Maquis Act 32 - Ghost Ship Part 2
Scene 1
All sixteen members of the crew were ready to go. Everyone beamed over to their new ship together, except for Chakotay and Kathryn.
Kathryn understood why he wanted to say goodbye. "I don't think the crew understand the bond between the Captain and their ship,"
"She has saved my life many times by giving me an extra effort when nobody expected it."
"Unfortunately I didn't have Voyager long enough to develop that bond."
They walked through the whole of the Val-Jean. Chakotay held her hand because it felt right.
"I wonder how we are going to tell their relatives what we saw on the ship?" asked Chakotay.
"We have to hope that they are a spiritual people who believe in an afterlife," reassured Kathryn.
Chakotay pulled her towards him and kissed her gently on the lips.
"I promised myself that I would kiss you before we left the ship. Now I'm ready to go."
Kathryn touched her lips, she could still feel Chakotay's kiss. She didn't want to confess that she'd wanted to kiss him since he first appeared on Voyager. He had the most sensuous lips she'd ever seen on a man or woman.
Scene 2
When they materialised on the Marie Celeste everyone was hard at work unpacking. Astra was run off her feet providing a translation for anyone who needed it. Their quarters were already allocated so Kathryn and Chakotay went their separate ways.
After dinner, Chakotay called a meeting in his new Captain's suite. When everyone arrived they sat around a huge table. They only filled fifteen of the available twenty-five spaces for senior crew members.
Astra was the first one to report, "I have read everything about their species and homeworld. Clearly, they have warp capabilities. There is nothing to suggest that they are aggressive or hostile to outsiders."
"We will approach them with caution. Perhaps we should send a small away team to make initial contact," suggested Chakotay.
"How is the work going? Have you familiarised yourselves with the essential systems?" asked Kathryn.
B 'Elanna is still swearing at the engine in Klingon. She told me that she will disembowel anyone who interrupts her," reported Hogan.
Ayala gave his report, "Life support, weapons and navigation are online. The Doctor will enjoy his new Sickbay when he figures out the purposes of his new equipment."
"Excellent work, assign a skeleton shift for tonight," ordered Chakotay.
"We will have to talk about recruitment. We can't run this ship with sixteen crew members," added Kathryn.
Chakotay ended their first staff meeting in their new home," "Dismissed!"
Scene 3
Kathryn and Astra went to the Mess to get a drink. Ayala was already there tucking into a snack.
He grinned at both of them, "I can't believe how much room we've got. I won't miss the poky Val Jean," said Ayala.
"I'm used to the space. It's the same size as a Federation Starship."
"Do you still miss your ship and the crew? asked Astra.
Kathryn touched her heart, "I think they will always be with me. I have to get back to Earth so I can inform every family about their fate."
"We have to explain to the Bruin how we learned the fate of the ship's crew." stated Ayala.
"What do you mean?" asked Kathryn, who was a little confused.
"It isn't going to be easy to explain that we spoke to them after they died," finished Ayala.
"I see your point. Do you have any suggestions?"
"I think it would be easier if we go to the surface to make our case before they see the ship. Then they won't shoot us and ask questions later."
"I'll talk to Chakotay. If he gives us the green light, we can go at first light."
Ayala stood up, "I'll go and help B'Elanna repair the transporters or we won't be going anywhere."
Scene 3
Chakotay called a morning briefing to discuss the repairs on the ship and their orders for the day.
"I spoke to Mike last night. It's essential that we speak to the authorities before we arrive at the planet on their ship."
"We will tell them what we saw and keep our promise to the Captain," said Kathryn.
"Pack a bag - we'll let you know when we are in transporter range."
Kathryn went to her quarters to pack some clothes. She went to the door when she heard the buzzer.
"Kathryn, can I have a word with you please?"
She pressed the button to release the door, "Do you have any more orders?
Chakotay sat down on the corner of the bed. "I thought we should talk about what happened before we left the Val Jean."
