STAR TREK VOYGER: Homeward Bound
Chapter 44
As Janeway and the Cardassians approached sickbay three members of the crew exited, who much to their imminent embarrassment were busy talking and did not see their captain approaching.
Janeway immediately recognized Lieutenant Glenn Sidner from the Explorer. The other two, Lieutenant Jasnor a female Bajorian and Ensign Kirdos from the colonies, had been part of Chakotay's original crew.
She listened with interest as Sidner commented. "I've studied Starfleet tactics since I was a boy, there was never any mention of a maneuver such as Captain Chakotay pulled off. It's no wonder he eluded the Federation for so long. I know Captain Janeway managed to capture him, but I bet it took a lot of effort."
Turning her line of vision down the corridor, the eyes of Lieutenant Jasnor opened wide in shock and apprehension upon seeing the captain, not only close by, but moving in their direction. Attempting to warn her companions she came to an abrupt stop, however, to her dismay the other two paid no attention.
Ensign Kirdos, a tall, lanky young man, stated in a confidant voice. "She was lucky catching Chakotay in that crazy trap, I bet you….Janeway would never have succeeded a second time. I……"
Their captain's voice stopped the unsuspecting crewmembers in both mid-stride and mid-sentence. "That trap at Syzygie certainly did take a lot of planning, in fact, it took weeks. As for the second time…….we'll never know, now will we. But let's just say I had a few tricks up my sleeve. There are several ways of catching someone, especially when one is determined."
Janeway managed to stifle a laugh at the priceless look on the faces of the three culprits, while behind her she could hear Seska and Oyal chuckling softly. Even Evek was amused.
Jasnor whispered to her companions. "I tried to warn you."
Terrified that Janeway was annoyed, and not knowing how to escape the predicament they had just placed themselves in, the three stared at their captain.
But Kathryn Janeway, who knew when to be the tough captain and when not to be, was amused, not angry. "And you're right about Captain Chakotay. His tactical skills and innovative approaches did cause the Federation and Starfleet many headaches."
Sidner managed to find his voice. While on the Explorer he had not been part of the senior staff, meaning his experiences with the captain had been very few. "I'm….I'm sorry Captain, no disrespect intended."
To their surprise Janeway smiled, she could well imagine their mortification at being caught. Crewmembers were not suppose to discuss their commanding officers. While to do so was inevitable, one always made sure the subject of that conversation was not within hearing distance. "No offense taken. Even I find his methods, both here and in the Alpha Quadrant, interesting. And…..I always value the opinions of my crew."
At Janeway's last comment three members of Voyager's crew wished they were anywhere else but where they were.
Despite the discomfort of her arm Janeway's amusement increased as she watched the three standing before her, their nervousness growing with each passing second. Facing a captain was always a time for trepidation, more so when caught talking about that commander. She could only imagine the private discussions the crew carried on concerning herself and Chakotay.
Actually, she regretted not being privy to those conversations. "I heard several of the crew were injured, but I understand none seriously."
Since the other two were more than frightened of Janeway, Sidner was the only one capable of responding. "That's correct captain, we're the last to leave sickbay. However, Captain Chakotay equipped each member of the team with emergency hyposprays, just in case there were injuries. This way we experienced only slight discomfort before returning to Voyager. I suffered some cuts from a thorn bush, Kirdos and Jasnor minor phaser burns. We had the Kazon so confused they couldn't hit anything."
The captain's smile turn conspiratorial. "If you promise not to tell Chakotay, I do agree this stunt was one for the books."
The three trapped members of the crew were surprised by Janeway's candor, from what they knew about captains most would not have reacted with such openness. However, along with the rest of the crew, they were learning Janeway was not an average captain. Especially after the mock trial, which had earned her a reputation for not only being unpredictable but also for the unusual.
Jasnor felt herself relaxing and managed to smile shyly at the captain. "We promise not to say a word."
Watching the Bajorian, Janeway regretted not having spent more time meeting her new crewmembers. Her intentions had been put on hold while planning the rescue, however, the away mission was now completed and she fully intended to become better acquainted with every member onboard Voyager.
