The Colonel- Series 2- Sequel to the Colonel

by ray gower

Captain Janeway learns more about the Colonel and faces some home truths. Seven of Nines 'Involvement' becomes deeper and B'Elanna receives a much awaited proposal eagerly accepted. Of course catching the Colonel is one thing, keeping him is another

7. Greeks, Dragons and Beasties (New 28/3/0...

Of Greeks, Dragons and Beasties

Seven of Nine loses her mind. Mythology meets the future and big business as the Colonel and the Captain struggle to get it back...

Voyager and the characters aboard her (except the Colonel) in this story are copyright of Paramount. No resemblance is intended to any person alive or dead.

The story line and the Colonel are my own.

Constructive criticism and comments are welcome on e-mail story@rgower.f9.co.uk .

If like me you like to know why things occur like they do, I would heartily recommend you start with the Colonel.

This story is rated PG on the UK sensors ratings

©R Gower 2000

Provarich desperately searched for her mother over the fields outside their roost on Trelwa. Despite her excellent night vision and natural telepathic detection, she could not detect her parent. She must be in the next valley, she reasoned. Out of sight, she certainly was not the reason for her being disturbed.

She alighted in a tree to work out what to do next and what had actually alarmed her so much that she had considered it essential to flee the safety of the roost.

She had the distinct feeling that it wasn't safe to return home. There had been alarm tinged with fear there, she had felt it coming at her in waves.

Sub-consciously she started to preen her long flight feathers, getting them ready for instant flight again, using her hard beak to zip the fronds together as she held each one with her hands.

She started, the feeling was there again, stronger, naked terror was showing this time. She leapt into the sky again, circling to gain height, desperately trying to identify the direction of the feelings that seemed to bombard her from all directions.

Suddenly she heard her mothers screech. "Provarich, Flee!" she screamed.

Desperately she searched for her mother. She spotted her flying low and fast. Not her usual leisurely slow and silent hunting pace, but the speed prompted by terror. She could see her wings flapping in the short stabbing of movements of a racer.

She could feel her mothers terror now, it was sheer and naked, hitting her like a physical blow. Then she saw her twitch and bank to avoid something and drop from the sky.

"Mother!" She screamed in alarm, turning towards her and diving down to her.

Shadowy figures appeared by her mothers figure, they seemed wrong to her but she didn't stop to work out why. They knelt by her mother as she dived at them and seemed to inject her with something, Then she was among them knocking them over, lashing at them with her talons.

She felt something grab her bringing her down, saw something looming over her, then there was blackness.

She awoke again in a darkened room. Her arm was around something firm and warm.

Perhaps it had been a dream, the terror she felt last night, she thought hopefully, and Mother had brought her prey to eat. It seemed too large, even for her mother and father to take together and he had been lost many moons ago.

She was certainly hungry enough to eat something the size of what was infront of her after the terror she had felt, she decided.

She leant forward to rip into the things flesh with her powerful beak, but couldn't break the skin. In desperation she tried to rip it apart with her claws, but there seemed to be something wrong with them as well, the talons were missing, they simply scratched into the surface.

Panicking again, she desperately tried again, burying her beak firmly into the creatures neck and lashing at it with her claws...

The Colonel awoke with a strangled scream as Seven of Nine attacked him violently, burying her teeth into his neck and lashing at his stomach. Desperately he grabbed at her flailing arms, forcing them away from him with all his strength as her Borg enhancements forced them close again, then twisted, ripping her teeth from his neck.

He forced her onto her back, pinning her to the mattress, then desperately tried to lock her long legs down as they swung to the attack.

"Computer Lights!" He screamed as he finally managed to subdue the struggling woman underneath him.

"Seven?" He called quietly.

"Seven!" He called in alarm again, as she snapped at him as he leant forward to kiss her.

"Seven, what's up?" He tried again, keeping a more circumspect distance between himself and the snapping teeth. He could feel the blood trickling down his neck from where he had ripped himself away from the bite.

"Provarich! Let me go!" She cawed at him, snapping again as he leaned forward.

"No, I'm not. You might try to attack again," he reasoned. "Now what is the matter, Miss Nine?"

"Not Seven. Not Mith Nine," She rasped again. "Provarich!"

"Dreadfully sorry," he answered, sarcasm entering his voice. "You were Miss Seven of Nine, when you went to bed!"

It dawned upon him that there was a serious problem forming. "Computer. Site to site transport. Two to sick bay. Medical emergency," he demanded, risking grabbing a handful of clothing before the Computer could respond.

"Please state the nature of the medical emergency?" The Doctor queried as he materialised.

"If I knew that I probably wouldn't be here!" The Colonel snapped, struggling to keep control of the violently struggling blonde and put her on the couch.

"Miss Nine has taken a violent turn, tried to rip my throat out," he explained. "Keeps going on about 'Provarich' and claims not to be Miss Seven of Nine."

"Hold her down, I'll activate restraints," the Doctor responded.

"I'm trying Doctor," the Colonel hissed, still struggling. "But parts of her Borg anatomy are a damned sight stronger than me and she can be a stubborn bitch when she wants!"

Together they forced the still struggling woman onto the couch and the Doctor thankfully activated force field restraints to hold her down.

"She is quite safe now," the Doctor assured him. "You had better let me have a look at your wounds."

"Not until you've looked at Miss Nine, Doctor," the Colonel insisted, pulling on the shirt he had managed to grab. "I'm sure they are quite superficial, whilst there is something very amiss with Miss Nine."

"Maybe she has decided you really aren't worth the effort," the Doctor started cheerfully. "I must inspect your wounds first."

He stopped as his eye's caught the Colonel's glare that promised a violent end to him if he didn't comply. Even a hologram can be afraid for it's physical well being, given absolute and certain knowledge of it's impending fate.

He stepped back to Seven of Nine and started scanning her with a medical tri-corder. "There is a lot of activity in her Hypocampus, and there are neurones firing around that aren't going anywhere," he announced.

"Her what?" the Colonel snapped.

The hologram sighed. "Look it up?" He suggested.

"How do you spell it?" The Colonel spat back.

"It's the part of the brain that defines who and what we are. In Seven's case it is heavily influenced by the Borg implants, in yours by the fact you are a primitive ape," the Doctor explained quickly.

"Thank you. Now can you treat it?"

"It has happened before, with an infected Vehniculum," the Doctor explained. "All I could do was to suppress the effects for a while."

"Doctor to Captain," he continued to the intercom.

"Janeway here!" Came a drowsy voice.

"I think you had better come down to the Sick Bay," he announced. "I have Seven of Nine and the Colonel here. It looks as though Seven has had a run in with a Vehniculum again."

"I'll be right there!" She responded, snapping awake.

In her quarters she struggled into her uniform and raised the Bridge.

"Scan Sub-Space for any unusual activity, or Borg signatures. Tuvok to the Sick Bay!" She called heading for the door.

She reached the Sick Bay to find the Colonel sitting talking quietly to Seven of Nine and the Doctor in his Office working at the terminal.

"Report?" She demanded, bringing the Doctor hurrying from his Office and the Colonel hurriedly to his feet.

"Miss Nine woke this morning feeling like a Miss Provarich and decidedly peckish," the Colonel announced, rubbing his throat tenderly.

"The readings from her Hypocampus were going wild, like they did last time," the Doctor inserted hurriedly. "They seem to be stabilising, but it is not Seven of Nine."

"I've been talking to Miss Provarich nee Nine, Ma'am," the Colonel said.

"She claims to belong to the race of Carragh, or as near as I can pronounce it," he admitted. "It actually sounds more like the result of pushing somebody of a cliff. Still allsorts."

You've had experience of pushing people of cliffs? She queried coldly, uncertain whether to laugh or take him seriously.

Once or twice, Ma'am, he responded neutrally. And there have been a couple who I would happily push off one just to see the response.

However they are, or possibly were, a race of beings that had the capability of flight. As well as some more obscure abilities, including telepathy, at least some form of it. They could transfer thoughts and feelings between themselves."

"You have been busy," the Captain complimented him. "Anything else?"

"She is proving quite co-operative, Ma'am," the Colonel claimed, ignoring the compliment as she knew he would. "But it is proving hard work The universal translator is unable to follow her speech and I'm not the worlds greatest linguist, so we are using a mix of bad Pidgin and hand signals. Perhaps Mr Neelix or the Cathors know something of them?"

"Could Tuvok get to her with a mind meld?"

"She may accept it, Ma'am," the Colonel agreed. "I'll try and ask her. But she is very scared."

"Commander, care to meet our bird in hand," the Colonel offered.

"Captain, he asked me to repair his implant," the Doctor confided as the Colonel took Tuvok away. "I said no!"

"Considering how close they are, I'm surprised he hasn't asked before," the Captain observed. "But it might be necessary, if Tuvok can't find her. I don't want a heartbroken Colonel on my hands as well as our other problems!"

"Provarich?" The Colonel asked quietly, approaching Seven cautiously.

She watched him equally cautiously, as he presented his hands to her palms first in a gesture of openness.

He put his hand on Tuvoks shoulder. "Medicine Man, Friend," he pronounced. "He talk like you? No noise?" He indicated by tapping his head and hers then pressing a finger to his lips.

"Friend? Talk like Carragh?" She said slowly, seeming to understand the meaning of the primitive dialect.

"Is there a set of rules for your childish speech pattern?" Tuvok asked blandly.

"Either she will at least partly understand you and will let you try your meld, or she won't understand a word of it and she will object," He hissed back quietly. "You speak like you normally do and I'll guarantee she won't understand more than one word in twenty. Simply because I don't understand a third of it."

With those comforting words Tuvok approached the bed slowly and hands held open as the Colonel had. and settled by her head. She studied his brown face and pointed ears with mild curiosity. As he put his finger tips on her scalp she stiffened.

"Medicine Man?" The Colonel assured her, taking her slender hand in his and comforting her as best he could.

She did not relax, more, she grew stiffer as Tuvok began the required chant to allow him to join in a meld.

Suddenly Tuvok screamed and fell backwards away from the prostrate woman.

"Tuvok?" Called the Colonel, trying to release the hand he was gripping. She wouldn't let him go, instead she gripped harder, digging her nails into his flesh.

Accepting the fact she wasn't going to let go willingly and accepting that Tuvok was still moving, he called for the Doctor.

He arrived at the run, the Captain following closely behind. "What happened?" He demanded, seeing Tuvok on the deck.

"I think Miss Provarich had a violent exception to Tuvoks Mind Meld. She's locked her hand into mine and doesn't seem to want to let go," the Colonel explained quickly struggling to get her to release her grip.

"Medicine Garyach," she stammered. "Medicine bad!" She continued trying to explain in the broken Pidgin she had learnt and shaking her head violently.

"Okay, Duck. No medicine man," he assured her. "Could you let go of my hand, please?" he tapped it gently. She looked at him in confusion.

"Me see big Chief," he tried, again articulating with signs as much as the words he was using. "Tell him no Medicine? Me take you somewhere safe?"

She nodded uncertainly and he felt her release her Borg enhanced grip, allowing him to pull his hand away and shake some life into it again.

"Some more scratches for you Doctor," he commented, seeing the blood well up where her nails had dug in to him.

