MAQUIS ACT 23 - Part 1
Scene 1
Q was strolling along the road to nowhere in the Continuum, kicking stones. He was so bored that he was plotting some mischief to liven things up.
The Q had noticed an anomaly in the timeline of the Delta quadrant. Humans and Cardassians weren't meant to arrive there for another hundred years. The Others believed that it would upset the balance of power in the region. Although Q thought the group was so small that they shouldn't be able to cause a lot of damage.
Q decided to investigate the interruption in the timeline himself. He could visit his second favourite humans and have a valid reason to see Miss Janeway again. He couldn't alert the others to his interest in this female - they would kill her and banish him. He had no desire to be intimate with a meteorite for the next billion years. The laws banning them from interfering in the affairs of lesser species were absolute.
Scene 2
Kathryn had always been stubborn and headstrong. Over the years she had learnt to control her fiery nature at the Academy. Her control improved as she worked her way through the ranks in Starfleet
Since the trauma of losing her friends, crew and ship that hard won control had disappeared. She seemed to be lurching from one crisis to another. Chakotay had every right to punish her for insubordination. She would have done exactly the same on Voyager if an officer had questioned her authority. She wished that she could do something to reassure him that she was an asset to his crew not a liability.
It didn't make her feel any better that other members of the crew believed her punishment was too harsh.
Astra came to give her a message from Chakotay. "The Captain needs you on the Bridge. We are approaching Xanthus."
"How is he?"
"He has been in a terrible mood since we left the Space station, snapping at everyone."
"I'm sorry because I caused his bad mood."
"I don't understand why he was so angry about our mission. We acquired the information we needed and nobody got hurt."
"We ignored his orders and could have put ourselves and the rest of the crew in danger."
"Those men weren't threatening us and we are capable of looking after ourselves."
A Captain is responsible for the safety and welfare of everyone on their crew. It's the same with every species we have been in contact with."
Why would one individual choose to be responsible for so many lives?
Kathryn was still trying to think of an answer when they reached the bridge.
Scene 3
Chakotay, B'Elanna, Seska and Ayala were waiting for them, to get started.
Chakotay started the meeting. "According to the crew on the space station, the people from Xanthus are suspicious of aliens. Dukat has worked hard to ingratiate himself into their society."
"They're not going to believe our claim about Dukat without positive proof," added Kathryn.
"We have to request permission to land on the planet. I will tell them that our engines aren't working so we need to repair them before our long journey. That should give us enough time to prove that he is planning a revolution."
Everyone left to collect their equipment. As Kathryn went to leave he stopped her.
"Can I have a word with you please?" whispered Chakotay, "I was going to get something to eat, will you join me?"
"Am I allowed to come with you sir?"
Chakotay grimaced, "I'll make an exception this time."They walked to the Mess in silence. Neither of them knew what to say to break the ice.
"I'm sorry Chakotay and I am not saying it to lessen my punishment - I deserved it."
"You are an infuriating woman. I know that there are some mavericks in my crew but I never thought that your name would be on that list."
"I obeyed all the rules at school and college. During my career I've always been reliable and conscientious. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"I remember you at the Academy as Admiral Janeway's daughter destined for the top."
My father was a demanding man. I think I spent most of my life trying to earn his approval. He set high standards for his family and everyone who served under him.
Did you ever misbehave? asked Chakotay.
"No, I can honestly say that I always obeyed orders and fulfilled my responsibilities."
"Have you found it liberating to relinquish that command to someone else now?"
Now it was Kathryn's turn to grin. "I have found it difficult to remember that I'm not in control now but I'll work on it."
"It has definitely reduced my stress levels to hear you say that."
Scene 4
Q decided to interrupt the conversation because he was bored with Chuckles' moralising.
"Captain Chuckles, you have no idea of how to talk to a lady."
He appeared right next to Kathryn. Then put his arm around her and leant her backwards in preparation for an Old Hollywood movie style kiss.
