Maquis Act 28
Scene 1
Astra and Kathryn were sitting in the Mess, drinking coffee. Their shift had just finished.
"Has he forgiven you yet?"
"He hasn't said a word to me since it happened."
"Are you going to tell him that you did it to save him?"
"Never, that is our secret."
"I don't understand humans. Wouldn't it be easier, to tell the truth?"
Kathryn laughed, "I think you're right but on this occasion, it would make things much worse."
Astra changed the subject, "I'm so glad we're going to be spending time on the planet's surface."
"Even though we're going to work as Bounty Hunters." Kathryn had objected to taking the job when it was first mentioned.
"Which team are you on?" asked Astra.
"Ayala's team, what about you?
Astra knew there was tension between her friend and Captain. "I'm in Chakotay's team, do you want to swap?
I don't think so, this job should be an easy one for you!" commented Kathryn.
On her way back to her bunk, Chakotay passed her without a word or glance. He turned around to watch her until she turned the corner. He didn't know how or why she had the power to affect him like this.
Kathryn was getting angry. He couldn't stop talking to her for the rest of their journey home. They had to get this ridiculous situation resolved before they went to the planet. She decided to talk to him face to face to try to deal with their problems.
She went to his office to see if he was free to talk - luckily he was alone.
"Chakotay have you got time for a chat?"
He didn't look at her, "I'm sorry, I have a lot of work to do Kathryn. Could we do this later?"
"Chakotay, I would like to clear the air now."
"That sounds like a demand, Kathryn."
She realised that he wasn't in a good mood to talk sensibly.
"Perhaps we should have our chat later," agreed Kathryn.
"No, let's have our discussion now. Let's talk about how you ended up on my bridge. You appeared to have just left someone's bed. To make matters worse you were wearing silk; which left nothing to the imagination."
"I will tell you again, Q was playing games. You must have attended the lecture about him at the Academy."
"You didn't look like a prisoner! You weren't mistreated, in fact, you looked as though you enjoyed yourself."
Kathryn couldn't stop thinking about the kiss with Q. How could one kiss be so tender and erotic at the same time. These lapses of concentration weren't helping her cause with her Captain. She knew she couldn't defend herself so she went on the offensive.
"I didn't ask to meet him. I don't know why Q is playing games with me. If there is an attraction, it is one-sided."
"How did you persuade him to let you go?"
"I appealed to his better nature!" answered Kathryn. She was trying to stay calm but Chakotay kept pushing her.
"Is he your lover? Will he continue to summon you whenever he feels like it?" asked Chakotay.
That remark lit the touch paper, "He moved me out of the firing line of a phaser blast. Without him, I would be dead. I can't guarantee that we won't see him again Chakotay.
"Do you want to sleep with him?"
"How dare you? You have overstepped your authority, Captain. I will not talk about my personal life."
"You don't have to talk about your love life after your appearance on the bridge. The whole crew knows that you behaved like a whore."
With tears running down her face Kathryn slapped him. Chakotay grabbed her arm to stop her from hitting him again. Then he pulled her towards him and kissed her. He put all his anger, despair, lust and longing into one kiss.
When they separated Kathryn could see that Chakotay was still angry and upset.
"I apologise for my behaviour. I shouldn't have behaved like that."
"I'm sorry that Q has decided that I am one of his new toys. I will do my best to convince him that I am not interested."
"I'll talk to you tomorrow about how I am going to deal with Q - good night Kathryn.
"Good night Captain!"
When she left Chakotay punched the wall. His behaviour sickened him. She was under his protection and he'd failed her.
Scene 2
The sun was rising on the planet when they received the communication that everything was ready to go. The crew split into three teams commanded by Chakotay, Ayala, and Hogan. The team leaders had been to a meeting with the authorities who had hired them. Their mission was to capture a creature who had caused havoc and devastation on their world. So far the creature had killed thirty civilians. It didn't discriminate, it killed children, men, women and the elderly.
Chakotay beamed down to the surface with his team early. When Kathryn reached the transporter, Ayala and the other members of the team were ready to go.
