Disclaimer: See Chapters One & Two.
Chapter Ten
White Prize
"...The faster support vessel has reported that they have had audio contact with the distressed shuttle; they hope to make direct visual contact within the next hour or two, then they can transport the crew and shuttle aboard. The report says that the crew are coping by trying to make emergency repairs, they were just pleased to know that the support vessel would be with them reasonably soon. That is a relief to know they're fine for the most part and will soon be returning to Rigel's system." The pause in the announcer's narration was once again deafening for its silence. "There is still no word from the other four racers. Will the planet and nebula give up its secrets or not? Hey up folks something has been spotted within the nebula, it looks big, bigger than a shuttlecraft! It's the final four vessels they're flying in a diamond pattern, with the lead vessel being the alien Commander. They've made it! What? Reports say none of the vessels are answering hails or even communicating. Why radio silence? This is strange! Look their shields are surrounding the whole group in a very tight bubble, almost making the four one vessel. The support vessels are providing escort back to the starting point. This race sure has produced some drama today and it doesn't look like it's over yet, folks! Keep watching!"
The four-in-one vessel held its tight diamond formation as they traversed normal space to Rigel Prime, with the larger support vessels either side, keeping other vessels from getting too close as the racers made a careful descent through Rigel Prime's atmosphere and dull sullen cloud cover, to the plaza below from where the race had started some several hours before with nine vessels taking part. It was only when directly above the plaza that the four finally separated and landed though still in close formation on the cleared rain damp plaza. The support vessels also landed close by where the other failed racers disembarked and waited at the inner edge of the gathering crowds as the Full Council of Colony Elders approached the four silent crafts. No-one moved, silence descended, an expectant hush pulsed around the plaza and the final four racers. Then three of vessels those that made up the front of the diamond opened their hatches and their crews disembarked, with only the Commander and his co-pilot carrying a container between them, which they placed carefully down under the nose of the Cochrane. The other two crews walked forward and stood in front of Elders Padarn, Sheldon and Harts, who stood apart from and forward of the main body of the Elders, their voices carrying across the silent filled plaza as they gave a brief account of their flight in the nebula, to and from the planet. The fourth vessel remained silent and shut up tight.
"The window of opportunity on the planet is a very small one and was only open for about one hour after we arrived," said the pilot of the shuttle representing Elder Padarn's jurisdiction.
"We had to jettison most of our cargo as we tried to leave the planet," noted the other pilot, who was representing Elder Harts colony world. "We did overload ourselves a bit," he admitted.
"It is only thanks to Cmdr. Chakotay that we made it back at all," said one co-pilot; the others agreed.
It was Elder Sheldon who quietly beckoned the reluctant hero forward along with his co-pilot – Raoul.
"You didn't ask to be involved with Rigel's affairs and yet here you are basically the winner of this new race and yet not," Sheldon smiled at the shock he sensed around him from the crowds and Harts, but not Padarn; who continued:
"You used teamwork to get everyone home and all the vessels in that team followed your leadership and directions, benefitting from your experience, in this matter. How much did you return with?"
The Cochrane pair picked up the container and placed it at Sheldon's feet, leaving it for him, to open the medium sized box-shaped container. Intrigued the male bent down and opened the lid and then paused. Everyone around them was also trying to see what if anything was in the box. The Elder turned to Harts and invited him to look.
"There's nothing here!" he accused gruffly.
"You're not looking properly, Harts," said Padarn mildly, his expression amused, even Raoul was smiling quietly, whilst everyone else seemed puzzled. "Look again," the tall Rigellian instructed. Harts growled but did as asked and pulled out a native woven basket in the known style from Dacca Provence, which appeared to hold some prickly coated fruit.
"These are seeds one for each of the shuttles that entered the race. I've been told they are the fruit of a nut tree an edible nut once cooked or roasted. These though are for planting and harvesting when the tree matures," the former Free Trader Captain explained.
"That's all very well, but what of the other prizes?" Harts demanded.
"The other prizes aren't physical or tangible, Harts. You can't pick up this prize and handle it. It is all the more precious for that," Elder Sheldon said.
"Teamwork! Learning to work together to find a solution," noted another Elder of the Full Council. "That's why the four remaining shuttles returned as they did, in formation, together."
"And sometimes these things require time to find the right solution," said another voice, moving forward to join the small group. Chakotay wasn't that surprised to see that it was Councillor Fox who'd spoken. "If this race has taught us anything it is that we need to reassess our values and principals and work together to find – not a quick fix solution – but lasting ones that benefit everyone," he continued. "I know I have done my fair share in the mess that we have embroiled Cmdr. Chakotay and his crewmates in, but he and they have stuck to their principals both professional and personal."
"I can vouch for that," said a clear youthful voice.
