| Heaven Is Where The Coffee Is - Part 1 By Voyagetostars
It started as so many missions did in the Delta Quadrant, Voyager was in critical need of supplies. It ended with a profound loss.
Captain’s Log Stardate #######. Our final battle with the Spida warships has left us in a worse state than we had initially realized. B’Elanna and Neelix both have reported serious losses in our reserves normally stored in cargo bay three. We have no choice but to look for new supplies of dilithium along with food supplies. The only good news is we have left Spida influence. According to Mr. Neelix’s sources the Spidarian League does not patrol outside their borders. Nevertheless we remain at yellow alert.
A chime sounded in the ready room. “Come,” called Janeway. Chakotay entered carrying a PADD. “Commander?”
“I have the latest updates from all sections. Cargo bay three repairs are complete. Mr. Neelix has reevaluated our food supplies and says we’ve over a week of fresh food without rationing. I’ve sent Harry to assist Seven in Astrometrics.”
“Thank you.” She rubbed her temples.
“Captain, everything is under control. Why don’t you get something to eat and some rest?”
“You’ve been on duty a long as I have.”
“And I plan on going off duty as soon as you do. Tuvok has the bridge.” He saw her hesitate. “Tuvok would be the first person to tell you it is not logical not to rest when you can.”
“All right you’ve convinced me.” As she stood her stomach rumbled loudly.
“Will you join me in the mess? I understand Mr. Neelix has created a new stew with no trace of leola root.”
“Sounds promising.” They exited onto the bridge. “Tuvok you have the conn. I’m going to get something to eat then go to my quarters.”
“Aye captain, sleep well.”
She shook her head in amusement and followed Chakotay onto the turbolift.
“Deck Two,” he stated as the doors closed.
They entered Neelix’s domain where pleasing odors were spilling from the kitchen. If it wasn’t for the grime bedecked crew members it would have been an ordinary night in the Delta Quadrant.
Chakotay saw the captain’s clear desire to check on her crew. “Why don’t I get our food while you circulate?” She flashed him a quick grin and moved off. Chakotay watched her until Neelix spoke.
“What can I get for you commander?”
He turned towards Neelix with a smile. “What smells so good?”
“Ah today’s special.” He made several gurgling sounds. “I’m afraid it loses something in the translation. It’s been very popular with most of the crew.”
“That’s good enough for me. Two servings please.”
“Here you go. And to drink? Coffee?”
“We’ll have herbal tea,” he replied firmly.
“If you're sure,” Neelix said doubtfully looking towards the captain who was speaking to two engineers.
“I am.”
He moved over to a table for two. Minutes later Janeway joined him.
“How is it?” She asked taking the napkin and placing it in her lap.
“One of his better creations.”
She took a taste of it and smiled. “This one is a keeper.” She grabbed the cup while focusing on Chakotay’s eyes and took a healthy swig.She sputtered, “Chakotay, this isn’t coffee.”
“Its herbal tea.”
“It’s not coffee,” she repeated with some distaste.
“Sleep is next stop - caffeine won’t help.”
She grimaced but drank the beverage as she finished her meal.
“May I walk you back to your quarters?”
“Making sure I get there?”
“Something like that.” he admitted with a grin.
+Oh those dimples.+ “All right but just to my door.”
“The time is 0600 hours. The time is 0600 hours.”
“End wake up and reset,” Janeway answered pushing aside her blankets and heading for the sonic shower. A short time later she entered the bridge.
Tuvok rose from the command chair. “Good morning captain. Engineering reports full impulse power has been restored. Warp power still restricted to warp four. We continue at yellow alert in route to the Alpha Quadrant.”
“Thank you Mr. Tuvok. Please notify everyone of senior staff meeting at 0800. Meanwhile I’ll be in my ready room, you have the bridge.”
“Aye captain.”
Janeway surveyed the room over her coffee cup. On her left was Chakotay in his usual chair. Next to him was Harry Kim who was quietly talking with Seven. Beyond them was Neelix who actually was studying a PADD in preparation for his report. Across the table was the Doctor who rolled his eyes at a comment between B’Elanna and Paris. Tuvok completed the table sitting to her right.
