Truths Revealed - Chapter 4 - Unwanted Truth
He felt numb. The only thing that registered in his senses was an increasing numbness that seemed to be developing into a cloud of despair, surrounding his whole body. They had taken Kathryn and Chakotay felt the blame falling heavily on his shoulders. The only thing he couldn't figure out was why Cullah had kept Kathryn. He knew that the man had a deep resentment that boarded on loathing for her, mainly because she had outwitted and embarrassed him on more than one occasion insulting his overdeveloped pride in the process, but it still seemed out of character to keep Kathryn on the ship. Not to mention that it seemed like a very last minute decision on his part. In fact the idea had Seska written all over it and for that reason alone Chakotay felt the guilt, but as strong as the guilt was, nothing could smother the overwhelming fear and worry he felt for Kathryn's safety.
Pulling strength out from a source he didn't even know existed Chakotay pulled his face into a mask of indifference, knowing that his own personal despair needed to take a back seat. The crews' very survival depended on it, not to mention that they were depending on him to help them through this situation because command fell to him now that Kathryn was gone. He glanced around at the faces of his fellow officers and noticed that his worry was reflected on their faces. There wasn't a single person here who wasn't loyal to the Captain and it was hurting them to know that she was in the hands of a race as brutal as the Kazon. It didn't help that the officers present on the bridge had witnessed the treatment Cullah gave her beforehand, not to mention the scene they all witnessed before they took her.
He tried to look each of them in the eye, hoping to give them reassurance.
"All right people we need to separate into groups. Our main priorities are going to be shelter, food and water. I'll lead Alpha and look for shelter; I think our best bet will be to head towards the mountain area. Tuvok take beta and look for food and water…"
"Commander may I also suggest that we look for a means to defend ourselves. It is possible that we are not alone on this planet and it would be logical to be prepared for any circumstance," Tuvok added. Chakotay nodded his head in response, immediately agreeing with the Vulcan.
"Right in that case Tuvok, your team can look for a means to defend ourselves in case the need arises. Harry you lead Gamma and search for any food and water. Neelix I want you to help Harry, you have experience in scavenging for food supplies, we will certainly need it now. My team will head over there," He stated gesturing towards the cave like structure. "Keep an eye out for everything, if you find something you think is remotely edible then bring it back, the same goes for weapons and water. We will meet there in one hour. B'Elanna you're with me."
"Yes sir!"
Chakotay watched as the crew set about the tasks they were given and did a quick scan to make sure everyone was alright. He noticed Samantha Wildman struggling to settle the baby and walk at the same time and immediately went to offer assistance.
"Here Sam, let me help," He offered whilst lifting Naomi out of her arms, even though Sam protested. "You can't push yourself, "he said gently before raising his voice and repeating the order to the others. Sam sighed in resignation and shot a grateful look at Chakotay.
"Thank you Sir," Sam said quietly as she slowly studied her surroundings. Chakotay immediately noticed the concern in her eyes and set out to reassure her.
"We will be fine Sam," Chakotay said with more conviction then he actually felt. He gently cradled Naomi to his chest and rubbed his hand up and down the baby's back as Sam returned her gaze to his face. She nodded almost absentmindedly as she removed Naomi from his arms, kissing her forehead tenderly before she cradled her comfortably back in her arms.
B'Elanna marched up to them before Sam could voice a reply.
"Chakotay, I think we've found a suitable shelter…well as suitable as we can probably find on this planet."
Chakotay gave Sam's shoulder a brief squeeze before following B'Elanna to what was to be there new home. Sam followed them closely, desperate to shade Naomi from the overwhelming glare of the sun. The cave like structure turned out to be a small opening that led into quite a large opening, shielded from the more harsh elements of the planet. It wasn't exactly luxury but it would do and was certainly better then nothing.
Some of the crew that were on Chakotay's team were already searching the area already remembering the survival skills they had learnt long ago. Chakotay felt the pride he had for this group of people increase rapidly. Kathryn had certainly taught them well.
