MAQUIS - Act 22
Scene 1
"I'm glad Chakotay chose this station to dock for repairs."
They were walking along the main level, which contained the bars, restaurants and shops.
"I agree," replied Astra, as they walked into the cafe.
At the drinks replimat, Kathryn had to describe black coffee to the machine five times. Finally it produced a liquid that resembled and smelled like coffee. Astra played safe and ordered a traditional herbal tea. They took their drinks to a table. Kathryn took her first sip and choked.
"This is disgusting!"
Astra took the offending cup away and returned with an herbal tea.
"Do you still want to try that restaurant tonight," asked Kathryn
"I'm looking forward to it. It will be a nice change to get away from the food in the Mess."
Kathryn laughed, "It's a pity they didn't encourage chefs to join the resistance."
They returned to the ship to get ready for a rare evening out.
Scene 2
Kathryn got to the restaurant early so she decided to have a drink in the bar. She was sitting at the bar sipping a bright green drink through a straw. She looked up to see Chakotay walking through the door.
"Have you analysed what you're drinking? That colour isn't natural."
Kathryn laughed, "I don't think that would be a good idea. I'd never be able to eat or drink anything in this quadrant if I did that. I'm not sure that our current ship's diet would stand up to scrutiny."
"Point taken! I'm playing messenger. Astra said she'd join you as soon as she is able to get away."
"Have you made any plans for tonight?" asked Kathryn.
"I have a book that I've been looking forward to reading. I've just bought a drink that tastes like whiskey" replied Chakotay.
"Chakotay we hardly ever have the chance for some rest and relaxation. You have to let your hair down when we get the opportunity. All work and no play is not good for your stress levels."
"Don't worry about me. I'm out tonight - aren't I?"
Kathryn smiled, "That's cheating, tonight doesn't count."
"Come and have dinner with me tomorrow?" asked Chakotay. He was enjoying the flirting.
Kathryn checked Chakotay's expression to see if he was still flirting with her.
He burst out laughing, "You should have seen your face."
She retaliated, "I might hold you to that invitation Chakotay. You are a shocking flirt."
She glanced over at him because she was expecting a cheeky reply. His face drained of colour.
"What's wrong Chakotay?" She looked around to see if she could identify who or what had upset him. Standing in the doorway was a Cardassian male in full uniform. He was so involved in his conversation that he didn't notice anyone else in the bar.
Kathryn grabbed his hand, "Let's go, we'll catch Astra on the way back."
She had to pull him out of the door, "Chakotay snap out of it. Let's get back to the ship and find out how and why he is here. Also are there any more of them?"
On their way back to the Val Jean they met Astra and told her everything that had happened.
"Why are you so worried about this species?" asked Astra.
Chakotay answered her question, "They're like a cancer. Cardassians annex worlds until you wake up one morning to find they are rulers of a mighty empire. They are the most aggressive militaristic and repulsive race in the Alpha quadrant."
"How did they manage to travel here from the Alpha quadrant?"
"That's what we need to find out and what they are planning. They won't be content to coexist, in peace, with the native inhabitants. They have to conquer it's in their nature.
Scene 3
Kathryn called everyone back to the ship despite their protests. "This is one meeting you won't want to miss."
When everyone had found a seat and settled down, Kathryn gave them the bad news.
"There is a Cardassian Officer in one of the bars on the space station."
The general consensus among the crew was they should execute him as soon as possible.
Chakotay intervened, "I would agree if we were still in the Alpha quadrant. We need to find out if there are any more of them here and what their intentions are."
"Why do we have to do anything about them? Our priority is to return to the Alpha Quadrant," commented B'Elanna.
Chakotay ignored her, "I need two volunteers to gather intel on the Cardassians. We need to keep them alive until we have all the information."
He looked at the male members of his crew and B'Elanna and dismissed them as too trigger happy. He remembered that Cardassian men had a preference for Bajoran women. Yet he didn't trust Seska to put the crew's interests above her own. Finally he came to the conclusion that Astra and Kathryn were the most sensible. They were perfect for this mission.
He dismissed the crew and asked them to stay behind.
"You need to find the group containing the Cardassian. Try to get close to them and find out what they're plotting. They'll be liable to let things slip as they drink more alcohol."
Astra and Kathryn didn't have any suitable clothes in their wardrobe. Ayala offered to use the remaining replicator to provide their clothes for the mission. When he returned, he handed a red dress to Kathryn and a blue one to Astra. Kathryn went back to her bunk to change. She looked in the mirror and ran back to the bridge.
