MAQUIS Act 29
Scene 1
The crew of the Val Jean had a big problem. They needed to find natural deposits of dilithium to fuel their engines. They surveyed many planets in the Osiris solar system, only one had the geology to form this type of crystal.
The planet's name was Avalon. It had a pre-industrial civilisation which was hostile to visitors. In fact, the population believed that they were the only species in the Universe.
Everyone gathered in the Mess to talk about their first contact with this species. They needed to plan how to broach the subject of bartering for the dilithium.
Seska started with a sensitive approach, "We should transport to the planet and take what we want. They have no defences and primitive weapons. I believe they would offer little resistance."
Everyone in the room ignored Seska. Kathryn thought that She needed to work harder on concealing her original identity."
"We need to send two people to the planet to learn about the society and people. Then we can negotiate with their leaders about a trade. It should be a male and a female as they can pose as a couple," said Kathryn.
B'Elanna snorted, "That will take too long. We need the dilithium sooner rather than later."
"We'd better get started then. Kathryn, you're with me!"
Seska was indignant, "Why did you choose her? Wouldn't you have a better chance of success with someone younger."
"I need someone who has had diplomacy training and it isn't you."
"I can be diplomatic."
Kathryn watched Chakotay's face to see if he was suppressing the desire to laugh.
"No, you can't. Your attitude to diplomacy is more Cardassian than Bajoran."
"Please yourself, it would have been more fun with me."
Seska couldn't afford to argue any longer. If they found out she was Cardassian, all hell would break loose.
Chakotay and Kathryn met in front of the transporter. They were wearing appropriate clothing and carried a bag each of basic supplies. They didn't carry any weapons because of the possibility of polluting the timeline.
"We've chosen an isolated site so the natives won't see you appear out of the ether. We don't want you to witchcraft and burnt," joked Ayala.
Chakotay grinned, "Thank you for your encouragement!"
Chakotay ordered, "We will check in at the agreed times. If we don't make contact, wait for the next agreed time, then you can send a search party,"
Astra arrived appeared with two hooded cloaks. "There are thunderstorms on the surface with torrential downpours. These should keep you dry. Good luck on your mission."
Kathryn smiled at her, "See you in a week, don't get into too much trouble without me."
Scene 2
The rain was the first thing they felt as the materialised on the planet. They wrapped their cloaks around them and pulled down the hoods.
"According to the scan, there is a primitive dwelling about half a mile down this track. They might have a barn we could sleep in."
"What is our story?"
"Let's get out of before we catch pneumonia."
It took about thirty minutes to reach the farm. Chakotay banged the door hard to wake the farmer.
The door opened with a creak, "Who the hell are you? Why are you interrupting my well-earned rest?"
"I apologise, Brigands attacked us on the highway and I need shelter for me and my wife. She is still shaking from her ordeal."
The farmer was suspicious but he directed them to the barn and gave them two ratty blankets. Kathryn was certain that they belonged to the farmer's dogs.
The barn was clean and well organised. It contained large bales of fresh straw. Chakotay moved the straw to make a mattress for them. He put the dog blankets on top then covered them up with their bed rolls.
Chakotay used his sexy smile on her, "As there is no heating, I thought it would be warmer to sleep side by side. Do you have any objections?"
Kathryn laughed, "You are a bad man - I don't mind if you don't. Which side do you want to sleep on?"
"I'll sleep nearest the door."
She accepted his challenge, even though she knew that she was playing with fire. Chakotay threw Kathryn a candy bar after they finished setting up their temporary camp.
"Have we run out of battle rations?"
"I'm afraid that we have"
"How can they make tasteless and inedible candy bars."
When she choked down their last mouthful, they tidied everything away.
Chakotay lay down to sleep and turned on his side. Kathryn waited a few minutes then lay down, turned on her side and balanced on the edge. She left a huge gap between herself and Chakotay.
She closed her eyes and pretended to sleep. She was hyper aware of Chakotay, he radiated heat. Her relationship with him was volatile. Sometimes she thought that he enjoyed her company. and other times she believed that he regretted her addition to the crew. She remembered how caring he was when she lost Voyager. If he hadn't been there for her, she might not have survived.
Chakotay was fighting the urge to turn around and put his arms around her. He just wanted to hold her and express his true feelings. He fell in love with her from the beginning. When he transported to Voyager for the first time he realised that it was possible to fall in love at first sight. He had even considered giving the command to Mike so he could have a relationship with Kathryn.
