MAQUIS - The Final Challenge
Scene 1
Q decided his final challenge would be to send the crew back in time to Victorian London on Earth. He wanted their last Quest to be impossible so he could keep Kathryn Janeway all to himself. Their quest would be to find the identity of the serial killer - Jack the Ripper. A mystery which had never been solved! He couldn't wait to see their faces when he told them.
Q clicked his fingers to teleport the crew to a deserted region of the Continuum. He didn't want the Others to learn about his new game. They were touchy about preserving the timeline
The crew were sick of dancing to Q's tune. Their current predicament was hard in the real world. At least trying to survive the journey home was their choice. As Captain, Chakotay had to make their feelings clear even though he knew Q wouldn't listen: "Q you've had your fun. Your other victims will miss you if you spend all your time torturing us."
"You may change your mind when you hear my last challenge. I am offering you the opportunity to go back in time to solve one of the greatest mysteries in Earth's history. My challenge is to find the identity of the serial killer - Jack The Ripper," announced Q with an actual fanfare.
Nobody spoke because they were all in shock. Q looked at each member of the crew in turn: "Why the long faces? Aren't you excited by the challenge? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Kathryn recovered first. She knew Q could be cruel. They were at his mercy so it wasn't smart to annoy him. He had the impulse control of a small child.
"It's an amazing opportunity Q!" said Kathryn trying not to offend him, "But we aren't detectives."
"Nonsense, I am confident you will solve this mystery. It is a primitive era and you will be able to use some of your new technology. Keep it secret from the Victorians so we don't pollute the timeline."
"Life in the Victorian era was hazardous - Whitechapel was a notorious area of London. What happens if one of us loses their life? asked Chakotay.
You always have to be the party pooper - don't you? If one of you dies then they will have made the ultimate sacrifice. The survivors will return to the ship to continue your journey home," explained Q.
"Why don't you kill us and get it over and done with," moaned Tom.
That wouldn't be very sporting of me - would it?- You have a day to prepare. I have provided every resource I could find on the subject. I will allow you three jumps in time. Choose three of the murders to examine the scenes at first hand - use your time wisely kids!"
Q disappeared with a click of his fingers. As soon as he vanished a table appeared, covered with books, old newspapers and a pad to write notes.
"He's lost his reasoning. He wants us to fail. He doesn't care if this quest results in our deaths," said Tom, shaking his head.
"Who is Jack the Ripper?" asked B'Elanna.
Tom replied, "In 1888 on Earth, there were a series of brutal murders in one small area of London, England. The press dubbed the killer, Jack The Ripper. Nobody has ever identified him despite thousands of investigations.
Astra wished she could access her full powers. This Q's obsession with Kathryn was putting all their lives at risk. She found it hard to believe the other Q agreed to this quest.
Kathryn sat down at the table, "Let's get on with this. We don't have a choice unless someone knows how to escape from the Continuum?"
The crew sat down, "Does anyone know anything about Jack The Ripper?" asked Chakotay.
Tom raised his hand, "I did a project on unsolved mysteries at High School."
"You're in charge," said Chakotay, without enthusiasm.
Tom knew that Chakotay didn't trust him. He decided to conduct a thorough investigation of the crimes. "We need to read everything on this table and make copious notes. Then we have to choose which murders we want to investigate at first hand," said Tom.
Kathryn knew that Tom had hidden depths. She hoped Chakotay would give him the benefit of the doubt. Everyone began to look at the information.
"There is too much information to look through. We should focus our investigation on the victims known as the canonical five."
Tom wrote a list and passed it around the table:
Mary Ann Nicholls 31st August 1888
Annie Chapman 8th September
{Elizabeth Stride}
{Catherine Eddoweson} 30th September
Mary Jane Kelly 9th November
"Q said he would give us the chance to look at three of the murder scenes so we have to choose well. I propose we focus on Mary Ann Nicholls, Elizabeth Stride and Mary Jane Kelly," suggested Tom. "We can look at the first murder and chart the progress of the killer until the last victim - Mary Ann Kelly.
Chakotay looked critically at the crew, "B'Elanna, Lam and Astra will not pass as humans. They can stay in the Continuum and compile the evidence we collect: "Kathryn, Tom, Ayala and I will go back in time. The Victorian era on Earth was a dangerous period so it wouldn't be sensible to risk all our lives."
B'Elanna knew there was no point arguing with Chakotay once he made up his mind.
Kathryn called Q, "We have decided which days we want to travel back to."
