STARTREK VOYAGER: Homeward Bound

Chapter 43

Tricorder in hand, the Maquis captain carefully retraced the route that he had followed only a short time before. While setting a steady pace Chakotay's concern for Janeway tempered his desire to travel too quickly. With the terrain uneven and no defined road the route was treacherous, forcing all to watch where each foot was placed.

The effort of keeping one eye on the ground, and the other on the lookout for Kazon, reduced all desire for conversation. Well above the horizon, the sun's merciless rays quickly pushed the temperature up to an uncomfortable level. The landscape, consisting of tall-growing grass and low-lying shrub, with small groups of trees only in scattered areas, offered no relief to the weary travelers.

As the seconds turned into minutes Janeway found each step required increasing effort. Though the hypospray had brought relief to her pain-racked arm a dull ache still remained. Coupled with the night's long trek the discomfort was taking its toll. Glancing over at Oyal, she noticed that his limp was more pronounced. Kathryn Janeway realized that despite Cardassian stamina, Seska and Oyal, like herself, were tapping into reserves of willpower never before utilized.

It required extra effort, but several times Janeway turned her head slightly to the right, watching the few visible members of the team that Tuvok was commanding. Just perceivable on the horizon, out of hearing range, the Vulcan was obviously following specific orders by traveling at the same speed, therefore remaining parallel to her group. Silently she wondered what Chakotay was planning.

Driven by the knowledge that the long ordeal would soon be over, they pressed steadily onward. But as the beam-out location grew nearer so too did the point of rendezvous with the Kazon. As the invisible clock ticked by the thirty-minute mark, slowly the level of tension increased. First one set of eyes, then another, would stray in the direction of Tuvok's group, looking to see if they had engaged the Kazon Hobbii.

After glancing back at the small party marching behind, keeping her voice low, Janeway stepped closer to Chakotay. "I can feel the anxiety mounting."

Aware that his own nerves were drawing tighter and tighter Chakotay lifted his eyes from the tricorder, shifting his gaze in Tuvok's direction. "Since we'll encounter the Kazon at any moment, I'm also sharing in their unease. Not being able to establish communications with either the ship or the rest of the away team is a major concern. However, we will soon be at the point where, on the way to meet you, we lost contact with Voyager. I'm hoping to reach that location before encountering the Kazon."

For a moment he raised his eyes to the sky above. "I have full confidence in Evans and Tuvok. Both have command abilities, quite capable of taking charge of a ship or an away team, and coping with any circumstance that might arise. However, at the moment I am their captain and like you….I find the unknowing hard. There is a tremendous weight that goes with sitting in the command chair, one that I acknowledge and accept. I have already been through one long night of apprehension….this waiting and watching is not easy, especially with the addition worry of Voyager's safety."

He smiled down at his second-in-command. "As a captain and co-commander can you deny not feeling the same?"

Smiling slightly Janeway lifted a solemn face to her companion. "Guilty as charged! As you said, this lack of communication and expecting a battle at any moment does play on ones nerves. At least we do have visual contact with Tuvok."

As Chakotay had done only moments before, Janeway lifted her eyes upwards, gazing at the blue, cloudless sky. "But what of Voyager? Have the Kazon discovered the ship? I share your concern."

Chakotay rubbed a hand along his leg. "Evans knows what to do, and we have a crew compared to no other. However….."

Janeway finished the sentence for him. "However, a large number of our crew comprises the away team. Which means Voyager is undermanned if attacked, a large number of Hobbii ships could present a problem, if the ship is damaged or there are injuries. But….you were aware of this before beaming down. Therefore, you and Evans do have a backup plan."

The Maquis captain laughed as he shifted the tricorder to his other hand. "You have become skilled at understanding my methods. I'll have to be careful upon our return to the Alpha Quadrant."

Voyager's second-in-command graced her co-captain with a mischievous grin. "Mister….you can bet on that."

Chakotay tried to look worried. "Perhaps I shouldn't explain any more!"

Janeway gave him a warning glance. "Chakotay!"

Laughing he continued. "Evans will avoid a confrontation. He'll appear to leave the area, but will be hiding until he estimates we'll be in the transport area. It's important to establish communication with Voyager, so Evans can properly assess our position when making decisions. If we're in immediate danger B'Elanna can use warp transports."

