CHAPTER 50
Back on board the captain decided that her guests had earned a little trust. "Neelix, instead of waiting in your quarters, you and Kes are welcome to visit the mess-hall or lounge. Perhaps meet with some of the crew."
"Thanks Captain." Neelix replied. "We would like that. Mr. Tuvok called this a Nova class ship, certainly different that any around here."
Pulling his young friend by the hand the Talaxian quickly exited the transporter room.
Amused, Chakotay pulled his earlobe. "I think our friend Mr. Neelix is beginning to like it here."
Janeway agreed. "From what I've seen of this section of space, it's no wonder. Chakotay, would you mind if your men remained a little longer, we may have another away mission."
"Of course not." He turned to the three Maquis. "I'll be with Captain Janeway in her ready room. On the way we'll drop you off at the mess-hall, wait there for further instructions from Tuvok."
The man called Timmins grinned. "No problem. We can use more coffee."
Chakotay looked at Janeway who, very suddenly, had become interested in the ceiling. "Captain, could you explain how my crew learned to use your coffee as a bargaining tool?"
Janeway struggled to keep from laughing. "Blame Evans."
Chakotay refrained from any addition comment.
Tuvok turned to the Starfleet members of the away team. "Return to your stations, remain on standby."
"Yes Sir," replied Baxter. Quickly they exited the transporter room, heading in the direction of the lower level lift.
Janeway and her group went to the main turbolift. After stopping at the mess-hall deck they continued to the bridge.
Exiting the turbolift Janeway walked over to the command area. "Mr. Cavit, any sign of hostile ships? What is the status of the warp-core?"
Looking up from a padd which he had been studying, Cavit rose from the command chair. "So far there has been no sign of any ships. As for the core, we are still encountering problems. I was just reading Carey's latest report before going back down to engineering."
An extremely unhappy Janeway nodded. "Keep me posted, I'll be in my ready room."
"Yes Captain!" Cavit started toward the turbolift. Passing Chakotay he gave the Maquis commander a slight nod. For the time being Cavit had decided that he would be the embodiment of a perfect officer.
Janeway, having noted Cavit's actions, and feeling that she would not experience further problems with her first officer, headed toward her ready room.
Once inside the Vulcan turned to the captain. "You intend to return to the Array with Kes, in hope that she can convince the Caretaker to send us home."
Without a word the captain walked over to her chair, sitting down she looked up at her chief of security.
The Vulcan casually replied, "Captain, it is the logical course of action."
"I'm glad that you approve," she responded. "I guess that after so many years some of your logic must have rubbed off."
"Not without effort." Tuvok responded.
Chakotay managed to refrain from laughing.
Janeway pointed out a very important fact. "Well Mr. Tuvok, we humans can be very stubborn. It's one of our emotions which we consider very sacred. When we're over there, Chakotay, Kes and I will try to find, and reason, with this Caretaker, make one last attempt have him send us back. In case our efforts prove unsuccessful, I want you to find his transporter control unit. Hopefully, if necessary, we will be able to understand and work it."
From the comm system, the voice of Evans entered Janeway's ready room. "Captain, Chakotay, I've just received a message from Seska. Harry Kim and B'Elanna are awake. It's possible to speak with them."
Relief flowed through both commanders.
"Excellent!" Janeway stood up. "Tuvok, I'm going to speak with Kim and Torres, perhaps they have some information. In the meantime have another talk with Kes. Just in case she missed something."
The security chief glanced at Chakotay. Either the captain had forgotten that she was venturing onto a Maquis ship, or she was ignoring the fact.
Chakotay gave the Vulcan a small, almost indiscernible nod.
The captain would not only be safe, she would be a welcomed guest.