"Sir, there doesn't seem to be much in this area. We haven't found any water yet and the only plant life around here seems to be as dry as the rest of the planet," Ensign Olivia Brown stated whilst holding up the plant in question. "Well that and some bugs." She pointed over to a small hole in the ground and sure enough the first thing Chakotay noticed was the white slug like creatures squirming in there. "They appear to be edible," she said after a moment's hesitation.
Chakotay moved closer to the hole containing the crews would be dinner and grabbed a handful of the bugs pulling them closer to his face. He noticed their lack of colour and that brought back a memory of one of his Fathers teachings even if it was vague due to the fact that he never appreciated nor paid attention to his Fathers lessons. Luckily for him he had some recall of the memory not to mention his Starfleet survival training that reinforced his knowledge. He remembered his Father telling him that the more inviting and colourful an insect or plant is the more deadly they would be and the insects before him were anything but colourful.
He glanced back up to Olivia and gave her a rueful grin.
"So they are, good job Olivia," he praised.
"Thank you sir but I think we should wait until after we taste them before you complement me on my food finding skills," She replied with amusement and reluctance in her voice. Chakotay couldn't help but smile and was relieved to see that they could still joke in a time like this. Pulling himself upright he cleared his throat to gain the groups attention.
"Alright everyone we have found our first food source," He announced holding up his hand that held the insects, a few of them dropping to the ground in the process. "Now I know they're not what we're used to but we don't have the option to be fussy. This is about survival and to survive we will eat what we have to." Chakotay made sure to look as many of the crew in the eye as he could notice some of the crews' disgusted expression. "I will make it an order if I have to. Do I make myself clear?"
"Aye Sir," Came the chorus of replies.
"Good," he stated before turning on his heels and walking towards B'Elanna who was leaning uncomfortably on a rock.
"How are you doing B'Ela?"
"How do you think," She snapped as she glared at him. "We've just lost our home to that conniving bitch Seska and her gang of Kazon Targs. We've been left to rot on a dried up, overheated rock and if that's not bad enough they took the Captain, the one person we probably need more than anyone at the minute and are doing who knows what to her! And Tom…" She stood up and kicked a small rock causing it to fly across ground into the cavern wall and was breathing heavily when she turned to face him again, then she sighed in defeat rubbing her forehead as if it would erase the emotion whirling inside of her.
"Sorry Chak."
"It's alright B'Ela, I feel the same way," He replied in a low voice. "But we have to stay strong and help everyone pull through this. It's what the Captain would have done," He said quietly as he turned his gaze towards the horizon, hoping to hide his emotions from his old friend. B'Elanna smiled gently at his back before replying just as quietly.
"Yeah your right." She took a deep breath and briefly closed her eyes. "I just hope she is ok."
"Me to B'Elanna…me too."
- - - - - - - - - -
The relentless pounding behind her eyes brought Kathryn crashing back into consciousness. She tried to sit up but the motion automatically made her head spin and forced her stomach to lurch in objection. The dizziness and nausea caused her body to fall back, against her minds objections, onto the uncomfortable surface she was laid out on, as her head hit the surface another sharp stab of pain shot through her head forcing a painful gasp from her throat. She carefully brought her hand to the spot where the pain originated from and bit her lip to stop herself crying out again as the pain intensified with the touch. When she brought her hand back into her eye line she immediately saw the blood coating her fingers and knew in an instant that she probably had a concussion, having had many experiences dealing with them before and noticing the symptoms she was experiencing now.
Fatigue began to settle over her and she felt her eyes drooping instantly to try and obey her body's commands, but her common sense wouldn't let her sleep knowing that if she did she probably wouldn't wake up. Instead she closed off the pain in her mind, using an old Vulcan technique Tuvok had taught her and was eventually able to lift herself into a sitting position facing the opposite wall of the room she was in. Although still dizzy she forced her head to turn, allowing her eyes to scan the room around her. Even though her concussion made it very difficult to think clearly she instantly recognized the room. She would know any part of her ship by sound alone. She was in her own brig, which meant that everything that happened wasn't just some terrible nightmare. Seska and the Kazon's had control of Voyager and she had been separated from her crew. Her eyes began to close again before a sound outside of the force field caught her attention.
