| Heaven Is Where The Coffee Is - Part 4 By Voyagetostars
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"Oh my head," moaned Harry bringing his hands up, shielding his eyes against the glare.
"Lie still Mr. Kim," said a familiar voice, "and let the neutralizing agent do its job."
"Doc?" Harry struggled to sit up ignoring the Doctor's instructions. He was on the floor but, "Where . . . ?" This was clearly not sickbay.
"You, as well as most of the crew are in cargo bay three, under guard." He indicated a scattering of large, armed, environmental-suited figures on the catwalks and at the entry doors.
"I was on the bridge, we were under attack . . ."
"Short term memory loss is a typical side effect of neurozine exposure, not to mention headache and nausea."
"You said most of the crew - the captain?"
"Some are still in sickbay. The rest - well our captors are making use of the brig. If you are able I could use some help in reviving the others."
"Sure Doc." He moved unsteadily onto his feet. "Doc don't take this wrong but why are you here?"
"They brought me here to treat the crew after making sure I understood that my mobile emitter would be destroyed at the first sign of treachery." Kim saw a small device attached to mobile emitter. He was given a hypospray. "This is preset for the correct dose for humans and Bajorians. Inject the dose then stay with the person until they respond rationally. If they begin to vomit you must turn them to their side. Call me if there is a problem."
"Yes sir." He went to Susan Nicoletti and began. After a moment the Doctor began treatment of Chell.
Two hours later came a sharp command. "Healer, come here."
The Doctor made a sour expression but left the rest of the crew and went to the entry door. "You called," he answered.
The sarcasm was lost on the armored alien. "Health of these?"
"All with headaches, most with varying degrees of nausea. They will recover with proper care."
"Life threaten?"
"No."
"Come, other patients wait. Remember danger." He pointed at the holoemitter.
"I remember."
"Lead brig." When they arrived all six cells were occupied. At his gesture a guard dropped the force field on the first cell and the doctor stepped in. It immediately reactivated as he went to the captain who was on the single bed. He was shocked to see that in addition to the obvious restraint of the brig her hands were shackled together and a chain led from the shackles to a collar circling her neck. He turned to utter a sharp comment only to be forestalled. "Treat now."
He administered the neutralizing agent then treated the assorted minor injuries from the battle while he waited for it to work.
"Ugh," was her first comment as she started to raise her hands to her head.
"Remain still captain."
She squinted out of one eye as she evaluated her position. "What am I doing in the brig?" she demanded weakly.
"We lost the battle."
"The crew?"
"Most are in cargo bay three. I've seen all there and treated them for the neurozine exposure. The ones who were in sickbay when we were taken are still there, no worse than before. The remainder are here - you're the first I've treated."
She examined him and noted the device on the mobile emitter. "Booby trap?"
"You could say that."
"Chakotay, Tuvok?"
"Also Torres, Paris, and Seven." He offered a hand as she began to sit up. She swung her legs over the edge of the bench and waited for the world to steady.
"See to them." She noted his expression. "I'll be fine."
"Healer, enough time."
"I'll let you know about the others," he promised as he moved to the entrance.
"Go Doctor."
"Remember, move slowly."
She nodded and leaned against the back wall, closing her eyes but concentrating on the sounds around her.
In the next cell Tuvok was already beginning to stir and reacted almost immediately to the medication. "Doctor," he acknowledged quietly, glancing around the cell and testing the restraints. "Neurozine?"
"Yes."
"The ship?"
"We lost the battle. Most of the crew is in cargo bay 3."
"The Captain?"
"She's fine, next to you." He gestured with his head in the appropriate direction.
A faint grimace passed over the normally stoic Vulcan's features as he sat up. The doctor administered a second hypo and continued to scan him.
"Can you provide us any assistance as with Mr. Suder?" he asked referring to the Doctor's efforts in retaking the ship from the Kazon.
"Not at present."
The Vulcan nodded, surmising the purpose of the device on the mobile emitter.
"Healer, enough."
The Doctor let out a somewhat exasperated sigh, but moved away from his patient and on to the next cell. Here he found the chief pilot who definitely looked worse for wear and who was visibly shaken when revived.
