Author's note:
In case you wondered what happened to me, Ihadn't forgotten this story. A very busy period at work, combined with a couple of re-writes meant that all my noble intentions of getting this next chapter done sooner were shot.
Thanks to firebirdgirl, Jesper, dragonstorm06, Becky, and didi for your reviews so far. I hope the suspense wasn't killing you...
Thanks too to firebirdgirl for the corrections - I don't know how "Catherine" got by me either /
Anyway - no more excuses - on with the story...
---oOo---
Captain's Log, Stardate 53080.2
Voyager has entered a region of space known as the Denari expanse. Rather than being under the control of a central government, this region of space is divided up into areas run by loose-knit family clans. Thus far, our journey through this region of space has proven unusually peaceful. According to passing traders, the main danger here seems to be pirates – no doubt due to the lack of a formal government or patrolling force. However we have yet to encounter any suspicious activity.
Unusually, the Denari clans are not made up of any single alien race, but rather a mix of humanoid species that have blended together over thousands of years. We have been able to negotiate our passage through this area quite easily; the clans we have contacted thus far seem content to allow relatively free movement of ships through their territory, and our presence has been greeted with a great deal of curiosity
We are currently on course for a space station known as Freeport, part of a mining operation in the area. We have obtained permission from the governing clan here to stop and resupply our ship, and expect to arrive soon.
Tom Paris locked his fingers together and stretched out his arms above his head. He sat at the conn, watching the star trails flash past on the main viewer.
"Keep you awake, Mr Paris?"
Tom turned to see Captain Janeway smiling at him.
"No ma'am" he replied, a little sarcastically. Chakotay laughed.
"The last minutes before reaching the end of a journey always seem the longest" Chakotay added. Tom turned back to his station, nodding in agreement as he did so.
"Don't I know it? Mind you, these past few entire weeks haven't exactly been exciting either you know" replied Tom.
"Personally, I'm actually enjoying the fact that it's so peaceful around here". Janeway answered. "It's refreshing to just be able to cruise through space, without having to battle every inch of the way"
"Yeah, be careful what you wish for Tom" Harry chimed in. "If we start getting shot at by some angry alien species, I'm blaming you."
At this remark, everyone on the bridge, bar Tuvok of course, laughed.
It had been wonderfully peaceful, Janeway thought to herself. They had rarely managed to go this long without becoming involved in some conflict or other. It had been a time for the crew to relax, and for Voyager to lick her wounds. There had been time to attend to all the minor repairs that were often overlooked in more dangerous circumstances, time to reorganise crew rosters, try out some new sensor techniques.
In short, they were able to undertake some of the more mundane activities that the crew of a starship took for granted. It had been a refreshing change, and one that the crew seemed grateful for. If only the rest of the journey home would prove so easy.
As if to try and prove her wrong, the computer suddenly beeped an alert. Janeway tensed for a moment, then relaxed again when she realised that it had come from the conn.
Tom confirmed her suspicion. "We are approaching the coordinates for Freeport station Captain"
"Good. Prepare to drop out of warp"
Tom made some adjustments to the panel in front of him as he prepared to bring the ship back to conventional drive.
"Standby" Tom added, then made a final adjustment. Behind him, various displays on the bridge scrolled and flashed as Voyager's main computers began to make the billions of separate calculations required to transition out of warp drive, and deliver the ship to the exact coordinates specified.
"Mark" said Tom. Ahead on the viewer, Janeway watched as the white trails fell away, to be replaced by a blanket of unmoving stars. The bluish sun of the system in which Freeport was located rushed towards them, slowing quickly to become a steady glowing point in space.
"Freeport station dead ahead of us" relayed Tom. "Just beyond the second planet"
Kathryn couldn't yet make out the station – it was too far away. But she could just see the second planet in the light from its sun. She ordered Voyager to full impulse – there seemed no point in hanging around.
The second planet began to grow in size in the main viewer. It looked to be a dull grey waterless rock, though no doubt the wealth of mineral deposits revealed by Voyager's scans made it anything but dull for the mining colonies dotted about it's surface.
As they moved toward the planet, the crew's attention now turned to Freeport station. The station appeared to be a smooth spherical structure from a distance, but as Voyager drew closer they noticed various bumps and openings across its surface, as well as a mass of communications arrays and sensors facing the planet below. No doubt practical concerns had been far more important than aesthetics in its design. Tom began to orient the ship to enter a docking port on the station's outer surface.
Several minutes later, a slight shudder through the deck told them that the docking clamps were secured to the ship, and Tom began to power down the engines. Around them, ships of varying sizes – mostly traders and cargo vessels from what Janeway could make out - were lined along the inner walls of the station. Though most at a cursory glance appeared warp-capable, none was as sleek as Voyager.
Soon after, at the Captain's request, B'Elanna, Neelix and the Doctor made their way to the bridge. Now Janeway rose from her chair, and turned to address the assembled crew.
"Well everyone, we have a few days up our sleeves, so let's make the most of it.
"Chakotay, I'd like you to organise shore leave rosters for the crew, starting with the next shift. Let's give everyone a chance to stretch their legs.
