BEST LAID PLANS

By Rocky, CyberMum and the VS7.5 staff

As always, this episode would not have been possible without the co-operation of the entire Staff of Voyager Virtual Season 7.5. A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of them.

Previously on Voyager VS 7.5: Reconstruction Blues

Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco

January 10, 2381 Stardate 57027.6

Janeway strode quickly through the corridors of Starfleet Headquarters, nodding to the people she passed, but her mind was not on her surroundings. Admiral Hayes had ordered her to report to his office as soon as possible. He had given no reason; Janeway had spent her time in transit from Utopia Planitia speculating, but had been unable to come up with any explanation.

The aide in the outer office rose as she entered. "You're to go in right away, Captain."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Janeway said. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the presence of additional security officers. Something was up-but what?

The inner door opened. Hayes was speaking to someone seated in the corner of his office, "-the fact is, we don't know how much we can accept at face value-ah, Captain Janeway, you made very good time in getting over here."

"Fortunately, I was able to catch an outbound shuttle within ten minutes of your call, Admiral," Janeway said. At that moment, Hayes' visitor shifted his chair and she gasped in surprise.

It was Tuvok.

Before she could recover, however, Hayes said, "I'm sure you're wondering why you've been called in on such short notice, Captain."

With an effort, Janeway turned her attention back to the Commander-in-Chief. "Yes, sir, I am." She paused, "I presume this concerns Voyager?"

The new ship's mission-a return to the Delta Quadrant, specifically the planet of the Boirii or "37's"-was imminent; they were scheduled to launch in less than a month. Janeway wondered if Hayes was going to announce another postponement. There had recently been some last minute glitches in the new transwarp drive, but B'Elanna had been confident those would soon be resolved. But even if there was going to be another delay, why would Hayes feel it necessary to tell her in person? Suddenly, the answer hit her-Hayes was going to cancel the mission altogether.

Some of her apprehension must have shown in her expression, because Hayes smiled and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "That's a fair assumption on your part, Captain, that this matter involves your ship. But it's a little more complicated than that." Hayes exchanged glances with a still silent Tuvok. "I called you here today to inform you that, in light of some information that has recently been brought to my attention, the mission parameters have changed." He turned to Tuvok. "Why don't you tell Captain Janeway what's been going on?"

*1*

Tuvok rose and moved to the front of the room. For the first time, Janeway noticed he was wearing a Starfleet uniform.

"Over the past several months I have been in telepathic contact with Kes," Tuvok said without any preamble. "With the help of certain...others," Tuvok glanced at Hayes who appeared about to say something, "this has since been supplemented with actual communication via the Pathfinder project."

Janeway knew quite well Kes's mental powers were formidable, at this point even greater than Tuvok's own. "Was there a particular reason she contacted you to begin with?" Janeway asked.

"As you have correctly surmised, Captain, it was indeed Kes who initiated this communication. After our last contact with Kes, during the sixth year of our journey, she returned to the Ocampan homeworld and was warmly welcomed by her people, despite their steadily worsening circumstances. The Caretaker did the best he could to provide for the Ocampa prior to his death. However, they have now reached the point where they must relocate to a different world. They are running short of resources, as well as available living space in the underground caverns. For a number of reasons which will become clear shortly, they have requested the Federation's help."

It was not surprising the Ocampa could no longer remain on their planet, Janeway reflected. She remembered all too vividly the barren wasteland that was the Ocampa surface. "Do the Ocampa have some specific destination in mind?" she asked.

"After much effort and time Kes has found a suitable planet," Tuvok said.

"There aren't exactly numerous uninhabited or unclaimed worlds that are suitable, particularly in that region," Janeway said, leaning forward in her seat. She had a sudden insight. "Is it the Boirii planet?" She recalled how the Humans there had offered the original Voyager's crew the opportunity to settle down. And this must be how the new ship was involved. The more she thought about it now, the more sense it made.

Tuvok's eyes met hers. "It is the planet you know as New Earth."

Janeway sat back, stunned. Numerous images and memories of her time on that planet-with Chakotay, for what they had thought would be the rest of their lives-rushed through her mind. Aloud, she said quietly, "That planet is claimed by the Vidiians."