Her arm and aching body told the captain it was time to end the ordeal of these three. "Well…..I better not keep the doctor waiting. I understand Paris created a holodeck program for the entire crew, based on a bistro in Marseilles, France called Sandrine's. Perhaps, I'll see you later."
Nodding, glad to escape in one piece, the three answered in unison as they tried not to bolt down the hallway. "Yes Captain!"
When the escapees were out of hearing range Seska commented softly. "From now on I bet Kirdos and Sidner will more careful about what they say, and where they make their comments.
Janeway laughed. "When a cadet, with some of the comments I made, I'm glad I was never caught. Otherwise, I would never have made it through the Academy."
Entering sickbay they found Kes and the doctor in earnest conversation. Both looked over as the door opened.
The doctor immediately noticed the Captain's arm and drawn face. "Kes, look after Seska and her party. Begin by obtaining all necessary medical information. I'll be with you shortly. Captain, over here! Do I dare ask what happened?"
Kes motioned to Seska. "This way Lieutenant. Welcome back!"
Seska replied softly as the Cardassians moved to join Kes. "Thanks! I only hope the rest of the crew feels the same."
The Ocampa gave her crewmate an encouraging smile. "I'm sure they will. So far I haven't heard anything to indicate otherwise."
Seska looked over at her husband. "So far…."
Walking over to the other side of sickbay, Janeway answered the doctor's question as she sat down on one of the bio-beds. "The Kazon Maje gripped my shoulder very tightly, leaving some bruising, and his fingers dug into my arm. Gull Oyal washed and bandaged the lacerations, they're not serious."
The doctor looked at his patient. "I'll be the judge as to the degree of damage and treatment, Captain!"
Janeway rolled her eyes but submitted quietly as the doctor ran the medical tricorder over the injuries. At the moment her mind was centered on escaping to her quarters where she could shower and change…..and grab a coffee. And not necessarily in that order!
After what seemed an eternity the doctor closed the tricorder. "Hum, yes, I see. Well Captain…..you might not have a medical degree, however, you are correct. Nothing appears to be serious. Now…..if you will just sit still for another couple of minutes we'll repair the damages."
Going over to a nearby tray the EMH picked up a couple of medical instruments. Returning to the captain's side he waved a small rectangular object back and forth over the contusions on her arm. In a matter of seconds the pain disappeared and the cuts healed over.
His voice carried a trace of satisfaction. "There….I'm certain that feels much better! I must say, I am surprised this little excursion did not result in more serious injuries. Going into a Kazon stronghold is not my idea of a pleasure holiday."
The captain rubbed her arm where moments before there had been ugly gashes. "Neither do I Doctor….neither do I."
Turning her head Janeway glanced over at the Cardassians. "But I believe it was worth the risk."
For a moment the doctor ceased all movement. "As a computer program I have access to information in your data banks, as such I am aware of the situation back in the Alpha Quadrant. Not all Maquis or Starfleet captains would have done what you and Captain Chakotay did. Still….it was a foolhardy venture."
Janeway laughed. "Yes….it certainly was. When my father finds out I imitated a Cardassian, I'll never hear the last of it."
The doctor held the second piece of equipment over her shoulder, shinning a yellow light onto the injured muscles. "You'll have a small amount of stiffness for a couple of days. I'll give you some ointment to use."
Janeway flexed her arm. "It certainly does feel better. However, I doubt the Maje is experiencing the same degree of comfort."
Putting the instruments down the doctor responded without looking at the captain. "I gather the Maje will think twice before tangling with Captain Janeway again."
Shaking her head Janeway's voice revealed a trace of sadness. "Unfortunately, he is not the type to learn any lessons. I feel sorry for those under his command, especially the women. I certainly hope we never again encounter this group. In fact, I'll be very happy when we're out of Kazon space, unfortunately, from what Neelix said that could take close to a year."
The doctor pressed a hypospray to the captain's neck. "Of the six Cardassians that I've seen so far the three women suffered the worst…various forms of abuse. Physically they will be fine, I'm not sure emotionally. There…. this will quickly disperse the cosmetic injuries, and begin the process of reverting you back to human form. You should be normal by tomorrow."
