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Chapter 4: The Trade
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Admiral Cartwright placed a datapad on the table and pushed it towards Janeway. "Well, Captain. My people have reviewed Voyager's damage report with the help of your crew." She picked it up and reviewed the content before handing it to Seven. Chakotay looked on in silence as the proceedings continued. Cartwright sighed and sat down across from them. "The damage is substantial, but as you said, the essentials are all you really need. Your people can then repair the minor damages as you see fit."

"Thank you, Admiral," Janeway spoke. "All that we need to discuss now is method of payment."

"Indeed," Cartwright agreed. "I'm willing to hear what you have to offer."

"We've spoken to some of the cadets here on Corneria and they have voiced some concerns over keeping the level of defenses that you currently maintain," Chakotay spoke up.

"Yes," Cartwright nodded, "We have had trouble keeping Corneria and the rest of the planets that we currently control properly supplied. We've had to pull more and more resources from abroad just to keep us alive here. Venom and its army is bleeding us dry and they know it." Cartwright sighed and shook his head. "We can't bare a siege of any sort because we can't risk losing the troops. We're in a tight spot, that's for sure."

"Well, in that case, Admiral," Janeway soothed, "we have something that you might find useful. Imagine not having to worry about supplies any more, because you no longer have to wait to grow them, or make them."

"Indeed, Captain?" Cartwright leaned forward. "Well, you've certainly piqued my curiosity."

"We have technology that you can use to reproduce anything you need, and we are prepared to trade it for the essential items on our list."

Cartwright stood up and paced behind his chair as he thought on the offer.

"A demonstration can be arranged, if need be, Admiral," Seven spoke up, sensing the man's reluctance. Cartwright looked up at her and smiled.

"Yes," Cartwright nodded, "I would most certainly prefer to examine the goods before I decide."

"Then I see no point in wasting time," Janeway stood up. "Shall we?"

Cartwright stood up straight and gave Janeway an appraising look. He nodded once as Chakotay and Seven stood. Janeway tapped her COM Badge.

"Janeway to Voyager. Four to beam up."

"Replicator technology is derived from the existing transporter theories and technology. Basic matter is broken down and then, instead of rearranging the particles into its original form, they are reconfigured to create any number of substances." Seven stood before a replicator in Voyager's mess hall. Admiral Cartwright cocked an eyebrow.

"So what your saying is that I can just tell this computer to make something and it will?" He asked incredulously.

"As long as the computer is programmed with the molecular configuration of whatever it is you are trying to create, then yes."

"Fascinating." Cartwright muttered.

"Try it." Seven urged gently. Cartwright hesitated briefly and then turned to the replicator.

"Um...computer, a ham sandwich." He shrugged. Almost immediately, a ham sandwich on a plate materialized on the replicator's pad. Admiral Cartwright's eyes widened in astonishment as Seven picked up the plate and offered it to him. He turned his gaze from the plate to Seven and she nodded. He swallowed heavily and then picked up the sandwich. He turned it over a few times and then took a tentative bite.

"Not bad...not bad," He mumbled around a mouthful of sandwich. "Remarkable device. What powers it?" He asked placing the sandwich back on the plate.

"The replicator is configured to draw power from the ship's internal resources. However, it can be modified to operate with your own systems." Seven explained, clasping her hands behind her back.

"Does this thing come with an instruction manual?" Cartwright placed the plate down on the nearest table.

"One of our crew members will be able to teach your people the necessary skills to operate and maintain the replicator. I hope you find everything satisfactory?"

"Indeed I do." The Admiral smiled darkly. "Tell Captain Janeway that the supplies she requested will be delivered as soon as the replicators have been installed and adapted to our Cornerian Base."