"I've got to have the link back, Ma'am," he said quietly to the Captain, leading her away from the room. "And I wish to move her away from Sick Bay."

"It's too dangerous," she claimed. "You saw what she did to Tuvok!"

"Tuvok's Mind Meld is intrusive, Ma'am," he pointed out. "He forces his way in because there isn't time to do anything else. We need to treat Miss Provarich as a frightened animal, let her come to us."

"It's still too dangerous!" She announced. "Perhaps the Cathors can help us."

"Perhaps they can, Ma'am. But if they can't then we are back at square one, with the body of a crew member and the mind of somebody totally different. The two can't live together," he urged.

"Why must it be you, what if she kills you?" She questioned.

"The first is a damn fool question and you know the answers, Ma'am. There is nobody else and I am in love with her. As for killing me. Well nobody else has been able to yet. But I would give everything to protect Miss Nine. It is only because of her efforts I've been able to accept the situation I'm in and not continuously look like the simpleton I am. If I lose her what have you got? A caveman with a big knife. Please, Ma'am. We've got to try!"

"There is some logic to the Colonel's arguments," Tuvok announced joining them. "I failed because I tried to enter her mind and she reacted violently, the Colonel has a rapport with Provarich and Seven, she may allow him entry. They have both proved capable of controlling each others excesses and the Colonel has also proven that he can control the power available in the link upto and beyond it's design criteria. There is reason to believe he could do so again."

The Captain considered the proposition for some time before responding. "Doctor, prepare for surgery. Tuvok, you and B'Elanna will concentrate on getting the implant operational again," she ordered. "I'll go and talk to the Cathors."

"Thank you Commander," the Colonel breathed gratefully.

"Your thanks are inappropriate," Tuvok announed dispassionately. "Your efficiency together is much greater than your individual abilities. Considering the level of your infatuation, the loss of one may well lead to the loss of the other for a significant period of time."

"Thank you anyhow, he claimed again. Doctor, I'm going to take Miss Provarich nee Nine, back to her quarters. Then you can have a go at my neck as well," the Colonel announced. "She'll feel safer there. I'll lock her in and try and persuade the replicator to feed her with raw meat. Then we'll feel safer as well."

He turned back to Provarich and gently helped her to her feet and led her from the sick bay back to his quarters.

"You safe here? You stay?" He insisted as he ushered her into the room.

He approached the replicator. "Meat red uncooked," he demanded. It paused for a moment and something shimmered into existence.

He took it and smelt it carefully. It could be what he asked for, he decided. It certainly seemed to meet the requirements of his guest, when he presented it to her, she bit into it with some gusto.

Satisfied that she would come to no harm, he took her hand and kissed it gently. "Me back soon. You stay, eat?"

"Me eat, Me stay!" She agreed happily.

He left her to see the Doctor again.

B'Elanna Torres and Tom Paris were together when the call came from Tuvok for her to report to Engineering.

They had spent most of the night planning for their forthcoming wedding. Strangely it was proving to be more difficult than they had imagined. But they wanted it to be perfect, even with the limited choices available aboard a ship.

Reluctantly she rose from her seat and headed for the door. The call was undoubtedly urgent, but she had been enjoying the planning of her big day.

"What's up," she demanded casually.

"We need to repair the Colonel's implant. I shall clarify the situation in Engineering," was all the answer she received from the taciturn Vulcan.

Making a shrewd guess she turned back to Tom Paris. "I suspect that the Doctor is going to need help. There must be a problem with Seven, or the Colonel, she called.

"Fine," he answered. "If I get the chance I'll ask him as we discussed."

Two hours later the Colonel recovered from the delicate operation that was involved with removing and replacing the Borg implant that had saved his life some months before. He sat up slowly as the Doctor fussed around him with the tri-corder.

How do you feel? The Captain asked nervously.

A slight buzzing in the ear and a mild headache, Ma'am, he reported mildly.

I can tune that out, the Doctor announced adjusting the implant. I've also made an adaptation so that I can keep an eye on your brain activities on my tri-corder.

You can turn that off. Now! The Colonel demanded, taking the Doctor's tri-corder from him. My discussions with Miss Provarich will remain as private as we decide to make them. I'm not having you tapping in.

I'll have to remove the implant to do it! The Doctor protested.

Set up on this tri-corder is it? The Colonel asked, laying it gently on the bed beside him.

the Doctor admitted.

Is it repeatable? Did the Captain order the modification?

I've not downloaded the code to the main computer, the Doctor admitted. And the modification was made without the Captains knowledge. It's a safety feature.

So nobody will mind if I do this then, the Colonel exclaimed, bringing his fist down hard onto the unsuspecting instrument.

There was a loud cracking noise and the Doctor made a despairing dive for it, before it toppled onto the floor. He was checked by the Colonel catching it himself. He shook it gently before presenting it to the shocked Doctor. It rattled.

Your toy Doctor. Don't try it again, he growled with real menace in his voice.

I'm sorry, Ma'am, he apologised mildly. I don't like people eavesdropping and there are times that they may not like what they hear and see.

She nodded uncertainly. I'll see if B'Elanna can take the circuit out after this mission is complete, she offered.

Thank you, Ma'am. It may prevent people getting the wrong end of the stick. I'll go and rescue my maiden in distress, he announced mildly.

What you did was a very bad move Doctor, the Captain admonished the Doctor harshly. He was only just getting to trust you again. Any action like that must be sanctioned by me and the person we are intending to do it to. Otherwise we end up like the Borg.

I'm sorry, Captain, he apologised quietly. It was meant as a safety feature so that if he got in trouble we would have a means of getting him back. I had no intention of using it to snoop.

After what you've seen of him in action. When has he got himself in anything he can't get out of again? She asked, smiling grimly.

The Colonel stood at the door of Seven's quarters and swallowed nervously. He was by no means certain that he could do as he claimed, but he was determined to try. He chimed the bell.

Who there? Came a voice from inside.

Me, Colonel! He called back. Me come in?

He opened the door carefully, uncertain of what may be waiting for him. She may have tried to get out herself and found the door locked. The anger and frustration that the situation would bring on was, he suspected, likely to end with him fending off nine stone of spitting hellcat.

As it was he found her sat, or perhaps perched, on one of the rooms chairs, regarding him cautiously.

Tentatively he reached out with the new implant.

I am sorry I've been so long, he thought. I had to get this implant repaired. Your predecessor found it helpful occasionally.

Her eye's opened in astonishment as she felt his thoughts waft towards her. She leapt to her feet and growled at him in anger.

I won't try and invade you, he tried to reassure her. But perhaps we can talk easier like this?

I know you are able to read minds in your native state. I think you can now see mine. I want to help you show me about you, he continued.

she stated eventually, gaining control of Seven's implants.

If you will permit me. I'll show you some of the ship and take you somewhere where we can see your world? He offered.

Take me home! She demanded.

If it is possible, he agreed. But we have to find your home and we need your help and the help of the woman you've taken over. If we can find her!

Not taken over. I am Provarich! The thought hit him like a physical blow and he winced.

Please, not so hard, he chided. The implants only just been refitted and I haven't entirely got control of it yet. I think we will go by the Promenade then you can see where you are?

He led her from the room, placing his arm around her waist in the natural and unthinking way he usually held Seven.

Not agreeable! She snapped at him and the intrusion.

I'm sorry, my fault, he apologised. Miss Nine often liked the close contact. May I offer my arm to guide you instead?

They compromised on holding hands as he led her through the maze of decks until they reached the Promenade. There she gazed out the window in astonishment, obviously she had never seen such a sight, the Colonel decided.

You see all those stars out there Miss Provarich, there are millions of them, he whispered. Awe inspiring isn't it and I want to find the one you belong to. We need your help to find it and why the body you are using is not yours!

You can find my home? She whispered back.

I hope so, he agreed. Come with me and you can tell me about it. Perhaps we can find something that others aboard the ship can recognise?

He led her away towards the Holodecks.

Now let me see if I can guess what your world looks like, he suggested as they entered. Computer display landscape, local plains, cliffs and mountains east and north, thick forest, deciduous, south, he demanded.

The room shimmered as the required scenery displayed itself.

How's that for a first draft? He asked quietly through his mind.

No smoke coming from them, she complained pointing at the hills. No homes either!

Computer make mountains into semi-dormant volcanoes add caves.

Again the Computer complied.

Ground wrong colour, she complained again.

What colour would you like? He asked.

He sighed, If you're sure. Computer make grass purple!

They kept it up for nearly two hours, by which time she seemed content with her surroundings and the Colonel's head throbbed from the effort of using the implant. Together they sat on the ground and observed their surrounds.

It's not what I would call pretty, the Colonel remarked finally. But if it is your home then I hope this will be a comfort.

Thank you! It is home, she assured him.

In that case we had better put some people on it, he suggested. Describe your mother and father?

No father. He was taken moons ago! she announced sadly.

I'm sorry, I never met my parents at all, he confessed. But we can create him for you here, if you wish?

Gradually she described her mother, with the Colonel interpreting her description into a holographic model as she spoke.

Again the process took several hours, but they finally sat back and admired it. It was a mixture of things the Colonel decided, humanoid in the fact that it walked upright, but there it wandered off in different directions. The head had fine feathers and a strong and vicious looking eagle beak, but were also replete with intelligent human eyes and fine ivory skin. It's torso was also covered in fine feathers and they led to long arms and legs. The arms ended in long fingers, tipped with three inch talons making up nearly a third of their length. The legs ended in the claws of a bird. A three foot long tail led from the base of her back, again it was softened by feathers, but still looked as though it may belong to a lizard. The crowning item was the huge wings that were mounted upon her shoulders, they glimmered gold in the Holodeck's yellow sky. He estimated they were a good fifteen feet in span and softly feathered for near silent flight.

If you take after your mother, then you are a very handsome creature, the Colonel admitted warily. You'll excuse me if I don't bring her to life just yet. I suspect she might become very protective of her daughter if she finds a strange man sat on the grass with her. I don't want to be disembowelled yet!

Now what else have we, he pondered. The other creatures, your prey?

They kept working for another six hours by which time Provarich appeared to be in her element and the Colonel's head pounded like a steam hammer.

I think we will leave it at that, he suggested at last. My head is killing me. Will you be happy here for a while whilst I see the witch doctor to get something to ease this head, or would you prefer to return to Miss Nine's quarters?

You are sick? She inquired.

Nothing that can't be treated, he assured her. I will need to bring some people in later to have a look and see if we can prompt a few memories, will that bother you?

No. Not if you are here, she agreed.

Good, I'll take my leave and activate your mother to keep you company. Remember she is only a replica I can't give her back to you, he warned. But perhaps you won't feel so lonely?

She smiled at him shyly.

He left to find the Captain and Tuvok waiting outside.

She demanded.

Please, Ma'am. Don't shout, he begged. I've a prize headache from the strain. Could I get something to treat it, then come and see you?

You've been with her for nearly ten hours are you getting anywhere? She demanded.

I think so, Ma'am, he responded tiredly. I'll tell you she isn't a space explorer. But I do know what her planet looks like and some off the constellations. I wish it hadn't been Miss Nine she materialised in, things may have been a little easier.

He leant into the wall burying his eye's into his arm as a bolt of pain hit them from his headache.

Go and see the Doctor and get some rest, she demanded gently. We'll reconvene in the morning to discus the situation.