He walked towards her, took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Not like the delicate brush of the lips on board the Val Jean. When the kiss finished they were both breathless.
"That kiss expresses my true feelings towards you."
"I'm confused Chakotay. I thought that we decided that a relationship would make things difficult for both of us?"
"I think about you all the time. I make excuses to talk to you. I am jealous when any other man talks to you, especially Ayala."
"But you are my Captain and don't want to abuse that relationship," said Kathryn reading his mind.
I knew that you would understand my dilemma. You are a respected member of the crew. A relationship with me could ruin your good work.
He unleashed his sexy smile on her, "Can I kiss you again for luck!"
Kathryn grinned, "I didn't realise how shameless you are, Chakotay."
She found herself in his arms again but this kiss lasted a lot longer. When they pulled apart reluctantly, Chakotay was the first one to speak.
"If I don't leave now, I won't be able to let you go again."
"Agreed, I'll sit down then you have to go Chakotay."
He left hurriedly. Kathryn could still feel the softness of his lips and the sensuous kiss.
She poured herself a whisky from her emergency supply then she went to find Astra. Anything to take her mind off kissing Chakotay.
Scene 4
Astra was sitting on her bed cross-legged. She was meditating to achieve a calm and peaceful mind. It was getting more difficult to hide her powers from the crew. She didn't want to admit that she was a telepath because the others would avoid her
"If you are meditating I can come back later," whispered Kathryn
Astra opened her eyes and sat up, "Don't be silly, I'm grateful for the chance to talk to you."
"What do you think of our new ship?" asked Kathryn.
"I saw the massacre of its original crew. I think I'll need some good memories to replace the scenes we saw."
"I agree when we have fulfilled our promise then we'll have a party to name the ship."
"What is a party?" asked Astra.
"You don't have parties in your world?"
"What happens at a party?"
"A good party must have refreshments, some food and drinks. You make small talk with the other guests. After everyone has eaten there is music which encourages people to dance."
"The only similar event on my home world was a feast day but there wasn't any music or dancing."
Astra couldn't continue because she had a fit of the giggles.
"What's wrong?"
"I was just imagining my Master dancing," this thought made her giggle again.
Kathryn kissed her on the cheek then went to leave.
"Don't go, Kathryn, I need to talk to you in private," pleaded Astra.
Kathryn sat down again and made herself comfortable.
"The Bruin are telepathic. They don't have the ability to talk."
"How did you communicate with them?"
"I am telepathic. I didn't tell anyone because they always think that I want to listen to their thoughts."
"I imagine that most people's thoughts are quite boring. How do you get any peace and quiet if you can hear everyone's thoughts around you?"
"My Master taught me mental discipline. I learned to close my mind and focus on my conversations and thoughts."
"Can I tell Chakotay? He will need a reason why you have to come with us."
"You can tell the Captain and Ayala but nobody else needs to know - do they?"
"Agreed, pack some clothes into a bag and be ready to go at a moments notice.
Scene 5
Astra, Kathryn and Ayala were waiting for Chakotay's orders before their mission. He jogged down the corridor into the transporter room.
"I want you to stay in contact with us at all times. Complete the mission then get out of there."
"Chakotay report to the Bridge. There are Bruin ships all around us. Transport the away team now!
Chakotay pulled the lever then ran back to the Bridge. There were fifteen Bruin intruders. Each member of the crew had a weapon pointed at their head by a Bruin soldier. Chakotay put his phaser on the floor and raised his hands. The Bruin herded them off the Bridge and into a cargo bay.
Chakotay knew that their only hopes rested with Astra, Kathryn and Ayala. They had had to reach the authorities and convince them that they had nothing to do with the massacre of the crew. He couldn't negotiate with them because he wasn't telepathic.
Scene 6 - The Bruin Homeworld
As soon as they materialised on the surface, they took cover. Ayala used the map that he'd downloaded, to pinpoint their location. With Astra's help, the military bases were clearly marked.
