Heaven Is Where The Coffee Is
Heaven Is Where The Coffee Is | ||
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Disclaimer: All Voyager and regular characters belong to Paramount, however this story belongs to me. | ||
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This story started as a response to a challenge issued by Laura to JetC21 to use a certain poem to create a story. Well this story has taken a life of its own. The poem will be found at the end of the story. What you say its not there yet? Of course its not - the story isn't finished yet (ducks thrown objects). | ||
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Heaven Is Where The Coffee Is By Voyagetostars
"I'm fine," he replied without much conviction. The group exited the turbo lift and made the short trip to the shuttle bay. At the door another pair of the aliens stood a silent guard. The door slid open and the Voyager pair with their escorts entered, only to stop dead. Ahead the normally closed doors were open and a force field enclosed ramp extended from Voyager into the Alliance ship. After only a moment they were prodded forward into the larger ship, and they immediately noted a temperature drop of nearly twenty degrees. Numbly they were escorted along a number of colorfully decorated corridors and ramps. On more than one occasion they passed through areas dedicated to habitation where they saw children at play or study. Finally they were admitted to a large empty circular chamber. Facing them in a semi circle were a series of throne-like chairs on several tiers. For the moment all were empty. Closer to them was a short bench which reminded them of a church pew complete with a kneeler. The guards directed them onto the hard seats and flipped down the kneeler. "You sit, stay," directed one of Janeway's guards. As soon as they did the four moved away, although keeping careful observation of both. "Now how are you really doing Chakotay?" she asked softly. "I've been better," he admitted after a moment. "Did you notice how far in we were brought?" "They don't seem to have a turbo lift system." "And the number of children, why they showed no real curiosity when they saw us." "Almost like they were accustomed to frequently seeing new species." "Clearly this is a generational ship, but a generational warship?" "Certainly not in the Federation, at least not as a matter of course." She shook her head. "I wish the Suzit had told us they were at war." "That would have been helpful. Do you believe him?" "What reason would he have to lie, he has control of Voyager," her voice broke. "You'll get us out of this Kathryn." "What do you make of his questions?" "About replacements? After seeing the number of young on this ship I can understand his point of view towards families. We've discussed the issue before and we really haven't had to face it yet."
The guards returned, two bearing trays. The senior spoke as the trays were placed on the rail in front of the command team. "You eat." The trays seemed to hold standard emergency ration packs and steaming mugs. "From your ship," he added. "Thank you," answered Janeway. "My crew?" "You eat." Again the guards moved away. Chakotay broke the seal on his pack as Kathryn inspected her mug. She sipped cautiously and made a face. "What's wrong?" he asked with concern. "It's Neelix's substitute three. Absolutely no caffeine, I was hoping for coffee." Still she sipped the hot beverage savoring its warmth in the chill. He relaxed. "Eat up Kathryn, we'll both need our strength." "With coffee I don't need food." Still she broke the seal on her own pack. "You mean you try not to need food." He chewed on the bland wafer. "We don't know when we'll eat again. Remember survival 101." "Grubs tasted better than this," nevertheless she began eating. Sometime later the guards removed the remnants of the meal. Minutes later a gong sounded and the four guards took positions with their charges, one on either end and two standing behind. A previously unseen door opened behind the first level of chairs. About a dozen young of varying ages tumbled out with the exuberance of youth but halted at a growl from an older female alien who followed them. They quickly sat on the floor facing the Voyager duo heads tilted inquisitively. The elder stood to the side and watched the youngsters, ignoring all else. "Down," commanded the guards, pushing them from the bench onto the kneeler as the door reopened. A tall female adult in a burgundy uniform entered followed by a young aide wearing a simpler version. Like Griil she was silver furred and bore the same strong lupine features. The guards joined the pair on the kneelers as the woman sat in a central chair. "I am Lady Grina, second of Hunter, first of Prince Griil. All who are to be judged prepare to answer for your crimes." The words held the pomp and weight of ritual. "Who speaks for Voyager?" "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway, of the Federation Starship Voyager," responded the redhead. "And your second?" "Commander Chakotay is my first officer and second in command of Voyager." "He is not your heart?" "I am not married Lady Grina." "You are not heart joined with any on your ship?" "No I'm not, at least not as I understand your question." "Does your species not join to form family units to bear and raise young and to provide support for all its members?" "Yes, that is what we call marriage." "And these bonds are for life?" "They may be. Our Federation has many cultures in it, all with different customs." The Dalimte growled softly under her breath in disapproval but remembered her duty. "You claim to be on 70,000 light year journey to your home yet you have not