Kathryn was furious, "What do you think you're doing. Touch me again and I'll shoot you."
Q turned around when he noticed that Chakotay had his phaser aimed at his head.
"Take your hands off her. You may be immortal but I can still cause you pain."
Q allowed Kathryn to stand up then studied Chakotay like a specimen in a Petri dish.
"I do believe that you're serious - how amusing!"
"What do you want Q? We're busy!"
"I want to help you!" he whined, looking hurt."
Kathryn and Chakotay stood there with their mouths open in disbelief.
"You want to help us?"
"Yes, why is that so difficult to believe?"
"You create mischief and chaos whenever you appear in our dimension."
"That is unfair. Jean-luc is a terrible liar and he does over exaggerate."
"Why can't you solve this problem with a click of your fingers?" asked Chakotay.
Q frowned, "I'm not allowed to. It is a law that even I cannot break."
"It is good to hear that you have some self control," added Kathryn, smoothing back her hair.
"The entity you named 'The Caretaker interfered with the timeline in this sector. Humans and Cardassians weren't supposed to be here for another century."
"What has that got to do with our problem?"
"We cannot allow the Cardassians to take over this planet. It will change the balance of power in the Delta quadrant."
"Are you here to show us how to stop Dukat and his gang of thugs?" asked Chakotay.
"No, you have to stop them then I will report back to the others."
"I don't suppose you can provide evidence that Dukat is plotting an uprising. Then we can take it to the authorities," challenged Kathryn."
"They will need an arsenal to equip the rebels with weapons. I should know!" said Chakotay.
"It's simple, we have to discover where they are keeping their weapons. Then use the evidence to persuade one of their officials that Dukat is the ringleader."
Scene 5
Astra could feel Q's presence as soon as he appeared on the ship. She smiled - the Q were such a childlike race. They flitted around the Universe never hiding their tracks. They had become so arrogant believing themselves to be the masters of the universe. She knew what she was talking about as her people had existed since time began.
There were only two Ancients left in the Universe. She watched the alien entity abduct two Starships from their sector. When he died they were abandoned at the opposite side of the Universe. Once she started it was difficult to stop spying on Chakotay and his crew. Kathryn fascinated her. She lost her home, friends and crew all because she wanted to save another race from enslavement. Now Astra knew what it was like to have a best friend and she valued their relationship. Nothing would happen to Kathryn while she was around.
It appeared that Q wanted to get involved in human affairs. Astra would have to be more careful around Q. One slip would bring her new, exciting life to an end. Once the crew knew what she was - they wouldn't accept her.
Scene 6
Chakotay rubbed his temple as he had a stress headache developing. He wanted to throw Q off his ship straight back to the Continuum. The only problem was that he couldn't allow the Cardassians to amass an empire in the Delta quadrant. He had a small inexperienced crew of misfits. Q was an asset he wasn't sure he could do without.
Kathryn interrupted his thoughts, "I thought you might need this."
She handed him a hypospray with a painkiller already loaded.
He thanked her and smiled. His smile was so sexy that she forgot where she was for a second.
"Have you made a decision?"
"Unfortunately we need him."
"Okay who else do you think should go?"
"Astra, Ayala, Hogan and yourself"
"Settled, When do we go?
"O900 hours, get a good sleep and I'll brief you tomorrow before you transport down to the surface."
"Goodnight Chakotay."
The next morning, everyone gathered on the Bridge for their final briefing. Even Q appeared on time.
"This is an intelligence gathering mission. We need to find their arsenal. The second part of your mission is to find an official to convince that Dukat's is plotting a revolution. The Militia have sent us the coordinates for your transport site. You will have an escort as long as you are on the surface."
Scene 7
As soon as their transport finished, a young man stepped forward to greet them. "My designation is Leader Xu. I will be your guide during your visit."
"Thank you," said Kathryn. "We are honoured to visit your planet even though it will be a short stay."
