Maquis Act 37 Part 2
The trial of Ms Kathryn Janeway
Q Could feel that the others were close. He had to move now before they captured Kathryn. He knew that he had made matters worse by showing her the true appearance of the Continuum. If they managed to catch them it would result in Kathryn's immediate death. The Q would put him in the middle a meteor for the rest of his immortal existence. He would go completely mad like the other deranged Q.
"We have to go now! This will be a rough ride so hang on."
Kathryn was in agony. It felt like she was in a transporter but she could feel every atom of her body being pulled apart. She started to scream when she heard the sound of a loud car's horn and felt the rain on her face.
"Are you crazy? Get out of the road, you dumb Dora."
Kathryn was standing in the middle of a street, facing oncoming traffic. She moved onto the sidewalk. She looked around for Q but couldn't find him. She had to get hold of a newspaper to find out where she was and in what era he had abandoned her in. Her educated guess was the early twentieth century on Earth.
A man was sitting on a chair getting his shoes shined. He paid the little boy and marched off down the street. He left his paper behind. Kathryn smiled at the boy.
"Would you mind if I looked at the newspaper please?"
The little boy looked her up and down, "Ma'am, I can't read so you can have it. Are you in trouble? I know a policeman. He's not like the others. They slap me and order me to move on. I'm only tryin' to make a few bucks like everyone else."
This unexpected kindness made Kathryn tearful. "Thank you, I have to find my friend. We've come a long way and I can't find him."
If you can't find your friend before it gets dark, there is a church on the next corner. The priest will give you a bed and some food. Don't keep wandering around the streets. It's not safe for a lady like yourself."
"What's your name?"
"My name is Joseph, Ma'am."
"Well Joseph, you are my guardian angel. If I can return your kindness before I leave, where will I find you?"
"I'm here every day or my regulars will go elsewhere."
Kathryn turned around so he didn't see her tears. She unfolded the newspaper to discover that she had travelled back in time to February 14th, 1929. She was in Chicago, which accounted for all the rain. She wandered around the city, in the rain trying to find Q. As it got dark Kathryn decided to follow Joseph's advice.
She found the church Joseph told her about. After struggling to open the door, she found the priest on his knees praying in front of the altar. She waited respectfully for him to finish his devotions.
"Can I help you, young lady?"
"A young man called Joseph told me that you might help me. I travelled here with my friend but we got separated. I don't have any luggage or money. I am willing to work for a bed for the night and any food you can spare."
Father O'Malley was an excellent judge of character and he was seldom wrong.
"What's your name, young lady, since we are going to become better acquainted?"
"My name is Kathryn Janeway, Father."
"I knew you were Irish the moment I saw you. You can't mistake those eyes. I bet you have a temper on you!"
Kathryn relaxed, "My Grandmother had a terrible temper. My Grandfather used to hide until she'd calmed down."
Father O'Malley stood up and brushed down the front of his vestments.
"You look exhausted Katy - let's get you home. You'll feel better after a good night's sleep and a hot meal. My housekeeper has made a big pot of stew."
Kathryn felt tearful again. She was in a strange place without a friend and the generosity from a man who didn't have a lot made her emotional.
"In the morning we'll visit the local precinct and see if anyone has seen your friend."
Scene 2
Chakotay was ready to go with the female Q. He'd insisted on coffee and breakfast before they left.
"Why are humans obsessed with food. There are many species who never get enough to eat!"
Chakotay couldn't believe that she was accusing humanity of greed and immorality.
"That's rich coming from a species who don't value the lives of minor species. You even blame Kathryn Janeway for Q's lack of impulse control."
"We don't blame Miss Janeway but she is a problem. We want to make it easier for him to avoid temptation."
Miss Q flirted with him again, "I can control my impulses if I need to. Are you sure that you don't want me to explore your sexuality?"
Chakotay acknowledged that she was a beautiful woman. In any other circumstances, he would have accepted her invitation. He couldn't stop worrying about Kathryn, who was running for her life. He didn't trust Q to protect her if someone threatened his life.
"I'm flattered but we need to find them before Q gets them killed," explained Chakotay.
