Title: Genetic Side Effects
Author: Lt.Kara.Thrace
Rating: K+
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. Expect at least one more chapter this week; I'm on a roll. I know it is short; the next chapter should be longer.
Chapter 3
Seated around a table were four men and one woman. They were all Corain and were watching a large screen displaying the progress that Chakotay and general Jarick were making through the forest.
The man furthest left spoke, his deep voice echoing in the high-ceilinged chamber, "I don't think that they will survive." His cold blue eyes flashed with momentary excitement, "It will be amusing to watch them die."
"I wouldn't be so sure, we don't know much about the foreigners and Jarick is resourceful. He won't die in that forest," the woman beside him argued, "he knows the terrain and the one he calls commander Chakotay seems to be competent enough," she pushed a strand of her long black hair out of her face and behind her ear.
The leader remained silent as his lieutenants argued and the blonde haired man joined in, "I agree, I don't believe they will die yet, but I am uncertain that they will make it to the city."
The man furthest right said nothing he didn't need to. Instantaneously words entered the other's minds-I will refrain from judging until I know more about these foreigners. They are the determining factor-his eyes were closed as he leaned back in his chair.
The leader finally spoke, "They will survive, that is the whole point. It will make them trust Jarick and in turn trust us. We can then achieve our goals. Jarick is a fool, perhaps a resourceful fool but he will take the fall for us without even understanding what has happened. I have been planning this since I learned the existence of Voyager, my plan will not fail, we will not fail."
Nodding in agreement with their leader the other four occupants of the chamber turned back to the screen, which now displayed nothing more than vegetation. Pressing a button the telepath cycled through the cameras and settled on a view of the interior of the shuttle. Inside were captain Janeway and lieutenant Torres-the Klingon will be most useful-
"I agree, the Vulcan would have been better but we will have to make do," agreed the deep-voiced man, "Shall we proceed with phase 2?"
"No, we need them alive, we can't take the chance, besides they are entering Zaktar territory. They may be wounded or killed as is. Send out the order to abort phase 2, to move on to phase 3 and disable the jamming device remotely. Make it look like the power ran out."
"Yes sir," the other four occupants left the chamber leaving their leader alone to watch the foreigners make what repairs they could. Sighing he stood up and prepared to join the rescue effort, it was imperative that they believed that their rescue was of the highest priority, even higher than his own safety from the Black Hand.
TBC