As soon as the sleeping arraignments were settled, Janeway called a quick
meeting in her quarters. She wanted to hear the reactions and thoughts of
her crew before they all went to sleep.
The three other members of the away team filed in and got comfortable. Tuvok stood at ease and Kim and Paris sat on the bunk with Janeway.
"I know you all must be tired so I will make this quick and to the point," Janeway began. "I want to get your impression of Andromeda's crew, specifically, if you believe their story or not."
Paris and Kim looked at each other then at Tuvok. The Vulcan knew that meant he was up first.
"I can find no reason to doubt Captain Hunt's word or that of his crew."
"What about their description of Earth?" Kim pointed out. He still wasn't ready to believe Harper's version of Earth's history.
Tuvok was ready for the disbelief. "There is a logical explanation for the variations between Mr. Harper's version of Earth's history and ours. When we traveled through the wormhole either we must have been transported to a parallel universe. "
Kim was about to continue debating the issue when Janeway cut him off with a wave of her hand. "I came to the same conclusion Mr. Tuvok. I remember reading about Admiral Kirk while at Starfleet Academy. Once while captain of the Enterprise, Kirk and his crew was caught in a parallel universe. On another occasion they traveled through time."
"I don't know what to think Captain. Their version of Earth's history sounds too horrible. I guess I don't want to believe it," Kim replied, the frustration evident in his voice. "I have to admit I don't like either option."
Janeway frowned at the young Ops Officer. "I admit it is not a pleasant thought but doesn't make it a lie."
Seeing Ensign Kim's Paris tried to ease his friends mind. "Come on Harry, I know we can't violate the Prime Directive, but there's nothing that says Captain Hunt and his crew can't help Earth. They may just be waiting until they have enough people and ships to help do the job."
That seemed to work as Kim's face brightened slightly. "I suppose we could always ask Captain Hunt more about that tomorrow."
"I plan on making that my first question tomorrow Mr. Kim," Janeway assured. "Now I suggest we all try to get some sleep."
"I hope Captain Hunt is successful," Paris piped up as he stood up.
Tuvok, Kim and Paris left the captain's room and headed for their quarters and a surprisingly restful nights sleep.
Janeway and her crew awoke early the next morning and were greeted by the voice of Andromeda announcing that their presence was requested in the mess hall.
Hunt and his crew were already waiting in the mess hall when Janeway and her crew arrived with AI Rommie as an escort. The tables were already set with the plates full of pancakes and fruit.
"Good morning Captain Janeway. I trust you and your crew have had a relatively pleasant night's sleep." Hunt greeted as he handed Janeway a cup of coffee.
Janeway was grateful for the morning cup of coffee. She normally had a cup first thing in the morning. The captain was happy that at least some things, like coffee were same in this parallel universe. "Yes, thank you Captain Hunt. Everything was fine. I see you already have breakfast prepared for us. It looks delicious."
"We aim to please," Hunt remarked as he held the seat for Janeway as she sat down at the table.
As the two crews ate breakfast Hunt related the story of the Systems Commonwealth and the Nietzschean betrayal which brought about its downfall. Hunt also related his tale being caught in an event horizon on a black 300 years before being pulled out by Beka's Eureka Maru crew of Harper, Trance and the Magog Wayist Monk Rev Bem.
"It would appear that the wormhole we traveled through has done more than shoot us through space. We have concluded we are in a parallel universe," Janeway remarked when Hunt was finished.
Dylan Hunt finished a bite of pancake before replying, "That would be my guess as well."
"Unfortunately, we don't have a way to get you back to your Earth. But I have faith that my Mr. Harper and your Mr. Paris and Mr. Kim will find a way."
"We appreciate any help you can offer," Kim remarked. "These pancakes are quite good. I would be interested in knowing how you get a replicater to make them this way.
Hunt forced down a chuckle before answering, "Andromeda is an impressive ship but Heritage Class Cruisers were not equipped with food replicaters. We have to stop off at various planets and drifts to pick up food and other supplies. Which is why your food tastes like the real thing."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I just assumed," Kim apologized.
Dylan waived his empty fork in the air. "No need to apologize Mr. Kim. Around here we don't take offense very easily."
After breakfast Hunt decided that Harper help Paris and Kim examine the shuttle for damage and help with any necessary repairs and provide any needed parts. There was also an ulterior motive to Hunt's suggestion. He felt it would give Harper an excuse to keep an eye on Paris and Kim while also giving the engineer a chance to establish a bond with the two Voyager officers. That bond might prove useful in the future.
