STAR TREK VOYAGER: Homeward Bound

Chapter 36

Reality was suspended as Janeway stared into the eyes of Gul Oyal. She found herself being transported back over twenty years, to the terrifying time when, as a young ensign, she had been a prisoner of the Cardassians.

She had spent two days in a holding cage, the tortured screams of Owen Paris vibrating in her ears, as she waited for her turn to be questioned. When that time inevitably arrived a Cardassian soldier had dragged her out of the cage, almost breaking her arm in the process. Ignoring the blows reigning down, she had fought her captor in a desperate attempt to escape.

But her efforts had been useless. Beaten and exhausted, backed up against a wall with both hands forced behind her, Janeway had looked with defiance and hatred into the eyes of that young Cardassian. Locking forever into her memory the brutal eyes and face of her tormentor. Then, out of nowhere, a Starfleet Special Forces officer had pulled her to safety as his powerful fist knocked the Cardassian to the ground.

Now, so many years later, on the other side of the galaxy she was staring into the same eyes as so long ago. But this time the brutal, cruel look had been replaced with astonishment and curiosity.

Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder, one that brought her back to the present as Neelix pushed her. "Come on Matka, Seska move! Don't stop again!"

Janeway returned to the grim reality of the situation. In planning to rescue that Cardassian soldier, she had voluntarily become a prisoner of a species that was just as savage as the Cardassians.

Coming to an abrupt stop, face to face with the Jal loran, Janeway forced her gaze away from Oyal to the Kazon before her.

Seeing the savage, unhidden lust in his eyes, which did not bode well for either her or Seska, produced a sick feeling deep in the pit of Janeway's stomach.

Fighting her desire to lash out, remembering to act as a helpless prisoner not as a captain, Janeway dropped her eyes and lowered her head.

Maje Jal Loran smiled, the smile of the victor watching his enemy accept defeat while knowing that the awaiting fate would not be pleasant. After studying them for a moment he slowly walked around Janeway and Seska. Taking his time, looking over every inch of the prize that was now his.

To prevent the Kazon from walking into him, Neelix was forced to step back and to the side. His body cringing at the humiliating treatment of his captain and fellow crewmate. But he could do nothing but hope that the plan worked, giving Janeway the ultimate satisfaction of winning.

If this was difficult for Neelix, it was more so for Seska who wanting to show the Kazon Maje what a Cardassian was capable of. Instead she gritted her teeth, using all her training as an undercover operative to remained still, forcing herself to think of her family.

Janeway's nails bit into her palms. Only years of Starfleet conditioning in self-control prevented her from giving herself away. Silently vowing that the mission would be a success. And when that time came for her to have the upper hand there would be a phaser trained on this arrogant Kazon Maje.

Facing them again Maje Loran, reluctantly, turned his attention to Neelix. "Well Talaxian, this time you brought something worthwhile. Where did you find these two?"

Controlling his anger Neelix forced himself to speak naturally. "I stopped at a small space station to do some trading. Somehow they had become separated from the other Cardassians, eh…anyway I believe that's what they called themselves, and found them hiding among some salvage. They tried to escape but I was quicker, knew where I would find a market, and good price for them."

He shrugged. "Unfortunately, I had to rough them up a bit."

Neelix held up his hand. "But, I promise you the merchandize has not been damaged."

Loran snarled, again running greedy eyes over Janeway and Seska. "You were correct, you came to the right place. I promise you that when I'm finished they will know their rightful owner. What is your price?"

With scorn written across her face Janeway decided that it was time to show a little spirit. "We're not something to be bought and sold!"

The Kazon Maje dealt her a powerful backhand blow across the face. "You will speak only when spoken to. And then, woman, watch your tongue."

Janeway, tasting blood, staggered back and would have fallen if Seska had not stepped behind her, lending some support.

Afraid that things might get out of control Neelix quickly stepped forward.

Holding clasped hand before him the Talaxian spoke softly but firmly. "Eh….Maje….you can do whatever you like after they are yours but, first we have some negotiating to do. I suggest sending them over to the other Cardassians while you and I conclude our business. Let them spend some time with their friends before……well….. before they become your property."

The Talaxian held his breath. Would their plan succeed? Would Janeway and Seska be allowed to join the Cardassians? In not…..if Neelix left to report to Chakotay before Janeway had a chance to speak with the Gul, then the rescue mission could be in trouble. They had to be sure that no one was missing, and then there was the matter of the boy.

This time the Kazon Maje uttered a laugh, a deep cold one like the depths of the sea. One that sent a shiver of fear through the three conspirators.

Keeping an ominous eye on his new acquisitions Loran signaled with his hand in the direction of his other prisoners. "One of you come and get these two. I'm sure that they will enjoy learning about what belonging to the Kazon means. Make the most of the time, once I have concluded my transactions I will have need of them."

Instead of lowering his arm the Maje grabbed Janeway's chin. Squeezing tight, making sure that it hurt, he turned her face up toward him. "Don't worry little one, I'll see you later."

The captain bit her tongue to prevent a reaction that would surely ruin their plans.

Releasing Janeway he took a step towards Seska. "That goes for you too. I look forward to teaching, the both of you, how to treat your Maje."

Turning on his heel he started in the direction of the building.

After throwing Janeway and Seska a brief 'be careful' look Neelix followed the Kazon leader.

Laughing among themselves, casting sinister glances towards Janeway and Seska the other Kazon began to disperse.

Watching Neelix disappear Janeway did not hear the footsteps coming up behind her. Feeling a light touch on her arm Kathryn Janeway's body tensed in memory. Though it barely came in contact there was no doubt in her mind. It was a hand that she had not felt for more than two decades.