START TREK VOYAGER: HOMEWARD BOUND

Chapter 35

A slight lifting sensation alerted the occupants as Neelix's ship rose from the deck. Sitting beside Seska, at the rear of the tiny bridge, Janeway turned her head, looking out a window positioned to her left. Watching as Voyager's gray walls slowly slipped past.

When the blackness of space engulfed them the realization that the mission was indeed underway washed over her. Momentarily she closed her eyes. Opening them again for several moments she watched distant, unknown, stars blinking against the backdrop of black.

Glancing slightly to her right, out of the corner of her eye, she could see Seska's tight lips and clenched fists. Looking back towards Neelix she watched as he steered the ship away from Voyager, then jumping to warp-three he set a course taking them to the home planet of the Kazon Hobii.

Realizing that this Talaxian could add piloting skills to his growing list of abilities, Janeway raised her eyebrow in surprise as she observed Neelix working the controls. She was beginning to wonder just what other unknown abilities lay hidden. Evidently, he had mastered the skill of apparent ineptness.

Knowing that it would not be long Janeway took a deep breath, trying to relax. But quickly found that was an impossible feat. Once again she was heading into enemy territory on a search and retrieve mission, but this time the threat was real. The Kazon would not prove to be allies and friends as the Maquis had.

For the next forty-five minutes few words were exchanged. The three conspirators could feel the tension mounting as they got closer and closer to their destination.

Seating alone at the helm Neelix's mind played out different scenarios of what could happen once they landed. He knew better than his companions what to expect from the Kazon if things went wrong, and it was not something that he wanted to occur. Being aware that success or failure of this mission could be resting on his shoulders made the Talaxian uneasy.

He was accustomed to being on his own, alone with only himself to take care of, which he had grown very good at. Having others depending on him was strange, but it filled him with pride and a determination that he had never known. A new found confidence settled over him as he ran skilled fingers over the controls.

Though she had been aware of Janeway's look Seska continued to stare straight ahead, to a spot slightly above Neelix's head. Her thoughts on her husband and son, were they still alive? For so long they had been dead, she had accepted that. Now she dreaded thinking that they could be alive, fearful that her hopes would be crushed. Each beat of her heart called out to them in anguish. Clenching her hands tightly in her lap soon she would know.

Janeway dropped her eyes down to her bound hands. Her thoughts on Chakotay and what he must have felt when a prisoner of first herself then Cavit. Totally helpless, at the mercy of his captives. As she would soon be with the Kazon. Never had she felt so alone.

Suddenly their thoughts were broken into as Neelix called out a warning. "We've been spotted. There's a Kazon scout ship heading out way, they'll be making contact any second!"

Taking a deep breath Seska sat up straight while Janeway just gave a small nod.

This was it!

There was no turning back!

They were committed to their mission.

To finish it, one way or another!

Barely had the words left Neelix's mouth when a light began flashing on the conn. Pressing the control display Neelix brought the tiny viewscreen blinking to life.

Hiding his anxiety, in his usual quiet manner he addressed the unfriendly Kazon face. "Good day Revia. I do hope that all is well with you?"

The Kazon snarled his reply. What do you want Talaxian? Come to trade more of your worthless junk?"

Neelix opened his arms wide. At the same time appearing hurt. "Revia, Revia how can you say that? Each time I come you and the others find items that you want to trade for. You know that I only deal in the best of merchandise."

Giving a small wink he leaned closer to the screen. "This time I have something very special. In fact…. a double prize for your Maje."

Appearing very pleased with himself Neelix leaned back. "Two females of the same type as your prisoners."

Revia's eyes narrowed as he spat in disbelief. "Let me see them!"

Neelix stood up. "Certainly, certainly, just give me a moment they're in the back. Glad to please, glad to please."

Turning away he quickly walked back to where Janeway and Seska were sitting.

Pointing towards the front he addressed the captain. "The Kazon want to see you. Be sure that I'm bringing what I claim, and in good condition."

Kathryn looked disgusted as both stood up. "We heard."

Leaning closer Neelix whispered. "The Kazon like women who are feisty and defiant. Gives them a chance to prove their manhood."

A cold shiver ran down Janeway's spine. She well understood the meaning behind those words.

Without another word they accompanied Neelix back to the pilot section.

Making sure that the Kazon would notice the Talaxian pushed them, not too gently, towards the screen. "Well Revia? Two young females for your Maje, and you when he's finished his enjoyment."

