DISCLAIMER: See prologue.
ACT 4
Transporter Room, immediately following:
The tricorder was still whining as the team materialized on the transporter pads. Tuvok immediately shut it off, to everyone's relief.
"Transporter room, do you have them?" Janeway's demanded over the com.
"Everyone's safe and accounted for, Captain," said Chakotay. "We have the transceiver. I'm going to take a moment to get out of this thermal suit and then get it to B'Elanna for analysis."
"She and Seven are still working with Vorik in cargo bay one. I'll meet you there."
"Understood. Chakotay out."
--
Cargo Bay One, 1837 hours:
"So Tom almost turned into a Paris-sicle," said Kim, who had joined Torres and Seven in the cargo bay when his shift had ended shortly after the emergency beamout.
"That's popsicle, Starfleet, and it's not funny, unless being buried under tons of snow is your idea of a good time," said Torres.
"Sounds like there's a really good story in there somewhere," said Kim.
"There is, but give Tom a chance to warm up before you go asking him about it. It's not one of his happier memories of Academy days."
The cargo bay doors opened to admit the away team, minus the thermal suits. Chakotay set the transceiver down on top of one of several cargo containers Torres had pulled together so she would have a worktable for the buoy and her equipment.
"I heard you had a little excitement on the surface," said Torres an instant before the cargo bay doors opened to admit the Captain.
Janeway charged into the bay and barked, "Report."
"Nearest I can figure, the minute I got the transceiver out of the ice, Tuvok's tricorder set off an avalanche," said Chakotay. "The damned thing started an ear-splitting whine."
"It's possible," said Paris, "but it's actually rare that sound can trigger an avalanche. The wind on that glacier was pretty stiff. A cornice at the leeward side of the peak or maybe one of the ridges might have broken off and landed on a slab of heavily toploaded snow. The snowpack was probably highly unstable to begin with. I just got a quick glance at the incline of that slope as we were beaming out, but it looked to be right in the 'sweet spot.'"
"Sweet spot?" asked Kim.
"Harry, Harry, Harry, if you'd spent your time on the Academy downhill ski team instead of editing the student newspaper, you'd know these things," said Paris.
"All right, Tom, I'll bite," said Kim. "Enlighten us."
"38°."
Kim heaved a large sigh and rolled his eyes.
"I'll make it easy for you, Harry. The vast majority of avalanches happen on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees, and a disproportionately large number of those happen between 35 and 40 degrees. 38 degrees seems to be the magic number."
"And you know this because..." said Kim.
"Harry..." Torres said, flashing him a warning look.
"It's okay, B'Elanna," said Paris. He turned back to Kim and said, "I got buried in an avalanche, Harry. Lucky for me, my friends were there to dig me out. I made up my mind there and then that if I was going to keep skiing, I'd better know a lot more about how to avoid avalanches than I did my senior year at the Academy." He turned to Janeway and asked, "Captain? Do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"The next time you send me down to a P-Class planet, have my friend the editor over here check out our beamdown point a little more thoroughly?"
"All right, Tom, you've earned it," answered Janeway. "Your quick thinking got the away team out of danger."
"Thank you, ma'am," said Paris, "and to get back to what I started to say, it wasn't necessarily the tricorder that triggered the avalanche. We don't know the weather history on the planet for the last few months before we got there. The type of snow that fell during that time might have created weak layers in the snowpack. It could have been ready to go by the time we got there. The glacier gave a loud crack when it opened up a fissure near us, and it's more likely that's what caused the slide.
"Oh?"
"Believe it or not, I've read in 20th century history books about soldiers fighting mountain campaigns in the Alps during World War I. Their gunshots set off avalanches that ended up killing thousands by war's end. If a sound is going to do it, it usually has to be sharp and explosive," said Paris.
"He could be right about that, Captain," said Chakotay. "That crack was pretty loud, and the mountains on either side of us probably amplified it as it reverberated back and forth up the sides."
"Captain," said Torres, "I'd like to check out Tuvok's tricorder, just to be on the safe side for future away missions."
"Do it."
Tuvok handed his instrument to Torres, who motioned in Vorik's direction to get the engineer's attention. "Vorik, run a diagnostic to see what caused it to malfunction," she said, as she turned back to study the recovered transceiver, which was still broadcasting a signal.
"Acknowledged." He came over and took Tuvok's tricorder from her and set it down on one of the cargo containers to run the test.
"It might not be a malfunction," said Chakotay. "In both instances, our tricorders began to whine after we'd initiated a deep-level scan when a transceiver was broadcasting one of the map frequencies."
"Sounds more like a pattern than a malfunction," said Janeway. "Tuvok?"
"If there is no problem with the equipment, then I would tend to agree with the Commander," said Tuvok. "However, there are still several map frequencies to locate. If this phenomenon occurs yet again, it would certainly confirm a pattern."
"Maybe we can figure that out right now," said Torres. "Vorik, your results?"
"The tricorder is operating within acceptable parameters. The diagnostic showed no malfunction."
"What do you have in mind, B'Elanna?" asked Janeway.
"We haven't done a deep-level scan on the buoy yet," said Torres. "Let's turn its transceiver back on and see what happens."
Vorik turned the buoy's transceiver on and then entered the necessary commands into Tuvok's tricorder to run the scan. He was about to initiate it when Paris turned to Torres and asked, "Aren't you going to turn off the one we brought back?"
"There's an idea," said Torres. "Vorik, run the deep-level scan on my mark while I take continuous readings on the transceiver the away team brought back. Both of them are broadcasting map frequencies. I'd like to see if there's some connection here we've been missing."
"Yes, Lieutenant," Vorik replied. He positioned himself in front of the buoy with Tuvok's tricorder at the ready and waited for Torres's order.
"Mark."
Both engineers activated their instruments. After a few moments, Tuvok's tricorder began emitting the same kind of high-pitched whine as it had previously. Chakotay walked over to satisfy his curiosity by reading over Torres's shoulder while she kept her eyes on the readout for the transceiver from the planet. Just as Vorik was about to ask if he should turn Tuvok's tricorder off, the pitch of the whine dipped and then the noise stopped on its own.
He looked over at Torres and said, "My readings fluctuated momentarily after Mr. Tuvok's tricorder began to whine."
"So did mine," said Torres. She walked over to where Vorik was standing next to the buoy and compared the readings on both instruments. "Both tricorders now show the transceiver broadcasting the same frequency as the buoy." She looked over at the readings on Tuvok's tricorder and said, "The buoy's frequency is fundamentally unchanged, but I'm also seeing evidence of a buried signal. It's too submerged to make any kind of sense out of it."
"A simple relay." All eyes turned in Seven's direction.
"Each frequency leads to the next one in an ordered progression," the former drone said. "Once each transceiver is located, its programming resets the device to broadcast the next frequency in the sequence, but they must all be within range of one other for the entire sequence to work properly."
"I'm thinking that if we return the buoy to the exact point in space it came from, it might roll over to the new frequency it's supposed to broadcast without any help from us," said Janeway. "That's probably what the submerged signal is."
"I wonder how it knows to do that," said Kim.
"My beacon locator has been the one constant in the mix so far," said Chakotay. "There may be some kind of telepathic control involved similar to the map, but I don't think so. My guess is that as the designated Mapfinder, my being within range with the beacon locator triggers the process, and each transceiver has to be within range of the next one in the series to verify the connection and then make the switch over."
"Makes sense," said Torres.
"This buoy was evidently displaced from its assigned position in the sequence by the ion storm for which Lieutenant Torres found traces in its casing," said Tuvok. "Logic would suggest that the away team encountered the last two transceivers out of order. The disruption in the chain of relays no doubt triggered the apparent tricorder malfunction to indicate a problem."
"That might account for the whine," said Janeway, "but there's no way to know for certain until we find the next transceiver. B'Elanna, how are you coming along with deciphering the readings in the buoy's nav computer?"
"We're still reconstructing the data, Captain," said Torres. "I'd give it another few hours, and then we should have enough to work with."
"Advise me the moment you have it," said Janeway. "I'll let Helar know that we're going to hold position here until we have a clear indication of a new heading to follow. In the meantime, I suggest we all leave B'Elanna, Seven and Vorik to their work. The rest of you are dismissed."
Third Portal space, Day 12:
Tuesday, February 15, 2377
Stardate 54124.5
The Ready Room, 1037 hours:
"I should have a better idea after this morning's briefing, Helar," said Janeway as she spoke to the Prosperous Journey's captain via com link. "My engineering and astrometrics officers managed to reconstruct most of the data from the buoy's damaged navigation computer. I've given them time to analyze it for a probable heading, and they'll be reporting their findings to me shortly."
