Title: Truths Revealed - Chapter 2 (Enemy Within)

Author's Note: Alright everyone, here is chapter 2. This chapter is really a build up, so some original dialogue is used, but don't worry the storyline will be twisted in my own crazy way soon, Mwahahaha… anyway, I hope you all enjoy the read and don't forget to review, I need motivation :D

Review Replies:

Ibagoalie - For the moment I am trying to stick to the original storyline, well at least to the events as much as I can, only changing little bits and pieces and adding extra scenes into it. Not to mention the J/C relationship. However in future chapters you will see me deviate from the original dialogue quite a bit, especially when covering the second half of the Basics episode. It will have definite differences, but you will have to continue to read in order to find that out, lol. Thanks for the review.

0 - Cheers! Yep…I am rewriting the take over and Seska is not going to be happy at all when she finds out about their relationship. Jealous would be an understatement!


A loud crashing sound obliterated the silence in the ready room as Kathryn threw the last PADD on top of her completed pile. Thankfully that was the last report she had to read for the moment and she nearly screamed out loud with relief - for some reason the number of reports on her desk seemed to breed every time she turned her back on them - so it was quite a relief to find her to do pile empty.

Collapsing back into her chair she rubbed at her temples to try and relieve the pressure that seemed to build there when ever she read the endless supply of reports she always had. Luckily it was not made worse by what the reports contained; in fact the contents alleviated the pain slightly. For once the reports contained good news and Kathryn was willing to except good news any day, considering the fact that in this quadrant bad news tended to be given on a daily basis.

Glancing at the chronometer Kathryn cursed silently, she had been hunched over her desk for a couple of hours. It was no wonder her muscles were protesting slightly as she pushed herself out of her chair. She quickly rolled her shoulders to loosen them and then wondered toward the replicator.

"Coffee, black…hot," she demanded spurring the replicator into life.

A mug of her favourite beverage materialized in front of her, the scent enveloping her in a state of pure bliss. She wrapped her fingers around the handle and brought the cup towards her lips…

"Chakotay to Janeway," came the unwanted interruption.

She tapped her comm. badge answering the hail in her usual way.

"Captain, sensors are detecting a Kazon ship. It's sending out a distress signal."

She stared at the cup longingly, wishing she had the time to savour its unique taste. Unfortunately she had much more important things to worry about and being a Captain meant she had responsibilities. She gazed at it moment longer before replying.

"I'm on my way."

She slapped her comm. badge ending the link and brought the cup to her lips again gulping down the whole cup in record time and slamming the cup into the recycling unit when she had finished. She gave her uniform one last tug before she marched out onto the bridge. The doors had just opened when Chakotay spoke.

"It's not Cullah's ship," he informed. "It's more like a shuttle."

Without missing a step Kathryn gave her orders.

"Slow to impulse, set an intercept course Mr. Paris. Have they indicated the nature of their distress?" She asked as she stood in front of Harry's console, waiting expectantly for an answer.

"Just a signal Captain, no response to our hails."

What are they up to, she thought. She placed her hand on her chin as she thought. Within seconds she came to a decision. Kathryn knew she couldn't trust the Kazon and that this could very well be a trap or some sort of ploy.

"Let's go to red alert."

Alarms began to sound throughout the ship, the lights dimming dramatically. Kathryn moved closer to the view screen, standing directly behind Tom's station.

"Visual range," Tom announced.

"On screen."

A small Kazon shuttle appeared on the screen and appeared to be drifting in space.

"Showing one life sign, adult Kazon male, he is in critical condition," Harry stated barely allowing his eyes to leave his console.

"Janeway to sickbay, prepare to receive an emergency transport," she said as she turned around and began to make her way to the turbo lift.

"Standing by Captain," was Kes's soft reply.

"Commander," Kathryn said indicating that he should join her. "Mr. Tuvok you have the bridge."

Chakotay quickly followed suit and entered the turbo lift, the doors swishing shut as he turned to face them and ordered their destination. He turned his head slightly and saw Kathryn's furrowed eyebrows. He waited patiently for her to speak, knowing that she would state her concerns when she was ready. He was not disappointed.

