quadrant?� Picard asked. B�Elanna nodded.
�You were facing in the direction of the Delta Quadrant when the device on your
warp core was activated. If you face towards the Alpha Quadrant and activate it, it should
get you to where you want to go.�
�Can we use this technology to take Voyager home?� Janeway�s voice was
hushed with anticipation and hope, feelings that were immediately dashed when B�Elanna
shook her head.
�Its extremely limited. Even the yacht is almost too big.�
�If there is anything you would like me to take back for you I will make room.�
Picard said. Janeway nodded her thanks. She knew it was a long shot, and like most of the
long shots they had come across, this wasn�t going to get them home.
�I�ll have the crew prepare letters to their loved ones.� Janeway said.
�Dismissed.�
�Thank you for everything Katherine.� Only Picard�s head could be seen on the
viewscreen as he plotted his course. Almost out of habit he said, �Engage.� He pushed the
important button on his control panel, and his ship shot off. Instead of disappearing into a
warp flash, there was a tearing of space and he was gone.
�Captain!� The voice was familiar and insistent. Picard slowly opened his eyes
and saw the familiar ceiling of the Enterprise sickbay. The voice he heard was Riker�s.
�I made it home?�
�A temporal anomaly spat you out just off our port bow an hour ago. Where have
you been?�
�The Delta Quadrant. I�m not lying commander.� Riker smiled, knowing that his
captain was fine if he could snap at him like that.
�I don�t doubt it.� The first officer moved out of the way while Picard sat up on
the bio bed and Dr. Crusher approached.
�Did you meet any new alien species?� Crusher asked as she ran her medical
tricorder over Picard.
�I dressed up as a Talaxian for a negotiation.� Picard huffed. �But more
importantly I had contact with Voyager.�
�Voyager, that was the ship that was lost in the Badlands wasn�t it?�
�Exactly. They are alive and well. I have a number of letters to the crew�s friends
and family. We need to transmit them to Starfleet.�
�I�ll do that right away captain.� Riker left to do as he said he would.
�I can�t imagine being that far away from everything I know and love.� Crusher
said, snapping her tricorder shut. �You�re free to go.�
�Before I do, Beverly, I have something to tell you.�
�Yes?�
�Captain Janeway and her crew came across your son and the Traveler. He�s
doing just fine.� For a moment Dr. Crusher went pale, and had to catch herself on the
edge of the biobed. Then she smiled, and wiped the tears out of her eyes.
�Thank you Jean-Luc.� She whispered hoarsely.
�My pleasure.� Picard was nearly out of the sickbay doors when he turned and
asked, �Would you care to have dinner with me?�
�I would love that.� Dr. Crusher replied. �And Jean-Luc,�
�Yes?�
�Please urge Starfleet to do everything we can to get those people home.�
�I had that idea myself. I�ll see you tonight then?�
�Tonight.� Picard left to go to the bridge, while Dr. Crusher continued to putter
around her sickbay. She wished for safe journeys for the captain and crew of Voyager,
who had been so sweet as to send her captain home.
THE END