Janeway watched on her monitor as Helar shifted in his seat and asked, "And this roundabout way of locating the pieces of the map for the next wormhole does not annoy you, Captain Janeway?"
"Truthfully, captain to captain?" Helar nodded. "I'm finding it pretty tedious," said Janeway, "but Tuvok has a theory that says things were done this way to keep the map out of the hands of those who would misuse it. Like it or not, that's a plausible reason and I've decided to accept it."
"Then if that indeed is the purpose for this series of relays, I suppose we should both be grateful."
"Yes," said Janeway, "but not nearly as grateful as we will be when Voyager and Prosperous Journey make it through the next Portal."
"Excellent, Captain Janeway," said Helar with a laugh.
Janeway smiled back and said, "I'll have my Operations officer get back to your pilot with our heading once we have it. Janeway out."
--
Briefing Room, 1114 hours:
"We've made the obvious guess as to what the next frequency might be by eliminating the three already broadcast," said Torres, as she stood next to the wall monitor in the briefing room. "The trick is going to be finding the remaining two. I've narrowed down the buoy's point of origin to somewhere near three consecutive inhabited systems in the sector we've just entered." She brought up a schematic on the wall monitor.
"Distance to the first one?" asked Janeway.
".6 light years from our current position, Captain," said Torres as she entered commands to highlight the three systems in question. "I've assumed for now that Seven's correct about the buoy having to be within range of the next transceiver to be able to switch frequencies. Fortunately, the three systems are fairly close to each another – it's about 1.3 light years to the farthest one. They're all on the same general course we've been following and only slightly off our heading."
"Good work," said Janeway. "Chakotay, we'll need your beacon locator for what I have in mind."
"You're going to use it with the buoy," he said. "Once we reach the coordinates it came from, you're hoping the locator will trigger the verification process and switch over to the next frequency."
"And you got it in one," said Janeway. "You can get the locator back from B'Elanna once we have the new signal." Chakotay nodded his acknowledgement.
She turned to Torres. "B'Elanna, set up the locator next to the buoy. Work with Seven to rig a feed from the external sensors to the buoy's transceiver, and have a monitor ready to signal both Tactical and Ops the instant the frequency switches over. If we can pinpoint the changeover in relation to the coordinates of the P-Class planet, it should give us a rough indication of the transceiver's range."
"My guess is that they're about a light year or so apart, based on the distance between the mining asteroid and 'ice world'," said Paris. "Since there's two frequencies we haven't located yet, simple math would give us an estimate of about two light years to the next quadlet, assuming there's not another hoop for us to jump through when we find the last transceiver."
"My thinking exactly," said Torres.
"Both of you may be right, but I'd still like to confirm your educated guess, Tom," said Janeway. She turned to her chief engineer. "B'Elanna, I'll need you to send the coordinates for the three systems to the helm and Ops." She turned to Kim. "Harry, transmit the location of the three systems and our new heading to the Prosperous Journey. Tom, once Harry's done that, set course, warp 8."
"Acknowledged."
"Captain," said Tuvok, "if confirmation of the signal's range does not occur until Voyager reaches the last system, then the search for the buoy's point of origin will run well into beta shift. I would recommend that one of the alpha shift senior officers remain on the bridge until the search is completed, for consistency's sake."
"Are you volunteering to work an extra shift, Tuvok?" asked Kim.
"If you wish to remain on the bridge to monitor the signal changeover, Mr. Kim, I will stand aside for you," said Tuvok.
"It's your call, Harry," said Chakotay, with a wicked grin on his face.
"Tom and I have plans for this evening, Commander," said Kim.
"You must have your evenings mixed up, Harry. I'm spending tonight with B'Elanna," said Paris. One look at Kim's face told Paris he was in for payback, big time.
"Shoulda kept your mouth shut, Starfleet," Torres whispered to Kim, who sat in his place at the table, looking glum.
Janeway decided her ops officer had twisted in the wind long enough and took pity on him. "Actually, it's my call," said Janeway to Chakotay with a twinkle in her eye. "Tuvok, contact your beta shift counterpart. Have him finish your shift for you, and you take his. That should cover us on the signal switchover."
"Acknowledged."
"Harry, I'm letting you off the hook – this time," said Janeway, barely suppressing a smile.
"Thanks, Captain."
"If there's nothing else? Dismissed."
--
Bridge, 1552 hours:
"Anything?" asked Janeway.
"No, Captain," said Kim. "We're practically on top of this system, and not even a blip."
"How far to the next one?"
".32 light years."
"We push on, then," said Janeway. "Tom, maintain course and speed."
"Yes, ma'am."
The bridge crew sat in silence for a few minutes longer until the turbolift opened and discharged the Beta shift crew, with Tuvok in the lead.
"Beta shift already?" asked Paris as Pablo Baytart, his replacement, slid into place.
Janeway stood and said, "Maintain present course and speed, Mr. Baytart, unless Tuvok advises otherwise. He'll have the bridge for this shift."
"Aye, Captain"
Janeway turned to Tactical and said, "I'll be in my ready room, Tuvok. Call me when we get a nibble."
"Acknowledged."
--
Bridge, 1947 hours.
"Captain to the Bridge."
The ready room doors opened and Janeway climbed the steps to the secondary engineering level to join Tuvok behind his tactical console. "What've you got, Tuvok?"
Tuvok moved aside to let Janeway see the switchover data for herself. She compared their present coordinates to those of the P-class ice planet from which the away team had retrieved the buried transceiver.
"It looks like Tom was right -- they're at least a light year apart," said Janeway. She gave the sensor data a closer look and then said, "And I see you already have the new frequency on sensors. Distance?"
Approximately .3 light years," said Tuvok.
"That's a lot closer than expected. Clearly, this transceiver is broadcasting a shorter range signal. Have you pinpointed the location yet?"
"It originates from a Class-D moon orbiting the fifth planet in the last of the three systems Lieutenant Torres located. We should arrive at our destination in two hours and 34 minutes."
"Any of the other planets inhabited?"
"Preliminary scans show pre-warp civilizations on the third and fourth planets of seven in total," said Tuvok. "I would advise any additional scanning be done discreetly using our long-range capabilities, so as not to attract undue attention."
"Good suggestion, Tuvok. Have the helm hold position well outside the system until alpha shift, and run any preliminary scans from there."
"Acknowledged. Once Voyager is on final approach to the moon, Mr. Kim can run any additional scans needed before the map team beams down to retrieve the instrument," said Tuvok.
"Agreed. I'll inform Helar of our plans. I'll need you to advise his pilot when you decide where both ships will hold position once Voyager arrives at the coordinates," said Janeway. "I have a few reports still to look over and then I'll be going off duty. See you in the morning."
"Acknowledged. Good night, Captain."
"Good night, Tuvok." Janeway left the bridge in Tuvok's hands for the remainder of beta shift while she returned to the Ready Room to finish up her day.
Third Portal Space, Day 13:
Wednesday, February 16, 2377
Stardate 54127.1
In orbit of the D-Class moon
Ready Room, 0923 hours:
"I don't think Harry's face could have looked any grimmer yesterday when Tuvok told him he could have the extra shift if he wanted it," said Chakotay with a chuckle.
"Well, now you've witnessed Vulcan humor for yourself," said Janeway. "I've served with Tuvok long enough to know that he had no intention of letting anyone else stand beta shift. It was just his way of making Harry squirm a little for having teased a superior officer in the first place."
"Payback? From a Vulcan?" Chakotay was highly amused. "It certainly unsettled Harry. I guess you were right when you said Tuvok likes serving with humans. He certainly tolerates a lot more from Harry and Tom than I would. I'm a little surprised Harry's trusty sidekick didn't bail him out."
"I think Tom was trying to teach him a lesson – never tease our resident Vulcan unless you're willing to pay the consequences. Tom knows exactly how far he can push Tuvok, and Harry doesn't."
"So it's 'baptism by fire,' then."
"I'd say. The 'trial and error' method still works pretty well, even in this advanced day and age."
They shared a laugh and then Chakotay changed the subject, saying, "It didn't take long to find this new transceiver."
"No, surprisingly not," said Janeway. "At least now we know for certain that they have a maximum range of about a light year. Obviously, that gives us a general idea of how far the next one might be outside of this system, and if past experience is any guide, it will probably be along our flight path."