"Well look at how the mighty have fallen," Seska taunted as she stood before the force field, a smug smile gracing her features. "The great Kathryn Janeway behind a force field in her own brig." Kathryn heard the tell tail sounds of a force field deactivating and desperately wanted to stand up to face Seska properly but she knew there was no way her body was going to allow that, so instead she settled for her most defiant stare and indifferent attitude.
"What do you want Seska?"
Before she knew what was happening she felt Seska's fist smashing into the side of her face, throwing her off of the cot in the process. Kathryn's vision went black around the edges before she forced herself to stand, albeit shakily, on her feet. She ignored the lurching of her stomach, refusing to even consider backing down to Seska.
"I don't believe it," Seska spat disbelievingly. "You're even more arrogant and foolish when you clearly have the lower hand and can in know way beat me. How does it feel to have everything ripped away from you Janeway, your ship…your crew." she laughed bitterly as she advanced on Kathryn. "…Chakotay. Tell me Janeway how long have you been sleeping with him," she spat. "I bet that's how you got him to agree to combining the crews in the first place, isn't it! God dam Starfleet whore!"
Seska threw another punch but Kathryn was ready for that one and spun out of the way, unfortunately the move caused her dizziness to increase and left her completely venerable to Seska's attack.
Seska grabbed her and hurled her into the wall, causing her head to bounce off from it painfully and her vision to darken further.
"Let me tell you this I am going to make your life hell from now on. You took Chakotay away from me so I'm going to take everything from you. When I'm done you will beg for me to end your life!"
With the last bit of strength she possessed in her body Kathryn replied and gave her the best defiant glare she could form. When she spoke her voice was pure ice.
"You're wrong Seska! I didn't make Chakotay leave you. You did that all by yourself!"
The last thing she heard was Seska's furious scream as her fist connected with her face once again.
- - - - - - - - - -
Smoke filled the entire cabin making both seeing and breathing difficult for Tom as he worked to repair the damaged components of the shuttle. The task was made even more difficult by the broken debris and shuttle pieces that blocked his pathway to different parts of the cabin, preventing easy access to all of the shuttles systems. With a stubborn determination he kicked the objects out of his way and made his way to the console he needed.
"Computer, repeat stabilizer diagnostic."
"Damage has been detected in the stabilizer acceleration sensors," the feminine computer voice replied. Tom exhaled loudly in frustration and began breathing more rapidly.
"I just repaired the acceleration sensors!"
"Warning, vessel approaching on intercept course," The computer warned unemotionally. Tom closed his eyes as he pushed his body up from the floor and quickly made his way to the helm.
"Signature."
"Kazon patrol vessel."
As if wanting to prove their presence the vessel fired on the shuttle causing Tom to fall into his seat. He began entering instructions into the helm to avoid and escape the paroling Kazon. He was in no doubt that they were looking for him.
"Dammit I don't have time for this," he cried in irritation, his hands never leaving his console. More weapons fire hit the shuttle causing it to jolt harder under the strain.
"I don't have time for this!" He quickly punched in some more instructions ignoring the sizzling sounds he could hear behind him. "Computer all stop."
The whole shuttle shut down and came to a complete halt in the middle of space. It happened so quickly that the Kazon flew straight past it, giving Tom the time he needed.
"Engage impulse," he ordered and the shuttle sprang back to life in an instant. Tom rapidly took aim on the patrol vessel and activated the phasers. He watched in satisfaction as the orange beams cut through the black of space and hit the shield of the vessel repeatedly before it exploded into a great ball of orange flame so that there was nothing left of the vessel. Without hesitation he left the area.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Commander," Neelix cried, rushing towards Chakotay at a surprising speed. "Commander…" At the sound of his rank being called Chakotay snapped his head around to face the Talaxian. The worry and near panic evident in Neelix's voice instantly putting him on alert.
"Neelix calm down," Chakotay prompted as the Talaxian stopped in front of him, clearly out of breath from his sprint. Chakotay looked up quickly to study his surroundings, noticing both Tuvok's and Harry's team now entering the cave, solemn looks on their faces. "Neelix, what happened?"