"No problem" he replied.
B'Elanna, this looks to be the kind of place that sells almost anything, so if there are any spares you need, now's the time.
"I've already got a list" B'Elanna responded, tapping a PADD in her hand.
"Tuvok, Can you ensure that all normal security procedures for space dock are in place. I don't want anyone walking off with the warp drive"
Janeway's quip produced some muffled laughter. She turned to Neelix.
"Neelix, I presume you'll want to procure some stores for your kitchen - well, you have my permission. Just make sure it's nothing too exotic"
"I think that means 'No more Galvordian chilli stew'" added Chakotay.
"Yeah, that sure gave a new meaning to 'red alert'" added Tom.
Neelix looked askance with embarrassment. He figured that it would take several more weeks before the crew would forgive him for that particular meal.
"As for the rest of you" added the Captain, "you have your assignments, so let's get to work. And don't forget to enjoy your time off the ship – it might be some time until we get another opportunity. Dismissed"
The command staff filed off the bridge, leaving Chakotay and the Captain alone.
"Crew's been looking forward to this" Chakotay mentioned casually.
"Well, it certainly makes a change from endless weeks cruising through space, peaceful though they've been." replied Janeway.
"Are you taking a break as well?"
"Are you kidding?" replied Kathryn. "I'm taking advantage of this lull while it lasts. We have no idea what's ahead of us, so I figure that I may as well get in some time to relax before then".
"What about you Chakotay, any plans while we're docked here?"
"Well" he said with a wry smile, "I was hoping to have dinner with a certain starship Captain. The same Captain who stood me up the other week?"
"Stood you up?" responded Janeway "There was the small matter on me being stuck on a damaged shuttle in the middle of an ion storm, two light years from Voyager!"
They laughed together.
"Well, you can make it up to me tonight. Say eight pm, Holodeck one? I know a nice little restaurant in Berlin"
"Look Chakotay, much as I'm enjoying this, we can't stand around here all day talking, we've got work to do".
She turned away and headed for the turbolift, leaving a confused Chakotay standing in the middle of the bridge.
"Oh, see you at eight" she added, just before entering the lift.
The doors swooshed shut behind her, leaving a smiling Chakotay alone.
---oOo---
Captain's Log, Supplemental
We have now been docked at the Freeport station for five days. The crew has been enjoying the chance for some shore leave, even if it is only aboard a space station. Meanwhile, I have been trying to build alliances with some more of the Denari clans who are here on the station, in preparation for our journey across more of the expanse. To this end I am arranging a dinner for some of the clan elders aboard Voyager tonight. Hopefully we will be able to keep moving through this part of space without any problems.
Barring any mishaps, we aim to depart the station tomorrow at 10:00 hours and resume our journey home.
The chime in the Captain's quarters sounded. Janeway closed the terminal display on her desk.
"Come in!"
The door slid open, and Tuvok entered.
"Good afternoon, Mr Tuvok. Please, have a seat" She indicated the adjacent chair.
"There is no need, Captain" replied Tuvok, in his usual formal manner. "I just wished to let you know that all security measures are in place for tonight's function. I noted in your last update however, that the Denari delegation has requested a tour of the ship, so I have arranged for an escort of four personnel from my team"
The captain raised her hand. "Tuvok, I don't think all that will be necessary. I don't want these people to think that they are under suspicion – not when they're our guests"
Tuvok looked as if he were going to protest, but the Captain cut him off.
"Don't worry" she added quickly. "I won't be giving them free reign of the ship either. Chakotay, B'Elanna and I will be accompanying them on their tour before dinner, and we'll keep a close eye on them."
"That should be…sufficient" replied Tuvok.
"Well, if there's nothing else, I'd better get ready. I'll see you at Transporter Room one, 19:00 hours".
"Yes, Captain"
Tuvok turned and left the room. Janeway re-thought her decision to not bother with Tuvok's suggestion, then dismissed it. It paid to be cautious, but she didn't want to offend their guests.
Besides, Voyager had begun to attract quite a lot of attention from all quarters over the past couple of days, presumably as word of their arrival spread throughout the station. The sleek ship now drew a small but steady group of onlookers near the docking entry, and various crew members had reported being stopped and questioned by passers by who recognised them as Starfleet personnel. The story of their journey alone through the Delta quadrant also appeared to be a source of interest. A journey which, if all went well at tonight's function, they would be continuing by tomorrow.
The Captain suddenly realised that, even though the past few days had brought a welcome rest and relief for both herself and the crew, they were still far from home. And still very much alone.
She stood silently for a moment before pulling herself out of her thoughts, and beginning to change before dinner.
---oOo---
Some time later, Janeway stood in front of the mirror in her quarters, when the door chimed once more. This time, it was Chakotay. She invited him in.
"Ready for a long night?" she asked
"Ready as always" he replied, somewhat dispiritedly.
Janeway sensed his mood, and took it from the look Chakotay gave her that he wasn't at his most comfortable at diplomatic functions. Though they were a regular part of life for any Starfleet officer, Chakotay wasn't exactly regular Starfleet, despite his integration into her crew. She figured that diplomacy probably wasn't high on the Marquis agenda.