"That would make sense. If the map is supposed to be carried to the Alpha Quadrant, there's not much point in taking a circuitous route, although I probably shouldn't tempt fate by saying that."
"What? Superstitious, Chakotay?"
"Maybe just a little. Just when I think I've got this quadrant figured out..."
"I know, I know – antimatter nebulas and booby-trapped wormholes," said Janeway. "Let's hope we don't get a repeat of either of those twoanytime soon."
"No argument there," said Chakotay, drawing out the first word. He paused for a moment to take a sip from the cup of lastrin Janeway had given him when he had stopped by the ready room to catch up on the previous evening's events after having retrieved his beacon locator from Torres. "So, where is it this time?"
"Somewhere on the surface of the D-Class moon we're scanning right now. Harry hasn't pinpointed an exact location yet," said Janeway, "but he said it looks like it's out in the open.
"If that's the case, we may not have to beam down to retrieve it. Maybe we can use the transporter."
"That's what I was thinking. It would certainly save us some time," said Janeway.
"Captain to the Bridge."
"On our way, Mr. Kim."
--
Bridge, immediately following:
Janeway and Chakotay entered the bridge and walked over to study Kim's readings. Finally, Chakotay said, "Harry, I think you're right. It's just sitting on the surface."
Janeway caught the note of concern in his voice and said, "But..."
"All of the other transceivers have either been part of commonplace technology or buried out of sight," said Chakotay. "This one breaks the pattern. It might be a trap to keep someone from tampering with it."
"I concur," said Tuvok from his station.
"We could beam it into a cargo bay behind a containment field until we're sure it's safe," offered Kim.
"Sounds like a plan, Harry," said the Captain. "Janeway to Torres."
"Torres here."
"B'Elanna, Harry's located the new transceiver, but Chakotay feels we should be cautious, and Tuvok agrees with him. Take a team and set up a multiphase level 10 containment field in cargo bay one, and we'll beam the device inside it on our next flyover."
"Acknowledged. Torres out."
--
Twenty minutes later:
"Janeway to Torres."
"Torres here."
"B'Elanna, is the forcefield ready? We're coming into transporter range."
"We're good to go, Captain. Vorik's ready to start a deep-level scan the instant we have the transceiver."
"Stand by – Harry's transporting it now."
"Got it. Vorik's scanning."
"I don't hear his tricorder whining."
"It isn't. I think Tuvok was right when he said we had the transceivers out of order. That's what must have caused the whine."
"Very good, B'Elanna," said Janeway. "We're on our way. Janeway out." She started for the turbolift saying, "Chakotay, Tuvok, you're with me."
--
Cargo Bay 1, a few minutes later:
"The frequency is unchanged. It matches that of the buoy," said Vorik as he continued his deep-level scan of the transceiver. Torres was about to answer him when the cargo bay doors opened to admit Janeway, Chakotay, and Tuvok.
"Report," said Janeway.
"Beaming the transceiver behind a forcefield was a good idea, Captain," said Torres. "I ran a preliminary scan and found something inside that qualifies as a booby trap. There doesn't appear to be any immediate risk of detonation, but I haven't figured out how to deactivate it yet."
When Chakotay walked closer to the forcefield to examine the object visually, Vorik looked up from his tricorder readings and said, "Lieutenant Torres, the transceiver is broadcasting a new frequency."
Janeway glanced over at her first officer and said, "That confirms our theory about proximity to the beacon locator triggering the switchover. One more mystery solved."
"The vibrations from my locator have intensified as well," said Chakotay. "This signal is definitely authentic."
Vorik interrupted, saying, "The booby trap device just deactivated itself, Lieutenant."
"Looks like the beacon locator was responsible for that, too," said Torres as she scanned the transceiver as well. "I'd say that the device was set to go off on a time delay if someone without the locator tried to remove it from where it was situated." She turned to Janeway and said, "It's safe to lower the containment field, Captain. Except for the signal it's transmitting, the transceiver's other mechanics have gone completely inert. I'd like to get a look at what's inside."
Janeway turned to Tuvok, who had been scanning the transceiver as well. "Tuvok?"
"Lieutenant Torres is correct. The detonator within the transceiver is completely inactive. If the lieutenant wishes to study it, it would be safe for her to proceed."
"Very well," said Janeway. "Lower the forcefield."
The forcefield came down without incident. Torres continued to scan the transceiver and finally said, "Captain, I'll have some answers for you in a couple of hours."
"All right, B'Elanna," said Janeway. "Today's briefing is fairly routine, so I'll excuse you from it to continue working down here. Keep me informed of your progress. In the meantime, send the specifics of the new frequency to Harry's console so we can start scanning for it."
"Acknowledged."
With that, Janeway, Chakotay, and Tuvok left the cargo bay to return to the bridge and begin the morning briefing shortly thereafter.
Third Portal Space, Day 14:
Thursday, February 17, 2377
Stardate 54130.2
Bridge, 0033 hours:
"Rollins to Janeway."
"Janeway here. Report."
"Sorry to disturb you at this hour, Captain, but I thought you would want to know that sensors just detected the frequency Lieutenant Torres specified earlier. Voyager should arrive at its source in about eight hours, but it requires a slight course change."
"Adjust our heading then, Mr. Rollins, and notify the Prosperous Journey. Maintain speed. Janeway out."
--
Bridge, 0803 hours:
Janeway strode onto the bridge and glanced over at the Operations station as she took her seat. "Report."
"We're in visual range, Captain," said Kim.
"On screen," said Janeway.
The viewscreen displayed a sizable though somewhat rundown space station. The sprawling, utilitarian structure appeared to have been cobbled together from an odd assortment of unrelated components. Half a dozen small ships were moored at various docking stations.
"Lovely," said Paris.
"I think we might need Captain Helar's stealth cloaks for this one," said Janeway. "There's got to be a quadlet on that station – we've run out of frequencies."
"Good point," said Chakotay.
"I'm going to send Neelix down to check the station out, but I don't need his opinion to confirm that the place is more than a little unsavory."
"When you think about it, Captain," said Chakotay, "it would make a good place to hide a quadlet. Someone would have to be either desperate or pretty damned determined to want set foot on that station to begin with."
"Indeed," said Tuvok.
"Harry, I want detailed scans of the interior. If I have to order the map team in, I'd like to know what I'm sending them into."
"Yes, Ma'am. Scans in progress."
"Janeway to Neelix."
"Neelix here."
"Neelix, join me in my ready room. I have an away mission for you."
"On my way. Neelix out."
"If anyone can give us a first-hand impression of the lay of the land, it would be Neelix," said Chakotay.
Janeway turned toward Chakotay and leaned over the console. "I trust his instincts in situations like this. He's got a good feel for dangerous situations and will certainly blend in better than any of the rest of us. Between his observations and Harry's scans, we should get a full picture of what's over there." She straightened up and said, "Commander, you have the bridge." Janeway stood and crossed the bridge to disappear into her ready room.
--
Ready Room, 0821 hours:
"Come in."
The ready room doors opened to admit Neelix. "Captain, you said you needed me for an away mission?"
"Yes. You'll leave as soon as possible." Janeway pulled up video feed from the viewscreen onto her desktop monitor and turned it so that Neelix could see the station.
"Not the most cheerful of places, is it, Captain?" he asked. "It reminds me of the Nekrit Supply Depot."
"Exactly," said Janeway. "And if this station is anything like it, I have to know that for certain before I send anyone in. I want you to get a feel for what the map team can expect, Neelix. See if there's anyplace that looks like it might conceal a quadlet. Your experience as a trader will help you blend in and look around without attracting attention better than the rest of us."
"That's true," said Neelix. "Captain, I'm sure their long-range sensors have detected Voyager and Prosperous Journey by now." Neelix glanced at the monitor screen again. "Might I suggest that Voyager and the Prosperous Journey remain within sight of anyone monitoring ship traffic on the station? I'd like to take Baxial in, just as we did with the Nardonian marketplace. Both of you will still attract attention, but probably not as much as if either of you tried to dock."
"I was about to suggest that, Neelix, but you beat me to it," said Janeway.
"With your permission, I'd like to tell anyone who asks that both you and Helar are concerned that the docking facilities might not be able to accommodate ships of your size. Judging from the appearance of the place, it's probably true."
"That's a good idea, Neelix, but only tell people if you're asked. Don't volunteer any more information than you have to."
"I won't, Captain, I promise. I'll go in there and tell them I'm looking for spindle bearings and other replacement parts for Baxial."