“Let’s get started.” She nodded to Chakotay.
“Seven,” he said to the former Borg to promptly stood and activated the briefing room screen.
“There are a total of six star systems within twenty light years which may contain planets having the supplies that we need.” She pointed out several systems. “These three are closest to our current flight path and this one,” she indicated the closest, “shows evidence of warp signatures. These two are within the Spidarian League. This one is well off the current course.”
“Mr. Neelix, anything on these systems?”
"Well captain, I wouldn’t suggest we return the way we came but I don’t have any knowledge about any of them.”
“Distance to that system?” she asked Seven indicating the first on their current route.
“At warp three four days.”
The captain looked back to Chakotay.“Commander.”
“Mr. Neelix, what is the status on food supplies?”
“We’re down to half normal stock of emergency rations and ten days of fresh supplies.”
“Does that include hydroponics and aerophonics?”
Neelix nodded. “We lost a lot of the plants.”
“Doctor.”
“Two crewmen remain in critical condition but I expect they will make full recovery, thanks to my superior skills.” B’Elanna rolled her eyes. “Additionally ten others are recovering in quarters and should be able to return to light duty in 48 hours.”
“Engineering?”
“Our dilithium reserves are down to 2 crystals, we need polyferrinite for repairs to the nacelles and our supply of gallicite is dangerously low. The internal power grid still has significant damage. The good news is the warp core is stable though we have only warp four and we have full impulse power.”
“What about the structural repairs?” questioned Chakotay.
“We’re going to have to land for some of them but for the present structural integrity will support speeds through warp 6.”
“Tactical?”
“There have been no contacts with the Spidarian League. All warp signatures detected do not match those of the Spidarians nor their known allies.”
“Anyone we may have encountered before?”
“No captain.”
“Weapons?”
“One phaser battery remains under repair along with the port torpedo launchers. Shields are at 55 percent.”
“Mr. Paris?”
“No anticipated problems captain. The helm is still a bit sluggish but we can compensate.”
“That concludes the staff reports captain.”
“We definitely have some challenges ahead of us. Mr. Paris, set course for the nearest system on our current heading, warp three.”
“Aye ma’am.”
“Repairs must be our first priority. With our power reserves so critical I am ordering the ship to gray mode.” She looked at her coffee cup with what could be described as resignation. “Replicators are reserved for medical and repair parts only. Commander, please see to shutting down all non essential areas.”
“Aye captain.”
“With any luck these restrictions will not be needed for long. Does anyone have anything additional?” She looked around the table. “Dismissed.”
Several hours later Chakotay triggered the chime to the ready room.
“Come. Yes commander.” She gestured at the chair facing her desk in invitation. He settled with a sigh.
“The ship is at gray mode captain. Deck nine has been shut down with security functions redistributed throughout the ship as when we first came to the Delta Quadrant. Crew have been reassigned to quarters on other decks by doubling up.”
“We’ll have to watch morale on that.”
“Actually I allowed volunteers there. I did have an immediate volunteer.”
“Let me guess, the chief engineer and the chief pilot.”
“I asked her to try to be discrete. The others made arrangements as soon as the formal announcement was made.”
Two days later Janeway shifted in her chair on the bridge, debating on the merits of making yet another tour of the ship. She realized that prowling around the ship would only stress her overworked crew.
“Withdrawal captain?” asked Chakotay softly with a wicked grin as he leaned across their console.
“I don’t know what you mean commander.”
“Of course captain.”
She fastened a glare at his unrepentant smile.
"Captain, I have a ship on an intercept course,” reported Harry.
“Origin?”
“The system ahead of us. Scans show their weapons comparable to ours.” The screen lit with the rapidly approaching vessel.
“Mr. Tuvok?”
“Agreed. My readings indicate their shields are more powerful than ours. I believe their weapons are on standby.”
“Captain, they’re hailing.”
“Open a channel. This is Captain Janeway of the Starship Voyager.”
“First Lotrin of the Suzit Confederacy. What is your affiliation?” A humanoid filled the screen. He looked like a regal lion with a deep brown maneand was seated in a deeply contoured chair.
“We are a Starfleet vessel from the United Federation of Planets.”
