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.
Chapter 6
Kathryn needed to work on repairs but was worried about Chakotay and Jarick, she ordered the security officer to notify her as soon as he spotted them. Despite this she was distracted and not making much progress with repairs. B'lenna had suggested she wait outside but she was adamant about helping with repairs. Getting communications operational was imperative and they were so close.
The security officer outside gave a shout.
Kathryn dropped what she was doing and hurried outside. Approaching them from across the meadow were Chakotay and Jarick. Chakotay looked unharmed and relief coursed through her. She had needed to see him in person to be sure that he was all right. Jarick was another story. His face was bloody as was the collar and left shoulder of his uniform. At least he was walking.
As they neared she called out to them, "What happened?"
"We were attacked by Zaktars," explained Jarick, "they are large and powerful creatures. They kill and eat almost anything. We were lucky that only four attacked. Any more of them and I don't think we could have defeated them. I was lucky to escape with only these minor injuries."
A humming sound came across the meadow, "What's that noise?" asked Kathryn.
"I believe it is…" he paused to listen for a moment, "It might be a transport. Perhaps they detected our homing beacon now that the jamming device is inactive."
A dark shape on the horizon was drawing nearer. Soon more silhouettes appeared. It was a transport escorted by a squadron of fighters. Within minutes it had touched down and the ramp extended. A lone figure appeared.
He had short graying hair and green eyes; he was dressed in a flight suit with no indication of rank but had an air of authority about him, "Chancellor, with all due respect what are you doing here? You're supposed to be under heavy guard inside the parliament buildings."
"Yes I know but the search wasn't going well and if you want something done right you have to do it yourself, or so the saying goes," he smiled dismissing Jarick's concern, "You shouldn't worry so much."
"But chancellor it's too dangerous."
"Never mind that, I'm here now so why don't you come aboard and fill me in on what happened to you and our guests," he gestured to the interior of the transport, which was strictly military issue, "you should probably get that cut looked at, there's a doctor on board."
Jarick along with the away team boarded. Jarick followed the doctor to another area of the ship leaving the others to converse with the chancellor, "I'm chancellor Lor, I am sorry for what has happened I should have had more security provided."
Kathryn objected, "It's not your fault, you couldn't have anticipated this any more than we could have."
"All the same I feel somewhat responsible, the rest of the council is waiting in the parliament buildings. They…er objected to me coming here in light of recent events. I trust that general Jarick has informed you about the threats?"
"Yes."
"Good. We will be proceeding immediately to the parliament buildings and given the late hour I would like to invite you to dinner, we can negotiate after we've all eaten."
"Sounds good. Once we arrive will I be able to contact my ship? I should check in with them."
"Of course communications are being monitored but not jammed, you will be able to contact your ship at any time."
The transport flew smoothly towards the city. There were no further incidents, but little did the away team know that the adventure was not over, it had only just begun.
TBC