"Good idea. I'll inform Helar that we're going to hold position near the station while you investigate it. Com me when you're ready to leave."
"I will, Captain," Neelix said as he turned to head for the shuttlebay and his freighter.
"And Neelix?" Janeway called after him, "Be careful. You're too valuable to lose."
"Don't you worry, Captain, I'll stay safe," he said with a nod and a smile as he left the ready room.
--
The Ontarian Supply Outpost, 1038 hours:
Neelix shivered with apprehension as he stepped off Baxial and into the Ontarian Supply Outpost. He tightened his grip on the strap of the shoulder pack he carried as part of his cover posing as a prospective buyer of replacement parts. Neelix was grateful for the concealed hand phaser in his trouser pocket, and sincerely hoped he wouldn't have to use it.
The station was as patched together from disparate components on the inside as it was on the outside, but despite the haphazard appearance, the interior looked clean and reasonably well maintained. The lighting, however, was murkier than Neelix would have liked from the standpoint of safety.
He quietly observed the traffic inside the station long enough to get a feel for its flow, and then chanced across a large directory on the wall once he finally joined the crowd. It listed the type of merchandise and services available on the station, and keyed everything to a detailed floor plan. Neelix had expected the usual replacement parts merchants, map dealers, bars, and places to eat cafeteria-style, but was surprised to find booksellers and dry goods merchants, a library, produce and grocery staples markets, and a school. Curious, he thought. What possible use could this rundown station have for a school or a library, let alone a bookseller?
Neelix scanned the list again and chose a nearby bar to begin further reconnaissance. He strolled casually into the place and took a seat at the far end of the bar near the back wall, from where he could watch the patrons coming and going.
"Never seen your kind in here before," said the bartender as he approached Neelix to take his drink order.
"I'm not from around here," said Neelix. "Just passing through, actually. I need a good drink, a good meal, and spindle bearings for my cargo ship."
"Can't help you with the bearings, but you've come to the right place for food and drink. What can I get you?"
"Well, my good man, as you pointed out, I'm new here. What would you recommend?"
"You look like a man who can hold your liquor," said the bartender.
"That I can," said Neelix, "although it's a bit early in the day to start drinking anything very alcoholic, but bring me the house specialty anyway."
The bartender cocked an eyebrow. "You're an adventurous sort. One 'Ontarian Welcome,' coming up," he said, as he walked to the middle section of the bar to prepare Neelix's drink, leaving the Talaxian wondering exactly what he'd gotten himself into.
The man returned a few minutes later and placed a tumbler containing an orange-colored concoction in front of Neelix, who picked it up and eyed it speculatively. "Do I toss it back or sip it?" he asked.
"It has a different effect on every species that tries it," the bartender said. "If I were you, I'd take a swallow and then decide for yourself."
"Very well, my good man," said Neelix. He held the tumbler up to his nose and inhaled the pleasant aroma of the spirits, which actually made his whiskers tingle. Neelix then took a healthy sip. His mouth puckered into a surprised 'o' as his tongue registered the unexpected tartness of the drink, and then he drew in a long breath through pursed lips as he marveled at the sensation of the room seeming to tip momentarily and then right itself. That was quickly followed by an intriguing spicy aftertaste and a spreading feeling of warmth suffusing his body from his throat down to his toes.
He let out his breath in a puff and enthused, "Wow! That's some welcome!"
"It does have quite a nice kick to it," the bartender smirked.
Neelix felt a very pleasant buzz getting started. His vision blurred slightly, and he realized that he needed to put some food into his stomach if he was going to keep his wits about him while he nursed the potent drink and gathered information. "Mister..." he began.
The bartender smiled and said, "It's Arslak. And you're?"
"Neelix. Pleased to meet you, Arslak." Neelix extended his hand, which Arslak grasped at the wrist. Neelix grasped the man's wrist in return and shook once. "Arslak, I was up early this morning and in too much of a rush to eat breakfast. Now that it's just about time for me to be having my lunch, what would you recommend to go with my Ontarian Welcome?"
"Most people ask for the Narsaka sausage with collis spice noodles," said Arslak. "The dish moderates the intoxicating nature of the drink down to a comfortable level without losing any of its pleasant effects, besides being quite enjoyable in its own right. It's a very popular combination in this establishment."
"Narsaka sausage with collis spice noodles, it is then, Arslak."
Neelix set his drink down in front of him and watched as Arslak drew the ingredients for his lunch from nearby shelves and a refrigeration chest set against the back wall. Arslak walked over to a small cooking unit behind the bar close to where Neelix was sitting. He tossed sausage, soft noodles, spices and several green, red, and yellow diced vegetables into a pan similar to one of Neelix's kitchen woks. Within moments, a mouth-watering aroma filled Neelix's nostrils, and he exclaimed, "Arslak! You must let me have the recipe, if this dish is indeed as tasty as it smells."
"My pleasure," said Arslak. "You'll even be able to purchase everything you need for it here on the station. We have our own cultivation bays, and sell the spices and vegetables in a produce market open to everyone. There's also a separate market for items we bring in such as the Narsaka sausage."
"I was going to ask you about that," said Neelix. "I came across a directory on the wall not too far from here. It also listed a library and a school. Not what I would expect on a station like this."
"You mean you've never heard of the Ontarian Mining Consortium?" asked Arslak as he set Neelix's lunch in front of him. "You really aren't from around here, are you?
"No, I'm not. The last three places I've stopped at for any length of time were Abras, Nardonia, and Sirana," said Neelix, between shoveling large forkfuls of sausage and spiced noodles into his mouth.
"Nardonia? Never heard of it," said Arslak.
Neelix immediately realized his mistake in mentioning a Second Portal world. He faked a cough from apparently having swallowed a mouthful of his meal too quickly, hoping to give himself time to figure out how to cover his gaffe. Arslak reached behind himself for a pitcher of water and poured Neelix a glass. What neither of them noticed was the nearby pair of unsavory types whose acute hearing had picked up the word "Abras" when they had entered Arslak's bar. The two moved to a table near Neelix to listen closely to the rest of the conversation.
Neelix recovered from his "coughing fit" and said, "Thanks, Arslak. I need to remember to eat a little slower. It's an old bad habit from my days as a trader." He took another small sip of his Ontarian Welcome and continued. "As for Nardonia, don't feel bad if you've never heard it. It's quite far off the beaten path from Abras. Nasty little backwater – humid, swampy. I only stopped there long enough to take on supplies that I hadn't expected to run out of. I'd say that's about the entire entire planet's good for."
"I've heard tell of Abras. If you've come from there, then you've covered quite a distance," said Arslak.
"True, but I'm fortunate to be traveling with friends. We stumbled across a couple of small wormholes that shortened our journey considerably," said Neelix. "Which reminds me... they asked that I bring back a map for the next several sectors. We're looking for a suitable uninhabited world to colonize."
"Barzeran's is the best map shop on the station," said Arslak. A gesture from the aliens at the table close to Neelix caught the attention of the bartender. "Just a moment, Neelix, I have two paying customers to take care of."
"Not a problem. It gives me a chance to enjoy a little more of my lunch."
Arslak came out from behind the bar to take the order, and then returned to mix the drink order and then serve it.
As Neelix ate his sausage and spice noodles, he mulled over what he had learned thus far, and thought about what else he wanted to find out. The bartender finally returned, and when Neelix opened his mouth to resume the conversation, Arslak beat him to it.
"You know, Neelix, you mentioned colonizing, and in a sense, that's what the Ontarian Mining Consortium has done for us here on the station. They have a number of very lucrative operations in several of the largest asteroid fields in the region. Their workers come mostly from worlds quite a number of sequences travel time from here, and are contracted to work three seven-rotation sequences on and one seven rotation sequence off continuously for a minimum of four cycles. There really isn't time for most of the miners to travel back to their homeworlds to see their families, so the Consortium provides quarters and facilities for any of the families that wish to join the workers for the length of their contract. For some, it's a distinct improvement over the living standards on their planet," said Arslak.
"That would explain the school and library," said Neelix, "not to mention the dry goods and book merchants."
"Ontarian is very good to their workers. They feel it makes them more productive and less accident-prone."
"Well," said Neelix, "I must say again, this station is not what I expected, judging by its outward appearance as I was approaching in my vessel."
"The rundown appearance is deliberate, Neelix. It keeps a lot of opportunists away, but still, we're not without our problems from time to time. There's the occasional brawl among the workers, just as on any space station, and we also operate as a regular supply depot for passing ships as well. You never know who's going to come though, but for the most part, those of us living here on the station like it well enough. You'll see that for yourself as you look around."