Thank you, Ma'am. I recommend that nobody without a death wish goes onto the Holodeck. Her mother is a fearsome looking beast he sighed.

What is your opinion? she asked Tuvok as the Colonel staggered off around the corner. I know you are forming one.

It seems unlikely we will find Provarich's home world, he responded flatly. Or if we do it will be of significant benefit.

Do you think he doesn't realise that, she responded curtly. Have you any better suggestions?

No, Captain! He admitted.

The Captain gathered the Knights of Cathor and Neelix into the Conference Room early in the morning and gave them a broad description of the previous days activities. They now waited impatiently for the Colonel to join them. When he had woken he had insisted on going to see Provarich before joining them and had spent an hour with her. Finally the door opened and he stepped in with the blonde hanging onto his arm nervously.

You seem to have a way with young women? The Captain commented dryly, as they stepped over the thresh hold.

It's all a matter of time and patience, Ma'am, he commented coolly. As we are here to discuss Miss Provarich, it seemed appropriate to invite her to the meeting so she knows what we are discussing.

We aren't going to speak in Pidgin for her, she protested mildly.

It will not be necessary, Ma'am. I think I can translate most of it, he assured her, leading the woman to a seat and settling her in it before taking the one next to her.

You had better start? The Captain invited him. How far have you got?

First I'd better remind you that Miss Provarich is less spaceman than I am, he started to explain. She is also young and hasn't reached maturity for her species. So what I've got is a description of her planet. It's sun and the stars that shine at night. I know it will make finding it somewhat harder than we would like, but a challenge is what makes things worth the effort.

The planet is probably smaller than Earth. Certainly the gravity is lower, about 60% I estimate. The sky is pale yellow, it makes the two suns look slightly green. Temperature about average shirt sleeve, say about 70º Fahrenheit. The planet is largely purple, the grass is purple the mountains are purple and frequently volcanic. The trees are strangely blue. Miss Provarich claims there are large bodies of water, but doesn't know how big they are. They are drinkable and they are pink in colour. At night there are many stars, some of which they have named as star signs, similar to ancient Greek practice. In fact looking at a couple, they did look like ones I remember from Earth and the names are passably similar.

What are they? Kim interrupted.

The Great Bear and Orions Belt, he answered.

I may be able to get Astrometrics to trace them, Kim announced.

I hoped you might. You can have a look at them later, they have been modelled in the Holodeck, the Colonel informed him.

Now where was I? Ah yes! The creatures themselves! Miss Provarich herself, would appear to be similar to the Griffin in ancient mythology. Head and wings of an Eagle, tail of a serpent et al. They live in small family groups. Standard prey are creatures rather like Minotaurs, bodies of cows, head, chest and arms like humans. It seems they don't have everything their own way and the Minotaurs will kill them if they get the opportunity, sort of on going war. But every now and then somebody or something appears and captures one or more of both races and then disappear. It is what Miss Provarich thinks happened to her and her mother. They also have a number of Gods', for some reason some of them seem familiar as well. The head appears to be a deity called

Not deity. Real! Interrupted Provarich in her broken Pidgin. See her once! Provarich much scared!

He patted her hand comfortingly. Okay, a king pin called he agreed.

You mentioned a link to Greek mythology. Is there a reason? Do you know Greek Mythology? Chakotay questioned.

Very little, apart form the Trojan Horse. But I saw Hollywood interpretations in my misspent youth, the Colonel admitted. And what Miss Provarich has modelled for me downstairs bears a reasonable likeness.

Do you have any opinions? The Captain queried.

A few, Ma'am, he confessed. Though I don't think they will help us a lot.

Let's have them, they are likely to be as good as anything we have at the moment, she prompted.

he sighed. First I am almost certain that there is no Borg influence. In fact as something periodically takes a couple of examples, I am inclined to describe the place as more of a zoological park or breeding farm. He suggested.

The races are in themselves quite primitive and they maintain no real record of what happens. If this Hydra' exists I wonder if it may exert a telepathic hold on them, perhaps to keep them off balance a little.

How did Provarich get into Seven? B'Elanna demanded.

I don't know, he admitted. I was hoping that somebody else could give a better guess than I could. All Miss Provarich knows is that things went black and when she woke up she was minus a few important details. Like a beak that can snap iron bars. Claws that can dismember a bull and a set of wings.

They sat in silence for a couple of minutes as they reflected on what they had been told, before Paul Sant cleared his throat.

Captain, I know of a planet where they claim to have displays of incredible creatures. It isn't the world that the Colonel has described, but they may be able to tell us where we should look? He opined.

Where is it? she demanded quickly.

It is deep in Felongran Territory, he said apologetically.

Could we get there undetected in a shuttle? she asked immediately.

We would have to circumvent their detection grid and avoid numerous patrols, he pointed out.

Tuvok, see if we can jam their detection grid. Harry try and find this planet from the constellations that the Colonel and Provarich have modelled. Colonel try and find out more from Provarich, she ordered quickly. They are both long shots, but they are all we've got to go on with.

The meeting broke up leaving the Colonel sitting disconsolately with Provarich. He was approached by Tom Paris, who coughed nervously to attract his attention.

Yes Lieutenant, he sighed.

Colonel, I would like to say that B'Elanna and I will do everything we can to help you get Seven back, he started.

I have a horrible feeling we are clutching at straws in the wind, he replied sadly. But I thank you for your consideration.

You know the Captain has given her permission for B'Elanna and I to marry, Tom continued.

The whole ship heard the whoop of joy. Congratulations, I hope you make a real go of it, the Colonel affirmed.

You've done a lot for us. We were wondering if after this is over, you would be my support? He asked uneasily.

The Colonel stared at him. If you mean Best Man, the role should be offered to your closest friend, Ensign Kim, he pointed out mildly. If he refuses and I'm still around, then I would consider it a great honour to make sure you tie the knot in the right style.

Just don't guarantee I'll be available until we've finished, he claimed, getting up and offering his arm again to Provarich.

Come along, Duck. Let's see if we can find more icing for your cake? He suggested gently.

She took his arm again and they left for the Holodeck again.

Eight hours later the Captain held another short meeting in the Conference Room.

She demanded.

I have six potential systems that match the constellations that match those in the Holodeck, Kim announced in satisfaction. The Colonel claims that four of them are similar enough for Provarich to accept them.

I have calculated a means to render the detection grid inoperable for a period of twenty minutes. It would be sufficient for a shuttle to penetrate, Tuvok agreed calmly.

We've found the closest point we can reach to the planet that Marine Sant has identified. It will only be six hours in the shuttle, Tom Paris claimed.

She announced.

Paul Sant, the Colonel, Provarich and I, will go to this planet and on to Provarich's home world if it is reachable. Chakotay will take command of Voyager and render assistance if needed, she decided. This is a long range strategic rescue mission. It may be dangerous and may take some time. But we've done this sort of thing before and we will be successful, she finished with upbeat confidence she didn't entirely believe.

Set course and keep working to reduce the options. We launch first thing in the morning, she added.

She took the Colonel aside as the others filed out. We may not be successful, she pointed out. What will you do if we can't find a cure? I can't search forever.

I know, Ma'am. I'll keep searching. However long it takes. There is a cure out there, he responded flatly. I may have Miss Nine's body, but it isn't her without everything else. Miss Provarich accepts that and wants out as well.

She nodded, We'll search as long as possible, she assured him gently.

Ten hours later she was sat nervously behind the Colonel as he piloted the captured Valorian fighter towards the Felongran detection perimeter. She had decided to use the Valorian craft in the belief that it would be less likely to be noticed as a strange craft in hostile Felongran territory. She hoped she had made the right choice. Voyagers shuttles were faster and had better shielding, but perhaps the Colonel, with his better understanding of the strange crafts controls and grim determination never to be beaten, would make up for the differences, or at least she hoped so.

Coming into range of the grid, Ma'am, he interrupted her thoughts.

Voyager activate the power surge, she commanded over the subspace link they had established after launch.

Detection system out of action, Tuvoks voice came back a few moments later. Estimated effective time fifteen minutes. No sign of Felongran patrols.

She commanded

At her prompting the Colonel opened up the fighters engines for maximum thrust, sending the small ship hurtling through the gap that Voyager had created, then pitched the ship on it's course for their target.

For six hours they soared through the Cosmos, then the Colonel altered course and speed dramatically.

Small patrol detected, Ma'am, he announced, explaining his action. I think they have detected us, they have altered course. I am aiming to sit on a small moon until they go again, there is one about twenty minutes from here.

They're hailing us, she announced, flicking controls.

Unidentified vessel you have entered a restricted zone. Surrender or you will be destroyed, the speaker crackled.

The Colonel queried.

I don't think they will be very friendly if they find out who we are, she mused. Can we out gun them?

I don't think so, not without bringing more of them down on us, he admitted.

I'll try to stall them, she decided opening a channel. This is Captain Kathryn Janeway, we are explorers from another Galaxy, we know nothing of your Restricted Zones'. If you can direct us to a less restricted zone we will gladly comply.

Her reply was answered in turn by a plasma bolt striking their small craft.

Definitely not talkative, the Captain affirmed. You'll have to do what you can.

I'll try, Ma'am, the Colonel agreed twisting the fighter away and applying full power to boosters.

Fifteen minutes later they roared low over a small planetoid scanning the surface for a hiding place.

I think there would be about right, he suggested pointing at a small fissure in the crust. Find me if you can, you bastards!

Is it big enough? she asked warily, craning her neck to get a better view.

We'll find out soon enough, he announced, pointing the nose of the fighter towards the crack.

An alarm sounded, screaming at them in warning.

Vessel on intercept course, they're in range, she screamed scanning the instruments. They're firing. Avoidance manoeuvre Delta Foxtrot.

Where are they? he demanded urgently, as the shuttle rocked from the impact again. He pushed the ship into a steeper dive and span it hard. The next Felongran laser bolt passed them by a narrow margin, sliding below the wing.

Let me worry about how to avoid them, just tell me where they are, Ma'am. He demanded as he hauled the control column back to level the fighter as it plunged into the chasm.

Above at one seventy point three zero degrees, she claimed in chastisement.

Five o'clock high would do, Ma'am, he corrected her mildly, as he hauled on the column again to turn a corner in the gorge they now found themselves in.

There are three enemy vessels, she reported, gripping the console hard as the ship veered hard again. Two have entered the gorge behind us and closing.

He grunted an acknowledgement and opened the throttles wider as a laser bolt hit the rocks beside them, then just as quickly slammed the throttles shut again as a sheer rock face loomed in front. At the last moment another passage loomed to one side and he sent the small craft veering towards it, banking hard to avoid an overhang, before slamming the power on again. Behind them they heard and felt a terrific explosion.

One of our chasers has hit the wall! She claimed.

So will we soon. I need help. Can you map the gorge? He demanded, as he continuously juggled the throttles and control column. This is too fast! Again he thrust the throttles shut for another sharp corner, whilst weapons blast smashed into the walls around him.

The gorge ends in 400 metres! She screamed as soon as the scan lit the chasm infront.

He responded calmly.

Why does he always seem to become calmer the more serious the danger,' she found herself speculating. She gripped the console harder as she saw him open the throttles wider. Suddenly he seemed to haul back on the control column and opened the shuttles boosters to maximum, sending the vessel soaring up and over on its back then plunged back into the gorge again.