When she woke up the sunlight blinded her.
She looked around for Chakotay, "Why didn't you wake me up?"
"You looked so peaceful, it would have been cruel to wake you."
Kathryn stood up and packed away while Chakotay put the bales of hay back.
Before they left, the farmer gave them some bread, ham, and cheese, plus two bottles of cider.
"My wife accused me of being a miser last night because I didn't welcome you. Will you accept this food as an apology"
Chakotay put the food and the bottles into his bag, "Nonsense I'm sorry that we disturbed you so late. Your hospitality was most welcome."
"I've drawn you a map. You should arrive at Camelot by noon."
"I'm sorry, did you say Camelot?"
"Yes, the castle where the King and Queen live. Haven't you heard of it Sir?" asked the Farmer.
In our village, we heard fairy tales of Camelot but l never thought it was real," replied Chakotay.
"It is an impressive building. I hope you have a safe journey, especially after your terrible ordeal."
Scene 3
Chakotay and Kathryn studied the map then set off into the forest.
"Do you think it is a coincidence that this planet is Avalon and there is a castle called Camelot?"
"We are a long way from the Alpha Quadrant. Perhaps travellers visited Earth before we started keeping written records."
The weather was perfect for their long walk. There wasn't a cloud in the cornflower blue sky and it was getting warmer.
"This is a beautiful planet. If I hadn't promised to get the crew home, I could settle here and build a new life," stated Chakotay.
Kathryn looked around her, "It reminds me of my Grandparent's farm. I loved staying with them when I was younger."
"I'm sorry we didn't get to meet the Farmer's wife. She sounded like my Grandmother. My Grandfather ruled our family but she ruled him" commented Chakotay.
"I hope the Farmer didn't get into too much trouble. I'm grouchy until I drink my first cup of coffee in the morning."
They heard the sounds of a cart behind them. Chakotay and Kathryn moved onto the verge to let it pass.
"Would you like to sit on the back of the cart if you're planning to visit Camelot? It will save on shoe leather."
Chakotay joked with Kathryn, "Your carriage awaits, my lady."
Kathryn curtsied, "Thank you kindly, Sir."
They sat in the back of the cart then Chakotay tapped the side, to show they were ready. As they got nearer to the castle the flow of people increased. There were carts of all sizes. Small groups of travellers walked along the side of the road. They were carrying their produce for the market on their backs.
Chakotay heard a loud rumbling sound. All the carts pulled to the side of the track and the pedestrians stopped in their tracks. The sounds of the horses grew louder. The riders came into view, their armour gleaming in the sunlight. The reflection blinded the people watching. Chakotay and Kathryn sat with their mouths open as knights in full armour rode past them.
"You have got to be kidding me," blurted out Chakotay.
The knights weren't chivalrous as they shouted rude obscenities to any unattached females. Chakotay moved closer to Kathryn and held her hand. Kathryn realised his intention was but couldn't resist teasing him.
"I didn't know you cared Captain."
Chakotay retaliated, "I could show you exactly what my intentions are Kathryn. He traced his finger over her lips.
Kathryn found it hard to breathe and was certain that it was getting warmer. She broke eye contact first and changed the subject.
"I hope we get there before nightfall, I don't want to be outside the town walls when it gets dark."
They joined the queue outside the town gate. The Sergeant at Arms was questioning everyone about their reasons for visiting Camelot.
Chakotay whispered, "Remember, we were bringing wool fleeces to the market. Bandits attacked our party. They only left us with the clothes we were wearing. We were lucky to escape with our lives. We would like to apply to the King's household for a loan to help us return to our farm."
"That's brilliant, we can ask people in the court about mining the dilithium?"
"When I was younger, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table was my favourite story."
"Well, it looks as though you'll be seeing them for real soon."
Chakotay laughed, "If King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are living in the castle, I will eat my hat."
They arrived at the front of the queue.
"State your business, Sir."
Chakotay told him the whole story he'd invented. The Captain looked suspicious but gave him a leather purse containing some currency.
"That is enough for a bed for the night and some food."
"What about our trip home?"
"You must present yourselves to the King's household in the morning. The King or his representative will decide if you can borrow money from the King's coffers. You will have to repay it in one year."
He looked down at their mud-stained clothes, "I would try to clean up a little before you go to court. You don't want them to think that you are vagabonds.