"The Captain realised that it would be difficult to convince the authorities that he gave us the ship. We need to find his dwelling to talk to his mate. He told me to share something that is only known to them. He also left me a personal message to give to her."
Astra sat on the floor with the map. She closed her eyes then put her finger on a dwelling outside of the main city. We need to find her as soon as possible because her house is attached to his employment. They will find her an alternative dwelling soon. She folded the map with precision so the section she needed was on the top.
Kathryn took three items of clothing out of her spacious bag and shook them out. She handed a hooded cloak to Ayala and Astra.
"I always carry a hooded cloak when I visit a new planet. It covers a multitude of sins and hides your skin colour."
The started their long walk across an open grassland plain. Both suns had risen so the heat was scorching. If the nights were cooler, she decided to sleep during the day and walk at night.
Scene 7 - The Marie Celeste
The crew were still imprisoned in the cargo bay. Chakotay was starting to worry, every Bruin who walked into the bay scanned them and made notes. Then they took Henley and Jor out of their cell and they hadn't returned them yet.
Although he wasn't telepathic, Chakotay heard some of the guard's conversation. The problem was that he couldn't make sense of it. He told the crew to be quiet then he sat down and closed his eyes. He tried to slow his breathing and forget his situation. This was hard because he couldn't stop thinking about Kathryn.
All at once he felt a familiar tugging sensation and found himself flying over a forest. The sky was a deep indigo blue without a cloud in sight. He saw his nest sitting on the edge of a cliff. When he reached the nest his chicks were waiting for their dinner. After he fed them, he flew away again and perched on a ledge above his nest. From that height, he could see the whole world.
He knew that he couldn't hear the chicks from this distance. He knew they were in trouble so he set off to check the nest. When he arrived, the chicks were frantic. They knew they had to get away from the snake but there was nowhere to go. Chakotay attacked the snake with his claws but he couldn't stop the snake moving forward. After several dives, he managed to get hold of the snake behind the head. He flew over the ocean and dropped it, like a stone before it could poison him.
When he found himself back in the cargo hold he was still screaming No! All the Bruin ran into the cargo hold.
He knew how to talk to his Bruin, "I want to speak to your Commanding Officer."
One of Bruin walked over to him, "You are pirates. You killed the crew. We are going to execute everyone. Three members of your crew are missing - where are they?"
"They have transported to your planet. The will be able to prove that we are not pirates."
"I will alert our base that we have hostile intruders. We will start the executions at first light tomorrow - your people had better hurry. I didn't know that any of your crew were telepathic."
The Bruin forced himself into Chakotay's subconscious. Chakotay severed the telepathic link and collapsed to the floor.
Chell caught him, "What's the matter, Captain? Did you find a way to talk to these creatures? They make me ashamed to be blue."
Chakotay smiled, "I'm fine Chell, I had a painful cramp in my legs."
Chell helped him to find a space where he could lie down. Chakotay chose not to tell them about the executions. He had faith that Kathryn, Ayala and Astra wouldn't let them down.
Scene 8 - The Bruin Homeworld
It was dark so they found a safe place to rest for a few hours. Kathryn and Ayala were sitting around a rock they had warmed with their phasers. They couldn't risk someone spotting the smoke from a fire. Astra was asleep in the waterproof shelter they'd constructed.
"I wish we could have built a fire. I think the glow from the flames makes you feel warm inside," said Kathryn wistfully.
"Why did Chakotay want to show on the Val Jean?" asked Chakotay.
"He wanted to say goodbye to his ship. Captains are sentimental about their vessels," replied Kathryn.
"Are you sure that it was the Val Jean he was sentimental about?"
Kathryn hit him playfully, "Of course it was. What are you suggesting?"
"You know that Chakotay is sweet on you."
"He is my Captain, that is the only relationship we have, Mike.