"Q loses all sense and reason whenever she is around him. She seems to inspire this protective feeling in all males, whatever species they are."
Chakotay remembered how he felt when she fainted after the Kazon destroyed Voyager. She was a natural commander but she looked so vulnerable lying on the floor. It was amusing to think of Kathryn as a damsel in distress. If the Dragon had any sense he would turn tail and run, when facing Miss Janeway.
"I thought the Q understood chivalry?"
"You wouldn't say that If you had lived through that era. It started out so courtly with Arthur and his round table then human frailties spoilt it all. Lancelot was gorgeous so you can't blame Guinevere for falling for him."
Chakotay couldn't stop himself from asking, "You were at Camelot with King Arthur?"
"Q was a druid then. He told me everything about Camelot's dark side."
Chakotay shook his head, "How are we going to find them, they could be anywhere, back in time or in the future."
"You will have to come with me to the Continuum. We need to ask one of the most powerful Q to find them. We can become better acquainted Captain, you might even begin to like me!"
Scene 3
Kathryn woke up the next morning feeling rested and ready for another weird day. She had spent the previous evening talking to Father O'Malley. Making sure that she only told him edited stories from her exciting life. She didn't want to end up in an asylum. He had some excellent whisky, a gift from a grateful parishioner. It went very well with the Irish Stew left on the stove for the Father's supper by his housekeeper.
She washed and dressed in clean clothes the Father found in the charitable donations. She picked up the dress and couldn't believe that it was a genuine Flapper's dress. It was white with embroidered orange flowers. It had a dropped waist and a set of faux pearls, with white tassels around the hem. When she was ready, she took a quick look at herself in the wardrobe's mirror. Kathryn had never worn such a beautiful dress There was a brush so she plaited her long hair to keep it tidy.
Father O'Malley was sitting at the table tucking into a cooked breakfast.
"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes. It's nice to see you in lady's clothes rather than the pyjamas you were wearing yesterday."
"Thank you, Father."
Father O'Malley's housekeeper placed a large cooked breakfast in front of her.
"You poor thing, you look half starved. That man of yours should be flogged for leaving you alone in the godforsaken city. You could have ended up in a gangster's brothel."
Kathryn didn't want to insult the housekeeper but she couldn't eat that much food in the morning.
"Thank you, Ma'am, I can't remember when I had such a magnificent breakfast."
Father O'Malley winked at her, "Do your best Katy, my old mongrel will eat the remaining evidence."
An old bloodhound poked his head out from beneath the table at the mention of food.
After breakfast ended, Kathryn washed and dried the plates. The Father handed her a woollen coat, then they walked to the local Police Precinct to talk to the Sergeant.
"Father O'Malley, don't tell me you have brought this young lady here for committing a crime?"
"Padraig O'Connor thinks he's a comic, Katy. This lady became separated from her travelling companion. We wondered if you could help her find him."
"There was a fella brought in last night. An officer arrested him in Bugs Moran's headquarters yesterday. Al Capone's men killed Seven of Moran's gang. He keeps shouting that he is a God called Q and he was in the garage by accident."
Kathryn put her hands over her face. She wondered how the hell she was going to sort out this mess and return to her own time. If she changed anything that happened, it would risk altering her timeline.
"Can I speak to him, Sergeant? I may be able to get him to quieten down."
"I would be very grateful Miss, it doesn't matter where you stand in the precinct, you can still hear him. O'Halloran, take this lady to speak to the noisy fella in the holding cell."
Kathryn turned around and kissed the Priest on the cheek, "Thank you so much for your kindness, Father. It looks as though my friend isn't himself so I'll go and calm him down before the Police Sergeant strangles him."
"Bless you, Katy, you know where I live if you need me again!"
"Thank you, Father, I will never forget your kindness."
Scene 4
Miss Q insisted on taking Chakotay's hand before they moved to the Continuum.
"I don't want to lose you - Ms Janeway would never forgive me."
Chakotay shut his eyes and stuck his hand out.
