MAQUIS
Act 24 - Prey
Scene 1
Kathryn raised her head and felt something trickling down her face. She winced when she felt a sharp pain at the side of her head. After touching her temple she realised that she was bleeding from a head wound. She looked around and saw Chakotay lying on the floor. She checked his breathing and took his pulse. He was unconscious but okay. Kathryn looked around the wreckage of the runabout then had a flashback of the accident. They had gone to investigate rumours that a wormhole had opened in this sector. The runabout took a direct hit from an energy discharge. Chakotay managed to pull off a brilliant crash landing. The last thing she remembered was looking at the treetops certain that they weren't going to make it.
Chakotay lifted his head up and put it straight back down again with a groan.
"Are we still alive?"
"Just but I have you to thank for your spectacular crash landing."
"Thank you, but I think it should have been less crash and more landing!" joked Chakotay.
"I'll look at the state of the runabout while you play hunter gatherer and try to find a source of water and food." ordered Kathryn.
Chakotay was trying to be sarcastic when he stood up to salute but he ended up making his head hurt more.
"Aye aye Captain!"
"I've done it again, I'm so sorry, It's hard to not to take charge in situations like this."
Chakotay grinned, "I know I was just teasing."
She hit him on the arm, "Not fair Captain, that was an abuse of your authority!"
"Let me treat that cut on your head then we'll start work."
Chakotay went to find the first aid kit. He used the dermal regenerator to repair the laceration on Kathryn's head. He cupped his hand under her chin to keep her head still. She could feel herself start to blush which was silly because she didn't think of him in that way! After he finished she used the hypospray to give him a painkiller for his headache.
"Now we're patched up, I suggest that you check the runabout and I'll check out our new surroundings.
Kathryn handed him a phaser, "Don't take chances out there Chakotay. If you are in any danger come back to the ship."
"Don't worry Kathryn, I have never seen the point of a dead hero."
After Chakotay left she set started to make an inventory of their supplies and repairs. Her first task was to repair the distress beacon. Finally Kathryn had to find all the supplies to start rationing them. She hoped that Chakotay had discovered a source of clean water.
Kathryn sat outside the shuttle, with the limited tools she could find, to repair the beacon. She stopped when she heard the bushes rustling in front of her. It could be Chakotay but she wasn't willing to bet her life on it. She went back into the runabout to find somewhere to hide. Kathryn had just climbed into a weapons locker when she heard the sound of footsteps.
"The Alpha said that the prey would be cowering in their ship."
"As you can see he was wrong. We have found worthy prey. There will be trophies for both of us."
"Let's return to the ship and choose our weapons with care. I hope we get the chance for a close kill. At the end of the hunt we will see how brave they are when they know that death is coming for them."
"They will provide impressive relics that will look good on our wall."
Kathryn hid for a little longer to make sure they weren't coming back. She hoped that Chakotay had the same luck to hear them before they came into view. She was just about to set off to find him when he returned.
"I saw them leave the ship without you so I hid in the bushes. There were two huge males with reptilian features. We weren't told about any Saurian species in this sector," said Chakotay
"They definitely weren't friendly. The leader was talking about hunting us, in fact he referred to us as prey. They returned to their ship to choose the best weapons for their hunt."
"I'll repair the Distress beacon. You collect everything we need to survive for the next few days. We'll find somewhere to wait until the crew locate us."
Kathryn found a holdall, emptied out the contents then packed some emergency rations. She included some insulated blankets, a knife and phasers. She even remembered to pack her pad with some reading material.
Scene 2
When it went dark they set off to find a place to hide. Chakotay had seen a cave earlier so they went there to check it out.
Kathryn walked inside to see water running down the cave walls. It formed a pool of water on the ground. They were both disappointed until Chakotay spotted a large ledge. with another small cavern leading off it.
Chakotay pointed upwards, "What do you think?"
Kathryn assessed the climb for a few seconds. "I don't have a problem with heights and we would have an excellent vantage point if the hunters come in here."
Kathryn started to climb and Chakotay followed behind her. The Cavern was perfect, It was dry and the smoke from any fires would drift upwards.
"I'll find some wood while you decide what you would like for dinner. I hear the beef stew is excellent," joked Chakotay.