"Yes, it is," Tuvok said. "However, Kes has secured permission from the Vidiian Sodality to set up a colony there. "

"At what price?" Janeway exclaimed, looking from Tuvok to Hayes in consternation. "I don't need to remind you what the Vidiians are capab-"

"The Phage is cured, Captain," Tuovk interrupted. "We were notified of this fact by the group known as the Think Tank while we were still in the Delta Quadrant. And now there is independent confirmation from Denara Pel. The Vidiians are no longer a threat in that respect."

The name of Denara Pel brought Janeway up short. Forcing her mind away from images of another Voyager being overrun by Vidiian organ harvesters, Janeway said, "So what is Voyager's intended role in all this is? Transport Kes and her people to the planet? One million Ocampa-just a rough estimate, for all we know their population is much greater-would take *years* for a single ship to move."

"We are not talking about transporting the population, but maintaining a protective presence and rendering general forms of assistance," Hayes said, speaking for the first time in several minutes. He had seemed content to let Tuvok lead the discussion, but clearly felt it was time to step in now. "The Ocampa will move on their own and Voyager II will help them in setting up defenses, weather grids, power generators, that sort of thing."

"I see," Janeway said slowly. "And what about our original mission, sir?"

Hayes walked over to the window and gazed out at the bleak January day, then swung around to face her once again. "That will still happen, Captain. But you would eventually have to deal with the Vidiians anyway once you arrive in that region of space-as well as with the other native species. This joint request by the Ocampa and Vidiians provides a good opening. Starfleet is being asked to come, invited by one of the major players. We won't be perceived as interlopers."

At least not right away, Janeway thought, but did not say it out loud.

"Of course," Hayes said briskly, "As I was saying to Commander Tuvok right before you got here, we don't know if we can entirely take things at face value, that the situation is precisely as it's been presented so far. We have established a communication link and spoken to some Vidiian officials, the Sodality I believe they call themselves, as well as one or two of their ranking industrialists. They're eager for us to come, Captain-as eager as the Ocampa are. They have some problems of their own we may be able to help with, and have already mentioned the possibility of an exchange of technology and information."

Janeway nodded. All of Hayes' arguments made sense. Even with her private misgivings about the Vidiians, she had to admit that this opportunity could not be passed up.

"Although their motives appear to be pure," Hayes said with only a trace of irony in his voice, "we've decided that it would not be prudent to have you going back there alone. I'm sending a second ship with you-the Odyssey. Like Voyager II, it's a Columbia class vessel, to be outfitted with the new transwarp drive. It's a few months behind your ship in terms of construction."

"Who will be in command of the Odyssey, sir?" Janeway asked.

"You will be in charge of the overall mission, Captain," Hayes said immediately, answering her unspoken question. "Captain Geordi La Forge will be in command of the Odyssey. He's an excellent officer. Although he's never held a field command before, he's headed up a variety of research teams, plus garnered immeasurable experience serving on Picard's senior staff for nearly fifteen years before that. He's someone who's intelligent and can think on his feet. He should do quite well." Hayes smiled. "We will also make sure he has experienced personnel on his staff who are familiar with the Delta Quadrant."

Hayes paused a moment to let his last statement sink in. "As you guessed at the beginning of this meeting, the launch date for the mission has been pushed back again. Instead of February, it'll likely be some time in June, as the Odyssey needs additional time to get ready. In the meantime, we're going to collect every scrap of information we can about the regional politics. Ambassador Neelix is already giving us the name of numerous contacts. You can be damned sure we're not going to take anything for granted that we can't verify for ourselves."

"A wise choice, Admiral," Tuvok said.

"Like you, Kathryn, I don't care for surprises, especially of the unpleasant variety," Hayes said. "Dismissed."

As the door closed behind them, Janeway turned to Tuvok. "Would you like to get a cup of coffee and catch up a bit?"

"That would be agreeable," Tuvok said. "It has been a long time since we have had the opportunity to speak."

"I've been very busy with preparations for the mission, spending most of my time at Utopia Planitia these days," she said as they walked to the turbolift. "But I wasn't even aware you were on Earth."

"I would have contacted you earlier, Captain," Tuvok said somewhat apologetically, "but due to the sensitive nature of my recent activities-"

"It's all right, Tuvok," she said at once, pushing down her irritation at being kept out of the loop for so long on a matter that had direct bearing on her ship and mission. "You're right, I would have asked what you were doing here and you would not have been able to answer."