"Damn, not again," was his comment on realizing he was in the brig. He rattled the chains in frustration. "B'Elanna?" he asked as the Doctor treated a nasty gash on his forehead.
"I haven't seen her yet but so far everyone is recovering nicely."
"What's the scoop Doc?" The Doctor continued treatment while filling in the pilot. "Is Harry here?"
"No he's in cargo bay 3, actually he's bucking for your job since you are lounging here."
"Ouch that hurts Doc," he answered with a small smile.
"Healer, enough."
"Remember, allow the medication to work before you start moving about."
"Yes sir," was his flip response.
He stepped out and paused at the next cell but his escort continued on. "Come."
"She needs medical assistance."
"No, she awake."
"She has special medical needs."
"You scan here."
He did and reacted angrily. "Seven is in severe pain. Your leader said I could treat all. Obey him!"
"I confirm his order. Treat this one."
This one was B'Elanna. He scanned her before administering the neutralizing agent and decided to treat an extensive plasma burn first. Afterwards he gave her the now standard treatment and waited for a predictable reaction. He wasn't disappointed as hands shot up and gripped his throat.
"That is ineffective Lieutenant Torres."
Her eyes snapped open. "Release me."
"I would like to do so lieutenant but circumstances are beyond my control. What do you remember?"
"A battle. Fighting to keep the warp from going critical. My people dropping around me. Why am I in the brig?"
He pushed her hands away. "Voyager was taken. Why specifically you're in the brig I don't know." He quickly briefed her on the situation.
"Cowardly spineless worms. Treacherous Romulans, using deceit instead of fair battle."
"Be that as it may, you and the rest of the crew is alive for now, be grateful."
"Everyone?"
"Everyone. Mr. Paris is two cells down, the captain four."
"Chakotay?"
"He should be in the next cell."
"Healer, enough."
The doctor moved to the final cell where Chakotay lay as still as death. A quick survey revealed both a concussion and a punctured lung. He turned to the escort. "He needs surgery. Transfer him to sickbay."
"Treat here."
"I need other equipment. Tell your leader this one will die without further treatment."
In her own cell Janeway blanched and forced herself to the barrier. She had no doubt about whom the Doctor was talking, she had clearly heard the voices of Tuvok and Paris and the acid filled comments from B'Elanna, as well as the discussion about Seven.
"Doctor, report."
"Commander Chakotay has a punctured lung. I can treat his other injuries here but I need to operate."
"Enough talk. Treat here or return sick place."
"Only with my patient."
"Doctor treat him as well as you can," called Janeway. "Guard, I want to see your leader."
"You see soon."
Meanwhile the Doctor tended the First Officer. "Commander Chakotay, please remain still."
"Doctor? Where am I?"
"Why doesn't anyone listen to me? Please stay still commander while I treat your injuries."
"This isn't sickbay."
"No its not. Please commander, you have a concussion and internal injuries, movement will only aggravate them."
"This is the brig."
"Yes it is. Turn your head towards me, that's it."
"What am I doing here?"
"What's the last thing you remember?"
"Staff meeting, Kath er the captain directed we go to the next nearest system."
"Anything else?"
"No."
"You don't remember the battle?"
"Battle?"
"With our previous attackers. Short term memory loss is a side effect of both concussion and neurozine exposure. Voyager was captured."
"Kathryn?"
"The captain is fine as is the crew. You on the other hand have a concussion and a punctured lung."
"You're sure?"
"Most of the crew is in cargo bay 3. Those in sickbay are still there, I left Sam Wildman in charge. The captain, Commander Tuvok, Lieutenant Torres, and Ensign Paris are also in the brig. You're the last I'm able to examine and treat." He looked uncomfortable. "I must tell you I am unable to treat your lung properly. You must not move or twist sharply or else the damage will be much worse. I am trying to have you transferred to sickbay for appropriate treatment."
"Healer, enough."
"I want to see your leader on why he is reneging on his promise to allow treatment of all crew members."
"He permit treatment of yellow female."