"Hurry up Kathryn, Chakotay has an hour's head start on us," joked Ayala.
There was a truck waiting for them on the surface packed full of equipment, weapons, and camping gear. The authorities will provide us with a driver if we can't drive them.
Ayala and Kathryn made an inventory of the camping equipment and shared the weapons. Kathryn had insisted on weapons with a stun setting. The alien had a right to a fair trial not a bullet in the chest. Hogan, Carlson, and Seska sat in the back of the truck leaving the front seats for Kathryn and Ayala.
Kathryn had a copy of the intel and a map. Kathryn had plotted the likely escape route for the alien using the information. She gave the driving instructions to Ayala.
"How are you doing Kathryn?"
"Turn left at the next junction. I'm fine - I want to get on with my job."
"That's great, you've experienced alien abduction; humiliation in front of the whole crew. Your Captain blames you for everything beyond your control but you're fine."
"Follow the road along the river until it ends. Then we'll have to walk as there are no roads through the forest."
"Chakotay was an ass! He shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
"I tried to tell him that I have no influence with Q. I don't know why Q chose me to harass. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
They reached the end of the river and packed all their equipment into separate rucksacks. Then they started out on foot. Ayala was a trained tracker so he was in the lead. He started to pick up a trail which matched the creature's prints, given to them by the previous hunters. He asked the others to meet them at their coordinates.
"I think I've managed to pick up the trail left by our target. It was hard to find. Their hunters told us that it was difficult to track. It moves through the forest without any signs.
They followed the trail until it began to get dark. Ayala found an ideal campsite by the river surrounded by the trees and bushes. They set up camp and heated some rocks so they had light and warmth. Kathryn was sitting on a log by the water's edge.
"A penny for them." said Ayala.
Kathryn turned around and smiled at him when he handed her a mug of coffee and some battle rations.
"The trick is to take a bite of your rations then wash it down with the coffee," suggested Ayala.
Kathryn laughed, "That would be a terrible waste of coffee!"
She took a sip of the coffee and choked, "What have you added to this?"
"I won this at a card game on the last planet we visited. I was informed that it was a rare vintage spirit. As you can taste it is quite foul and disgusting. I thought the strong coffee would mask the taste."
"What proof is it?"
Ayala looked sheepish, "I believe that it is quite strong."
"Were you trying to poison me?" teased Kathryn.
"I know you've been having a rough time recently. I thought a drink would help you to relax."
Kathryn leant over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, all I need at the moment is good company and a hug from a friend."
Scene 3
Chakotay was keeping watch on the campsite and Kathryn. She didn't seem too upset after their argument and kiss. She hadn't wasted time getting comfortable with Ayala. When he watched Kathryn lean over and kiss Mike on the cheek he could feel his rage building.
He turned around to walk back to his camp. It felt like he was developing the flu. Sweat was trickling down his face and he felt clammy. He started to shiver even though the temperature was high. He couldn't concentrate on the hunt because he was obsessing about Ayala and Kathryn.
When he returned to his camp, B'Elanna gave him his rations and a bottle of water.
"I know the rations are disgusting. We could spend the whole day tomorrow searching the jungle. You will need your strength in this heat."
"Thank you B'Elanna. It's been a long time since we had a chat."
B'Elanna sat down next to Chakotay. "You're in a funny mood tonight, are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine, just a little warm," he wiped the sweat away from his face with a small washcloth."
"Are you still brooding about Kathryn and that scene last night?" asked B'Elanna
"No, I told her that we would talk about the problem after our mission!"
B'Elanna snorted, "you're behaving like a fool. You know that Q does whatever he wants. He played games with the crew on the Enterprise for many years."
"If he wants her so much, why doesn't he take her?"
"I don't know Kathryn well but I can't see her responding to force."
"When I made the decision to bring her with us, I thought it would be easy. She is driving me to distraction. I can't concentrate on anything."
B'Elanna found it amusing that he didn't know that he was in love with Kathryn Janeway. She stood up and dusted off her trousers.
"Goodnight Chakotay, we have an early start in the morning."