"Ayala, I'm going to kill you! You've made me look like a comfort woman. They'll be asking for my hourly rate."
Astra emerged wearing an identical dress to Kathryn's. She looked down in horror,
"Am I meant to be exposing so much flesh. I hope they have heaters in the bar."
Their next hurdle was shoes. Their dresses required them to wear high heeled shoes. Of course Kathryn had worn heels before but Astra had never seen them.
"These shoes are impractical. You can't run in them or fight. Unless you use the shoes as a close combat weapon."
Kathryn grinned, "They've been used as a weapon before."
She stayed with Astra to help her adjust to her new footwear. Ayala followed Chakotay to his office to discuss their security.
"How are you going to protect them? You know how ruthless Cardassians can be." stated Ayala.
"We'll send an armed detail to follow them. They can protect them from a distance," replied Chakotay,
Ayala looked sceptical, "Kathryn will love that!"
"I'll debate the issue with Miss Janeway if they have to be rescued," replied Chakotay.
"I feel sorry for the unsuspecting males. Kathryn is capable of looking after herself but Astra is lethal. It was an excellent decision to ask her to join the crew."
Scene 4
Seska was getting over the shock of hearing that a Cardassian was aboard the space station. She was still trying to decide whether it would be a good idea to contact him as It would blow her cover on the Val Jean. Since Kathryn Janeway joined the crew a fresh start seemed attractive. At least she wouldn't have to watch Chakotay making a fool of himself over that woman. She decided to wait until they discovered how many of her countrymen were here. Also what sort of power base they had established before she made a move.
She had to speak to the Cardassian by herself and to be careful around Kathryn Janeway. As she knew her secret, she would be watching her like a hawk. She remembered the crew's response on hearing a Cardassian was near. She had no illusions about what would happen if they discovered her true identity.
Seska had been undercover for so long that she was experiencing an identity crisis. She couldn't remember her Cardassian appearance.
Scene 5
Kathryn and Astra stood outside the bar for a few seconds before they entered the affray. They both took a big breath and pushed the doors open. It wasn't hard to spot their target. The group was loud, noisy and already attracting disapproving glances from the other patrons. Kathryn pointed to two empty stools at the bar. As soon as they sat down the bar keeper appeared in front of them.
"What would you like to drink ladies?"
Kathryn needed a shot of whiskey but she doubted they had anything drinkable in this bar. She spotted a bright blue drink like the one she was drinking earlier.
"We'll have two of those please."
"Kathryn, why are the males staring at us?"
"They are attracted to us. Humans choose their mates from social situations like this one."
Astra looked around in disbelief, "This seems so awkward and disorganised. Taking a mate is a serious decision on my planet."
"Don't you think it would be better to get to know them first before you make a commitment?"
Astra was shocked, "What happens if you make a mistake?"
"You agree to end your relationship and try again."
"I think you need some marriage brokers on your planet. Choosing a mate would be far less complicated and messy."
Kathryn felt the hackles rise on the back of her neck before she heard the voice .
"You are far too beautiful to be drinking alone tonight. Would you like to join us?"
The Cardassian was standing uncomfortably close to the back of them. Kathryn pushed her stool back to get up which forced him to take a step backwards.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to catch your foot."
"Not a problem, beautiful women are rare in a frontier station like this one."
Kathryn looked over at the group of twelve drunken, raucous men.
"How could we refuse such a tempting offer sir?"
"Call me Dukat, there is no need to be formal."
When they sat down Dukat made sure Kathryn was sitting next to him. His friend manoeuvred himself next to Astra. She's didn't look like the most dangerous female in the quadrant. All he saw was a small, attractive woman who was available.
As the evening continued the group's behaviour worsened. Eventually the owner had enough and ordered them to leave. Although Chakotay ordered
them not to leave bar, Kathryn made a split decision to go with Dukat and his friend. She believed that he would tell her more if he was in his own environment.
"Ladies, would you like to finish the evening aboard our ship. I have a Saurian brandy that I was saving for a special occasion."
Kathryn looked at Astra to check whether she was agreeable. Astra nodded her head in agreement.
"I can assure you everyone will behave like gentlemen. We aren't savages," Dukat reassured them.
"That sounds delightful, lead the way."
