MAQUIS - Act 30
Scene 1 - Camelot
When they heard Q's voice, Chakotay and Kathryn looked at each other in horror. If he exposed them, their journey home was over. Posing as Merlin, he had a lot of power.
"What do you want Q?"
"A diversion - I'm so bored. I was thinking about returning to the Continuum until you arrived.
We're not playing a game. We need the Dilithium or the Val Jean will be dead in the water."
Q sat back on the throne and gloated over their predicament.
He clapped his hands, "This is delightful! The proud and dismissive Captain Chuckles having to rely on little old me.
"Q, don't be petty! You could prove to me that you are mature and can rise above petty jealousy." declared Kathryn.
"Perhaps I don't care about your opinion?" replied Q. "What do I get in return?"
Chakotay touched Kathryn's arm and whispered, "Don't give him anything. We'll find another way to get the dilithium."
Q's hearing was sharp, "Hold on Chuckles, this is the only dilithium rich planet in this star system. You have to negotiate with me."
"No, I will find another source rather than let you blackmail a member of my crew."
"If you want the dilithium you will have to prove yourself worthy," stated Q.
"Stop playing games Q, what hoops do you want me to jump through?"
"I want you to go on a quest for the Holy Grail!"
"You can't be serious. You're making the quest impossible so you can keep Kathryn here?"
"Nonsense, a clever man like yourself should have no problems finding this ancient artefact."
"What happens if I fail to complete the Quest?"
If you fail, I will keep Kathy with me in the Continuum."
Chakotay reacted immediately, "I will not gamble with Kathryn's future"
"We don't have a choice. The crew is relying on us to get the job done," pleaded Kathryn.
"Do I have to complete the quest on my own or can I take one of my crew to help me?"
"I am a fair Wizard and a man of my word!"
He clicked his finger and Tom Paris appeared, "He will be your Squire. I know the two of you are great friends."
"Are you going to provide transport and weapons?" asked Chakotay.
"Take any horse you like from the stables. The sergeant at arms will take you to the armoury to find some weapons. The kitchen will provide some food for you."
He clicked his fingers to move Chakotay and Tom to the stables.
"My dear, I have a room in a tower waiting for you while I finish my work."
"You can't be serious Q. Are you so desperate for companionship that you have to keep me as a captive?"
"Don't be silly Kathy, there are many females who would feel honoured to be with me !"
"This is not a fairy tale and I am not going to play 'damsel in distress' in a tower, waiting for you to visit me."
"Why do you always have to be in charge? I will look after you and make sure that you have everything you desire," moaned Q.
"I desire freedom, if you come anywhere near me, you will regret it!" warned Kathryn
"Don't threaten me! The human race must have been a successful experiment in breeding the lowest forms of life."
"Whoever made the Continuum and the Q, had a sense of humour. He created the most advanced race in the Universe without a purpose."
Q called the guards, "Take Lady Kathryn to the tower and post two men outside the room at all times."
The first guard to try to grab Kathryn's arm ended up on the floor rubbing his groin. The other guard started to back away.
"What are you waiting for? Are you scared of a tiny defenceless female?"
The guard loathed Q, "You do it, you're supposed to be a mighty wizard!"
Q clicked his fingers. He decided to leave Kathryn alone to cool off. When the Q took another form their bodies were susceptible to pain.
Scene 2 - The Quest
Chakotay and Tom started to look around the stables for suitable horses. The groom helped them to make their choice because he also hated Q.
"My Lord, I suggest you take two of the Destrier mares and some pack mules to carry supplies. The Destrier will gallop all day without rest."
"Thank you, if you could saddle the horses, I will collect the weapons"
Just before he left the stables, the groom pulled him to one side.
"Be on your guard Milord, the wizard has sent for the Captain of the Guard. I don't think he wants them to help you."
Chakotay shook his hand, "Thank you for the warning!"
The horses and mules were waiting in the courtyard. Tom was in the middle of loading the mules when Chakotay returned from the armoury. He gave Tom a sword and a dagger with scabbards.
When they were ready to go, Chakotay saw Kathryn at the top of one of the towers. She waved and dropped a silk scarf. He picked it up and tied it around his wrist. It contained a message:
"Q has locked me into this room but I will try to escape."
Q watched the whole incident. He was insanely jealous when Kathy gave Chakotay her favour. He vowed to make her sorry for that gesture. He made the mistake of underestimating Kathryn Janeway!"
