Redemption
Written - 8/20/02
Summary - It's the anniversary of the encounter with the Equinox and Noah Lessing has something special in mind to mark the occasion.
Rating - PG
Chapter 4
When Tuvok walked into the ready room, he acknowledged his captain first. Standing at attention he looked her straight in the eye and nodded. She nodded in return, both of them silently acknowledging their mutual respect and their unique friendship, and knowing that whatever was about to happen would not change either of those aspects of their relationship.
Lessing however seemed agitated by Tuvok's lack of attention to him. "Commander. take a seat." He demanded with barely contained contempt. Once Tuvok was seated in the makeshift witness chair, he continued. "As you know Commander, the topic at hand is Voyager's encounter with the Equinox a year ago. I'd like you to recall the events you witnessed leading up to, and immediately following the Captain relieving Commander Chakotay of duty.
Janeway had known he would ask Tuvok about these events. She was relatively confident he could not know everything that had happened between her and her senior staff. How could he? Several of the incidents she was least proud of had not involved anyone but herself and either Tuvok or Chakotay, one on one, or with the Ankari. There was also the fact that this was not a true court of law and he was under no oath other than that of a Starfleet officer and his own integrity. Tuvok would not readily reveal information he preferred not to. Unless of course he felt it was the only logically alternative. That single bit of uncertainty was enough to keep her on edge.
Lessing took a deep breath and began his questioning. "Commander Tuvok, you were present on the bridge when Voyager fist made contact with the Ankari, correct?"
"That is correct." He answered, obviously volunteering no more information than was directly requested.
"Can you tell me whether or not the Ankari were willing to speak to us when Voyager made initial contact?"
The fact that the Ankari had not initially cooperated was not widely known, but it was part of the official bridge log of that period as well as those of several members of the bridge crew. Lessing could have come by that information easily enough with nothing more than a little research. "That is correct Crewman. The Ankari were understandably reluctant to make contact with another Starfleet vessel."
Lessing knew he would have to work hard to get the information he wanted out of Tuvok. Based on the answer to the first question, he was right. Tuvok would obviously do all he could to force a positive interpretation on the Captain's actions. What none of them knew was that he had an ace up his sleeve that he would be more than willing to play if the officers closest to the Captain chose not to cooperate. He was determined to have the truth, all of it, out in the open, and he would stop and nothing to get it. "And just exactly how did the Captain choose to get the Ankari to help?"
Tuvok looked at his Janeway. She nodded almost imperceptibly, giving him silent permission to answer the question. "She ordered me to lock a tractor beam on the Ankari vessel."
"Is that standard Starfleet protocol in a first contact situation?"
"Under normal circumstances it is not, however."
Lessing cut him off in mid-sentence. "I'm not asking you for your opinion, just for the facts. And the fact in this case is that Janeway forced the Ankari to help you, even after you reiterated that they had done nothing to deserve having their ship seized, didn't she?"
"If you want the facts Crewman Lessing, you should listen to all of them." Tuvok stated emphatically. "The information the Ankari could provide us was necessary in making contact with the aliens that were attacking us. It was necessary to ensure the safety of the ship and crew."
Lessing grew even more animated, "Maybe, maybe not. Captain Janeway certainly didn't entertain any alternatives did she. No, she immediately forced the Ankari to cooperate and in the process risked the safety of the very ship you say she was committed to protecting. It all depends on how you look at it doesn't it Commander?"
Unfortunately, Tuvok knew there was logic in Lessing's argument so he chose to remain silent.
"Isn't it also true that Janeway made a deal with the aliens after the Ankari summoned them for you? A deal that would have turned all of us on the Equinox over to the aliens in order to save yourselves?"
Janeway looked intently at Tuvok now. There had only been the two of them in the cargo bay with the Ankari at the time. How did Lessing know about that particular bargain?
Tuvok looked about as stunned as a Vulcan could look. "That's a strong accusation Crewman."
Lessing's smile was patently accusatory. "Oh is that so Commander?" Time to play that ace he'd been holding. He reached behind him and tapped a control button on the Captain's desk console. Within seconds the entire ship could hear Tuvok, speaking through his personal log entries, relate exactly what had happened in the cargo bay with the Ankari and the aliens.