They made small talk on their way across Starfleet grounds-having mutually decided to pass up the Starfleet commissary in favor of a 'decent' cup of coffee-with Janeway doing most of the talking, bringing Tuvok up to date on Chakotay's recent projects at the university.

It wasn't until they were seated at a table in the Night Owl that Janeway broached the subject that was on her mind. "The fact that you're in uniform, Tuvok-are you back in Starfleet?" She tried to keep the hopeful note out of her voice.

He did not answer directly. "I have been serving in an advisory role to members of Starfleet regarding the Vidiians and in assisting them to set up their half of the communication device."

Janeway swallowed her disappointment. She knew what answer she wanted to hear from him. "And you were in telepathic communication with Kes."

"Yes, as difficult as that may be for some to believe." Tuvok elaborated on his initial contacts with Kes, how at first all he had was the vague sense of a Presence, and it was only later, through the intervention of the Fluidians-the aliens she knew as Species 8472-that they were able to communicate on a much higher level.

Janeway listened to his recital, shaking her head slightly at the thought of dealing with yet another group of aliens with whom Voyager had had hostile-or less than friendly, at any rate-encounters in the past. But in all honesty, what else had she expected? She knew quite well that a return to the Delta Quadrant was going to be challenging. There was no such thing as a dull moment in Starfleet, regardless of where you served.

She signaled to the waitress to refill their cups. "Enough talk about Starfleet and the mission for now," she said firmly. "I want you to tell me about Kes - how she's doing." She smiled. "It will be good to see her again."

*2*

Starfleet Headquarters, Meeting of the General Staff,

January 24, 2381 Stardate 57064 - 066

The noise level in the chamber was deafening; so much for the belief that a meeting of the Starfleet General Staff was always conducted in a decorous fashion. Janeway exchanged glances with Geordi La Forge. Of the twenty people present, the two of them were the only individuals with a rank lower than Admiral. And the only two who weren't currently expressing their opinions at the top of their lungs (or gills).

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Janeway had to stifle a grin as La Forge rolled his eyes and whispered, "Now I know why Captain Picard has resisted being promoted for so long!"

"I certainly would go insane if I had to deal with this group on a regular basis," Janeway agreed. She looked around at the room; to her left, Leon Toddman, the Head of Starfleet Security, was berating Owen Paris about procedure. At her immediate left, William Ross was arguing with Norman Blanc. She was glad she couldn't make out more than a few distinct phrases from that particular 'conversation.'

"Gives you a greater appreciation for how tough it is to be Commander-in-Chief," La Forge said. "It's not just Admiral Cobum who's unhappy, though I think most of the others were all right until Hayes brought up the plans for the colony." He shifted slightly in his seat. "I'm still not quite sure what I'm doing at this meeting."

"You're the captain of the Odyssey-" Janeway began.

"But I haven't got your level of expertise regarding the Delta Quadrant-yet," La Forge said with a wry smile. "I don't have much that's useful to contribute to this discussion."

"Neither do I," Janeway muttered, more to herself than to him.

"Order! I will have order!" Hayes said loudly from the front of the room, tapping once more on the podium with his gavel. That ceremonial object was certainly seeing a lot more use today than was usual. Gradually the Admirals quieted down.

Hayes addressed the red-faced Bart Cobum. "Let me repeat, no 'secret deals' were reached-with any Delta Quadrant species. The Federation President's office was contacted as soon as Commander Tuvok brought the matter to our attention. I assure you that the civilian diplomatic corps has been involved from the outset. As far as other Starfleet personnel were concerned, the information was strictly on a 'need to know' basis. The General Staff has now been briefed as to the full extent of the situation with Vidiia, as well as the Ocampa. I promise you, nothing is being concealed."

Admiral Cobum sank back into his seat, apparently mollified-at least for the moment-but another voice rang out.

"The initial reports we received from the first Voyager regarding that particular region of the Delta Quadrant sounded bad enough," said Cal Bullock. He was a dramatic speaker, with a commanding manner and crisp diction. "I still marvel that our people survived to make it back home, but they were highly trained Starfleet officers. And now we hear the situation has apparently deteriorated even more. It's one thing to send Starfleet vessels into the fray. But I cannot believe you are seriously considering putting a group of civilians in the midst of those troubles!"