The pilot of the enemy vessel was slower to respond and it too smashed into the cliffs. The blast forced their craft tumbling, with the Colonel struggling hard at the controls to avoid the rocks that were flashing less than a yard from the ship.

Where is the third bastard? He demanded as he started to regain control.

I don't know, the Captain admitted. I had my eye's shut during that manoeuvre. You're going to kill us!

Never mind I've found him, he answered as the fighter entered a long straight in the gorge. He's dead ahead and coming for us. Weapons are hot. Tally Ho!

Fire One! he announced as he launched a missile from the fighters weapons load. Fire Two! A second streaked off.

Still he maintained his course heading directly at the enemy.

Impact four seconds, she screamed in alarm as they closed the gap. The missiles exploded harmlessly against the walls of the gorge.

The Colonel fired again using the fighters pulse cannon, Pull up you bastard, he muttered. Give me a nice big target!

The Captain closed her eye's again as the two ships came within fifty metres of each other.

Got you! She heard him call, and felt the pulse canon fire again, then an explosion.

You may open your eye's again, Ma'am, he announced a few moments later. He played chicken and lost. We are out of the gorge, but we do have some control damage. I'm going to land.

Nervously she looked up then around at the other two passengers. They looked back at her, their faces white with shock and terror. She suspected that hers was as well, she had never been anything like that chaotic flight through the narrow canyon and the whole fight had taken less than ten minutes, it felt as though it had put fifty years on her.

I never want to fly with you again, she squeaked in relief, then swallowed hard as she felt bile well in her throat.

Would it help if I said I don't want to fly with me again? He asked mildly, as he brought the ship to a hover then gently to the ground. When you've finished with the sick bag, it's my turn.

They sat and allowed themselves to recover for a full hour before the Captain could trust herself to speak again. I thought you weren't a good pilot? She accused him.

I'm not, Ma'am! He protested. But you would be amazed what I can do when I'm panicking!

She laughed nervously at him. You fool me every time, she giggled, then became serious again. How much damage have we taken?

Nothing serious, I think, but the controls have become heavy. The power circuits may have overloaded, he suggested.

Can we repair them?

Beats me, Ma'am. Wrong department. Miss Nine probably could.

She laughed again. I was forgetting, we are missing half the incredible duo. I'll have a look myself in a moment.

How are you two? She asked in concern, turning her attention to the two passengers again. They appeared to have regained some colour. Both had been violently ill, as both she and the Colonel had been, but had been silent all through. They nodded back weakly, showing they were recovering, if slowly.

the Colonel spoke quietly, he was reclined back in his seat and gazing upwards. What colour would a planet be if the atmosphere was yellow and the ground purple?

Bluish purple, probably. It would depend upon the density of the atmosphere and what it comprised of, why? She queried.

Would it look like the one above us?

She craned forward and stared upwards. It would be a million to one shot, she protested, though she had to admit the planet was as Provarich had described.

It is my experience that longer odds than that have a habit of occurring at alarming intervals, Ma'am, the Colonel opined. Should we have a closer look?

The Felongran will be looking for their missing fighters, she pointed out. But we may as well have a look while we're here. If it is the right place then I doubt if we'll be able to come back. How are the controls?

They seem to have improved, Ma'am, he confirmed. I'll wind the engines up again.

Thirty minutes later the Colonel swung the craft low over the planets surface. The plains were indeed a purple colour and the sky a pale yellow.

The air is breathable, the Captain advised from her seat. The yellow sky is actually the action of the suns on a thin vapour layer. How that got there and why it seems to stay there I don't know.

The Colonel trying to be helpful, pointed to a range of tall mountains approaching them, their heads hidden in clouds. Could it be because of those? He asked mildly, he brought the ship slowly into the deep valleys that ran between them and they peered out the windows.

I wouldn't have thought so, she stated.

Hydra's live here, Provarich suddenly spoke, her voice high pitched with nerves. Provarich feel her!

The Colonel tried to concentrate on the link he had between Provarich and himself. Apart from her obvious nerves he could feel nothing.

Do you know where she lives? He asked gently, using the link so as not to have to speak his bad Pidgin. We need to see her.

Stories say there is a wide valley in the centre of the mountains. I've never been there, she confessed replying using the same means.

Miss Provarich thinks Hydra is in the centre of these hills, Ma'am. I'll keep going, he announced. But slowly, he added for the relief of the Captain who was eyeing the walls closing around them again nervously.

He estimated they had travelled nearly fifty miles from their entry point before the mountains opened into a huge plateau. Around it he could see more mountains crowding it but the plateau seemed as flat as a billiard table. They pressed on further, in the distance he could see a small hummock jutting from the otherwise featureless plain, it appeared to project, impossibly, from the exact centre of the plateau. He felt something press down upon him briefly and the engines failed.

We passed through some form of energy field, the Captain called. Try turning us around so we cross it again!

I'll try, Ma'am, he agreed. But I'll have to find some speed first!

He pushed the craft into a shallow dive then banked it around in a wide flat turn before diving back the way they had come. Again he felt the pressure and the engines thankfully roared into life again.

I don't think we can go any further, Ma'am. It's getting dark. Permission to land? He queried.

Carry on, she agreed quietly.

Do any of your people live on this plateau? The Captain interrogated Provarich after they landed.

She shook her head furiously. Scared. Many guards! She claimed.

Captain Janeway looked back at the Colonel. This is your sort of territory, what do you suggest? She demanded.

We stay put, eat well, mount a guard and see what happens, he suggested mildly. If that hill over there is Hydra's layer, it's a good days march and there is absolutely no cover.

The question is are the guards inside or outside the fence and what are they if they can scare Miss Provarich's people? He confided. I wouldn't like to meet them in a dark alley either!

With your permission, Ma'am, I'll go and have a short shufty around and see if I can get some clue to both questions? He asked moving purposefully for the door. Marine Sant, cover me from the doorway.

He stepped out and immediately started to study the ground as he moved slowly away from the ship. They saw him turn and move forward quickly, then stoop poking at something on the ground, then get up and run quickly, following something on the ground. He stopped suddenly and poked at something else, then ran back towards them.

Get in, he called hurriedly as he approached. Miss Provarich's guards are large, heavy and toast things to a crisp!

The Captain demanded as he closed the door firmly behind him.

There is a burn mark in the ground where I stopped first, he panted. It was the start of a trail nearly 100 yards long and 5 wide. It led to a body. I think it may have been one of Miss Provarich's, but it was too badly scorched to be sure, and there is a distinct smell of napalm and petrol. The grass next to it was badly flattened, and there were several deep foot prints. They looked like lizards, but too big to be anything I can relate to, and I don't think they walk, so let's call them dragons for the time being! He finished the description of what he had seen and collapsed into a seat.

Anything else? She asked impressed.

Not that I can think of that would be helpful for the time being, except there is something not quite natural on this planet, the Colonel added.

They settled down as the darkness grew outside, each to there own thoughts. After a little while the Paul Sant asked, What do you know about the Hydra in Greek mythology?

Not a lot, Marine, the Colonel admitted. I tried to look it up in the ships archives, but I think we've given up on Mythology. The only thing that the films I saw seemed to agree upon is that she had bad breath and a multitude of heads, that would multiply if you cut them off. One suggested her hair was made up of snakes. Another suggested that men turned to stone if they looked upon her. None suggested she would be helpful. Not the best description to go into battle with, he admitted with a grin.

How do you think we can rescue Miss Seven of Nine's mind then? Paul Sant asked in incredulity.

Because I'm an optimist and as we are dealing with stories of hero's, there must always a happy ending, the Colonel suggested gravely.

What hero's do you look to Colonel? The Captain asked moving the subject away from the unknown.

I don't as such, Ma'am, he admitted. If I have hero's they'd be people you wouldn't expect, miners, mothers, nurses, ordinary people who do and care for humdrum things I wouldn't or couldn't do because I haven't the patience.

There are some on the ship that believe you are a hero, the Captain suggested coyly.

I'm no hero, Ma'am. I'm simply a soldier doing my duty, until I meet somebody who's better at it than me, he protested sadly.

But Heroes are famed for doing the impossible and you do that! The Captain protested.

Until somebody else comes along and does it better, or simply assassinates their character, the Colonel responded curtly. I came to the conclusion many years ago that hero's tend to suffer for their fame.

Is that why you dislike being commended in the logs? She asked quietly as a light coming upon her. You worry about the future and what they may say about you?

I doubt I'll be there to be hurt by what they say, he opined. But there may be others that are hurt. I couldn't live with that! Anonymity is much safer for everybody, nothing to try and live upto or down from.

I don't know if I'll ever understand you properly. I have a box full of cuttings and letters referring to your heroic antics, she claimed. You always seem to be sacrificing everything for what you believe right, but refuse anything in return!

Not true, Ma'am, he sighed. I am rewarded. It's the shy smile from a child reunited with its mother, or a farmer that is able to return to his fields, not the useless bits of paper. Destroy them please Ma'am, they aren't lies as such, but they tend to ignore the truth!

The Captain sank into silence, desperately trying to find an argument against the Colonel's dogged refusal to be considered as anything other than a simple soldier. She gave up the unequal struggle and simply asked, Could you sing for us? Something happy mind.

He replied happily, pulling out the inevitable flute.

Despite, or perhaps because of, their caution the night passed quietly. Nothing moved on the plateau's plain or came near enough for the ships sensors to detect.

Well at least we had a reasonable nights sleep! The Captain yawned looking out at the plains that stretched before them and stretching.

Aye, Ma'am, the Colonel agreed. And perhaps we will see the enemy approaching?

He joined her at the door. A good thirty miles to the Hydra's layer, no cover and no clouds, perhaps ten hours march, are you upto it Ma'am? He asked quietly.

She shuddered at the thought of the long walk, but managed to put confidence into her reply. Of course. It looks easy enough.

I'll ask again in a couple of hours shall I, he grinned back at the Captains false confidence. It doesn't sound far in a Star Ship, but it's a long way down here!

Don't you dare, she threatened. You know I've never walked that far in my life!

You'll cope, Ma'am, he assured her gently. Look for some close feature to measure your progress against and walk towards it. Ignore the goal until it's no more than a mile away.

Marine Sant and I will divide the supplies we need between ourselves. If you could look after Miss Provarich? He asked gently.

She nodded an agreement, grateful that there would be no luggage for her to carry.

They set off thirty minutes later with Paul Sant in the lead, followed by Captain Janeway and Provarich with the Colonel forming a rear guard. The Captain noticed his uneasiness as he constantly scanned the sky and their surrounds.

They crossed the energy barrier without interruption, though Provarich was nervous and needed the Colonel's hurried encouragement to get her through and continued on into the plain. Presently their pace slowed as the strain of the march started to take their toll, first on Provarich then on the Captain.

The Colonel started to sing, the Captain recognised it as the British Grenadiers. He had sung it before and had described it as a marching song. She tried to match her stride to it's steady beat and found it helped her. She encouraged Provarich to do the same and their pace picked up again.

They stopped for lunch as the planets two small suns reached their zenith and made walking too difficult to contemplate due to the heat. They sat with their backs pointedly facing their target.

