Chapter 20.
Elogium.
(Scott POV)
When I woke up Clara was still sleeping into me, I managed to get her off gentle and went and got ready and I was waiting for Kes to come when Clara woke up and came into the main room.
"Why didn't you wake me?" Clara said.
"Looked like you needed it," I said.
"What's for breakfast or are you having Kes over," Clara said.
"Both, You and her, Plus it is already almost ready," I said.
"Well, I am meant to go to sickbay after breakfast, So maybe I will walk with her there," Clara said.
"You still not going to tell me what you are going for?" I said.
"Nope, That's a surprise for you," Clara said.
Then the Door bell Rang.
"Come in," I said.
Then Kes walked in.
"You could've of started without me," Kes said.
"Nope, Plus it was just done too," I said.
Getting it out of the Replicator then over to where we were going to eat. And we dug into it.
"This is brilliant," Kes said.
"My own recipe too," I said.
"Wait you cook?" Kes said.
"Yes, Did all the time to back on Earth, Had more time there than here but managed to get it all computerized and into Voyager's database before we left," I said.
"Can't wait to try then," Kes said.
Then we finished and Kes and Clara left for Sickbay and I headed up to the bridge.
"Scott," Kat said. Once I got on it.
"Yes, Kat," I said.
"I think you should have a look at this," Kat said.
"What is it?" I said.
"Some kind of lifeform," Kat said.
"Senior officers Report to the bridge," I said.
Then they showed up.
"We've detected a strangle energy configuration off the port bow," I said.
"Any idea what it is?" Tom said.
"It appears to be some sort of Magnetic disturbance," Harry said.
"We're going to take a closer look," I said.
Then I noticed Chakotay.
"You seem a little preoccupied, Commander," I said.
"This morning I interrupted a couple who were kissing in the turbolift and I've been wondering if we should establish a policy regarding fraternization," Chakotay said.
"The couple maybe urged to show a bit more discretion, But we can't do that here, even in this situation," I said.
"Agreed, The development of intimate relationships might cause us problems that wouldn't arise in other ships," Chakotay said.
"I know, But we are the only ship out here in the Delta and a long way from home, All we have is each other, Eventually people are going to start pairing off," I said.
"Including you?" Chakotay said.
"Normally as Captain, that's a luxury I don't have, but I kind of already did," I said.
"We're in visual range, Captain," Harry said.
"On screen," I said.
"Looks like some type of energetic vapor," Chakotay said.
"Magnify," I said. "Wow what are they?"
"Space dwelling lifeforms," Chakotay said.
"Full sensor scan, Harry," I said.
Their internal energy pattern appear to be consistent with discrete organic processes," Harry said.
"Captain, I'd like the chance to study them at close range," Chakotay said.
"Me too, Tom, Not too close," I said.
"We wouldn't want to disturb their natural behaviour," Chakotay said.
"Take us to bio-scanner range," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tom said.
"The swarm is not particularly dense, Captain, I estimate their number at fewer than 2000," Tuvok said.
"They're really moving," Tom said.
"He's right, They've accelerated to a velocity of approximately 1000 kilometer per second," Harry said.
"It's possible we're frightening them," Sam Wildman said.
"Keep us within scanner range, Lt," I said. "But try to avoid rapid acceleration,"
"Aye captain," Tom said.
"Take a look at this," Chakotay said.
"What," I said.
"See the way they propel themselves," Chakotay said.
"They seem to flagellate, almost like protozoa," I said.
"Exactly but they're achieving incredible speeds, over 3000 kilometers per second," Chakotay said.
"Sam, Scan the field for repeating patterns," I said. "Maybe they're capable of some type of communication,"
"Aye captain," Sam said.
"Their internal anatomy's also very unusual, They didn't appear to have a digestive system of any kind But they have an extremely porous outer covering," Chakotay said. "My guess would be that they absorb nutrients directly from space,"
"Fantastic," I said. "A space dwelling lifeform capable of metabolizing inorganic matter,"
"Particle density in this part of space isn't very high, That might explain why they have to keep moving so fast," Sam said.
"Feeding at 3000 kilometers per second," Chakotay said. "Not exactly leisurely dining, Is it,"
"Sickbay to bridge," Doctor said.
"Go ahead Doc," I said.
"Captain, I think you may want to come down here," Doc said.
"On my way, Commander Bridge is yours," I said.
Then I went to the turbolift and went to Deck 5, and into sickbay.
"Doc," I said.
"You ready," Doc said.
"For what," I said.
Then the Doc pointed over to a bio bed where Someone was there. It took me a minute before I noticed it was Clara, She looked great as looked like Clara from Doctor Who.
"Clara," I said.
"Well, What you think," Clara said.
"It suits you," I said. Which made her come over and hug me.