As they left Dukat put his arm around Kathryn, to stake his claim. She couldn't stop thinking about removing that arm by force.
Scene 6
Ayala and Hogan were sitting on the opposite side of the bar. They had been volunteered as their security detail by Chakotay.
"What are they doing? Chakotay told them to stay in the bar."
"Chakotay is going to explode. You know he likes her," replied Hogan.
Ayala stood up and grabbed their jackets, "We'll have to follow them at a distance."
Ayala was jealous every time another man got close to Kathryn. He wasn't used to dealing with negative emotions - she made him crazy.
Hogan smiled when he saw Ayala's expression. He couldn't understand why he hadn't made a move yet.
Scene 7
Dukat's group had a medium sized runabout docked at the station. When they reached the ship they were ushered into Dukat's private quarters. Alac offered to give Astra a tour of the ship. Afterwards they would collect some food from the galley for a midnight feast.
When they were alone Dukat moved closer to Kathryn.
"Could I have a drink please, my throat is dry," asked Kathryn trying to stall him.
Dukat smiled graciously and retrieved two glasses and a bottle of Kanar from a locker.
"You won't have tried this drink before but I can assure you it is sublime."
Kathryn knew exactly what she was drinking and how strong it was.
"Are you trying to get me drunk after promising to behave like a gentleman?"
"I assure you that my only intention is to enjoy the company of a beautiful, intelligent woman. What happens afterwards is up to you?"
Kathryn decided to change the subject so she could find the information they needed.
"Were you surprised to see humans in the Delta quadrant?"
"We assumed that the same alien who abducted our ship brought you to the Delta quadrant as well."
"We found an entity called the Caretaker. It was his technology used to take ships and their crews from the Alpha quadrant but he's dead now."
Neither crew belongs in this region but we have found a home on Xanthus. Perhaps your Captain and crew would like to visit the planet to see what we've accomplished."
"I will pass your request to our Captain. You should be aware that he doesn't like Cardassians."
"Your Captain Chakotay is well known to the Cardassian security services."
"As you pointed out, we are a long way from Cardassia and Earth."
"Agreed, let's concentrate on enjoying our evening together."
He took her hand and kissed the back of it working his way up her arm. Kathryn had to restrain herself from attacking him with her stiletto heel.
She hoped that Astra's friend was behaving himself or he might get more than he bargained for. She should have asked her to refrain from killing Alac for now.
Scene 8
Astra couldn't see the point of the tour around the ship even though it didn't take long. When they reached the galley Alac decided that he had waited long enough. He grabbed Astra around the waist and tried to pull her towards him. In two seconds he was lying on the floor with Astra's foot delicately balanced over his throat. She was playing with a long blade in her hand which she'd concealed in an arm sheath.
Her attacker was feeling sorry for himself, "You've made your point. Will you allow me to stand up now?"
"I don't think so. I need some information about your future plans so I can collect my friend and leave."
"Why should I tell you anything?"
Astra increased the pressure on his throat. Alac started to cough and wheeze.
"Okay, I get the message."
"I want to know the name of your home world and how many Cardassians are there?"
"My planet is the second one in the solar system called Xanthus. There are twelve Cardassians living and working there.
"What are you plotting?"
"We are planning to overthrow the Assembly and take control of my planet."
"Whose idea was this?"
"Dukat is our leader - he is a brilliant man."
Astra offered her hand and helped him to his feet.
"I won't mention this to anybody. You don't have to tell your friend about our little chat."
She turned her back on him which was her first mistake. He took advantage of her lapse, picked up a knife from the table and threw it at her. She turned around to catch the knife between two fingers. Astra closed her eyes. Astra forced him to walk backwards until his back was against the wall. Chains came out of the wall and wrapped themselves around his wrists and ankles.
"What are you? Are you a God or a Devil?"
"If you try another craven move like you will find out for yourself," warned Astra.
Scene 9
Astra banged on Dukat's door.
"Kathryn, I've received a message from the Captain calling all the crew back to the ship."
"Wait outside, I'll be out in two minutes."
Dukat was annoyed, "I was hoping that we'd have time to get to know each other better."
"Duty calls, I've had a lovely evening - thank you for your hospitality."
Dukat moved in front of her as though he was going to stop her leaving by force.
She backed away to give her room to fight, "You don't want to ruin a good evening, Dukat ."
"Why do you think it would ruin the evening?"