"Commander…" Neelix held up what looked to be several different rags. "We lost Mr. Hogan," He informed everyone sadly, his normally happy expression tinged with a great sadness. "I left him to gather some bones we discovered near a tunnel opening, I only turned my back on him for a second, then we all heard him scream and he was gone. That's all that is left."
Chakotay extracted the remaining bits of uniform out of the other mans hands and studied the left over bits of cloth closely. Chakotay felt his anger at the Kazon's and Seska intensify as his grip tightened on the clothing in his hand, not only had they taken Voyager and left them on this hardly habitable planet, not to mention taken their Captain away from them but they had now indirectly been the cause of a death. He took a deep breath and shut his emotions away, putting them to the back of his mind where he could deal with them in private.
"Do you know what happened? Did you see or hear…" Chakotay asked hoping that someone could at least give him a partial answer. His voice was deceptively calm and neutral hiding the fact that inside he was screaming in turmoil.
"We found no evidence of any kind at the sight of the incident," Tuvok stated in his usual detached manner.
"This is all my fault," Neelix murmured. "If I hadn't of…"
"You shouldn't blame yourself Neelix," Kes interrupted. "It was no ones fault. You couldn't have known this was going to happen. Nobody could." She held his hand and gave it a firm squeeze as if to emphasize her point.
"Kes is right Neelix, you shouldn't blame yourself… From now on we stay away from the tunnels. Kes I want you to make sure that everyone knows the tunnel areas are off limits." Kes nodded and left the group leaving just Harry, Neelix and Tuvok standing with Chakotay. "Tuvok did you find anything we could use as weapons?"
"I have already begun to design some rudimentary devices, Commander."
"Good. Harry did you find any food or water? We found some edible insects earlier but we will need more."
"I'm sorry sir but we couldn't find anything," Harry replied regretfully.
"It's alright Harry," Chakotay said whilst looking thoughtfully at the uniform in his hands. "Why don't you sit down and have a rest. Tell the rest of the crew to get some rest as well."
"Yes sir," Harry replied before walking over to B'Elanna. Chakotay watched them for a few seconds before turning to Tuvok.
"I think I can make solar stills with the materials of this uniform. That should give us water tomorrow." Tuvok raised his eyebrow in acknowledgement.
"A prudent course of action."
"Yeah, just not very appealing," Chakotay stated as he walked away.
- - - - - - - - - -
The Doctor hid quietly at the back of his office studying the readouts from the console he was looking at. He had activated himself about an hour before and had been desperately studying all the information he could get his hands on, hoping that in some way he could help his crewmates. He was just about to enter another command when he heard the doors to sickbay hiss open and Seska's voice boom in the silence.
"Activate emergency medical holographic programme." Seska marched over to the main biobed and gently placed her son on its surface.
The doctor quietly made his way from his hiding place and made his way out into the main area of sickbay.
"Please state the nature of the medical emergency," He asked in his usual manner, deciding that it was best to play along until he could form a proper plan and save the ship and crew. He would have to act as if he didn't care and wasn't worried about his crewmates, which to the Doctor seemed like a difficult task considering the fact that he had never felt as worried about something as he did now.
"Hello Doctor," Seska said cheerfully as she studied him intently. "Remember me?"
"How could I forget such an intriguing medical mystery? A Bajoran crewman with a Cardassian physiology," The Doctor responded. "How are you Seska?" Seska smiled at him in amusement before he continued. "I see we have a new passenger."
"Doctor I have to inform you about a change of command. I'm curious as to how you'll react. The Kazon Nistrum have taken Voyager," Seska question lightly as she gazed at him curiously. The Doctor turned away to pick up a tricorder before answering her in a nonchalant manner.
"How interesting." He quickly scanned the infant, deliberately ignoring Seska's stare.
"Does your programme have any problem with that?"
"One humanoid is pretty much the same as another from a holographic point of view," He replied as he snapped the tricorder shut. "I'm programmed to provide medical care to anyone who needs it."
"Tell me…is it in your programme capabilities to lie or be deceptive," Seska questioned disbelievingly.