Easing herself off the bed, she winched as her shoulder protested the movement. "Thanks Doctor, Chakotay and I will do everything possible to help the Cardassians recover from their ordeal, and adjust to a new life on Voyager. This rescue would not have been successful without your expert artwork. You certainly have a variety of talents, perhaps you should explore them during your leisure time."
The doctor hid his interest at Janeway's suggest by going over to a cabinet. Taking out a tube he returned to the captain. "Here's the ointment for your shoulder, it should be all right within a day or so. If it's not, should there be any swelling or if the pain increases, report to me immediately."
The captain accepted the medication. "I will. Is the crew showing you more respect now, do you feel more comfortable?"
The question startled the doctor. Not to the content, but knowing the captain had just returned from a grueling mission, as to the timing. "Yes Captain, there has been a major change. As you can see, Lieutenant Torres altered my program so I now wear the Maquis uniform, which certainly helped. Both Torres and Paris are assisting in the planning and preparation of holodeck programs specifically for me, however, I can join the crew in the Sandrine program Mr. Paris designed."
He added softly, almost as if surprised. "I now feel more like one of the crew, not just a computer program to be turned on or off as needed."
Though the doctor was attempting to hide his feelings, one look told Janeway he was definitely much more than another computer program. She smiled. "Doctor, I'm glad, never forget, you are a valued member of this crew. If a problem ever arises let Captain Chakotay and myself know. And….considering this is a Maquis ship, you certainly do look better in that new uniform. The blue shirt and pants with the green collar and cuffs indicating medical go well together."
Turning away Janeway walked over to where Kes was busy inscribing a padd with information Evek was giving her.
Seeing Janeway approaching Oyal turned to face her. "Well Captain, that arm is looking much better."
Janeway raised both eyebrows. "Yes, and it certainly feels much better."
She smiled at Kayon, who was lying face down, fast asleep with one leg hanging over the edge of the bio-bed he was sprawled across. "I see the adventure of last night finally caught up."
Seska laid her hand on her son's back. "Yes, he's in need of a good night's sleep, but he's alive and well, thanks to you and Chakotay."
Placing her hand on the arm of the Cardassian woman Janeway spoke very softly. "And this crew."
Seska understood the meaning behind Janeway's comment. "Yes, perhaps in time they will accept us for who we are, not what other Cardassians do."
Janeway looked intently at Seska. "I think so, there are good people on this ship. It might be a bit uncomfortable at the beginning, just be yourself, be the crewmate they're accustomed to and enjoy being around. At first I felt out of place, so did several of my old crew. That quickly changed, and I feel confidant things will work out for you and the others. "
She turned to Oyal. "Tomorrow, once you're rested, Chakotay and I will meet with you to discuss how best to integrate everybody into the crew."
The captain looked from Oyal to Seska then back to the Gul. "In the meantime… I'm sure you and Seska have a lot of catching up to do."
Oyal glanced over at his wife, a meaningful glint in his eye. "Yes Captain, I do believe so. I certainly am interested in hearing all about this Syzygie."
Knowing very well the Cardassian Gul would be amused by the past history between her and Chakotay, Kathryn Janeway just shook her head.
Seeing the captain's face Oyal laughed before becoming serious. "Thank you, I will never be able to repay you or Chakotay, I can think of no other who would have acted as you have."
For a moment Janeway thought over the best response to Oyal's comment. "Perhaps yes….perhaps no. Since coming into the Delta Quadrant I have done things I never believed possible, such as joining the Maquis. Different conditions and picking up information that one did not have previously changes a person's perspective."
Gul Oyal nodded slowly. "That is very true, however, it takes strength of character to make that change. You and Chakotay have the spirit and convictions that define great leadership. I look forward to our talk tomorrow. Until then Captain get some rest, you have earned it."
The Janeway smiled and nodded. "I will. That goes for you too. We all earned a good few hours of sleep."