taken steps to ensure your ship gets there." "I disagree," answered Janeway. Grina straightened as the elder watching the children snapped several growls at the young who had started to rise. Likewise the guard on her right stiffened. Heeding the reaction she continued. "We have traveled nearly half that distance since we were stranded in this quadrant five years ago. During this time we have never stopped searching for methods to shorten the journey." "Oh? Tell me captain, what is average gestation period for your species?" "For humans nine months, however on my ship there are other species whose times range from five to twenty-two months." "But largest group is human?" "Yes." "And before young can operate ship they must have long training, they are not born with knowledge?" "Yes." "What is normal age of humans to begin working on starships?" "On Starfleet vessels the mid twenties is common," she admitted, sensing where the questioning was leading. "These supposed advances your ship made, ones beyond normal laws of physics, were they due to your ship's abilities or outside influences?" "A combination of both." "Explain." "We have incorporated technology such as the slipstream drive and used our sensors to detect some naturally occurring phenomena such as worm holes and artificial ones such as transwarp corridors." "But without them you still have a journey of forty years?" "Yes." "Yet you do not plan for return without this aid?" "Voyager is not equipped for families, while there are relationships forming everyone is aware of our limited resources. At some point in time we might need to plan for a new generation but that day has no yet come." "And you as captain, will you join heart and bear young at that time?" "Under Starfleet regulation I cannot marry a member of my crew and I would personally find it hard to lead while pregnant." "Why do you lie?" "Excuse me?" she focused the Look at the alien who was singularly unaffected. "Your Starfleet regulations do not prohibit marriage." She noted Chakotay's sudden shifting with clear interest, tilting her head and sniffing the air. "As for leading when pregnant, do you not trust your second for short time you would be unable to command? And if so why do you keep him? Surely there must be another you could trust among your crew. And if not you exhibit poor judgment in not obtaining such a replacement." Janeway sputtered. "Of course I trust Commander Chakotay as well as the rest of my crew. And perhaps I could have children in the Alpha Quadrant and not be negligent in my duties. However here in the Delta Quadrant the demands of command do not permit me the luxury of a family." "Luxury? You are foolish. Family is all. How many young do you think I have?" "I wouldn't know." "Guess." She stood and strode to stand in front of Janeway, her nose twitching strongly as the aide nervously maintained position a step behind. "Five." The aide choked back a sound as Grina growled in anger, flashing ivory incisors. "Do you seek to dishonor me with such a small number?" "Not at all, five is a large family in the Federation." "I sorrow for you. I have thirty-two children, ten grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. The young you see in front of you are some of my youngest." Her pride was unmistakable as she waited for the Voyager pair to digest the information. "I will examine your records myself. If what you say is true you are a foolish species but not necessarily an enemy. Take them to holding area. Treat them as accused but not judged and see to their needs, " she ordered the guards. "Yes my Lady," responded the senior guard. She exited followed by the youth shepherded by the elder female. Again the Voyager pair were lifted to their feet effortlessly and were half walked half carried through the corridors, finally arriving at a spartan room. Without comment the guards removed the hand shackles from the collars and swiftly exited. Janeway stretched in relief as she examined the room. On the left side was a single bed/bench, slightly larger than those in Voyager's brig. Against the back wall was a table fronted by a fixed bench. Along the right side were unscreened sanitary facilities. "Thank heavens," said Janeway on seeing the latter. Chakotay turned his back as she made prompt use of them then she returned the favor. "Thirty-two children," said Chakotay under his breath. "Excuse me?" "Why don't you trust me Kathryn?" "You should know by now that I do," she answered moving around the small room. "Grina brought up some good points." "For her people no doubt but she's not Starfleet and her Alliance is not the Federation." "Obviously. I'd like to know though why both she and Griil called you a liar with regard to regulations and marriage." "I have no idea," she answered studying the entrance way and carefully extending a hand to within centimeters of the restraining force field. "Please Kathryn don't lie to me as well." She turned her eyes flashing dangerously. "I will tolerate being called a liar by those who don't know me but not from you - or do you think so little of me?" She turned back to examining their prison. "Now I think it's time for us to find a way to save Voyager." "As you wish captain, but I tell you plainly I will know what they meant once we are free." Still their efforts came to naught as the lights began to dim. "Take the bed Chakotay," she said, mindful of his recent injuries. "It's too cold to sleep." "You need the rest." "So do you." He tried a lopsided dimpled smile. "There's enough room for both of us and it'd be a lot warmer." She suppressed a shiver and nodded in agreement. Presently both were spooned together as the lights finally went out.