Janeway tossed her head. "Get your hand off me you little…."

Seska pushed Neelix with her elbow. "You heard her."

Neelix grabbed the arms of both of them. "Just wait. I'm sure that the Kazon will tame the both of you."

They managed to jerk their arms away but not without a small struggle.

The Kazon grinned. A sinister, leering grin. "First Maje Jal Loran will be pleased. This time he may even pay your price."

He uttered a small taunting laugh. "I see you have them bound. Were they too much for you, Talaxian. Follow me into orbit then use you shuttle to reach the planet and land in the usual spot. I'll notify the Maje to expect you….and the merchandize."

With a last look that clearly revealed the desire in his eyes Revia closed the transmission.

Talking to himself Neelix closed the viewscreen. "Always a pleasure Revia."

A shutter passed through Kathryn's body. She now knew what prey felt like just before being pounced upon. She glanced at Seska. "Well….at least we'll be welcomed."

Staring at the darkened screen Seska did not reply. Were her son and husband in the hands of these people? The cold hand of fear wrapped around her heart.

Sitting down at his console Neelix tapped the display. "Captain, you and Seska better go to the shuttle. It will only be a matter of minutes before we'll be in orbit."

Janeway started to walk away, then she turned back. "Neelix, don't forget. From here on my name is Matka."

Neelix looked up. His face set in firm resolve. "I haven't forgotten. Until we meet with Kazon you're still Captain Janeway and Lieutenant Seska."

After Neelix turned back to the panel for a moment Janeway stared at the back of the Talaxian's head. She understood what Neelix meant. When she became Matka, both herself and Seska would be prisoners and slaves of the Kazon, worth less than the soil of the planet.

Her eyes met her companion's.

Seska turned away. The Cardassian understood all too well the implications behind Neelix's words, some of her people were no better. For the first time in her life Seska felt shame as she remembered what her husband had been forced to do, while a gul under Cardassia command.

She silently followed Janeway in the direction of Neelix's cargo bay.

As they approached the battle scared and tarnished craft Seska shook her head. "I have to hand it to B'Elanna. This looks anything but one of our sleek Maquis undercover shuttles. She did an excellent job of making it look like scrap."

Kathryn laughed. "Yes. I couldn't believe that this was one of ours. But it was more of a surprise to discover that Chakotay had five of these 'special operations reconnaissance vehicles'. But more importantly than appearance, B'Elanna managed to scale back the panels so that a one-seater became a three-seater. She does manage to pull off some wonders."

Eyeing her fellow undercover companion Janeway leaned against the shuttle. "I'm glad to see that your fears about B'Elanna proved groundless."

Seska met her captain's eyes. "I just told her a few facts about being Cardassian. Gave her something to think about."

Before Janeway could reply Neelix approached. "We're in orbit. Shall we proceed? The Kazon are not exactly patient."

As they entered the tiny confines Janeway hoped that no one suffered from claustrophobia. Settling into her seat, beside Seska and right behind Neelix, she found it was tight but at least they did have room to breath. At the moment she was glad that Torres had dropped out of Starfleet and joined the Maquis, otherwise the three of them might have been on top of each other in a single-person craft.

As the shuttle exited Neelix's ship she could feel both eagerness and fear emanating from Seska. But while the Cardassian's thoughts were on the planet before them, Janeway's mind was in the space behind. On the ship called Voyager and their dangerous path through the asteroid field.

Regardless of what they found on the planet, if Chakotay did not survive then the Kazon world would become their new home. That is…..for however long the Kazon allowed them to live.

Banishing those thoughts she leaned forward. "Neelix, we should be within scanning distance."

Quickly he tapped the display. "Yes, I'm reading small structures in groupings over a radius of about one hundred miles, total population almost seven thousand. They all must be similar to the village that I have been in, one floor, sometimes two, with several small rooms. I read some of your earth history and the best comparison would be to a medieval community."

Janeway could almost hear Seska's quickening heartbeat.

The captain crossed mental fingers before asking the next question. Now they would know if this mission was worthless. "Any Cardassian life signs?"

Carefully Neelix continued to read the display, making sure that he did exactly as he had been shown back on Voyager. He marveled at the sophisticated technology packed into such a small craft. It certainly outdid his ship.

After several seconds he nodded and almost shouted his reply. "Several!"

He concentrated on the panel. "I'm reading a total of eight Cardassians alone with about five hundred Kazon in the area where we'll be landing, which is their headquarters."