As Janeway turned to leave Seska address her. "Captain, when you and Chakotay have the opportunity, ask B'Elanna to relate the story I told her."
Janeway was pleased to have the opportunity of discovering just what had made Torres change her attitude toward Seska. "We will!"
Giving the Cardassians a parting nod Janeway exited sickbay, quickly heading for her quarters. Once inside she emptied the contents of her pockets onto the table and removed the tattered rags she had been wearing. After placing the material in the replicator for recycling Janeway ordered her favorite addiction. As she took her first sip of coffee, in what seemed like days, pure joy lit up her face, easing some the strain and fatigue.
Going into the bathroom she placed the cup on the cabinet beside the washbasin. Stepping into the shower she rejoiced as the refreshing water removed the dust and grim of the away mission. Helping to wash away the memories of the dangers she had faced, and the feel of the Maje as she scrubbed her still tender shoulder.
Her shower completed the captain finished her cooling coffee, then reentering the living area she replicated a second cup along with a fresh uniform. Enjoying the beverage as she proceeded to dress, Janeway reflected on her conversation with Oyal in sickbay. Running a hand over the material of the shirt she realized how much her views had changed.
Turning away she went over to the replicator. After obtaining her third coffee she walked over to the table, sitting down as she eyed the object before her. "Computer, locate Evek."
The computer quickly responded. "Evek is in his quarters."
Raising her eyebrows in exasperation the captain remembered one should always be careful of wording with Vulcans and computers. "Computer, please specify where Evek's quarters are located."
Again the polite voice replied quietly. "Evek's quarters are situated on deck 6 number 28."
Breathing a silent thank you to the unseen voice, she made a mental note to locate the quarters of all the Cardassians. Janeway also realized something would have to be done about Seska. The Cardassian's quarters were small, not set up for a family. Kayon, not to mention Oyal and Seska, would need his own area and privacy.
Leaning back, slowly drinking her coffee the captain thought over various possibilities. When discussing plans for the ship with her father they had considered only short-term missions, not long-term with families onboard. Neither Janeways had ever envisioned a situation such as being stranded in the Delta Quadrant.
Reaching out she picked up the timepiece, slowly turning it over in her hand. "Computer, is Evek awake or asleep, and is there anybody else with him."
The response came instantaneously. "Evek is awake, he is alone."
Finishing the coffee Janeway stood up, carefully enfolding the Cardassian object in her hand. After placing the cup for recycling she quickly headed for the turbolift.
Once inside she voiced her destination. "Deck 6!"
Seconds later she walked down the hallway stopping before number 28,without hesitation she pressed the buzzer. Immediately the door slid open to reveal the young Cardassian sitting at the table with a bowl and a cup before him. Deep in thought, Evek's attention was on the table, not on his visitor.
Janeway did not move. "May I come in?"
Startled, Evek looked up. Confused he quickly rose to his feet. "Captain Janeway, I'm sorry, I thought it would be Gul Oyal. Yes, come in, what can I do for you?"
Surprised by the Captain's visit Evek was unaccustomed to feeling nervous or ill at ease. He had been a good soldier, confident, always obeying orders, never disagreeing with a superior. Always knowing where he stood, where he was going. But now it was different. He was one of a handful of Cardassians onboard a Maquis ship, with a future looking into the uncertainty.
Watching Evek, wondering what his reaction would be, Janeway walked over to the table. "I hope I'm not intruding. While in the house of the Maje I discovered some items belonging to you and the others. I gave most of the objects to Gul Oyal, however, learning this one belonged to you I wished to return it personally."
She held out her hand.
After staring in disbelief Evek reached over with shaking hand. His legs giving way he slowly sat down, gingerly rubbing a finger over the silver piece, his voice full of emotion. "I…I thought it was gone forever. It is all I have left of Talnir."
Pulling out a chair Janeway sat down opposite Evek. Leaning back she crossed her legs. "I'm sorry, Gul Oyal did not tell me much. Only that it had been a gift from an agent who had died …..and the two of you were planning to marry."