Janeway turned a confused face toward Chakotay. "I thought warp transports have limited capabilities. Only one or two at a time."

Chakotay sadly tapped his thumb on the tricorder in his hand. "Unfortunately that's correct, and only with the main transporter. Warp transport will be used only as a last resort, should an emergency situation arise, but time will be required. If Voyager is discovered the Kazon will think we only just arrived. Evans will retreat, then masking the ship's signature and trail he'll double back, remaining concealed behind one of the moons. The Hobbii will probably assume he left the area, staying on the alert for only a short time. If possible, echo displacements will be reestablished. Evans and B'Elanna are experts at keeping Voyager concealed."

He pulled the lobe of his ear. "And deceiving captains."

It took a second for Chakotay's words to penetrate.

Janeway stared at the man beside her. "At Syzygie….Evans never left the area. He fooled our sensors with echo displacements."

Chakotay laughed. "Well…..you're not the only one capable of playing around with the scanning systems. At Syzygie, after beaming Tuvok and myself down to the planet, Evans didn't go far, just far enough, and returned almost immediately. By using echo-displacements he was able to remain close-by, analyzing the situation. Once he determined it was indeed a trap, he continued to gather as much information as possible. Not knowing exactly how your little trick had been setup, it was too dangerous to attempt a rescue. All he could do was watch, in fact he remained close by until your escort ships arrived. Only then did he return to the Badlands."

The look Janeway bestowed upon Chakotay indicated that once back on Voyager, Evans would be hearing from her.

Refraining from making any comment Chakotay continued. "Back to the present….Should Voyager be discovered, when time to pick us up hopefully the Kazon will have discontinued searching. If not….Evans will use warp transports, or attempt to place Voyager in a position where shields can be dropped, long enough to beam us up. Fortunately Tom Paris is at the helm, which means any maneuver possible will be tried, or Tom will invent something new. Right now B'Elanna is working to improve warp transports, increasing the number of people that can be transported at the same time."

Chakotay heaved a sigh. "We have several different strategies set up. All depending on the number and alertness of Kazon ships in the area, and the degree of danger for the away team."

Thoughtfully Janeway replied, at the same time unconsciously massaging her sore shoulder. A move that did not go unnoticed by Chakotay. "Another curse of command. There are times when we must rely on the talent and skills of those we lead, but it is hard to relinquish control and step back. This is something neither of us find easy to do. In the best scenario Voyager will not be discovered."

Suddenly Chakotay's hand moved in a blur, grabbing Janeway's arm as she stumbled. "Easy Kathryn, this terrain is treacherous."

Regaining her balance she threw Chakotay a quick smile. "Thanks!"

Slowly releasing her arm Chakotay took the water bottle from his belt. After taking a long drink he passed it to Janeway. "Here, refresh yourself while we can. Though Tuvok will attempt to contain the majority of Kazon, we might have to ward off stragglers."

Grinning she accepted the offer. "Thanks! But I do have water of my own."

Chakotay wiped his sleeve across his hot forehead. "Well….when mine runs out I'll help myself to yours. Since we share command, dividing the water between us should not be a problem."

Even in difficult situations she always enjoyed these lighter moments. "Don't be so certain….Captain! You asked me to be co-commander, I don't remember anything in the agreement about sharing water."

He leaned close to her ear. "But I allow you to share my quarters when necessary. I don't remember that being in the agreement."

Janeway glared at him before taking a drink. She refrained from mentioning it had not been by choice.

As Kathryn enjoyed the refreshing liquid it afforded Chakotay a chance to study her face. Even the Cardassian makeup could not hide the white, drained features of exhaustion. He tried to keep his voice causal. "How's the arm."

Replacing the cap on the bottle she shrugged. "Okay."

Chakotay silently gave her a knowing look.

Janeway rolled her eyes. "Okay…. Okay…..the medication helped, there's only a slight discomfort."

When Chakotay made no reply she added in exasperation. "And that's the truth."

The concern in his eyes clearly showed. "I am well aware that my second-in-command is not exactly forthcoming where her well-being is involved."

That earned him another Janeway glare full of daggers.

Glancing downward Chakotay sobered. "Perhaps, I shouldn't say anything. It was only your stubbiness, and refusal to give up, that saved your life. The doctor made a point to mention, more than once, that an ordinary person would have died."