”I do not recognize any Federation in this region. No matter. Why do you approach our borders?”
“First Lotrin we are traveling to our homes in the Alpha Quadrant. We hope to trade with you and would like permission to cross you space.”
“I see your vessel is damaged. By whom were you in conflict?”
“We didn’t know the boundaries of your Spidarian neighbors.”
“Nor do they,” he answered without humor, showing a glimpse of prominent canines. “I will grant you safe passage to the home world. You may present your petition for trade and passage there. You will follow this ship.” With that the communication ended and the other ship turned and started back the way it came.
“Follow him Mr. Paris.”
“Aye captain, matching course and speed, ETA 52 hours.”
“Mr. Tuvok, current shield status?”
“Engineering reports repairs should be completed within 5 hours.”
“Captain?” asked Chakotay.
“We’ve been getting a good beating recently. I’d like us to be able to protect ourselves if this confederation is not friendly. I think I’ll take a tour around the ship. You have the bridge.”
“Aye captain.”
They were four hours out from the home world when Janeway convened another staff meeting. “Lets get started. Commander.”
“Seven.”
“The system has ten planets and thirty moons of which two planets and one moon are Class M. All three Class M planets have heavy vegetation. This system does not have an asteroid belt. I have detected no dilithium nor trilithium. Initial scans show metals and minerals are not abundant.”
“B’Elanna.”
“Repairs have been completed to the extent possible given our parts and supply status. The internal power grid is stable and we are capable off warp six. However we still have only two dilithium crystals in reserve so I do not recommend that speed unless absolutely necessary.”
“Tom.”
“Maneuverability is still reduced due to the structural integrity field.”
“Doctor?”
“All patients have been returned to full duty. I have begun the semiannual physicals” He ignored the pained expressions circulating the table. “As usual I am receiving less than stellar response. You would think that as scientists the crew would understand the importance of . . .”
“Thank you Doctor,” interrupted the captain. “I will direct all section chiefs to schedule their personnel appropriately. Commander.” She nodded to Chakotay who was working to keep a straight face.
“Mr. Neelix.”
“Morale is down a bit captain. The total curtailment of replicator rations has had the greatest negative effect. There have been several minor incidents concerning beverage selections, specifically the lack of caffeine based ones.” Those surrounding the table studiously looked everywhere but the captain at this news.
“Any injuries?”
“No captain,” he answered with shock.
“Security was not notified of these incidents,” stated Tuvok with a frown.
“There was no need commander, it was just a verbal disagreement.” He kept to himself the fact that only the intervention of Carey from engineering prevented the escalation into a physical one.
“Food supplies?”
“Seven days of fresh foods but I’m just about out of spices. Several crew have asked to use emergency rations in lieu of the foods available.”
“Hopefully it won’t come to that.”
“Yes captain. Captain, I’ve looked at Seven’s data and recognize several of the varieties of vegetation, at least their non cultivated relatives.”
“Are they ones we can use?”
“They’ll take a lot of preparation but certainly that is well within my capabilities as your chef. Unfortunately I see no evidence of leola root nor my normal spices but I’m sure I can find adequate substitutes,though not with . . .”
“Thank you Mr. Neelix. We will rely on your assistance when we get permission to trade.” She nodded again to Chakotay who again was trying to school his expression. She noted that Tom’s trademark smirk was in full evidence.
“Mr. Kim.”
“Seven has covered it. System traffic is moderate but well regulated. No evidence of worm holes or other anomalous phenomena.”
“Mr. Tuvok.”
“Tactical systems are operational. Security has completed anti-intruder drills. Phasers are fully repaired, however the aft photon torpedo launcher is at fifty percent efficiency.”
“Captain, that concludes the staff reports. Deck nine remains shut down while gray mode continues. There haven’t been any problems with alternative housing.”
“Thank you all. Please review your supply requests and items available for trade and forward them to Commander Chakotay. Dismissed.”
Janeway studied the latest reports in her ready room. The closer theygot to the planet the better the readings were looking at least where food sources were concerned. She was considering the best approach to open trade talks when Harry’s voice sounded.
“First Lotrin is hailing us.”