=/\=
On the bridge, there was a mixed reaction to the revelation. Most of the crew simply looked somewhat stunned. Several others muttered softly to those around them. Chakotay was the only clearly audible response as he exclaimed, "Oh spirits, he's tapped into personal logs." He let his own statement trail off unfinished, as he realized he had actually said it out loud.
At their respective stations, the rest of the senior staff kept the revelations from the ready room in perspective. They focused their concentration on the priority at hand and worked furiously to identify the systems that Lessing had tampered with and to try to locate the source of the problems. There was no time to waste if they had any chance at all of removing Lessing's advantage over them. If they could at least identify, locate and deactivate the device Lessing controlled, they would change the balance of power in the game. That would buy them the time Chakotay and Tuvok needed to get the Captain out of this in one piece. There would be time enough to deal with their anxiety over what they were hearing when they had the ship and crew out of danger.
=/\=
Tuvok had no response. There was no way that he could dispute his own log entries. He could also tell by the look in his captain's eyes that she was as aware as he was that the rules of engagement in this battle had just changed dramatically, and in Lessing's favor.
The momentary silence inspired by the recording was broken by Lessing's voice, his tone indicative of the satisfaction he felt in himself. "And did you or did you not urge the Captain to change her mind, indicating that she was exhibiting irrational behavior? To which she responded by offering to relieve you of duty as she had already done with her first officer?"
Tuvok took one last long look into Kathryn Janeway's troubled blue eyes, knowing he could not prevent this information from being revealed if Lessing had access to his personal logs. "That is correct. As Voyagers' acting first officer at that time, it was my responsibility to suggest alternatives. However, the captain is ultimately responsible for making the final decision in any situation." He responded, speaking in generalities.
Janeway looked at her tactical officer, knowing how uncomfortable this was for him, even being Vulcan. He was trying hard to minimize the impact of his log entry, but the damage had been done. She only wondered how many other confidential logs he had managed to get his hands on. She wouldn't have long to wait to find out.
"I only have one other incident to pursue Mister Tuvok. While doing battle with the Equinox, is it true that Janeway continuously ignored your status reports indicating severe damage to the deflector, the shields, and other key systems? Thus placing everyone on board at significant risk until Commander Chakotay forced her to recognize the situation and break off pursuit?"
Tuvok thought this over for a moment then responded with another guarded response. "In a tactical battle situation, the captain has the ultimate authority to direct the course of the engagement."
"Very non-committal answer Commander. But it doesn't matter. You've managed to answer my question by not answering my question. The Captain was fixed on a course of action that both her first and second officer expressed openly that she should discontinue. I'd call that just a bit obsessive wouldn't you?"
Everyone on the ship who heard it knew it was a rhetorical question and were not surprised that there was no response. In the ready room, the statement hung in the air like an overloaded rain cloud during the birth of a thunderstorm. Janeway and Tuvok simply looked at each other. Her expression had softened over the last few minutes. At first somewhat tense and concerned, she had transitioned to resignation, and now all that remained was the barest hint of hurt in her eyes. Tuvok knew it wasn't anything he had done. It was from being forced to confront a difficult period of her life so publicly. And, even though she wasn't able to see them, she was well aware that the entire crew was witnessing this encounter, and that Tuvok could sense her unease.
Janeway was in fact deeply concerned, but not for herself. She was apprehensive of what further revelations Lessing had in store and what effect that would ultimately have on the crew and the command structure on Voyager, whether she lived through this experience or not. Lessing had effectively planted a seed. Only time would tell whether it would germinate, grow and bear fruit.
Lessing began pacing in front of the Captain's desk. He wasn't finished yet, not by a long shot. He felt he had just won a pivotal encounter with a most difficult opponent. Tuvok was painfully honest. His logical mind would not allow otherwise. He was equally loyal to his commanding officer. To maneuver him into admitting events he knew would not reflect kindly on her behavior and character was most definitely a major victory.
=/\=
The momentary break in the action in the ready room translated to an awkward silence in the bridge. Even B'Elanna and Harry, huddled together behind the Ops station, and Seven at the rear bridge console, momentarily ceased their efforts at finding the explosive device to stare in amazement at the viewscreen. No one knew just what to think. Some of the officers with less exposure to Janeway were surprised to hear such obvious indictments against her integrity and motivations as a commanding officer. In all fairness to her, they tried to reserve judgement until they were in possession of all the facts. After all, she had never previously exhibited this type of behavior and they wanted more than what they clearly recognized as entrapment by Lessing to condemn her.
