Into the Darkness

This was written for Rhonda as part of VAMB's Secret Santa 2008 Exchange. Join VAMB!

This story takes place shortly after Season 4 episode "Revulsion". Paris & Torres have recently discovered their love and J/C is still a possibility. No apologies for not giving Neelix a line.

If he had not been a hologram, the doctor was sure he would have had gray hair. "Once again, Mr. Paris, what are the basic rules of triage?"

"You know what, Doc? I'm a hands-on kind of guy. What if we ran simulations on the holodeck? It would be interesting." suggested Tom.

"Mr. Paris, it is well-known that you are a "hands-on" guy. Everyone on this ship knows it and probably half of the Delta Quadrant." The doctor waved his hand briefly in the air and picked up a very familiar medical instrument from a tray in front of him. "Let's try something more simple. What is this?"

"That's a hyprospray," Tom Paris sighed as he stared at the array of medical tools laid on the medical bed. At that moment, he would have looked at anything to avoid the Doc's condescending smile.

"And?" The doctor waggled the hyprospray.

Tom sighed again. "It's a medical device used to inject liquids into the body. The system uses a noninvasive transport mechanism of compressed air to transfer the injectant from the device into the body without the use of a needle. Doc, is this really necessary?"

"I'll have you know Mr. Paris that a thorough grounding in the basics is very necessary. What if there is a medical emergency? As my new nurse, it's important that you are able to provide me with the right instruments."

Tom picked up a medical tricorder and began to flip it open and closed. "Great, I get to spend the rest of my life handing you stuff."

This time, the Doc sighed as he took the tricorder from Tom. "If you don't put more effort into your training, that's all you'll ever do."

"Tell you what, Doc; my shift here is almost over. How about we put all this stuff away and call it a day?"

"Very well. For someone without an internal chronometer, you have an impeccable sense of timing."

"Captain's Log, Stardate 51191.6. Long-range sensors have detected an asteroid field with metallic properties. It is possible that there may be something there to help replenish our diminishing supplies." Janeway paused and tried to think of the best way to describe their situation. She didn't want her logs to become one long complaint after another. Her door chimed. "Computer, end log. Enter"

Holding several PADDs, Chakotay walked in and gave her a wide smile. "Good morning, Captain. I have all my reports finished for you and, ahead of schedule."

Taking the PADDs from him, she smiled back. "It's too early to look at reports, Chakotay. Besides, you're going to make me look bad."

Chakotay placed his hand on the back of her chair. "You look bad? I don't think that's possible, Kathryn. How about a break, then? I could use some tea."

"That sounds like a great idea." She placed her hand on his arm."Do me a favour and clear off a spot near the window. I'll bring the drinks."

B'lanna walked down the corridor, distracted by the PADD she was reading. The latest rounds of maintenance required the right balance of people, something that had been lacking as of late. Without glancing up, she entered an open turbolift. "Engineering"

Suddenly, a pair of arms embraced her from behind. A soft teasing voice whispered into her ear. "Hey there, beautiful."

"That'd better be you, Tom, or someone's getting their hands broken."

"Of course, it's me." laughed Tom, his blue eyes filled with amusement. "I doubt anyone else would have the courage."

B'lanna turned herself around and looked into his eyes. She smiled briefly then whispered back, "Tom, we're in a turbolift."

He brushed her soft brown hair back and kissed her deeply. "I know."

"Not here. Someone will see us. As senior officers, we're supposed to be professional."

Tom kissed her again. "Really? Well, how about a meeting sometime today."
"A meeting?" B'lanna smiled and returned his kiss. "About what"

"Umm, command structure." Tom embraced her tighter against him and kissed her lightly on the lips. "We could begin at the top and work our way down."

"Sounds like an idea."

Captain Janeway downed the last bit of her coffee as she waited for the senior officers to arrive. Chakotay was the first to arrive as usual, holding a large mug in his hands.

Janeway smiled at him. "I see you had the foresight to bring a drink. I just finished mine and now I regret it."

A small grin came onto his face as he sat down next to her. "Actually, Kathryn, it's a cup of coffee for you. I thought you'd need it for this morning's meeting." He placed the steaming mug in front of her. Delighted, Janeway picked it up and inhaled the scent.