Janeway strode out onto the bridge. “Open a channel. This is Captain Janeway.”
“Captain Janeway, I have contacted First Minister Devert. The minister is willing to meet with you and two companions in one of your hours. Meanwhile follow me into orbit. I will transmit the meeting location coordinates shortly.”
“Thank you First Lotrin.” The transmission ended. “Mr. Tuvok, you and Mr. Neelix will accompany me to the surface, please notify him.”
“Aye captain.”
“Commander, do you have the supply reports?”
“Here you are,” he answered handing her a PADD as she took her chair. He bent his head toward her and spoke softly. “Do you think it’s wise to go down on the first landing party?”
“Everything appears peaceful. The invitation was pretty specific and we need the supplies badly. I’ll be careful.”
“You’d better, I’m glad you’re taking Tuvok with you.”
“Receiving coordinates now.”
“Thank you Mr. Kim. Mr. Tuvok shall we go? Commander Chakotay, take care of my ship.”
“Aye captain.”
The trio transported to the planet’s surface where First Lotrin was waiting. He inclined his head to Janeway. “You are prompt, that is good.”
“Thank you for meeting us. May I present Commander Tuvok my tactical and security officer and Mr. Neelix ambassador and our expert on the Delta Quadrant.”
“Greetings. Come.” They walked along a tree lined boulevard passing members of various species and many buildings of varying heights. “Are either or both of these your bond?” he asked bluntly.
“Excuse me?”
“Are either of these your bond mates?”
“They are my officers and two of of my counselors. If by bond you mean marriage then they are not.” Her voice was icy.
“No offense is meant. We normally travel in bonded groups. We know many others do not.”
“No offense is taken. Where are we First Lotrin?”
“We are approaching the meeting place of the Suzit Confederacy, a place from our ancient times.” Ahead they saw a grassy field with a large semi-circular area resembling Stonehenge. In it were two of the same species as their guide. The larger male had a silver mane with a lighter tawny fur. His clothing was highly ornamented and rich looking. The female had a smaller mane but her clothing was every bit as ornate. The First Lotrin bowed to the female, crossing his arms across his chest. “First Minister I present Captain Janeway of the Starship Voyager and two of her counselors, Commander Tuvok, security and tactical and Mr. Neelix ambassador and expert on the Delta Quadrant.”
The female made a regal bow to Janeway. “He who counsels me Jakatan,” the silver maned man gave an abrupt nod, “and you have already met Lotrin. Come let us sit under the Matri.” She indicated a huge tree at the edge of the stones which reminded Janeway of a banyon tree. Under it were a series of stone benches. After they were seated on the shade, “Lotrin tells me you are on a journey of some length and you wish to trade for supplies and receive passage.”
“Yes, we’re returning to our homes in the Alpha Quadrant.”
“The Alpha Quadrant?”
“It’s about 40,000 light years from here.”
“How did you get to our space?”
Janeway gave a short history of their travels. Neelix noted the interest of the three aliens.
“And you still have forty years of travel?”
“Unless we find a shortcut or two - we have several times.”
“I have no knowledge of anything you describe in the Confederacy. And you faced the Borg?”
“Yes.”
“We thought they were tales to frighten cubs - we have enough problems with the Spidarian League.”
“Perhaps we could trade maps and information we have gathered for supplies,” suggested Neelix.
“You want to travel through our territory for the purposes of returning home?” questioned Jakatan.
“Yes.”
“You do not intend to return to the Confederacy in the near future?” his tone was hostile.
“No, though we don’t know the extent of your borders so we might be in the Confederacy for some time.”
“And others of your people will not be trading with us in the future.”
“We will be bringing information of our travels to the Federation, certainly others will travel this way some day.”
“But it may be forty years before you return to this Federation.”
“It may.”
“The law is clear.”
“What law is pertinent?” asked Tuvok.
“To open trade talks there must be evidence of an ongoing trade relationship. Clearly this is not true.”
“Could we open a short time trading agreement? The relationship would be of mutual benefit,” asked Neelix.
“What exactly did your wish to trade for?”
“Food, plant cuttings which we can grow, metals and minerals for repairs.”