Raising dark brown eyes to her blue ones, his soft voice betrayed the depth of his feelings. "However, I know that you at the limits of your endurance, and I can see that your arm is brothering you. I respect your perseverance and stubborn refusal to quit. It enables you to see difficult and trying missions through to their conclusions. To never give up when unusual problems surface, or when faced with the unknown, but to continue searching for solutions. More and more I realize how fortunate I am to have you by my side. But….I am and will always be concerned."

He then added tongue-in-cheek. "After all, you are a member of my crew, as captain it is my duty to worry."

Chakotay's compliment and worry touched her. Janeway still found it amazing at how, not so very long ago, they were the hunter and the hunted. She smiled up at him. "We'll soon be on Voyager, it has been a long night….for all of us. I am looking forward to a shower, something to eat, and a long period of peaceful rest."

She added with a touch of mischief. "That is with my captain's permission."

Chakotay pretended to think. "I'll have to see how long I can be without the services of my second-in-command."

She handed the bottle back to Chakotay. "I'm sure you don't want me falling asleep on the bridge."

No way could Chakotay prevent himself. "Hmmmm….last time you were so tired…you never made it to your quarters."

He managed to dodge an elbow.

But the exchange did not go unnoticed by Seska and Oyal, who had managed to be within hearing distance. Both found the final statement very interesting, especially Seska who, aware of certain rumors running adrift on Voyager, surmised the meaning behind Chakotay's words.

Once again silence descended, with another five minutes quickly passing as the group trudged on, every step bringing them closer to both safety and danger.

After carefully checking the information on the tricorder, Chakotay tapped his commbadge. "We're almost at the spot where we lost communications with Voyager. Perhaps I can contact the other team. Chakotay to Tuvok! Tuvok can you read?"

Through a small amount of static the Vulcan's voice reached the command team. "Yes Captain, there is some interference but I can hear you without difficulty."

Heaving a silent sigh of relief Chakotay nodded to Janeway. "We're getting there. Tuvok, what is the situation with the Hobbii?"

Obviously keeping a close watch on his instrument, Tuvok answered in his usual calm fashion. "They'll intercept us in three minutes. My team is spreading out into position, this tall grass will help to hide our movements."

"Keep me posted, Chakotay out." For a moment he looked off into the distance, watching the horizon shimmer in the summer heat. His face muscles tight with worry he glanced at Janeway, whose face mirrored his.

Hearing the conversation Seska and Oyal moved up to alongside the command team.

With a slightly raised eyebrow ridge the Cardassian Gul looked over at Janeway.

Knowing what Oyal was thinking Janeway shrugged. "Probably some Maquis trick! I too am wondering!"

Understanding to what they were referring Chakotay, enjoying the situation, refused to make it easy for them. He would remain silent until the question was asked.

Finally in exasperation Janeway gestured to Oyal. "Be my guest."

Shaking his head, the Gul looked over in Chakotay's direction. "Captain Chakotay, would I be out of line by asking what you are planning regarding the Kazon?"

Chakotay laughed, he caught the amused note in Oyal's voice and the formality of the wording. Gul Oyal was displaying characteristics hitherto unknown in a Cardassian. The Maquis captain never realized that Cardassians had a sense of humor, but then he had never realized that Vulcans had one. "I would be disappointed if you did not. Tuvok's group will trap the Kazon within a circle. The area will be large, and the line thin. However, though out-numbered, the tactical knowledge granted by tricorders and the discipline of our training will give us the advantage. Everyone has shown excellent skills both with phasers and phaser compression rifles, which each member is equipped with. Also, they are all carrying tricorders."

Janeway looked at both Chakotay and Oyal. "Before arriving in the Delta Quadrant, I never realized how much we take our technology for granted."

Chakotay nodded. "Exactly, based on information from both Neelix and Evek, the Kazon do not have anything resembling a tricorder. Not only will they will not be aware of our presence until too late, they will not know our exact location or numbers."

Oyal looked over at Chakotay. "Your information is correct. During my time with the Kazon I never saw any instrument that remotely resembled a tricorder."

He then turned to Seska. "This is the first time, since falling into Kazon hands, I'm glad the level of their technology is far below ours. Living conditions were primitive but now I'm glad that was the case."