"I will take you to our suppliers to barter for your basic provisions."
"Brilliant, when will we be able to make our repairs!"
"Before that can happen, Minister Xan wants to meet you. If he decides that your request is valid then we will give you permission to land."
"They didn't mention talking to the minister when they accepted Chakotay's request," whispered Astra
"I know but we can't pull out now because Dukat knows that we are on the planet. He will execute his plan earlier."
Q couldn't understand why the Ancient's nursemaid had stayed with the humans. She was a member of a skilled order of assassins. Her skills wouldn't be appreciated by these primitive beings. She was close to Kathryn Janeway so he decided to investigate her background when he had more time.
The soldier took them to a large, grey functional building. There were armed guards standing to attention outside.
"Stay here and I will inform my superior that you're waiting."
Their guide disappeared into a room. While they were waiting the guards never took their eyes off them or their fingers off their triggers.
Their guide re-emerged, "Minister Xan will see you now."
The Minister was sitting behind a large, imposing desk. Dukat was sitting in one of the smaller chairs in front of him, looking comfortable.
Kathryn, Ayala and Q stared at the unwelcome Cardassian who was looking smug. Q was ecstatic, this was the kind of excitement he was looking for. These humans attracted trouble wherever they went in the Universe.
Minister Xan frowned at them, "Unfortunately you will not be able to repair your vessel on our planet. Dukat warned us that you and your crew are rebels on your own world fighting your elected authorities. We will not give you the chance to spread your discord to our people."
Dukat smiled at them as they left the office, "I'll see you soon Kathryn for that second date."
Their guide seemed embarrassed and upset. "I apologise, since that man landed on our planet he has had a terrible influence on our Ministers. They are allowing him to gain power and influence without questioning his motives."
Kathryn and Ayala decided that they would take a souvenir of their visit. Astra crept up behind Xu and put him to sleep by pressing a pressure point on his neck.
Scene 8
As soon as they returned Chakotay wanted an explanation, "Are you out of your minds! Why did you abduct this individual?"
"He was our guide but he is suspicious of the Cardassians. He told us that Dukat has far too much influence with the Ruling Council. He is the perfect choice to take the proof of Dukat's treachery to the Ministers."
"Take him to Sick bay. Inform the Doctor that he should tell him that he fell ill on the surface so you bought him back to the ship for treatment. Afterwards we'll discuss our next move."
Astra was the last to leave, "Captain can I have a word with you please?"
"Sit down, how can I help you?"
"I think Dukat is planning something. As we left he told Kathryn that they would see each other soon."
"I'll make sure that someone is guarding her if she goes to the surface again - thank you. Your concern for your friend does you credit."
When she walked out of the room Q was waiting for her, "You care for these humans, don't you?"
"They have provided me with friendship, a home and work."
"This work is beneath you. A woman with your talents could have secured employment anywhere in the universe."
"I like these people, why are you here if you despise them so much?"
"I am fascinated with humans. I used to hang out with the Captain of the flagship - The Enterprise."
"Are you sure that you want to spend time studying the crew or a particular female member of it."
"I noticed that you and Kathryn Janeway are getting close." He gave a false smile. "Make sure that you don't get in my way, my dear."
Astra returned his fake smile, "You can be assured that I think carefully about every move I make."
Q knew that she wasn't human. She could be dangerous because of her work with the Ancient. He would not make the mistake of underestimating her skills.
Scene 9
Chakotay took Kathryn and Ayala into his room to discuss their next move.
"We still have to discover Dukat's hiding place. Once we give the information to the unfortunate guard, he can pass on the intel to his superiors." said Chakotay.
Ayala added, "It's going to be difficult if we can't go to the surface."
"During the time you were getting thrown off the planet, we located Dukat's base. He's set up a barracks in disused factory on the outskirts of the city. There is plenty of storage on the site to hide weapons."
"If I go with Ayala tonight to Dukat's base, we can search for the weapons cache and send you the coordinates. Then you can transport our guide to the location with a note telling him what we've discovered."