Want to go home yet, Ma'am? The Colonel inquired of the Captain, grinning broadly as she eased her boots off her feet and waved her feet in the air.

How far have we come? She demanded tiredly, ignoring his goading and impossibly happy attitude.

Just under halfway, he admitted, still smiling.

She collapsed backwards in exhaustion, shading her eye's with her hand.

There's something up there! She announced, suddenly alarmed.

Where? How many? He demanded.

She replied. Between us and the larger of the two suns.

Keep yourself and Miss Provarich absolutely still, no matter what happens until the shooting starts, then run. But keep low! He insisted, without bothering to look himself. Marine Sant, is that toy electric sword of yours still working?

Yes Sir! He responded checking his sabre.

Move out that way 400 yards, lay down and prepare to give covering fire, he ordered, pointing in a direction and unshipping his rifle from his pack.

What are you going to do? The Captain asked quickly.

Give it a big fat target, the Colonel replied simply before getting up and sprinting toward the centre of the plateau.

He heard the creature coming for him but didn't turn to look for it. It started as a low hum that quickly grew in intensity to a screaming howl. As it seemed to reach a crescendo he felt the heat of flames burning his back and dived to one side, rolling on the ground and bringing his rifle up to fire blindly at the creature that was now hurtling over him. It's huge jaws snapping shut less than ten feet above him. The bullets ricocheted from it and he swore as the magazine emptied. He searched for and snatched another from his webbing and slammed it automatically into the breach, ready for the next attack.

This time it banked and came for him more cautiously, giving him the time to aim before firing. Through the weapons sights he sought for and found the creatures eye, reasoning that would be the least protected. He held his fire, until it launched another streamer of fire at him, then fired. He got off five good shots before he had to leap away to avoid the torrent of flame.

Again the creature soared away and banked back. Again he took position aiming for the creatures eye again. This time he kept firing until the flames were within feet of him, but his shots were having an effect. The creature veered away sharply with a screech, still sending out it's ribbon of fire. The flame caught his trousers as he leapt to safety and they started to burn.

In agony he rolled over the ground beating out the flames, then ripped them off with his bayonet as sticky streamers of a tar substance burnt through them and stuck to his skin.

His mind reeling he looked again for the creature. It was coming down on him again and there was no time to dive for his rifle to keep up the deadly duel. He braced himself for the last dive as it soared in.

Suddenly a bolt of energy hit it's head as Paul Sant joined the fray. He had watched in alarm as the Colonel had run from their lunch site and dived aside at the last moment to avoid the fire. Then in shock as he watched him kneeling with his rifle, waiting for the creature to attack again. Finally horror over took him, as he seemed to dive through the torrent of flame as his final shots did damage to the huge creature. It spurred him into joining in the combat, using his sabre as a blaster and aiming at the creatures head. The hand weapon was nowhere near as accurate as the Colonel's rifle, but the head was at least six feet tall and twice as wide, there was no way he could miss that sort of target.

He suddenly realised that he was now the target. He tried to settle himself as the Colonel had done, waiting for it to come to him while trying to aim his personal weapon at the creatures head.

The Colonel screamed in alarm as he saw the flames issuing at the knight. He dived after his rifle and started to fire at the creature again.

Out the corner of his eye he saw Sant fire once with his weapon then dive desperately away as the creature soared past him.

It turned and came back at them, but this time there seemed to be something wrong with it. There wasn't the constant deluge of fire, more like short spurts and it seemed to sway drunkenly as it flew.

It's hurting! The Colonel cried, sprinting to take position between the creature and the young knight to prepare for another attack.

Aim for it's mouth! He yelled. It's having problems lighting the gas!

Again he fired as the creature descended towards him, aiming as always for it's eye's. Over his head he glimpsed the bolts from Sants sabre arcing towards the creature.

There was a devastating explosion as the creature head seemed to explode. Without waiting he leapt away and ran for all he was worth as it suddenly stalled in mid air and came crashing to the ground. The blast of the impact threw him bodily forward over ten yards and he felt his back begin to burn as fragments hit his battle jacket. He rolled hard trying to smoother the fire before it got hold, desperately releasing the buckles of his webbing and tunic buttons, finally slamming both to the ground and diving away as the webbing exploded under his burning jacket.

For several minutes he sat stunned and dazed, simply watching his uniform and the creature burning in the midday sun. Slowly he took the sight in and let it register on his mind. The creature had been huge, nearly 100 feet long, he mused, heavy armoured scales on it's sides, yet the wings seemed too small for it to work properly, it's skeleton also seemed too regular and cross braced. He couldn't work out why. A he decided numbly.

Then he started to look for Paul Sant.

Marine Sant? He yelled. Where are you man?

He staggered to his feet and limped toward the crash site. He dimly remembered the knight diving away from the falling dragon, but not where he went.

He found him laying near the wreckage. He was laying on his back, a huge tusk from the creatures mouth pinned him down, passing through his stomach, blood oozing from his mouth. He knelt beside him and gripped his hand firmly.

We got him, Sir! the knight whispered.

You got him marine, the Colonel corrected him quietly. You got him. I'm really going to have to work out how that sabre of yours works. But why didn't you runaway properly?

Had to make sure, Sir, he responded, his face suddenly going stiff and white with pain.

I understand you. Save your lady, Sir! He hissed, then fell silent.

I will Marine, the Colonel vowed grimly and silently over the knights body, then closed his eye's as he felt them start to burn and said a silent prayer of forgiveness.

Captain Janeway watched in sheer mind numbing terror as the dragon soared down at the fleeing target of the Colonel. His command to runaway when the shooting started totally vanished as she saw him roll and fire at the creature, reload and wait for it's next attack. It could only be a matter of time before the inevitable happened and he was caught, then running would be a pointless activity anyhow.

One small rational corner of her mind also noted that the creature was too big to fly with the wings that it seemed to have, not that it seemed to matter the way that the jaws spurted dripping flames.

When she saw him struggle with flames it was only the paralysis of fear that stopped her from leaping up and trying to go to his aid. It was with deep gratitude that she saw Paul Sant take up the cudgels and allow himself to become a target

She witnessed the end of the fight as the two formed up together in combined and sustained fire, then buried her head as it exploded incandescently. When she looked again she saw the Colonel stagger drunkenly towards the fallen monster, then crouch down.

Come on! She hissed at the quivering form of Provarich. The threats dealt with.

Not waiting to see if Provarich followed she ran towards the Colonel.

Colonel, are you alright? She demanded as she approached his kneeling figure.

He looked at her numbly. This is what happens to he hissed bitterly. They end up dead because they are too dumb to know when to run!

Are you okay? She asked in growing concern.

Give me a moment, Ma'am. Then I'll dig him a grave, he answered regaining his wits again. I don't like losing men, but I'll get over it. Can you give me a hand pulling this steel tusk from him?

They stopped and stared at each other as things snapped into place.

I think you've got something to do while you're waiting, he claimed quietly.

I'd better treat your burns first, she decided quietly.

When we've finished, Ma'am.

No, now, she insisted gently, pulling a regenerator from her pocket medi kit.

He sighed and sat on the grass with good grace, so that she could get to the blisters that had formed on his legs and back from his burning clothes.

What are you intending to use for clothes now that you seem to have lost yours? She asked whilst running the instrument across his burns. Not that I'm complaining, she teased eyeing him up and down. It is an excellent body dressed in shorts.

My greatcoat is in the pack Ma'am. Your blushes are spared! He assured her, lightening his mood to suit hers.

Provarich approached nervously. Dragon dead? She asked timidly, reaching an arm towards the Colonel for comfort.

It's not a dragon, Miss, he responded quietly. But it is definitely dead.

Treatment completed the Captain wandered off to examine the remains of the dragon, whilst the Colonel turned his attention to digging a grave for the fallen knight. Of the two the Captain finished her examination first and she stood curious and respectfully silent as the Colonel finished his task and said a few prayers over the filled grave.

You still think I'm a trained killer, Ma'am? The Colonel questioned her suddenly.

Before she could reply he answered for her. Perhaps I am, but I'm not a good one. I don't like getting my people killed for the sake of the death of an enemy. Shall we go?

No, I don't! She claimed quietly. It's just you surviving and protecting others, she pondered aloud.

Mentally shaking herself back to reality, she asked, Can we still make the hill today?

It will be a little late by the time we get there and we'll have to get a move on, but yes I think so, he claimed checking the positions of the two suns. The day here is somewhat longer than on Earth, so there should be light until quite late.

They set off again, the Colonel still at the rear checking the horizons and the sky for any more threats, though he had no idea how he was going to counter it should it appear.

He had checked Paul Sants sabre and found that it was almost totally discharged and would require several hours to regenerate before it could be used again. Of his own weapons, his rifle contained no more than 10 rounds and the rest of his ammunition was in his webbing that was laying with the remains of the dragon. That left him with his bayonet and the sword strapped to his pack, neither would be a great help against another air attack.

In an attempt to gather more information about the potential attacker he picked up his pace a little until he was marching beside the Captain. What are we facing, Ma'am? He asked quietly.

It was a machine, she explained. Governed by an artificial intelligence, not an advanced one, but effective. The skin was an aluminium magnesium alloy and the engine appears to have been steel. I suspect Hydra' may be a similar creation, but who is behind it?

We'll find out soon enough, he commented, rubbing the back of his head.

He could feel it start to ache in a dull throbbing thud. Did I bang my head at any point, Ma'am? He asked quietly.

Not that I saw, but I shut my eye's, she admitted.

The question was interrupted as Provarich dropped to the floor, holding her head and screaming in pain.

The Colonel was beside her in an instant, cradling her head in his arms. I think we are under our next attack, Ma'am, he called, then settled to try and comfort the anguished woman.

Drawing deep inside himself he reached out with the implant trying to shield her from the pressure he could feel building inside his mind. I can't keep this up for long, he hissed. Sedate her please!

Reaching for the medical pack again the Captain pulled out a hypo and injected it into Provarich's neck and she slumped into unconsciousness, still cradled by the Colonel. He gently laid her on the floor.

What do we do now? She demanded sinking to the floor beside him.

I think a little strategic rebalancing needs to be done, Ma'am, he suggested.

If we just take water and a ration pack we can reach the hill in a couple of hours.

What about Provarich, it's her we need to get there for, the Captain protested.

I'll carry her, he said bluntly. Miss Nine weighed barely nine stone, only slightly more than the pack I regularly carried on Earth, gravity is slightly less here.

But that was three years ago! She protested again. And she is not a back pack.

We'll have to see if there are any faults in my physical training programme then, won't we? He snapped, pulling out the items he wanted with him from the pack, then lifting the slumbering form of Provarich onto his shoulder.

Standing again he set off towards the hill at a smart trot. The Captain left with nothing else to do followed, quickly catching him as he dropped to a quick walk, then left behind again as he switched back to the trot.

What are you doing? She panted as she caught him for the second time.

Infantry step, Ma'am! He explained, starting to run again.

Twenty paces quick march, twenty at the double, he continued as she caught him up again.

Used to do upto eighty miles a day like this, he finished as she started to settle with his strange progress.

It hurts! She gasped raggedly as they slowed again.

The discomfort will pass, he assured her lengthening his stride again.