"I don't like this," she stated dryly catching Chakotay's eyes with her own. It was then that he noticed the pain clouding her usually clear blue eyes.

"Are you alright," he asked his voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine."

Chakotay raised both of his eyebrows at that comment, folded his arms across his chest and waited for the truthful answer. Kathryn rolled her eyes at him before giving in to his silent command.

"It's just a headache. I read too many reports."

Chakotay was about to say something when the doors parted and Kathryn exited the small lift. They walked side by side as they neared sickbay. Kathryn was just about to enter when Chakotay laid a hand on her arm.

"I don't like it either," he stated quietly, giving her arm a quick squeeze and showing her she was not the only one with concerns and that she was not alone. Her lips twitched slightly in thanks before Chakotay let go of her arm and stood in the doors sensor range. The doors parted to show the Doctor and Kes working on their new patient.

- - - - - - - - - -

Seska is dead. The sentence constantly repeated itself in Chakotay's mind, but that wasn't what was troubling him. The fact that his son had been supposedly taken to be treated as a slave practically ate him up inside but still that wasn't what kept plaguing him, it was the fact that he didn't believe a word of what Terna, the Kazon man they rescued, was saying.

He didn't trust this man and he was going to make sure that his story checked out, which was why he was heading towards engineering and meeting with B'Elanna and Harry. Another thing that bothered him greatly was the fact that when he heard of Seska's death it hardly bothered him - of course he wouldn't of wished it upon her despite of what she did - but he assumed he would feel something, instead he just felt worry for his son and not to mention the safety of Voyager.

He marched purposefully through the doors into engineering, heading directly towards the debris that had come from the shuttle. He ran his hands over the battered surface before facing B'Elanna who was working at a console to his right.

"Have you found anything at all that would cast doubt on his story?" He asked making eye contact with both Harry and B'Elanna.

Harry looked thoughtful, his scientific mind running through all the facts and all of the evidence they had found, finally coming up with a conclusion. He shook his head as he replied to Chakotay's question.

"No."

Chakotay took a deep breath, trying desperately to reign in his emotions, slowly he released it and his emotions caused it to shudder slightly.

"I still don't trust him," he stated before turning away from his friends and leaving the room.

B'Elanna's eyes followed Chakotay as he left engineering, a frown on her face. She knew that this whole situation was taking its toll on her old friend and she was really worried about him. She turned to face Harry, his face sharing the same look of concern that was present on her face.

She sighed and leant heavily on the console in front of her, taking deep breaths to try and prevent her anger from taking control of her. She growled as she smashed her hands into the console, cursing in Klingon under her breath. Harry grabbed her hands to prevent her from delivering another blow to the console.

"Take it easy, B'Elanna," Harry soothed, letting go of her hands when she pulled away from him. She began pacing and muttering under her breath.

"I swear if Seska was still alive I would rip her apart with my bare hands."

Harry chuckled at her immediately catching her attention; she spun around to face him, ready to give him a piece of her mind, but as she saw the look on his face she stopped. Harry stopped his laughter and became serious as he spoke.

"I think you would have to get in line, Marquis," he said as he handed her another piece of hull fragment. She took it from him, a slight grin forming on her mouth.

"I suppose I would…" she stated, punching commands into the console. "Who do you think would be first, Starfleet?"

"What…you mean after Chakotay." They both let out some laughter before B'Elanna glanced back at the doors.

"I just hope he's ok," she whispered, talking more to herself then to Harry. Harry nodded slightly showing his agreement with that statement before getting back to work.

- - - - - - - - - -

The constant beeping of consoles was eroding her control to such an extent that she felt like walking off of the bridge, not only did it make her headache intensify but it was extremely irritating. Kathryn was worried and that didn't help matters at all, she didn't like anything about this situation but was confident that they were prepared for an attack, even if her instincts were screaming at her to turn back. She always had been and always would be a scientist at heart; therefore facts and figures were more important than gut feeling.

Another reason for why she was on edge was because she hadn't had a proper conversation with Chakotay, outside of ships business, since they had been informed of Seska's supposed execution.

