MAQUIS 12/2/2018
Scene 1
Chakotay carried Kathryn into the ship and laid her on a table in the Galley.
"Roll her onto her back so we can check if there is an exit wound," ordered Tom.
He checked the gash on the temple, "I can repair that but she needs a doctor to remove the bullet.
Tom scanned Kathryn's back with an ancient medical scanner. "The bullet hasn't damaged any of her major organs but it will move."
"Make her comfortable. I'll ask Lam if he knows whether there are any medical facilities in this system."
Tom asked "Could you and Astra undress Kathryn so I can see the bullet wound,"
Astra and B'Elanna removed Kathryn's clothes while Tom waited outside biting his fingernails. Captain Janeway had saved him twice! He couldn't let her down now when she needed him.
"Tom, she's ready now," whispered Astra.
Tom started by examining the wound - he didn't like what he saw.
"We have to get this treated as soon as possible. There was a patch of inflamed skin around the wound. The only conclusion was they applied poison to the bullet
On a Federation Starship, it wouldn't take long to identify the poison and create an antidote. It is starting to eat away the flesh around the gunshot wound."
"Is there any way we can slow it down? " asked Astra.
"I don't want to do anything to make the situation worse. It may react with the sterile liquids," warned Tom.
Chakotay came to give them the news about local medical options.
Lam reckons a local mining planet has excellent medical facilities. The only problem is they don't like strangers. We won't give them the option of refusing treatment, " declared Chakotay.
"Are we going to hijack the hospital?" asked B'Elanna.
She couldn't wait to do something active and violent. Being confined on the small ship with five other beings was driving her crazy.
"Don't polish your bat'leth yet. We will explore peaceful options first," warned Chakotay.
Scene 2
Chakotay offered to stay with Kathryn while the others got some rest. Before Tom went to his bunk he checked his patient.
"Her temperature is 103. We need to bring it down," warned Tom.
Tom filled a bowl with cool water and added a cloth.
"Bathe her forehead at regular intervals. Wake me up if her temperature gets any higher," said Tom.
Chakotay dipped the cloth into the water, squeezed it out and patted her head. She started to get restless and murmur.
"Stay away - can't help it. Hurt him to get to me. Have to escape. Won't let us leave."
Chakotay tried to soothe her, "We escaped Kathryn. You are safe now back on the Javert. Nobody will hurt you."
She started to move around which was difficult because she was lying on a table. He mopped her brow again but it didn't calm her down. She opened her eyes but she wasn't awake. She was reliving her time in the prison.
You are the toughest, most frustrating woman I know. You are self-opinionated, brave and strong. I won't lose you now. Hang in there until we find a Doctor."
Chakotay lifted the dressing to check the wound. There was a large patch of inflamed skin spreading out from the wound.
She was sweating and her skin was radiating heat. Chakotay took her temperature. He frowned when he read the result - it was 104 now.
Chakotay loosened her clothing then used the damp cloth to cool her down.
He sat down beside her to keep watch. He had an irrational thought that she wouldn't succumb to the fever if he stayed with her.
"You are driving me crazy - all I can think about is you. You lost your ship and crew but you never gave up. You've treated all our misadventures as minor obstacles - even our imprisonment."
He heard a croaky voice behind him.
"Chakotay - what happened? It feels like a rhino kicked me in the back."
"The guards shot you in the back as we boarded the ship. They poisoned the bullet.
She closed her eyes and lost consciousness again.
Chakotay brushed her hair away from her face. He slumped into his chair. It was going to be a long night.
Scene 3
Astra was the first one awake. She went straight to the galley to check on Kathryn's condition. Chakotay was asleep in the chair with his head resting on the table.
Astra shook him, "Go to bed Captain - I will stay with her.
He stood up and rubbed his eyes:
"What time is it?" asked Chakotay.
"08:00 hours - you've been awake all night," replied Astra.
"Wake me immediately if her condition deteriorates," ordered Chakotay.
"Aye Captain!"
Astra knew that Chakotay was in love with her friend. He would fight all the way to keep her alive.
Tom was brushing his teeth when he saw Chakotay stumble back to his bunk.
"How is she?" asked Tom.
"She regained consciousness for a brief moment. Her temperature kept spiking throughout the night," reported Chakotay.
"I will check the medicines we rounded up for an antipyretic," said Tom.
"Wake me when we are in orbit around the planet. Work with Ayala and Astra to plan an assault on the medical facility. We won't give them the option to refuse treatment," ordered Chakotay.