The Cardassian head swung back to Chakotay. "And I'm confident that Captain Chakotay is using that fact to his full advantage."

Chakotay heaved a sigh. "I certainly hope so Gul Oyal, I certainly hope so."

During the conversation Janeway's mind had been reviewing Chakotay's plan. "It's a good strategy for keeping the Kazon contained and avoiding an intense battle, which probably would have resulted in casualties. But what then? How will Tuvok reach the beam out point?"

There was no way Kathryn Janeway could restrain herself. "That is….unless you plan to exact revenge and leave him behind for helping me plan the trap at Syzygie."

Chakotay rubbed his chin. "Well….that is an idea…..but…..then I would also have to leave Seska behind, due to information she turned over to your father. Which….at this point I don't think would be a good idea. So….I'll have to revenge myself at another time and place."

Though her husband remained silent, Seska knew that there was no way Oyal missed Chakotay's remarks. She looked over at her husband. "It's a long story."

Oyal shrugged. "I didn't say anything."

Seska heaved a deep sigh. "I only hope everything can be explained before we reach the Alpha Quadrant."

The Cardassian's voice conveyed his amusement. "Yes….the explanations do appear to be piling up."

Neither Janeway nor Chakotay revealed they had overheard the little exchange. However, the two commanders did exchange an amused glance.

Tapping his tricorder, Chakotay brought up the schematics outlining his plans.

He passed it to Janeway. "Tuvok's circle will remain parallel to our position, protecting us from attack, if luck is on our side we'll remain undetected. As Tuvok moves forward, the Maquis positioned around the Hobbii will force the Kazon to travel along with us, hopefully, safely contained within the circle."

Janeway handed the tricorder to Oyal. One point concerned her. "Even with three transporters working it will be impossible for all of us to beam up at the same time. Two transports will be required. Tuvok's team could have a problem."

Speaking in mock horror, Chakotay looked down at his second-in-command. "Don't tell me, you have no faith in your captain?"

Little to Chakotay's knowledge, someone else had once voiced a similar question. Looking intently at Chakotay, Janeway spoke in her best no nonsense voice. "Captain Chakotay, not so long ago, when my father was planning to escort you from the prison to Starfleet headquarters, I voiced some concern. He in turn asked if I didn't trust him……and look what happened."

Returning the tricorder to Chakotay, Oyal looked at his wife.

Seska just shrugged and shook her head. "I'll explain on Voyager."

The Cardassian Gul did not hide the soft chuckle that escaped his lips.

Chakotay ran his hand through his hair. "Okay you win on that one. Your father failed due to Evans being in the right spot at the right time, combined with B'Elanna having perfected warp transports. I admit, due to unforeseen factors, even the best of plans can go wrong, and this rescue mission proved that. However, we have managed to compensate and are succeeding. Hopefully, we will continue to do so. Now…..if you were the one planning this escape what would you do at the beam out point."

Gazing downward Janeway thought over the situation. "The team most venerable should be first, which, as much as I dislike leaving anyone behind, logic declares that should be our group. However, that does create a problem for Tuvok. Right at the moment of transport initiation, there is a two or three second window during which they will not be able to defend themselves, and will be in danger from Kazon fire. A diversion will be necessary, to prevent injuries."

She looked at her captain. "Well….did I pass the test."

Grinning, Chakotay pulled the lobe of his ear. "Actually, it was not a test. I wanted the input of my second-in-command, especially as I missed out during the planning stage. I did say you make a good Maquis and you're the master of setting traps and deception."

Seska could not prevent the chuckle that arose in her throat, nor could any of the team within hearing distance.

Wondering how best to exact revenge Kathryn Janeway glared at Chakotay. "I'm…. the master of deception? Who may I ask came up with echo displacements and warp transport? I do presume you and Tuvok have something planned."

Chakotay graced his second-in-command with an infuriating grin. "Just seconds before transport Tuvok will be alerted, enabling his team to flood the area with extremely heavy phaser fire, thus forcing the Kazon to keep their heads down. By the time the Kazon realize the danger is over Tuvok and his team will have 'disappeared'."

Rolling her eyes Kathryn Janeway looked over at Oyal. "Maquis tricks."