"An unusual test beloved." He nuzzled his mate's neck as he watched a record of the meeting along with scenes of their confinement. She leaned against him in response. "Drynit and her team have finished examining Voyagers logs beloved." "I saw report in my queue. Have you reviewed it?" "Yes, it supports their story. They also sampled personal logs with some interesting results." "Such as?" "There is considerable wagering on a relationship between Janeway and Chakotay." "So even they can sense it." "I wouldn't go that far, my heart. Most of their proof could be termed dreams of pups." "Your thoughts." "A tragic pairing, they are unknowing soul mates." He growled in mock anger. "I meant about their journey." "Your instincts were right, they speak truthfully. Trespassers yes but not with evil intent, at least none which I detect on their part. Clearly they were decoys sent to distract us from other offensives." "But should we allow them passage through our Alliance? Trouble seems to surround them." "Our law is clear. We may seek reparations but these are such tragic figures. I wish we could give them peace." "You are a romantic." "And you love me for it." "Always. Still there is one test left." "Tomorrow then. What is condition of their ship and people?" "It is functional now. I have several of our teams studying their enhancements so at least we have some payment for that which was taken. I admit I would love to add that ship to our fleet." "A just solution. Shall we go to bed?" "Are you tired heart of my heart?" "Who said anything about sleep?"
And in Voyager's brig. "Come on Tuvok, you have to know a weakness to these cells." "Mr. Paris, consider. Why would I have permitted a security breech to exist?" "I would have." "That does not surprise me." "Seven, what about you?" "I was unable to escape this very cell when I was first separated from the Borg, and I had far greater enhancements at that time." "B'Elanna?" "Don't look at me helm boy."
"Lieutenant Carey, what about a distraction? If we can just get to the jefferies tubes we can work on getting control of the ship back." "A valid suggestion ensign, but we've tried to lure them away three times with no success." "Down," commanded a throaty voice as fresh teams surged into the cargo bay. "Down." The guards began forcing them to the floor while others lined the walls. "Stay down, sleep."
The next day the command duo were wakened by a the lights coming to full intensity and the sound of trays being dropped on the table. "You eat," ordered the guard as the pair untangled themselves to get to their feet. "Wait, what about my crew?" asked Janeway. "They eat now, your healer treat." They left the cell. "Lets see what they have for us," said Chakotay. "Ah yes, the height of taste, more emergency rations." "Forget the rations, is that coffee?" He sniffed. "I'm not a connoisseur like you Kathryn but I think it's another Neelix substitute." She sipped the steaming mug. "You're right, number four this time and still no caffeine." She sighed heavily as she continued to drink. "How are you feeling Chakotay?" "Much better thank you." He pulled the self heating tabs on both packages. "Did you sleep well?" "On and off." She didn't meet his eyes as the memory of waking to find his arms around her and her head pillowed on his chest filled her mind. She remembered snuggling back with no embarrassment at the time. He passed her a pack. "Thank you." When they were finished the guards returned, this time bearing dress uniforms which they laid on the bunk. "You change, be ready for Prince Griil and Lady Grina's call." "Wait, we want to clean up." He tilted his head. "Is here." He seemed to sense their puzzlement. "Here." He showed a small section of floor, stepping on it to cause the familiar sound of a sonic shower. "Be ready." The squad left the cell. "I guess the thought of privacy doesn't occur to them." "We're their prisoners, prisoners don't generally get much privacy. Do you want the first shower? I promise I won't look." "Thank you." She took the change of clothes over to the designated area as he averted his eyes. He noted with some amusement she didn't promise not to look, not that he would have objected if she did. Only a short time later she called, "Next." He didn't know what possessed him to say as he passed her fastening her jacket, "Don't you peek either." "Captain's don't peek, we observe," she answered with wounded dignity. "Don't worry commander, you'll have your privacy." He would have worried about having offended her had he not heard the trace of laughter in her voice. Scarcely had he dressed when the guards returned to restrain their hands. "Is this really necessary?"asked Janeway. She wasn't surprised not to get an answer but both were startled when the guards left them in the cell. "Well what do you make of this?" "Obviously they want us to be ready at short notice." "I meant about the uniforms." "If they're like us at all that could mean a formal decision will made - look at the uniform for high level courts-martial." "I wish we knew more about this examination, the interview with Lady Grina didn't seem to cover anything really significant." "I don't know captain, her questions seemed rather focused to me." "Focused yes but hardly much about our motives or journey." "Remember Prince Griil focused on families as a reflection of our journey's length." "Hopefully they'll look beyond that or the decision will be against us." The force field dropped. "Captain Janeway, come." Chakotay started to follow her but was told, "Only female." "I'll be okay commander." "I'll hold you to that," he muttered as she was whisked away.