"Can you recommend somewhere to stay?"
"My brother runs a small respectable inn on Market street. Mention my name and he will give you a good deal."
Scene 4
Chakotay and Kathryn found the inn and paid for a bed for the night and a hot meal. There were still some coins left over.
"I spotted a market stall selling second-hand clothes. I'll try to buy something clean for our visit to the Castle," offered Kathryn.
"I'll check what state our room is in and clean it. Then I'll attempt to find anyone who can tell us about mining operations on the planet."
When Kathryn got to the stall she wished that she had access to a replicator. There was a huge pile of clothes piled up in an untidy mess on the stall. After a lot of rummaging, Kathryn found a dress that was almost clean and didn't smell. For Chakotay, she chose some cream breeches and a white homespun shirt with a waistcoat.
"How much are these?"
"Two shillings to you Milady and you won't find a better price."
Kathryn raised an eyebrow, "I hope you aren't trying to cheat me. These clothes have had a hard life. I think they're worth one shilling and that is all I will pay you."
The stallholder realised that Kathryn was a shrewd woman.
"You can have them for a shilling and don't tell anyone else about my generosity or I will be a pauper."
Kathryn returned from her shopping trip to inspect the room. Chakotay had worked hard. The wooden floor was spotless. He had even stripped the bed and shook all the sheets to ensure that they were the only living creatures in there. He had even included flowers in a jar on the windowsill.
Chakotay stood in the doorway, "Our landlady offered me a job."
"I'm not surprised, you've transformed the room."
"My Grandmother was suspicious of new technology. She believed that the mop and broom had been around for thousands of years for a reason. They get the job done!"
"I think our Grandmothers would have had a lot in common."
"Our hostess serves dinner at dusk. Our hostess informed me that if we are late she isn't obliged to provide another repast."
"I'd like to rest before dinner. Wake me up when it's time to eat."
Chakotay went downstairs to find out more about Camelot. He went straight to the taproom.
Chakotay asked the man mountain behind the bar. "What have you got?"
The innkeeper looked confused, "Ale!"
Chakotay got the message, "One tankard of ale please."
He banged a tankard of ale in front of him, spilling most of the contents.
A man sat down beside him, "Gawain doesn't like strangers. He's a good man when you get to know him. I'm Alain, the blacksmith."
Chakotay put out his hand, "I'm Rufus, I have a small farm on the borders.
"Why are you so far away from home?"
Chakotay told him the same story as he had given to the gatekeeper.
"If you are going to the court watch out for the wizard."
"I thought we had to petition the King?"
"The way that wizard struts around, you would think that he was the King."
"I'm grateful for the warning. Can I buy you another Ale?"
"You will be successful is King Arthur is taking the session. He is a fair and just man."
When Chakotay heard that the King's name was Arthur - he had to ask.
"Does Queen Guinevere have any involvement in the Sessions?"
"Our Queen is aware of everything that goes on in the Court."
Chakotay couldn't wait to tell Kathryn what he'd learnt.
"I am glad we met Alain. My wife and I are better prepared for our audience with the King tomorrow."
Chakotay returned to the room to wake Kathryn for dinner. He shook her gently.
"Kathryn wake up! It's time for dinner."
"What time is it?"
"It's about eighteen hundred hours. You'll never guess what I discovered?"
"The King and Queen are named Arthur and Guinevere."
"That's not fair - how did you find out?"
"I listened to the women gossiping in the market. It's a useful source of information."
"Hurry up! The landlady reminded me that we will starve if we are late."
The dinner was a thick beef stew with large chunks of vegetables. There were huge loaves of bread to soak up the gravy. The landlady, who was also the cook, enjoyed watching guests relishing her food.
"I can see that you appreciate good food."
She poured a glass of wine for Kathryn and a tankard of Ale for Chakotay. Then she returned to the kitchen to collect a huge wooden bowl of fruit. By the time they finished eating they were so stuffed that they couldn't move.
Things started to get a little rowdy at the Inn.
"I think it would be better if you retired to your room. I will ask one of the maids to bring you a hot toddy before you turn in for the night."
When they walked into their room, Chakotay flopped down on the bed holding his stomach.
"I don't think I'll ever eat again."
"I did wonder where you would put your third helping."
"It's been a long time since I've eaten real food, grown outside in the fresh air."