At that point Chakotay's comm badge chirped, followed by a slight amount of hissing and crackling. "Evans to Chakotay, do you read?"

Chakotay smiled down at a visibly relieved Kathryn Janeway. "Yes Evans, I read. Report…..what is your status?"

Tapping his command display Evans replied as he studied the surrounding area of space. "Quiet. The echo displacements are working perfectly, the Kazon still have no idea they have company. I've been monitoring the planet, I'm glad to see our plan is working."

Mischief caused Janeway's eyes to light up. Momentarily dispelling the dullness caused by pain and fatigue. "Evans, it's good to hear your voice, and….I too am glad that the Maquis tricks are working. I find it interesting…..this is the first time I've had the opportunity of watching Chakotay, and you, carry out a major operation."

Confused, for a moment Evans did not reply. "Maquis tricks? Chakotay….what's going on down there? Oh, and Kathryn, it's good to hear your voice."

Fixing his eyes on the woman beside him, Chakotay shook his head. "Nothing Evans, nothing at all. We're just having a pleasant conversation on tactics."

Maquis tricks! Evans rubbed the bridge of his nose, wondering just how much trouble his commander had gotten into. Chakotay and Janeway together….anything could happen. "The Hobbii will soon be completely circled. From what I can see they are still unaware of the away team, however, that will probably change within the next few minutes. The scanning has greatly improved, we'll monitor the situation and keep you posted. I'll contact Tuvok, inform him that the comm line to Voyager is open. Evans out."

Chakotay closed the comm line with a tap of his finger. "Being able to communicate with Voyager will increase our already substantial advantage."

A feeling of reassurance swept over the small group, helping to slightly decease the tension. No longer were they isolated and alone.

Seska looked back at Ayala. "Mike, how are you doing?"

The Maquis smiled. "No problem, this young man weighs next to nothing."

Oyal glanced over at Kayon. "Must be the weight loss from tonight's adventure."

Suddenly a fierce cry and the sound of a phaser broke the silence.

All heads whirled in the direction of Tuvok's group.

Chakotay uttered the words all were thinking. "That was not a Maquis phaser."

He ran a hand along his cheek. "I was hoping for a peaceful solution, guess they're not talkers."

Oyal immediately walked back to his son.

But Mike was faster as he reached his hand up. "Sorry young man, but you're a perfect target up there. I'm afraid that you'll have to walk the rest of the way."

Thinking the attention of the Maquis was focused elsewhere, the two Kazon prisoners suddenly made a bolt for freedom. But Telford and Baxter were quicker, resulting in the captives landing in a painful heap on the ground. They were swiftly hauled to their feet and forced to continue with a painful push.

Chakotay tapped his comm badge. "Chakotay to Voyager."

The reply came instantaneously. "Evans here, see you're having some fun down there."

Turning the tricorder so Janeway could see, Chakotay's eyes were locked on the instrument in his hand. "How do things look? My tricorder is providing limited information."

For several seconds Evans studied his monitor. "Good! Every member of Tuvok's team is in position. From what I can see, the Hobbii are not forming any coherent defense position. They appear to be confused, moving and firing randomly."

Locking eyes with Janeway, Chakotay expressed both their sentiments. "Let's hope it stays that way. Keep me posted! Chakotay out."

Oyal turned to Seska. "Interesting….the Maquis with our group are now forming a line between us and Tuvok's team."

Seska turned her head, watching her crewmates moving into position. "Extra protection, incase some of the Kazon break out of the circle."

She then looked behind her. "All except Telfer and Baxter."

Placing a hand on his son's shoulder, Oyal urged him slightly forward. "Captains, if you'll watch Kayon, Seska and I will relieve the two guarding Tiafa and Neya."

Lifting his eyes from the tricorder in his hand Chakotay nodded. "Go ahead!"

For a moment Chakotay watched as the two Cardassians moved into their new positions. He was glad Oyal was not an arrogant Gul, who liked to sit on the sidelines, allowing others to take all the risk while he accepted the glory. For the first time since deciding to rescue the Cardassians, or especially Gul Oyal, Chakotay felt confident things might work out.

As Seska and Oyal took up positions behind the two Kazon, the younger one, not at all happy with having an armed, former slave behind him, almost fell in an attempt to watch the Cardassians.