"I think I'd be lost without you, Chakotay. Thank you." She lightly stroked his hand in thanks before picking her report back up.

The ready room door opened again as Tuvok and Harry Kim entered while continuing a discussion of Kal-toh. Janeway was pleased to see how Harry, a young inexperienced ensign, and Tuvok, a taciturn Vulcan, had found common ground despite their differences. Seven of Nine arrived, alone as usual, followed shortly by Torres and Paris, who were obviously out of breath.

Janeway studied the couple and asked in amusement. "Did you two have a race to get here?"

"No" replied Tom smoothly. "We were having a meeting but didn't want to be late for this one."

"I appreciate that, Mr. Paris." Kathryn said. "According the sensors, there is a significant source of galacite in a nearby asteroid field. However, it's not in our path and the detour would take an extra three to five days. I'm sure that doesn't sound like much but Neelix has indicated that our fresh food supplies are running low and the nearest M-class planet is a week away."

Harry spoke up. "A team of us could take a shuttle. We could transport the ore directly to the cargo hold and meet up with Voyager later."

"That's a great idea, Harry." Tom interjected. "I could use a chance to do some serious flying."

Janeway raised her hand to stop any further discussion. "You're not going, Lt. Paris. The Doctor has already advised me about your medical training. I believe it's more important for you to spend some serious time learning the basic nursing skills before you rush off on away missions."

Tom's face fell, "Great," he thought,"I'm now Nurse Paris, I'll replicate myself a skirt in the morning"

Chakotay offered, "I'm ahead of schedule on my work. I could lead the away team and meet you within a week."

"Very well." Kathryn nodded "Now onto other business."

Chakotay looked out the shuttle's viewscreen, the tattoo on his forehead furrowed in concentration. There were numerous asteroids floating around him, all pitted and jagged and from centuries of rough existence. Debris from various destroyed ships were also scattered throughout the field. Deftly, he adjusted the shuttle's path to avoid any collisions. "It looks like a junkyard out here. I'm guessing these other ships had trouble piloting in this field. Harry, have you located the galacite?"
Ensign Kim tapped his console several times. "There are several small pockets scattered throughout; however one asteroid seems to have several large deposits. It could probably fill our cargo hold by itself. I'll bring up the coordinates"

"Good, then we can grab it and get out of here, this shuttle is getting pretty ripe." B'lanna growled as she paced the mid section of the shuttle.

"Ah, B'lanna, it's not such a bad trip so far." Harry chuckled. "Maybe if I were someone else..."

"Shut up."

Looking over at the others, Chakotay's face grew serious. "Stop arguing, both of you. We'll be arriving in about three minutes. Any suggestions?"

"Yes sir," Harry said. "There appears to be some interference. Probably the metallic properties of the damaged ships are having an effect. I suggest that we use transport enhancers."

"Agreed. B'lanna and I will go down and set them up. You can handle the transports from the shuttle." Chakotay ordered.

The darkness had always been his familiar. Born into the shadows, The Arkos Rheah, captain of the Kriaak Jule, strode the corridors of his ship in complete surety of self. He loved the darkness. All his senses became heightened. The cool air wafted against his scaly, mottled skin. The metal floor felt smooth underneath his feet. Walking down the darkened corridor, Arkos made his way down to his ship's bridge. As he entered, he glanced around at his crew working silently at their stations. He paused for a moment as his slitted gray eyes adjusted to the faint glow of the monitors.

"Report!" he sneered, his raspy voice reverberating off the smooth walls.

"The alien ship doesn't appear to have noticed us." responded a subordinate. "There are three biped life forms inside and the ship appears to have complex technology and is composed of several valuable alloys."

"Destroy them and scavenge their vessel for valuables." ordered Arkos. His sharp talons reached towards the wall and plucked a long scabbard from a display of weapons. It had been awhile since a ship had entered his field. He would take his time and enjoy this skirmish.

The subordinate tapped a few buttons. "Arkos Rheah, something curious has just occurred. Two of the bipeds disappeared from the ship and then reappeared onto the asteroid's surface."

"They didn't land on the surface?" wondered Arkos. He glided over to the screen. "That is curious. Leave them alone for now and analyze this new information. We may have found some more upgrades for our ships."