Q appeared looking smug, "I knew you would enjoy the Challenge."
He snapped his fingers to dress the crew in Victorian clothes, "Do you have a precise date and time you wish to arrive at?"
Tom replied, "We want to arrive outside the Frying Pan public-house at the corner of Brick Lane and Thrawl street in Whitechapel, London on August 30th 1888 at 10:00 pm. Is that precise enough for you?" asked Tom.
"Remember children - you only get three wishes," said Q, right before he clicked his fingers.
Scene 2 - Mary Ann Nichols
Chakotay felt icy cold water dripping down his neck. He was startled by a clap of thunder.
"I didn't realise it would smell like this" moaned Tom. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and pressed it to his nose.
They were standing in front of the door to the Public House stopping the customers from entering. Some of the gentlemen were starting to get irate.
"We should go in and ask for some rooms," said Tom, "While we can still walk."
Chakotay noticed they were causing a stir. He opened the door and held it for Kathryn, followed by Ayala and Tom. When they entered the room every man stared at Kathryn. Chakotay put his arm around her and stared defiantly at every man in there. His height and build convinced them not to try their luck.
Ayala approached the man standing behind the bar. "Can we have four tankards of ale please and two rooms for a couple of nights."
"Are you sure you want to stop here?. This is not a suitable establishment for a lady, Sir." whispered the barman.
"Our carriage lost a wheel. I am sure our travelling companion will be better off here than outside in the rain," reassured Ayala.
"I will get the missus to tidy the rooms for you now. We will bring you up some hot toddies and a dish of eel pie for everyone later." said the barman.
The stairs proved to be a challenge as they were greasy and some of the steps were missing. When they opened the door of the room there was a large lady scrubbing the floor with vigour. She turned around to welcome them after wiping the sweat from her face on her apron.
"I'm afraid we only have one room, your lordship. My husband is a knucklehead who can't count. We have a stable outside which is warm and dry to offer the gentlemen," suggested the Landlady.
Chakotay took the opportunity, "My wife and I will take the room. My valet and driver can stay in the stables, Ma'am."
The Landlady was preening herself after Chakotay called her Ma'am, "Right you are, Sir! Gentlemen if you follow me down to the kitchen I will provide you with blankets and a lantern."
Ayala glared at Chakotay as he followed the Landlady down the stairs. He would have a chat with his Captain later.
Kathryn inspected the bed, "There are more organisms in this bed than on the bar downstairs." She looked at the floorboards, "I'll sleep on the floor, it will be good for my back."
Chakotay looked around the room, "I'll take the chair after I clean it thoroughly."
There was a knock at the door, "Sir and Madam are you decent?" asked a familiar voice.
Chakotay opened the door to find the Landlady carrying a huge tray. "I didn't know if you were hungry Sir, so I included a little bit of everything. She set the tray down on the table, "Good health! I've provided your servants with bread and cheese and some ale."
Chakotay took some coins out of his pocket and handed them over, "Thank you for taking care of us. I would appreciate if we weren't disturbed - my wife is very tired.
She pocketed the coins, "I will instruct a servant to stand guard at the bottom of the stairs. We will make sure the ruffians stay in the saloon - you can rely on us."
As soon as the Landlady closed the door, Kathryn shook her head, "You are a shameless flirt! That woman would have walked over hot coals if you had asked her to."
"Let's find out if any of this food is edible then we'll get down to some work," said Chakotay. He knew he'd have to face Ayala in the morning so he decided to enjoy the rest of the evening.
They both sat down at the table to eat. The quality of the food surprised both of them. When dinner was over Kathryn put everything back on the tray.
Chakotay pulled one of the pads out of the bag, "According to the records she will leave here at 12:30 am tomorrow."
"We need to identify her soon to make sure we are following the right woman." Kathryn checked her notes, "There is a description of her in the police records."
MARY ANN NICHOLS
42, missing 5 teeth, 5ft 2-3, plump - fleshy plain face
and brown eyes, greying, dark brown hair.
"You look tired - we should get some sleep," said Chakotay.
Kathryn looked down at her dress. "l will have to remove some of the top layers so I can lie down without causing myself an injury."
Chakotay realised what a dangerous situation they were in. The subtle lighting of the candles created an intimacy. Spending the whole night together side-by-side - within touching distance was torture.
"Would you undo the back of my dress please, there are hundreds of buttons," asked Kathryn.
Chakotay took a deep breath then he went to help her. "I don't suppose Q could have included a zip on this dress."