Oyal's voice left no doubt as to how much he had enjoyed his time with the Hobbii. "Just keep walking. Behave yourselves and you'll be joining your families tonight."

Seska almost wished that the two would try an escape. Both her husband and son had come close to dying at the hands of the Kazon, and their treatment of herself and Janeway had not endeared the Hobbii to her.

Oyal addressed the younger Kazon. "Neya, do you know this group of Hobbii we just encountered."

The older, seasoned warrior snarled in response. "Why Cardassian?"

Oyal shrugged. "Just hoping to stop the fighting before too many of your people get hurt."

However, it was not the Kazon that concerned Oyal. If he could reduce the risk to the Maquis it was worth exploring.

The Kazon sneered his reply. "Afraid of us Cardassian! No one dares to challenge the Kazon Hobbii. We will kill your friends then take you back to enjoy the revenge of our Maje."

Realizing nothing more would come of talking, Oyal signaled with his phaser. "Keep walking. You will soon learn about the Maquis."

Seska, looking over at the command team, whispered as she moved closer to her husband. "I always enjoyed the verbal exchanges between B'Elanna and Paris, but the interaction between Janeway and Chakotay is beyond description."

For a moment Oyal watched the objects of Seska's comment. "We have a long hard journey back to the Alpha Quadrant. It will require exceptional skills of the leader, or leaders, to accomplish that feat, most importantly they must be able to work together….as one. Janeway and Chakotay have that ability, their banter is just part of the package of who they are, of how comfortable they are with each other and how easily they work in complete harmony. A feat very few can achieve."

For a moment Oyal was quiet, his eyes on his son. "It is this reason that they have already accomplished so much. They survived the first few days of the Delta Quadrant, adapting to this new environment. This rescue was organized and carried out in a manner I never believed possible. It will be their capabilities, and dauntless attitude, that will enable us to reach the Alpha Quadrant…..no matter how long it takes."

At the moment the Alpha Quadrant was far from Chakotay's mind as he looked over at Tuvok's group. Though almost out of sight, he could see several of the Maquis firing in the direction of objects invisible to the Maquis captain.

After studying the instrument in his hand, Chakotay turned to Janeway. "Our luck appears to be holding. We're not far from the beam out point."

Suddenly Chakotay's badge chirped with Tuvok's voice immediately following. "Several Kazon broke through the line in your direction."

Chakotay and Janeway grabbed their phasers.

Before Tuvok's warning had finished, Janeway spotted the men running in her direction. For an instant they turned and fired at objects behind before continuing.

Cardassian and Maquis watched as Ayala's defense line raised phaser compression rifles.

When the Kazon caught sight of more mysterious intruders they stopped in complete confusion, offering the Maquis an excellent target. Seconds later the Hobbii lay stunned on the ground, no longer a threat.

Kathryn Janeway looked up at Chakotay. "Maquis tricks. I'll have to remember this maneuver when we return to the Alpha Quadrant. Just in case I run into any outlaws."

Running his hand through his hair, Chakotay keep his mouth shut. However, he distinctly heard the soft sound of laughter coming from the woman beside him.

It eased Chakotay's concern as his worried eyes studied his second-in-command. "We only have a short distance remaining."

Janeway turned her weary but determined face. "Let's do it. We have a mission to complete."

With renewed energy Kathryn Janeway continued walking. Beside her Chakotay picked up the pace, and between them, Kayon moved with the confidence of youthful trust in the elders around him.

A short distance away the air vibrated with intense phaser fire, and the angry yells of the Hobbii trying desperately to find and escape from their attackers.

Tuvok had divided the circle into sections, each member of the away team had an allotted segment. With the tricorders revealing the position of each Kazon, the Maquis were able to slightly shift position after firing, throwing the Hobbii into complete confusion.

Suddenly another sound broke through the sounds of fighting as the comm badges of Chakotay and Janeway both peeped.

Janeway quickly responded. "Janeway here."

The voice of Evans brought welcome news to their ears. "You are just within the transport area. According to B'Elanna, you should be a little further inside to ensure a safe transporter lock."

The long night would soon be over. But they both knew the away team was far from safe….especially for Voyager's security chief the most dangerous part was still to come.