"Good, so there is still a chance for me?" he said, pleased as punch.
"You'd run a mile if I said yes!" laughed Kathryn
"Try me!" challenged Ayala.
Kathryn thought that he was joking but now she wasn't so sure.
"I'll show you how serious I am soon," promised Ayala.
Astra interrupted their flirting, "If you two can stop flirting, for now, we have to hurry. I think the others are running out of time."
She spread the map out and pinpointed their location and their destination.
"We haven't got time to waste so we'll make the last push."
Scene 9 - The Marie Celeste
"The guards brought Henley and Jor back to the cargo hold. They were hungry, tired and cold.
"The poked, prodded and scanned us all the time. Then one of their doctors looked into out mouths and checked our dental work.
"I think they were learning about our physiology. One of the guards kept interrupting the doctor. I know they were talking about us because he kept pointing."
Chakotay didn't want them to know that their hosts were going to kill them. They would know soon enough if the landing team failed their mission.
B'Elanna sat down beside him, "You look as though you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders."
"It's not easy to take responsibility for the fate of other people," whispered Chakotay.
"You are a good Captain, Chakotay, it's not your fault that we landed up here."
He used his shy, sexy smile on her.
B'Elanna had been attracted to Chakotay since she first saw him. It was bad enough when he had a relationship with Seska. Now she had to watch him pining for Kathryn Janeway.
B'Elanna put her arm around his shoulders, "We have been in more trouble than this. We aren't running from a Cardassian fleet. I'm not having to coax more speed from a ramshackle engine that was outdated before we acquired it.
"You're right, we're still alive so we haven't lost anything yet. We outwitted the Cardassians so this species shouldn't be a problem. Without alerting the guards bring Hogan and Seska over here."
Scene 10 - The Bruin Homeworld
Astra knew that time was running out for the crew. Piracy was a capital offence on the planet. She heard them discussing execution before she transported to the surface.
"Hurry up or we won't get to the dwelling in time," shouted Astra.
Ayala and Kathryn doubled their pace. They reached the settlement where the Captain's wife and family lived in good time.
Unfortunately, the military had arrived before them.
"How are we going to get past them. We need to speak to the Captain's wife soon or our friends will suffer."
The dwellings were white pods grouped around a central circular path. In the middle of the circle was a screen. The screen broadcast a warning about their arrival. Images of Chakotay and the others were on a rotating screen.
They spotted a place to hide while they made a plan. It was a metal container used for the storage of hand tools.
"They're everywhere! As soon as they see the colour of our skin, it's over," argued Ayala.
Astra could change the colour of her skin and appearance but she didn't want to do it in front of Kathryn and Mike.
"I will divert the attention of the soldiers while you make your way to the Captain's pod."
Astra passed Kathryn a slip of paper with a message written on it with alien symbols.
"Give this to his mate and ask her to come with you. I have explained that she can save sixteen lives. Good luck!"
"Do you want me to come with you?" asked Ayala.
"I'll be fine, give me fifteen minutes then make a break for it. I will meet you back at the rendezvous point."
Scene 11 - The Marie Celeste
Chakotay knew that they were running out of time. They had already taken the female crew members from the cargo hold. B'Elanna fought them every step of the way. He listened to the guards. They decided to execute the females first. They thought they would offer the least resistance. He hoped that B'Elanna caused as much disruption as she could. Obviously, they had never met an angry Klingon woman before.
Chakotay went to speak to Hogan, "I need you to start a fight. We have to give them more time to reach the Captain's wife."
Hogan shrugged, turned around and punched Chell in the face, "I've got this Captain."
Suddenly the whole cargo hold erupted. Living in close quarters had not improved tempers or patience. The Bruin rushed in to break up the mass brawl.
Chakotay slipped out while they were busy. He hoped that the women were left unguarded. If he could get access to the transporter then they could hide on the planet. He walked in the opposite direction to the guards. Due to B'Elanna's loud complaining, he managed to find them quickly.