"Cool. If you're lucky, I might even set up your shuttle with a slipstream drive," Harper enthused at the suggestion. The young blond engineer was secretly hoping he would have a chance to get a close up look at the foreign shuttle. The man loved learning about new and unfamiliar technology.
"Thank you for your offer Mr. Harper, but before I decide whether to accept your offer would you please explain this Slipstream Drive?" Janeway asked. Her curiosity stirred.
Harper smiled with a wide grin, "I have to assume you don't use a Slipstream drive on Voyager. Well, I'll give you the short version of Slipstream Drive. It's the only way to travel if you want to get anywhere fast. You can go from hear to Earth, although I don't know why anybody would want to go to Earth, but you could get there in minutes if you know how to navigate the Slipstream."
"Fascinating," Tuvok remarked as he set his dishes in the sink. "And how long would it take if one does not know how to navigate the Slipstream?"
"Well then, the pilot is going to have a longer trip. I mean days or months or even years longer," Harper answered.
Janeway appeared nonplused by the comment. "Then how does one navigate in this Slipstream? Are there maps or coordinates?"
Hunt took Janeway's dishes from her and put them in the sink with the others. "I think Captain Valentine would be better able to explain Slipstream navigation since she is an expert Slipstream pilot."
Beka almost blushed at the compliment although in her own opinion it happened to be true. "There are no maps for Slipstream navigation and the coordinates are just a general guide. Slipstream navigation is based on the split second judgment of the pilot. When I am navigating a route in Slipstream I come to two possible routes; a fork in the road to speak. One of those routes is wrong and one is right. They both look equally correct but the wrong one will make the journey much longer. This is where my judgment comes into play. I have to go by a gut feeling at worst or my best judgment at best."
"Forgive Captain Valentine but I am no more clear on this Slipstream Drive than I was before your explanation," Janeway admitted. "I fail to see an advantage to Slipstream navigation if the pilot must rely on instinct and not coordinates. I imagine a good many pilots get lost in Slipstream."
Andromeda's blond pilot laughed as she leaned back in her chair. "Yes, many pilots get lost. But as hard to believe as it may sound most pilots, like me, have good instincts and very rarely take a wrong turn, especially on well-traveled routes. In fact, simply making a choice in Slipstream makes it correct."
Janeway thought for a moment, taking in the information. She agreed to let Harper help Kim and Paris with the shuttle repairs but tactfully declined his offer regarding the Slipstream Drive.
Tuvok made a mental note of what he had heard regarding Slipstream Drive. This trip had already proved to be most interesting and enlightening, as well as informative. There was still one more thing the Vulcan wanted cleared up before everybody went their separate ways. Excuse me a moment Captain Hunt, but I still have one question I would like to ask."
"By all means go right ahead and ask Mr. Tuvok," Hunt replied.
Tuvok "Thank you Captain. My initial scans of Andromeda's crew showed that Captain Hunt and his crew, with the exception of Ms. Trance and Rommie are humanoid. I have accounted for Rommie but have been unable to locate which species Ms. Trance belongs to. I can find no similar life forms in our database."
"I'm sorry you wasted your time on me Mr. Tuvok. I should have told you that you wouldn't find my species in your database," Trance apologized sweetly.
Tuvok returned the alien woman's smile with one of his own. "No need to apologize Ms. Trance. It is all part of my job and was not a waste of time. I actually find it quite fascinating that I could find no record of your species."
"Mr. Tuvok, you will find that Trance is a riddle wrapped in a mystery, even to us who know her," Hunt explained. "I'm afraid you won't find out any information about Trance unless she wants you to."
"I see Captain Hunt." Vulcan replied as he went back to studying his readout on the Tricorder. "Ms. Trance perhaps at a later date you can enlighten me as to your origins and provide me with a brief history of your home planet and your species."
"As much as I would like to Mr. Tuvok, I am afraid I won't be able to oblige you," Trance replied, her tone remaining sweet.
Captain Hunt spoke up before Tuvok pushed the issue too far. Trance could be dangerous when she felt she had to be and Hunt didn't want to cause in breach in their fragile trust. "I'm afraid that will have to do for now Mr. Tuvok. I'm sorry, but I'm sure Trance has her reasons for not revealing her background."
Tuvok knew when to back off nodded to the High Guard captain, "Of course Captain Hunt. Please forgive me Ms. Trance. I do not wish to pry into your personal affairs."
Trance again flashed the Vulcan one of her sweet smiles. "That's quite alright Mr. Tuvok. I know people are curious about my origins, but I am afraid I cannot reveal anything just yet."