For a moment Evek remained silent, placing both arms on the table he cupped the timepiece between his hands. "Yes…..we were to be married in three months. I never suspected Talnir was part of the anti-government movement, and certainly never knew that Gul Oyal was not only a member, but also the founder of the resistance. They were careful to hide that information from me, back then I was a very loyal soldier to the great Cardassia."
The agony of pained memories showed on his face as Evek's mind went back to a planet now thousands of light-years away. To a day almost a year earlier, a day burned into his memory. "One morning Talnir said she had some family business that needed attending to, but promised to be back for supper. I waited and waited, it was not like her to be late and not make contact."
Struggling to keep his voice even Evek hesitated as the pictures flooded his senses. "I knew something was wrong. I contacted her family, no one had spoken to or seen her for several days. The hour was late when I heard a sound coming from the yard, near the door. Going to investigate I found her on the ground, she was barely alive but regained consciousness when I brought her into the living room. Talnir was in great pain, the result of the beating and torture she had been subjected to, but able to speak. It required a great deal of effort but Talnir explained everything."
For a moment Evek closed his eyes, regaining composure. "That night I learned several things that I had no previous knowledge of, and about a man who I never knew existed. The day before a military ship had returned from a long-term secret mission. Onboard was a government agent, a high-ranking Gul named Sonnker, a very dangerous man to whom killing was a sport. A man to whom Cardassia always assigned the highest classified and confidential missions to, operations the government wanted kept secret."
Evek's voice caught as he struggled to continue. "Also onboard was a member of the resistance, who had recorded many of Sonnker's savage activities. Since the ship was due to leave immediately it was impossible for this agent to deliver the information, so Talnir was sent to pick up the computer chip. Something went wrong. During the meeting the agent was killed and Talnir captured by Sonnker. Wanting to know about the resistance the Gul tried his foremost interrogation methods, but without success. Fortunately, even someone like Sonnker can make mistakes….when Talnir faked unconsciousness the Gul left her unrestrained and alone with only one guard."
The painful memories forced the young Cardassian to stop, looking down he gripped the timepiece tightly in one hand. "She managed to trick and overpower the guard, gaining her freedom. Knowing she would not be able to travel far, Talnir choose to come home, hoping to contact Oyal from the house. Her strength gave out on our doorstep. For reasons unknown to us Sonnker apparently made no attempt to pursue Talnir."
Evek gave a small shrug. "Possibly….because her injuries were so severe she would not have survived further interrogation. Also, the Gul had taken a chip from the dead agent, possibly Sonnker believed he had intervened before any information had been turned over to Talnir. But….as a precaution, the undercover operative had used several different recording chips. So the Gul was unaware that a record of his actions had been successfully passed to her."
Evek's taut and drawn face clearly registered the agony that had raged within him on that day. "Pressing these chips into my hand Talnir begged me to get them to Gul Oyal, saying the future of Cardassia depended on it. She died in my arms, pleading for me to contact the man I had respected for so long, only to fine out he was, what I thought, a traitor. Along with the girl I loved and had planned to marry. I was shocked, confused, didn't know what to think or do."
Sitting quietly Janeway could see the pain in Evek's eyes. She knew that while the memories were difficult, he needed to talk.
Evek raised an agonized face to the captain. "I sat there, I don't know for how long. Holding Talnir's body, her blood drying on my clothes. Finally, when I came to my senses anger raged deep inside, my first thoughts were to contact Central Command. But something stopped me. What….I don't know. Was it one last act for my girlfriend, respect for Oyal. Perhaps it was the anger compelling me to see what was so valuable that the two people most important to me had betrayed Cardassia…..and why Talnir had to die. …..anyway I took my recorder and looked at the data on the chips."
Picking up the cup Evek took a long drink before returning the cup to the table. "Excuse me Captain, do you want something?"
Janeway shook her head. Watching, listening to Evek, Kathryn Janeway was seeing a side of Cardassians very few knew about. "No thank you, I had coffee before coming here."