The Captain replaced her comb. "Come on" she said with a smile, starting for the door "Let's get this over with"
"You do realise" she said to Chakotay a short while later, as they strolled along the corridor towards the turbolift "that I should probably let you take the lead in this function tonight"
Chakotay turned his head, a quizzical look on his face as they reached the lift. Janeway requested Transporter Room One, and then turned back to Chakotay.
"Well, these Denari clans are like the Marquis in many ways" she explained. "A loose-knit group, drawn together by a common goal, with little need for the large administration or formality of Starfleet. Each group acts independently of the others, but they are able to combine and assist each other when the need arises".
"Well since you put it that way"
"C'mon" said the Captain, nodding her head as the doors opened to reveal the corridor once more. "I promise it won't be that bad" They headed into the Transporter room.
"They are ready when you are, Captain", indicated the transporter technician on duty. "Two groups of six to transport". Janeway noted that B'Elanna had joined them as requested.
"OK" indicated the Captain. "Energise"
The transporter activated, and six figures shimmered into view. What appeared to be the eldest of the group stepped off the transporter pad first. Kathryn stepped forward to meet him.
"Greetings, I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. I'd like to welcome you aboard my ship".
"Thank you captain" responded the Denari. "I am Suran, of the Clan of Dengul"
Janeway indicated Chakotay and B'Elanna, and made further introductions. The Denari leader did likewise with his group. Within another minute the rest of the Denari party had been beamed aboard.
The transporter room was now becoming crowded, with twelve Denari plus Starfleet officers and crew. This function seemed less like a diplomatic party and more like a globetrotting tour group, the Captain thought to herself. However in the last few days aboard the Freeport station, Janeway had learned that the Denari preferred to conduct business as an extended family group, and it seemed diplomatic functions were no exception.
She breathed a long sigh – this was going to be a long night. She only hoped the outcome would make it worthwhile.
"Well, if we can begin our tour of the ship?" asked the captain.
There were several nods of agreement. Suran, indicated with a gesture that the Captain should lead the way. She did.
An hour later, the group finally entered the mess hall. The tour had taken them first through Sickbay and Main Engineering – a regular route that some Voyager crew had nicknamed the "3D Tour" for "Doctors, Diseases and Di-Lithium". The delegation had seemed to thoroughly appreciate the opportunity to study the ship, and so the Captain had also treated them to a look at the main shuttle bay and Astrometrics, before finally heading for the mess hall.
There the remaining bridge officers were waiting, as were tables lined with food representing both dishes from Federation worlds, and local Delta Quadrant fare. Following a short speech by the Captain, the two groups began to eat.
Janeway soon found herself engaged in conversation with Chakotay again.
"Well - so far, so good"
"Hmmm" mused Chakotay. "They certainly were impressed by Voyager. A couple of them seemed to want to spend all day in Engineering"
The captain laughed. "It was all I could do to move them on before they started pulling panels off the walls"
"Yeah, what it is with all the excitement around engineering anyway?" The Captain and Chakotay turned as B'Elanna interjected. "Take ordinary people down there and they turn into awestruck cadets"
The captain looked away again and scanned the mess hall. It certainly appeared that the Denari delegates were enjoying themselves, and some were now intermingling with the crew. Over by the window, Seven and the Doctor were engaged in deep conversation. Meanwhile Neelix, flushed at the prospect of catering for a diplomatic function, appeared to be eagerly explaining the recipe behind one of his feature dishes to anyone who would listen.
The Captain heard Chakotay mention something about a past mission, and was about to turn back to listen when Tom tapped her on the shoulder.
"Excuse me Captain"
"Yes, what is it Tom?" she replied. "Is everything OK?"
"Sure" he replied. "Captain, Harry and I have been talking to one of the Denari for a while, and…well, he's got some information that may interest us"
"Well, Mr Paris – lead the way" replied Janeway.
Tom headed over to another corner of the mess hall, where Harry Kim was engaged in discussion with a middle-aged Denari male. From her initial observation, Harry appeared excited about something.
"Captain" said Tom, "this is Mondar. Mondar, I believe you already know our Captain?"
"Indeed I do", he replied.
"Please join us" Harry added.
"So" announced the Captain. "What is it that has you dragging me away from Mr Neelix's fine cuisine?"
It was Mondar spoke up
"Captain, your two young crewmen here have been telling me the story of your journey through our part of the galaxy, and of your desire to reach your home world". He paused. Tom and Harry nodded in agreement.
"Well, it so happens that I know this part of space quite well, and I may be able to help"
Mondar indicated a bulky PADD-like device of local origin, which Harry eagerly took and passed to the Captain.
"It shows a region of space about four light years from here. We discovered the phenomena" - he indicated the screen – "about two years ago. It appears roughly once every 60 days."
The captain, Harry and Tom exchanged glances.
"We've been able to detect some communications from time to time, which we believe to be emanating from the other side" Mondar added, but the captain barely heard his last sentence. She was still staring at the video projection on the screen of the Denari PADD, apparently taken at the coordinates the Denari had mentioned.
A video projection which showed the unmistakable form - of a wormhole.