Tom had never seen Chakotay in this mood. He could understand why Starfleet feared him so much.
When Tom reached the galley he checked all the drugs to find one that would reduce her temperature.
He took her temperature again and wished he hadn't as it had risen to 104. Her skin felt clammy and hot. She was moving about mumbling about the heat and the blazing sun.
"Can't we go any faster. We have to get her treatment as soon as possible or she will die. Her temperature is 104!" pleaded Tom.
Astra stood ready and waiting to help him.
"Give me something to do Tom" This was the first time Astra missed her powers.
"Take her clothes off and drape a wet sheet over her. When it dries replace it with another one," suggested Tom.
He picked up the hypospray which he loaded and pressed against her neck.
"This injection should keep her temperature down for now. She is running out of time," warned Tom.
They took it in turns to care for Kathryn throughout the day
Ayala was at the helm when he gave them some welcome news
"We are entering orbit around the planet Galatia 5."
Chakotay called a meeting to decide how to get treatment for Kathryn.
"I've scanned the planet and the resources for the miners are primitive," reported Chakotay.
"What about security?" asked Ayala.
Chakotay replied "As you would expect. Heavy security around the mine and non-existent where the miners live and socialise."
"Have we located the medical centre?" enquired B'Elanna.
"I have it narrowed down to two buildings. I need eyes on the ground to confirm a location and security measures.
"I'll go!" shouted B'Elanna, Tom, Astra and Ayala.
Scene 4
Ayala and B'Elanna were the lucky ones ordered to teleport to the planet surface. All around them was desolate with a gritty heavy red sand. The heat was energy sapping and the local area was barren and dry. They covered their noses so the sand didn't get into their mouths and noses.
They didn't take long to find the medical centre because it was right in front of them. Ayala spotted a rock where they could hide and observe the building. They thought it was a harsh environment until they saw the sand swirls created by the wind currents. The sand coated any skin left uncovered. Neither of them expected luxury but this planet was bleak. There was a loud booming noise which made the ground shake.
"They must be using primitive explosives," commented Ayala.
"I have a plan to get Chakotay the intel he needs and spend as little time possible on this arid rock," said B'Elanna.
She took her knife out of an ankle sheath, rolled up her trousers and sliced her leg open.
Ayala jumped up, "You crazy Klingon - what did you do that for?"
He took off his shirt and pressed it against the wound.
"You can take me to the Medical Centre and tell them we're new recruits. Chakotay had already added us to the workers' manifest. We can find all the intel we need from the inside," said B'Elanna.
"Good plan but you could have warned me and you owe me a new shirt. Chakotay won't be happy if I bring his engineer back in pieces," warned Ayala.
Ayala applied a tourniquet to B'Elanna's leg, "Put your arms around my neck and I'll carry you to the centre."
After he had walked halfway there he started to complain.
"Have you been eating more recently?" asked Ayala.
"Watch yourself, I can still kick your ass with one leg. I am an expert in unarmed combat," replied B'Elanna.
"I will have to put you down to make it look more realistic. Put your arm around my neck so I can support you," said Ayala.
A nurse ran to find wheelchair as soon as they entered the reception area.
"We weren't informed of any mining accidents this morning," declared the irate nurse.
"We only started today. My friend tripped and cut herself. We were about to step into the cage for our first shift," explained Ayala.
"We don't have a working dermal regenerator so we will have to use old-fashioned medicine."
Ayala asked, "How long will her treatment take. I have to inform the boss."
"We have a doctor in charge of the night shift. I would like him to have a look at your friend's injury. Most accidents occur at night here as It gets very cold at nightfall. The blasted sand on this planet gets everywhere," said the nurse.
The nurse uncovered B'Elanna's leg and winced.
"You must have fallen on something sharp, the edges are clean with no tearing."
After irrigating the wound she put a clean dressing on and bandaged it. After she cleared everything away the nurse made her comfortable in bed in the ward.
"Would you like something to eat my dear? We have a replicator to provide all your dietary needs."
"No thank you, ma'am," replied B'Elanna.
As soon as the nurse left Ayala went outside to contact the ship.
Chakotay didn't wait for an explanation: "Where are you? We thought they killed you when your life signs disappeared.
"B'Elanna has morphed into a Klingon warrior. She slashed her own leg with one of her sharpest knives."
"Have they locked up that crazy woman yet?" laughed Chakotay.
