Chaos 2
Author: Christina and Sara
from an original idea by Christina, Sara, Jackee, and Suz

Prologue

"Get us clear of the battle, Lieutenant Paris," Janeway said. "We can try to determine where Voyager might have gone once we're a safe distance from the fire-fight."

"Captain..." Neelix called from the back.

A blast rocked the small craft.

"Not now, Neelix," she snapped as she again studied the alien displays. "Shock wave from an explosion on the station. No damage."

A blast again rocked the craft.

"That one feels like it was more than a shock wave," Tom shot back. "Shields are at 85 percent."

"I'm on it." Janeway scanned the tactical display, attempting to locate the origin of the attack. The shots weren't from the attacking fighters, but apparently random blasts from some of the escaping ships as they fled the station. She hesitated firing without cause, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. She hoped a quick and unnoticed escape could be made amidst the chaos. In all probability, the shuttle wouldn't survive a focused battle. She wanted to avoid one at all costs. "How long before we're clear of this, Tom?"

"Four minutes, Captain," Tom replied as he banked the shuttle to port. "Assuming we don't meet any friends." He nodded toward his left. "It looks like they are leaving." Janeway noted the fleeing ships were now being left alone.

Janeway agreed quietly even as she grumbled to herself, "Which of these are sensors?" She waved her hand over the array of primitive looking buttons and knobs in front of her. Logic dictated her choice. Next to the weapons array. With a smile, she realized she was right-only the data was in Plor-or whatever language. She turned slightly and requested Neelix to bring her a PADD. The Talaxian silently brought one to her.

Tom banked the shuttle again to port. She stared at the view, hoping to find Voyager at the fringes, waiting for them.

"No sign of Voyager." She worked to keep her voice even.

Tom frowned slightly. "It looks like we're being ignored. I think he said this was..." The ship shook violently; he didn't finish his statement as he worked to maintain control.

"Janeway to Voyager." She tried her combadge again and again there was no response. There wasn't even the sound of static. Frustrated, she glanced at the display to her right. "There is a class-M planet two light years from here. Set a course."

Tom grinned. "A pilot's dream..."

"Nightmare, actually." Janeway smiled slightly. At least the Starfleet technology worked the way it should. The PADD had translated the shuttle's language. "Well, no one will ever say life in the Delta Quadrant is boring." She studied the translated PADD. She tried another button. "Did you perhaps learn which one of these allow us to track a ship?"

Tom laughed. "I have no idea. I was testing this thing for space worthiness. It's a very nice little ship. Very maneuverable. I figured B'Elanna would have a chance to fix it up before we actually used it." He adjusted the heading.

"I heard that, helmboy. Don't blame this on me-watch what you're doing!" B'Elanna said, her voiced tinged with pain. Tom grabbed the med kit and started to stand. ""Concentrate on the ship, not me!"

Tom shook his head as he sat back down. "It looks like we're clear." He reached over and flicked a switch. "We should arrive at the planet in thirty hours." He turned toward the back of ship.

Janeway nodded as she glanced back too; B'Elanna had successfully managed to keep Neelix and Ayala from working on her leg. "Lieutenant Paris, take care of your wife. Then we'll see what we have to do to fix this thing." She then faced the viewscreen and took a deep breath. Right now boring sounded very good.


Act one

Chakotay rubbed a dirty hand across his eyes and sighed. His long day had turned into an even longer 24 hours. He glanced at Commander Tuvok, then back at the blank display. "Ensign Vorik?"

"Sir," the young Vulcan said from underneath the console. "Try the sensors now."

Chakotay smiled as the console flickered and data again began to stream in.

"The problem does appear to be corrected. All systems are now within acceptable parameters," Vorik said as he crawled out.

"Acceptable, but not ideal," muttered Chakotay. "Oh, well, beggars can't be choosers. We should count ourselves lucky that we got this far after those relays blew."

Tuvok nodded. "Engine fatigue can lead to unanticipated system-wide malfunctions."

Chakotay grinned. "Is that a polite way of saying that I almost got our bacon fried?"

Tuvok's eyebrow rose an inch. "Our bacon?"

Chakotay's response was interrupted by Harry. "Commander, I've boosted our sensors by rerouting non-essential system power. We should be able to take a look at the station."

Chakotay tried not to stumble as he made his way toward the command chair. "Feed the needed position to helm, Harry." Sitting down he ran a hand through his hair. "Hold on Kathryn," he said to himself, "we're coming back for you."

The view of the station that appeared on their screen was almost a perfect image of Chakotay's worst nightmare.

Harry spoke loudly, "Two Plor ships approaching. Commander, we're being hailed. It's the governor."

The image of Governor Elib appeared on the screen. "Voyager, I am sorry for your loss. We could find no sign of your captain or her team when we evacuated. Trust me, the Tevian terrorists will pay for this outrage."

Chakotay managed to keep a neutral expression on his face. "Governor Elib, permission to send a team of our own to the station to conduct a search."

"Our repair teams will be here soon. For safety reasons, you understand, we do not wish for non essential personnel to be on board. Perhaps Voyager's systems could be put to better use helping us hunt down the terrorists who perpetrated this attack?"

"An hour," Chakotay said, ignoring the Governor's request for help. "Perhaps they left a clue what happened."

"The Tevian are very thorough, but permission granted. Please remember, that it is the policy of the Plor government not to deal with terrorists. I'm sorry. If you change your mind about helping assist in those who most likely murdered your captain and crewmates, please contact me." Chakotay let his mask slip for a quick, angry glare at the blank screen, then turned to Harry.

"Ensign Kim and Ensign Dalby will accompany me to the station. Commander Tuvok, maintain yellow alert while we're gone."

"Commander Chakotay," Tuvok said. "I must object. It is against..."

Chakotay expected Tuvok's objection. "I know it is. You will be in command until I return. Track the governor's ship." Chakotay didn't like the governor, there was just something about him that made him uneasy.


His hands ran over her shoulders, down her arms and circled behind her waist pulling her closer. She closed her eyes tighter and let his warmth envelope her, comfort her. She moaned softly...

"Captain?" Tom's voice repeated, returning her to the present. "Are you all right?"

She opened her eyes with a start. "Fine." She sat up straighter and wiggled around trying to find a comfortable sitting position. "The chairs were obviously not designed for humans."

Tom glanced at his watch. "Captain, you've been standing watch for over eighteen hours."

She shifted position, then placed both hands on the console and pushed herself into a standing position. She looked toward the back. The other three were sleeping. She pretended to not notice the look Tom gave her when she yawned.

Tom said quietly, "You should get some sleep."

"Not until we're safely on the ground."

"That will be another two hours, Captain." He shook his head when she made no move to leave.