"I've learned that a bedside manner occasionally requires me to...how should I put it…soft peddle the truth, but bold face lying, calculated deceit, I don't have much experience with that sort of thing…but my programme is adaptive. If you really need me to be deceptive, I'm sure I could learn."
"It's not exactly what I meant," Seska retorted sarcastically. "I think we'll keep you just as you are."
"As you wish," He sighed. "Your baby is in good health."
Seska lovingly picked up her son and cradled him against her chest as she spoke.
"You don't know how primitive Kazon medicine is. I'm sure Chakotay would be glad to know your looking after his son."
The Doctor stopped his work in surprise to Seska's comment.
"Chakotay's son," He questioned. "That isn't Chakotay's son."
"But your wrong doctor," Seska said as her smile faulted slightly. "I impregnated myself with his DNA."
"That may have been your intention…but it certainly wasn't the result," The Doctor informed her with false sympathy. "Here see for yourself." He gestured to the console displaying the results of his tests.
Seska slowly walked forward her face falling into an expression of shock and despair.
"Your child has Cardassian DNA strands here and Kazon DNA strands here," He informed her as he indicated the strands on the screen. "Human DNA has a significantly different nucleotide sequence."
"But I was so certain…he looks…"Seska fumbled over her words giving the Doctor his chance to interrupt.
"He's the first offspring of a Cardassian and a Kazon. We have no frame of reference by which to judge his initial appearance. Perhaps he will develop more Kazon features as he matures."
"Maje Cullah will be so pleased," Seska said bitterly. "End medical holographic program!"
As the Doctor began to fade away he watched in satisfaction as Seska stormed out of sickbay. As soon as the doors shut behind her retreating figure he materialized and began to record his log. As the futility of the situation his him he began talking to himself winding himself up into a further state of turmoil. As he calmed himself down an idea suddenly struck him and he marched over to his desk and spun the console around to face him as he lowered himself into his chair.
"Maybe I could access the tactical database. Teach myself guerrilla warfare…but that would take time. Computer what is the crew compliment?"
"There are eighty nine Kazon…"
"Eighty nine," The Doctor sighed and rubbed his forehead with his hand.
"…one Betazoid and one human on board." The last comment made the Doctors head snap up in surprise.
"What did you say? Betazoid and Human."
"There is one Betazoid and on Human on board," The computer confirmed as the Doctor jumped out of his seat.
"Where…who?"
"Please restate a single question."
"Who are they?"
"Crewman Lorne Sudor and Captain Kathryn Janeway."
"Captain Janeway…where is she?"
"Captain Kathryn Janeway is in the main brig." The Doctor hung his head as he digested this new piece of information.
"Is there anyone else I present in that location?"
"There are five Kazon present in that area." The Doctor sighed in frustration; there was no way he could get the Captain out with that many guards present, without alerting the whole ship. What was even more concerning was the fact that the Kazon were obviously keeping her as a prisoner and would have her guarded at all times. He was instantly worried about her well being.
"Computer what is Captain Janeway's status," The doctor asked reluctantly, already knowing he wasn't going to like the answer.
"Captain Janeway is unconscious." As he heard that statement the Doctor shut his eyes in an attempt to forget his concern. The Captain could look after herself, his first priority was getting the ship back, and then he could save the Captain. He couldn't do either if he was caught in a foolish rescue attempt. He needed a plan and he needed some help.
"Computer, locate Crewman Sudor."
"Between decks eight and nine." Quickly tapping his comm badge the Doctor hailed Sudor, desperately hoping that the man would answer.
Sudor immediately answered and the Doctor quickly filled him in on the situation.
"Can you make it to sickbay?" The doctor asked hopefully.
"I think so," Sudor added after a moments pause, mentally calculating his route and the time it would take to get to the Doctor. Meanwhile the Doctor locked out Sudor's comm badge signal and deleted any evidence of it from the ships computer.
"Doctor I'm on my way now," Sudor announced before disconnecting the comm link.
Sinking back into his chair the Doctor returned his attention to his computer console.