The also saw Lessing as an outsider of sorts compared to the original Starfleet and Maquis crew. They owed him no allegiance. Janeway, on the other hand, was their captain. It was as simple as that. It would take more than one interview with Tuvok to change that.
Chakotay was sitting with his gaze fixed on the viewscreen, watching the eye contact between Captain and Commander, friend to friend. He tried with all his might to fathom how they would deal with the damage to crew's morale if this line of questioning continued with the other witnesses. Then he prayed he was wrong. That some way, somehow, they would be able to change the apparent course of events.
=/\=
Lessing felt energized. He had ambushed one of Janeway's greatest allies. With a surge of newfound confidence, he moved on to his next challenge. "Well, it seems neither of you have anything to say to that so I'll consider this line of questioning closed. I want to thank you for you cooperation Commander. You may go." he remarked.
Tuvok nodded at his captain, then stood and looked Lessing straight in the eye. "Crewman Lessing, you will fail in your intended purpose. I hope you comprehend that before you do anything more you will live to regret." Having made his point, Tuvok turned and left the ready room.
=/\=
Chakotay was immediately in front of Tuvok as he entered the bridge. His body language speaking volumes about the energy pent up inside him. As Tuvok turned and made his way to the Tactical console on the uppermost level of the bridge, Chakotay fell in step beside him and spoke with his voice low and soft. "Any insights Tuvok?"
Tuvok was eager to assist in the effort to reverse Lessing's sabotage now that his questioning was over, but he understood Chakotay's interest. Taking his position at the console, he responded, "I am less than satisfied with the fact that I was forced to reveal otherwise confidential information. I am afraid I have not improved Captain Janeway's situation in any way. I regret that very much."
Chakotay lowered his head and smiled in spite of himself. It was highly unusual for Tuvok to admit even the smallest emotional response. It was against the very nature of his race. Nevertheless, Chakotay knew and understood the long-standing relationship that Kathryn had with her chief of security, and was convinced that the relationship was a profound influence on the otherwise stoic Vulcan. She had a way about her that changed the people in her presence, particularly those with long term exposure. Chakotay had known he was doomed almost from the first day he met her, how could even a Vulcan hold up against the relentless onslaught of literally years of coexistence?
"I'm sure she knows that Tuvok, you didn't have much of a choice." He said, trying to be comforting, and knowing it was a lost cause.
"I regret it nonetheless. I am afraid that I have done damage to the Captain's reputation with the crew."
"I understand that, but there isn't much we can do about that now. We have to concentrate on getting all of us out of this alive. We can worry about damage control later. What do you think about Lessing?"
"He seems intent on his mission to discredit the Captain, as for whether or not he ultimately intends to harm her further is difficult to say. He followed a logical and well-planned interrogation pattern with me. He did so calmly and with little obvious emotion, although at times he seems to be expending a great deal of energy to remain so. It is also clear from his initial reaction to the Captain that he is capable of violence. However, I would surmise that as long as he feels he is in control of events, and they follow according to his plan, he will remain rational. I am also quite certain that he has more information he wants to reveal. While unfortunate for the Captain, it will buy us time."
At that very moment, Chakotay received a hail from the ready room. Everyone immediately returned their attention to the viewscreen where they could see Lessing, and their beleaguered Captain. "Commander Chakotay, it's time for our next witness." said Lessing, pacing again.
Chakotay tapped his comm badge to respond, and at the same time, while catching a glimpse of Janeway in the viewscreen, he had an idea. "Crewman Lessing, I will comply with your request. However, I'm sure you understand that I am concerned for the Captain's health. It has been some time since you allowed the Doctor to see her and she has neither eaten nor slept since yesterday. Before I send in whoever you want next, I want your assurance that you will allow us to tend to her."
Kathryn Janeway had been sinking into daze of sorts since Tuvok had left. Thanks to the lack of sleep and nourishment, coupled with her injuries and the stress, this was becoming quite an ordeal. Though bound and in an extremely uncomfortable position, she had discovered that she could periodically relieve some of the pain in her shoulders, arms and back by pulling her feet together and pushing firmly on the floor. This had the effect of pressing her farther back in the chair and changing the angle of her arms in relationship to the rest of her body. Unfortunately, she could only manage to keep it up for a few minutes at a time and each subsequent attempt managed to tire her even more. It was an endless cycle, sit normally and allow gravity to have it's way until she couldn't bear the pain in her shoulders, press off the floor until her leg muscles burned. She was only vaguely aware of her first officer's request when she heard it over the com, and in the back of her mind thought that he was taking too much of a risk. Nevertheless, she appreciated it.