"I'm sure, Arslak," said Neelix. "There's clearly more here than meets the eye." He looked embarrassed for a moment, and asked, "Is there a currency exchange booth somewhere close by? I didn't see one listed in the directory, and I'm afraid all I have on me is Siranian lekmas."
"There is, but you'll find that nearly all of the merchants here are happy to accept lekmas," said Arslak. "Sirana is distant, but it's the major resupply destination of choice in this region. Accepting lekmas saves the merchants from having to pay an exorbitant fee to the currency exchange agents on Sirana."
"Then that works out well all around," said Neelix as he stood. "My friends and I stopped at Sirana not too long ago for their Harvest Festival. It was quite an experience." He paused for a moment and then said, "What do I owe you?"
"A lekma and a half."
Neelix counted out two one lekma notes and received a half lekma coin in return, which he pocketed.
"Neelix, wait just a moment and I'll write out that recipe for you," said Arslak. "I'm fairly certain that our produce merchants would be willing to sell you a few spice and vegetable plants once you tell them it's for your colony. You can substitute pretty much any type of sausage for the Narsaka variety, but if you want the genuine article, the grocery market sells it. Their staff could tell you what's in it if you think your friends might want to duplicate it once they've settled into their new home."
He began to write out the recipe for Neelix when the two patrons he'd served drinks to earlier came over to settle their bar bill. Arslak went over to them and took their payment, and the two left. He returned to finish writing out the recipe and handed it to Neelix, saying, "I'm always happy to share this with an appreciative visitor. Be sure to stop back before you and your friends leave, or better yet, bring them with you."
"I'll do that," Neelix said, and with a cheery wave, he took his leave of Arslak's establishment and headed out to explore the various merchants and facilities the station had to offer.
He kept his eyes open for places that might conceal a quadlet, as Janeway had requested, but he saw nothing promising until he came to the school the directory had listed. Shallow display cases containing children's drawings arranged by grade level were mounted on either side of the entrance doors. Neelix took the time to look through all the pictures, but nothing he saw even vaguely resembled a quadlet. He made a mental note to mention it in his report to the captain when he returned.
His next stop was Barzeran's map shop. As Neelix walked into the small, dusty space, the owner looked up from an inventory list he was studying.
"May I help you? Is there a particular chart you're looking for?" Barzeran asked.
"I'm with a small convoy that is looking for a suitable uninhabited world to colonize. Would you have anything showing systems for the next several sectors beyond here?" asked Neelix.
Barzeran pointed to a row of bins on the side of the shop to Neelix's left. "You might find something over there. I have maps for sectors in several directions from the station in those bins. Take your pick."
Neelix thanked Barzeran and headed over to look through the shopkeeper's inventory. Again, he saw nothing that resembled a quadlet, but instead found two highly detailed maps for systems that appeared to be along their route to the Alpha Quadrant. Digging a little further, he uncovered a beautifully hand-inked small map that showed several constellations that reminded him of the stars he'd heard Jerat had identified as being in the sky surrounding Tarkada. Neelix recognized them from having seen the fused map that Tuvok had brought to several briefings and passed around.
Neelix took all three maps from the bin and walked to the counter to pay for them. As he was counting out Siranian currency, his eye was caught by a striking watercolor mounted on the wall behind Barzeran. It showed a temple complex on what appeared to be an agrarian world. The lower right-hand corner was inset with a schematic floor plan of the main temple's interior. Neelix knew immediately that it would appeal to the anthropologist in Commander Chakotay, so he quickly decided that this might be a good time to pick up an early Prixin gift.
Barzeran noticed Neelix's interest in the painting and said, "That temple actually exists on one of the worlds indicated on the maps you've just purchased, about three days travel from here." Neelix had laid the three maps on the counter in front of him, so Barzeran pulled out the small, hand-inked one and indicated the system to Neelix. "Sarkad. It's a relatively backward society, to be sure, but the temple complex is worth viewing in person if you take particular care to appear as a pilgrim from a distant region of the planet or one of the nearby colony worlds."
"I have a friend who might be interested, so I'll be certain to let him know about it," said Neelix. "The painting wouldn't happen to be for sale, would it?"
"Actually, it would, and for a very good price," said Barzeran. "The artist who created it is a personal friend. The inhabitants of Sarkad tend to view technology as a corrupting influence, which forced my friend to use a concealed holoimager to record what he saw as he took a tour through the temple complex. He's done several panoramas of the buildings, and I've displayed them in my shop for those like yourself who are interested in modern-day living antiquities."
"Then we'd best negotiate a price for it, since my friend has an interest in spirituality and less-developed cultures," said Neelix.
With that, the two engaged in a few minutes of haggling until a price was agreed upon. Neelix put the maps into his pack, and was able to carefully fit the watercolor in as well after Barzaran slipped it into an envelope to protect it. He bid the map dealer a pleasant farewell, and left the shop on his way to find the produce markets.
Since the produce and grocery markets were on the other side of the station, Neelix felt it was a good opportunity to thoroughly observe his surroundings on the way over. As he passed a few replacement parts merchants, he also took the time to look over what they were offering, in case there was anything Voyager's engineering department could use. He also noticed several side corridors leading to what he assumed were the residential portions of the station, and a small number of unoccupied stores.
Finally, Neelix reached the produce market, and as Arslak had predicted, the merchants were more than willing to part with both produce and plants for his Siranian lekmas. He found the same friendliness to be true at the grocery market when he inquired about the ingredients in the Narsaka sausage. He concluded his business at the markets, and continued observing his surroundings as he completed his circuit of the station on his way back to Baxial.
Neelix's return to his ship took him through one of the more convoluted and less populated sections of the station, and he glanced over his shoulder from time to time. He had an eerie feeling of being followed, but could not see any signs of it, no matter how hard he looked. Finally, he decided that the murky lighting was getting to him. Neelix reached the bay where Baxial was docked and opened the hatch. As he started to step through, he felt the business end of a weapon against the back of his neck.
"Keep walking, rodent, and if I don't like your moves..." The mugger jabbed Neelix with the weapon to make his point. Neelix froze.
A second weapon jabbed Neelix in the small of his back. "You heard him," a second voice growled. "Walk!"
--
Meanwhile, back on Voyager:
Chakotay sat in his office working out the duty roster for the following week when his eyes went wide as he sensed Neelix's anxiety across the Tasnixia bond they shared. He tapped his communicator.
"Chakotay to Janeway."
"Janeway here. Chakotay, what's wrong?"
"Neelix is in trouble," he replied. "I sensed it through our connection. I don't know how we're going to get a rescue team over there without violating Neelix's privacy about the Tasnixia bond, but we have to do it now. He was attacked as he was entering his ship to return to Voyager."
"I'll tell Tuvok that I received a distress call directly from him. Head for the shuttlebay and I'll send Tom and Tuvok to meet you. Start the preflight check on the Flyer so you can leave as soon as they get there."
"On my way. Chakotay out."
--
Shuttlebay:
Chakotay was nearly finished with the preflight check when Tom Paris and Tuvok barreled through the Delta Flyer's hatch. He moved over to the copilot's seat and turned the balance of the procedure over to Paris, who sped through the remaining checks. The Flyer lifted off and passed through the open shuttlebay door's forcefield.
A few minutes later, they reached the Ontarian Supply Depot and the bay where Neelix had docked Baxial.
"Tom, set the Flyer on stationkeeping. I want you on the transporter in case we need an emergency beamout."
"Aye, sir." Paris did as he was instructed and joined Chakotay and Tuvok in the rear of the Flyer.
"Neelix managed to get away long enough to lock himself inside one of the cargo bays on his ship, but there are two people trying to cut through the door with energy weapons," said Chakotay.
"How do you suggest we proceed?" asked Tuvok.
"I have the access code for his ship," answered Chakotay. "Tom, beam us to just outside the hatch. "The muggers will hear it opening, and that should take some of the heat off Neelix. With any luck, they're far enough inside Baxial that we can get a bead on them before they can draw on us."
Paris had been working at the transporter during Chakotay's orders and had isolated the coordinates for the beam-in.
"Well, good luck then, chief, and I'll keep my hands on the controls."
"See that you do."
--
On Baxial:
Neelix was convinced that his trader's luck had finally run out, until his two attackers stopped trying to cut through the door of the cargobay in which he was hiding. He heard shots being traded back and forth and the distinctive high-pitched whine of Federation phasers. After a few minutes, the firing stopped and his communicator chirped.