"Even better they are treating her in the Medical Centre. I am standing outside there now. I can upload a floor plan and any security issues. Their Doctor will arrive at dusk. I will let you know as soon as he is here."
"Keep everything sharp away from B'Elanna?" asked Chakotay.
"I'm not that brave Captain," joked Ayala.
"Report at your normal times - see you soon."
Ayala was glad that he'd finished the conversation because the nurse came out to join him.
"It was bad luck your friend hurt herself on her first day," commented the nurse.
"She is always hurting herself. Her species likes to play rough!" joked Ayala." He was glad that BElanna couldn't hear him.
"Aren't you worried being out here all on your own?" asked Ayala.
"The mining bosses don't worry about our safety. We have a panic button but the security guards take their time responding to it," explained the nurse.
"Are they armed?" enquired Ayala, "I need to know that my friend is safe here."
The nurse responded, "As you know this is a latinum mine. Nobody has even attempted a robbery. The guards shoot to kill then ask questions."
"That is good to know - you can't be too careful with all the Space Pirates around," said Ayala.
When she returned to the ward, Ayala contacted the ship and updated Chakotay.
"Find the panic button and disable it as soon as possible," ordered Chakotay. "We will have to get in and out as soon as possible. On your signal, we will transport Kathryn to the Clinic."
"What happens if they refuse to co-operate?" asked Ayala.
"We will convince them to treat Kathryn otherwise I will shoot them." threatened Chakotay.
Ayala had never seen Chakotay in this mood before. He knew that his Captain was in love with Kathryn. He couldn't understand why he didn't act on his feelings. They were a long way from Starfleet and all their rules and regulations.
Ayala returned to the ward and relayed Chakotay's orders to B'Elanna. The nurse popped her head around the door:
"I've received a message from the Doctor. He is about an hour away. You shouldn't have to wait much longer."
"Thank you, Ma'am," said B'Elanna through gritted teeth. Smiling all the time made her face hurt.
After the nurse disappeared B'Elanna jumped off the bed:
"I hope the Doctor comes soon. All this inactivity is driving me crazy."
"Get back in bed or they will know something is wrong. I've sent a message to the ship so we have to wait for their arrival," ordered Ayala.
"I know but it's not you who has to lie here smiling at everyone. I have used muscles in my face that no Klingon has ever used before," moaned B'Elanna.
I am going to wait outside so I can signal the ship as soon as the Doctor arrives.
Scene 5
The Doctor arrived in a mine transport shuttle. He was in his late thirties but he looked as though he did some fitness training. He was as tall as Ayala with blonde hair and blue eyes which matched his skin colour.
He was on his guard when he saw Ayala loitering outside:
"I haven't seen you before. Have you started work in the mine recently?" asked the Doctor.
"This is my first day Sir. I came with my friend who needs medical treatment," replied Ayala. He was trying to appear non-threatening as he didn't want him to raise the alarm.
"Are you happy with his treatment?" asked the Doctor.
"My friend is a female. We are very happy with her care and treatment," agreed Ayala."
The Doctor looked at his watch, "Give me fifteen minutes to shower and change then I'll be with you."
Ayala waited, then he signalled Chakotay, "He has arrived - see you soon.
Ayala took his weapons out of the case he carried. He checked to make sure that they were ready and put his knives in their sheaths. B'Elanna was preparing for a fight as well.
"I hope the Doctor is a sensible man so nobody has to get hurt," commented Ayala.
Scene 6
Chakotay transported to the small ward with Kathryn and Astra. They made Kathryn comfortable then Astra and Chakotay waited on either side of the door.
The Doctor pushed the door open.
"Don't attract attention or it will be the last thing you do," whispered Chakotay. He aimed his phaser straight at the Doctor's head.
He ordered Astra and Ayala to stand guard at the door, "Let me know as soon as you see someone heading this way."
He turned his attention to the Doctor, who was very calm considering the situation he was in.
"Aliens shot my friend. When we tried to help her we discovered the bullet contained a poison," explained Chakotay.
"Let me examine the patient then I can make an assessment. Then I can tell you if I can help your friend," stated the Doctor.
Chakotay followed the Doctor's movements with his phaser.
"You don't need to do that. I am sure you can respond if I try to raise the alarm."
Chakotay dropped his arm as his muscles were getting sore anyway.
The Doctor gave Kathryn a complete examination.
"I have only seen this reaction once before. Have you and crew escaped from the prison planet Tyur'ma?"
