MAQUIS - The Last Challenge Part Two
"Humans are so dramatic! What did you think was going to happen to our beloved Kathryn?" asked Q.
"She attracted the unwanted attention of Jack The Ripper," snapped Chakotay.
Q began to pay attention, "Can you describe his appearance in detail?"
"The creature I observed wasn't human - It was pure evil. I felt a chill spread through my body as though I was being frozen from the inside out. I've faced many enemies but I have never encountered anything that malevolent."
Q asked Kathryn, "Did you feel you were in the presence of evil or is he exaggerating?"
"Chakotay and I were pretending to be a couple kissing in a doorway. Even though I had my back to the entity the hackles on my neck rose and I knew there was danger around me."
Q felt an unfamiliar emotion. The thought of Chakotay kissing Kathy with his hands all over her made him feel sick to the stomach. Was the Captain as a rival for Kathy's affections? He dismissed the idea out of hand as being ridiculous.
"You have experience of other species now you have begun to blunder your way across the Universe. Couldn't you at least identify this creature?" asked Q.
"It was dark and the entity was standing across the road. I wasn't sure what it was - it could have been male or female," claimed Chakotay.
"Well I can see your years at Starfleet Academy weren't wasted. That narrows our search down to males or females, living in the Victorian East End. That shouldn't take long," said Q with sarcasm.
"Whatever it was - it fixated on Kathryn. I knew if we stayed there it would have killed me and taken its time with Kathryn. She cannot join us on our second trip to Victorian London," declared Chakotay, "It's not safe!"
Kathryn's Irish temper erupted, "Have you both lost your senses? I know we visited the Victorian era but I am not a helpless female. I am a trained soldier and a Starfleet Captain. I earned my commission through hard work and determination."
"That creature's mission will be to find you and inflict as much damage on your body as the other females it murdered. It will be safer for you to stay with the others in the Continuum," argued Chakotay, trying to defend his decision.
"I will take your suggestion under advisement. We need to bring Tom and Mike back to the Continuum and join the others," said Kathryn.
Q looked at Chakotay to see if he would allow Kathryn to change the subject or continue the conversation. Q clicked his finger to transport Tom and Mike back to the others but decided to talk to Kathryn alone.
When Kathryn opened her eyes she found herself in a garden next to a water fountain. The sun was shining and the sky was a deep blue. There were flowers of every shade of colour growing around them.
Q was lying on a blanket laid out on the grass. There was a wicker picnic basket sitting on the blanket. Q patted the space beside him.
"Sit down with me and let's get to know each other without constant interruptions," suggested Q.
Q's timing couldn't have been more inopportune, "Are you serious? You have kidnapped my crew members. Sent us into a dangerous situation which will get us killed. Now you think it is the perfect opportunity for a picnic."
Q grinned, hoping his natural charm would lower her resistance. "Kathy I know you have been through a terrible ordeal. I thought you would appreciate a little interlude."
"Q, this is real life! We can't snap our fingers and teleport out of a dangerous situation. What would you have done if that monster had killed us?"
"I wouldn't have let it go that far. Anyway, he never murdered a male. The creature would have known you were out of place and didn't belong in that timeline," explained Q.
"How do you know so much about the entity? Do you know the identity of Jack The Ripper already?" Kathryn was sure now they were being set up to fail.
"We had our suspicions but we could never get any proof," admitted Q.
"Who or what was he, Q? asked Kathryn."
"The only Q who knows that answer is the Head of our High Council. She will not divulge any information to a lowly bipedal species like yourselves."
"If you want our help, Q you have to do better than that," warned Kathryn. She sat down on the blanket next to him and opened the lid. Kathryn decided to play along with him for the time being. She might learn something they could use when they returned to Whitechapel. She had no intention of sitting in the Continuum, twiddling her thumbs.
Chakotay couldn't believe Q had taken Kathryn away to a secluded part of the Continuum. He decided to focus on the job in hand and ensure Q had no excuse to keep her with him.
"We need to plan our next visit with more care. We were chasing our tails and missed everything we needed to see," swore Chakotay.
Tom took charge, "There was a witness to the initial attack on Elizabeth Stride. A gentleman called, Israel Schwartz, made a statement to the police. He described a second man standing opposite Dutfield's Yards. When the attacker saw him, he shouted, 'Lipski' and the lookout started to chase Schwartz."
"Why didn't the Police question this Lipski?" asked Chakotay.