Chakotay spent a restless night in a feverish dream. He dreamt that he was being hunted by aliens. He couldn't rest because he had to keep moving. His heart was pounding every time he heard a loud noise. He could hear them talking and laughing about his imminent death. Why did they want to kill him? They hunted and killed for food.
Scene 4
Chakotay woke the next morning covered in sweat. He went down to the river to wash. His was still thinking about his vivid dream from the previous night. He'd made plans with Ayala to join their groups together and follow the trail he'd found.
He found his radio and contacted Ayala, "I think we'll stay this side of the river in case your trail is false. If you find proof, there is a river crossing where we can join your group.
"Aye, Captain, good hunting!"
Chakotay turned the radio off. He didn't trust himself to stay civil after watching him trying to steal Kathryn away from him.
Tom chose the wrong time to try to clear the air with Chakotay. He walked to the river to confront him.
"Don't sneak up on people like that especially when they're hunting."
"I know you don't like me but you could cut me some slack sometimes."
"You're only here because I respect Kathryn Janeway."
"I think you want a little more than respect from her."
"What did you say?"
"It's not a secret that you've got the hots for her."
Chakotay stood up and hit Tom with a perfect right hook.
"Show some respect when you're talking about her."
Tom picked himself up off the ground, "You've got it wrong, Chakotay. She saved my life twice,
Chakotay hit him again, harder this time. He'd found the perfect outlet for his frustration.
Tom decided to stay on the floor as it seemed to be the safest option.
"Get up coward and fight me like a man."
"If I stand up you'll hit me again."
Chakotay grabbed him by the hair and lifted him up. Chell and B'Elanna heard the confrontation from the camp and ran over to see what was happening. They found Tom bruised and bloodied lying on the floor. Chakotay was screaming at him to continue fighting. Chell helped Tom to stand then he led him back to the camp to clean his wounds.
B'Elanna stood in front of Chakotay with her hands on her hips.
"I know he's irritating but you can control your impulses. What is wrong with you? You hate violence."
"I think I'm losing my mind B'Elanna. My head is full of loathing and rage. I can't shake the feeling that someone is hunting me. I wanted to kill Paris with my bare hands and It felt good.
B'Elanna noticed that he was sweating and his eyes were bloodshot.
"Unfortunately, you've just beaten the only person who had field medic training."
"I don't want him anywhere near me."
"Okay let's get you back to the camp. We have a basic medical kit, it might contain a medical tricorder.
B'Elanna scanned Chakotay once he was resting on his bedroll.
"You have a fever but that doesn't explain your other symptoms. She picked out a hypospray and loaded it.
"I'm giving you a sedative and an antipyretic. I noticed that you didn't sleep well last night."
Chakotay lay down to sleep after he double checked the camp for intruders. B'Elanna searched Chakotay's bag until she found the radio to contact Ayala.
"Hi, it's me, there is something wrong with Chakotay. He's behaving like an idiot and showing signs of extreme paranoia. He almost killed Tom Paris for saying that he has feelings for Kathryn Janeway."
"Send me your coordinates and we'll be with you as soon as we can. We think the creature is heading your way. Post sentries until we get there."
Scene 5
Chakotay may have been asleep but he wasn't restful. He was moving around and muttering. They kept fetching bowls of cool water from the river to bathe his forehead.
Tom took the bowl off B'Elanna. "You've been doing this for three straight hours. Get some rest and I'll carry on"
"What happens if he wakes up?"
"I'll run down to the river and swim across. I don't think he'll catch me in his condition."
B'Elanna yawned, "Thank you, Tom, I'm exhausted.
Astra walked over and sat down opposite him when they were alone. She kept staring at him then looking away when he turned his head.
"Out with it, you're making me nervous."
"If I tell you, will you keep it a secret?"
"Am I going to get into trouble for it?"
"I don't think so because it will help someone who is important to the crew."
"Okay, shoot!"
"You want me to shoot you?"
Tom laughed, "Sometimes I forget that you're not human. What I meant is tell me!"
Chakotay and the creature we are hunting have developed a telepathic bond. They are sharing thoughts and emotions." whispered Astra.
"How the hell did that happen?"
