Maquis Act 47

Scene 1

Chakotay received permission to land on Sanctuary to take Lam's family to their new home. It was fortunate that the Beta tribe had already established themselves. They were expert housekeepers, domestic staff, chefs and nannies.

"Make sure that you listen to Captain Chakotay and Miss Janeway. Look after your new family. There is no shame in a man working as a domestic."

Lam hugged his Mother and Father and his sisters. He couldn't wait to leave the planet and go back to space. Astra stood by him and reminded him not to be so impatient.

"You will have plenty of days in space. You can afford to give your parents a fond farewell."

He felt ashamed that he couldn't wait for them to go so he ran after them.

Lam gave each member of his family a big hug and a kiss, "I will miss everyone. This is not goodbye, I will return after my adventures and write a book.

Astra grinned at him when he returned to the ship, "You did the right thing. It is natural to leave your family when you come of age but you mustn't forget them."

She returned to the Javert to speak to Kathryn. She pressed the buzzer and walked in ready to flop on the bed to talk to her best friend. She had an unwelcome surprise when she found Q in there alone.

"You have been a busy little Ancient, haven't you? Revealing yourself to mortals is not a good life choice. "

"Do you work at your hypocrisy or does it come with the job? You have interfered in Kathryn's life on many occasions and you have the nerve to criticise me."

"I am afraid that your recent exploits have drawn the attention of the High Council. They sent me to issue a summons so you can justify your decisions to them. Most Q have never seen an Ancient. I am thinking of charging them to spend a few minutes with you? "

"I am sorry Q but you will have to find another Entity to star in your Freakshow. I am quite happy here - thank you."

"That is delightful - You think that you have a choice! "

Q snapped his fingers ready to teleport both of them back to the Continuum. When he opened his eyes, he discovered that he was alone.

"Two can play at this game!" he said with a glint in his eye, " I do love a challenge."

Scene 2

Astra went to find Kathryn as soon as Q disappeared, "I have a big problem!" declared Astra.

"We all have problems. Which particular one are you talking about?" asked Kathryn.

" I haven't told you the whole truth about my origins - I am an Ancient. My race existed before the Q and we were the original occupants of the Continuum. When the Q ascended we offered to share our home and guide them through their first millennium."

"What happened to your people? I have never heard about the Ancients until you came aboard with your Master."

"Actually be was my servant and mentor, " corrected Astra.

"Why didn't you tell me before now? Didn't you trust me?" asked Kathryn.

"Of course I trust you. I have never had a female friend before. I wanted my life to be simple and enjoy a mortal existence. I have been alone for two millennia. I didn't think that I would need to use my powers again. "

"Does Q know that you are an Ancient?

"He wasn't sure at first. When he was certain, I managed to make a deal with him. He wouldn't expose me if I didn't use my Ancient powers. "

"If you made a deal with Q, what is your problem now?" asked Kathryn.

"I used my powers to rescue Lam and his family. I couldn't allow their race to become extinct like mine. Q ambushed me in your quarters when I came to chat with you. "

I will have a word with him about personal space when I see him again," stated Kathryn.

"He informed me that I have to appear in front of the High Council to explain my decision to reveal myself to mortals. He tried to take me by force but forgot that I am more powerful."

"What can I do to help you. Will they listen to reason?"

"If I could persuade one of the Q to visit the monastery where I lived for hundreds of years. I studied martial arts, meditation and control. I am no longer impulsive and filled with rage. I want to live a normal life as part of this crew."

"Did you try to explain this to Q? " asked Kathryn.

"You know him Kathryn - all Q like the sound of their own voices."

"Is there any place you can hide where the Q can't find you," asked Kathryn.

"The Monastery is the only place I can think of. The monks know how to hide my life force," explained Astra

Kathryn was desperate to help her, "I'll try to explain it to Q but I don't know if he will listen to me?"

"You have more influence over him than you think." Astra wondered why she didn't know that Q was in love with her.

"What excuse will I give Chakotay for your absence?"

"Don't tell him anything. I will explain everything when I return. I will find my way back to my new home and family. "

Astra waved her hand and vanished.

Scene 3

Kathryn found it hard not to explain Astra's disappearance to Chakotay. She knew that Q could be charming but he had a ruthless streak. He wouldn't have a problem torturing Chakotay, in fact, he would enjoy causing him pain.

As Astra had packed her belongings Chakotay surmised that she left of her own accord. He decided to continue with their aim to return home. Kathryn knew that Q wouldn't concede defeat so she expected a visit soon.

Lam was experimenting with their cooking utensils. He had stocked the food stores before they left Sanctuary. He wanted the crew to test his food for Dinner and give him feedback. He had already cleaned the ship; tidied their Quarters and washed everyone's clothes. The crew were starting to appreciate their new recruit.

Kathryn finished dressing for dinner when she heard a round of applause. Q was leaning against the doorway.