Chakotay's eyes remained on his tricorder. "Evans, what is Tuvok's status?"

The commander moved from the ops area to the command chairs. "The Kazon have managed to score a couple of hits, but nothing serious. According to our monitors more than a dozen of the Kazon are down. As we suspected they remained disorganized, therefore unable to mount a decent defense. There does not appear to be any leadership, every man for himself, no teamwork."

Taking a deep calming breath Chakotay looked at Janeway. "Okay, notify Tuvok and begin beam-out the moment we're in position."

He turned in the direction of Oyal and Seska. "Any time now…."

The two Cardassians understood without having the sentence finished. For Oyal, he found it hard to believe that his family would soon be safe. He had come to accept that he would die with his son in Kazon hands, never to again see his wife. Now they were moments from freedom.

For Seska in meant that the husband and son feared dead would soon be with her onboard Voyager. Her family together thanks to the man she had once betrayed.

Chakotay's hand brushed Janeway's arm in a reassuring gesture. It was almost over!

Minutes later the comm badges gave another peep.

Once again it was Evans. "Kathryn, Chakotay, prepare for transport. B'Elanna told Tuvok to tighten the circle, to enable a quicker transport lock. I advise you to have your team spread over as small an area as possible."

Coming to a stop Chakotay signaled Ayala and Seska to move in closer.

Knowing something was going on the two Kazon prisoners stared defiantly at the two Cardassians.

It took all of Oyal's willpower not to strike out. Keeping his eyes and phaser on the Hobbii, he took Seska's arm and stepped closer to the command team.

Quickly, but in an orderly line, Ayala, Baxter, Telfer, and the others moved closer, still carefully watching for any unwelcome visitors.

The combination of both relief and exhaustion caught Janeway unawares, causing a slight, momentary spell of lightheadedness to wash over her.

It passed quickly but Seska quickly stepped to Janeway's side. Putting out a hand she whispered. "Captain….are you alright?"

Janeway whispered back. "Yes, I don't know what happened, but I'm fine. Don't tell Chakotay, he'll declare a medical emergency."

The Cardassian woman smiled. "Your secret is safe."

Though he remained silent Chakotay had noticed. Trying hard not to be obvious he had been keeping a very close eye on his co-commander. Her strength and endurance amazed him but he was well aware hers had reached its end.

Glancing around Chakotay made a quick check, ensuring everyone was prepared and the area clear.

Locking eyes with Kathryn Janeway he tapped his comm badge. "Okay Evans, bring us up!"

The two startled Kazon prisoners stepped back in shock as a blue light suddenly engulfed their guards. Seconds later they stared in total disbelief at the empty space before them.

Meanwhile on Voyager, Janeway and Chakotay rematerialized with the three Cardassians on the main transporter padd.

The moment his molecules solidified Chakotay looked over at the control station. "What about Ayala's group?"

B'Zell tapped the display on her console. "All in transporter room two."

Quickly Chakotay and the others stepped down as he contacted the bridge. "Evans, notify Tuvok to prepare for transport."

Evans was already in the process of tapping the comm switch. "Tuvok! Stand by!"

The Vulcan activated his comm badge. "Acknowledged. Tuvok to away team, prepare for transport."

No one worried about exhausting the phaser packs as down on the planet Tuvok's group sprayed the area with heavy phaser fire. Those Kazon who were fortunately enough to find trees huddled behind, while the others just dived for the ground.

When the Kazon dared to look up the only ones in sight were the two former Hobbii prisoners, quickly heading their way. Only a circle of trampled grass gave evidence to the passing of the Maquis.

Standing hands on hips Chakotay watched as Tuvok and several of his team materialized on the transporter pad. "Transporter room three…report!"

The voice of ensign Chuck Combs immediately responded. "Transporter room three reporting, we have all of team C. Only minor injuries, on their way to sick bay."

Chakotay began to breath easier. By the light in Janeway's eyes he could tell she was sharing his sentiments. "Transporter room two report!"

Unconsciously Janeway held her breath.

This time Susan Nicoletti replied. "Transporter room two reporting…..all of group B onboard. Two with non-serious phaser injuries, on their way to sick bay."

For a moment Chakotay looked down at the deck. He could hardly trust his voice. "Computer, are there any crewmembers missing, and is the Cardassian Evek onboard?"