"Clara will need to stay here till the end of your shift on the bridge just to make sure that her Wraith DNA isn't changing it back," Doctor said.
"I doubt it or we would have already seen it by now," I said.
"Still, Captain," Doc said.
"Alright, Fine," I said.
"What," Clara said.
"Just till I'm off then we go back to mine how's that," I said.
"Fine, But you are teaching me how to play that," Clara said.
"Deal," I said.
Then Clara hugged me again and then went back over to the bed.
Then I headed back to the Bridge after Giving her a smile.
Once back on the Bridge.
"They're changing course again, Captain," Tom said. "and accelerating, Should I follow them,"
"No, We could be disturbing them, Back us off a bit, Give them a little more room," I said.
"Yes, Sir," Tom said.
"Captain, We're accelerating, We're getting closer to the swarm," Harry said.
"Tom," I said.
"I'm trying to slow down, Captain," Tom said.
"Our Velocity doesn't correspond to impulse reactor output, We're moving much faster than we ought to be," Harry said.
"They seem to be pulling us toward them," Tom said.
"Sensors indicate an EM resonance field. The creatures seem to be creating their own magnetic wake, That is what is pulling the ship," Tuvok said.
"We're getting closer," Tom said.
"Tom reverse thrusters," I said.
"Helm control's aren't responding, Captain," Tom said.
"Tuvok, Shields up," I said.
"Non-functional, Captain," Tuvok said.
"Hull planting," I said.
"Non responding either Captain," Harry said.
"They're pulling us in," Tom said.
"Damage report," I said.
"Life support, Normal, Captain, but there's a huge fluctuation in the EPS grids, It's wreaking havoc with the impulse engines," Harry said.
"Warp drive is still online," Tom said. "One burst and we'd be out of here,"
"But our exhaust could seriously harm the creatures," Chakotay said.
"McCall to Torres, Do you have any thought about how to get us out of this swarm without engaging warp engines?" I said.
"We might try something like a Targ scoop," Torres said.
"Lt," I said.
"Klingons put them on the front of ground assault vehicles, they emit a high frequency tone that disperses Targ hers in their path," Torres said. "I can modify the main deflector to create an inverted magnetic pulse project toward the swarm it might be enough to nudge the creatures out of the way,"
"Do it," I said.
XXX
"Captain may I speak with you," Neelix said. "It's a matter of some urgency,"
"What is it, Neelix," I said.
"I have been thrown out of sickbay, And I'm just wondering if you feel it's appropriate for a hologram to banish a flesh and blood person, who has the right to be at the bedside of his loved one who is extremely ill," Neelix said.
"Kes," I said.
"The Hologram doesn't have a clue as to what is wrong with her," Neelix said. "Though it may have something to do with these creatures,"
"Just how is Kes being affected by the swarm," I said.
"That's what I wanted to know but before I got any answers, I was summarily dismissed," Neelix said.
"Sickbay to Bridge," Doc said.
"McCall here," I said.
"Captain, I think you'd better come down here, There's a bit of a problem," Doc said.
"On my way," I said. "Chakotay bridge is yours," Then I headed down there.
XXX
Then I got into sickbay where.
"I was conducting tests, She was none to cooperative let me assure you, then suddenly she screeched and shoved me out of the way and into my office, and erect a forcefield at the door just as Clara was just in to try and talk with her, I can't lower it," Doc said.
"Clara," I said.
"I don't know what is wrong with her," Clara said.
"I was able to complete several tests before she became delirious Her fever has increased and her pulse and blood pressure are dangerously high," Doc said.
"What is causing these symptoms," I said.
"I suspect it's the electrophoretic levels being created by the swarm," Doc said. "We should leave immediately,"
"That's not an option at the moment, But we're working on it," I said.
"There's one more thing, I discovered a strange growth on her back, It's unlike any other tumorous substance I've ever seen or studied before and It was not there the last time I examined her," Doc said.
"I'll try to talk to her," I said.
Then moved over to the doorway.
"Kes, please listen to me, We think you're being affected by a swarm of space dwelling life forms, we're doing everything we can to get away from them, and when we do, You'll probably start feeling better, Are you saying that's not what is wrong with you," I said. "Kes please let me in,"
Then she lowered the forcefield and I walked in. Then went over to towards her and she rushed and hugged me.
"Hey, It's going to be okay," I said. "What is happening to you,"
"Did the Doctor tell you he found something growing on my back?" Kes said.
"Yes a growth of some kind," I said.
"It's the mitral sac, It's where my child would grow, I'm going through the elogium, The time of change, when my body prepares for fertilization," Kes said.
"Humans go through the same kind of process, It's called puberty," I said.
"But I'm too young," Kes said. "Much too young, It usually happens between the ages of 4 and 5. I'm not even 2 yet,"
"Listen to me, all your body's metabolic activity has increased It's possible your reproductive processes are being accelerated as a result," I said.