Grimly determined she ran after him again, but without the breath to spare it became a long silent journey from there on, as she concentrated on keeping up with the Colonel.

He stopped after three hours and she sank gratefully to the ground. Why have we stopped? She asked between ragged breaths.

Because we are there, Ma'am, he informed her impassively, blowing hard.

She was glad that his breathing was also laboured.

I'll go and see if I can find a way in, he announced. Without waiting for an answer he darted off into the growing sunset.

Idly the Captain examined the hill less than 800 metres in front, it looked about 300 metres tall, and impossible regular, without a crevice or boulder to be seen, unnatural, she summed it up, as was everything else on the planet. Looking back the way they had come, she thought she could just make out the little hummock that marked the fallen dragon, but couldn't be sure. It must be nearly twenty kilometres away, she realised, a distance that they had covered in just over three hours, something she considered unimaginable on foot except by athletes.

I'm going to enter you in the Federation Games, she mused as he returned, If you can do that all day then you're a certain winner in the endurance races!

Not unless you give them all a hundred pound pack and set the course through a minefield, he assured her cheerfully. I have found our targets layer and Madam is not at home at present. So I think entering now might be a good idea, before we are found in the open.

Wearily she nodded her head and struggled to her feet again, accepting his supporting arm for help, they felt so leaden that she staggered and had to grasp his arm again for additional support.

Fifteen minutes later they crept into a vast cave that opened onto the far side of the plain from which they had approached. The Colonel led the Captain quietly around the walls to the back then settled her down behind a number of crates.

I'm as much in the dark as you are, Ma'am, he whispered before she could get the question in. So I think we should wait and see what develops. If we can keep Miss Provarich quiet?

She whispered back hoarsely, leaning back against the crates.

They slept fitfully as the evening wore on into night then as the inexorable dawn loomed they were startled into wakefulness again by a wheezing and rattling. Cautiously they peered around the crates to see a creature moving into the mouth of the cave. It had the body of a giant crab nearly 20 metres wide and balanced on five legs as thick as tree trunks. From the front of it's shell were the expected two huge pincers, each a full 5 metres long and waving dangerously. But where there should have been two eye stalks were eight long necks, perhaps 3 metres long, each ending in a wild looking female head and face, their hair seemed to be freely moving tentacles that looked as though they would reach the shell should they ever decide to be straight. From the back was a long tail that arched forward into a scorpion like sting.

With hair like that, no wonder they look cross, the Colonel joked quietly. But it's lost a leg somewhere.

They continued to watch as it turned itself around and settled facing the mouth of the cave again, then it seemed to switch itself off, the heads and tentacles all lowering themselves gratefully to the ground. For a brief moment they thought that the tail would also drop to the floor, smashing into the crates that hey were hiding behind, but it too settled gently down on the floor and looped to one side.

Odder and odder. This is getting much too complicated for me, Ma'am, the Colonel pronounced. If these things are mechanical what is Miss Provarich? Who took her? What was her consciousness wandering around in the Cosmos for? He demanded quietly.

We're going to find out, she promised.

There discussions were interrupted as a door in the wall behind them opened and two figures appeared. Without the time to change their hiding place they simply cowered lower and hoped to be missed in the shadows. The figures moved towards and passed them, talking to each other, in the low level banter that suggested repair men comparing their lot.

That's the third time in fifteen days something has fallen of Hydra. It needs replacing properly, one moaned to the other.

With a little luck it will blow up like Smorg, the other commented. Security thought it was attacking an intruder, but couldn't find anything.

The first snorted, Probably one of the stupid Carragh's and it flew off again. They are becoming a nuisance, they should be replaced as well. We've only shipped two in fifteen annuals and one of those was faulty and had to be brought back.

The other seemed to agree and they walked out of ear shot. The Captain nodded to the Colonel and started to move towards the door that had been left open behind the two workmen. The Colonel followed, lifting Provarich as he did so and the three stepped into a well lit corridor.

Choosing a direction at random the Captain led them up the gently sloping corridor. They heard a sound ahead of them, something was coming down the corridor. Desperately the looked around and spied a small door to one side. She opened it carefully and peered inside, finding it empty she darted inside, quickly followed by the Colonel, still carrying Provarich.

They found themselves in what appeared to be a reception room, with large and comfortable settees placed at random around small tables, a number of pictures were hung upon the walls. Curious the Colonel laid Provarich gently on a settee and moved to examine the pictures.

The one that caught his eye first was an image over three feet tall and wide showing a dragon it's long and flexible neck arched back gracefully between huge leathery wings and a long scaly tail lashing out. He was joined by the Captain who peered over his shoulder.

Your dragon? she teased quietly. I could see you fighting something like that. Using nothing but your sword and lance, to rescue a fair damsel.

I'm not Saint George or King Arthur, Ma'am, he pointed out quietly

One of our older but most popular models! A voice from behind him announced. They spun around in alarm and faced a short corpulent man in a caftan.

I am sorry to have kept you waiting, but we did not detect your arrival. Technical glitches you understand. It does not happen with our products they are of the finest quality! He laughed. It sounded very false.

They stood amazed and uncertain at the new turn of events.

Now I see Sir and Madam want something spectacular. Sir in particular looks as though he enjoys a good hunt and an even better battle to bring his quarry down to impress the lady. May I suggest something slightly different to the Smorg 2 model. We are just about to release a new range of Sharacks, he babbled on, oblivious to their amazed looks, trying for a hard sell.

They are fully guaranteed and are supplied in family packs of six, delivery is included in the price. They are a little more expensive than the Smorgs, but they are genetically engineered not mechanical. It means that if you have space on your planet you could create a breeding stock and hunt them for years to come. They have a level four intelligence and each one will act differently as they learn about your hunting tactics. So they will require all of Sir's obvious hunting abilities to slay.

Who are you? The Captain demanded, finding her voice at last and interrupting the salesman's smooth patter. Behind her she heard Provarich stir and the Colonel bend to tend to her, leaving her to face the little salesman.

I'm so sorry, my name is Zeus, he announced apologetically. But I am so excited by our products that I find it hard to tell lifeforms who I am at times. Now as I was saying, we guarantee our products and for a small additional charge we can arrange for regular maintenance visits to ensure you get the best from your purchase, he babbled on.

What exactly is a She inquired, feeling herself drawn to the sell, despite herself. This was a man who could teach Ferrengi how to hard sell,' she decided.

You've not seen one! He sounded surprised.

Well let me tell you, you are in for a treat! You have seen bears? He started.

She nodded in bemusement.

Imagine one 9 metres tall, claws and teeth over 500mm in length, and the strength to rip trees out the ground, he suggested.

Again she nodded.

Now take away the fur and add a horn on it's head a metre in length with a jagged edge that can rip a being in half and an appetite for flesh. Just right for sacrificial victims, he laughed again.

Sounds terrifying, she admitted candidly. But we aren't actually here to buy.

His face changed dramatically from one of cheerfulness to blank denial in an instant. Oh! I'm sorry but the service department is fifteen floors down. We don't usually have customers arrive in person for repairs to their creatures.

We've not come for a repair either, she announced mildly.

Why are you here? He demanded sharply, his confusion showing. Our sales contract clearly states we do not countenance refunds!

We aren't here for a refund either, she assured him. I just want our crewmans mind back!

He queried in bemusement.

Yes, back! She insisted firmly.

I'll just fetch the General Manager, Mercarus, he stuttered and ran from the room.

The Captain turned back to the Colonel and Provarich. How is she? She asked gently.

The pain has gone, Ma'am, the Colonel admitted. But she is very confused. Can't say she's the only one.

I am sorry to have kept you waiting for so long, a new voice interrupted them and they spun round to face it.

He was similar to the last, slightly fatter and without the tufts of hair that had festooned the salesman.

I am Mercarus, General Manager, he informed them deferentially. I believe you have a problem? I must remind you we don't offer refunds or exchanges.

I don't want either, the Captain announced quietly, a touch of menace entering her voice.

You have taken the consciousness of one of my crew members and I want it put back where it belongs! She explained patiently.

That is impossible, we have never met your race before, he declared obstinately.

And I have never had to meet yours, the Captain agreed levelly. But you still have something that does not belong to you. Now go and find somebody who is going to help us and not provaricate.

You have proof? He demanded, the obstinacy building.

The Captain pointed towards Provarich. Meet Provarich of the Carragh. Until five days ago she was Seven of Nine Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero-One of the Borg. I'm sure you have heard of them, they destroy civilisations, she said, dripping acid into her words.

The gentleman beside her is Lieutenant Colonel Alan Samuels, he is very attached to Seven of Nine and is very pissed off. He destroyed your flying dragon! She continued in warning. And I am getting that way too, now before I set him on you. Go And Find Somebody Who Will Sort Things Out Properly! She finished speaking slowly and loudly.

Hearing her words, the Colonel came up behind her and snarled at the unfortunate Mercarus. He also fled.

The Colonel looked at her in respect and something close to awe.

You have to learn how to deal with Ferrengi traders in my job, she explained sweetly. Sometimes an implied threat works wonders!

A new figure approached them. He was taller than the others nearly seven feet by the Colonel's reckoning, broad in the shoulders and muscular. He seemed to be wearing a wreath on his head, partly obscuring a mop of golden hair. His clothing seemed to follow that of his employees, except it barely reached his knees and was tied around the waist by a golden tassel.

I am Juttorran, the proprietor of Olympus Creations, he started, but was interrupted by the Captain

I am Capatin Janeway of the Federation Exploration Ship Voyager. I don't want a refund, exchange or meaningless conversation, she said quickly, stopping any speel.

I want Seven of Nine's mind back in it's body where it belongs and Provarich's in hers, wherever it is, she snapped.

I can assure you that is quite impossible, Juttorran started.

The Colonel lunged at him and hauled his face within inches of his. You had better make it possible. Before I put you out of business without a closing down sale! He hissed violently, his patience shattered.

I know you think you had a faulty Carragh. I heard some of your workmen talking about it. You brought it's mind back and it got caught with Miss Nine's. Now start explaining and doing, he demanded, thrusting the alarmed Juttorran away.

He staggered back, obviously shaken. Violence will not solve your accident, he stammered.

It would make me feel a lot better, the Colonel observed, picking up his sword and drawing it meaningfully. He thrust it through the metal table he was standing next to, lifted it and shook it off again. Get my point? He suggested.

Juttorran stepped back again. He whispered.

We will have to go to the Recorder Rooms. We may pick the consciousness up from there, he claimed hurriedly, becoming very helpful. Follow me!

Dutifully they followed him out the room, the Colonel again carrying Provarich, her arms clinging around his neck.

When one of our creatures comes to the end of it's life we withdraw it's consciousness for examination. It allows us to follow the trends and fashions of our clients, he explained as they trotted down the corridor.

We use a unique and very tight beam and it doesn't affect normal life forms. It must have intersected with your Borg's implants. It is an impossible coincidence, he gabbled as they entered a small room.

Now I'll check the records and identify the frequency, he suggested turning to the computer console in the room.

Are the Carragh's mechanoid or genetic? The Captain asked quietly as Juttoran settled to scanning the computers readout.

Oh genetic, we haven't bothered with mechanoids for aeons, he muttered distractedly.

So Provarich is a genuine intelligent life form? She suggested.