"Now why in heaven's name would I want to do that Commander?" Lessing barked in reply.
"Because I don't believe you really want to blow up this ship. When this is all over, if you've even thought that far ahead, you'll want this crew to think that you dealt with the Captain as fairly as possible, given the circumstances. We've heard what Tuvok had to say, maybe there's something to your accusations." He moved his gaze around the bridge and carefully looked into the eyes of everyone he could as he said this. He wanted them to realize he was playing for time and would say almost anything to convince Lessing to let them help the Captain. He knew Kathryn could also hear what he said, he only hoped she understood what he was trying to do as well. "But we won't know that if she's in no condition to last through this little trial of yours will we? If she suffers needlessly, Voyager will be a difficult place for you to be, no matter what she has done."
Kathryn had heard what Chakotay said. She wasn't exactly sure what it meant, but she was certain he was up to something. He may indeed be interested in her physical wellbeing, but there might be more behind it as well. She would simply have to try even harder to stay aware of what was going on and to keep her senses sharp.
Lessing said nothing for a moment as he moved away from his seat to stand before Captain Janeway. Tuvok and Chakotay's protective instincts immediately went into hyperdrive. Chakotay had taken a chance and he knew it, was she now to pay the price?
From his new position in front of her, Lessing spoke directly to the Captain. "It seems that your First Officer is worried about you. What do you think I should do about that?"
Kathryn Janeway had been leaning somewhat forward, having just spent another exhausting few minutes pushing herself back in the chair, and had seen Lessing's feet appear within her line of site. This was not the time to lose her composure and appear weak, not to him, and most importantly not to her crew. Almost before he finished his question, she was sitting up as straight as she could and had the patented Janeway death glare in her eyes. "What I think Crewman is irrelevant. In case you haven't noticed, it's what we do on Voyager, take care of each other. At least we try. We've been doing it for over six years now. I'm sorry you haven't experienced that for yourself."
Lessing's response had a distinctive bite to it. "Sarcasm is no way to get me to comply with his request Captain. Fortunately for you, what he said does make sense. Can't have the crew seeing me as an unfeeling monster now can I?"
Janeway was getting the feeling the he was enjoying mocking her just a little too much. Trying to paint her as the one who was a vindictive and unfeeling monster was exactly his plan. She glared at him even harder.
"Another tough question I see." He said to her. Then he turned directly toward the computer terminal that was relaying the video of the events to the entire ship and spoke to Chakotay. "I'll allow the next person I question to bring the Captain some food and water. That's all. They can use the replicator in the ready room. And that next person is Lieutenant Torres."
=/\=
B'Elanna lifted her head from the Ops console and stared at Chakotay. She knew he would get to her eventually. Her name was on the list. She had hoped they could have gotten them all out if this predicament before it happened. Apparently, luck was not on her side this time. "Looks like it's up to you two for a while." She said to Seven and Harry, "I've been summoned." She continued as she patted Harry on the shoulder. Then she moved to the opposite side of the bridge and stood next to Chakotay. "Well, this is it."
Chakotay looked sympathetically at her. "Just be honest B'Elanna."
B'Elanna was worried. Being honest might dig Captain Janeway's hole deeper. While she had been occupied in Engineering during most of the Equinox affair, she had spent more than enough time on the bridge to witness Janeway's behavior. She had also spoken at length with Chakotay after he was relieved of duty. He had asked her for a favor. Keep an eye on the Captain and let him know if things went down hill. So she knew much more about what had happened than anyone knew, except possibly for Noah Lessing. If he had Tuvok's personal logs, he certainly could have gotten his hands on hers as well. "Chakotay, I." She said almost pleading.
He cut her off, "She won't accept less and you know that."
B'Elanna nodded, looking somewhat sheepish.
Chakotay changed the subject. "Do what you can to help her in there. It has to be getting really tough by now."
"Count on it." She said. Then she squared her shoulders, and walked purposefully down the steps to the door to the ready room and pressed the door chime.