"According to the records they did trace him but eliminated him as a suspect. Although Chief Inspector Swanson wrote later, 'The police do not suspect the second man although we do not know why this should have been,' read Tom.
"Did Israel Schwartz give a description of the man he saw attacking Elizabeth Stride?" asked Ayala.
Tom flicked through some notes, "Five feet, five inches tall, aged approximately thirty, dark hair, a fair complexion; a small brown moustache. He had a full face, broad shoulders. He appeared to be slightly intoxicated."
"We should wait outside Dutfield's Yard. It is impossible to follow these women through streets with no lights or clear paths," said B'Elanna.
Lam blurted out, "I volunteer to go back with you instead of Kathryn. I know it will be unlike anything else I've experienced until now but I'm ready for a mission."
Chakotay smiled at his enthusiasm, "I will give your request serious consideration."
"Could I have a word with you in private," asked B'Elanna.
Chakotay joked, "What have I done wrong?" B'Elanna had never shown any need for privacy when talking in front of the crew before.
B'Elanna moved away so nobody could hear them. "When you return you can't order Kathryn to stay here - she will never forgive you."
"I want to keep her safe. That creature fixated on her and it filled me with terror. I knew I was in the presence of pure evil," confessed Chakotay.
She had fought many battles beside her Captain in the past. He had never shown any fear of their enemies.
"She is a professional soldier, Chakotay. She gained her rank through hard work and determination. Kathryn doesn't need a knight in shining armour," warned B'Elanna.
Chakotay sat on a rock to centre himself. He needed to plan their next move.
After they finished the picnic, Kathryn lay back to bask in the sunshine for a few moments. Q smiled as she started to relax. He poured out two glasses of wine and handed one to her.
"Would you consider staying here with me? whispered Q.
Kathryn sat up and sipped her wine to give herself a few minutes to compose herself. She was aware of how dangerous he was and cruel if he was rejected.
"Q, I am flattered but I need to work. I am a scientist and an explorer. I know we are a long way from Starfleet but it hasn't changed my focus or goals. I am excited to be exploring uncharted space. These are the strange new worlds, lives and civilisations enshrined in Starfleet's mission statement," Kathryn hoped she'd won him over.
"The problem is there aren't any new experiences when you're omnipotent. I can experience them again through your eyes," said Q.
Were the Q superior if they couldn't enjoy the wonder of new discoveries. She realised Q wasn't a malicious entity. He was a bored, fractious toddler looking for a new toy. She would not volunteer as his new distraction.
"Would you return me to the crew, please?" asked Kathryn.
Q laughed, "You are helpless! I can do whatever I like with you. Who is going to stop me?"
Kathryn lost her temper, "I am not your plaything. I am a living, breathing, sentient, lifeform. I am certain your High Council would not condone this behaviour."
"How right you are Captain Janeway. Q knows he cannot keep you here against your will," announced Lady Q.
Q turned on her, "There is something wrong with you. You should try to get a life instead of stealing mine."
As usual Q, you miss the point. We have allowed your silly game to continue. We will punish you if this human female is not returned to her rightful place," declared Lady Q.
"How dare you censure me in front of Kathy. You barge in where you're not wanted or invited. Go away and don't come back! shouted Q. He turned his back on Lady Q and turned to speak to Kathy.
Lady Q was furious, "You have ignored me for the last time, Q. If you like mixing with your inferiors - I will grant your wish." She gave Q a triumphant grin then waved her hand and she vanished.
Lady Q sent Q and Kathryn back to the crew. Q collapsed on the floor. He groaned, "Why do I feel peculiar, weak and vulnerable. What is wrong with me?" He clicked his fingers to confer with the others but nothing happened. He clicked his fingers again and again until Chakotay told him to stop. Even he felt sorry for Q as he was embarrassing himself.
"What did she do to you?" asked Kathryn.
Q stood up and brushed himself down, "She removed my powers. I am as weak and ordinary as the rest of you." moaned Q.
Tom marched over and punched him straight in the mouth. "That is for every insult and dangerous situation you've landed us in."
Ayala rolled up his sleeves to go next.
"Enough!" ordered Chakotay, "Sit down, Q. Do we still have to continue the quests?"
"Yes, this quest caught the attention of the High Council. They want to know the identity of Jack The Ripper."
A scroll appeared in front of Chakotay. He unrolled it and read with disbelief, "The only way to return to our own timeline is to finish this quest. We have to take Q with us until he has proven his worth to the crew."