"I know what you mean. The food always tasted better when I stayed on my Grandpa's farm. He thought replicators were an abomination."
"What are we going to tell the crew about Camelot?"
"Whatever we tell them will result in a drug test or psychiatric counselling with the Doctor."
"He will blow a fuse if he tries to make sense of this situation."
Kathryn slipped off her dress and lay down on the bed in her slip. The atmosphere in the room changed, it was charged with sexual tension. They stared at each other, waiting for the other one to make the first move.
Chakotay lay next to her and turned on his side to face her.
"We are mature adults. I want you. In fact, I would like to make love to you all night.
Kathryn knew there was a sexual attraction between them. But a relationship with him would make her position even harder on the ship.
"I can't ignore the fact that I am your Captain. I couldn't live with myself if I thought you felt obligated to have a relationship with me."
"If I was the captain, we would be having the same conversation."
"I knew you would understand my dilemma."
There was a knock at the door and one of the maids walked in with a tray of drinks.
"These are for you Sir, with the compliments of my mistress."
Chakotay took the drinks and thanked her, as he was ushering her out of the door. He handed a goblet to Kathryn and sat on the bed to sip his own drink. He noticed that the candle was getting low.
"Let's try to get some rest then we can talk in the morning after we've had a good night's sleep."
In the night Chakotay woke suddenly. Kathryn was restless and shivering. He pulled her towards him and wrapped his arms around her, which seemed to help her and him.
Scene 5
In the morning Kathryn woke up to find the bed empty. She used the bowl of tepid water and towel to wash. She shook out her new dress and put it on quickly as it was cold. There was a timid knock at the door. It was the maid from the previous night.
"The Mistress told me that you and your husband are going to court this morning. Would you like me to help you with your hair and a veil?"
"I would be grateful for your help with my hair but I don't need a veil."
After the maid finished she stood back to admire her handiwork.
"You look lovely Milady!"
"Thank you again for your help."
When Kathryn entered the taproom, Chakotay and the other men stopped talking. She sat down to drink her breakfast ale, pleased by their reaction.
"Well you will definitely draw attention at Court!" stated Chakotay, who had never seen her look so sexy.
Chakotay tried not to look at her impressive cleavage. The innkeeper gave them directions to the gate. When they arrived there was a huge line of people waiting.
"We'll have to be patient," commented Chakotay.
"I'm afraid that isn't one of my virtues, replied Kathryn, "Wait here and keep our place in the queue."
Kathryn walked across to the guards. Chakotay watched her begin to flirt. When one of the guards tried to touch her she slapped his hand playfully. She must have used a little extra force because he shook his hand afterwards. As Kathryn returned to Chakotay she kept turning back to smile at the guards.
"He told me, in confidence, that there is a secret entrance around the other side of the turret. If we wait there, he will open the door as soon as he can. We will be the first petitioners."
"What did you promise him?"
"I said that I would ditch you and meet him at the local tavern on Friday."
"You are a brazen hussy, Kathryn Janeway. I am willing to overlook your infidelity because we need the dilithium."
They left the back of the queue quietly and made their way to the secret entrance. The door opened and the guard stood aside to let them in. He showed Kathryn where to go and which member of the Royal household they should give their names to.
Scene 6
They weren't disappointed by the interior of Camelot. There were huge fireplaces with logs burning, creating huge amounts of heat. Animal trophies were stuck to the wall. Their glassy eyes seemed to follow them around as if they knew they were imposters. The decor was finished with huge, jewel coloured tapestries.
Chakotay noticed a tall, imposing man ordering the servants around.
"My wife and I wish to petition the King for a loan. We were attacked on our journey here and left with the clothes we were wearing. We need to pay for our journey home."
"I can see that you are respectable citizens. I'm sure the King will allow you to borrow some money." he pointed to a large door, "Wait there and the usher will call you in."
They didn't have to wait long to be summoned, "Be respectful and make your petition brief. The Court Wizard is hearing the petitions today and he is in a foul mood. He had too much to drink at last night's feast."
He opened the large imposing door and ushered them through. There were two massive thrones dominating the room. Sitting on one of them was a figure with long white hair and a beard to match. He stared at them malevolently as they walked towards him.
"Well, you have definitely improved my day, Captain Chuckles and my darling Kathy. I have somebody to play with now," declared Q.
What game does Q want to play with Kathryn and Chakotay?
Part 2 coming soon ...