=/\=
TBC
Written - 8/20/02
Summary - It's the anniversary of the encounter with the Equinox and Noah Lessing has something special in mind to mark the occasion.
Rating - PG
Chapter 4
When Tuvok walked into the ready room, he acknowledged his captain first. Standing at attention he looked her straight in the eye and nodded. She nodded in return, both of them silently acknowledging their mutual respect and their unique friendship, and knowing that whatever was about to happen would not change either of those aspects of their relationship.
Lessing however seemed agitated by Tuvok's lack of attention to him. "Commander. take a seat." He demanded with barely contained contempt. Once Tuvok was seated in the makeshift witness chair, he continued. "As you know Commander, the topic at hand is Voyager's encounter with the Equinox a year ago. I'd like you to recall the events you witnessed leading up to, and immediately following the Captain relieving Commander Chakotay of duty.
Janeway had known he would ask Tuvok about these events. She was relatively confident he could not know everything that had happened between her and her senior staff. How could he? Several of the incidents she was least proud of had not involved anyone but herself and either Tuvok or Chakotay, one on one, or with the Ankari. There was also the fact that this was not a true court of law and he was under no oath other than that of a Starfleet officer and his own integrity. Tuvok would not readily reveal information he preferred not to. Unless of course he felt it was the only logically alternative. That single bit of uncertainty was enough to keep her on edge.
Lessing took a deep breath and began his questioning. "Commander Tuvok, you were present on the bridge when Voyager fist made contact with the Ankari, correct?"
"That is correct." He answered, obviously volunteering no more information than was directly requested.
"Can you tell me whether or not the Ankari were willing to speak to us when Voyager made initial contact?"
The fact that the Ankari had not initially cooperated was not widely known, but it was part of the official bridge log of that period as well as those of several members of the bridge crew. Lessing could have come by that information easily enough with nothing more than a little research. "That is correct Crewman. The Ankari were understandably reluctant to make contact with another Starfleet vessel."
Lessing knew he would have to work hard to get the information he wanted out of Tuvok. Based on the answer to the first question, he was right. Tuvok would obviously do all he could to force a positive interpretation on the Captain's actions. What none of them knew was that he had an ace up his sleeve that he would be more than willing to play if the officers closest to the Captain chose not to cooperate. He was determined to have the truth, all of it, out in the open, and he would stop and nothing to get it. "And just exactly how did the Captain choose to get the Ankari to help?"
Tuvok looked at his Janeway. She nodded almost imperceptibly, giving him silent permission to answer the question. "She ordered me to lock a tractor beam on the Ankari vessel."
"Is that standard Starfleet protocol in a first contact situation?"
"Under normal circumstances it is not, however."
Lessing cut him off in mid-sentence. "I'm not asking you for your opinion, just for the facts. And the fact in this case is that Janeway forced the Ankari to help you, even after you reiterated that they had done nothing to deserve having their ship seized, didn't she?"
"If you want the facts Crewman Lessing, you should listen to all of them." Tuvok stated emphatically. "The information the Ankari could provide us was necessary in making contact with the aliens that were attacking us. It was necessary to ensure the safety of the ship and crew."
Lessing grew even more animated, "Maybe, maybe not. Captain Janeway certainly didn't entertain any alternatives did she. No, she immediately forced the Ankari to cooperate and in the process risked the safety of the very ship you say she was committed to protecting. It all depends on how you look at it doesn't it Commander?"
Unfortunately, Tuvok knew there was logic in Lessing's argument so he chose to remain silent.
"Isn't it also true that Janeway made a deal with the aliens after the Ankari summoned them for you? A deal that would have turned all of us on the Equinox over to the aliens in order to save yourselves?"
Janeway looked intently at Tuvok now. There had only been the two of them in the cargo bay with the Ankari at the time. How did Lessing know about that particular bargain?
Tuvok looked about as stunned as a Vulcan could look. "That's a strong accusation Crewman."
Lessing's smile was patently accusatory. "Oh is that so Commander?" Time to play that ace he'd been holding. He reached behind him and tapped a control button on the Captain's desk console. Within seconds the entire ship could hear Tuvok, speaking through his personal log entries, relate exactly what had happened in the cargo bay with the Ankari and the aliens.
