Disclaimer – No one from Voyager is mine. Ekaterina is mine though among any others.

Summary – A visit to a new planet results in a life-or-death situation against a deadly foe.

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Oh Starry Night

Ensign Harry Kim intently stared at the PADD as he ambled down the corridor. He stifled a yawn as he soon stepped up to the door of the ready room. He wondered what the captain wanted that required his presence as the door carefully opened. Kim was soon greeted by the other members of the senior staff. Captain Janeway was standing several feet from the table, her back to everyone.

"Good evening Ensign Kim," the captain said, turning around. "Now that we're all here, I can tell you something very important."

Harry took his place at the table, taking a deep sigh. He glanced over at Tom, who managed to steal a look himself.

"As you know, we've had some problems procuring much needed supplies," Janeway started.

"Our dilithium and certain medical supplies are getting low among other things," B'Elanna interjected.

Janeway gave a sigh, giving a slight nod before returning her stare back to the others. She knew the group was anxious with what she had to say.

"Well, Lieutenant Torres and I managed to make contact with a planet that is more than willing to trade with us. They also tell us they have a pretty hospitable planet and have agreed to let us to stay there for a few days to rest and explore the city," Janeway told them, a grin written on her face.

"That's fantastic! So when do we get there?" Tom piped up.

Janeway stole a glance with Torres, who couldn't help but smile herself. It was the half-klingon who decided to speak up first.

"It's very soon, Tom. We had heard about these people a little while back but couldn't get a hold of them until recently. Their home planet is about 7.5 light years from here," B'Elanna explained.

"So why hold the meeting? I don't seem to understand the importance if we're simply going to trade," Harry wondered.

"Because I heard about this species at the same time as Lieutenant Torres did and we were told not to bother with them for they don't associate well with others. We wanted to give you the heads up if that was the case," Janeway replied.

Neelix appeared to be deep in thought, remaining silent throughout the entire conversation so far. He almost looked worried as he glanced up at the captain, hoping that it wasn't them.

"Captain, who are these people you made contact with?" he finally asked.

"They called themselves the…" the captain replied, stealing a confirming look with B'Elanna. "…Rysarians. Why do you ask Neelix?"

The Talaxian managed to swallow a gulp and his fear once he heard the name. He took a deep sigh before he managed to find himself able to answer.

"It's nothing, Captain. Absolutely nothing," he quickly answered.

"Neelix, if there's something about these people that we should be aware of…" Janeway started.

The Talaxian stared at the rest of the crew. Tuvok raised an eyebrow while Tom and Harry leaned in on the table, intent on listening. B'Elanna reclined in her chair, a smirk on her face while Chakotay placed his chin in his palm, an elbow on the table. The Doctor remained quiet, waiting to hear what the Talaxian had to say. Seven of Nine, as knowledgeable as she was on various races, remained completely silent. Neelix finally gave a deep sigh, before deciding to speak again.

"I am going to regret this later," he muttered. "Captain, I should warn you about Rysaria and its inhabitants."

"Warn us? Why? You make them sound like they're an evil species," Janeway wondered.

Neelix thought about what he was going to say next, how he should explain his feelings to the subject.

"Captain, there have been many stories about the Rysarians. Stories that would make your skin crawl. There have been tales where people went to trade with Rysaria, never to be seen or heard from again. If you feel you must trade with them, be extremely careful for I've even heard of a creature unlike anything else you have ever imagined. I have yet to hear of someone who's actually seen it up close and live to tell about it. The stories among the space-faring species have said it's monstrous," Neelix explained.

A mild look of disbelief crossed the captain's face. Giggles managed to erupt from Harry Kim, Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres while the others remained silent.

"Next thing you're going to tell us Neelix, that the boogeyman resides down the hall from Tom or me," laughed Harry.

Neelix was not impressed with the crew's reaction, but at the back of his mind he knew it was to be expected. He never expected them to believe tales such as these.

"Neelix, this appears to be nothing more than a fairy tale. They didn't sound like anyone who wanted to keep people away. In fact, they were more than eager to meet with us. We also need those supplies. If you feel you must talk to me about this further, we'll discuss it later. Dismissed," Janeway replied.

The crew climbed out of their seats and milled out of the room. Neelix remained, staring at the captain for what seemed the longest time. He gave a deep sigh before managing to climb to his feet as well, leaving Janeway behind in an empty room.

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Harry and Tom made their way down the hallway, the laughs still emitting from the mouths over what Neelix had told them.

"Can you imagine a creature like that, Tom? It can't seem real. I mean, there have been tales of monsters on Earth for centuries without any definite proof," Harry wondered.

"Who knows Harry? If what Neelix is saying is true, we'll have a hell of a time when we get there," Tom said with a smile.

They continued to walk down the hallway, unaware they had an observer. Seven of Nine carefully watched their every step before heading back down the hallway. She came across a mildly distraught Neelix coming out of the room.

"Neelix, I have a request," she told him.

"Maybe later, I'm not in the mood to do any favours," Neelix replied.

"This is important for it is about the Rysarians. I need you to tell me all that you know about them," she explained.

"I don't understand Seven, why do you need me to tell you about the Rysarians? Wouldn't the Borg already know everything about them?" he wondered.

Seven took a small sigh, staring at the Talaxian, a bit unsure how to tell him.

"The Borg does not know anything about this species. In fact, they have no idea where to even find them," she replied.

Neelix's eyes opened wide, his jaw almost dropping to the floor. He slowly nodded his head before they headed down the hallway.

TBC…