The Cardassian's voice was low, disbelieving. "What I saw appalled me. Killing in combat, when your life is in danger is one thing…..but what those clips contained….. Also the agent had recorded meetings….meetings that should not have been.….I needed an explanation, so I went to Gul Oyal. When I confronted him Oyal did not attempt to lie, he admitted immediately to being the founder of the resistance movement."
Evek uttered a small laugh. "It was almost too much, for several minutes I yelled and vented my pain and fury upon Oyal. He did nothing, just stood there with arms crossed waiting until my energy was spent. Finally my respected for Gul Oyal and love for Talnir surfaced…plus I had no breath left, so I listened to what he had to say."
Reaching again for the cup Evek found it to be empty. "Do….do you mind if I refill this?"
The captain smiled gently. "No, of course not."
Going over to the replicator Evek asked for something completely foreign to Janeway. Suddenly, to her surprise, she realized it was a Bajorian drink.
Returning to the table Evek noticed the captain looking with interest at the cup. "When I was stationed on Bajor with Oyal, I developed a liking for Kalloop. It's made from some sort of fruit combined with cereal, not bitter and not sweet."
Evek took a deep breath. "Captain…..What does one do when your whole world is turned upside down? Oyal explained why he had formed the resistance, what was happening between Cardassia and the Founders. Concerned that the resistance had been compromised, Oyal and the others were getting ready to flee. In the days that followed he never asked me to join, leaving it up to me to decide what to do. But, he held nothing back, allowed me to accompany him on various meetings and operations, wanting me to make my choice freely. In doing so he put his life in my hands."
Playing with the cup Evek's eyes rested on the tabletop. "Those days were hard. Trying to cope with the loss of Talnir. Trying to decide which Cardassia I wanted to live in? The one our government was creating, or the one Oyal envisioned? But I remained with Oyal, working with him brought me closer to Talnir, I guess I believed what he told me, I really don't know. I never committed myself to the resistance, this caused unease with the other members, but it didn't seem to brother Oyal. Once we were in the Delta Quadrant it didn't matter anymore."
When Evek finished, for several minutes neither spoke. Janeway could understand how difficult it had been for the young man. She also realized that now the struggle of living with the Kazon was over, Evek would again have to face the loss of his girlfriend.
Looking at Evek sitting across from her, Janeway saw not a Cardassian solider but a young man in deep pain. "I'm truly sorry about Talnir, and I'm glad some good came out of today. Returning that timepiece made the hassle with the Maje worthwhile. If it's any consolation I can equate with the dilemma you faced. Before meeting Chakotay I was very much against the Maquis. I didn't like the settlements being turned over to Cardassia, but as far as I was concerned the colonists had been given a chance to move. As you considered Oyal to be a traitor, I too looked upon Chakotay as one."
At the memory a smile formed on her face. "The first meeting between the two of us was over a phaser, with the phaser in my hand. Thanks to me Chakotay spent four months in prison before escaping. I was in the Badlands looking for him when the Caretaker struck. Once we had to join forces I learned many things previously unknown to me. Like you, this information forced me to look at my beliefs, suddenly my rebel and outlaw turned into someone completely different."
Leaning forward Janeway folded her hands on the table. "Chakotay, the so called traitor was anything but. He was fighting to prevent the Dominion from invading the Alpha Quadrant. Fighting for time until the Federation woke up. Chakotay was not randomly attacking Cardassian bases, but those that would be used to build up enemy forces, and supply depots that would be needed for an invasion. I had felt the Maquis was trying to destroy all that I held to be important, I found out it was just the opposite. Chakotay was risking his life to preserve ours."
Gazing at the man sitting opposite, the captain chose her words carefully. "Evek….the question you have to answer is very simple. Was Oyal trying to destroy Cardassia? Or was he attempting to prevent another war, one that could have meant the end of the Cardassian way of life? What Evek do you want? Constant war, never having the opportunity to live in peace, and the uncertainty of living with the Founders? Or do you want a world where should you ever find another to love, the possibility of her being a resistance fighter would never be. Many feel military power means strength. But sometimes peace requires the greater fortitude."