=/\=
On the bridge, there was a mixed reaction to the revelation. Most of the crew simply looked somewhat stunned. Several others muttered softly to those around them. Chakotay was the only clearly audible response as he exclaimed, "Oh spirits, he's tapped into personal logs." He let his own statement trail off unfinished, as he realized he had actually said it out loud.
At their respective stations, the rest of the senior staff kept the revelations from the ready room in perspective. They focused their concentration on the priority at hand and worked furiously to identify the systems that Lessing had tampered with and to try to locate the source of the problems. There was no time to waste if they had any chance at all of removing Lessing's advantage over them. If they could at least identify, locate and deactivate the device Lessing controlled, they would change the balance of power in the game. That would buy them the time Chakotay and Tuvok needed to get the Captain out of this in one piece. There would be time enough to deal with their anxiety over what they were hearing when they had the ship and crew out of danger.
=/\=
Tuvok had no response. There was no way that he could dispute his own log entries. He could also tell by the look in his captain's eyes that she was as aware as he was that the rules of engagement in this battle had just changed dramatically, and in Lessing's favor.
The momentary silence inspired by the recording was broken by Lessing's voice, his tone indicative of the satisfaction he felt in himself. "And did you or did you not urge the Captain to change her mind, indicating that she was exhibiting irrational behavior? To which she responded by offering to relieve you of duty as she had already done with her first officer?"
Tuvok took one last long look into Kathryn Janeway's troubled blue eyes, knowing he could not prevent this information from being revealed if Lessing had access to his personal logs. "That is correct. As Voyagers' acting first officer at that time, it was my responsibility to suggest alternatives. However, the captain is ultimately responsible for making the final decision in any situation." He responded, speaking in generalities.
Janeway looked at her tactical officer, knowing how uncomfortable this was for him, even being Vulcan. He was trying hard to minimize the impact of his log entry, but the damage had been done. She only wondered how many other confidential logs he had managed to get his hands on. She wouldn't have long to wait to find out.
"I only have one other incident to pursue Mister Tuvok. While doing battle with the Equinox, is it true that Janeway continuously ignored your status reports indicating severe damage to the deflector, the shields, and other key systems? Thus placing everyone on board at significant risk until Commander Chakotay forced her to recognize the situation and break off pursuit?"
Tuvok thought this over for a moment then responded with another guarded response. "In a tactical battle situation, the captain has the ultimate authority to direct the course of the engagement."
"Very non-committal answer Commander. But it doesn't matter. You've managed to answer my question by not answering my question. The Captain was fixed on a course of action that both her first and second officer expressed openly that she should discontinue. I'd call that just a bit obsessive wouldn't you?"
Everyone on the ship who heard it knew it was a rhetorical question and were not surprised that there was no response. In the ready room, the statement hung in the air like an overloaded rain cloud during the birth of a thunderstorm. Janeway and Tuvok simply looked at each other. Her expression had softened over the last few minutes. At first somewhat tense and concerned, she had transitioned to resignation, and now all that remained was the barest hint of hurt in her eyes. Tuvok knew it wasn't anything he had done. It was from being forced to confront a difficult period of her life so publicly. And, even though she wasn't able to see them, she was well aware that the entire crew was witnessing this encounter, and that Tuvok could sense her unease.
Janeway was in fact deeply concerned, but not for herself. She was apprehensive of what further revelations Lessing had in store and what effect that would ultimately have on the crew and the command structure on Voyager, whether she lived through this experience or not. Lessing had effectively planted a seed. Only time would tell whether it would germinate, grow and bear fruit.
Lessing began pacing in front of the Captain's desk. He wasn't finished yet, not by a long shot. He felt he had just won a pivotal encounter with a most difficult opponent. Tuvok was painfully honest. His logical mind would not allow otherwise. He was equally loyal to his commanding officer. To maneuver him into admitting events he knew would not reflect kindly on her behavior and character was most definitely a major victory.
=/\=
The momentary break in the action in the ready room translated to an awkward silence in the bridge. Even B'Elanna and Harry, huddled together behind the Ops station, and Seven at the rear bridge console, momentarily ceased their efforts at finding the explosive device to stare in amazement at the viewscreen. No one knew just what to think. Some of the officers with less exposure to Janeway were surprised to hear such obvious indictments against her integrity and motivations as a commanding officer. In all fairness to her, they tried to reserve judgement until they were in possession of all the facts. After all, she had never previously exhibited this type of behavior and they wanted more than what they clearly recognized as entrapment by Lessing to condemn her.