Holding the transport enhancers in both hands, Chakotay followed closely behind B'lanna. Their environmental suits made walking a bit awkward but they were necessary to survive the asteroid's surface. The asteroid was a large, rocky mass almost the size of a small planetoid. Grey dust swirled up into soft clouds as they walked towards the ore.

B'lanna paused for a moment and held her tricorder in the air. "Here's a large section. We can place our enhancers here."

"Harry, prepare for transport on my command." instructed Chakotay.

"Understood," replied Harry through the comm channel.

Waving the dust away from his visor, Chakotay stood up a transport enhancer next to the deposit. He turned it on and checked to make sure it was adjusted correctly. He looked over and saw that B'lanna was just finishing setting hers up further down.

Chakotay smiled. "At this rate, we should be done in a couple of hours. Harry, we're ready down there. Transport the ore directly to the cargo hold and await our next signal."

"Aye, Commander." With a shimmer, the section of ore disappeared.

"Arkos Rheah! A large amount of galacite just disappeared and reappeared onto the alien ship. We have concluded that they have technology available that makes it possible to transport items without direct contact." The subordinate drew a thin smile across his face. "This technology could prove to be very valuable."

"Very valuable, indeed." agreed Arkos. "Prepare a scout ship to attack the surface while we deal with the alien ship. Let's not completely destroy it. I want that technology and those bipeds will give it to me....or die." A thin black tongue slipped out of his mouth and licked his lips. He was really going to savor this.

Harry tapped his console a few times as he waited for the transport to complete. A movement in the left of the viewscreen caught his eye. He checked his sensors then hailed.

"Sir, something strange is happening. An intact ship is coming towards --" Two bursts of blue flame shot out and smashed against the shuttle.

"Harry, what happened?"

A second volley sped towards the shuttle. Harry quickly swerved from its path. "Sir, I'm under attack! Shields are failing!"

A small port on the attacker's right side opened. A scout ship flew out towards the shuttle. Firing several times, it quickly changed direction and raced towards the asteroid. A missile impacted several feet from Chakotay, tossing huge clouds of dust into the atmosphere.

"B'lanna, where are you?" yelled Chakotay. "Harry, get us out of here!"

A frantic voice responded. "I can't, sir! They're right on top of me!"

The ground began to shudder. Chakotay groped through the dust and grabbed B'lanna. The two held onto each other as they struggled to stay upright. A dull beam of light penetrated the dust. Slowly, Chakotay could make out five figures. Two of them held long, slender pistols in lean, muscled arms. Overlapping plates of black metal covered their bodies. The rest crept on all fours, long daggers lashed to their backs, smooth black visors covering their faces completely.

"Harry, get out of here." ordered Chakotay over the comms.

"Sir?" he replied waiting for a response, but there was only static.

The mess hall bustled with crew members at the evening meal, with Neelix happily dishing out his "famous" Talaxian stew. Tom spotted Captain Janeway in the back corner and made his way to her.

"Captain, may I speak with you for a minute?" asked Tom.

Janeway sipped her coffee. "I have a feeling it's about the doctor."

"It's just that, while I understand your reasoning...I've already got an important position at the helm. Couldn't the doc have picked a crewman or ensign as his pet nurse?"
"I know, Tom. You're a pilot. It's what you love to do but we need a new nurse. It's as simple as that." Kathryn raised her hand before Tom could protest. "I'll admit when the doctor chose you for the position, I had my concerns. But after exploring every option, he came to the conclusion that out of everyone on ship, you had the most potential. That should mean something to you."

Tom sighed. "All right, but could you talk to him about his lessons? He - "

"Bridge to Captain Janeway." requested Tuvok over the commlink.

Janeway tapped her commbadge. "What is it, Tuvok?"

"Ensign Kim has returned alone in a heavily damaged shuttle."

"On my way."

"Tell us," Arkos hissed. He ran the tips of his claw along Chakotay's jaw. Thin red lines followed. "We know you have advanced technology, and we will have it"

Chakotay stiffened. We have rules. I..."

"We have no rules, other than what I say." Arkos warned. "You say you are a Commander. That is good. Your rank makes you valuable."

"What of the other Arkos Rheah?" asked a nearby guard. "It won't speak either."