The three other members of the away team filed in and got comfortable. Tuvok stood at ease and Kim and Paris sat on the bunk with Janeway.
"I know you all must be tired so I will make this quick and to the point," Janeway began. "I want to get your impression of Andromeda's crew, specifically, if you believe their story or not."
Paris and Kim looked at each other then at Tuvok. The Vulcan knew that meant he was up first.
"I can find no reason to doubt Captain Hunt's word or that of his crew."
"What about their description of Earth?" Kim pointed out. He still wasn't ready to believe Harper's version of Earth's history.
Tuvok was ready for the disbelief. "There is a logical explanation for the variations between Mr. Harper's version of Earth's history and ours. When we traveled through the wormhole either we must have been transported to a parallel universe. "
Kim was about to continue debating the issue when Janeway cut him off with a wave of her hand. "I came to the same conclusion Mr. Tuvok. I remember reading about Admiral Kirk while at Starfleet Academy. Once while captain of the Enterprise, Kirk and his crew was caught in a parallel universe. On another occasion they traveled through time."
"I don't know what to think Captain. Their version of Earth's history sounds too horrible. I guess I don't want to believe it," Kim replied, the frustration evident in his voice. "I have to admit I don't like either option."
Janeway frowned at the young Ops Officer. "I admit it is not a pleasant thought but doesn't make it a lie."
Seeing Ensign Kim's Paris tried to ease his friends mind. "Come on Harry, I know we can't violate the Prime Directive, but there's nothing that says Captain Hunt and his crew can't help Earth. They may just be waiting until they have enough people and ships to help do the job."
That seemed to work as Kim's face brightened slightly. "I suppose we could always ask Captain Hunt more about that tomorrow."
"I plan on making that my first question tomorrow Mr. Kim," Janeway assured. "Now I suggest we all try to get some sleep."
"I hope Captain Hunt is successful," Paris piped up as he stood up.
Tuvok, Kim and Paris left the captain's room and headed for their quarters and a surprisingly restful nights sleep.
Janeway and her crew awoke early the next morning and were greeted by the voice of Andromeda announcing that their presence was requested in the mess hall.
Hunt and his crew were already waiting in the mess hall when Janeway and her crew arrived with AI Rommie as an escort. The tables were already set with the plates full of pancakes and fruit.
"Good morning Captain Janeway. I trust you and your crew have had a relatively pleasant night's sleep." Hunt greeted as he handed Janeway a cup of coffee.
Janeway was grateful for the morning cup of coffee. She normally had a cup first thing in the morning. The captain was happy that at least some things, like coffee were same in this parallel universe. "Yes, thank you Captain Hunt. Everything was fine. I see you already have breakfast prepared for us. It looks delicious."
"We aim to please," Hunt remarked as he held the seat for Janeway as she sat down at the table.
As the two crews ate breakfast Hunt related the story of the Systems Commonwealth and the Nietzschean betrayal which brought about its downfall. Hunt also related his tale being caught in an event horizon on a black 300 years before being pulled out by Beka's Eureka Maru crew of Harper, Trance and the Magog Wayist Monk Rev Bem.
"It would appear that the wormhole we traveled through has done more than shoot us through space. We have concluded we are in a parallel universe," Janeway remarked when Hunt was finished.
Dylan Hunt finished a bite of pancake before replying, "That would be my guess as well."
"Unfortunately, we don't have a way to get you back to your Earth. But I have faith that my Mr. Harper and your Mr. Paris and Mr. Kim will find a way."
"We appreciate any help you can offer," Kim remarked. "These pancakes are quite good. I would be interested in knowing how you get a replicater to make them this way.
Hunt forced down a chuckle before answering, "Andromeda is an impressive ship but Heritage Class Cruisers were not equipped with food replicaters. We have to stop off at various planets and drifts to pick up food and other supplies. Which is why your food tastes like the real thing."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I just assumed," Kim apologized.
Dylan waived his empty fork in the air. "No need to apologize Mr. Kim. Around here we don't take offense very easily."
After breakfast Hunt decided that Harper help Paris and Kim examine the shuttle for damage and help with any necessary repairs and provide any needed parts. There was also an ulterior motive to Hunt's suggestion. He felt it would give Harper an excuse to keep an eye on Paris and Kim while also giving the engineer a chance to establish a bond with the two Voyager officers. That bond might prove useful in the future.