The captain was escorted to a small office where Lady Grina was seated with her aide standing behind her. "Down," ordered a guard. "Hold," commanded Grina. "Sit." She pointed to a plain chair facing her desk. After she did Grina commanded, "Leave us." "My Lady?" "Go," she snapped. "Wait outside." "Yes my Lady." They bowed out. "I would have questions answered. I sense you will not answer in front of your heart." "Commander Chakotay is not. . . " "Enough. You are soul mates who should be heart joined. He sees it, your crew sees it, I see it and even my prince sees it. So why don't you see it?" Janeway reddened in embarrassment. "My crew?" "How did you ever become in charge of a vessel? Yes even they see it." "Such is inappropriate. . ." "Stop. Why do you deny it? I know you are attracted to him." Janeway sagged then admitted. "We cannot be, at least not now." "Why? Answer truthfully for I will know if you lie." "Have you reviewed my mission?" "Grissa?" The aide brought her a globe which she manipulated. "You were sent to capture Maquis?" she stumbled over the unfamiliar term. "And retrieve my security officer, the then Lieutenant Tuvok." "What is Maquis?" "They were a wanted group of terrorists who were fighting for their homes." "I thought your Federation was too good to be true." "The Maquis were primarily fighting former enemies of the Federation over disputed colonies. It was a complicated and controversial issue. Their ship, like ours a short time later, was involuntarily brought to the Delta Quadrant . Both ships lost crew members and Captain Chakotay sacrificed his ship to save Voyager. I made the decision to merge the crews so both could survive." "So you refuse him because he is dishonorable," she sniffed. "No, he is one of the most honorable beings I have ever known." "Then what prevents joining?" Exasperation sounded the same in any language. "When we return, and we will return, the Maquis will face charges for their act ivies prior to joining Voyager. Based on their performance of duty on my ship I have pledged to do everything in my power to free them. If I join with Chakotay then all my observations and recommendations will be in far greater question and perhaps none will be freed. I accept the sacrifice for my ship willingly." "But you are soul mates," she protested such a decision to separate those destined for each other. "We might be but I cannot acknowledge the possibility and certainly will not explore it, I will protect my crew." Grina sniffed and sighed. "I was right, tragic. You should know he will not give you up." "For his sake it would be best if he did." "Foolish, one does not block heart joining of soul mates. I understand your reason, strange though it be." "Please, I do not tell him what I've told you." "You are in no position to request this but I will consider it." She looked at the petit woman. "You have a question, ask." "What is the examination?" "A simple test remains." Grissa made a small sound and Grina glanced at the globe. "Thank you Grissa, get protectors." The aide opened the door and the guards reentered. "Take to judgment chamber."