Arkos contemplated. "We'll keep them both alive for now. They will talk soon enough. The other may be worth something as well." He stroked Chakotay's cheek with his thumb and was amused at how easily the skin was marred.

"All right, Ensign Kim, what happened?" Kathryn insisted

Harry quickly replied, "I don't know, Captain. The asteroid field had dead ships and debris scattered throughout it. At least that's what my sensors showed, but we didn't think to turn back. This... ship just turned on and started to fire on me. I took heavy damage with the first shot. Then a small scout ship was jettisoned and landed near Chakotay and B'Lanna. There was nothing I could do."

"Did they pursue?" inquired Tuvok.

"Briefly, "Harry answered. "The shuttle was smaller and faster. I could maneuver through the asteroid field easier. They must have returned for the scout ship."

"You did your best, I'm sure," Kathryn reassured. "I want you and Seven to analyze the sensor logs. See if we can modify our shields. We're going after our crew, and if necessary, we'll fight for them. Tuvok, contact any ships or planets within range. They may have information and, Lt. Paris, you've gotten your wish. Get back to the helm. I want you to find that ship before another surprise attack occurs. Dismissed."

"Captain, we've reached the border of the asteroid field." Harry said.

"Have you been able to locate the alien ship?"

"Yes, ma'am" Tom replied. "Just barely. The ship's not cloaked. It seems the alien ship just likes to play dead. All of their systems are capable of running at exceptionally low power."

Kathryn thought carefully. "Harry, what do the scans reveal?"

"The ship is half the size of Voyager. Their firepower is immense but, with our shield modifications, we could withstand them."

"Have you located Commander Chakotay and Lt. Torres?"

Harry walked to a nearby screen and made adjustments. "I have them on long-range sensors, Captain. They're also the only lifesigns on the ship. Of course, it's possible that the aliens are not carbon-based, which would make our scans unusable."

"Continue course." Janeway ordered.

"Yes, ma'am." Tom answered. Slowly, he eased Voyager among the asteroids.

"Report." Arkos insisted as he seated himself into his command chair.

"We have located the ship." came the response. "It is twice our size and appears to possess shields and weapons. They're also heading directly for us."

Obviously, they had been detected. Arkos rumbled. A battle would cause significant damage. Valuable profit would be lost. It was also possible that they would take the coward's way out. Use their 'transporters' and flee. He furrowed his brow. This problem required a new strategy.

"Open a channel."

A beep at his station caught Tuvok's attention. "Captain, a message is being sent."

"Let's hear it."

A heavy, raspy voice filled the bridge. "I am Arkos Rheah, captain of the Kriaak Jule. Reverse your direction and leave this asteroid field.

Kathryn listened carefully. "Hail them."

Tuvok entered the codes.

"This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the starship Voyager. You have two of my people in your custody. I want them returned immediately."

A dark figure appeared on the viewscreen. Their skin was dark and mottled. Two long peaks began at the brows and continued the length of the skull. Two dark grey eyes penetrated the bridge. "I am Arkos Rheah, captain of the Kriaak Jule Reverse course or your people will die. We know something of your technology and although we can defend against it we wouldn't want anything to happen to your people.."

Janeway glanced at Tom, then looked back at the viewscreen. "You should know Commander Arkos, we do not negotiate with terrorists. Perhaps we can settle this diplomatically, why exactly have you taken my people?"

"We want access to a certain piece of your technology. I believe it is called a transporter. Your commander wasn't very helpful but your engineer...was persuaded to explain it."

"Impossible. The transporters are integrated into the ship. We can't remove them." Kathryn argued. "Maybe I could offer something else for both of my people."

Arkos looked to the side for a second. "Your shuttle has a transporter.....That's it! Give me a shuttle and I'll return your people. This is my decision."

Janeway's face turned to stone. "We have rules against giving up technology. Maybe we could offer something --"

"We have no rules." Arkos snapped. "No rules at all. Let me make myself clear." Slowly his hand rose up with Chakotay firmly in its grasp. Kathryn saw his ashen face and unseeing eyes. Her heart began to slowly stop.

"Maybe an arrangement can be reached."