Oblivious to the tension, softly the metallic voice responded. "All crewmembers accounted for. Evek is in transporter room two."

With a feeling of finality, Kathryn Janeway put her phaser away. For a moment the captain glanced downwards, then looking over at the Cardassians she smiled and gave Seska a quick, short nod.

Oyal placed his hand on Kayon's shoulder. Shaking his head in complete disbelief the Cardassian Gul spoke softly. "This was the most insane venture I have ever been involved in."

Seska looked over at the command team. "Thank you!"

However, for Chakotay the mission was still not complete. "Tom….get us out of here!"

On the bridge Tom Paris had been waiting for the order. His hands now flew over the controls. "Heading for the asteroid field at full impulse. Arrival time two minutes."

Chakotay turned to Tuvok. "Dismiss the away team, then report to the bridge."

With a slight inclination of his head Tuvok turned to the crewmembers behind him. "Report to your stations, those who should be off duty may remain so."

The Vulcan then headed for transporter rooms two and three.

Holding out his hand Chakotay turned to the Cardassians. "Gul Oyal, welcome aboard Voyager. I had hoped someday to meet with the resistance leader but I never thought it would be under these circumstances."

Oyal shook the offered hand. "Thank you Captain. And thank you Captain Janeway. I will forever be in your debt. I too had hoped someday to met with the Maquis Leader….but….as you said….I never foresaw this situation."

At that moment Evek walked in. Not sure of how he should proceed the young Cardassian looked from Chakotay to Oyal.

Walking over Oyal placed his hand on the young man's shoulder. "Without your help our freedom may not have been possible. These last few months you have never strayed from my side, and your dedication over the years never wavered….even when you found out I was the resistance leader. Now, I ask you to give your loyalty to Captains Chakotay and Janeway, they have earned it. It will be their orders you now follow."

With his hand on Janeway's arm, Chakotay moved closer to Evek. The brown eyes of the Maquis captain intent on the young man. "Captain Janeway and myself may be the commanders, however, the goal is the same for all of us……to return home. This is a mixed crew, Maquis, Starfleet and Cardassian, all working together and though we naturally expect your loyalty, neither of us ask you to be less respectful to Gul Oyal."

Chakotay then did something totally unexpected. He held out his hand to the young Cardassian. "Welcome to our crew, once rested Captain Janeway and I will meet with Gul Oyal to work on crew placement. In the meantime recuperate from your ordeal and become familiar with Voyager. If you have any questions, or are in need of anything, we are not far away."

After a moment of hesitation Evek accepted the hand. He was aware of this form of human greeting, and while it was totally foreign there was a dignity in the gesture.

The captain turned Seska. "Unless there's an emergency you're off-duty for the next twenty-four hours."

He then added with a trace of amusement. "I'm sure you and your husband have a lot of catching up to do."

Glancing at Oyal, Seska could see the gleam in his eye. She was sure the moment they were alone the questions would start.

Seska turned back to the command team. "Thank you! Both of you had good reasons not to carry out this rescue, and yet you did so. I'm proud to serve under your leadership, and glad Oyal and I chose to turn against the Cardassian government with their present mandate. It is my deepest hope that someday things will change on our home world, and leaders with your sense of values will take command."

Chakotay turned to his co-commander. "Why don't you escort everyone to sickbay. I'll be on the bridge if you need me."

Janeway caught the hidden meaning to Chakotay's words, he was of course referring to her arm. Despite wanting the injury attended to, she was not about to give him the satisfaction of easy compliance. "I believe Seska knows the way."

Chakotay put his hands on his hips.

Janeway managed to look innocent. "Of course, I do want the doctor to start the reversing process. The sooner I return to being human the better."

She looked at Seska. "No offense."

Knowing exactly what Janeway was up to, Seska managed to keep from laughing. "Non taken. I felt much better when I was able to return to my true self….that of a Cardassian."

Chakotay looked down at the deck. Things were back to normal…..Kathryn Janeway had gotten the last word, or had she.

He grinned at his second-in-command. "Welcome back!"

Before she could retort he hurried from the transporter room, heading to the bridge and ship's business.

Quietly Janeway led the three Cardassians out of the transporter room towards sickbay, leaving world of the Kazon Hobbii behind.