Not really. We created it! He claimed. The level of intelligence we allow them to develop is strictly controlled. The Carragh's are restricted to level 3.

And what level of intelligence do you accredit to me? The Colonel asked, his voice low and dangerous again, picking up upon the Captains discussions.

I think you would reach seven or eight, Juttorran admitted. You obviously suffer from barbaric tendencies.

I don't go around creating things for others to destroy for pleasure! The Colonel protested. I would call that barbaric.

What is wrong with developing things specifically for people to destroy, Juttorran remarked calmly, still studying the screen. You can't make them extinct like many of the naturally occurring species on your planet, that you hunted because they were there. I know your home planet, we used it for many cycles as a test lab. Your species proved to be invaluable for testing our creations to their ultimate. I am surprised you ever managed to actually get off it.

The Colonel fell silent.

Now I have found your missing crewman, he exclaimed. I must say she is extraordinarily intelligent, we must get her out before she does some corruption.

Level 12 at least, he added pointedly at the Colonel.

Can you put her where she belongs? The Colonel asked, ignoring the jibe, storing it for later.

And what do you intend to do with Miss Provarich? He asked, allowing his voice to fall into a whisper.

Her natural life has ended. We will extract the data that we require and terminate it, Juttorran responded evenly.

As easily as that? The Colonel's voice soared in incredulation.

She was a device, created by us. We do not get attached to them. Follow me! Juttorran decreed trotting towards the door again.

The Captain gripped the Colonel's arm in caution. I'll try to find something else for her, she whispered, sensing the Colonel's fury boiling up.

We can't accept a fate of an intelligent life form as easily as that, Juttorran, she called after the proprietor.

He sighed, Such a foolish and sentimental race, he muttered. Very well, I will see if I can find somewhere useful for her.

They entered another room. Again it was surrounded by computer terminals, in addition in a corner there stood a booth not unlike Seven of Nine's regeneration alcove.

Stand her in there, Juttorran demanded, indicating the booth. Then we can begin.

What are you going to do with Provarich? The Captain insisted. You said you would find something for her.

He thought for a moment. We have a new breed of Carragh's, much improved on the older models. I will have her inserted in one of those.

Then you will leave them to develop on their own! The Captain demanded.

They will have to be guided, Juttorran protested.

They will develop on their own, without interference, the Captain insisted stubbornly.

He thought for a moment then looked back at her. I will agree if we can take a brain scan of your Colonel?

She demanded cautiously, a little off balance.

There are many aspects of his mind that may be of interest in developing new creatures, Juttorran admitted. I am in business. I need compensation for agreeing to terminate a product line.

Will it be dangerous? She asked.

No. But he will be a little sleepy and confused when he comes out, Juttorran admitted

The Captain looked at the Colonel. He nodded grimly. I don't think I can get anymore confused, so no objections, Ma'am, he admitted. Provided Miss Provarich has none.

He turned to the young woman he had been carrying for so many hours.

You understand what is being proposed? He asked, using the link again.

She nodded dumbly.

I can't force you to give up what you have for something that doesn't exist yet and I can't accept his assertion you are nothing but a biological machine. Are you sure you want to accept? He tried again seeking something more positive.

Provarich Carragh. Provarich no belong, go be Carragh! She claimed aloud.

The Colonel kissed her firmly, holding the shocked woman in a close embrace.

Forgive me, he apologised gently still holding her closely. I thank you for what you are doing. You are a remarkable person, but I don't think I could do that in your natural state.

Juttorran coughed with impatience and the Colonel helped Provarich into the alcove and guided a perspex cover over her head. The job done he stood back and watched as it was activated.

The operation took a little over two minutes and ended with a flash of light and a scream as Seven of Nine slumped from under the cover. The Colonel dived forward and caught her before she hit the ground.

He cried in frustration as she looked at him blankly.

He turned a savage and accusing face towards Juttorran. She will start to recover in a few minutes, he assured the Colonel impassively.

I'll wait before you try to microwave my head. If you don't mind! The Colonel insisted.

They sat and waited for a nervous thirty minutes, the Colonel crouched holding Seven of Nine quietly, until a look of understanding started to cross her eyes.

What is my situation? She demanded wearily.

We are on Olympus and being held in my arms, the Colonel whispered quietly. And I am about to be overcome with emotions. I think I am either going to kiss you or cry in happiness.

None of the stated intentions would be appropriate, she muttered quietly.

He kissed her, before she could object further, firmly and passionately. There will be more of those to come, he promised, whispering in her ear and helping her to her feet. The Captain stepped forward, afraid of interfering in the close and intimate moment she had witnessed, and dragged a medical tri-corder quickly up and down Seven of Nine's body.

Finally she grunted her acceptance. It appears to be Seven of Nine, she admitted gruffly. What was the last thing you remember?

Holding an infant on a space vessel, Seven of Nine responded. I believe I may have been responsible for it's birth, she added, her eye's opening in recognition.

Close enough! the Captain agreed with a slight smile. You've lost a little time, but with luck and your logs you'll catch up.

We'll be on our way Juttorran, she announced.

Ma'am, I believe we have to pay the man, the Colonel pointed out quietly.

Pay, Captain? Seven of Nine queried mystified.

Yes, Seven. It was the price the Colonel agreed to for your release and the continued existence of the one that was trapped inside you, the Captain explained gently.

Aloud she said a little sadly, Carry on Colonel.

The Colonel dutifully took his station in the cubicle and stood patiently for Juttorran to prepare. Inside the perspex dome he heard a low pitched whine start, it grew and reverberated around his skull making him increasingly dizzy, until it stopped suddenly and he collapsed on the floor.

The Captain was beside him with her tri-corder in a moment, gently slapping his face trying to bring him around.

You said it wouldn't harm him! She cried,

He is not harmed, Juttorran announced. It may take him a little longer to recover than your other crewman, I had to drain then reinstall his consciousness.

You said you wanted to read it, not drain it! She blasted back.

That is all I did, he disputed calmly.

Well you got what you wanted, she hissed. You make sure you fulfil your side of the bargain.

I will supply transport to get you to your ship, and we will put Provarich where I promised, with the rest of her people, Juttorran announced distractedly, examining the results of the scan.

Three figures came through the door. The Captain had seen no indication of a call anywhere. These creatures will take you to your vessel safely, Juttorran claimed calmly. I wish you good bye. I doubt we will meet again. He turned on his heel and left them with three faceless androids.

Two of them picked the unconscious Colonel up and with the third in close attendance behind, led them through passages to a hover car waiting for them in the Hydra's layer.

They dropped the Colonel unceremoniously inside, then waited for the Captain and Seven to step in before climbing in and the transport set off smoothly.

Juttorran, when he left the chamber holding the Star Fleet party, rapidly called up his assistants.

We have a new product range, he enthused. It could be our greatest yet. There is tremendous material in the Colonel's mind. Bodyguards, warriors, as well as a fiendish hunting variant. We are made!

Are you sure, Zeus asked warily. He is very resistive.

He's not intelligent enough to know, Juttorran crowed. It is not something we can't programme out.

Now tell the Felongrans to intercept their ship. I want them back fresh mind, there is a lot more to them than I could gather in one sitting, he demanded enthusiastically.

The journey that had taken the Captain and her party all day to complete the day before took less than twenty minutes in the hover car and was completed in silence. They were dumped unceremoniously by the ships door and left as the shadows of an encroaching evening came on.

Captain Janeway immediately leapt into action. Seven, try and get the Colonel on his feet. I'm going to get the engines warmed up, she ordered briskly. Juttorran was all together too interested in the results of the Colonel's scans. I don't think he has finished with us yet!

In the end they both dragged the Colonel into the ship. As Seven closed the doors, the Captain took the pilots seat and applied power for a take off.

The small ship surged into the air with the Captain applying increasing amounts of power heedless of Seven of Nines cry of alarm as she slipped to the deck from the high gravity acceleration. Breaking the atmosphere of the planet she looked around sheepishly, to find Seven of Nine sprawled over the recumbent figure of the Colonel.

Seven of Nine looked back accusingly. Your take off was excessively violent, it could have been damaging and was worse than those employed by the Colonel! She accused coldly.

Yes well. We aren't out the woods yet. Raise the ship, tell them we may need help, then take the tactical console and keep an eye open for Felongrans. There are bound to be some about. She demanded rapidly. I'm not a pilot like Tom Paris, or a survivor like the Colonel, so I'd rather not run into anything!

I shall comply, Seven agreed neutrally, sitting at the second console.

Fifteen vessels on an intercept course, interception estimated 80 minutes at current velocity, Seven reported shortly. Voyager is responding, arrival estimated approximately 100 minutes. I do not believe we could survive twenty minutes combat.

A groan from behind them indicated the Colonel was finally recovering. They looked around to see him trying to sit up.

I've got to stop drinking! He mumbled, rubbing his head. Somebody keeps hitting my head with a sledge hammer, I think it's me, he mumbled on in a daze.

Seven see if you can get him to recover quicker, we might need his panicking genius to get us out of here, Captain Janeway suggested quietly. I'm going to try changing course a little, perhaps we can increase the time before engagement a little.

Seven slipped from her seat and knelt over the Colonel, fumbling for a stimulator in the medi-kit.

I'm in heaven at last! The Colonel blurted drunkenly. There is a beautiful woman on top! Reaching up with an arm and pulled her down on top of him, kissing her lips lavashiousely.

Seven of Nine squeaked in surprise as she was tugged down, then succumbed to his insistent kisses, with one of her own whilst still scrabbling for the elusive item in the kit. She found it, then almost dropped it as the Colonel rolled them over. Pushing hard she levered him up and slapped the stimulator to his neck. He went rigid with the sudden shock to his system as the powerful drug started to take a hold, then gently toppled off her again.

The Captain turned in her seat in time to see the Colonel roll onto and off of Seven of Nine. When you have quite finished rolling around with him, I want him, she stated calmly, then burst into giggles as the humour of the situation and her double-entendre hit her.

Seven of Nine flushed as she rose from the floor, the hidden suggestion not entirely lost upon her, though she managed to ignore it. He will recover shortly, she panted.

I'm sorry, the Captain apologised shrewdly. I didn't mean to laugh, but the sight of him nearly naked and you rolling on the floor with him, she giggled again. He is gorgeous, she added craftily.

Seven of Nine looked back at him critically, as if looking for the first time. He is acceptable, but not perfect, she agreed. There are several scars on his chest and his nose is slightly off centre and.

A perfect gentleman inside? The Captain interrupted the Borgs list of minor defects.

Seven admitted unperturbed.

And your perfect mate, the Captain insisted.

I have not fully considered the implications of that status, Seven declared with a blush.

Then you are probably the only person on the ship who hasn't, the Captain informed her impassively, trying to keep a straight face. There is nobody on the ship prepared to go to his extremes to look after you! She added.

I would disagree, Ma'am, the calm voice of the Colonel interrupted her, telling her he had recovered sufficiently to be taking an interest in things. There is nobody on Voyager who wouldn't go to extremes to rescue a crew member, especially the ships Captain. Because I am an unintelligent thug I can take a more physical view of things. It is more obvious than the more intellectual methods of others.

You are anything but unintelligent, the Captain disputed quietly. Even Tuvok agrees about that now.