"Chakotay to Neelix. Are you all right?"
Neelix tapped his communicator, which he had been fortunate enough not to lose while evading the muggers. "I am now, Commander. They roughed me up, but not too badly. Just give me a minute, and I'll see if I can get the emergency release for the doors working." Neelix removed a panel next to the bay doors and checked the circuits. A few wires appeared compromised, but he rerouted pathways around the damage, and the doors rolled back far enough for Chakotay to enter.
"You have no idea how glad I am to see you," said Neelix.
"Actually, I think I do, Neelix. I sensed your situation pretty vividly when you were attacked."
"About that..."
"Neelix, I told the Captain about our bond not too long after Natra," said Chakotay. Seeing Neelix's deep distress, Chakotay hastened to reassure him. "I asked that nothing be recorded in the official logs about it, and she agreed with me. All the Captain knows is that you needed to create a permanent telepathic bond with me to save the away team's lives, but I explained that I was not free to discuss the circumstances under which it was formed. I told her that it was a private Talaxian matter, not to be discussed with off worlders. She's never pressed me for details."
"Thank you, Commander, for respecting our bond," said Neelix. "How did you arrange for my rescue without telling anyone how you knew I was in trouble?"
"Actually, it was the Captain's idea," said Chakotay. "When I commed her from my office to tell her you'd been attacked, she called Tuvok into the Ready Room and said that she'd received a distress call directly from you. That's the official story."
"I'll have to thank her, then," said Neelix.
"That would be a good idea. I'm sure she'd appreciate a visit from you to see for herself that you're okay," said Chakotay. "Neelix, the only reason I said anything to her in the first place is because I foresaw the possibility of something like this happening that could put either one of us in danger. I figured she might need the information someday to help save our lives."
"Actually, Commander, now that you mention it, it's a good precaution for her to know, especially when you think about the danger we're in as the people responsible for moving the map. I know the Captain will respect my privacy," said Neelix.
"Good. Now, let's go join Tuvok and see if you can identify your attackers."
"Oh, I have a pretty good idea who they are, but I'll check, just to be sure."
They exited the cargo storage bay and made their way to the main area of Baxial, where Tuvok had Neelix's two unconscious adversaries in restraints and face down on the deck.
"Mr. Neelix," said Tuvok, "We need to report this crime to the authorities. Do you know where they might be located?"
"No, Mr. Vulcan, but I did meet someone that I trust during my survey of the station. He'll be able to help us. I just don't know what we're going to tell him about your uniforms. I told him we were a small convoy, looking for a hospitable planet to colonize."
"Colonies require peacekeepers, do they not?" asked Tuvok. "We will tell your friend that we received a distress call from you and as such, came to your aid."
"Clever, Mr. Vulcan, very clever."
"It is enough of the truth to satisfy the authorities on this station."
"Neelix, it's going to be a while before these two wake up, so why don't you run any diagnostics you need to on Baxial to be sure they didn't sabotage anything. In the meantime, I'll contact Tom on the Flyer."
"Good idea, Commander." Neelix walked over to the control console of his freighter and began a series of system checks.
"Chakotay to Paris."
"Paris here."
"Stand down from the transporter, Tom. Neelix is okay, and we captured the two that attacked him. We're going to turn them over to the station authorities. I don't know how long it's going to take, but stay where you are for the moment. Neelix is running a diagnostic and if everything checks out, I'll need you to head back to Voyager and give the captain a preliminary report while we take care of things over here. Wait for my signal."
"Got it, big guy."
"Lieutenant..."
"Yes, sir..."
"Chakotay out."
Paris rolled his eyes at the formality and returned to the flight deck to wait for Chakotay's signal.
--
A few minutes later:
"So everything checks out then?" asked Chakotay.
"Yes, Commander. If you and Mr. Vulcan would like to return to Voyager with me on Baxial, it's safe to do so."
Chakotay nodded and tapped his communicator. "Chakotay to Delta Flyer."
"Paris here."
"Tom, Neelix's ship is spaceworthy, so head on back to Voyager. Let the captain know that we're going to turn Neelix's attackers over the station authorities. We'll give her a full report when we return."
"Will do, Commander."
"Chakotay out."
Meanwhile, the two prisoners had begun to shift about and groan during Chakotay's conversation with Paris. Tuvok flipped them over onto their backs and Neelix recognized them immediately.
"Those are the two who sat behind me in Arslak's tavern. They may have overheard me mention having come from Abras." Neelix thought for a moment and then said, "They probably overheard me ask Arslak where I might find a good map shop, too."
"Mr. Neelix," said Tuvok, with a glower.
"I know, Mr. Vulcan, I know," said Neelix. "I realize my foolishness now." Neelix thought better than to mention his slip of the tongue regarding Nardonia. "I only mentioned Abras in passing along with Sirana when I was chatting with Arslak. It's a known destination in this region. I didn't think it would draw attention, and I certainly didn't go into details."
"And who is this Arslak?" asked Chakotay.
"He owns a tavern similar to Sandrine's not too far from here. Arslak has food available as well, so that's where I had my lunch, along with quite an informative talk."
"And he is trustworthy?" asked Tuvok.
"Yes. He enjoys his life here on the station and is very knowledgeable about its goings-on. He could definitely contact the authorities for us without drawing too much attention. These two are conscious enough to walk, so I suggest we be on our way."
Chakotay and Tuvok hauled the two muggers to their feet, and Neelix led the way to Arslak's establishment.
--
Arslak's tavern, a few minutes later:
"Neelix, what happened to you?" The colorful bruises visible on the Talaxian's face alarmed Arslak. He came out from behind his bar and walked over to where Neelix's party stood just inside the door.
"I had a run-in with these two," Neelix said. "I'm sure you remember them."
"Indeed, I do" said Arslak. "I thought they looked a little unsavory, but there was nothing in their behavior while they were in here to suggest they were criminals. Both were very cordial when they settled their bill, and even gave me a generous gratuity."
"If it's any consolation, Arslak, I didn't suspect them either, even when they sat at the table behind me."
"We had an incident with their kind just over a sequence ago, but I thought I was being suspicious for nothing. One certainly can't condemn an entire race based on the actions of a few."
"No, of course not, Arslak, but what's done is done. I was able to get off a distress call to my friends on the convoy, and they sent two of our peacekeepers to my rescue."
Arslak turned his attention to Tuvok and Chakotay and took note of their uniforms.
"If you would be so kind as to summon the authorities," said Tuvok, "we would prefer to turn these two over to them with as little commotion as possible. We do not wish to alarm the people on the station unnecessarily."
"That's a thoughtful request, considering that the security officers are headquartered at some distance from here. I will summon them for you, and Neelix can make his complaint to them directly." Arslak stepped over to a communications terminal behind the bar while Chakotay and Tuvok found an out-of-the-way corner and sat their prisoners down at a table to keep watch over them until the station authorities arrived.
Three uniformed station security personnel entered the tavern several minutes later to take the two muggers into custody. Chakotay and Tuvok got them to their feet while Neelix approached the authorities.
"Officers, I would like to lodge a complaint with you. These two in restraints drew weapons and threatened me as I was entering my freighter about one of your intervals ago. Once we were all inside, they attacked me, but I was able to get away from them long enough to lock myself in a cargo bay and summon two peacekeepers from the convoy I'm traveling with. Fortunately, they were able to come to my aid quickly."
Tuvok stepped forward. "I am Lieutenant Commander Tuvok, head of security for our convoy."
"Orslas," replied one of the three, "Security Chief for the Ontarian Supply Outpost. What was the exact nature of the crime?"
"That is unclear, but from my crewmate's account, it would appear that robbery was the prime motive," said Tuvok. "Mr. Neelix had a sizable amount of Siranan currency on his person, and of course, he also has his own freighter docked nearby."
Officer Orslas turned to Neelix with a questioning expression on his face.
"I would agree with Mr. Tuvok's assessment, Mr. Orslas" said Neelix. "I ate my lunch here in the tavern and these two sat at a table directly behind me. They must have overheard me ask Arslak where I might find a currency exchange merchant since all I had were Siranian lekmas from our recent stopover there. My attackers apparently shadowed me after I left here to visit several merchants and the food markets. I thought I was being followed at one point, but I just told myself it was because the area I was walking through was deserted. I wish I'd paid more attention to my instincts."
"We will detain your attackers until they can be brought to trial. We will need your testimony."
"Our convoy will only be at the station briefly before we must be underway again," said Tuvok. "Is it possible for Mr. Neelix to record his testimony for the trial?"