Arkos raised a thin blade to Chakotay's neck. Slowly he drew a line across. As blood trickled down, Arkos insisted. "There is only the one choice. Your shuttle for your people."

"Very well." answered Janeway, her voice thin and raw. "You'll have my decision in an hour."

"You have one hour." said Arkos then the viewscreen went blank.

Tom turned away from the helm. "Captain."

"Set a course, Mr. Paris." Janeway ordered, her face pale as winter snow.

B'lanna placed Chakotay's head gently into her lap. Several long scratches crisscrossed his throat. Quickly removing her jacket, she ripped a length of fabric.

"Stay with me, Chakotay! Open your eyes!"

Carefully, she wrapped the cloth tightly around his neck. He opened his eyes as ordered but they looked past her. Into the darkness.

Kathryn looked into the bottom of her empty mug. "Any suggestions?"
Tuvok said "I was able to contact the nearby M-class planet. This ship is known for capturing vessels flying through the asteroid field. After removing all valuable items, the entire crew is murdered."

"They're pirates?" asked Tom.

"In a manner of speaking, yes," Tuvok replied. "However, this is the first known time that ransom has been demanded."

"Captain," Harry pleaded "You can't believe they'll keep their word."

"Of course, not." Kathryn looked over at Harry. "And something tells me you already have a plan."

Harry held up a PADD. "Using the readings from the shuttle, Seven and I have determined that the alien ship has limited sensors. If we mask our warp signature and reduce our own systems, a second shuttle could hide among the asteroids without detection. We could play their own trick on them."

Taking the PADD, she quickly read it over. "It would be very risky, Ensign. We could lose another shuttle and more people." warned Janeway.

Tom spoke up. "Captain, we're in the Delta Quadrant alone with no allies. Everything has a risk. First contacts, random anomalies, even collecting supplies... there's risk in everything but sometimes you have to take it."

"You've made a point, Lt. Paris." answered Janeway. ""Work with Harry and Seven. You have half an hour to be in position."

A close-up view of Arkos' face loomed on the viewscreen.

"I hope you don't mind," said Janeway, "but, since you already have two of my people, I decided to send the shuttle to you on auto-pilot. It should be right in front of you in a moment. Now, return the hostages."

Arkos chuckled softly. "Captain, you truly are a fool. Your people will stay with me as long as I need them."

Kathryn's voice turned hard. "We had an agreement."

"No." Arkos snapped. "I will need them to take care of my new shuttle. Maybe, when I don't need them anymore."

The doctor looked out the shuttle's main window and waited patiently. He could see Arkos' ship slowly come into view as the shuttle's auto-pilot continued its course. Soon he would be in transporter range. He tapped several times on the console nearby and opened a faint channel.

"Lt. Paris, I'm in position. Are you ready?"

"Ready, Doc. You'll have five seconds to find the away team and transport them off." Tom reminded "Let's see your holographic reflexes at work."

Tom looked over at Harry. "Let's go."

Arkos watched from his chair as the ship approached the shuttle. He clicked his short black claws in excitement. But it was short-lived.

Behind a large asteroid, Tom set his shuttle for maximum warp. Shooting around the other side, he set a course directly for Arkos. A photon torpedo smashed directly into the bridge. Tom made a quick turnabout and headed for the other shuttle.

"Direct hit! Commander, the prisoners have disappeared!"

"Go after them," roared Arkos, rising from his seat. Sparks crackled from the viewscreen.

"Which one?" nervously asked the pilot. "Both shuttles have two creatures inside."

"Release the scout ship and pick one. I don't care!" Arkos snapped.

As Chakotay and Torres materialized behind the doctor's chair, he let out a holographic sigh of relief.

B'lanna smiled despite her bruises. "I'm glad to see you too, Doc!"

The doctor hurried over to Chakotay with a medical tricorder as B'lanna took the pilot's seat. Weapons fire flashed out the side window. B'lanna quickly adjusted the shuttle's flight path.

The doctor quickly opened a med kit and pulled out several packages of gauze. He pressed them against Chakotay's neck and applied a binding. A missile blast rattled the shuttle.

"I need you at tactical!"yelled B'lanna.

The doctor bolted to the second chair and began to read the screen. "Shields are down by twenty percent. I'm compensating."