How is the time differential between Voyager and our pursuers? She redirected her comments to Seven of Nine.

Fifteen minutes. They have detected Voyager and altered course to put themselves between us, Seven announced.

I'm open to suggestions? The Captain asked quietly.

Are the vessels that are chasing us able to take on Voyager? The Colonel asked quietly, struggling to take in the tactical situation.

Seven admitted, This vessels sensors are not as efficient as Voyagers. I will upgrade them when we return.

Are they showing signs of breaking up into individual attack groups? How many are there? He quizzed.

Fifteen and they are not breaking apart, Seven responded quickly.

I don't suppose Voyager carries such a thing as a multi warhead or cluster torpedo, Ma'am? The Colonel asked.

No. Why? She replied cautiously.

Pity. Assuming they attack in a single flock or keep formation, Voyager could fire a couple of those and with a little luck damage at least half of that fleet and charge through before they realise what is happening.

Another Twentieth Century idea, the Captain pondered. Seven get Chakotay on the comms.

Good evening Captain, Chakotay's calm voice sounded through the cabin.

There are fifteen Felongran fighters taking position between you and us. We can't fight a way through, how do you understand the situation? Captain Janeway asked immediately.

Tuvok believes they may be difficult, they are not heavily shielded but their weapons appear to be formidable, Chakotay admitted. We are at full combat readiness and have enhanced shields to suit their weapons. But idea's would be accepted?

The Colonel has asked if you can create a cluster torpedo? She asked.

They heard him call.

I require a definition, Tuvok announced.

Multiple small warheads, with contact and proximity fuses, dispersed over an area, the Colonel called in explanation. They don't have to be huge, the numbers would have the same effect.

There was silence for a moment, then Tuvok came back to them. I believe I could replace the standard torpedo warhead with a number of spatial charges. How would they be dispersed.

Small explosive charge? The Colonel suggested.

Then charge through the confusion, the Captain claimed.

Understood, Captain, Chakotay responded. We're working on it.

What now? The Captain queried.

I am going to find something better than a pair of khaki shorts, the Colonel announced, struggling to his feet and approaching the ships lockers. It is most unseemly to be dressed like this with nothing but two attractive women. I'm glad the radio was voice only, reputations would suffer terribly, he moaned.

The Captain laughed. I doubt I could get close enough, Colonel. Seven is your chaperone and she is probably safe now you've recovered.

Ah yes, I believe my behaviour was less than correct, the Colonel admitted crestfallen. Ladies, please forgive my disgraceful behaviour. I recall kissing somebody on the floor in a most disgraceful display. There was no excuse, Ma'am.

She laughed again. It was with Seven and I think she enjoyed it too much to press charges for it. If it had been me then it might have been different, she teased. I might not have used the stimulator!

he exclaimed in shock.

Don't worry, if Seven is around I won't come near you! She smiled again. She, like Seven before her, found that the Colonel was an easy person to embarrass over seemingly ordinary things and a certain level of sadistic pleasure in doing so.

The Colonel extracted a survival suit from the closet and self consciously started to put it on.

If anybody thinks I'm going out for a spot of fresh air, they can think again, he muttered taking a seat in the back wearing the shiny silver suit.

I think I prefer him in shorts, the Captain confided to Seven, but loudly enough to be overheard.

Aboard Voyager Touvk returned from supervising the conversions to a set of torpedoes.

A salvo of torpedoes have been reconfigured, Commander he answered Chakotay's unasked question. I am uncertain of their effectiveness without simulation and testing. However a second is in preparation

The Colonel's suggestions are unconventional but often effective, he protested, excusing the action in the face of the quizzical stares he was getting from the Bridge crew.

Well I never thought I'd hear that from you, Tuvok! Claimed Tom Paris grinning cheekily. He had long ago accepted the Colonel's seemingly amazing ability to come up with clever and seemingly inspirational ideas at the drop of a hat.

I will programme the torpedoes to detonate and leave a gap through the centre for the ship to pass through, but I cannot guarantee we will not suffer some damage from the warheads, they must also be fired from a sub warp velocity, Tuvok continued blandly, ignoring Tom Paris's remarks.

Chakotay nodded. Ahead full impulse Tom, Full power to forward shields, he commanded. You'll become a Maqui yet, he commented lightly, not allowing the Security Chief off lightly.

He questioned.

Rapid modifications, spur of the moment decisions, admitting Star Fleet Regulations have errors. Certainly not a Star Fleet attitude, Chakotay pointed out cheerfully.

he agreed impassively. However the acceptance of rank, superiority and duty are not Maqui traits either. I find the Colonel's regulations are more adaptable to the situations we find ourselves in yet still require everything Star Fleet demands.

Chakotay smiled an agreement at him and settled in his chair. He muttered.

Voyager continued to hurtle towards it's enemy.

Chakotay demanded.

Ten thousand metres and closing, they are turning towards us, Kim responded quickly.

Eight Thousand, their formation is closing, he reported a second later.

Chakotay uttered a silent prayer to his gods, if they had split up it would have been a lot more difficult.

They are firing, Kims next report came.

Tuvok, fire! He called.

Voyager rocked as the first Felongran blasts hit them. Shields sixty percent, minor damage, Kim reported dutifully.

Four small bursts of light on the screen indicated that the newly modified torpedoes had detonated.

The cluster torpedoes have detonated, Touvok reported neutrally. Sensors suggest that the warheads are deploying as predicted.

Tom maximum warp, take us through, Chakotay ordered quickly as the first of the explosives started to explode as they found targets.

The ship leapt ahead, scattering the fighters at it's approach. Tuvok, phasors on any target, Chakotay demanded as they screamed through.

The ship rocked again as an explosion shook it, whether it was one of their own weapons or a Felongran they never knew, only that they survived coming out of the melee.

What did we achieve? Chakotay asked as they settled down again.

Three fighters appear to have been destroyed, five are disabled, four others are damaged. They are withdrawing, Tuvok reported calmly. The results were better than predicted.

Chalk it up to the Colonel's non-conventionality, Chakotay suggested. Tom find the Captain.

Aye, Sir.

An hour later the ex-Valorian fighter was tractored into Voyager's shuttle bay and the Captain and her party stepped out gratefully.

No problems? The Captain queried.

There are a large number of Felongran vessels approaching, but we are out running them, Chakotay announced. Tuvok is examining the new torpedo design, he thinks he can enhance the design somewhat.

So nothing pressing, she claimed. I'll explain what we went through at dinner tonight. You will come as well Colonel. In the mean time take Seven to see the Doctor, she will almost certainly need to regenerate and get dressed!

he responded quietly holding out an arm to Seven.

She ignored it and wrapped hers around his waist and led him towards the door.

If those two don't marry soon I'm going to eat this uniform, and die of frustration, the Captain mused to Chakotay as they watched them walk out the door.

The Captain pulled out every stop she could over the dinner, sacrificing replicator rations and pulling rank to get an almost perfect meal prepared for the dinner that night, she even replicated genuine wine for the occasion.

Her guests appeared on time and she had them sat down at the table almost immediately.

I had Neelix try to match the Colonel's prowess, she confessed as she brought out the first course. I've got to find something we can do better than you do, Colonel!

I've told you before, Ma'am. There are plenty of people who do things better than I can, he protested. Stick me in front of the ships engines and see how long we continue to fly. I'd give us a week before we blew up.

But I keep underestimating just how well you can do things! She exclaimed.

That is the first rule of warfare, he pointed out. Keep them guessing.

What others do you apply? Chakotay asked mildly.

Avoid civilians, don't steal, fight like a bastard, look for details and ignore the obvious, he chanted. It works most of the time.

What about the new weapons?

They aren't new, Sir, the Colonel protested. They are old ones that people have forgotten about. Just because they are old doesn't mean they aren't effective.

Why did you become a soldier? The Captain asked quietly. You can do all these other things so well there was never the need to become what you did and risk your life so willingly, when they obviously hurt so much?

I owe it to her Majesty, Ma'am, he explained sadly. She took a scared orphan and taught him everything he knows. How do you repay the one person who cared enough to teach you to spell your name correctly?

They stared at him in amazement.

I'm sorry, the Captain apologised softly. I should have guessed, it's all in the records that I was given. But your life needn't be so bleak now, there are others that care for you.

A grin flitted across his face for a moment. I hope one in particular, Ma'am, he announced bravely. But it is difficult to change your life story simply because the walls are painted now!

How long before Seven is back with us? She asked, changing the subject.

The Doctor reckons a week. Miss Nine thinks three days, she really is coming under a bad influence, said the Colonel. I got her to compromise on five days.

And you are the bad influence, Alan, the Captain reminded him and smiled.

he agreed.

As they ate, the Captain explained the events they had been through over the last few days. I suspect that the blast Seven took from the crystal may have weakened her defences a little, that's why she was caught up in the transference beam, she finished.

Would you have stayed with Provarich, if we couldn't have rescued Seven? the Captain asked the Colonel seriously.

Yes, Ma'am. She needed protection, he responded quickly.

And it's not just because of her body? She accused maliciously.

he responded, his shock evident.

I assume that now the bold knight has slain the dragon and rescued his fair and distressed damsel, you are now a happy man? Chakotay asked.

Not entirely, Sir, the Colonel confessed.

I lost a man in something that proved to be almost pointless, that hurts, he pointed out. But the thing that hurts most is finding that the gods that the Romans and Greeks used, possibly even my own, were all actually from a mail order catalogue. I find it distressing and raising questions I don't want to know about.

Captain Janeway demanded.

He sighed. It says in the bible that God created Heaven, Earth and all the creatures that live upon it in seven days. That looks as though it might actually have been possible, he bought them all. Did he buy Adam and Eve? How can you trust somebody who browses the Freemans' Catalogue, sees something he thinks he likes and orders it to fill in the little gap he's found on an otherwise perfect world? He pleaded.

I don't see a problem, the Captain commented. You and us are all things he thought enough of to allow us to develop naturally. It's almost a comfort.

The discussion continued for another hour before both Chakotay and the Colonel rose and bid good night to the Captain.

What do you intend to do with Seven, now you've rescued her again? The Captain asked gently as he moved for the door.

I don't know, Ma'am. We can't carry on like we have been, the floor gets harder every night, he admitted ruefully.

She stood amazed. I thought you shared the bed! She stammered, then bit her tongue hard. Of course he wouldn't, she realised, it would be against the principles he was still trying to maintain.

Only when she demands it, Ma'am. Then I follow the orders of the commanding officer.

You mean mine? She challenged. I thought you loved her?

With every fibre in my body, Ma'am. But I won't take advantage unless invited, he responded. That is why I have followed your orders to the letter. Good night.

The door closed behind him leaving Chakotay and the Captain confused and together.

He is making fun of me, isn't he? She demanded at last.

Chakotay shook his head. He doesn't think so, he still has a blanket roll in the Shuttle Bay and it is used at regular intervals and you did tell him to do exactly as Seven demanded. He grinned suddenly, I think Seven is becoming quite a demanding commander though!

What have I started? She moaned, clapping a hand to her head in exasperation.

Nothing they can't stop if they wanted to, Chakotay assured her pecking her on the cheek. Good Night, Kathryn.

He left her to ponder the futures of Seven of Nine and the Colonel and the effect of orders given and carried out.

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