"Who?"
"Seven," the Doctor said to the still slightly befuddled man. "I will continue to work for your treatment," he promised as he stepped out of the cell.
Seven was clearly awake, already sitting up as the Doctor entered. "How are you feeling Seven?"
"My head aches and there are numerous bruises on my right side. I surmise I was thrown against the railing in engineering during the battle. I also am experiencing a ringing in my right ear."
"Hmm. Looks like you are correct and you have a borderline concussion." He gently touched the inflamed area above her right implant and activated the dermal regenerator. Done, he administered the appropriate hypos. "Better?"
"Satisfactory. What are our captors intentions?"
"Unknown."
"Healer, enough."
"I want to see your leader."
"You move marked male to sick place. Must sleep. You fix. Return here still sleep."
"You will transfer Commander Chakotay to sickbay?"
"Only if sleep."
"You want me to sedate him and keep him sedated until he returns."
"Leader say this way only."
"Agreed, if I return with him to reverse the medication."
"Acceptable."
He was readmitted to Chakotay's cell. "Commander, they are allowing your transfer to sickbay but only if you're sedated."
"Don't want to sleep."
"I understand but I must operate. I promise I will not leave you while you're unconscious."
The other prisoners heard the distinctive sound of a hypospray and minutes later the transporter.
Janeway leaned against the wall. +Think Kathryn, how do you get us out of this mess.+ Unbidden her thoughts turned to her first officer as she imagined his condition. +Focus Kathryn, you have a ship and crew to save.+ She tried to concentrate but found her memories vague. Well there was one way still open to her. "Tuvok, what is the last thing you remember on ship status?"
He considered for a moment. "Environmental systems were operational, with minor exceptions except for decks nine and eleven. Structural integrity had been compromised. Engineering had sustained significant damage. Weapons were at 5 percent and dropping. Shields were down."
"B'Elanna?"
"Umm."She had been only half listening to the conversation. She stood and began to pace in an effort to concentrate. "Warp systems were back down along with impulse and maneuvering. The power grid was compromised but still marginally operational. Antimatter containment was stable."
"Seven?"
"I do not have anything to add."
"Tom?"
"Helm controls were operational but I can't remember much else captain, sorry."
"So as far as anyone can remember the ship is basically sound but not going anywhere fast?"
"That would be an accurate assessment," agreed Tuvok.
"How long were we unconscious?"
"Ten point three hours," answered Seven.
"Ten hours? B'Elanna how long would repairs take?"
"Best guess? Under ideal conditions, and assuming no other damage, fifteen hours."
"Damn," said Paris.
"It is not logical to believe our captors would be able to effect repairs as rapidly as personnel familiar with the ship."
"But that doesn't mean they can't."
Sometime later the sound of the transporter filled the brig. Janeway straightened and moved back to the barrier.
"Hello commander, feeling better?"
There was silence for a moment then a cautious," Doctor?"
"I've repaired your lung and ribs. You will be sore for a few days but no worse than after one of your boxing programs with the safeties off."
"The ship was captured."
"Yes."
"Most of the crew is in the cargo bay."
"Excellent, your memory is returning."
"Healer, enough, return to sick place.
As the Doctor passed by the captain, he nodded to her, a clear indication her first officer was well on the way to recovery.
"Commander, how are you feeling?"
"Better captain. Did I miss anything?"
+Other than me worrying?+ "No, we're still waiting on our captors."
"Well I for one am getting pretty hungry," commented Paris.
On cue the door to the brig opened and a squad sized group entered, stopping at the captain's cell.
"You leader," stated the throaty voice.
"Yes."
"You come." She stepped out and took the indicated spot between the first and second row of guards. "Who," the translator paused and issued several growls, "second?"
"I don't understand."
"Who next lead?"
"I believe he is asking for the next person in the chain of command," offered Tuvok.
"Commander Chakotay," she answered indicating the man slowly coming to the front of his cell.
The barrier disappeared. "You come." He waited until Chakotay was standing next to his captain then asked one last time. "Who next lead?"
"Commander Tuvok."
