MAQUIS
Scene 1
Kathryn wanted to keep running but Q had another plan. He stepped in front of his love to protect her from the Borg Queen.
"You have something which belongs to me. Hand the human over now!" said the Borg Queen through gritted teeth.
"This human is mine! I have a prior claim on her," announced Q. He tried to make himself appear less human and more like a Q.
The Borg Queen didn't understand why Q was protecting this female. "You do not want to start a fight over one lowly human. Why are you so interested in her?"
"You are out of your time? This is against our agreement," blustered Q. He didn't want her to know he couldn't defend himself or Kathryn.
"You are alone and I can sense that your power is low. If I end your existence your knowledge of my experiments on Earth dies with you," threatened the Queen.
Q was trying to gather his strength. He only had a small residue of power left. He knew she would kill him to continue using Kathryn as a lab rat. An unlikely angel popped up in front of them in a flash of green smoke for effect!
"You have broken our agreement. You will appear in front of the High Council to explain your crimes on this planet." declared Lady Q.
This angered the Borg Queen, "I do not accept your authority over me. You banished my Mother and Father from the Continuum without their powers. The High Council knew they wouldn't survive in real-time. They condemned them to death."
Lady Q stared at her without pity, "You are Q whether you like it or not. We are the guardians of the Universe. It is against our laws to torture and mutilate lower lifeforms for your own purposes."
The Borg Queen pointed at Q, "Why is he permitted to use this human and her crew for his amusement and pleasure? I assume this time travel trip wasn't sanctioned by the High Council," claimed the Queen.
Lady Q couldn't believe Q had put her in this position. She couldn't take the moral high ground as the Borg Queen was right. "Touché, we are both guilty. How are we going to resolve this impasse?"
The Queen spoke first, "We will leave this planet and return after I've collected two more samples. We will return to our timeline without any memory of this meeting." The Borg Queen knew she had one bargaining chip. This entity was capable of erasing her and the Collective from history with a wave of her delicate hand.
Lady Q considered her options, "If you renege on this agreement, we will exact our revenge.
The Borg Queen was happy to retreat to her lair. They had shared the same Universe due to this agreement. Neither of them could afford to go to war if they broke it.
Lady Q glared at Q, "If you upset the Borg again I will imprison you in a comet then send it to the other side of the Universe.
"I don't suppose you could return us to the ship?" asked Q - he knew he was pushing his luck.
"When you return to the ship, expect a visitor. You owe us a favour and we intend to collect," said Lady Q before she disappeared.
Scene 2
The whole crew returned to the ship at the same time as Lady Q transported to the Continuum. Chakotay enveloped Kathryn in a huge bear hug as soon as he set eyes on her.
"If you treat all the crew with such affection, I am waiting for my welcome hug." There was a stranger sitting in the Captain's chair. He appeared to be middle-aged with a pleasant homely face. His only extraordinary feature was piercing blue eyes like the sky on a Summer's day.
Chakotay recovered first, "Who the hell are you?"
Q replied to him, "He is Q! I struck a deal for our rescue. Our end of the deal was to babysit him."
"What is wrong with him?" asked B 'Elanna, with her usual tact.
"He wants to kill himself which is a crime in the Continuum," explained Q.
That flippant remark made everyone stop in their tracks. "Why would an omnipotent entity want to commit suicide?" asked Astra.
"Why don't you ask Quinn that question?" replied Q.
Quinn threw his hands in the air, "I am bored with my pointless existence."
Chakotay rolled his eyes, "We are not the psychiatric wing of the Continuum. Why can't they take care of their own patients?" he asked, staring at Q!
Quinn was indignant, "I am not a patient! I want to end my life because it has become intolerable. Immortal life is a curse, not a blessing."
"How can you tire of your existence when you have the power to do anything you want?" asked Tom, who voiced what everybody was thinking.
"How old do you think I am? asked Quinn.
"That's not a fair question," commented Kathryn.
"I am three thousand years old. I have nothing to experience for the first time. There are no surprises or wonders left because I have seen it all," said Quinn with a deep sigh.
"Why are you sharing your views with these primitive lifeforms? They won't understand you," said Q.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," remarked Quinn, "I can see why you find them so fascinating."
Chakotay didn't want any Q on his ship. He didn't want them to use his crew as puppets for their entertainment.
"I don't want either of you on my ship." snapped Chakotay and the crew agreed with him.
Lady Q appeared because she needed to place Quinn with a sympathetic species who valued life. This crew had experienced some traumatic events. They still kept fighting and didn't succumb to self-pity.
"Captain may I have a word with you in private," asked Lady Q.
She was asking rather than ordering which meant Lady Q wanted a favour, "Talk amongst yourself!" ordered Chakotay.
They moved the discussion to his cramped office, which used to be a cupboard. "Can I be honest with you Captain - Quinn is a mentally unstable entity. We don't want him to commit suicide. We need a sympathetic species to support his recovery. We need you to reacquaint him with a love of life," explained Lady Q.
"Why did you choose my ship? Were we the most convenient option?" asked Chakotay.