Q buried his head in his hands, "My noble existence is over! I will never return to my home. You should kill me now - it would be kinder."
"Stop whining!" ordered Chakotay, "We have one hour before we must return to Victorian London. We have to pick a location and decide how we are going to witness the murder without affecting the timeline."
Q didn't move after Chakotay finished talking. He walked over to Q and gave him a clip round the ear. "Pay attention Q! The only way to escape our company is to finish this quest." Q was sulking but he sat up and listened.
"We are going to witness the murder at the entrance to Dutfield's Yard. We will arrive an hour earlier and book a room at the Bricklayer's Arms. We can explore the area to find the best position to observe the murder without altering anyone."
"What about Lipski?" asked Tom. "If we lose sight of the murderer - we could follow him. Why need to discover why they eliminated him from the enquiry."
"Q, do you have anything to add? Your High Council expects you to help us complete the quest," asked Chakotay.
Q raised his head off the desk, where he'd been banging it during the discussion, "My existence is over! Find me a volcano and I will throw myself into the mouth."
Kathryn lost her temper, "You brought this on yourself. We are sentient lifeforms trying to survive a long perilous journey home. We are not here as your puppets to play with whenever you feel like it. Face up to the consequences of your actions or you will be stuck in human form for the foreseeable future."
Chakotay admired a woman who could reduce an entity to a schoolboy with her tongue.
"Trust me, with your mouth, your lifespan will be short," added Kathryn, "Pay attention! As Chakotay said, the only way to escape our company is to finish this quest." Q sat up at the table ready to take part with reluctance.
"Kathryn, Tom, Astra, Lam and Q, you are with me. Ayala and B'Elanna, you will research the last victim."
"We are ready," stated Chakotay.
They appeared in Settles Street outside the Bricklayer's Arms at 10:00 pm. As there were six of them they decided to ask for two rooms. It was noisy and the smell of cheap alcohol mixed with sweat was pungent as they entered the bar. They spotted Long Liz sitting at a table with a gentleman matching the description of the sighting at 11:00 pm. He was groping and kissing her in full view of the other patrons. She was staring at her gin.
The Landlord warned the man after complaints. "If you can't behave yourself like a gentleman, I will throw you and her into the gutter, where you belong."
The man muttered something under his breath but he didn't answer back. The Landlord was over six foot and well built with huge hands like shovels.
"Excuse me, Sir, I would like to hire two rooms. One for myself, my wife and her lady's maid. The second room is for my coachman, valet and footman," asked Chakotay.
The Landlord was sick of rich people slumming it in Whitechapel. They were all hoping to catch sight of The Ripper.
They made fun of the poverty and wretchedness of their lives in Hell. He asked for three times his normal fee for the rooms in the attic. Chakotay handed him the money provided by the Q. The Landlord felt guilty when Chakotay didn't make a fuss. "When we close up - my wife will bring you some late supper, Milord," offered the Landlord.
Chakotay clapped him on the shoulder, "Thank you! One of our horses went lame so we are waiting for another one. We needed to get out of the rain.
The Landlord's son showed them to their rooms. Chakotay gave the boy a shilling to make sure they weren't disturbed.
"We haven't got long before Elizabeth arrives at Dutfield's Yards. Kathryn and I will follow her while the rest of you find a place in Berner Street to hide," ordered Chakotay.
Chakotay checked the clock on the mantelpiece, "We need to hurry or we'll miss the first sighting."
Everyone fastened their cloaks and pulled their hoods up. The rain was beating against the filthy window pane so they knew the weather was foul outside. Tom, Lam, Q and Astra left first to walk to Berner Street leaving Chakotay and Kathryn to follow them.
"Where do you want me to go?" asked Q, "I should wait here for you to return - I'm useless." Q knew it was dangerous outside. He always had his powers to protect himself so he'd never learnt hand-to-hand combat.
"You will leave here with the others. Do your best to protect them or you will never return to the Continuum. The High Council gave me the final say on your fate after this mission."
Q glared at him, "I would take great care after this mission is over Captain - I never forget a face or a slight!" After that threat, Q left with the others.
"Why did Q want to talk to you in private?" asked Chakotay.
"He wanted me to stay with him in the Continuum. I told him it was ridiculous and I wanted to rejoin the crew. Q began to sulk and refused to send me back to my rightful place. Lady Q intervened which made Q furious. She had enough of his tantrums so she decided to teach him a lesson - you know the rest," said Kathryn.