"Not all of the Voyager crew were Starfleet," Alynna Nechayev observed dryly. "Fully one third of them were Maquis."

Bullock waved her words away. "The Maquis weren't exactly strangers to adversarial conditions, either. But the idea of planting a Federation colony-including civilians and children-in the Delta Quadrant is preposterous!"

Admiral T'Lara, a tall Vulcan woman, said, "Stripped of its excessive emotional content, Admiral Bullock's point is indeed valid. I fail to see the logic behind this proposal."

"Aiding the Ocampa is one thing," Toddman agreed. "But it is premature to speak of establishing a colony of our own people on the same planet, leaving them open to attack."

Gelb cocked his head to one side, his gill slits twitching slightly, his epidural scales glittering as they caught the light. "The Federation could establish a diplomatic embassy in the region, p-p-perhaps," the Nereid said in a conciliatory tone. "B-b-but not a colony." The other admirals murmured in agreement.

Ross exchanged glances with Hayes before speaking. "Establishing a Federation colony in the Delta Quadrant sends a message that the Federation is interested and involved for the long haul, not just darting in, imposing our will on the region and then vanishing again."

"It sends a message, all right," Blanc said sourly. "The Romulans will jump all over this, claiming this reveals the truth about Federation 'expansionist' ambitions in the Delta Quadrant. Just as they have already complained about the new deep space station we established last year in the Gamma Quadrant."

Nechayev pursed her lips in disapproval. "Let them complain if they wish. They can establish their own posts in the Delta Quadrant-as they have on half a dozen worlds in the Gamma Quadrant."

Rachel Teller, the oldest person present, raised her eyebrows questioningly. "The Gamma Quadrant is readily accessible via the Bajoran wormhole, but practical travel to the Delta Quadrant requires transwarp-which only Starfleet has," she pointed out.

"Are you going to then make this technology available to the Romulans?" Toddman said immediately. "Really, I must register an official ob-"

"We're getting off track here," Hayes said, raising his voice over the din. "We have already agreed on the necessity of sending two ships, Voyager II and Odyssey, to the region to reestablish ties with the Vidiian Sodality and to aid the Ocampa in their relocation to New Earth. The proposal on the table at present is to send a colony ship, 500 families, including a fair share of both current and former Starfleet officers in addition." He looked around the chamber, as if daring anyone to interrupt. Blanc stirred in his seat, but did not speak. "We would need to have a garrison on the planet anyway-as has been pointed out repeatedly, it's a dangerous region of space." His gaze rested on Janeway for a moment. "And any officers assigned to defense duty would be posted there for a long interval. Despite transwarp, it's still a relatively long journey to the Delta Quadrant. Why not allow them to bring their families along?"

"That's quite a number of people to transport," Teller said thoughtfully. "Would Voyager and Odyssey be able to accommodate that many individuals, as well as the materials and equipment they would require for a colony?"

Hayes nodded to the Head of Starship Fabrication and Design, who was perched rather precariously on a special bench near the podium.

Ch'tin raised his short body up on his midlegs in order to be seen by all those assembled. His mandibles clicked together rhythmically as he said, "We are currently in the process of building other transwarp ships. Odyssey is Voyager II's sister ship, both Columbia class. A third ship is in the preliminary stages of construction, but it wouldn't be too difficult to simply install the transwarp drive meant for this vessel in a freighter class ship instead. One of the Conestoga class vessels-the Pioneer, I believe it is named-is far enough along in its own construction right now at the UP shipyards that it could be readily converted."

"All of this is very well and good," Bullock objected again, "But what about the risks posed by the Vidiians? Can they honestly be trusted?" He looked challengingly around the room. "Look at their track record in how they deal with other species. In their own way, they're much worse than the Borg. At least the Borg were interested in assimilating other cultures and technologies - the Vidiians simply view other races as a collection of spare parts."

Hayes turned to Janeway. "Why don't you answer this one, Captain? You are, after all, the only person in this room who has had first hand experience with the Vidiians."