Realizing that her thoughts were running away from her she repeatedly blinked her eyes and refocused on the information Harry was showing her, placing everything else at the back of her mind.

Voyager was travelling around the Tanarous cluster. It was a six day trip at warp two and they were already one day into the journey. According to their new found friend Terna, there were many Kazon sects that roamed the area and they were loyal to no one, meaning that they would likely attack the ship with out provocation.

"Vessel approaching, co-ordinates 314 mark 21," Tom Paris announced instantly gaining the attention of all the bridge crew and pulling Kathryn out of her own silent reverie. He turned to face the ops console waiting to hear his orders and hopefully gain new information.

"Signature is Kazon," Harry informed them, his voice showing the tiniest hint of worry.

Kathryn walked around the Ops console and headed towards Tuvok's station, her whole posture giving off waves of confidence.

"Red alert, configuration of the ship Mr. Tuvok," she listened to Tuvok's report resting her fore arm on the console and staring intently at the view screen. She felt the ship shudder slightly, obviously getting hit by weapons. The fire in her eyes intensified as she glanced at Harry.

"Shields are holding."

She met Chakotay's eyes as he turned to face her and they shared a silent communication.

"Return fire!" She snapped.

Tuvok immediately followed her orders, aiming phasers at the small vessels and firing them in the standard pattern. The enemy vessel at first fought back but after a second hit from Voyagers phasers it pulled away.

"The raider is breaking off its attack," Tuvok stated calmly, still entering commands into his console.

"Minor damage to secondary command processors on deck twelve, EPS power supplies and isolinear controllers are off-line. No casualties though," reported Kim.

"Begin repairs Mr. Kim any other signs of Kazon ships Lieutenant?" Kathryn questioned.

"Nothing on long range sensors, the raider is continuing to retreat. We should have a couple of hours to ourselves…at least," Paris responded happily.

"Good we could use them. Stand down red alert." She began to walk away but Tom's voice stopped her in her track.

"Captain we are about to go beyond the comm. range of the Talaxian colony…just thought you would like to know."

Kathryn looked at the view screen for a few moments before returning her gaze back to Tom. She nodded as she spoke.

"Thank you lieutenant, maintain current course."

- - - - - - - - - -

Chakotay rang the door chime for the third time. Kathryn had wanted to meet with him at her quarters for an evening drink, which basically meant that she wanted to talk to him not that he minded much, he enjoyed their conversation and had actually missed her today as both of them had been busy with ships business.

Having had enough of waiting he put his override code into the door panel. The doors parted and he chuckled quietly to himself at the sight that greeted him. Kathryn was sprawled across her desk, her head rested on her folded arms with a PADD held in her hand resting on her forehead.

Chakotay glided stealthily across the room, covering the distance between them in a matter of seconds. He lowered his head so that his mouth was next to her ear.

"Kathryn."

Only the silence answered him and he couldn't help the laugh that escaped his throat. He quickly smothered it by placing a hand over his mouth. He knew that she had been suffering with a headache all day and really didn't want to wake her; she had enough difficulty sleeping as it was.

He pried the PADD out of her limp hand and quickly scanned the contents. Genetic engineering techniques that could improve hydroponics productivity, by… Sudor, he read. His eyebrows rose slightly at the name of the author before he laid the PADD back on the desk.

Wrapping one arm under Kathryn's shoulder and the other behind her knees he gently lifted her up from the chair, cradling her form against his chest. Kathryn moaned slightly before snuggling closer to him making Chakotay smile tenderly. He quickly entered her bedroom and used his foot to kick the covers back before laying her down and removing her boots and jacket.

He tried to untangle himself from her arms but she refused to let him go, after finally admitting defeat he removed his own shoes and laid down beside her, pulling the covers over them as he did. He pulled Kathryn closer wrapping his arms around her and placed a kiss on her temple.

"Love you Chak…" Kathryn mumbled sleepily, snuggling even closer into his embrace.

Chakotay's eyes widened as he heard that, she had never actually been the first one to say it and even if she was asleep it still made his heart swell.

"I love you too," he whispered as his eyes closed a joyful smile still present on his face.