Then he shrugged. "If you can call any Kazon place a headquarters. But this is where the Hobii Maje always stays when not out raiding and killing."

Relieved, Janeway settle back into her not comfortable seat. "Are all the Cardassians in one location?"

For several seconds Neelix studied the panel while tapping several controls. "No. According to these readings there is one Cardassian life sign coming from an area about four miles northwest, in the mountains. Hmmmmm this one is slightly different. Most probably the boy."

Seska gasped. "Is….is the life reading strong?"

Neelix turned his head. "Yes. The Hobii have a training facility is that area. They send young boys there to be taught how to fight. It could be that they are planning to allow your son to join them. If that is the case then he has probably been well taken care of."

For a moment Janeway looked down. "That is good news, however, having him in a different location will complicate the rescue. Once we land, and hopefully speak with the others, then we can formulate a plan. Until then there is not much else we can do."

Seska's voice was low as she voiced her thoughts. "Would it be because his father is dead that the Kazon are taking an interest in Kayon?"

Neelix shook his head. "No! It would make no difference if your husband were alive or not. The Kazon take what they want. If the boy showed good fighting abilities they would just adopt him into their sect, neither your husband, or son, would be given a choice."

Through the large front viewing window Janeway could see the grassy stretch where they had been directed to land. Unfortunately she was prevented from seeing the village since they were approaching from the wrong direction, and the landing strip was about two hundred yards outside the hamlet. Seconds later Janeway felt only a slight bump as the shuttle touched down. If Tom Paris wasn't careful Neelix might soon be competing for chief pilot.

Janeway reached over and gave Seska's hands a slight squeeze.

She got a quick surprised and startled half-smile in return.

From his seat Neelix reached over to his left, pressing the door switch.

When a small section at the back slid open Janeway looked at Neelix. "Remember, make it appear that we are nothing more to you than a piece of property to trade. We have only one chance at this, it the Kazon see through our deception….."

For once Neelix was serious and calm. He knew the consequences upon failure. "Don't worry, I can put on a good act when necessary.

For some reason Janeway had no doubt of that.

Seska just shook her head.

With Janeway and Seska before him Neelix moved to the opening.

With raised voice he gave both of them a push. "Come on you two, move! It's time to meet your new masters."

Quickly they stepped down to the ground.

The two prisoners moved forward. Before them stood a cluster of buildings, made out of some type of metal and apparently built with no thought or definite purpose in mind. They were ill maintained with the sides dull and tarnished from the years.

Several Kazon exited the structures to see what Neelix was bringing. In the forefront stood a tall, scarecrow of a man, his arms folded across his chest and his eyes, as black as the night. glistened in anticipated pleasure. A smile that resembled a snarl did nothing to lessen his scar marked face.

Janeway did not like what se saw. Thought the living conditions on this planet were better than on the Ocampa home world the Kazon seem little better off. The group that had gathered behind the Maje looked no different that the Kazon Olga. She had no expectations of kind treatment from them.

Wanting to see what the area was like around her Janeway stood still. Neelix reacted as she had expected, by giving her a not too gentle shove.

She winced in pain as her body came in contact with the hard earth.

Neelix stood over her. "On your feet Cardassian. The Kazon are expecting you."

Turning to sit up she managed a quick look around. They were in a low valley with surrounding mountains. Here and there were several small strands of trees and a small brook ran from the hills into the village.

Regaining her feet Janeway could see another group of buildings to the left of where the Kazon were standing. Here she could see the object of their mission as a group of Cardassians looked on in stunned silence.

Again Neelix gave her a push. "Come on there, enough times being wasted. I have dealings to conclude. And you have the Maje to meet."

Hoping that they would be placed with the Cardassians while negations with Neelix were underway, both Janeway and Seska were actually anxious to get the introductions over with. But they forced themselves to walk slowly, putting on a good show of reluctance, with Neelix giving the occasional small push.

Nearing the Kazon, Janeway heard a small, almost inaudible, gasp from beside her. Following Seska's gaze she saw another Cardassian exit the building, walking to the front of the group. There he stood, rigid and still, watching as they approached the Kazon Maje.

His clothes mere rags, hanging on a food-starved frame, physically he hardly resembled the fearful commander of occupied Bajor. But standing there, tall and straight, there was no mistaking the air of authority.

As if on cue his eyes met hers.

A cold shiver ran down her back as Kathryn Janeway found herself staring into the eyes of the man who haunted her nightmares.