Uncomfortable at being put on the spot like this-and forced to defend a policy about which she had mixed feelings-Janeway nonetheless rose and said, "It is true that I have had a number of encounters with the Vidiians, many of them unpleasant. I saw members of my crew captured and in some cases killed for their organs." A few gasps were heard. Owen Paris nodded dourly.

"You see?" demanded Bullock.

Janeway continued, "However, even at the height of this 'reign of terror', not all of the Vidiians could be viewed as 'evil.' The fact that I am standing here before you today is solely due to the compassion and generosity of specific Vidiian individuals." She paused. "In the second year of our journey, my first officer and I contracted a fatal viral infection, for which our chief medical officer could find no cure. Voyager was forced to leave us behind on the planet and continue the journey without us. But it was Dr. Denara Pel-the same Dr. Pel who has been in contact with us now and is one of the leading voices behind the Vidiian request for Federation assistance-who obtained the vaccine which enabled us to rejoin our crew."

"And the Phage is no longer an issue," Hayes cut in. "Correct?"

"Yes," Janeway said. "And it is my understanding that as a result, the entire Vidiian culture has undergone a 'sea change', if you will. Although I cannot state with any degree of certainty that they no longer present a threat-" Janeway steadfastly avoided meeting Hayes' eyes, "-I can say that I do not think the nature of the risk is the same as it once was. I also know that Kes, who was a valued and trusted member of my crew, has spent a great deal of time with the Vidiians in recent months and assures us of their trustworthiness. And I trust Kes-with my life, as well as the lives of my crew."

Toddman shook his head. "I'm glad you feel that way, Captain Janeway, and are heartened by this woman's assurances, but the Ocampans are the reason the Federation is being called in to intercede in the first place! They can't even help themselves; it's ludicrous to think a single Ocampan female-a pretty elderly one at that-could possibly be of any use in this situation."

Janeway thought for an instant how best to explain. "Kes is a lot more than what she seems, sir."

"Ah yes, we've heard about her amazing mental abilities, which is how she managed to contact us in the first place," said Teller with sudden animation. "Are you suggesting she's somewhat similar to the Q? They aren't exactly known for their altruism."

"In the past year Kes has thoroughly scouted the area, has a clear view of what the situation is," Janeway said, sidestepping Teller's question. "In addition, there are other races in the vicinity like the Talaxians, or the Haakonians who could be called upon to help."

"Which brings up another point," Will Patterson said, speaking for the first time. "Other races in the area. What about the Kazon and Trabe? Aren't they still considered hostile and dangerous?"

Hayes interceded again. "The answer to your question, Will, is that yes, there is a lot of potential danger in the region. Which is why the Federation needs to take up a permanent position there."

"B-b-but what about the original mission?" asked Gelb. "Has it b-b-been abandoned in favor of p-p-peace keeping?"

"The mission has not been abandoned, rather enhanced," Hayes said at once. "Odyssey and Voyager will still be doing a lot of exploration in the area, will still be renewing ties with the Boirii."

"And the Boirii themselves are another reason in favor of establishing a colony on New Earth," Nechayev added. "There is already a Human enclave not too far away."

Hayes nodded. "Are there any other objections?"

Bullock gave him a look, but did not say anything further.

"I have a question," T'Lara said, turning to Ch'tin. "One of logistics. How long will it take to get all the ships ready? And in terms of recruiting personnel for the new colony..."

Janeway ignored the Locastan's detailed answer-a summary of which she had already seen two days earlier in Admiral Hayes' office-and turned her mind to more immediate concerns. She refocused her attention when she realized Hayes was speaking once more.

"So it appears we are looking at a new launch date toward the end of June. We will be able to firm this up in the next several weeks." Hayes tapped his gavel once more. "This meeting is dismissed."

La Forge rose to his feet and sighed with relief. "Finally." He turned to her. "Are you heading back to UP this afternoon, Kathryn? Or do you plan on just staying in San Francisco and taking an early shuttle tomorrow morning?"

"I'm going to be staying," she said apologetically. "I have plans for the evening."

"All right." He flashed her a grin. "I hope you and Chakotay have a good time. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Geordi." Janeway waited until the rest of the admirals had filed out, glad to see that Hayes still remained by the podium. The Commander-in-Chief appeared to be studying a stack of PADDs. Janeway hadn't exactly lied to Geordi when she said she had plans, but they did not involve Chakotay. Or anything remotely social in nature.