Scene 3 - Camelot
Q was a little worried about confronting an angry Kathryn Janeway. He decided that the direct approach would be the best option. He clicked his fingers and appeared in front of her. Q felt a sudden pain in his jaw and fell to the floor.
"You hit me!" squealed Q.
Kathryn shook her hand, "You've got a hard chin. Stand up so I can hit you again."
"I thought you didn't believe in violence?" said Q, rubbing his chin.
"For you, I made an exception."
"I saw you drop your favour for Captain Oaf."
"Ahh, did the great Q feel jealous! You have no reason to feel anything because you aren't in a relationship with me and never will be."
Q stood up warily, making sure he kept a respectful distance from Kathryn.
"You will grow to love me because I am the only person you will see until you learn to behave like a modest female."
Kathryn moved towards Q. Her intention was clear as she grabbed a poker lying by the fireplace. He backed away until his back hit the wall.
"I'll leave you to reflect on your unladylike behaviour." He clicked his fingers and disappeared.
She had to calm down sooner or later, thought Q."
Scene 4 - The Quest
Chakotay and Tom contacted the Val Jean as soon as they were far enough away from the castle.
"Send me anything you have in the database about the quest for the Holy Grail." ordered Chakotay."
"Could you repeat the last message Captain?"
"Look for the Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table."
Ayala started to laugh, "Are you having trouble sleeping, Captain?"
"Kathryn is in danger if I can't find the Grail. Cut the jokes and find the information we need, if you want her to return to the ship."
Ayala stopped laughing, "Stand by, I'll send you everything we can find. Do you want reinforcements?"
"We are dealing with Q again. If we deviate from the Quest he will take Kathryn back to the Continuum. We will lose her for good!"
Chakotay sat down on the bank to read about the Holy Grail. He learnt that nobody was sure what the Grail looked like. The consensus was that It was a goblet from the Last Supper. Of course, the artefact was on Earth, not the planet, Avalon. The quest was impossible. He had to evade the guards sent to kill him to allow Kathryn time to escape. Chakotay felt sorry for Q - Kathryn was going to make his life hell.
Scene 5 - Camelot
The following day Q decided that Kathryn must have calmed down by now. After all, she had spent a night reflecting on her behaviour. He opened the door and had to duck as a vase flew across the room.
"You are a shrew. I don't understand why females from Earth have no feminine wiles?"
"I have many feminine wiles but they disappeared when the key turned in that lock."
"If you calm down and stop throwing objects at me I will consider allowing you a little more freedom."
Kathryn picked up a candlestick. She was so angry that the thought of hitting Q on the head with it gave her great pleasure.
"I will allow you more time to recover your senses but I am growing impatient Kathryn."
Then he fled after locking her in the room again. Kathryn wouldn't allow herself to get upset. She feared for Chakotay and Tom's safety. She had to figure out how to escape so she couldn't be used as a hostage by Q.
Q was furious. No female of any species had spurned his advances. Q bowed as Queen Guinevere walked past him. He knew the Queen didn't like him because of his influence on King Arthur. Perhaps she could give Kathryn advice on how to behave like a lady.
"Your Highness, may I have a minute of your time?" wheedled Q.
Guinevere hated Merlin. She couldn't allow her personal feelings to interfere with the affairs of Court.
"How can I help you, Merlin?"
"I am in love your Majesty but the lucky female does not know how to behave like a lady. She is violent and unreasonable. She has assaulted one of your guards and made two attempts to shorten my life."
Guinevere had to stop herself from laughing by biting her cheek. She had to meet this woman if only to congratulate her.
"I will visit your Lady, Merlin and talk with her about you."
Scene 6 - The Quest
Chakotay couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. His father always moaned that he would lose his instincts if he didn't use them. As it was getting dark he decided to make camp by the river.
"Tom, let's rest here so we can start again in the morning, refreshed and ready to go."
Tom was immediately suspicious. Chakotay never spoke to him like that. In fact, he only spoke to him if it was necessary. He wished that he had a phaser with him.
Chakotay was untying some of the provisions from the mules. Tom noticed that he strapped his sword around his waist. He looked at Tom and nodded to him. Tom took this as permission to arm himself.
Tom went to search the woods for kindling for the fire. Chakotay walked down to the river to refill the water in their bottles. He turned around and ducked a few seconds before an arrow almost hit him.