Kathryn turned around, "My goodness you're blushing - I should wear dresses more often. You should turn away when I take off the crinoline.
Chakotay took off his jacket and waistcoat. He hung them on the back of an old chair. Now it was Kathryn's turn to blush. She couldn't help noticing his strong muscular forearms. To add insult to injury he unbuttoned his shirt. Kathryn could imagine tracing the contours of his muscles with her fingers. She shook her head to get rid of those images.
When Kathryn lifted the dress over her head she hung it over the end of the bed careful not to let it touch the mattress. She slipped out of the petticoats until she was down to her slip. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate chignon. She took out the pins and ran her fingers through her hair.
Chakotay was spellbound. He couldn't stop staring even if he wanted to. He had to stop himself from walking over and kissing her until they were both breathless.
Kathryn picked up his cloak and handed it to him, "If you lay it in front of the fire you can use it as a blanket. She folded her cloak in half and placed it on the floor. Then sat on the cloak reading through her notes.
"There is a detailed description of Mary Nichols even what she was wearing that night. We won't have any trouble identifying her." Kathryn was trying to lessen the sexual tension in the air.
"We should wait in the Saloon and follow her when she leaves. We know which direction she will be heading in after she leaves this establishment.
Kathryn lay down and wrapped herself in the cloak. Chakotay was standing by the window trying to think of anything else rather than Kathryn.
Kathryn sat up, "Try to get some sleep. It is going to be a long day tomorrow. They discovered her body in the early hours of the morning - good night Chakotay."
In the morning they were woken up by someone banging on the door. Chakotay opened it to find Tom and Ayala and they weren't happy.
"I hope you were warm and comfortable last night. We were freezing and we had to defend ourselves against some determined women," said Ayala.
Kathryn walked past them to get dressed. Ayala was so stunned he forgot to moan. He looked at his Captain to sympathise. Sleeping in the stable didn't seem like such a bad idea.
When everyone was ready they sat down at the table to look at their research. There was a knock at the door so Chakotay draped his cloak over the notepads.
"Sir I've baked some bread. You must be hungry so I added some cheese and a jug of ale." said the Landlady who started to blush when Chakotay smiled at her.
Chakotay ushered her out of the door, "Thank you, ma'am, You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble."
"It's no trouble Sir for a gentleman like yourself. If you need anything - just ask," said the Landlady.
"We will need the room for one more night - is that a problem Ma'am?" asked Chakotay.
He handed her double the fee for a night's lodgings plus a generous tip. She hid her delight with the coins she grasped in her hot, greedy hands.
"Of course it won't be a problem, you can stay as long as you like, Sir. You can call me Ma." Of course, she wanted him to stay - he was overpaying for the room.
As soon as she left, Chakotay sat at the head of the table. We have to wait until after midnight to follow Mary Nichols. We will spend the rest of the day looking for information about her. There is a list of definite sightings of her before her murder. We need to identify her before tonight.
Here is the coroner's full description: Mary Ann Nichols 42 years old, missing five teeth, around five foot 2-3 inches, plump, fleshy plain face with brown eyes and greying dark brown hair
Personal Effects in Police Records: Layers: a brown linsey frock, 2 grey woolen petticoats marked 'Lambeth Workhouse', 2 Brown Stays, flannel underclothes; ribbed black woolen stockings; men's boots cut down to fit; in pockets, a white handkerchief, a comb and broken looking glass.
"The contents of her pockets were the saddest detail. Her handkerchief was white and she carried a mirror and comb," said Kathryn.
"What would happen if we warned her not to go out tonight?" asked Tom.
"You know what would happen. You completed the course on Quantum Mechanics at the Academy," replied Kathryn. "Our future would change!"
"Tom and Ayala visit the local Police Station. You are reporters looking for details about the Whitechapel Murders. We will make discrete enquiries about Mary Nichols in the local area. We will meet back here before it gets dark. We need to plan our surveillance operation," ordered Chakotay.
Kathryn used the mirror in the room to pin her hair up again. She tucked away a few strands and went to stand in front of Chakotay so he could help her button the dress. When he finished he draped the cloak around her. She pulled the hood up because they were going to walk around areas where she wanted to hide the fact she was a woman.