"DELLA!" Raoul exclaimed joyfully and then blushed; although Chakotay had informed him that the young woman was still alive, and that he'd only a hunch as to where she might be, and for both their sakes he had kept that hunch to himself; Raoul hadn't really believed it until now as she regally stood between Fox and Padarn, with Cyra behind her. He quietly stepped forward and presented her with the most unusual white flower any Rigellian had ever seen. "It's a Peace Lily," he said handing it to her. Smiling she took the flower her own blushes deepening as she gazed at the young man.
"What of Da'Kin?" someone asked. "Is he your prisoner?"
"No," Chakotay responded calmly. "He is a prisoner, yes; of his own greed."
"The planet?" Padarn asked mildly. Chakotay nodded once. "Then why come back with his shuttle?"
"Because it carries an unexpected prize of its own," he said and made a hand signal to the silent ship. As the silent crowd turned their troubled eyes that way, the main hatch of the dark silent ship slowly opened, once it was fully extended, a small wizen male in the garb of an official court retainer and personal servant stepped out. He moved purposefully down the short hatch ramp as the people watched; but it was the male that followed him a moment later that caused the most striking reaction.
"PAPA!" screamed the young woman and ran at the tall figure to be enfolded in his embrace as he stood in the open hatchway, a little knocked back by the force of her charge. Startled expressions abounded, along with a few tears at the joyful and unexpected reunion between two people that most had considered lost to them. Whoops of joy, cheers and thunderous clapping suddenly erupted around the crowded plaza, whilst Rigel's Ruling Family couple joined the group of Elders.
"Questions can wait for now," the male said his arm around the shoulders of his brave beaming daughter.
"We'll call a Full Council meeting very soon," noted Harts grinning, his eyes shinning with tears of joy.
"You do that, Harts. First I think we'd better reward our winner," he said quietly turning to the human male who stood waiting calmly amidst all the uproar of raw emotions around him. "Commander Chakotay of the Starship Voyager, thank you," the male said, having silently signalled for calm so his words could be heard. "You and your crew will be accorded the help and supplies you require to continue your long journey."
"My thanks on behalf of my Captain and crew," he said softly.
"You'd prefer trade?" asked Raoul, knowingly.
"It would be more in keeping with what we first came here for," he acknowledged.
"What do you have to trade?" asked Padarn.
"Let's sort that out later, my friend," said Sheldon, taking his fellow Elder's arm and escorting him along with the rest of the group off the Plaza.
Chakotay stayed by the Cochrane and sighed feeling satisfied and yet uneasy, as the happy crowds dispersed. He was joined a moment later by a familiar figure.
"How did it go, Poocuh?"
"Well enough, Flyboy!" he responded with a smile and turned to the rear of the craft.
"Hey! Only my wife can get away with that!" he called after Chakotay as he followed him inside.
=/\=
Celebrations aboard Voyager were a rather muted affair as officially the ship was still impounded by the Rigellians, also Janeway had not authorised any such celebrations as she still felt that they should not have taken part in the contest at all or still be on Rigel for that matter; thus it was with grudging reluctance that she agreed to attend the full council meeting with Chakotay and Tuvok – the complete Command Team.
A team that appeared to be united, publically, but one third was not in agreement with the other two; in fact in private she had been rather hostile to both males, berating one for his participation in the contest and the other for supporting the idea. Neither male had responded then nor did they now to her muttered rants as they walked to the Royal Hall to attend the summons from the Full Council.
Raoul and Habor met them at the entrance to the hall and escorted them inside to a bright and airy hall.
"Chakotay any chance of getting the full schematics for those buzzards?"
"Sorry, Raoul, afraid not," he said giving his silently seething Captain a side long glance and then whispered in Raoul's ear. "I'm sure you'll work it out." The Rigellian smiled quietly at his new friend; he had looked over the schematics whilst aboard the Cochrane shuttle during their flight to and from the planet, especially when they'd used the ram-scoops to add to their power supply for the warp drive. Chakotay watched the man's young face as Della and her father entered the hall together followed by the Full Council of Elders and bringing up the rear guard were Fox and Cyra.
"Romeo and Juliet," he said softly, puzzling the two Rigellians.
"Indeed," noted the Vulcan quietly, awaiting the Council to settle in their places round the open ringed table. The love the Free Trader captain felt for the young royal woman was very apparent in his open face, even between the older couple their love shone for all to see; Chakotay realised there would be a double wedding very soon, but he didn't think the woman beside him would allow them to stay for the resulting celebrations; a fact that sadden him. His quiet musing was interrupted a moment later by the leader of the full Council standing to address those assembled. Tuvok had to quietly whisper some reprimand to Janeway when he heard her mutter something about getting on with things, what she had said had not been heard by others thankfully or even Chakotay, thus she schooled her impatience and stood in full Captain mode pulling down on her dress uniform tunic as if to emphasize that fact. The two males shared a glance at each other over her head, and then faced Elder Harts as the Rigellian male spoke about recent matters, in the usual flowery language of such officials.