"Tom we're under attack defend yourself. The are using a bow and arrows.
Tom didn't reply because he was waiting for the man crashing through the bushes to appear. The bandit looked at him in surprise because he wasn't used to his prey standing their ground.
"What are you waiting for - an invitation?
Tom pulled out his sword and slashed at the gigantic man's knees. Then the fight started for real. Tom was holding his own but he started to tire as the Giant used his sword like a battering ram. He was glad that his father had insisted that he had fencing lessons. He wished that he'd paid attention instead of flirting with the girls. He saw his only chance when the giant left himself open. He thrust his sword into the Giant's stomach. Unfortunately for Tom, the bandit fell head first, on top of him. The weight was unbearable.
Chakotay smashed his arm into his attacker's nose and knocked him out. He ran to help Tom. As soon as Tom was free, he ran to the bushes and vomited. Chakotay waited until he'd finished then handed him the water bottle.
"Is this the first time you've killed someone at close quarters?"
Tom nodded, "Can't you tell?"
"Killing has been sanitised in our century. You never have to look your victim in the face. It should hurt to take a life," remarked Chakotay.
Tom handed back the bottle and wiped his mouth, "Q set us up - didn't he?"
Chakotay nodded, "We have to stay alive until Kathryn manages to escape.
"Are you sure that she'll try to escape?"
"She is a graduate of the Academy, every officer has a duty to escape. Whatever has happened to Kathryn she is still a Starfleet Officer. Also, she passed me a note before we left."
Scene 7 - Camelot
Kathryn heard a discreet knock, "May I come in Lady Kathryn?"
She opened the door to find Queen Guinevere holding a tray containing goblets and a bottle of wine. She laid it on the table and turned around.
"I hear that you've been teaching my Court Wizard a lesson in good manners."
"Unfortunately, I have got a fiery temper, your majesty."
"That is something we have in common. However, my position as Queen has made me more circumspect."
"Usually I have more self-control but Merlin is arrogant. He can't accept that I have no interest in him."
"Sit down and I will pour us a drink. We can discuss the loathsome toad and how we are going to get you out of here without the King's knowledge. Unfortunately, my husband does value Merlin's counsel."
The Queen was attractive, intelligent and witty. Kathryn realised that they had a lot in common. Guinevere was fluent in Latin and several other languages. They finished the bottle so the Queen dispatched a serving boy to fetch another one from the cellar.
"I am sorry that you have to leave Lady Kathryn. It is rare for me to meet another woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind."
"What about King Arthur, your Majesty?"
"He believes in equality. He used to listen to my counsel until the Wizard turned up. I know Merlin has power but he doesn't have the maturity to match it."
"I'm sure that you can deal with him. If he has to choose between you and Merlin there will be no competition."
Kathryn explained the original reason why had travelled to Camelot to the Queen. She gave her permission to take the discarded rock, containing dilithium, from the mine.
Guinevere stood up and brushed off her skirts, "Unfortunately duty calls. Don't disrobe tonight. Sit on your bed and wait for a knock at the door. The Guard will have a bag with some provisions and will take you to the stables. I will have my favourite mare saddled for you and ready to go."
"I don't know how to thank you, your Majesty?"
"Don't worry, the sight of Merlin's face when he finds out that you've escaped will be enough reward."
Scene 8 - The Quest
Chakotay decided to double back to the castle. The Guards would expect them to be travelling away from Camelot. He returned to the inn that he'd stayed at with Kathryn.
"I didn't think we would see you again, Milord. Where is your Lady?"
"She caught the attention of the Wizard Merlin and he is holding her prisoner."
"I am sorry to hear that. People fear the Wizard because of his great power but he is not well liked. Unfortunately, he has the ear of the King."
Chakotay bartered with one of the daggers for a week's lodgings at the inn. It was the only place that Kathryn knew. He hoped that she would head for a familiar place.
Tom and Chakotay climbed three flights of rickety stairs to reach the attic. Their lodgings awaited them - two straw mattresses on the floor. As both men needed some space, they headed down to the taproom. They sat at a table with their heads down just in case some of the Palace guards came in.
One solitary guard walked in just after they made themselves comfortable.
"What can I get you, Erik? How was your day?"
"The Queen gave me a quest. The Wizard has locked a damsel in the tower and I am going to rescue her."