- - - - - - - -

"Captains Log Supplemental…None of the four Kazon attacks have caused serious damage but the starboard ventral has been hit each time complicating repairs on the secondary command processors."

- - - - - - - -

"You are making an adequate recovery Mr. Terna. The only matter that I simply cannot is this lingering Polysethemia," the Doctor informed his Kazon patient, frustration evident in his voice due to the fact he hadn't figured out the problem.

He flicked his medical tricorder open and began to run some more scans, studying the man before him as he did. If truth be told the Doctor couldn't wait to get rid of his patient, his attitude was unwanted and the Doctor could honestly say he had had enough of the typical Kazon arrogance.

"I feel fine," the Kazon growled whilst walking away from the EMH heading directly for the exit; however the security officer present prevented him from going any further.

The Doctor continued his questioning, determined to find the cause of the problem. After realizing he was getting nowhere the Doctor gave his usual sarcastic remark and snapped his tricorder shut, muttering to himself as he walked away.

Seeing the Doctor walk away Terna seized his opportunity and strode confidently towards the doors, his fists clenched at his sides. The opened instantly and just as he was about to take his first step through them and into the corridor, he walked straight into Commander Chakotay.

Chakotay eyed up his opponent, taking in his scruffy appearance, which all Kazon seemed to be born with. The blue clothing the man wore intensified the orange, brown colour of his skin making it appear darker than it actually was. His eyes shone with an emotion that Chakotay didn't want to decipher.

"Feeling better?" Chakotay asked sarcastically barely hiding his mistrust and dislike.

"I'm sure I'll make a complete recovery," Terna retorted. "Just in time for the Geema colonies defence force to destroy us all."

"You're still not optimistic about our chances...are you?"

"No!"

"We've had no problem repelling the attacks so far," Chakotay stated in an even voice.

"Attacks!" Terna scoffed. "When there is a real Nistrum attack you will know it."

Chakotay's eyes narrowed at Terna's smug tone.

"You still have pride in the Nistrum, don't you Terna? Even after what they did to you. I remember that pride in you're eyes when you pounded me with you're fists, while I was tied to a chair!" Chakotay stated the volume of his voice increasing slightly towards the end of his sentence. "And I can see it in your eyes now and that scares the hell out of me."

"You must scare easily Federation," Terna mocked his eyes looking down at Chakotay as if he was a piece of dirt on his boot. Terna spun away from Chakotay, his back now towards him.

That was the final straw. Everything that Chakotay had been holding back since he relieved Seska's cry for help exploded in a fit of rage and it was all aimed towards Terna. Chakotay grabbed hold of the Kazon mans neck, spun him around and shoved his back against the wall, his hands never loosing their grip.

"Tell me something Terna," Chakotay spat. "Every Kazon attack seems to focus on our starboard ventral. Think that might be some kind of pattern."

"I wouldn't know," Terna's low voice grumbled. He tried to remove himself from Chakotay's grip but Chakotay shoved him back into the wall again.

"Because if it is and you've been lying to us…"

"Commander Chakotay," The Doctor cried interrupting Chakotay's private interrogation. Chakotay quickly glanced at the EMH. "Not in my sickbay…please."

Chakotay desperately tried to control his breathing and was just about to respond when sirens sounded throughout the ship announcing red alert. He forcefully pulled his hands away from the Kazon's throat; still glaring into the other mans eyes. After no more then a second he turned away and marched towards the bridge, leaving the security guard in charge of escort their guest to his secured quarters, which were located next door to Sudor's.

- - - - - - - - - -

As soon as Voyager began to reverse course - to try and gain an understanding of the recent attacks - eight large Kazon carrier vessels started on an intercept course towards Voyager. The bridge crew, following the Captains orders, quickly put all their past preparations into action, including the use of echo displacement and the holographic ships, both emitting Talaxian signals.

Kathryn strode towards her chair, her command mask perfectly in place, not allowing a flicker of fear or apprehension to show through her mask of cool and calm confidence. She swiftly lowered herself into her chair and crossed her legs as she rested her arms on the arms of the chair. She took a deep, steadying breath before announcing calmly.

"Battle stations!"

Tbc...

Reviews are more then welcome!