Lady Q looked at him with renewed interest. She could see why Q interacted with this species all the time and the Captain was very easy on the eyes.
"I can offer you and your crew a reward for your services," flirted Lady Q.
Chakotay knew they wouldn't take time off their journey. The Q couldn't allow them to alter the timeline. "Explain the reward before I agree to your proposal,"
"There is a planet in this system which is like Earth. The climate is sunny and warm. I will give you the coordinates so you can treat your crew to some shore leave. All you have to do is take Quinn with you," explained Lady Q.
Chakotay knew the crew needed some rest and relaxation. Life in Victorian. London had been brutal. This sounded like the ideal place to recuperate. Lady Q knew she was winning.
"Okay, we will take him with us. I reserve the right to cancel this arrangement if it puts us in danger or I lose control and murder Q.
Lady Q laughed, "Agreed!"
Scene 3
Chakotay ordered B'Elanna to scan the planet when they arrived. He didn't trust the Q after their recent history. Quinn and Q were sharing a bunk which wasn't a harmonious arrangement. They argued all the time.
"Why couldn't you find your own humans?" asked Q with a hint of jealousy.
"You can put a claim on sentient lifeforms," replied Quinn.
"At least I didn't have to make them feel sorry for me to get a place on the crew," snapped Q.
Quinn felt bone-weary! "This wasn't my idea Q. The others insisted I give these primitive lifeforms a chance to restore my Joie de vivre."
"Stay away from Kathryn and everything will be fine. There is an Ancient on board. You should have lots in common!" suggested Q.
Scene 3
After they landed on the surface of the planet nobody wanted to be the first one to leave the ship.
"I'll go first to test the atmosphere," volunteered Quinn.
Chakotay patted him on the back in approval. The ramp lowered causing everyone to shield their eyes as the sunshine burst through. Quinn stepped out of the ship onto the surface. The scenery was exquisite.
He wanted the others to share it with him, "It is beautiful! The only protection you will need is sunglasses and sunshades."
The grass was lush and waving with the slight breeze. There were different varieties of leafy trees as far as the eye could see. In front of the ship was a sapphire green, shimmering lake. The sun warmed the water and reflected off the surface. Snow-capped mountains on the horizon completed the idyllic picture.
The only object they couldn't account was a large container by the lake under the trees. There was a large note pinned to the side. Chakotay walked to the container with his phaser held out in front of him. The note contained glittery gold letters so he knew exactly who'd written it.
'As you have agreed to help us we thought you would appreciate some supplies. Have fun Children. Xx Q'
Chakotay decided to establish some ground rules. "We are planning to stay here for a short period to relax and recuperate from our recent ordeals. There will be a rota of chores but other than that enjoy yourselves.
Quinn walked around looking and touching all the trees and plants. He wandered over to the lake and sat down by himself to appreciate the beauty and peace of his surroundings. Q joined him because he'd missed the company of other Q.
"We gave away too much when we ascended. The joy and wonder of stunning scenery. Sitting by a lake listening to the wind and the wildlife. Although we are superior look what we lost!" confided Quinn.
"This corporeal form is heavy and slothful. I look forward to ditching this body and reverting to pure energy. How can you prefer this flesh suit? asked Q.
I long for a simple life with simple pleasures. I want to enjoy perfect moments like this." said Quinn. He pointed at the sunset, "I will die knowing that I've lived my last years exactly how I wanted to."
"It will be tedious because the Others will not allow you to keep your powers," argued Q.
Quinn shrugged, "I won't need them." He snapped his fingers and a lodge appeared behind them. Including a porch with rocking chairs and a log burner for sitting outside at night.
"Tell the crew they are welcome to use this dwelling. I am going for a walk and I don't want company," said Quinn, hoping he would take the hint.
The other members of the crew ran over when they saw the dwelling. "Did you do it?" asked B'Elanna.
Q shook his head, "No - it was all his doing," pointing at Quinn.
"Finally a useful Q," said Tom, laughing at the expression on Q's face.
"There are eight bedrooms - leave one for Quinn," said Q.
"Where has the container gone - it's disappeared," reported Chakotay.
Q went into the kitchen area and opened the cupboards. All the food and supplies were there. "I've found them," said Q.
Kathryn explored the bedrooms. They contained huge double beds with comfy mattresses, pillows and soft blankets. Everything you could need for a bath or shower was in a basket on a dressing table. A comfy leather armchair with a blanket draped over the arm sat in front of a large picture window. The scenery was stunning from every viewpoint.
Kathryn laid down on the bed and closed her eyes. When she woke up the sound of voices and laughter drifted into the room, rubbing her eyes.
"There she is! Quinn made dinner. Your timing couldn't be better as we are about to eat." said Q. The smell was tantalising: the aroma of cooked steaks with salad and crusty bread. There was a choice of red or white wine. Kathryn sat down at the refectory table and tucked into her meal. She was starving because she hadn't eaten for forty-eight hours. Everyone focused on their dinner because it had been a long time since they'd eaten fresh food. Quinn was enjoying the simple pleasure of watching the crew enjoying the food he cooked. They finished their three-course meal and staggered to the chairs in front of the log fire and collapsed.