Devert looked at her counselors both who made brisk nods. “The law is binding, I am not able to allow trade. However I can permit an exchange of gifts. Food and plants we have in abundance and would be pleased to offer any which are compatible so to resupply your ship on its journey. Lotrin will assist you. We have little mineral resources to give but we can give you information on where you can gather your own. Jakatan, you will gather information on areas outside our borders which may be of help for their journey.”
“In return we would like to give you maps we have made on our journey which you may find useful as well.”
“An exchange of gifts is an opening to friendship.” She raised her right arm and several simply dressed Suzitans came carrying trays. “Join me in refreshment.”
“We would enjoy that, thank you.”
Tuvok quietly scanned the foods and beverage and nodded to his captain.
“To friendship,” said Devert raising a steaming cup with both hands to eye level. The others copied her actions. Janeway's eyes widened as she caught the scent of the beverage. Could it be? she raised her cup to her lips and closed her eyes in pleasure as the taste of coffee filled her mouth.
“Do you like it?” Devert questioned the visitor not sure how to interpret the expressions passing across her face.
“It tastes just like coffee, which I’m very fond of.” Tuvok succeeded in showing no reaction at the understatement only due to his years of training in emotional control. Neelix wasn’t as successful.
“This is coffee?” he sputtered. “It’s so . . .”
“It is very close although the color is different.” She noted the color was that of weak tea but the flavor was there.
“And it has no caffeine,” noted Tuvok impartially. “The Doctor would be pleased.” The captain didn’t need to be told that as the familiar rush wasn’t there but after doing without for four days even decaffeinated was acceptable.
“It is from a plant found in only on our planet and is considered a rare delicacy. I will give you a bush from my personal holdings along with the preparation instructions.”
“Thank you minister,” answered Janeway with a broad smile.
“We will speak again at the exchange of gifts.”
Back in the ready room the two senior officers met.
“How did it go?”
“They won’t trade as it violates their laws.”
“But there is more than that or you wouldn't look so content.”
She laughed, he knew her entirely too well. “They won’t trade but they will give us food supplies to completely restock the ship.We can have plant cuttings too.”
“What’s the catch?” he asked suspiciously
“There doesn’t appear to be one. The First Minister has directed we be given food to resupply the ship, Neelix is still on the surface making arrangements.”
“Thank goodness there was no sign of leola root on these planets.”
“Small miracles. And there’s more. We will be getting information on a source for metals and minerals as well as current maps.”
“And in return?”
“We’ll be giving information from our journey. Tuvok is working on that.”
“No danger of violating the Prime Directive this time.”
“No, their technology is similar enough to ours and at nearly the same level.”
“Tuvok to Captain Janeway.”
“Go ahead Commander.”
“Mr. Neelix has secured the appropriate food and plant materials. I have reviewed the information from Jakatan and it appears satisfactory.”
“Excellent.”
“Jakatan indicates there is to be a formal exchange of gifts set for tomorrow at local sunset. I am to tell you that a feast will be held as a prelude. The First Minister has invited you and up to fifty crew members to share in the festivities.”
“Convey my thanks, we’ll be there.”
“Aye captain. I will be returning to the ship with a complete report in two hours.”
The communication ended. “Well Chakotay is your dress uniform ready?”
“It will be by tomorrow.”
“Good, now I believe we both have reports to review.”
“Yes ma’am.”
The next day both senior officers beamed down, leaving Tuvok in charge of the ship. Lotrin met them at the beam down site, the same as the previous day.
“Greetings Captain Janeway.”
“Greetings to you First Lotrin. May I present my First Officer,Commander Chakotay?”
“Commander,” he answered. “The feast will be held at the meeting place, ceremony will be held under the Matri.” They began walking in the direction of the meeting place.
“What is the significance of the Matri?” she asked curious about the significance of the magnificent tree.
“The Matri is said to be the place where our forbearers first met to form our original confederation. On that day the Matri was planted, a mere seed. Since then all important gatherings have occurred there.”
“How long has your confederation existed?” asked Chakotay.
“Two years until we celebrate the fifteenth century of our founding.”
“The Matri is that longed lived?”