"My guess is that Chakotay's mind is open due to his spiritual beliefs. The creature is experiencing heightened emotions because he is fighting for his life."
"I think I understand. Is Chakotay acting like a receiver?"
"Exactly but there is a more serious complication. If we don't break their link before we kill the creature - they will die together."
Tom slumped to the floor, "How am I going to explain this to the others?"
"I would be grateful if you could keep my name out of the explanation."
"Why? It would improve your relationship with the crew."
"The crew would treat me like Q, if they knew about my divine powers."
"I won't pry about your gifts. I understand the need to fit in. I've spent a long time on the outside and it can get lonely."
They heard rustling in the bushes. Ayala and Kathryn appeared, out of breath.
"How is he?"
"He's still feverish. We sedated him because he was suffering from excruciating head pain."
"Has he seen the Doctor?"
"We didn't want to move him until he stabilised."
"Let's get him back to the ship. The Doctor should be able to tell us what is going on," ordered Ayala.
"Val Jean, three to transport.
Scene 6
As soon as they materialised on the ship, Chakotay started to convulse. The Doctor tried every drug but nothing stopped the fits.
"Take him back to the surface. He wasn't fitting on the planet and it only started when you returned to the ship."
Chakotay calmed down as soon as they reappeared on the planet. The convulsions stopped but he was more unsettled. They got him settled again then had a discussion about what to do next!"
"Perhaps we should take him back to the city and consult their Doctors." suggested Ayala.
"We tried moving him once and look how that turned out!?
"Perhaps we could contact them and ask if there were any other hunters complained of illness."
Scene 7
Astra pulled Tom aside. "I think I can weaken the bond enough to allow us to kill the creature without harming the Captain."
"What do you need?"
"I have to leave my physical form and travel to the Astral plain. I will fight the creature for control of Chakotay. If I fail bury my body because it will be a shell."
"Can I help?"
"Only if you are able to detach your soul from your body."
"I'll have a go at anything if you show me once."
"Sorry Tom, I haven't got time to teach you. It takes years to learn. Keep my body safe so I can return to it."
"Okay, let's find a place to do this without interruption."
They found the ideal spot. Astra lay on her back with her arms tucked by her sides. Before she closed her eyes she explained some of the rules to Tom.
"Don't start to worry if I move or make strange noises. Under no circumstances attempt to wake me or I will lose the connection to my own body."
Astra lay back, closed her eyes and exhaled. Tom checked her pupils and pulse there were no signs of life. He made himself comfortable to begin the long wait.
Scene 8
Astra opened her eyes and looked around her. The first thing she noticed was an absence of colour. Everything was black, white or Gray. The were spheres of energy dotted around the landscape. They were the life forces of living creatures. She had to open her senses a little wider to look for her prey.
In the distance, she noticed a brighter ball of energy latched onto a faint, translucent sphere. The creature was draining Chakotay's life force. Astra floated over to them trying not to draw attention to herself.
"Stop!"
The creature looked up and started to laugh, "Go away, this one is mine."
Astra allowed her energy to glow brighter until the light was so bright that it hurt to look at it.
At that moment the creature knew her true identity. He'd listened to stories about the Old Ones when he was younger. The legend was that they had perished millions of years ago.
"Why are you so interested in this inferior being?"
"That is no concern of yours. Hand him over and I will spare your life."
The creature thought he was powerful because of his size. She was a small, insignificant entity. She didn't look like a God!
"I will not give him to you until I have drained his life force. You can take what is left."
Astra was tired of dealing with this intellectually challenged creature. She lifted up her hand and extinguished his life force. When he fell to the ground she returned to her physical form. Tom was asleep when she rejoined her body.
She shook him, "It's done, the creature is dead!"When they were near to the camp they heard laughing. Kathryn ran to meet them.
"He woke up and he's fine. The Doctor wants to examine him but that's just a precaution."
"What about the creature?"
Ayala tracked his prey to a clearing in the forest. It stood still then collapsed to the floor. It was dead before it hit the ground."
Tom decided to keep a closer eye on Astrid. She could be a valuable ally.