The third member of the command team stepped to the opposite side of his captain. They were then marched out. The last thing Kathryn heard was Tom demanding food as the doors closed.
"Where are you taking us?" asked Janeway.
The only response was a shove forward towards the turbolift. Any brief thought of escape was canceled by the obvious vigilance of the guards as they squeezed in. No command was given as the car began to move as soon as the doors closed. The doors opened on deck two and they were hustled along to a very familiar turbolift. As they exited onto the bridge they saw several armored figures working industriously at the various stations. It was a mixture of relief and trepidation that Janeway felt as she noted all visible damage was gone though the viewscreen was dark. This could mean that repairs were completed or simply the debris had been cleaned up. She had the feeling that repairs were indeed completed, at least here. Their guards didn't allow sightseeing as they were directed into the ready room. Like the bridge debris had been cleared but no stars were visible through the windows.
Scarcely had they cleared the doors when the guards ordered "Down," and forced the trio to their knees. A second "Down," echoed through the air.
"Hold," came an equally sharp command from Janeway's desk chair, it's back to the door. At once the guards dropped to their knees and briefly lowered their heads while keeping a secure grip on their charges.
The chair slowly turned revealing a silver furred alien with strong lupine features. Unlike every other alien they had seen he wore neither environmental suit nor armor, instead being dressed in an impeccably tailored burgundy uniform.
He stood slowly stretching and strode across the room. His nose twitched as he approached the trio stopping in front of Janeway.
"You are leader?"
"Yes, I'm Captain . . . "
"Quiet," thundered the guard on her right, grabbing the short chain attached to her collar.
"Hold," he roared in response. The guard released the chain as if burned. "They are not yet judged and will be so treated."
"Your command my prince," answered the other lowering his eyes briefly.
"I am Prince Griil of Damitie Alliance and commander of Hunter. You are?"
+At last and the universal translator is finally working.+ "I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager."
"And these?"
"Commander Chakotay, my First Officer and Commander Tuvok, tactical and second officer. What are your intentions towards my ship and crew?"
"You will be judged for your theft of our resources, your trespass into our territory and your attack on Damitie Alliance."
"Attack? You attacked us twice."
"Only after you disregarded clear warnings."
"Warnings, there were no warnings."
"Ignorance is no excuse."
"To the best of our knowledge this was an unclaimed systems. Our scans showed no evidence of any settlement nor any recent traffic," said Chakotay.
"Indeed, the first indication we had of your presence was when we were fired upon by a small vessel without any warning," stated Tuvok. "This may be confirmed by examination of our records."
"Next you will tell me you have no knowledge of this abomination." He gestured sharply and a young, previously unnoticed aide came forward carrying the bush from the Matri. The aide was obviously a younger version of his leader and equally uncomfortable in both carrying the plant and being close to these aliens.
"No, that was a gift from the Suzit Confederacy," answered Janeway promptly.
"You admit you came here directly from them?" his tone held astonishment and he waved the aide back carelessly.
"Certainly. However we did not know this system was under anyone's control or jurisdiction."
"So you deny you were spying for the misbegotten Suzit curs?"
"Spying?" asked Janeway incredulously though with a hint of growing unease. "According to the information they provided we left their sphere of influence several light years ago and since we are journeying to our homes in the Alpha Quadrant we will not be returning in the foreseeable future."
"And path takes you through the heart of Alliance. Most convenient."
"It's true. I'd be happy to show you our logs."
"Allowing it might be possible explain why you plundered this system's resources."
"We were damaged by Spidarian League warships. The Suzit were able to provide food supplies but they told us they had no metals nor minerals to spare. We were told we could find what we needed here. I assure you though we only took what we needed and did our best to preserve the environment. We would have been happy to trade for what we needed if we had known this system was claimed."
He growled deep in his throat focusing on the beginning of her answer. "No metals? They ravage their own systems then take ours. No more." He turned away. "I look at your records. You claim to be from Alpha Quadrant and you call this Delta Quadrant. Yet your ship has clearly not traveled for hundred years to reach this point. Why do you lie?"