"Cool. If you're lucky, I might even set up your shuttle with a slipstream drive," Harper enthused at the suggestion. The young blond engineer was secretly hoping he would have a chance to get a close up look at the foreign shuttle. The man loved learning about new and unfamiliar technology.
"Thank you for your offer Mr. Harper, but before I decide whether to accept your offer would you please explain this Slipstream Drive?" Janeway asked. Her curiosity stirred.
Harper smiled with a wide grin, "I have to assume you don't use a Slipstream drive on Voyager. Well, I'll give you the short version of Slipstream Drive. It's the only way to travel if you want to get anywhere fast. You can go from hear to Earth, although I don't know why anybody would want to go to Earth, but you could get there in minutes if you know how to navigate the Slipstream."
"Fascinating," Tuvok remarked as he set his dishes in the sink. "And how long would it take if one does not know how to navigate the Slipstream?"
"Well then, the pilot is going to have a longer trip. I mean days or months or even years longer," Harper answered.
Janeway appeared nonplused by the comment. "Then how does one navigate in this Slipstream? Are there maps or coordinates?"
Hunt took Janeway's dishes from her and put them in the sink with the others. "I think Captain Valentine would be better able to explain Slipstream navigation since she is an expert Slipstream pilot."
Beka almost blushed at the compliment although in her own opinion it happened to be true. "There are no maps for Slipstream navigation and the coordinates are just a general guide. Slipstream navigation is based on the split second judgment of the pilot. When I am navigating a route in Slipstream I come to two possible routes; a fork in the road to speak. One of those routes is wrong and one is right. They both look equally correct but the wrong one will make the journey much longer. This is where my judgment comes into play. I have to go by a gut feeling at worst or my best judgment at best."
"Forgive Captain Valentine but I am no more clear on this Slipstream Drive than I was before your explanation," Janeway admitted. "I fail to see an advantage to Slipstream navigation if the pilot must rely on instinct and not coordinates. I imagine a good many pilots get lost in Slipstream."
Andromeda's blond pilot laughed as she leaned back in her chair. "Yes, many pilots get lost. But as hard to believe as it may sound most pilots, like me, have good instincts and very rarely take a wrong turn, especially on well-traveled routes. In fact, simply making a choice in Slipstream makes it correct."
Janeway thought for a moment, taking in the information. She agreed to let Harper help Kim and Paris with the shuttle repairs but tactfully declined his offer regarding the Slipstream Drive.
Tuvok made a mental note of what he had heard regarding Slipstream Drive. This trip had already proved to be most interesting and enlightening, as well as informative. There was still one more thing the Vulcan wanted cleared up before everybody went their separate ways. Excuse me a moment Captain Hunt, but I still have one question I would like to ask."
"By all means go right ahead and ask Mr. Tuvok," Hunt replied.
Tuvok "Thank you Captain. My initial scans of Andromeda's crew showed that Captain Hunt and his crew, with the exception of Ms. Trance and Rommie are humanoid. I have accounted for Rommie but have been unable to locate which species Ms. Trance belongs to. I can find no similar life forms in our database."
"I'm sorry you wasted your time on me Mr. Tuvok. I should have told you that you wouldn't find my species in your database," Trance apologized sweetly.
Tuvok returned the alien woman's smile with one of his own. "No need to apologize Ms. Trance. It is all part of my job and was not a waste of time. I actually find it quite fascinating that I could find no record of your species."
"Mr. Tuvok, you will find that Trance is a riddle wrapped in a mystery, even to us who know her," Hunt explained. "I'm afraid you won't find out any information about Trance unless she wants you to."
"I see Captain Hunt." Vulcan replied as he went back to studying his readout on the Tricorder. "Ms. Trance perhaps at a later date you can enlighten me as to your origins and provide me with a brief history of your home planet and your species."
"As much as I would like to Mr. Tuvok, I am afraid I won't be able to oblige you," Trance replied, her tone remaining sweet.
Captain Hunt spoke up before Tuvok pushed the issue too far. Trance could be dangerous when she felt she had to be and Hunt didn't want to cause in breach in their fragile trust. "I'm afraid that will have to do for now Mr. Tuvok. I'm sorry, but I'm sure Trance has her reasons for not revealing her background."
Tuvok knew when to back off nodded to the High Guard captain, "Of course Captain Hunt. Please forgive me Ms. Trance. I do not wish to pry into your personal affairs."
Trance again flashed the Vulcan one of her sweet smiles. "That's quite alright Mr. Tuvok. I know people are curious about my origins, but I am afraid I cannot reveal anything just yet."