Kathryn was returned to the original chamber where Chakotay was already waiting, his face brightening when she slipped onto the bench. "What did they want?" "Just more questions," but she didn't meet his eyes. "Questions? They didn't harm you did they?" He looked over her tense form but saw no sign of abuse. "Not at all. There's only one more test but I have no idea what it is." "Somehow I don't think we'll have long to wait." On cue the gong sounded and they were directed to the kneelers. A procession of about a hundred of the lupines entered, all wearing burgundy uniforms of either the officers or the plainer ones of the aides. Bringing up the rear were Prince Griil and Lady Grina both in more formal uniforms than before. The two seniors took their central chairs with their aides standing behind. In a ripple effect the others likewise took their places. Griil looked to his mate and nodded. She tapped the arm of her chair once then spoke. "We gather to judge these intruders as leaders and representatives of Federation Starship Voyager. Their actions must evaluated in light of our laws and their own records and statements. It must also be balanced with undisputed fact that they came to our territory directly from Suzit and there is no independent record of their alleged Federation." Griil did not turn his head but merely spoke. "Trint, report." A male seated on the topmost tier tapped the arm of his chair. "On first patrol of second watch of last rotation I patrolled this system. I discovered a vessel now identified as Voyager leaving planet of minerals. I approached and attempted contact without response. As per standing orders I engaged vessel and disabled it then returned to designated retrieval point for assistance." "Did you receive any signal from intruder?" "No." "Lady Grina, questions." The Voyager pair was surprised as she turned to question not Trint but another after tapping again the arm of her chair. "My Prince, relate Hunter's findings." "We found Voyager attempting to leave system having made repairs at planet of challenge. There was no response to initial communication attempts but finally answer was made on low level. On later investigation on Voyager it was found that their communication systems do not support Alliance standard." "So they may not have received Trint's challenge?" "They could not have." "You said there was low level response. What message was communicated?" "A call to surrender for judgment." "And response?" "No." Janeway stirred as she remembered her futile answer. "How was ship was secured?" "Drynit accessed and activated their own intruder system then I led a boarding team. Following standard protocols their vessel was secured and its occupants divided according to risk. Drynit and her team began an intensive review of systems and conducted repairs." "Thank you My Prince." "Drynit, your report," he ordered. A female on the end of one of the middle tiers spoke enthusiastically after she too tapped the arm of her chair. "A most fascinating vessel. Its technology has many components I have never seen before. I examined critical records and believe these beings do indeed come from 40,000 light years distant. Further as directed I examined for continuity of records, examining for deceptions. I find no evidence of this." "Drynit, a plant was found." "Yes, an abomination of cursed Suzit. We also found large quantities of food stuffs commonly found on Suzit worlds. We found no evidence of any Suzit weapons or espionage devices." "Opinion?" "A distraction My Prince." "Does anyone have anything other to report in this matter?'" He waited for a moment. "Then we shall continue with test of truth. Grivit." His aide slipped away accompanied by Grissa. They brought back a pair of trays one holding four clear handle less cups and the other a small carafe. They halted between the Voyager pair and the tiers of chairs. Griil and Grina rose from their chairs and moved toward the prisoners while the guards prodded them to their feet. Griil took the flask and held it high. "Elixir of Life. It is used to determine truth from falsehood and to seal important alliances. Additionally it has been found that no one wishing our Alliance harm may drink it safely." He lowered the flask. "Captain Kathryn Janeway, Commander Chakotay based on all evidence presented we are inclined to accept your story as fact. However there is still doubt which can only be relieved by Ceremony of Life. You may refuse Elixir but if you do your ship, crew, and freedom are forfeit. Likewise if you do not survive your ship and crew will forfeit their freedom. What is your answer?" Kathryn looked straight at Griil. "What does the ceremony involve?" "You must pledge that you, your vessel, and all within come in peace to Dalimte Alliance then drink Elixir." "Prince Griil you have already testified that our devices operate so