Author's note: Suz, Mary Wiecek, august and boadicea have all written a spate of Kashyk and "Counterpoint" episodes stories lately. They inspired me to try my own. From a bit different POV, of course. (I just can't be conventional no matter how hard I try.)

I think this story stands on its own, but for the best in other Kaskyk stories, try these websites: Monkee's Page, Sacajawea: Suz' Voyager Page and august's Fanfiction.

As always, feedback is welcome! Disclaimer: Voyager^TM is part of the Star Trek^TM Universe and belongs to Paramount Picture. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit has been earn off this work of fanfiction.

The Good Dog

I know how he thinks of me, if he thinks of me at all. He thinks I am servile, faceless and conveniently replaceable.

I am all those things.

He snaps, his fingers. "Come, Prax," and I come. "Go, Prax," and I go.

And I obey wordlessly, immediately. His good dog.

I tolerate his smugness, his casual arrogance, because he serves the Imperium well. He is more successful than most in rooting out the gaharay filth among us.

He didn't ask for my input when he announced his plot to deceive the gaharay captain. And I didn't offer any. I know my place and my usefulness. But his plan troubled me. I could see he lusted after that alien bitch, attracted by her defiance and her power. I do not blame him for that. Nor do I blame him for fucking her and delighting in her depravity. Any man may fall prey to temptation.

No. I blame him for his pride. He did not foresee the possibility of failure, that the gaharay in their animal cleverness might plot deception in return.

The bulk of the telepaths have reached the wormhole and slip now beyond our reach. Two telepaths remain aboard the Voyager, crewmembers. And the ship and its gaharay crew will make a consolatory prize, but with a shaking voice, he orders me to withdraw my troops. I hear fear in voice and see it stitched across his face as he explains that this failure will look bad on our records. But it is not *our* record he means.

I smooth my face and order the retreat. Obedient as always. His good dog. Until the Inquisitor that I've summoned arrives.