They opened the front door of the Public House and the appalling smell hit them. Kathryn was glad she hadn't eaten much or she would have lost the contents of her stomach. They walked along the Street to the lodging house. Mary Nichols would have been safe there if she hadn't spent her doss money on gin. Even though it was a fine day the warmth never reached the dark alleyways and courtyards around them. Small emaciated children stood in doorways staring at them with vacant eyes. Naked infants were splashing in the filthy pools of water underneath the arches. Their ribs jutted out making their stomachs appear concave.
As visitors from the future, the degradation and poverty around them shocked them. Kathryn stayed close to Chakotay. She knew the predators were out there trawling for victims. Chakotay's physical presence deterred them for now. They continued to walk as though they hadn't a care in the world. Kathryn was glad she had her plain, black cloak wrapped around her hiding her dress.
They continued their walk to the junction of Osborne and Whitechapel High Street. The streets were teeming with carts, horses, pedlars, barrow boys. Tradesmen and apprentices walked to their workplaces. In Whitechapel, the seedy underbelly came alive in the darkness. Even the public houses paused to clean up the mess from earlier. The hardiest slum dwellers needed some rest. A few hours to forget about the hunger, destitution and the all-encompassing need to survive.
After talking to a policeman, they found a Public Library. They paid the subscription and sat in the reading room to scan the newspapers. Chakotay found a reference to the Whitechapel Murders.
"I thought Mary Nichols was the first victim. This article details the murders of Annie Milwood and Emma Smith. They have already been murdered," commented Chakotay.
"Try to scan the article and we can take it back to the room to read at leisure," suggested Kathryn
"Stand in front of me so they can't see the glow from the scanner," whispered Chakotay.
Kathryn did as she was asked, "I didn't realise it would be so hard to witness the degradation and the poverty of this era. You read the history books but words aren't adequate to describe the horror at first hand."
Chakotay stood up and folded his arms around her sensing her distress. "We will finish this visit then tell Q we refuse to play his games any longer."
Kathryn sniffed, "I agree - we have indulged him enough. Let's get this over and done with."
They made it back to the Frying Pan to meet Ayala and Tom. The Landlady cheered up when Chakotay returned.
"I will bring up some of my bread straight from the oven with butter and cheese just arrived from the farm. Mr Barnaby broached a fresh barrel of ale to wash it down with, Milord."
"Thank you, Ma'am. I will be sure to tell all my acquaintances where to come for the best food and welcome in the East End." He pushed her out of the door as he was speaking.
When they were alone, Chakotay shared the information they scanned in the library. "We found a reference in one of the newspapers to the Whitechapel Murders. They aren't identical to the canonical five. Yet they are savage and show signs of a similar psychopathy. We will examine them after lunch.
The Landlady chose that exact moment to return with a maid carrying their meals. Everyone ate their lunch in silence. The crew were horrified by everything they'd seen that morning. Nothing in their century had prepared them for Victorian England in the East End.
Chakotay asked them to study some of the early Whitechapel Murders. Then compare them to the known Ripper victims.
Annie Milwood: On Saturday, February 25th she was admitted to the Whitechapel Workhouse Infirmary with stab wounds to the legs and the lower parts of the abdomen. She claimed she was attacked by a stranger but the police believed she was a victim of domestic abuse.
Emma Smith: On 3rd April 1888 in the early hours of the morning prostitute, Emma Smith was attacked by a gang at the Wentworth Street junction of Osborne. The dirty narrow entrance to Brick Lane. She was Robbed, savagely beaten and assaulted with a blunt object. She survived the initial attack and managed to stagger to her lodging house at 18 George Street. On admittance to the London Hospital on Whitechapel Road, peritonitis set in and she died at 9 am on the 4th of April. The Coroner's verdict was she was murdered by a 'High Rip' gang who preyed on district prostitutes. Following her murder, the police opened their file on the Whitechapel Murders.
"Annie Milwood had similar injuries to the other women. She could have been an early victim of the Ripper. He could have been refining his M.O.," suggested Tom.
"Emma Smith claimed her assailants were a gang, not an individual. Her injuries were different. None of the other victims was sexually assaulted with a blunt instrument. There was no dissection of her corpse post-mortem," detailed Kathryn.
"Perhaps the police should have been looking for a local gang, not a lone wolf," commented Ayala.
They employed an expert on gang violence called Inspector Abberline. Even he couldn't find a connection," replied Chakotay.
"We should try to get some sleep now because it's going to be a long night," suggested Kathryn.
The men slept on the floor so Kathryn could have the bed. Victorian London was bringing out their innate gallantry. Kathryn was woken by a loud, braying laugh and male voices. As it was pitch black outside, she glanced at Chakotay's pocket watch. As soon as she saw the time she leapt off the bed.