"Chakotay, about time, smash the lock and get us out of here!"
"You are welcome B'Elanna - stand back!"
Chakotay broke the lock then ushered the women out. They reached the end of the corridor and spotted some of the Bruin guards. They turned around to find more Bruin soldiers running towards them.
Chakotay put his hands up and told the women to do the same. They marched them back to their cells. The Bruin took Chakotay to another room and locked him in. He hoped the away team was having better luck.
Scene 12 - The Bruin Homeworld
Astra changed her skin tone and her facial features. Then she increased her height. The last change was to dress appropriately. Then she headed for the senior officer.
"What are you doing? Did your Commander lose his mind? The Ruling council will not allow a legion of their soldiers to ransack a Pod Village. These people are relatives of serving officers. They rely on us to keep their mates and offspring safe."
"I'm sorry Milady, my orders were to search the village for intruders."
"I can't see any intruders except your officers. They are making so much noise that any intruders would have fled a long time ago."
"I will ask my soldiers to regroup then we will return to our barracks. I am sorry that we upset you milady."
Astra was about to leave when one of the soldiers sounded an alarm. She saw Ayala in a crouching run around the outside of the village. The soldiers set off in pursuit, She rolled her eyes. These Bruin were starting to become a nuisance.
Astra focused on all the Bruin soldiers and pointed in their direction. They froze in mid-flight. She enabled Ayala to continue his run without interference. She had to work hard to stop time in that area. Astra discovered that her powers were rusty because she hadn't used them for a long time. She let go then ran to catch up with Ayala and Kathryn after she altered her appearance.
Scene 13
Kathryn and Ayala found the Captain's house. They hid behind an outbuilding to discuss how they were going to communicate with his mate.
"Astra gave me this note. If we can get her to read it then she will understand that her mate wrote it for her," said Kathryn.
"If we show up at the door she will sound the alarm before we can give her the note," warned Ayala.
"Slip it underneath the door then she will read it straight away. After that, we can introduce ourselves."
Ayala ran across the clearing and slid the note under the door. Then they waited. The door opened and a tiny Bruin female stuck her head out. Ayala and Kathryn moved into the light. She was crying but she smiled at them and beckoned them into the dwelling. She spoke to another female and her offspring. Then she gathered some documents and left the building with them.
When they saw the soldiers Kathryn took the Captain's mate. Ayala ran in the opposite direction to draw them away. He didn't know that Astra was helping him.
When they met at the rendezvous point the Captain's mate pointed to the sky and waved at them.
"I think she's telling us to go back to the ship and she'll take it from here."
Ayala, Kathryn and Astra waited at the transport site.
Scene 14 - Marie Celeste
Chakotay was frantic, they had taken B'Elanna to start the executions. The Bruin tried to strap her to a chair but she was fighting them all the way. The chair was in front of the prisoners so they could watch their conspirators die before them.
Chakotay was glad that she was making things difficult for them. After the guards called for more help they managed to overpower her. Yet every time one of them put their hands near her she bit them.
One of the Bruin produced a hypospray. He loaded the serum and indicated that the guard should keep B'Elanna's arm still. Chakotay rushed the guards to try to free her before he could use the hypospray.
A guard ran into the cargo bay and spoke to everyone in there. A guard released B'Elanna then moved out of reach. They cleared away the execution equipment. One of the soldiers went to the transporter room and brought the landing team back to the ship.
Astra translated for the crew. "The Captain's mate went to the Ruling Council. She told them that her mate allowed us to take the ship so we could warn them about the Vidiians."
"The Council sends its apologies for our treatment. They have signed over the ownership of the vessel. They will provide us with a skeleton crew until we can recruit our own. They would be grateful if we could share all the information about the Vidiians. They have given us a runabout that the Bruin can use to return home after we've recruited our own crew."
Kathryn was intrigued that Astra slept for forty-eight hours when they returned to their new home.