differently than ours that we could not easily communicate to avert an accidental conflict." "Agreed." "We have found that form and function are tightly linked. There are obvious differences in biology between our peoples so I submit . . ." "Coward," roared someone from the assembly. A mounting series of disapproving growls followed it. Janeway straightened and focused The Look in response as Griil thundered. "Quiet. We will hear her." "Thank you. I do not ask for myself but for my crew because of basic biology. I and Commander Chakotay are willing to drink the Elixir but if we do not survive do not hold it against our people for what will be a simple difference in biology." "Our law is clear, none may be spared in event of failure, not even youngest. Decide, each of you." "I will make the pledge and drink the Elixir," answered Janeway with steely determination. "As will I," agreed Chakotay lifting a silent prayers to his ancestors for strength and safety. Griil raised the vessel again. "As it was at dawn of our history we have gathered to determine who speaks truly and who speaks falsehood. We asked those who tracked before us to witness this test of truth. Captain Kathryn Janeway, Commander Chakotay do you understand seriousness of this pledge which you are about to make before these gathered elders of Hunter?" "I do," they answered. "Captain Janeway, state your pledge." "I Kathryn Janeway, of the Federation Starship Voyager, pledge that neither I nor my ship nor crew seeks to endanger the Dalimte Alliance or its peoples. We desire a peaceful transit through your territories as we travel to our own homes." "Who objects?" asked Griil. The silence was unbroken. "Commander Chakotay, state your pledge." "I Chakotay, son of Kolopek, of the Federation Starship Voyager, pledge peace with the peoples of the Dalimte Alliance." "Who objects?" asked Griil. Again silence reigned. "Lady Grina." "I, Grina, second of Hunter, renew my pledge of leadership to Hunter and protection to all it holds." "Who objects?" asked Griil. If possible the silence was even deeper. "Prince Griil," said Grina accepting the flask from him. "I Prince Griil, of Dalimte warship Hunter, third in line of Dalimte Alliance, renew my pledge of leadership to Hunter and Alliance and protection to all within it." "Who objects?" asked Grina. No one stirred or even seemed to breathe. At a nod from her prince Grina opened the bottle and poured an equal amount of a dark,viscous liquid into each cup. "Take cup," instructed Grina. First Janeway, then Chakotay, and Griil took a cup with Grina taking the last. "Drink," commanded Grill, matching his words by taking a healthy swig. Chakotay looked at Kathryn. If this was to be his last vision he wanted it to be of her. Kathryn sniffed cautiously and took a more hesitant sip than the alien. Chakotay schooled his features as the hot bitter liquid slid down his throat. He was astonished when the captain's face broke into a grin as she quickly finished her cup. Meanwhile Grina drank the contents of her own cup without coming up for air, her expression only barely concealing distaste. Griil looked at the smiling captain who asked brightly, "Have we met the requirements of the ceremony Prince Griil?" "When both commander and I finish Elixir we will all be examined." He read the puzzlement in her expression. "All are at risk who drink in Ceremony of Life." "Drink up Chakotay," she encouraged. Both of the men finished the drink. "Drynit, attend." The scientist came forward and scanned each of the beings. "All is well my Prince." "Do any dispute these findings?" questioned Griil. There were a few muttered growls but no one spoke aloud. "Then I declare these truthful and honorable and so judge all of Voyager. Release them."
On board Voyager a welcome voice broadcast over the intercom. "Attention all personnel. We have made an agreement with the Dalimte Alliance to traverse their territory. Alpha shift prepare to assume your stations in one hour, the Dalimte crew will cover until then. Senior staff meeting in thirty minutes." As the announcement was made the armored soldiers began releasing the crew. In the brig B'Elanna and Tom embraced briefly then separated, Paris going to change and Torres to Engineering. The chief engineer ignored the lupines on duty and went straight to the central panel to scan the readouts. She was surprised to find all was either at or nearly up her exacting standards and certainly better than it had been since prior to the Spidarian encounter. Still she began making a mental checklist of all the diagnostics which would be needed before she would be fully confident in the ship's status. "Is all well?" asked Drynit coming up behind her. She whirled. "Are you responsible for this?" "Under my liege's command, yes. Is there a problem?" "How did you get the intermix calibration to point zero zero five?"