"I'm not ready," Kes said.
"We're going to get you through this Kes, The Doctor will monitor you constantly," I said.
"You don't understand, The elogium occurs only once, If I'm ever going to have a child, it has to be now," Kes said.
"Clara stay with her," I said.
"Got it," Clara said.
Then I headed back up to the bridge.
"No change, Captain we're still being pulled along with the swarm," Chakotay said.
"Heading 121 Mark 7," Tom said. "Speed now 6000 kilometers per second,"
"All systems are functioning within normal parameters," Harry said.
"How's B'Elanna coming with the modifications to the Main deflector," I said.
"Her last report estimated they'd be finished in another half hour," Chakotay said.
"Let me know as soon as she's ready," I said. "Commander?"
Then we went and I told him about it.
"Kes is terribly frightened, She's had no time to prepare for this, and the decision has to be made in the next 40 to 50 hours," I said. "There are so many unknowns, there might be risks in procreating this early, of course there's no guarantee they're genetically compatible, or whoever is going to be the father. Seems your concerns about fraternization were prophetic,"
"I wasn't even thinking about procreation, but I suppose you were right, the inevitable outcome, We should consider the fact that it might be necessary for the crew to start having children," Chakotay said.
"It might take us a long time to get home," I said.
"If it does take 75 years, we're going to need a replacement crew in about half that time," Chakotay said.
"Who'd have thought we'd be considering a generational ship when we were ordered on a 3 week mission," I said.
"I know, but it's a problem we have to face now," Chakotay said.
"What would that mean for the children? What kind of life would we be giving them? Aboard a starship, traveling through a potentially hostile part of space, and are we equipped to provide for their needs Child-care, Educational facilities, We'd be building an entire community on board this ship, That's a massive commitment," I said.
"Are you prepared to tell them they can't have children?" Chakotay said.
"I can't do that, Damn it, I've already made it clear to Kes that it's her choice, whether to have a child or not, But there aren't any easy answers here, for any of us," I said.
"McCall to McCall," Clara said.
"What the," Chakotay said.
"Easy, Chakotay, Go ahead," I said.
"Scott, I need to talk with you, Our place," Clara said.
"On my way, You got the bridge," I said.
Then I headed down to my quarters and went in and Kes was on the bed.
"Kes is saying either you 2 do it on or she will never be able to," Clara said.
Then I went over and sat down next to her.
"So if we don't do it now, you never will," I said.
"Yes, and I need you to help me decide, because I would want you to mate with me," Kes said.
"But are you entirely certain it would be safe?" I said.
"Safe," Kes said.
"You're so young Kes, is it dangerous for you to conceive a child at your age?" I said.
"I don't know. I've never known anyone as young as I am who had a baby, What about you? Didn't you think you'd b a Father someday," Kes said.
"Kind a already is," Clara whispered but I heard her.
"Once it was when I found someone who was my first, But that was a long time ago, Never though it would come around this quick," I said.
"Have a look at this," Kes said.
"Wow, what's that?" I said.
"The Ipasaphor, It makes the mating bond possible," Kes said.
"It does, But do we know if it works with humans," I said.
"If we start, we need to be bonded for 6 days," Kes said.
"That long," I said.
"In order to ensure conception, and after the Ipasaphor appears, we only have 50 hours to do this," Kes said.
"But are you sure this is what you want," I said.
"That's just it, I don't know," Kes said.
"Listen, We got 50 hours right," I said.
"Yes," Kes said.
"Then we really think about it, But we are in an unknown part of the galaxy, There could be hundreds of hostile threats attacking Voyager," I said.
"Then we think about it," Kes said.
"Okay, I got to head, Clara can stay with you," I said.
"Is it alright if I stay here," Kes said.
"Yes," I said.
Then I went to Deck 2 and found Tuvok about to eat up.
"Got room for an extra person," I said.
"Of course," Tuvok said.
Then I saw down.
"You look troubled," Tuvok said.
"I am, What's it like being a Dad," I said.
"I was sure you though about it before," Tuvok said.
"Before getting stuck in this time," I said.
"The question is so broad, it is difficult to respond, I also have the feeling this is to do with Kes," Tuvok said.
"It's just happening so fast, I don't even know what to think," I said.
"I can tell you, that if you have considerable doubts about fatherhood, it would not be wise to enter into the process," Tuvok said.
"If I was back in my own time with her then I knew we would jump at it, But out here with some many dangers around, We are always watching our backs here now too," I said.
"Bridge to the Captain," Chakotay said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"We are going to get an update on Torres inverted field any minute," Chakotay said.
"On my way," I said. "Thanks Tuvok,"
Then I headed to the bridge and I wasn't only a minute there before the Turbolift opened again and B'Elanna came out.
"We're ready to generate the inverted Magnetic pulse, Captain," B'Elanna said.