"Elder Harts," said a voice firmly, when they'd endured about ten minutes of the male's speech and he'd paused significantly for breath to interrupt his flow. Padarn's regal figure stood up and gently confronted his fellow elder. Chakotay had to smile the two couldn't have been more different. Harts pompous and portly, Padarn tall and stately; his calm countenance again a contrast to Harts bluster. "I know you are elected leader of this Council under the terms of First Law, but," he paused and took in his fellow Elders around the table many of whom were smiling with relief at him. "First Law has been completed for now, therefore if you have no objection?" his question pointed. Elder Harts quietly sat down. "Thank you," he acknowledged gently. A collective sigh echoed around the table, Sheldon grinned broadly as the tall regal male pulled himself up to his full height.
"Captain Janeway of Voyager, on behalf of the Full Council of Rigel, I thank you for your patience and forbearance in all matters pertaining to Rigel and especially to the Royal House of Rigel Prime," he smiled a moment. "To cut to the chase – I believe you humans would use," he said surprising her. "What would you like to trade for the commodities that you require?" Stunned she just stared at him.
"If I may?" asked Chakotay gently. Padarn nodded ascent. "The Captain has agreed to trade our full literature library with you. It contains works by all our literary masters not just from the Federations home planet, but all those who make up the United Federation of Planets."
"That will include, Vulcan writings, Klingon opera and sagas, folklore from all cultures within the Federation," Tuvok added calmly.
"Including Rapa Nui?" a voice asked softly.
"Yes, Elder Sheldon," Chakotay responded. He didn't fail to notice the interested gleam in Padarn's eyes. Something told him this was a learned man, yet an honest one who was willing to take in more instruction when necessary. The tall Elder sat down somewhat dazed as if he couldn't quite believe his good fortune - books. The male beside Della quietly stood drawing attention to himself by his commanding stance, his purple white hair the only thing really linking him with the young woman seated beside him. It was obvious that the male had lost some weight during his incarnation by Da'Kin, for his garments hung on him a little; garments that Chakotay had filled out during his stay at the palace, garments Chakotay also knew the male would soon fill out again. The male looked round his dark purple eyes resting on each person in turn, until they were looking deeply at the tattooed male opposite him.
"I have a lot to be grateful for that you came to Rigel Prime," he said his voice still a little gravely through lack of use. "Not least of which for releasing me and my retainer from Da'Kin's grasp," he paused to gather his thoughts. "As has already been mentioned, you did not ask to be tied up in Rigel's affairs, but you have dealt with the situation within the bounds of your own protocols and principals well, a trait everyone should be proud to follow," his gaze shifted to Janeway. "You are a strong woman, Captain Kathryn Janeway to be leader of your crew and commit to getting them home, no matter how long it takes you. I Rom'lo of the Royal House of Rigel Prime wish you a continued safe journey."
"Royal House?" questioned Harts, puzzled but its usage.
"Yes, Elder Harts. As of today our line," taking the hand of his daughter. "Will be known as the Royal House, not the Ruling Family," his tone adamant. "We will discuss the details in a private session, later," he added firmly stalling any comments. "In the meantime we have guests to attend to and two weddings to prepare for," his smile brightening up his handsome face, as he indicated that Raoul step forward from his place beside Chakotay, whilst gently pulling his daughter to her feet. Once the three were standing together over the table, he placed Della's hand in Raoul's and pressed them together with his own around them both.
"With my blessing," he announced, purple eyes glistening with quiet tears of joy. Clapping erupted around the hall, but the young couple gave it little heed as they gazed adoringly into each others eyes. Rom'lo smiled and went to the Voyager command team and shook hands with two and tried the Vulcan salute but didn't quite manage it. Tuvok quietly returned the salutation in the correct manner and then drew Janeway gently away from the two similar and yet alien males.
"Do you think you'll be able to stay for the wedding?" Rom'lo asked quietly looking at his daughter and beau. "I know Della will officially invite you and yours," he added.
"I do not believe so. The Captain feels we've outstayed our welcome," his eyes travelling over the crowd to pick out Fox and Cyra. "Two weddings and one long over due," he said quietly with a smile.
"Indeed. Their families were always at logger-heads," noted Rom'lo his tone amused.
"It was Da'Kin and A'Gerin that really kept them apart, which may very well have become permanent," Chakotay said sadly. "At least their story has a happier ending than Romeo and Juliet's," he added mystifying his host. "Ask Padarn!" grinning.
"Ah! I see. If he'll let me get a look-in!" the other said with a smile of understanding. "You might still have problems with your Captain," he softly warned. Chakotay only nodded his understanding, as the woman's voice called his rank commandingly. The two males clasped hands the Amerindian way and parted company.