“Our scientists say it can live nearly two thousand years with the proper care. It’s seeds are scattered all over our planet. If it ever dies one of its own offspring will be brought in to take its place.” Pride radiated in his words. They came in sight of the meeting area. It had been transformed into an open buffet with tables scattered among tall flaming torches. Already a considerable portion of the fifty invited crew members were circulating, accompanied by members of the confederacy. Music played in the background from a large group of musicians located within the stone monoliths.
“Please help yourselves to food and drink,” invited Lotrin. “The First Minister will be here shortly. Your Commander Tuvok checked the foods and assured me that all are compatible with you physiologies. And as is our custom there are no intoxicants being served.” Janeway smiled. Tuvok had covered this in his briefing with the dry comment that several of the crew were bound to be disappointed with this fact.
“Thank you.”
Janeway and Chakotay each gathered a plate and circulated around the buffet and found an unoccupied table.
“This is excellent,” said Chakotay. “I hope the food they’re giving us is even half as good. If it is morale will skyrocket.” They chatted observing their crew interacting with their hosts.
“Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay, I’m glad you’ve come.” The Starfleet officers rose as the First Minister approached with Lotrin, both carrying plates of food. “May we join you?”
“Certainly.”
As they ate they spoke of the food and the music. Near the end of the meal Devert leaned back against her seat and nearly purred. “I don’t believe I mentioned that among other things First Lotrin is my bond mate.”
“No, I didn’t know that.”
“I once served on ship with Lotrin but several years ago I was selected as First Minister for our Confederacy. So we share a split life.” She touched his hand and smiled at the two senior officers. “It is good to see bond mates who are able to serve together.”
“Excuse me?” sputtered Janeway over a fruit flavored beverage.
“Why you both command your ship together, I miss that.”
Chakotay broke into a huge grin, instantly dissolved as Janeway turned her trademark glare on him. “The commander is not my bond mate,” she responded tightly.
“I’m sorry I thought . . . Does your culture not permit you mate to be seen in public?” her tone was curious.
“I do not have a mate.”
“So you travel alone? I am sorry.” She shook her head. “I do not mean to judge but it seems hard for anyone to live apart from a bond. Please excuse my presumption.”
Chakotay spoke to break the tension, “No offense is taken.”
“No offense,” echoed Janeway grimly.
“I see that our peoples are finished eating. It is time for the exchange of gifts.”
As the seniors rose their peoples followed suit and soon all were gathered at the Matri.
“Today we celebrate the meeting of new friends, a people who we had never met before and may never see again. These people, members of the Federation starship Voyager, have come among us in peace.” She picked up a wrapped parcel and handed it to Janeway. “In honor of their journey we give the gift of food.” The captain passed the bundle to Neelix as the First Minister lifted a small shrub in an ornate pot. “To sustain their journey we give the gift of plants.” Janeway passed this to Commander Chakotay. Lastly she held up a data chip. “To smooth their journey we give the gift of knowledge.” This the captain passed to Paris.
“We thank you for your gifts, all which shall be put to good use. We also thank you for your friendship which we have found a rare and precious gift as well. Please accept our gift in return, information on the places we have seen on our journey.”
Lotrin gave two steaming cups to the senior women.
“I salute the starship Voyager, may her journey be rapid and smooth. Until we meet again.” They both sipped the coffee like beverage.
“I salute you First Minister and the Confederation you represent. May you find peace among the stars. Until we meet again.” Again they sipped the beverage. The gathering gradually broke up. Devert had only a few more words to say privately to the captain.
“The ceremonial bush is the source of the beverage you said tasted like coffee.”
“Thank you. I thought it looked a little like the Matri.”
“Most likely because it is from a seed of the Matri. I again apologize if I embarrassed you regarding your bond but I saw something that spoke to me.”
“No apology is needed. I have heard similar before. Again, we thank you for your hospitality."
Back on the ship.
“All personnel are aboard, all supplies secured,” reported Chakotay.
“Convey our thanks to our hosts and confirm our departure window.”
“Window confirmed,” reported Kim.
“Mr. Paris, set course for the mineral planet, warp three.”
“Course laid in, warp standing by.”
“Engage.”
ON TO PART 2 | |