"It's getting late Dukat and I have been ordered to return to my ship. You don't want me to get in trouble with my Captain."
Dukat thought about his plans for the revolution. He had to stay under the radar for a few days to complete the preparations. He turned around to collect Kathryn's shawl. The Cardassian stood so close to her that she could feel his breath on her neck. He caressed her shoulders and neck as he draped her shawl around her. Finally he kissed her on the cheek because she moved her head at the last minute. Kathryn shut her eyes while she suppressed the urge to hit him.
"We will meet again Captain Janeway, you can be sure of that!"
She turned around startled then opened the door and escaped.
Scene 10
When Kathryn caught up with Astra, Hogan and Ayala were waiting with her.
Ayala lost his temper, "What possessed you to put your head in the lion's mouth?"
"He wouldn't tell me anything important in the bar. We had to go to a place where he felt he was in control."
"The Captain told you to stay in the bar. He is not going to be happy about your willful refusal to obey his orders."
"The worst news is that I didn't manage to get any intel before he turned frisky," said Kathryn.
Astra whispered, "I persuaded Dukat's friend to confess everything they were plotting."
"How did you get him to confess?"
Astra looked down at the floor, "He deserved everything he got."
"Is he still breathing?"
"He is still alive, for now," added Astra.
"Dukat knows that we are aware of his plans now. We will have to act quickly if we want to spoil his plot to overthrow the Authorities."
Ayala took Kathryn to one side and told Astra and Hogan to go on ahead.
"Stay quiet when Chakotay gives you your reprimand. He is the Captain and he has every right to punish you for insubordination."
"Can't I explain why I decided to return to Dukat's ship?"
"You are the most stubborn woman I have ever had the misfortune to meet. Trust me, when he gives you a reprimand - stay quiet,"
Scene 11
Chakotay summoned Kathryn as soon as she returned to the Val Jean. She was a little apprehensive so she used the buzzer.
"Come In."
Chakotay was sitting behind his desk with a face like thunder.
"Report!"
Kathryn told him everything that had happened after they left the ship.
"He separated the two of you when you reached his ship," asked Chakotay.
"Yes but I knew Astra could take care of herself."
"What about your ability to defend yourself? You don't have her training and Cardassian males are stronger than humans."
"Dukat wanted to get to know me. I didn't think I was in any danger until I left when he called me Captain Janeway."
"The problem was that you didn't think, full stop Kathryn. You put your life in danger and your friend's."
Kathryn could hear Ayala's voice in her head telling her to be quiet.
"I can't believe that you're being so unreasonable. We completed the mission."
Chakotay lost his temper. "I don't have Starfleet rules and regulations to back up my position on this ship. They obey me out of respect because I have earned it."
Kathryn realised that she should have listened to Ayala, "I apologise Chakotay. I was wrong."
"Out of everyone on the ship I thought you would understand my position. If it had been one of your crew and I had flouted your authority on Voyager, what would you have done?"
"A long spell in the Brig." replied Kathryn.
"Unfortunately that isn't an option. Due to your actions Dukat knows that we are his enemies. We will have to leave as soon as possible and proceed to the planet. We have to warn the authorities about Dukat's plot."
Chakotay ran his fingers through his hair. He had to punish Kathryn's insubordination. If he didn't, it would affect his authority with the crew.
He took a deep breath"You will your bunk room. You will be allowed to leave it for work and kitchen duty. Meals will be taken in your room. I will assign you every unpleasant task that nobody else wants to do. I am demoting you and giving the rank to Ayala again. He knows how to behave like an officer. Burn those clothes and return to your bunk. I don't want to look at you any longer."
Scene 12
knew that she was safe, his first instinct was to take her in his arms and never let her go. Kathryn must have been a real handful at the Academy. He sat in his chair waiting for Ayala to come rushing in to defend Kathryn.
"Five, four, three, two, one..."
The door opened, "Chakotay, I know that she was wrong but don't you think you've taken it too far."
"It's funny Mike but I thought that I was Captain."
"I know you're right but I hate to see her upset."
Now Chakotay was sorry. She obviously waited until she was on her own to lick her wounds.
"I didn't have a choice, I had to discipline her - she knows that."
"You never lose your temper. Why does Ms Janeway affect you like that?"
Chakotay looked up at his best friend.
Ayala realised that Chakotay was in love with Kathryn and didn't realise it. He wasn't happy that his best friend would be his rival.