They appeared outside an old wild west courthouse. The Other Q were waiting inside for them. They females were wearing saloon girls outfits. The male Q were gunslingers. They sat in the public galleries laughing and joking with each other. There included a full jury and presiding Judge in session. The Judge banged his gavel and demanded silence. All the noise in the courthouse stopped at once.
"Why have you exposed us to this human, Q?"
"Ms Janeway is a member of his crew. As Captain, he handles the health and safety of every human on board. He deserves to hear why you have decided that a member of his crew should die because you can't control Q."
"Q will not have any reason to keep interfering in her life."
Chakotay considered himself to be a calm and peaceful man but even he had his limits.
"Kathryn has done nothing to attract the attention of Q. In fact, she made it clear that she never wants to see him again. Why do you have to punish her for something that is beyond her control."
All the Q in the public gallery applauded, which made the judge very cross.
"Silence, I will ban the next Q who makes a sound!"
Miss Q folded her arms, looking very stubborn, "How dare you threaten me, you old windbag. You know he is correct. You are blaming the human female because it is easier than dealing with Q."
The Judge went red in the face and started to splutter, "How dare you defend the human. Have you forgotten our sacred duties?"
"We are Guardians of the Universe, not judge, jury and executioner. How can you talk about extinguishing a life for no good reason?"
"I have made my decision. Since you care about the life of this human so much, you can rescue her and make sure that you separate them. Next time Q visits her we will not be so lenient."
The Judge banged the gavel and the other Q disappeared leaving Chakotay and Miss Q.
"Well, that went well! Now is the easy part, we have to find them."
Chakotay grabbed Miss Q's arm outside the courthouse. "I thought you said that you needed one of the powerful Q to find them."
"You humans are so impatient."
The courthouse door opened and the judge came down the steps and walked over to them."
"You haven't changed, Q. Are you still certain about your refusal to join the High Council?"
"You know that I'm not High Council material Q. I am too outspoken and forthright. I need your help, can you find Q and the female? He definitely took her back in time."
The Judge closed his eyes. Chakotay stood back because he started to glow. The light began to shine brighter and brighter until it was impossible to look at.
"They are in America, Chicago the date is 15th February 1929," it didn't sound like the Judge."
"One more favour, I need to jump to that date with this human. Could you help me?"
Judge Q snapped his fingers and they all disappeared.
Scene 5
Kathryn sat down at the table waiting for them to bring Q from the Holding Cell.
"Kathy, I thought I'd never see you again. The Q took away my powers during the jump. You're lucky that you didn't end up in Prehistoric times."
"Did you say that you haven't got any of your powers? How are we going to get back to our own time?"
"Don't worry, with an IQ of over two thousand, I'm sure that I can come up with a genius idea to get us out of this fix."
"How are we going to survive until then? I'm sure that I can find employment. I'm not so sure what skills you have gained as an ex-omnipotent God."
Q reached into his pocket and pulled out a solid gold Roman coin. "If you sell this we should have enough money to survive until we start earning."
Kathryn took the coin and put it into the little bag she was carrying, "How did you manage to get arrested?
"I jumped into the middle of the St Valentine's Day Massacre! I have visited this decade and city before; it is a unique and exciting place to visit. There is always something happening here."
Kathryn coughed, "I want to hear more details of your last visit."
"Well, I gained a new friend who was a gangster. He threw wild parties where every taste and perversion were catered for."
"What was your friend's name, Q?"
"Al Capone!" whispered Q."
Kathryn was getting impatient, "How does that explain how you ended up in the middle of a bloodbath?"
"When we jump back in time you have to picture exactly where you want to go," explained Q."
"That is logical reasoning," assured Kathryn.
"Unfortunately my mind began to wander. During my last visit, I fell in love with Al Capone's Mistress, Virginia Hill."
"Did you act on your feelings?" asked Kathryn
Q replied, "I invited her out for dinner."
"That isn't so bad," said Kathryn hopefully.
"I didn't explain where we ate dessert," said Q, raising his eyebrows.
"That's peachy Q! We are stuck in a violent, lawless era and you have angered the man who runs the city."
"Please help me, Kathy. Without my powers, I am stuck in human form. I will die if they execute me."
"I've thought of another problem. If Al Capone hears that you were in the garage, he will think that you were part of Moran's gang," stated Kathryn.