"Were you tempted to stay with him? It would be a lot easier than our voyage home," asked Chakotay.
"Do you think I'm that shallow? Why would I leave the crew who saved my life and gave me a home and a job?"
Chakotay realised that he'd hurt her and had to make amends. Jealousy was an ugly emotion
"I apologise, I should never have doubted your loyalty."
Kathryn was still upset by his questions so she focused on their mission, "We have work to do. Elizabeth should be leaving the Pub with her escort now."
When they walked through the bar all conversation stopped. There was tension in the air with the threat of violence. Chakotay stood in front of Kathryn ready to defend her as the regulars were staring right at them.
"My husband would like to buy everyone a drink" Kathryn shoved some notes into Chakotay's pocket. "Pass these to the Landlord then we can get away," whispered Kathryn in his ear.
All the regulars crowded around the bar. Kathryn noticed Long Liz and her gentleman friend leaving. She tugged Chakotay's arm to let him know they had t. It was a welcome relief to their noses to leave the fetid atmosphere of the bar. They had to squeeze past Long Liz and her friend who were reluctant to leave the doorway. Two men walked by and shouted something about Leather Apron. The couple didn't want to attract attention. They moved out of the doorway and headed towards Commercial Road. Chakotay and Kathryn waited until they could follow them without being obvious.
"Where is the next sighting," asked Kathryn.
Chakotay took a piece of paper out of his pocket to consult, "11:45 pm outside number 63 Berner Street. She must have swapped escorts along the way. The description doesn't match our gentleman."
"Let's join the others. Dutfield's Yard is on Berner Street so we can observe everything from there. We don't want to raise suspicions before she meets the monster," suggested Kathryn.
Chakotay had a map in his pocket of London's East End in 1888. He worked out a route to enter Berner Street at the opposite end, so they didn't spook Long Liz and her killer.
When they arrived at Berner Street it took a while to find the others. Chakotay saw Tom signalling from the archway of an alley. Only Astra was with him.
"Where are the others?" asked Chakotay.
"I asked Lam and Q to focus on the man they called Lipski. It would be interesting if he communicates with the killer before the attack. It won't be long before Israel Schwartz arrives. I wish there was better lighting," said Tom.
Tom pulled Chakotay back into the alley because he could see two people approaching. Long Liz was with another man, who wasn't happy.
"I'll tan your hide if I catch you totting again. Do you want to get murdered like those other unfortunates," shouted her escort. He grabbed her hand and tried to force her to go with him.
Another gentleman approached them from behind. Neither Tom or Chakotay noticed him before.
"The lady said she didn't want to go, Sir. Take your hands off her and I will see that she returns to her lodgings," drawled the gentleman. He sounded bored and threatening at the same time.
The other man spat on the floor and stormed away, "She's not worth it. The only thing she thinks of is where to get the next drink.
"Thank you, Sir!" stuttered Liz, she wasn't used to people coming to her rescue. She waited for him to ask her for something. Her Ma taught her that you never get anything for nothing."
"If we move over by those gates there is more light so I can help you tidy yourself, Madam," whispered the gentleman.
Liz didn't want to go with the gentleman but he'd got rid of Michael for her so she owed him a free knee trembler. She followed him hoping it would be quick.
Kathryn watched her cross the road to her death. She could stop her but it would be catastrophic for the future. As soon as the monster attacked her she hoped they would return to the Continuum.
A man walked up the other side of the street. He fitted the description of Israel Schwartz. Liz started arguing with her escort because he was trying to pull her into Dutfield's Yard. Chakotay had a rush of blood to the head and stepped out of the alley in full view of Long Liz. The gentleman with Long Liz thought Chakotay was his accomplice, "Lipski, I need help!"
Israel Schwartz ran away because he thought Chakotay was going to kill him. He was a witness to the attack on the totty.
Chakotay and Tom ran after Schwartz to find out what he knew leaving the others to watch Liz Stride's murder. Kathryn knew there was something wrong. The man across the road was nervous and sweating not someone in the throes of a psychotic episode.
Kathryn started feeling uneasy and hackles rose on her neck. Her instincts warned her there was danger around somewhere. She scanned her surroundings but it was pitch black. She didn't see the hunched figure creeping up on her. Kathryn felt a stabbing pain in her arm and a hand wearing a black leather glove covered her mouth.
Everything went black.