"You scrub up well Kathy - I love what you've done with your hair."

"How long have you been standing there? I'm impressed you added voyeurism to your list of talents.

"I didn't come for pleasure!" he said staring at her lips, I am looking for your elusive friend."

"I am sorry to disappoint you but she disappeared earlier today. Do you know anything about it? "

"I am as shocked as you are but I will find her. The High Council won't allow her to travel around this Quadrant causing mayhem."

"If I see her I will be sure to give her your message. "

"It would be wise to remember that I am not human, Miss Janeway. My patience is not infinitesimal," threatened Q.

"It would be wise to remember that I do not respond well to threats. I hold the rank of Captain in Starfleet. I dislike bullies and cowards."

Most species treated Q as a God. The bipeds he encountered were at least in awe of him. This tiny, insignificant female thought nothing about challenging him and insulting his status. Yet there was something about her that he couldn't put his finger on.

"Why don't you and the Others reflect on how she managed to stay undetected for so long," suggested Kathryn.

"We can't ignore her now! You have no idea how dangerous she is," declared Q.

He clicked his fingers to continue his search for the delinquent Ancient female.

Scene 4

Kathryn was hoping to stay out of Chakotay's way. She was eager to start her shift hoping that it would take her mind off Astra's predicament. She hated lying to her Captain but she didn't want to put him in danger.

They were on route to a space station where they could barter for spares for their engine and food. Tom was teaching Lam the basics of piloting a spaceship. Ayala was arguing with B'Elanna about appropriate weapons for close hand-to-hand combat. Chakotay was sleeping as he'd finished his night shift.

Kathryn was sitting in the Captain's chair brooding about her best friend. She was grateful when a ship appeared out of thin air.

"Red alert! "See if you can hail them?" ordered Kathryn.

"No reply, " said B'Elanna.

A disembodied voice came out of the ship. Kathryn looked at everyone on the Bridge but nobody else heard it.

"My message is for you Kathryn! I have to find your friend before the others. They will not allow her to roam free with her level of power. Come with me and we can take her in without harming her."

Everyone on the Bridge disappeared leaving Kathryn on her own!

"We don't need to bother your crew especially that boorish Captain."

Kathryn stood up to give Q his reply, "Whatever game you want to play Q, I am not interested. I will not betray my friend."

Q teleported her off the Bridge to his ship. He moved the vessel, with a click of his fingers, to a deserted region of space. Q thought he could persuade her if they were alone.

Scene 5

Kathryn found herself in an exact copy of her quarters on Voyager. Q walked through the wall to sit on her bed.

"This ship is a marked improvement on your current home. Why did you agree to slum it with these criminals and murderers?"

"I didn't have a choice Q! The Kazon destroyed my ship. All my friends and colleagues died. I was the only one who survived. "

"Isn't there a ridiculous tradition that the Captain should go down with her ship. You must have felt guilty that you are alive and your crew are dead," said Q, who didn't enjoy being cruel to this female.

"I know that you are trying to break me but you will have to choose another method of persuasion. Starfleet train their cadets to resist torture methods used by most species. I must say that you are falling behind in comparison to the Cardassians and Romulans."

"I can see that this is going to take longer than I thought. Don't worry we have plenty of time to become acquainted. You might even begin to enjoy my company," said Q.

Kathryn had to have the last word, "I doubt that very much!"

Q vanished with a click of his fingers. He had to find out more about this infuriating female. She had plenty of spirit but everyone has their breaking point. The Others wanted results soon or they would take matters into their own hands.

Scene 6

Kathryn decided to take a long shower and enjoy her solitude. She hadn't lived with a crew in such close quarters since her time at the Academy. It was a luxury to be alone and not under orders. Chakotay was an excellent Captain but she missed being the boss.

After her shower, she dressed in her own clothes. She picked up a book and sat down to read her favourite gothic horror novel. Kathryn knew that Q wouldn't leave her alone for long. She heard a buzzer and wondered why he didn't walk through the wall as usual. The buzzer sounded again so she went to find out who it was.

Tuvok was waiting outside with a quizzical look on his face. "Are you alright Captain - you look as though you've seen a ghost?"

Kathryn touched his face trying to memorize his facial features. As with most memories, they are less detailed as time passes.

"You must forgive me, old friend! I never told you how much I valued your friendship and counsel. I will tell your wife and children that you died defending a race who couldn't protect themselves."

The image of Tuvok faded away and Q replaced him. He looked guilty for a few seconds because he had reignited her grief for an old friend. Kathryn wondered if Q was enjoying himself as much as he proclaimed. She returned to her chair and picked up her book.

Q knew that he had to shake her up a bit. I have been too lenient. These surroundings are too comfortable. He clicked his fingers again and her quarters changed to a prison cell. Kathryn found herself in chains.