"Wake up - it's almost time for Mary Nichols to leave," shouted Kathryn.
Chakotay barked out his orders: "Tom and Mike, wait outside and Follow her when she leaves. We will go straight to her lodging house in Thrawl Street.
"Where do you want us to go when you take over the surveillance?" asked Mike.
"We will follow her together in two groups but change partners. Kathryn will go with Tom and I will join Mike," replied Chakotay.
"We'll try to follow her to see if she is being tailed but this place is like a rabbit warren," commented Kathryn.
Tom Read his notes, "If we lose her there is a sighting at 2:30 am at the junction of Osborne and Whitechapel High Street."
Tom and Ayala left through the back of the Public House so they could hide in plain sight. Chakotay and Kathryn went into the Saloon to identify Mary Nicholas. They spotted her at the centre of a large, noisy group of revellers. They were all impressively drunk but still standing. Mary was full of gin. The colour of her cheeks was a clue to how much gin she'd imbibed that night - her bottle never left her hand. One of the males kept trying to pull her outside but she was having too much fun. Unfortunately, her gin ran out so she agreed to a knee trembler outside.
When she disappeared out the back, Chakotay signalled Tom and Mike to wait. They didn't need to watch the transaction. Mary Nichols fell out of the alley and stumbled along the street. Ayala and Tom followed her from a safe distance. She was approached by a group of sailors. One of them backhanded her when she became difficult. They walked away cursing when they realised how drunk she was. They lost sight of her when she disappeared under an archway into a back alley. She was swallowed up by the darkness. Tom understood how Jack the Ripper eluded two police forces for so long.
Chakotay and Kathryn were waiting for them at Wilmott's Lodging House in Thrawl Street. Mary Nichols brushed past them and banged the door. They could hear someone grumbling as they unlocked the door. There were at least ten bolts released before the door opened.
"I hope you have four pence before you come banging my door. Or the hounds of hell are at your heels," said the querulous voice.
As soon as the door opened Mary began a charm offensive, "Barnabus, you moaning, old sea-dog - you know I'm good for it?
"Polly darlin', if you don't have the rope price - you can't stay. If I break the rules for you then nobody will pay me," said Barnabus.
Mary knew he wouldn't change his Mind, "It won't take me long to earn four pence. Save a space for me, Barnacle Bill."
To save her dignity she held her head up and managed to walk in a straight line until she was out of sight. She sagged to the floor and retrieved her comb and mirror. She used them to tidy herself up then walked away swaying. Mary needed to attract the attention of any males looking for company.
"We will follow her now so you can go on ahead to the junction of Whitechapel High Street and Osborne. Explore the area and see if there is anyone lurking with intent. Follow anybody who looks out of place. I know that's not easy here," ordered Chakotay.
Kathryn and Chakotay followed Mary, keeping to the shadows. It was difficult to detect any other followers because the lighting was non-existent. Chakotay realised there were tears rolling down Kathryn's face.
"Do you want to stop this! Call Q and ask him to take you back to the Continuum until we've finished," pleaded Chakotay. He knew she'd been through a lot recently. Q knew she was strong and independent so he was trying to break her spirit."
Kathryn wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, "We are watching this poor woman walk towards a horrible cruel death and there is nothing we can do to stop it. I have never felt so helpless!"
Chakotay gave her a hug and held her tight, "There would be no blame if you decided to go back to the Continuum. Q has chosen a terrible challenge because even if we identify Jack the Ripper - we can't save any of his victims."
Kathryn stopped for a second and regrouped. She spoke with her usual steely determination, "We have a job to do and we need to get our crew home."
They picked up their pace because Mary disappeared into an alley with a sailor. Chakotay and Kathryn stood in one of the doorways to wait for Mary to emerge. Kathryn saw a glint of light out of the corner of her eye. She tugged Chakotay's sleeve and pointed to the opposite side of the street. Chakotay pulled Kathryn in front of him and put both arms around her waist using her as a shield. It was difficult to see anything in the dark. The unknown gentleman was wearing a pristine white shirt. Chakotay buried his head in Kathryn's neck then risked another glance.
The predator was staring right at him. He never blinked. It didn't stop glaring at Chakotay and he knew why. It was assessing the best way to kill him. At the moment, he was between him and his quarry. Chakotay knew he was looking at pure evil and he could feel his fight or flight reaction building.
"Q get us out of here now or you will lose her!"