Chakotay didn't like the idea of sending just the two of them but he'd run out of options.
We'll go with your suggestion but I want you both heavily armed to protect yourselves"
He stood up and ushered them out of the door. Chakotay groaned when he saw that Q was waiting to speak to him.
" Can I have a word with you please, Captain."
"Five minutes then I will throw you out of the airlock if you're still here."
"I thought that humans valued good manners yet you are very rude," moaned Q.
"The clock is ticking Q hurry up."
"I want to go with Kathryn Janeway and the other one on the mission."
"Why are you doing this Q? You can't expect me to believe that you want to solve our problems."
"Not at all mon capitaine. The continuum have noticed the unexpected arrival of humans and Cardassians in this quadrant."
"You can join the mission when you come up with a valid reason to go - dismissed."
Q left the room fuming, "Ungrateful primate, this is all the thanks I get for trying to help him."
Just before the sun set on the planet, Chakotay gave Ayala and Kathryn their last orders.
"We'll keep a transporter lock on you and get you straight out of there if there are any problems - good luck. "
After the transport finished he received a message. "Chakotay - Q left the ship at the same time as the transport."
Chakotay swore, he should never have trusted the conniving bastard.
Scene 10
As soon as they materialised Ayala checked the map to pinpoint their location. He turned it around until it made sense.
He whispered to Kathryn, "Let's try that door over there and see where it goes."
Kathryn nodded then crouched down to follow him to the entrance. They knew that Dukat would post sentries so they kept talking down to a minimum. Inside the door was a huge empty warehouse. They could hear the sounds of voices and laughter coming from a room at the other side of the structure.
They hid behind two large barrels to plan their search.
"We'll explore the outside buildings first. Eventually the spoon heads should fall asleep then we'll return."
They headed outside using the same door. It was a warm night with a light breeze. They removed their goggles as there was enough light from the planet's moons. The Cardassians were so confident that they left most of their complex unguarded. Kathryn and Ayala checked every building and found nothing.
"The arsenal has to be here, he couldn't risk storing it elsewhere."
It has to be underneath the main barracks, it can't be anywhere else," agreed Kathryn.
"We'll give them a little more time to fall asleep then we'll try again," said Ayala.
Ayala went to check the perimeter for sentries. They couldn't afford any surprises. Kathryn was making herself comfortable behind a bush when the hackles rose on the back of her neck.
"What do you want Q?"
"I thought that you might need some help!"
"I don't believe you, now tell me what you really want - the truth this time."
"Okay I'm bored and need some excitement."
"We don't need an audience Q, you could get us killed."
"You won't even know I'm here and I wouldn't dream of interfering."
Go away Q !
Ayala returned, "You heard the lady disappear!"
Ayala put his arm around Kathryn to check that she was okay.
Q saw red, he clicked his fingers and disappeared. Ten minutes later Q swapped his humanoid appearance for a Cardassian one. With another click he moved outside the door to Dukat's barracks.
He opened the door then rushed in, breathing heavily.
"Gul Dukat, the guards have discovered two intruders. There appears to be a female and male inside the perimeter."
Dukat left the room to order his men to apprehend the intruders. He knew that they had to be from the Val Jean's crew.
Q went outside to change back to his normal appearance . Kathryn and her friend were about to find out if they could cope without him. He returned to the barn to watch the fun.
Kathryn and Ayala heard the Cardassians before they saw them. They managed to hide behind a metal cupboard. The soldiers were fanning out to search the building thoroughly.
"I'll create a diversion, you can find somewhere to contact the ship, tell Chakotay to get us out of here asap."
Kathryn nodded and prepared to run. Q saw his chance and as soon as Ayala stood up he shot him straight through the heart. Ayala fell backwards and was dead before he touched the floor.
Kathryn stopped breathing. She dropped to the floor beside her friend. After listening for a heartbeat she started C.P.R.