"Admiral Hayes," she said as she approached. "May I speak with you for a few moments?"

"Not another word, Kathryn," Hayes said, lifting up his hand. Up close, she could see the lines of fatigue on his face. "I already know what you plan to say so you might as well save your breath. We are committed to dealing with the Vidiians-hell, we've already begun to work with them, as the communication device attests."

"This isn't about the Vidiians, sir," Janeway said.

"It's not?" he said in surprise. "I know you still have misgivings."

"Admiral Bullock already voiced those objections much more emphatically than I possibly could have," she said dryly.

"More vehemently, you mean," Hayes muttered to himself. "Then what is this about?"

"Personnel matters for the mission."

"It's already been decided that Geordi La Forge is the best man to captain the Odyssey," Hayes said with a frown. "He's eager for the assignment, and he's already put in a tremendous amount of time and effort-"

"I have no objections to Geordi," Janeway assured him swiftly. "And I agree with you. I think the two of us will be able to work together very well."

"Good," Hayes said, mollified. She suspected he'd had enough disagreements today to last him for quite a while. "Then what is this about?"

"I want to have Commander Tuvok assigned as my first officer."

"You already have a first officer," Hayes said in surprise.

Janeway nodded. "Yes, Commander Merves is a fine officer, but Tuvok was always my first choice for the position."

"Tuvok resigned his Starfleet commission last May," Hayes reminded her. "His being in uniform now simply reflects his special assignment status." He exhaled sharply, perhaps recognizing the determined expression on her face. "How do you know if Tuvok would even be interested-he had very specific reasons for resigning last year."

"I know that, sir. I also happen to know that those reasons are no longer valid."

"What are you saying?" Hayes said, anger clouding his features when the meaning of her words sank in. "I also want to know how you could have the temerity to have already discussed this with Tuvok when you know another officer has been assigned to Voyager!"

"With all due respect, Admiral Hayes," Janeway retorted, "this is something Tuvok mentioned to me a long time ago. Even before you offered me the Voyager II, I asked him if he would ever consider returning to active duty. Tuvok resigned from Starfleet because he wanted to avoid another separation from his wife T'Pel. But that wouldn't be the case here, not with the change in the mission objectives."

"Are you suggesting bringing her along?"

"Why not?" Janeway insisted. "As per the original mission parameters, we already have a civilian team of archaeologists and anthropologists accompanying us. T'Pel is ideally suited to be a member of this team, with her background in comparative sociology. She can also make several useful contributions in the negotiations among the Vidiians, the Federation colonists and the Ocampans."

"We've already contacted our top diplomat, who will be conducting those negotiations as well as acting as governor of the colony for the first year," Hayes said at once. "Any decisions about his staff will obviously have to be made by Ambassador Diaza." He sighed. "But I agree with your first point. T'Pel *is* qualified to be a member of the civilian research team." He smiled briefly. "I suspect Chakotay would concur."

"Then you'll agree to her assignment?" And by extension, Tuvok's. Janeway mentally held her breath.

Hayes gave her a piercing look. "I'm still not very happy about your display of independence here, and I wouldn't hesitate to bust you down in rank for it, except for the fact that you happen to be right. Starship captains *do* have the right to pick their first officers, and most of the senior staff positions unless there are other extenuating circumstances involved." He passed a weary hand over his face. "But the problem is still Commander Merves-he deserves this position. He's a full commander, and has served as a first officer for a number of years already. He acquitted himself very well in the Dominion War, even held his own command as a brevet captain in the latter months. It's just not fair to pass him over on a whim."

"I understand, sir, and you're correct," Janeway said evenly, though this was not a 'whim.' She needed Tuvok, would have a lot more confidence in the successful completion of the mission if he were by her side. "But there is a way out of the dilemma. After all, there is a *third* ship going to the Delta Quadrant."

"Give Merves command of the Pioneer?" Hayes said, considering. "I'll have to think about this some more, but it does at first glance seem to be a perfect solution."

"Thank you, sir."

"Don't thank me yet, Kathryn," he warned her. "You still don't know if Tuvok would be interested in serving under you again."

Janeway smiled. "Don't worry, Admiral. I'm sure."