The away team, minus Kes and Ducky met at the City gates, after Tuvok had used his combadge to contact Neelix.
"And Kes says they've been locked up in a room!" Neelix said in an outrage moving forwards towards Tuvok. "You've got to do something!"
Tuvok tapped his badge. "Captain, it appears Kes and Doctor Mallard are being held captive somewhere here on this planet."
Janeway's reply was none too pleased. "Any idea where, Tuvok?"
"Not at present."
"Are you finished with your away mission down there?"
Tuvok went to speak but Gibbs stepped forwards. With a glance at Tuvok's badge he spoke, "My team isn't finished yet."
"What would you like to do next, Agent Gibbs?"
"My team has been given information about a possible suspect, we're going to stay here and follow that lead."
Janeway liked the authority in his voice. It gave her confidence in his abilities and comforted her in her worries over Tom. After all, why should she expect him to accept her as his superior?
"Very well, have Tuvok give you any help you need. Janeway out."
Everybody looked at Gibbs for the next move.
"Abby, you're going back up to the ship,"
"What!" she said, "that's not fair!"
"Abby it's not safe now, we're going after the suspect."
"I want to come to!"
"No, Abbs." Gibbs said Firmly and Abby sulked, looking at her feet.
"But…"
"No."
Gibbs looked at Tuvok. "Could you er…send her back up?"
Tuvok nodded and looked at Harry to his left. "Would you escort Miss Scuito back up to Voyager." Harry nodded Tuvok tapped his badge again. "Two to beam up."
Abby was still sulking as the bluish tinge surrounded her body as she disappeared from the group with Harry. Gibbs let out a breath and turned to the group. "We're going after the woman you two found out about," he said looking at Ziva and McGee.
"But what about Kes?" Neelix said, his voice rising.
"Neelix, the Captain has been told about her situation," Tuvok said calmly, "she will do everything in her power to ensure her release."
"But…"
"If you wish to return to Voyager then…"
"No! I will not leave this planet while she is being held against her will."
"Then please, listen to what Special Agent Gibbs is telling us to do, I will inform the Captain of every move we make and every piece of information we receive."
Neelix bit his tongue and glared at Gibbs who showed no signs of letting it affect him. If he could withstand Abby's sulk's, Neelix was a piece of cake.
"What are we doing, Boss?" Tony asked and everyone's attention was back on Gibbs.
Janeway looked to her left and caught the eyes of Chakotay sitting in his own chair on the bridge. She had junior asleep on the floor in front of her, her foot protectively touching the side of the crib.
"Any suggestions?" She asked.
"You know it's the only option."
Janeway grimaced. She didn't really want to have another discussion with the Ambassador seeing as how the last one had gone so abysmally, and especially not now that she had just got junior to go to sleep. She'd practically threatened everyone on the bridge with a stretch in the brig if they spoke and purposely dimmed the lights so that he could sleep. Having a heated discussion with the Ambassador was not going to help.
Chakotay seemed to realize her internal debate and stood from his seat.
"I'll take him into your ready room," he said bending down and placing a hand on the side of the crib. It took a moment for Janeway to move her foot away from the crib, permitting Chakotay to take him. She hated to be parted with the child but she trusted Chakotay with her life, and there were things she needed to do.
She watched Chakotay leave with the crib and sighed, he would be the perfect father one day. The moment from before echoed through her head before she forced herself command the lights back on and a hail to be made to the Ambassador. She didn't need personal feelings clouding her vision while Kes and a member from the NCIS team were being held against their will.
"Ah, Captain," the Ambassador said, his tone less than forthcoming. "I see we talk again, and this time…where is the beautiful little infant?"
"In capable hands, now I hear you are holding two of my team hostage?"
The Ambassador looked genuinely surprised. "Captain, I assure you, whatever bad feelings you may have gained from our last conversation, my people would never resort to holding any of your crew hostage."
"Then what about lieutenant Paris?"
"Well that is a different matter," he said his gaze dropping briefly.
"Well I have had information that you are holding an Ocampan and a Human prisoner."
"Well Captain, when I said that we…" the ambassador trailed off as someone on his end of the conversation got his attention. There was a brief exchange of information before somewhat abashed the Ambassador turned back to the screen.
"Captain, I must apologize, it seems one of my people has put it upon themselves to make a citizens arrest."
Janeway's eyes focused on the Ambassador.
"Captain, I assure you, your people will be returned to you within the next 10 minutes."
"Thank you Ambassador,"
"I really am sorry about this, that person had no right to do that, I'm terribly embarrassed."
Janeway was beginning to feel a little sorry for the man, he was obviously very embarrassed and had been oblivious to the fact that it had even occurred.
"No hard feelings, Ambassador. I'm just glad my people will be returned safely."
"Of course. As an apology, is there anything I can do for you?"
Janeway thought for a second before answering. "You could tell me all you know about a woman with black eyes."