The also saw Lessing as an outsider of sorts compared to the original Starfleet and Maquis crew. They owed him no allegiance. Janeway, on the other hand, was their captain. It was as simple as that. It would take more than one interview with Tuvok to change that.
Chakotay was sitting with his gaze fixed on the viewscreen, watching the eye contact between Captain and Commander, friend to friend. He tried with all his might to fathom how they would deal with the damage to crew's morale if this line of questioning continued with the other witnesses. Then he prayed he was wrong. That some way, somehow, they would be able to change the apparent course of events.
=/\=
Lessing felt energized. He had ambushed one of Janeway's greatest allies. With a surge of newfound confidence, he moved on to his next challenge. "Well, it seems neither of you have anything to say to that so I'll consider this line of questioning closed. I want to thank you for you cooperation Commander. You may go." he remarked.
Tuvok nodded at his captain, then stood and looked Lessing straight in the eye. "Crewman Lessing, you will fail in your intended purpose. I hope you comprehend that before you do anything more you will live to regret." Having made his point, Tuvok turned and left the ready room.
=/\=
Chakotay was immediately in front of Tuvok as he entered the bridge. His body language speaking volumes about the energy pent up inside him. As Tuvok turned and made his way to the Tactical console on the uppermost level of the bridge, Chakotay fell in step beside him and spoke with his voice low and soft. "Any insights Tuvok?"
Tuvok was eager to assist in the effort to reverse Lessing's sabotage now that his questioning was over, but he understood Chakotay's interest. Taking his position at the console, he responded, "I am less than satisfied with the fact that I was forced to reveal otherwise confidential information. I am afraid I have not improved Captain Janeway's situation in any way. I regret that very much."
Chakotay lowered his head and smiled in spite of himself. It was highly unusual for Tuvok to admit even the smallest emotional response. It was against the very nature of his race. Nevertheless, Chakotay knew and understood the long-standing relationship that Kathryn had with her chief of security, and was convinced that the relationship was a profound influence on the otherwise stoic Vulcan. She had a way about her that changed the people in her presence, particularly those with long term exposure. Chakotay had known he was doomed almost from the first day he met her, how could even a Vulcan hold up against the relentless onslaught of literally years of coexistence?
"I'm sure she knows that Tuvok, you didn't have much of a choice." He said, trying to be comforting, and knowing it was a lost cause.
"I regret it nonetheless. I am afraid that I have done damage to the Captain's reputation with the crew."
"I understand that, but there isn't much we can do about that now. We have to concentrate on getting all of us out of this alive. We can worry about damage control later. What do you think about Lessing?"
"He seems intent on his mission to discredit the Captain, as for whether or not he ultimately intends to harm her further is difficult to say. He followed a logical and well-planned interrogation pattern with me. He did so calmly and with little obvious emotion, although at times he seems to be expending a great deal of energy to remain so. It is also clear from his initial reaction to the Captain that he is capable of violence. However, I would surmise that as long as he feels he is in control of events, and they follow according to his plan, he will remain rational. I am also quite certain that he has more information he wants to reveal. While unfortunate for the Captain, it will buy us time."
At that very moment, Chakotay received a hail from the ready room. Everyone immediately returned their attention to the viewscreen where they could see Lessing, and their beleaguered Captain. "Commander Chakotay, it's time for our next witness." said Lessing, pacing again.
Chakotay tapped his comm badge to respond, and at the same time, while catching a glimpse of Janeway in the viewscreen, he had an idea. "Crewman Lessing, I will comply with your request. However, I'm sure you understand that I am concerned for the Captain's health. It has been some time since you allowed the Doctor to see her and she has neither eaten nor slept since yesterday. Before I send in whoever you want next, I want your assurance that you will allow us to tend to her."
Kathryn Janeway had been sinking into daze of sorts since Tuvok had left. Thanks to the lack of sleep and nourishment, coupled with her injuries and the stress, this was becoming quite an ordeal. Though bound and in an extremely uncomfortable position, she had discovered that she could periodically relieve some of the pain in her shoulders, arms and back by pulling her feet together and pushing firmly on the floor. This had the effect of pressing her farther back in the chair and changing the angle of her arms in relationship to the rest of her body. Unfortunately, she could only manage to keep it up for a few minutes at a time and each subsequent attempt managed to tire her even more. It was an endless cycle, sit normally and allow gravity to have it's way until she couldn't bear the pain in her shoulders, press off the floor until her leg muscles burned. She was only vaguely aware of her first officer's request when she heard it over the com, and in the back of her mind thought that he was taking too much of a risk. Nevertheless, she appreciated it.