Evek uttered a small laugh. "Those are almost the same words Oyal used. Before, not fully understanding what Cardassia had planned, I had trouble answering. But not now! The time spent with the Kazon, seeing how they live, along with the answers and information I received from Oyal has changed my prospective, I view things differently. I would never want to spend my life wagging war, never having a chance to develop our culture and civilization. Cardassia is moving backwards. The government has fallen into the hands of those only interested in their own gain."
This time when he looked at the captain there was pride in his eyes. "I am a soldier. Born and raised in the military, trained to fight. Once I thought that was the only life. You are correct, I can see where those who live in peace can be stronger than those who live for war. You are also correct…. as your Chakotay is not the traitor you thought him to be, neither is Oyal."
He took a deep breath. "But….that was back in the Alpha Quadrant, a place far away. What will happen to us here, now that we are on your ship?"
Leaning back Janeway looked down at her hands. It was eerie to have this young Cardassian in the same position she herself had been in not so long ago. "Evek, I can understand the unease you are experiencing, for just a few weeks ago I had entertained the exact same thoughts. My ship destroyed, a Starfleet captain onboard a Maquis ship. The crew knowing I had hunted them with the intent of sending them all to prison, as I had their leader. I felt alone, out of place, thinking I would never be wanted or accepted."
She gave Evek an encouraging smile. "Everything worked out in a way I could never have imagined. I'm not going to lie to you. It will not be easy, there are several Bajorians onboard who lived under the Cardassian occupation. However….no one voiced any strong objections to the rescue, even those with reason to do so. Being stranded in the Delta Quadrant, two crews that were supposed to be enemies forced to merge and work together as one, had a profound effect on all of us. Give us a chance and we will do the same for you. Chakotay and I will meet with Oyal. We need to know the skills and training you and the others have. We'll assign positions that everyone is equipped for, and do everything possible to ease the transition."
Evek thought for a moment. "I don't know what good I can be. My training was as a land soldier. I've only been on transport ships while being transferred from one assignment to another."
Janeway shrugged. "Well then we'll teach you. Everybody has skills and talents that can be developed. You had no trouble fitting in with us down on the planet. Most probably security would be the best posting, at least for the time being. Now….have you ever been to the bridge of a ship, or been on a ship passing through an asteroid field?
Evek shook his head. "No captain, neither one."
Janeway tilted her head to the side. "I'm on my way to the bridge, would you like to join me?"
The offer took the young Cardassian by surprise. "Captain Chakotay won't mind?"
Kathryn Janeway laughed. "You forget Evek, I'm also the captain."
Evek looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I forgot. In that case yes I would."
When Janeway rose to her feet Evek followed, carefully placing the watch into a pocket. "Thank you Captain, having this piece of Talnir brings me comfort."
Janeway's smile carried a trace of her own sadness. "Having pictures of my father has helped to bring him closer, easing the pain of separation."
Slowly they left Evek's quarters, walking together to the turbolift. Waiting for the vehicle to arrive Evek turned to Janeway. "Captain, may I ask a question?"
She nodded. "Certainly, I'll answer if I can."
For a moment Evek looked down, then he locked eyes with the captain. There was no animosity, only dignity. "Are you surprised to find that Cardassians can love and feel pain and loss?"
If the question took Janeway by surprise she didn't show it. "Yes I am. My experiences with Cardassians did not show a pleasant or gentle side. My opinion over the last few hours has vastly changed. I'm glad we undertook the rescue, I'm looking forward to learning more about your people, I think there is a lot of misunderstanding …..on both sides. If I'm not mistaken you have also changed your opinion about humans."
Evek slowly nodded. "Yes Captain. This day has been thought provoking. I had no reason to think much about it during the past few months, but perhaps Oyal and Talnir were correct. Perhaps, there is a possibility of humans and Cardassians living together. Before I did not wish to try to coexist, but now I do."
Janeway's feelings were reflected in her eyes. "Evek….so do I."
As they stepping into the lift Evek whispered. "Thank you for your honesty. Both now and earlier, when on the planet."
Looking down Janeway smiled before turning to her companion. "Honesty breeds trust."
Nothing more was said as the turbolift rose to deck one.
