Title: Genetic Side Effects
Author: Lt.Kara.Thrace
Rating: T
Pairing: established J/C
Genre: Drama/Romance
Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.
Archive: Sure, just let me know first.
Summary: Are the Corains all that they seem to be or is there something more sinister at work? A bizarre affliction causes members of Voyager's crew to reverse age, what is the cause and what does it have to do with their visit to Corai? Established J/C.
Author's Note: I apologize for any errors I have and/or will make when discussing the technology of Star Trek; it is not my specialty nor is it the focus of this story. Chapters will be individually rated.
Prologue"Captain, sensors detect an M class planet directly in our path," Chakotay paused, "it seems to be populated."
"Tom, set a course, warp four," ordered captain Kathryn Janeway, "How long until we arrive?"
"Three hours at present speed."
She turned to Chakotay, "Commander, please join me in my ready room immediately," she stood up, "We are not to be disturbed under any circumstances bordering on an emergency," she walked off the bridge and into her ready room knowing that Chakotay was right behind her.
As soon as the doors shut behind them, she turned around and captured his mouth in a kiss. They maneuvered over to the couch, never breaking contact and he pushed her down on her back, straddling her hips.
He nipped and licked at her exposed neck and just as he was about to remove her shirt Voyager lurched violently and knocked both of them onto the floor.
Kathryn pressed her com-badge and contactedParis, "What the hell just happened Tom?"
"It's a Borg cube and we're taking fire," he shouted in alarm.
Quickly regaining their professional attitudes they rushed out onto the bridge as the Borg struck them again. Chakotay managed to grab onto the bridge rail and prevent them both from falling to the deck. They managed to reach their chairs before the incident was repeated.
"Tuvok, report," she shouted.
"Shields at 25 and dropping," Tuvok announced in an infuriatingly calm tone, "Aft shields have failed as have the starboard shields, multiple hull breaches on all decks. Inertial dampeners are offline, life support and environmental controls are failing."
"Damn it," Kathryn cursed, "Divert all power to the shields and life support."
Just as Voyager was going to meet an untimely demise at the hands of the Borg and unknown ship uncloaked nearby and began to attack the Borg. Only seconds later several more appeared and joined in. They appeared to be of the same configuration, which was like nothing anyone aboard had ever seen. Before the Borg had a chance to fire at the new comers the cube exploded leaving nothing but a cloud of debris behind.
The lead ship is hailing us Captain," announced ensign Kim.
"Open a channel, on screen."
"This is general Jarick of the Corain Confederation, identify yourselves immediately," demanded the man on the screen. His once black hair was mainly gray and his eyes gray to match. He wore a blue military uniform and although his expression was neutral Kathryn could tell that this was someone that shouldn't be crossed.
"This is captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager, we mean you no harm."
"What federation do you speak of?"
"The United Federation of Planets. You have probably never heard of it, we are a long way from home and just trying to get back," she explained, "we are grateful that you intervened and prevented the destruction of our ship."
"It was no problem, an enemy of the Borg is our friend, and so we seem to share a common enemy," he paused, seeming hesitant to say what he was thinking, "are you aware that you have entered Corain space?" he asked.
"We had no idea, we were merely heading toward the nearest planet in hopes of initiating trade with the inhabitants."
"The planet you speak of is the planet Corai," he said flatly.
"We didn't realize. We don't know much about this region of space. Our arrival here was unplanned."
"I see. My forces will escort you the rest of the way, in the mean time I would like to mean with you face to face. Is that acceptable?"
"Of course, we can arrange for you to be beamed aboard Voyager."
"Very well. I will contact you one hour from now. Until then," the transmission ended, Jarick's face disappearing from the screen.
One hour later the general materialized aboard Voyager. He was far taller than he had seemed on the screen and despite being older than most or possibly all of Voyager's crew he appeared to be very strong, which explained why he, an older high ranking general was permitted to be anywhere but a desk.He wore the same blue uniform as he had earlier, however numerous medals representing a lifetime of outstanding military achievement now adorned his muscular chest.
"It is good to meet with you in person, I prefer this method of communication, it is more personal," his smile was completely disarming and lit up his entire face, not to mention how infectious it seemed to be, "Call me old fashioned but I prefer a blade to a phaser," he eyed the guards weapon with amusement, "it's more reliable."
Kathryn spoke up, "Let's get down to business then, right this way."
TBC