Chakotay and Tom stood up and sat either side of the Guard.
"Do you happen to know the name of the lady you are going to rescue?
"The Queen told me that I have to save the Lady Kathryn."
"What is your plan?" asked Tom.
"I am to escort her from the tower to the stable. The Queen has given me the key to an old door that leads out of the castle into the lower town. When she has fled I have to return the key to her Majesty."
"A brilliant plan, may we help? The Wizard captured the Lady Kathryn from us and we'd like to get her back."
"I don't know, the Queen did entrust me with the rescue."
"I don't think she would mind us helping you. Lady Kathryn is the love of my life."
The guard had a soft heart, "I can understand your wish to help. I married my wife twenty years ago and we are still in love. You can help me but only one of you can enter the castle. I only have one old uniform to disguise you."
Tom volunteered to go into the castle with the guard. "Q doesn't know me and you are his rival for Kathryn's affections."
"She is a member of my crew. I would make the same effort to rescue any of the others," lied Chakotay.
They spent the rest of the night, drinking and refining their plan.
Scene 9 - Camelot
Later that evening Q knocked at Kathryn's door. He opened the door and ducked instinctively.
"What do you want Q?"
"I would like to talk to you, to see if I can persuade you to stay here with me."
Kathryn was wearing one of the Queen's dresses. She advised Kathryn to pretend that she was considering staying at Camelot. She hoped that Q would relax the security so Kathryn's escape would be easier.
Kathryn sat down in one of the chairs and gestured to Q that he should take the other seat. She poured him a glass of wine.
"You haven't tried to assault me. What are you plotting?" asked Q.
"The Queen persuaded me that Camelot is an idyllic place to live. she offered me a position as one of her ladies in waiting. We chatted for about an hour. I enjoyed her company - we have a lot in common."
Q was still suspicious but decided to play along, "There is a feast tomorrow. Would you like to attend as my guest?"
"I will come to the feast with you. The Queen has offered me the services of her dresser to help me prepare."
Q finished his drink, "I'm glad that you've decided to stay at Camelot. If you are true to your word, I will send Chuckles and Paris back to the ship, unharmed."
"What happens to the real Merlin when you take his place?"
"He is asleep in the vaults below the castle. When I leave, I transfer my memories to him so he doesn't realise I've taken his body for a spin."
Scene 10 - The Escape
Kathryn had been waiting for hours for the knock at the door. She was just about to lie down when she heard a faint tap. She opened the door and stepped back when she noticed there were two men. One of them looked familiar.
"Tom, it's good to see you!"
"Likewise Captain, let's get you out of here."
They started to jog rather than run, in case they passed any of the Camelot servants.
"Where's Chakotay?"
"He's waiting for us, with the horses, in the lower town."
Q sensed immediately that Kathryn had left her room. He'd removed the guards but he didn't trust Kathryn's change of heart. He summoned the guard.
"Come with me. One of our prisoners is trying to escape. Shoot her on sight!"
Q had given up playing fair. If he couldn't have her then nobody would. He wouldn't allow her to run back into Chakotay's arms.
Kathryn and Tom had reached the stairs that led to the courtyard. It was a short distance from there to access the gate to the town. The guard heard their pursuers.
"They're closing in behind us, hurry up!" shouted Tom.
Q caught sight of them and clicked his fingers. A wall of flame erupted in front of them. He slowed down because he knew they couldn't move forward.
All at once the flames disappeared, "Who the hell did that?" bellowed Q.
He shouted at the guards, "Hurry up or I will have you beheaded."
Q clicked his fingers again and a medium sized dragon blocked the stairs. It inhaled to blow fire at Kathryn, Tom and the guard. Suddenly the dragon shrank until it was tiny. It ran around puffing out smoke.
Q knew that someone, with a lot of power, was helping Kathryn. He ran to prevent her from leaving the castle. He suspected that another Q was interfering with his power.
His last attempt to stop Kathryn from escaping was to remove the door at the bottom of the stairs. He replaced it with solid rock. He was about thirty seconds behind when he fell on the floor after a large explosion. When he recovered he found a huge smoking hole in the rock. Kathryn had escaped him again!
While he was climbing the stairs he heard loud laughter. Q couldn't sense the person who was so amused. When he entered the main castle he saw a figure with long, white, hair and a long beard. Merlin winked then waved and disappeared in a puff of smoke.