"We've only got beef stew but I'll see what I can do with it. They should include some herbs or sauces with the rations. When we get home I will speak to the Starfleet," commented Kathryn.
"Are you sure that they're hostile?"
"I'm one hundred percent certain, they talked about killing and death like it was a religion."
"I wish I'd listened to my father when he tried to teach me survival skills. My head was always in the stars even then.
While Chakotay was away Kathryn looked around the cave to see if she could find anything useful. She found some small rocks which she arranged into a circle to place the fire. She lay down to wait for Chakotay to return. After an hour she was starting to worry. She crept to the edge to see if she could see him and was almost discovered by the hunters. Kathryn flattened herself so they couldn't get a glimpse of her if they looked up.
"There are tracks leading away from here. They were going to hide here to escape detection."
His companion answered, "This prey is smart, they keep on moving. The hunt will be difficult which will make the kill more satisfying."
The Hirogen left to follow the false trail that Chakotay had laid. He finally remembered one of his father's lessons.
Kathryn was starting to get worried that the hunters had captured Chakotay.
"I thought that you would have welcomed me back with a little more enthusiasm."
She put her arms around him and squeezed, which was out of character for her.
"They were here but they picked up a trail moving away. I don't suppose you had anything to do with that?"
"I must have learnt something from my father. He would have loved to hear me say that aloud."
Kathryn got the fire started. Chakotay joked that he was the only Indian who couldn't start a fire. They choked down their rations and sat around the fire talking.
"I've always wanted to know why you gave up a promising career in Starfleet to join the Maquis."
"My Father didn't approve of my decision to go to the Academy. He was patient but couldn't understand my lack of interest in my culture and the traditions of our tribe. He died defending our colony from the Cardassian invasion. When I heard the news of his death, my first thought was that I would never get the chance to heal our rift. I needed to make him proud of me even though he had passed to the spirit world. I joined the Maquis to continue the fight in his name."
He pointed to the tattoo, "That's when I accepted this. I wanted to reconnect with the tribe and my heritage."
"It was Starfleet's loss. They must have regretted training you so well," laughed Kathryn.
"My turn, how do you feel about joining my Maquis crew?"
"Despite my grief I wanted to live. It was a terrible loss even though I didn't know all the crew. I wanted to tell their relatives that they died as heroes. Besides I lost a dear and valued old friend. About my new role, I am doing my best to adjust - sometimes it's hard. In Starfleet there are a lot of rules and I am enjoying my freedom a little."
Chakotay was glad to hear that he'd made the right decision to take her with them.
Scene 3
In the morning they ate some dry biscuits and water for breakfast.
"I'm going back to the runabout to see if there are any signs that someone has answered the distress call."
"I think you mean 'we' don't you? I'm not sitting here like a romantic heroine waiting to for a rescue. We go together or not at all!" stated Kathryn.
"Yes Ma'am, grinned Chakotay.
When they arrived at the crash sight everything looked the same. Chakotay checked the runabout to see if they'd missed any equipment they could use. Kathryn stayed outside as a sentry. He grabbed some ration packs and went to join her.
"Chakotay go back inside someone is coming."
"She was about to join him when she felt an overwhelming pain in her shoulder and dropped to the floor like a stone."
"Alpha, I've injured the female prey - the male must be close."
"Secure the female and continue the hunt. The male is a large specimen. I have the perfect space for him on my wall."
Chakotay watched them carry Kathryn to a tree. They tied her hands and feet together like a deer. Then they continued their hunt leaving a young Hirogen to guard the prey.
Scene 4
The young Hirogen was angry and disgusted that he couldn't join the hunt. He felt that guarding the insignificant female prey was beneath him. It wouldn't be worth performing the osteotomy on her. The relics would not be worthy of a place on his wall.
Kathryn gained consciousness and scanned the area around her. She was glad that they had missed Chakotay. The aliens used the same bindings as deer hunters on Earth. Rather than think about her fate she looked for something sharp to break the tape binding her hands. The young Hirogen finally noticed that she was conscious.
She decided the best defense is a good offense, "Why have you tied me to this tree?"
The Hirogen looked at her with horror, "Hunters never talk to their prey like equals!"
He walked over to her to knock her unconscious again. Kathryn looked straight at him.