- - - - - - - - - -
Seska silently seethed under her carefully controlled and calm exterior. As if sensing the tension from his mother the baby began to stir and small murmurs of protest came from his mouth. Seska gently placed her lips on his forehead humming quietly under her breath. It instantly had an effect and the murmurs quickly died down as his eyes slid shut, sending him into a deep and hopefully long slumber.
Without conscious thought she entered Chakotay's old quarters and headed straight for the bedroom, her eyes immediately falling on the silken nightgown that she had threw on the floor earlier. Stifling a cry of rage she quickly placed her son on the bed, making sure she tucked him in securely before she snatched the offending garment from the floor and stormed out into the main room, immediately throwing the nightgown into the recycler, just as the doors parted allowing Cullah entrance.
"Seska," He roared. "I've been looking for you."
"Cullah," She spat back turning to face him with anger in her eyes. "I've just got De'may to sleep. He isn't going to stay that way with you shouting!"
"You forget who you're talking to women," Cullah sneered as he fiercely grabbed her chin. Faking submission Seska gently rested her hand on top of his and looked up into his eyes sorrowfully.
"I'm sorry Maje," She placated expertly. "I didn't mean to be disrespectful."
"Of course you didn't," He replied sarcastically. "You never do. I'm just glad you're not as bad as Janeway. You women from this Alpha quadrant all need to be put in your place!"
"Yes Maje." Seska resisted the urge to roll her eyes as he pulled her into his lap.
"Speaking of Janeway," He said, spitting out her name in disgust. "Has she finally lost her arrogance now that I have taken her ship and crew away from her?" He began to gently caress Seska's hair, pulling the strands through his fingers, surprising Seska slightly with the tenderness of the action.
"Hardly," Seska scoffed. "If anything she is more arrogant then before!"
"Well then we'll just have to get rid of that arrogance for her won't we," He replied smugly whilst raising his lips to hover over her own.
"I can't wait," Seska returned as she closed the distance between them.
- - - - - - - - - -
Chakotay sat silently on a rock on the edge of their new make shift camp, away from the prying eyes of the crew. Now that he was alone he could finally give his emotions the release they needed. All of the pent up anger and frustration hit him with a vengeance making him pick up the nearest stone and hurling it through the air. The effort left him deflated and unsure of himself, he felt off balance with everything around him. Without Kathryn he had no centre and it was something he craved for badly, he missed her smile and laugh, hell, he even missed her angry ranting and bad moods.
His concern for her safety was overwhelming and it made him slump back onto the rock, holding his head in his hands.
"Kathryn…" He sighed raggedly whilst studying the shadows dancing across the ground, created by the flames from the fire further in the cavern.
"Commander," Tuvok interrupted. Chakotay looked up at the Vulcan in irritation.
"Yes Tuvok, what can I do for you?" Tuvok merely raised an eyebrow at his biting tone.
"Nothing Commander, I was merely insuring your safety. It would be wise not to leave the group without alerting someone."
"Yes Tuvok, I know but right now I have a lot on my mind and I needed to get away and just be alone!"
"You are referring to your concern of the Captains safety," Tuvok stated simply, moving to stand beside Chakotay.
"Of course I am. I'm not like some people, I actually feel emotion," He snapped.
"Commander, although Vulcan's do not actually express emotion in the way humans do. We do feel. I am not immune to the effects of the Captains absence and am deeply concerned for her safety. She is a…treasured friend." Chakotay stopped his surprise from showing at the use of Tuvok's words.
"I'm sorry Tuvok," Chakotay sighed as he rubbed his hands over his face. "I'm not dealing with this to well."
"On the contrary Commander, you are handling the situation logically and wisely. I cannot fault your decisions in any way." Chakotay nodded in acceptance and thanks before the Vulcan continued. "I must say that I am…surprised at your level of control, considering your intimate relationship with the Captain."
Chakotay's head shot up at the last comment.
"What…how did you..?"
"I have always studied the crew closely, the Captain even more so. When you both returned to Voyager after you were cured from the insect bite, your relationship was strained, but the tension dissipated fairly quickly and after following your growing friendship beforehand, I came to the logical conclusion."
"I just hope she's alright," Chakotay stated as he gazed up at the stars.
"As do I."