"We landed on the planet to find somewhere to repair our ship. We didn't know it was a prison because we are from another galaxy. The authorities believed that we were en route prison. According to them we crashed the ship and killed the guards," explained Chakotay.
"They use these bullets to ensure their escapees don't get very far. Why didn't you try to prove your innocence," asked the Doctor.
"When the other prisoners started to riot. We used it to cover our escape," stated Chakotay.
"I can't help you. There isn't an antidote to this poison," swore the Doctor.
Chakotay raised his phaser again, "Make an effort or you will die. This female is an invaluable member of my crew. I need her to survive."
The Doctor stared at Chakotay to judge if he was capable of murder. The tattoo on his face made him appear more alien. He was a soldier who had followed orders to kill before. When he looked at the patient it was obvious that he cared about her.
"I need to access my computer to see if anyone has created an antidote yet. It is in my office," said the Doctor.
Chakotay nodded at B'Elanna, "Go with him and make sure he doesn't warn anybody."
When B'Elanna stood up the Doctor complained, "Did you injure yourself so you could con your way into my clinic?"
"Yes, so consider what I will do to you if you don't co-operate," teased B'Elanna.
She forced her phaser into the crook of his back to make her point.
Chakotay sat down by Kathryn's bed. He refused to give up on her. He hoped that the Doctor didn't do anything stupid. He disliked killing in cold-blood but he would do what was necessary to save her.
B'Elanna returned with the Doctor and she didn't look happy: "I double checked his facts. This poison does not have an antidote - it's purpose is to kill."
Chakotay looked as though he'd been sucker punched. He sat down by Kathryn with his head in his hands. He looked around when he felt B'Elanna's hand on his shoulder.
"Why don't you go back to the ship and I will sit with her?"
He smiled through his tears, "I need to stay with her - I don't want Kathryn to be alone but thanks for the offer."
B'Elanna, Astra and Ayala returned to the ship. They didn't need to stay as the Doctor sympathised with their plight.
Scene 7
The nurse came in with a hypospray, "The Doctor said it will make her more comfortable."
"Does the Doctor know how long she has left?" asked Chakotay.
"He believes she won't last until daylight," replied the Nurse.
"Thank you," said Chakotay.
The nurse felt sorry for him. It was hard to watch anyone lose their beloved.
Chakotay was experiencing a living nightmare. He couldn't lose her like this.
He held Kathryn's hand which was so cold, "I fell in love with you at first sight. You drive me to distraction but I can't imagine my life without you."
"Well you haven't taken very good care of her - have you?" hissed Q, "Now it's my turn!"
"Why are you here? If you have come to gloat this isn't the right time," warned Chakotay.
Q stroked Kathryn's hair, "If she had agreed to a relationship with me, she wouldn't have ended up here."
Chakotay clenched his fists ready to beat some sense into Q.
"It won't do her any good if we fight. We need to work together to save her," suggested Q."
"I will not sit here waiting for her to die while you provoke me. You are the almighty Q - why can't you save her?"
"We are not supposed to interfere in the life of mortals. I can save her but it will come at a price!"
"I will accept whatever conditions you propose - save her," screamed Chakotay.
Q held his arm in the air ready to click his fingers.
"You can never have a relationship with her. You will be her Captain and nothing else."
Chakotay had no choice, "Done!"
Q clicked his fingers and decided discretion was the better part of valour so he disappeared.
Scene 8
Kathryn began to stir. She opened her eyes and started to panic as she had no idea where she was.
"Where am I?" shouted Kathryn.
Chakotay leant over to reassure her, "You've been ill for a week. We brought you to this hospital for treatment."
"The last thing I remember is being chased by the prison guards then I felt a burning sensation in my back."
"That was over a week ago," said Chakotay.
"Why aren't I in pain now?" asked Kathryn.
Chakotay asked her to roll onto her back. He removed the dressing to discover that it had completely healed.
"It wasn't as bad as we thought. Let's get you dressed and back to the others."
Chakotay didn't want to explain this miracle to the Doctor.
Scene 9
After Chakotay left with Kathryn - Q reappeared. The Doctor and Nurse were waiting for him.
"Everything went as planned," stated the Doctor.
"Did they have any idea that you were lying to them?" asked Q.
"No, I'd already altered the records on the database as you requested," reassured the Doctor."
"Do you still want to leave the planet as payment for your services?" asked Q.
"After ten years on this rock, we have repaid our debt to society," claimed the nurse.
"I will be watching you. If I see you reverting to your criminal past you will wake up on this planet again,' promised Q.