"Coward, are you telling me a hunter of your size and strength can't deal with a puny female. I can see why the others left you behind."
Scene 5
Chakotay had found an ideal place to keep an eye on Kathryn and the hunter. He wanted to observe the behaviour of his enemy before he made a rescue attempt. He had to do something before the other more experienced hunters returned. When he heard Kathryn taunt the hunter he knew that he would have to do something before she got herself killed. He couldn't understand what she was hoping to achieve.
Chakotay decided to attack the hunter if he struck Kathryn. He peered through the undergrowth to see what was happening.
Chakotay watched the young hunter freeze with indecision. Perhaps he respected the Kathryn for her foolish bravery. The enormous hunter sat down again and ignored her challenge to his manhood. Chakotay made a final check of his weapons. He stood up to rescue Kathryn when he heard voices.
"This is worthy prey. We have followed many trails and failed to pick up the scent. The prey is cunning and will not be easy to catch."
The young hunter puffed his chest out, "I will continue the hunt and all the relics will be mine."
The older hunters sat on the floor by the fire. "Sit down! You will hunt by yourself when you reach maturity. Until then watch and learn."
The hunters passed around a bottle with a murky liquid which appeared to be their nutrition.
Scene 6
Chakotay needed the hunters to remove their armour. He slumped down by the tree feeling defeated. His only option now was to go to his death fighting like a warrior. He might have been more hopeful if the species hadn't been so enormous. He wasn't a small man but he was half the size of the oldest hunter. He thought about his father and wished that he could speak to him one more time. He wanted to apologise for his immaturity and refusal to acknowledge his heritage.
"Chakotay, where are you?"
He had never been so grateful to hear Ayala's voice.
"What took you so long? Keep your voice down or your head will be stuck on a wall."
Astra came running over to them.
Chakotay asked her if she had encountered this species before?
She had a quick look, "Hirogen, they are an ancient race of nomadic hunters. They are aggressive and never give up until they catch their prey. Where is Kathryn?"
Chakotay pointed over to the Hirogen camp.
Astra was angry. She wanted to use her powers but that would draw the attention of the Q. She had to kill them the hard way. After checking her knives and swords, Astra was ready to fight
"We will have to teach these bullies a lesson about choosing their prey more carefully."
She drew out a small curved blade which could be used for throwing or close combat.
"I need the two of you to create a diversion to separate them. I will kill them one by one. Does anyone have any objections?"
Ayala and Chakotay looked at each other and shrugged. She was a well trained assassin with lethal speed. They moved away at a crouching run.
Astra found a position to watch her prey. They were so arrogant about their hunting skills. Their armour presented a problem but it wasn't impossible to kill them. She waited until she heard noise and a commotion. The final irony was that the hunters were going to become the hunted.
They left the young Hirogen to guard Kathryn again. The other hunters responded to the smell of smoke and noise from the diversion. Kathryn's guard stood up when he heard a rustling he fell back with a knife sticking out from his eye.
Kathryn looked around frantically for the knife thrower. Astra raced from the bushes to free her friend.
"I knew it was you when I saw the knife. We can't be here when the other hunters return."
"Kathryn, we have to run to the transport site where we'll meet Ayala and the Captain."
As they were running Astra blinked to make them invisible to the Hirogen. She had to deceive their instincts and finely tuned senses. Two Hirogen came running towards them. One of them must have heard something because he fired straight at them. He fell to the floor trying to hold his neck together after Astra slit his throat. Kathryn decided not to look back.
The other Hirogen knew he was under attack so he was slashing the air with his sword hoping to hit something.
"Fight me like a warrior, coward and show yourself."
Astra reappeared and started to fight in earnest. Even though he had a height and weight advantage she started to gain the upper hand. As he struggled he lost his technique which left an opening for Astra. She didn't hesitate to stab him through the neck to finish the fight.
She managed to reach the transport site just before the transport started.
When they were safely back on the ship Astra visited Kathryn in sick bay. The Doctor allowed her five minutes to talk to her friend before he started treatment.
Thank you, I hope I can return the favour one day." said Kathryn.
"Don't mention it, I've never had a friend before so I wasn't going to lose you. Plus I hate bullies."