"I've never tasted food that good," said Tom.
Lam hoped Quinn would share some of his recipes with him. Q stood apart watching the domestic bliss. Quinn was more successful at ingratiating himself with the humans. Everything he did was perfect. Q's jealousy was building. Why didn't the Others take Quinn's powers away? He hadn't broken any of the Continuum's written laws.
He watched Quinn slip out of the back door without telling anyone where he was going. Q decided to follow him as he needed to find out what mischief he was up to. Quinn followed a path which circled the Lake. On the other side, he entered a dense forest. He snapped his fingers to create a floating light so he could see where he was going. Quinn knew exactly where he was going because he knew all the pitfalls before he reached them. Finally, Quinn stopped in a suitable clearing. He snapped his fingers and a small hut appeared with a fire pit in front.
"You may as well join me Q, even though you weren't invited," shouted Quinn.
"I was curious about your need to escape from your new friends?" asked Q.
Quinn smiled, "Don't worry Q, I don't intend to steal your pet humans. They are delightful but I don't intend to stay. I have other plans for my future away from the Continuum."
"You know full well they won't allow you to leave the Continuum. Nobody has escaped and lived to tell the tale," warned Q.
Why Q, it almost sounds like you care - how sweet," cooed Quinn.
Quinn started a fire with a click of his fingers and created two comfy chairs in front of the flames.
"Sit down old friend and we can shoot the breeze," offered Quinn.
"It's nice to spend some time away from the children," admitted Q. He sank down onto one of the chairs and closed his eyes.
Scene 4
The lake started to tremble, large bubbles rose to the surface and drifted towards the side of the water. The orbs started to rise and grow into humanoid shapes formed from water. After a few seconds, a vibrant aquamarine emerald skin formed. After the water calmed fifteen unhappy lifeforms waited beside the lake.
The Wasser were an ancient species native to the planet. They could only survive for approximately six hours out of water. They were happy for aliens to visit the planet as long as they had no intention of staying. The creation of the lodge and hut made them nervous and angry. The Chief gathered his war council together. They needed a plan to rid the planet of these impudent creatures.
"Our first attack will be swift and glorious. The earth walkers must leave before they damage the ecosystem of our planet," stated the Chief.
One of the females voiced the concerns of the others. "We could live with them in peace. Why did they have to erect those repulsive structures? We wouldn't damage their planet by covering it in water."
The Chief raised his hand for silence, "We have to make them leave our planet. The Wasser need to warn other visitors not to settle here. How are we going to achieve this without harming them." The Wasser were pacifists who didn't believe in violence. Their defence involved using natural elements to achieve their goals.
The Elder of the group raised his hand to speak, "Why can't we speak with them? I am sure if we explain our laws they will demolish their dwelling and leave the planet in peace."
An older female laughed, "I remember what happened when we tried this approach before. The aliens stayed for a century and we had to use violence to evict them."
The Chief had heard enough and was sure he had the answer, "We will command the water to rise and flood their dwelling. They will be so frightened that leaving the surface will be their best option."
"What happens if they decide to stay?" asked the Elder of the tribe.
"Then we will have to take more forceful action," replied the Chief - he didn't specify how forceful the action would be.
Q hid behind the tree again. He was on his way back to the Lodge when he noticed the disturbance in the lake. As a Q he understood every language in the Universe. These guardians explained why nobody inhabited the planet - they frightened everyone away. Q walked back to the Lodge so he could consider his next course of action. He wanted to stay on the planet so he could get to know Kathryn better. Quinn still had his powers but he wasn't sure he would get involved. The Continuum banned the Q from interfering with the lower lifeforms. The only exception was if they were facing extinction. Q thought he had enough time to resolve this issue. When he stepped on the grass surrounding the lodge - every footstep squelched. The Guardians were starting their fight now. He could feel the water building under his feet.
The lake was expanding getting closer and closer to the Lodge. A large wave started to build at the opposite side of the lake. Q had to hurry in to warn the others. He burst through the doors and banged the doors of each room.
"Get out or you will drown," screamed Q.
Nobody believed him, "Q, we know you don't need to sleep but we do!" shouted Chakotay, "Shut up before I do something I'll enjoy."
Kathryn and Astra rushed to the window to check the lake. "He's right, get out - we have no time to waste!" shouted Kathryn.
"Head towards the forest - Quinn is there. I will explain everything later," shouted Q. He made sure everyone was out before he left.
The wave almost caught up with them as they entered the forest. The noise was explosive as the water crashed through the Lodge. The wood splintered as the force of the wave destroyed it. The water slowed down when it reached the forest. The trees acted like a breaker in sea defences.
Quinn was sitting in front of his hut enjoying the peace and quiet when he was rudely interrupted. He felt the earth stir under his feet. He closed his eyes and let his senses do the work. He laughed when he realised they weren't the only aliens on the planet. He'd heard of the water species but he'd never seen one as they were reclusive. He could sense they were angry but that wasn't the point. They were damaging his calm. Kathryn was going to be so disappointed in him.