"Now why in heaven's name would I want to do that Commander?" Lessing barked in reply.
"Because I don't believe you really want to blow up this ship. When this is all over, if you've even thought that far ahead, you'll want this crew to think that you dealt with the Captain as fairly as possible, given the circumstances. We've heard what Tuvok had to say, maybe there's something to your accusations." He moved his gaze around the bridge and carefully looked into the eyes of everyone he could as he said this. He wanted them to realize he was playing for time and would say almost anything to convince Lessing to let them help the Captain. He knew Kathryn could also hear what he said, he only hoped she understood what he was trying to do as well. "But we won't know that if she's in no condition to last through this little trial of yours will we? If she suffers needlessly, Voyager will be a difficult place for you to be, no matter what she has done."
Kathryn had heard what Chakotay said. She wasn't exactly sure what it meant, but she was certain he was up to something. He may indeed be interested in her physical wellbeing, but there might be more behind it as well. She would simply have to try even harder to stay aware of what was going on and to keep her senses sharp.
Lessing said nothing for a moment as he moved away from his seat to stand before Captain Janeway. Tuvok and Chakotay's protective instincts immediately went into hyperdrive. Chakotay had taken a chance and he knew it, was she now to pay the price?
From his new position in front of her, Lessing spoke directly to the Captain. "It seems that your First Officer is worried about you. What do you think I should do about that?"
Kathryn Janeway had been leaning somewhat forward, having just spent another exhausting few minutes pushing herself back in the chair, and had seen Lessing's feet appear within her line of site. This was not the time to lose her composure and appear weak, not to him, and most importantly not to her crew. Almost before he finished his question, she was sitting up as straight as she could and had the patented Janeway death glare in her eyes. "What I think Crewman is irrelevant. In case you haven't noticed, it's what we do on Voyager, take care of each other. At least we try. We've been doing it for over six years now. I'm sorry you haven't experienced that for yourself."
Lessing's response had a distinctive bite to it. "Sarcasm is no way to get me to comply with his request Captain. Fortunately for you, what he said does make sense. Can't have the crew seeing me as an unfeeling monster now can I?"
Janeway was getting the feeling the he was enjoying mocking her just a little too much. Trying to paint her as the one who was a vindictive and unfeeling monster was exactly his plan. She glared at him even harder.
"Another tough question I see." He said to her. Then he turned directly toward the computer terminal that was relaying the video of the events to the entire ship and spoke to Chakotay. "I'll allow the next person I question to bring the Captain some food and water. That's all. They can use the replicator in the ready room. And that next person is Lieutenant Torres."
=/\=
B'Elanna lifted her head from the Ops console and stared at Chakotay. She knew he would get to her eventually. Her name was on the list. She had hoped they could have gotten them all out if this predicament before it happened. Apparently, luck was not on her side this time. "Looks like it's up to you two for a while." She said to Seven and Harry, "I've been summoned." She continued as she patted Harry on the shoulder. Then she moved to the opposite side of the bridge and stood next to Chakotay. "Well, this is it."
Chakotay looked sympathetically at her. "Just be honest B'Elanna."
B'Elanna was worried. Being honest might dig Captain Janeway's hole deeper. While she had been occupied in Engineering during most of the Equinox affair, she had spent more than enough time on the bridge to witness Janeway's behavior. She had also spoken at length with Chakotay after he was relieved of duty. He had asked her for a favor. Keep an eye on the Captain and let him know if things went down hill. So she knew much more about what had happened than anyone knew, except possibly for Noah Lessing. If he had Tuvok's personal logs, he certainly could have gotten his hands on hers as well. "Chakotay, I." She said almost pleading.
He cut her off, "She won't accept less and you know that."
B'Elanna nodded, looking somewhat sheepish.
Chakotay changed the subject. "Do what you can to help her in there. It has to be getting really tough by now."
"Count on it." She said. Then she squared her shoulders, and walked purposefully down the steps to the door to the ready room and pressed the door chime.
=/\=
TBC