"Of course," said Orslas. "We get quite a number of transients passing through the station, so our legal code permits electronic testimony to be used at trial, provided it is sufficiently detailed. If you would like to accompany your shipmate, we can see to it immediately."
"Very well, Officer," said Tuvok.
"Tuvok, I'll wait here until you're finished," said Chakotay. "One unfamiliar uniform in the public corridors is disturbance enough for the station."
"As you wish, Commander," said Tuvok. "Mr. Neelix and I will meet you here when we're finished."
"I'd recommend the Narsaka sausage with collis spice noodles while you're waiting for us to return," said Neelix, "but you're a vegetarian."
"Actually, I do make a meatless version of the dish that's nearly identical in flavor," interjected Arslak.
"Then it looks like I'll be having myself an early supper on the station," said Chakotay as he went over to the bar and sat. "See you both in a little while," he said with a wave as Neelix, Tuvok, and the three station authorities left with the two attackers. Chakotay settled in to see what he could learn from Neelix's "very knowledgeable" source.
--
Voyager's Ready Room, 1932 hours.
"I'm just glad you're all right, Neelix," said Janeway. "You'll be sure to have the Doctor check you over and see to those bruises, won't you?"
"Sickbay was going to be my next stop," said Neelix. He hesitated for a moment and then began, "Captain..."
"Yes, Neelix, what is it?"
"I just wanted to thank you for respecting the privacy of my bond with Commander Chakotay when you told Mr. Tuvok that I commed you directly."
"Of course, Neelix," said Janeway. "The Commander explained that it was a very private Talaxian matter that he couldn't discuss with me, but he felt it was important that I be aware of its existence." She stood and came around the desk to rest her hand on Neelix's arm. "I don't have to tell you how dangerous it is for us to be transporting the map. I feel better knowing that we have an extra advantage to keep both you and Chakotay safe. Voyager just wouldn't be the same if I lost either one of you."
"I'm glad he told you about it, then," said Neelix with a smile. "It's worth giving you a little peace of mind. You have enough to worry about already."
"That I do, Neelix, but we'll make it through this gauntlet."
"I'm sure you'll get us through, Captain," said Neelix. "Well, if you will excuse me, I'd better be off to Sickbay."
"Of course. I'll look forward to your full report at tomorrow's briefing."
"You'll have it, Captain. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Neelix."
After the ready room doors closed behind Neelix, Janeway looked thoughtful for a moment, wondering if his having been attacked after he mentioned Abras and a map shop meant that there might indeed be a quadlet on the station. Tomorrow will tell, she thought as she turned her attention back to the remaining few reports on her desk awaiting her attention.
Third Portal space, Day 15:
Friday, February 18, 2377
Stardate 54132.8
Briefing Room, 1119 hours.
"Good thing you had that bag of spice in your hand," said Torres to Neelix.
"I'll say. I couldn't fit both the Narsaka sausage and the bag of spice in the shoulder pack without crushing the plants I'd bought. That spice bag was so full that it wouldn't close tightly. It was easy to get collis spice into those filthy sharvats' eyes when I pretended to stumble," Neelix said with a sigh.
"But..." said Kim.
Neelix sighed again. "I know it bought me the time to get behind a locked door, but the gourmet cook in me feels it was a huge waste of good spice."
Janeway's eyes twinkled as she said, "Well, I can't have our 'gourmet cook' unhappy, Neelix. I'll authorize another away mission to the station for you to replenish your supply."
Neelix's face brightened, but before he could thank Janeway, she said, "This time, I'm sending Chakotay, Tuvok, and Tom with you. What do you think the chances are that there's a quadlet hidden somewhere on the station?"
"I'd say they're pretty good." replied Neelix. There's quite a few odd little nooks and crannies and a surprising number of empty shops, plus the last portion of the station that I passed through after leaving the markets was almost entirely deserted," said Neelix. "I also saw a number of corridors I didn't have a good enough reason to explore because they looked like they led to living quarters."
"The place is worth investigating, then," said Janeway.
"I'd say so. Yes, Captain."
"From what little I've seen of the station, I tend to agree with Neelix," said Chakotay.
"Captain, if I may..." started Neelix. Janeway nodded at him. "I'd send B'Elanna and maybe Vorik, too. There are quite a few technology and used component merchants on the station. We don't know when we'll have the next opportunity for resupply. There might be something in those shops that the engineering department could use."
"Good thinking, Neelix," said Torres.
"All right, B'Elanna. Join the away team, and take Vorik with you. Be ready to leave at 1300," said Janeway. "I want the usual – civilian clothes, shoulder packs, concealed technology, transporter armbands, subdermal transponders..."
"Interlink cortical transmitter," said Seven of Nine.
"Not this time," said Janeway as she saw Chakotay wince at Seven's suggestion. "Based on Tuvok's report after he returned yesterday, I feel the station is reasonably safe, despite what happened to Neelix. Tuvok saw the station's security logs, and they show a good safety record. I'll let you know when we need to use the interlink transmitter."
"As you wish, Captain," replied Seven.
Chakotay glanced over at Janeway and nodded his thanks, and then turned back to the rest of the senior staff. "Neelix, before I forget, Arslak asked me to give you this," Chakotay said as he reached over and handed a piece of paper to the Talaxian.
Neelix quickly scanned the writing and said, "Another recipe."
"This one's for the meatless version of collis spice noodles," said Chakotay. "I think you've got a real winner on your hands with or without the sausage. If the Captain hadn't authorized another trip to the market to replace your collis spice, I would have pushed for it."
"It sounds like you're going to have the crew eating out of your hand, Neelix," said Tom Paris with a big grin. "Between those new Tarkada spices and this mystery meal Chakotay is raving about, the crew will forget all about leola root stew and pleeka rind casserole."
"Oh, I don't think there's too much chance of that, Tom," said Neelix, "but a little variety every once in a while keeps things interesting."
"You'll get no complaints from me, Neelix, if this noodle dish is as good as Chakotay says," said Kim with a slight smirk on his face. "Those Tarkada spices certainly were a big hit at the reception for the Siranians." There were a few chuckles around the table.
"People, let's get back on track here," said Janeway. "The excursions to the market and technology dealers are important, but the mission objective is to locate another quadlet if it's on the station, and retrieve it then and there if possible. Neelix, we'll need to use Baxial again."
"Of course, Captain," said Neelix. "It's at your disposal."
"1300 hours, you said?" asked Paris.
"1300 hours, yes. If there's nothing else..." Janeway looked around the table, and then dismissed the briefing.
Chakotay remained behind and waited until the others had left the room. "Thanks for not ordering me to wear the interlink cortical transmitter, Kathryn."
"Tuvok assured me that the station is fairly safe, despite its appearance. He found out that the mining consortium that oversees it runs a pretty tight ship from a security standpoint. The attack on Neelix was an isolated incident. Muggings on the station are actually pretty rare, so I felt it wasn't necessary to have you in the collective this time around, Chakotay. Just be careful and watch yourself."
"I will, Kathryn," replied Chakotay. "Listen, we have a little over an hour before this mission starts. Have lunch with me? I'll ask Neelix to fix the spice noodles and sausage for you, and by the time I've gotten into my civvies, they should be ready. 20 minutes in the mess hall?"
"You're on. It's rare that you and Neelix agree on what constitutes a good meal, so I'm intrigued. I'll meet you there."
With that, Chakotay left to prepare for the away mission, and Janeway returned to the Bridge until it was time to meet him for lunch.
--
The Ontarian Supply Depot, 1321 hours.
The away team arrived at the station and disembarked from Baxial without incident. Neelix directed everyone to the directory placard on the wall that he had encountered when he first came to the station, and the team spent several minutes familiarizing themselves with the layout of the Ontarian Supply Depot.
"B'Elanna and Vorik," said Chakotay, "I want the two of you to remain together at all times. I doubt there's going to be a repeat of the attack on Neelix, but we're in unfamiliar territory, so let's err on the side of safety."
"A wise precaution, Commander," said Vorik to Chakotay. The Vulcan turned to Torres and said, "Lieutenant, where would you like to begin visiting the technology merchants?"
Torres turned to the directory and studied the floor plan for a moment. Neelix leaned over and pointed out a particular area, saying, "I would start here, B'Elanna. That's where most of the component parts dealers are concentrated. I looked through quite a bit of their inventory, and those shops have the biggest selection at a good price."
"All right, Neelix," she said. "Thanks." Torres glanced over at Chakotay for permission to go.