Rom'lo felt his daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law join him, thus they watched Voyager's Command Team leave the Hall, together.
"Papa?" she questioned softly, seeing his frown of concern.
"We'd better date some trading vouchers that can be offered in place of we can not give them here and hope they'll be used before they reach the outer edge of our system."
"You think she'll go sooner rather than later?" asked Raoul boldly.
"I know she will," his words firm.
"Rozene," Della whispered softly, feeling the little dragon's troubled thoughts along with Azure's.
=/\=
Voyager, stood ready and primed to undertake her continuing journey once again, one Janeway was eager to restart as soon as was viably possible. Teams had worked in round-the-clock shifts over the last thirty-six hours to get the ship re-stocked and repaired. She stood hands on hips in the command area of the bridge whilst her crew worked in their places. Chakotay sat in his command chair his face silently brooding as her over eagerness was grating on his nerves. He'd been kept busy during his duty shifts over those thirty-six hours, so had been unable to leave the ship as he'd organised the round-the-clock shifts and pacified the crew who wanted to stay for the wedding celebrations, but the Captain had been adamant that they would be leaving the sooner the better in her books. Neelix had commented that her stance was not good for crew morale; he'd only made that known to the First Officer in a private conversation, rather than risk the Captain's wrath at the senior staff meeting; when the Talaxian had noted the male's own withdrawn and sad expression.
"Troubled thoughts, Commander?" he asked softly, startling the man as he stood at the viewports watching the Rigellian dawn.
"Sorry, Neelix; I was miles away," he smiled softly, his eyes sad.
"I think you like some others would like to join the wedding celebrations!"
"It would've been good to have accepted the invitation, but..." his voice trailed sadly.
"I know, it would've been good for crew morale too," he affirmed. "Now a hearty breakfast is what a hard working man like you needs," he enthused and led the way to his kitchen and chatted cheerily as he made Chakotay's favourite meal. He smiled sadly to himself as he re-called that mornings chat with Neelix as he sat on the Bridge, his thoughts shying away from another conversation he'd had later with the Captain before coming to the Bridge, one that had left a bile feeling in his stomach and in his mouth; Her sitting down firmly in her chair and giving the order to Paris to take them up stalled his hopes completely that she would reconsider the invitation.
=/\=
Voyager rose gracefully up off the plaza, where she'd been grounded for her enforced stay on Rigel Prime, the still strengthen sun glinting off the viewports as the landing struts folded back up into her sleek body and she rose up higher to be embraced by the wispy pink and gold clouds above. Fox and Cyra watched sadly from their position in Fox's office arms around each other as they re-called the brief communications they'd had with Commander Chakotay late the previous evening.
"I wish we could stay..." he trailed his face truly troubled.
"Janeway wants to be off!" stated Fox bluntly.
"Don't be so insensitive," Cyra admonished him gently. "You're going to miss, Rozene," she added quietly.
"I'm not sure if she's really chosen to stay or not," he confided his eyes reflecting his thoughts on the matter.
"We will take good care of her, Chakotay," she assured him. He nodded and signed off quickly cutting off the voice of his Captain intruding into his space.
"She's impatient!" he noted.
"I can re-call someone else being like that!" she teased softly. He smiled at her and drew her close. Having watched the alien vessel leave their line of sight, they again drew closer together and hugging each other before parting to get ready for their official joining along with Della and Raoul, later that sunny morning.
=/\=
Chakotay had left the Bridge via the lower entrance on deck one and strolled along the corridors, his thoughts turned inwards as he felt a little red/gold dragon straining, her feelings mixed with his own sadness and unease. It was only when he reached the lounge under the shuttle platform at the rear of the ship that he realised he'd been walking in the opposite direction to their current momentum of travel. His emotions well up to the surface, but had to be quashed back down when a crewman enters the area.
"Oh, sorry, Commander," the startled woman says, but he left without a word. Needing to be alone away from everyone, he thought of the 'Sweet spot', but then re-called that he'd once been disturbed from there also. So he continued to stride without a firm purpose to his destination to find some solitude, but he kept being interrupted by different crew mates, who were just going about their everyday off-duty activities. He even tried his office with no joy, so he came back to his quarters locked the door, took off his jacket and threw it onto a nearby chair and retreated to his bedroom and sat hugging his knees on the floor in the darkened area beside the bed. Tears welled in his dark eyes feeling emotions of loss and sadness overwhelms him.
"Rozene," he whispers sadly. Soft whistles answer him, strained whistles. Closing his eyes he rocks himself gently, tears running down his face a feeling of deep emptiness inside him, he calls again desperately. /ROZENE/
=/\=
NB: From Author, there should be one more chapter to go!