"He'll think I'm a rat and have me killed here. Kathy, you have to get me out of here or I'm a dead Q."
"I will get you out of here. You must stop drawing attention to yourself or Capone will hear about you sooner."
"What is your plan?" asked Q.
"I have a friend here who might help me get you out of jail - try to stay calm."
Kathryn stood up to go and called the guard. Q came around the table and took her in his arms. He attacked her lips with a bruising kiss. Q. When he finished Kathryn felt a little breathless.
"Stay safe Q, try to blend into the background. I will be back soon."
Scene 6
Father O'Malley was waiting outside for her, "Did you sort things out with your man Katy?
"I have to get a lawyer for my friend. He's given me this coin to sell. I'm sorry to have to depend on you again but I need to get the best price for the gold because that is all the money we have."
"You are a breath of fresh air Katy. I know a man who owns a jewellery store - he collects old coins and he will not cheat me. I hear his confession every Sunday!
Father O'Malley's negotiations with his parishioner didn't take long. He left the shop with a big grin on his face and a roll of notes in his hand.
"Now let's get your man released from jail. I understand that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time?
"He went into the garage to ask for directions when he heard loud gunfire, he went to help. Seconds later the Police arrived in response to an emergency phone call. They arrested him for murder."
"Are you certain that he has done nothing wrong?"
"Kathryn remembered everything she knew about Q's lack of morals.
"I am certain that he had nothing to do with this bloodbath."
"I know a brilliant young lawyer who owes me a favour. He will help you and not ask for extortionate fees but you must tell him the truth, Katy."
"Of course Father, I'm not saying that Quinn is an angel, he has his faults but he didn't kill those men."
Scene 6
Miss Q and Chakotay arrived in Chicago as the rain doubled its efforts to soak everyone.
"They didn't tell me that they had taken Q's powers. We will have to find them the old-fashioned way."
"Has he fixated on an alien female before?"
"Definitely not! Q is a classic narcissist, there is no room for anybody else in Q's world except himself.
"I thought you were in love with him?"
"None of the lesser life forms would understand the relationship between myself and Q."
"We understand the concept of jealousy."
"I am not jealous of a primitive, bipedal, female ape."
"Aren't you?" asked Chakotay.
"We're getting away from our purpose. Q has never blended into the background. We'll visit the Police Stations and enquire about our missing patient!"
Chakotay looked down at his clothing, "Why did I have to dress like a gangster?"
"I don't know, you look quite sexy especially with your tribal tattoo."
"What did you mean by 'missing patient?"
"I don't think the authorities will believe that we are time travelling aliens visiting Earth. They will send us to the insane asylum, lock the door and throw away the key or experiment on us."
"We will tell them that we work for a private insane asylum and one of our patients absconded. They can warn the general public that he is armed and dangerous."
I don't care what happens to Q - only Kathryn!
Scene 7
Kathryn followed Father O'Malley up a shabby staircase. There was a receptionist on the phone chatting to a friend.
"Mary-Rose put the phone down and tell Declan that he has a potential client and me!"
"Are you sure that this young man can represent Quinn."
"Don't let appearances fool you. I have no doubt that this young man is an excellent advocate. He is starting from the bottom and working his ass off to climb the ladder to a successful career."
When the father knocked on the door they both heard a loud, "Come in!"
"When Declan saw the Father with an attractive woman he sat up straight."
"Declan, this is Kathryn Janeway. Her friend, through no fault of his own, found himself in the middle of a gangster's gun battle."
"Which gun battle Father?" asked Declan
The Father replied, "The warehouse at Dickens and Clark."
"The hit on Bugs Moran's men? Gee Father, you don't ask for easy Favours."
"Can you help her?"
"Miss Janeway can testify in court that the fella is her travelling companion. She can swear that they became separated but that will result in her friend's execution."
"Why is that son?" asked the priest.
"As a spinster travelling with a man, the Jury will believe that she has loose morals and they will not trust her testimony. They have to get married or her man will die."
Will they get married or will Chakotay object!
How will Miss Q react to watching Kathryn steal her man!