"And so Prince Griil is granting us free passage through the entire Alliance with full trading rights with any ship or station or planet. The Hunter will be accompanying us for the first part of the journey. Although it appears that most of our systems are fully repaired I want level five diagnostics made on all of our systems. Questions?" There were none. "Finally Prince Griil will be hosting the senior staff at a dinner to honor the agreement this evening. Dress uniforms are required. Dismissed." Chakotay lingered for a moment. "Do you want me to notify Ensign Wildman of her temporary assignment to the senior staff?" "No, I'll see her myself. Computer, location of Ensign Wildman?" "Ensign Wildman is in her quarters." "I'm going on a quick tour of the ship. You have an appointment with the Doctor commander." "Yes captain, will you be seeing him also?" "I will check in," she answered reluctantly. They exited the conference room. "Commander Tuvok, you have the bridge." "Aye captain," he acknowledged. And at the ensign's quarters the senior rang the chime. "Yes? Oh captain, please come in." The senior entered the dimmed quarters and lowered her voice. "I just need a moment of your time ensign for a special assignment but first how's Naomi doing?" "She's fine captain, I just got her to bed - she didn't sleep at all in the cargo bay." "I understand from Neelix she was very brave." "She was afraid of course but she trusted everyone to protect her. You said you needed me for a special assignment?" "We have been invited to the Hunter for a formal dinner tonight and you have been specifically invited." "Me captain?" "Yes, as the only mother with young on board your presence is requested with the senior staff." "Seems like an unusual reason but I'll certainly attend. Dress uniforms?"
On board Hunter the senior pair discussed the ceremony in their joint office located just down the hall from the one she had borrowed from her aide earlier in the day. "A curious reaction to Elixir," she commented as they reviewed the events from the morning. "I did not expect it to finish that way. Considering they carried an abomination I though neither might finish their cup." "I knew she would, for her crew. And he for her." "Even I knew that. Your interview then shed light?" "Tragic beloved, truly tragic." She related the story. "While I'd love to show them errors of their ways she will not endanger her crew." She sighed. "I think it would be best that we don't tell them another time Elixir is used." He considered a moment. "No I don't think it would be advisable to mention it is also used in heart joining ceremonies."
That evening the ten from Voyager crossed the bridge between the two ships and made their way to the designated dining area, guided by Grissa and Grivit. The circular chamber was spacious but like the chamber of judgment there were no windows. There was a single low large U shaped table surrounded by a sea of pillows located in the center of the room. On the far side a quartet played soft music as various officers circulated, some sipping beverages. A cleared area near the quartet could only be a dance floor. Griil and Grina greeted the visitors with courtesy as Janeway introduced the staff. Grina was especially interested in Ensign Wildman and told her she would be sitting beside her to discuss raising children on board ship. Both Grissa and Grivit returned bearing try as of glasses which they offered to the guests. Kathryn took one and sipped it, appreciating the strongly flavored drink along with a definite caffeine rush. "I see you enjoy cravina," said Griil taking one of the glasses himself. "It's wonderful," she replied, "very much like a beverage we call espresso." "I am somewhat surprised you like it since you were carrying that plant." "You mean from the Suzit?" He nodded. "It can produce a beverage similar to coffee which I have a definite affinity for." "But it has no spirit." "No caffeine, that's true but decaffeinated coffee is better than no coffee." "We do not tolerate imitations of cravina." The Dalimtes and their guests, enjoyed a sumptuous meal along with good conversation. As desert was served Prince Griil thought to warn the captain with whom he had been speaking on a first name basis for some time. "Kathryn, cravina is a very potent drink." "It's a wonderful drink," she responded, her eyes glittering dangerously as she extended her glass for her fourth refill. "Perhaps you would like to try this one captain," offered Neelix from across the table. "I can't quite pronounce the name but I think it's a delicious compliment to the dessert." "No, I would like another cravina please." "Captain, perhaps we could trade for some if we don't drink their entire supply tonight," counseled Chakotay after a whispered word from a worried Grina. "I'm sure I'm not exhausting their supply Chakotay but trade does sound like a wonderful idea. Mr. Neelix, please see to it," she continued still extending her glass. Griil sighed and nodded to Grivit who refilled her glass. "To new friends," toasted Kathryn. "To friendship," answered Griil barely sipping his own beverage. "Perhaps you would dance with me?" he suggested indicating the dance floor where a number of couples were already moving to the moderate beat. "It's a traditional way to seal treaties." "Well if it's tradition." She carefully placed her glass on the table and rose. Chakotay saw her form start to tremble as she extended her hand to take the Prince's. Before she could however she grabbed her chest and dropped like a rock to the cushions, Chakotay catching her before her head crashed onto the floor. "Doctor," he bellowed as she gasped for air and her face contorted in pain. Both the Doctor and Tom came from opposite ends of the table. Suddenly she went limp. "Kathryn," was the anguished cry as he vainly searched for a pulse. | ||
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