"We're not lying. We were on a short term mission when we were brought against our will into the Delta Quadrant by a being we call the Caretaker. In the span of minutes we were brought across 70,000 light years. Since then we have been traveling back to our homes."
"Do you think we cannot analyze your devices? Though they are different than ours the laws of physics affect all same. Your ship cannot travel as fast as you must have to reach this point."
"You're right, Voyager can't travel that fast but we've had help including worm holes, and transwarp corridors.
"Still your journey may take 40 more years, is this not right?"
"Yes."
"Unbelievable."
"We speak the truth," said Chakotay as the prince stopped in front of him. He forced himself to straighten as his ribs protested, sensing the other would only respect strength. Still Janeway glanced at him sharply on hearing strain in his voice.
"From your own records only a few would live long enough to survive your stated journey yet you have no young to replace you. Only reason would be if you were actually much closer to home than you admit."
"Voyager is not designed as a family ship," answered Janeway trying to bring the alien's attention away from the weakening commander. "The Federation does have long range ships which can house families but Voyager is designed for far shorter missions. It is only because of the Caretaker that we are this far from home. We do have a child on board."
"Only one and no others bearing young. If you truly had to face so great journey you would see to appropriate replacements."
"You say you have examined our records, they show our journey, both our advances and failures. You can see our protocols and records of all our contacts."
"Records, records you hold such stock in records. Anything may be placed in records, both in truth and falsehood."
Janeway drew herself up, eyes flashing, both of her guards stiffening in response. "The first duty of a Starfleet officer is the truth. A single falsehood has severe penalties."
"I understand you skepticism but you also need to understand how far we've come in five years," offered Chakotay reasonably. "We've crossed nearly half of the distance to return home. Some of the crew are forming attachments which may lead to families but we have plenty of time."
"And you Captain Kathryn Janeway which is your heart?"
"I don't understand."
"Your heart," he repeated, "your pledged."
"All have allegiance to me and Voyager."
"Certainly all have allegiance but who is . . . " The translator gave up and issued a series of increasingly angry growls. Finally after a particularly loud roar the aide slipped between him and the Voyager trio, quivering in fear.
He rested a hand on his aide's shoulder. "This one is young of my heart, of my pledged, of she who rules with me who is my heart. Who is your heart?"
"I have no child," answered Janeway deliberately misunderstanding.
"Unless you abandoned it in this Alpha Quadrant." He faced Chakotay again. "You, do you have young?"
"No, nor am I married."
"And you?" he asked stopping in front of the Vulcan.
"I have four children and one grandchild. My wife is T'Pel and she is on our home planet of Vulcan. We are of one mind and one heart."
"And you voluntarily leave your heart for such a time?" His tone was icy.
"My duty is to Starfleet, it is not my wife's duty. This journey was not to be of such a duration."
Griil moved back to Kathryn's desk. "And who is this?" He held out the small framed picture of Kathryn, Mark and Molly which he had found in the desk drawer.
Janeway flinched. "That was my finance, my promised."
"Why was?"
"Voyager was declared lost, all dead. He married another."
"Then there was no heart joining." "We were to marry at the end of this mission.
"And you have joined no heart since?"
"Why is this so important?"
"Answer."
"No I have not."
"This one you call First Officer, your next in command, he is not your heart?"
"We are best friends. Starfleet does not permit any deeper relationship."
"So you do lie." Kathryn sputtered in protest. "Or do you not know?" He tilted his head to the side and studied the two senior most officers. "Return this one to holding place. These two will be judged in accordance with our traditions."
"What exactly do you mean?" demanded Janeway as Tuvok was hustled out.
"You will be examined. If you both pass you will be assessed as honorable, your words truthful and you will be given free passage through the Alliance. However if either of you fail your ship will be forfeit and your peoples spread throughout Alliance to serve us in reparation for your crimes."
"We know nothing of your traditions, how can this be fair?"
"Fair? You invaded our Alliance. There is no requirement to be fair. Be glad I allow an examination in place of summary judgement which our law permits." He looked at the guards. "Take them to shuttle bay."
ON TO PART 5 | |