Scene 7

She looked so small and defenceless that Q almost changed his mind. He knew that he had to continue because the Others would be far more ruthless.

"Why are you protecting this entity? She is far more powerful than the Q. She could destroy the Continuum and the Universe with a wave of her tiny hand," said Q.

Kathryn tried to get through to Q. "Why am I in chains? Do you think that physical discomfort will force me to betray my friend who has saved my life many times."

"If she is a friend - how could she leave you to suffer alone?"

"She trusts me to admit when I've had enough. Why are the Q trying to exterminate her? I know that she is powerful but she only used her powers to save lives. She has never killed anyone with them. She won all her fights using her martial arts training. She practices unarmed combat with me."

"You can't comprehend how dangerous she is. The Q have rules and limitations. The Others will interfere if a Q is abusing their powers. She has carte blanche to do whatever she likes. Kathy, please tell me where she is? If you don't tell me the Others will order me to use more forceful methods."

She stared at him defiantly, "Take your best shot!"

Q snapped his fingers and the chains moved to lift Kathryn off the floor and up the wall.

Her arms were close to dislocation - the pain was intense. Kathryn didn't struggle because she knew that it would make it worse. She wouldn't give Q the satisfaction of knowing how much it hurt.

Q wondered how much more she could take - he didn't want to kill her. The human body seemed fragile but her stubbornness and spirit were impressive. Unfortunately, it wouldn't save her.

Kathryn tried to distract herself from the pain. She thought about her first meeting with Chakotay on Voyager. The photograph in the file didn't do him justice. At the time she thought what an attractive man and that was before he smiled. She didn't really know him before he carried her back to the Val Jean. Without him, she wouldn't be here today. If the circumstances were different they could have acted on their feelings. She knew that his affair with Seska didn't end well hence their current predicament.

Q examined her to make sure she wasn't going to expire. He knew she was thinking of Captain Caveman. He couldn't understand why females were attracted to savages with face paint.

Scene 8

Kathryn started to gasp for air. She couldn't drag enough into her lungs to breathe. Her vision started to go black around the edges. There was a flash of light before she lost consciousness.

Q took the chains off and carried her to the cot. She was starting to turn blue so he didn't have much time.

"Q, where are you? If she dies I will be encased in a comet for the rest of my miserable existence."

Lady Q arrived in a cloud of pink glitter. "I have been trying to make a bigger impact when I arrive."

"I would applaud you but I am trying to save this human. I only used gentle methods to torture her. She looked strong enough to take it. "

"Step aside so I can examine her, " Q moved aside so Lady Q could see his prisoner.

"I don't know why the others trusted you for this mission. You didn't get to know your prisoner. You should have known that she wouldn't yield to physical methods of torture.

"She is only a human female. How strong are they?" asked a confused, Q.

"They carry babies for nine months and continue with their other jobs and duties. They look after their families and protect them from outside threats. They support the idiot males they attach themselves to," claimed Lady Q.

"I see your point! How are you going to fix it? I don't want to spend my next millennium inside a comet." whined Q.

Lady Q held her hand over Kathryn's heart. She closed her eyes and sent a small spark of energy through it.

There was a small pause then Kathryn gasped and sat up. She rubbed her shoulders and looked around the cell for Q.

"Don't worry about him - he won't hurt you again. When you have recovered, I would like to talk to you. I am Q but you can call me Lady Q. I don't know why we don't have our own name it's ridiculous?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Kathryn Janeway - why am I here?"

Astra teleported into the room and rushed over to Kathryn, "Why didn't you tell them? You could have died."

"You shouldn't have come here - they are going to kill you!" said Kathryn.

Astra turned around and beckoned a small man. Kathryn recognised him from a previous meeting when Astra joined their crew.

"We are going to put forward a solution to my dilemma. As the female Q is a trusted member of the High Council I can negotiate with her now," claimed Astra.

Lady Q couldn't believe that she was in the presence of an Ancient. As far as she knew there were extinct. She didn't understand why the Q were so frightened of them.

"Start talking Ancient one. You will have to convince me that you aren't a danger to everyone around you," said Q.

"I am offering to give up my powers and immortality in return for the chance to live a normal existence with my crew."

"Are you sure you know what you are doing? Lady Q couldn't understand why the female entity would give up her powers.

"I have lived for thousands of years. I am the last of my race. I have seen the wonders of the World many times. Yet I have never experienced friendship and loyalty like this. They have a wonderful childlike enthusiasm for exploration and discovery."

Lady Q looked straight at Q, "It appears you're not the only one besotted with this human species."

"Do you think that the Others will accept my offer?" asked Astra.

"I accept your offer but we will visit you from time to time to check that you are keeping your end of the bargain."

Lady Q waved her hand and sent them back to their Ship.

"Stay away from Kathryn. The Others already want her dead."

"Give them a message from me, if they touch her it will be the last thing they do!"