"Fine, B'Elanna. Just stay together, the two of you, and check in at around 1530, if you don't hear from us."
Will do, Chakotay," said Torres. She motioned in the direction Neelix had indicated and said, "Vorik?" The two engineers moved off on their assignment.
Chakotay turned and said, "Neelix, where would you suggest we start looking?"
"I suspect that the quadlet is in the part of the station that's deserted," said the Talaxian. "I checked the occupied part of the station pretty thoroughly as I went along, but why don't we retrace my route? You have that nice beacon locator -- maybe I missed something."
"Sounds like a plan," said Chakotay. The map team proceeded to follow Neelix, who led them to the school, where Chakotay and Tuvok closely examined the children's drawings in the showcase next to the school's entrance.
"No," said Chakotay, "none of these is a quadlet."
"That's what I thought too, Mr. Chakotay, but I thought it best to show you," said Neelix. "We should also check Barzaran's map shop."
"A map shop? Why didn't we go there first, instead of wasting all this time looking at kids' drawings?" asked Paris. "Naomi could do better than these."
"Because I don't think there's a quadlet there either," said Neelix, somewhat defensively. "I looked. There was more chance of one of these drawings being a quadlet than anything I saw in Barzaran's."
"Leave the man alone, Paris," said Chakotay. "If there's a quadlet hidden somewhere on the station, don't you think a map shop would be a little too obvious?"
"Yeah, whatever," said Paris. "We're still wasting time. Let's go, Neelix."
The away team continued to retrace Neelix's original route. As they approached Barzeran's, Tuvok asked, "Anything, Commander?"
"No change in the beacon locator, Tuvok. I think Neelix is right," said Chakotay. "If there's a quadlet on the station, it isn't in Barzaran's."
Neelix looked at Paris with a self-satisfied smirk. The pilot just rolled his eyes and said nothing. The away team came to the technology section, where Torres and Vorik were busy digging through bins outside of a shop and adding parts to a pile of components at their feet.
"How's it going, B'Elanna?" asked Chakotay.
"Great," she answered. "There's a lot of miscellaneous stuff here we can use, and this is only the second place we looked. Good suggestion, Neelix."
"Glad I could help, Lieutenant."
Torres turned away for a moment to look over a part Vorik was holding out to her, and then turned back to Chakotay, saying, "How about you? Any luck?"
Not yet, B'Elanna," Chakotay answered. "Neelix thinks it's probably in the deserted part of the station if it's here at all, so that's where we're off to after we visit the produce market. I'll comm the two of you if we're done before I hear from you. If you finish up first, let me know and then head for the tavern near the directory Neelix showed us, and we'll meet you there."
"All right, Chakotay. You got it."
With that, the rest of the away team continued on their way until they finally reached the produce market. Chakotay, Paris, and Tuvok fanned out into the aisles to look around for possible hiding places for a quadlet while Neelix negotiated with the spice dealers for a new supply of collis spice and a few other things that had escaped his scrutiny the day before. After the better part of an hour spent searching, the rest of the team worked their way back to Neelix's location, where the Talaxian was finishing up his negotiations. Neelix cast a questioning glance at Chakotay, who communicated across the Tasnixia bond that they had found nothing.
"Are you almost done, Neelix?" asked Chakotay. "We have a few more stops before we head on back."
"Ready when you are," replied Neelix. With that, the map team moved out of the market and into the abandoned part of the station. They had scarcely gone ten meters when Chakotay's beacon locator snapped on and began to vibrate.
"I've got something," he said. "Neelix, I think your hunch about the location was right."
"Then you take the lead, Commander," said Neelix. "We'll watch your back."
The map team moved into the disused portion of the station, with Chakotay paying strict attention to the intensity of the vibrations of his beacon locator. After several fruitless trips down corridors they passed along the way, the map team finally came upon a very long and poorly-lit hallway that led to a large public space, long since abandoned. Chakotay felt the vibrations of his beacon locator ramp up.
The area had once been a lushly-planted self-sustaining public arboretum, complete with stone benches and tables scattered throughout where people could sit and read or eat a meal. Floor-to-ceiling viewports along one wall were visible through an overgrowth of trees, vines, and shrubbery that had once constituted the garden, and had since grown wild though neglect. An enormous notice board thickly plastered over with old flyers covered nearly all of one wall adjacent to the viewports. As Chakotay approached it, his locator device intensified its vibrations and then shut itself off the moment he ran his hand along the surface of the flyers.
"It's somewhere underneath all this paper," said Chakotay. "My beacon locator just shut itself off."
"Perhaps I can assist," said Tuvok. He laid his palms flat against the wall and ran them methodically over the flyers until a vision of Horus's skywall briefly flashed through his mind. "I believe the quadlet is directly beneath my hands," he said.
"Great," said Paris. "So how are we supposed to get it out from under all this garbage?"
Neelix reached into his pocket, withdrew a jackknife, and showed it to the team. "Here. This should help."
"Carrying a concealed weapon, Neelix?" asked Paris. "What were you planning on doing with it?"
"Leave the man alone, Paris," said Chakotay. "In case you've forgotten, he was roughed up yesterday."
"If I'd had this with me then," said Neelix, "those two would never have gotten onto my ship."
"Don't worry about it, Neelix," said Chakotay. "It's lucky for us that you brought it. Recovering the quadlet just got a lot easier—unless, of course, Tom, you'd rather peel back all these layers with your bare hands..."
"Uh, think I'll pass on that one," said Paris.
"Thought so," said Chakotay. "Neelix, will you do the honors?"
"Of course, Commander." Neelix stepped over to the notice board and felt around the area where Tuvok's hands rested against the paper. The Talaxian probed with his fingers until he was able to discern a faint impression of where the quadlet's edges were located, buried under all the paper. He began to carefully cut away at the flyers near one of the corners. Once he had sliced through several layers, Neelix carefully peeled them back, and continued to work away at it until he had exposed a portion of the quadlet. He worked his knife underneath and pried up a corner.
Tuvok worked two of his fingers under the loosened corner and pinched his index finger against the top of the exposed section. Horus's skywall leapt up and replaced the abandoned garden space.
"Well, I guess there's no doubt it's genuine," said Paris. "Neelix, can you pry enough of the paper away to pull the quadlet off the wall? We can wait on cleaning off all the schmutz until we're back aboard Voyager."
Chakotay said, "He's right. Let's not hang around here any longer than we have to. We don't need anyone on the station seeing this skywall and asking questions we'd rather not have to answer."
"Agreed, Commander," said Neelix. "Mr. Vulcan, would you please hold onto that corner you have between your fingers? I'm going to cut very carefully underneath the edges of the quadlet to loosen it."
After a few minutes of work, Neelix managed to work enough of the paper layer free for Tuvok to pull the quadlet from the wall. Tuvok withdrew the fused quadlets that he'd carried in his shoulder pack and attempted to fuse the new quadlet to the rest of the Third Portal map recovered thus far, but was unsuccessful. The skywall promptly disappeared, and he slipped the pieces into the equipment pack he carried over his shoulder.
"All that paper and glue might be interfering somehow with the process," said Paris. "Once it's cleaned off, you'll probably have better luck, Tuvok."
"'Luck is not involved in the fusion process, Mr. Paris, but you may be correct about the foreign material as a factor affecting its function."
"Right," said Paris.
"I think we're done here, said Chakotay. "My beacon locator is still off. If there's another quadlet on the station, it's not on this wall. Chakotay to Torres."
"Torres here."
"B'Elanna, looks like we've finished up our business on the station. Where are you right now?"
"We're almost at the tavern you told us about. I'd appreciate a little help getting all the parts we found back to Voyager."
"Not a problem. Stay put once you get there. It's late enough in the day that we can all have our supper on the station before we get back to Voyager. I just need to report in to the Captain, and then we'll meet up with you and Vorik."
"Fine."
Neelix broke into the conversation. "B'Elanna?"
"What is it, Neelix?"
"Order the collis spiced noodles with Narsaka sausage for you, me, and Tom, and ask Arslak to make it vegetarian for Commander Chakotay, Tuvok, and Vorik."
"Chakotay?" The uncertainty was evident in Torres' voice.
"It's all right, B'Elanna. I had the meatless version yesterday, and the Captain had the spice noodles with sausage for today's lunch. Trust me -- no one's ending up in sickbay."
"If you say so."
"I say so. We'll be there shortly. Chakotay out."
That said, Chakotay took a few minutes to advise Janeway that they had located another quadlet, and then the map team left for Arslak's tavern.