The shuttle weaved its way among the rocks. B'lanna guided its path into a small space between two asteroids and dipped quickly under a discarded vessel. She noticed that Arkos' ship had changed directions and praised himself for her genius. Tom Paris wasn't the only great pilot around. Suddenly, the shuttle was shaken by missiles. The scout ship raced past, veered left and headed straight back for the shuttle.

"Shields are down by sixty percent!" reported the doctor.

B'lanna continued her course and fired the phasers. Small explosions lit up the scout's port side. The shuttle leaned hard to the left and missed impact by a few meters. The scout ship turned to follow and fired its missiles again.

"Shields are down by ninety percent now!" yelled the doctor. "Rerouting power from all available systems! We have to reach Voyager!"

"We're almost there!" B'lanna shifted the shuttle from side to side.

Off the port side, Tom's shuttle appeared and blasted the scout ship with several rounds of phaser fire. "Keep going,! We got you covered!" Positioning his shuttle directly above the scout ship, Tom continued firing.

On the bridge of Voyager, Tuvok watched the sensors. "Captain, we are in range"

"Fire." Kathryn ordered.

Photon torpedoes shot out and crashed against the enemy ship.

Tuvok avoided a spark. "Shields are holding."

"Align our position near the shuttles and fire another full spread." ordered Janeway.

The ship shuddered under an explosion.

A dark body was thrown at Arkos' feet. Ignoring the sulfurous fumes rising, he entered codes into a nearby monitor. Propulsion was failing. Sparks shot out at him. He waved them aside. The hibernation mode was being degraded. He would be exposed. Rapidly, he entered a sequence.

"They are retreating, Captain," informed Tuvok.

"Good," Kathryn responded. "Transport everyone directly to Sickbay and use a tractor beam on the shuttles."

Looking Tuvok in the eye, she announced, "You have the bridge. I'll be in Sickbay."

When the turbolift doors opened, Janeway made a sharp left. As she entered the Sickbay, Harry Kim met her gaze. He held a warm, damp washcloth in his hands and was gingerly wiping B'lanna's arm.

"Captain, maybe you can help." said Harry with relief in his voice. "The doc and Tom are helping the Commander. He's lost a lot of blood."

Kathryn smiled slightly, trying to reassure him. "I'm sure you're doing a fine job, Harry. Let me check on Chakotay and I'll return to assist you."

Over at the surgical bed, the doctor carefully used the autosuture on Chakotay's wounds. Patiently, he watched as the various arteries and blood vessels closed up and healed themselves.

Standing quietly behind him, Janeway asked, "How is he?"

Without even looking away from his work, the EMH answered, "He's lost a lot of blood but he'll survive. I have Lt. Paris synthesizing a blood substitute. It should stabilize his condition."

Kathryn walked to the other side of the bed and grasped Chakotay's hand. For a brief second, he opened his dark eyes. Into the blue of hers.

"So why did you use a second shuttle?" B'lanna asked. "Couldn't you have done it all by yourself?"

The doctor picked up a dermal regenerator and began to use it on B'lanna's arm. "I'm sure I could have. However, Mr. Paris insisted on being a hero and rescuing a certain damsel in distress."

"Hey, it was necessary as a distraction." Tom defended "Don't forget I saved you from that scout ship."

"Well, I'm sure Lt. Torres can thank you for both of us." said the doctor. "In fact, he can finish the rest of your treatment."

Taking the regenerator, Tom asked "You sure, Doc?"

"You did say you were a 'hands-on' guy" The Doctor smiled.

Chimes rang in Chakotay's quarters. Looking up from the novel he was reading, he replied "Come in." Kathryn entered with a large bowl in her hands.

"The doctor told me you had been released." she commented, placing the bowl on the table. "I brought you some mushroom soup for dinner."

Chakotay smiled. "You cooked? Is this my punishment for being captured?" He placed his book on the end table and moved over on his couch. Kathryn settled comfortably beside him.

"Eating leola root stew for the next week will be your punishment. You did put us behind schedule, you know?" She smiled up at his eyes. "No, this can be your reward."

"Reward?" He draped an arm casually around her shoulders.

"For not dying on me." she said as she leaned against him.

"I can think of a better reward than soup.", said Chakotay as he pulled her in close.

THE END