"Do it," I said.
"Initiating the field, It's working," B'Elanna said.
"Are the creatures all right, Commander," I said.
"Yes, They seem to be fine," Chakotay said.
"Let's try to keep it that way, Tom, Thruster at 200 KPH," I said.
"Aye, Captain," Tom said.
"What are they doing?" Harry said.
"Hard to know, what's prompting that behaviour, Maybe they think we're making a hostiles move, Chakotay said.
Then we got hit. "Report," I said.
"I'm reading a massive energy drain in all ship systems," Harry said.
"Impulse engines are losing power," Tom said.
"Captain, Some of the lifeforms have attached themselves to the warp nacelles," Harry said.
"Guidance, Navigational and Tactical systems are failing," Tuvok said.
"How soon will we clear the swarm," I said.
"In a few seconds we're almost out," Tom said.
Captain, I am detecting a substantial magnetic mass moving rapidly toward the port bow," Tuvok said.
"What's that?" I said.
"It's physiologically similar to the smaller creatures just a lot bigger," Sam said.
"Perhaps it is the parent," Tuvok said.
"Or it could be a difference in gender," Chakotay said. "It's hard to say without further observation,"
"With all do respect, Captain," Torres said. "Haven't we done enough observing? These creatures have attacked the ship's key systems, For all we know they were setting us up for an attack,"
"Possible, Tom get us out of here, If we can put some distance between us and the swarm the ones on the our nacelles will drop off and rejoin their friends," I said.
"Aye Captain, 200 KPH," Tom said.
"The larger creature is moving with us," Tuvok said.
"Now what," Tom said.
"The creature has emitted an electrically charged plasma stream," Harry said.
"All stop, Damage," I said.
"no significant damage captain, Shields are holding," Harry said.
"A Plasma blast is a hostile move, Shouldn't we be thinking about responding?" Torres said.
"If the creature threatens serious damage to the ship, I'll consider it an enemy, Right now they are behaving normally in their natural habitat, We're the intruders here," I said.
"Captain, Look at this," Chakotay said.
"They're attaching them selves to the larger creature the same way they did us," Chakotay said.
"And I think I know why," Harry said. " That plasma stream it ejected has almost the same subspace signature as our warp nacelles,"
"Then the smaller creatures are attracted to our subspace emissions," I said.
"Perhaps in the same way some species are attracted to pheromones," Chakotay said.
"No, Bit far," I said.
"Colour change and provocative movement are frequently associated with mating rituals," Chakotay said.
"Then these guys think we're one of them?" Tom said.
"Well, Their behaviour toward us and the large creature is similar, It's possible they've mistakes us for a potential mate," Chakotay said. "If the smaller creatures are sexually attracted to our subspace emissions, then the large one may perceive us as a rival, That plasma burst it sent out might have been aggressive posturing,"
"Then you'd think it would be happy to see us leave," I said. "LT, is there any way we could generate a short burst of impulse enough to get us away from the swarm,"
"I could try releasing power from the impulse capacitance cells straight into the driver coils," Torres said.
"Do it," I said.
"All right, I've accessed the capacitance cells, I think I can give you enough for a short burst of impulse," Torres said. "We 've got one shot,"
"Tom, Make the best of it," I said.
"Aye captain, Initiating Impulse burst now," Tom said.
"Captain, the creature is reacting," Tuvok said. "It's approaching rapidly on a collision course,"
"Evasive maneuvers," I said.
"We don't have the power for that," Torres said.
"The creature is accelerating," Harry said.
"I'm losing power, Can't shake him," Tom said.
"All hands brace for impact," Tuvok said.
Then we got hit.
"It's coming again," Tom said.
"Structural integrity down to 86%" Harry said.
"I am beginning to share Lt Torres views, captain," Tuvok said.
"No, Tuvok launch probe," I said.
"Another plasma burst, Shield at 64% Looks like the probe just made him angry," Harry said.
"This is an aggressive lifeform Captain, He's only going to respond to an aggressive stance from us," Torres said.
"Treating the creature as it is treating us might be an appropriate response," Tuvok said.
"Or we tick it off even more," I said.
"Captain, Maybe we're going about this backwards, Every aggressive move we make results in a more aggressive move by the creature, If we're right that the creature is responding to us as a sexual rival, we might try behaving in a submissive way, That may appease him. We'd be acknowledging that he's dominant and that's we're not match for him," Chakotay said.
"How do we do that?" I said. "We tried to move away slowly. It just wouldn't let us leave,"
"Maybe we need to mimic the behaviour of the smaller creatures, we saw them rolling over and changing colour," Chakotay said.
"If we vent plasma residue, that might make us look blue," Harry said.
"Tom, do we have enough power to take Voyager rolling," I said.
"I think so," Tom said.
"Do it, Harry start venting plasma. Tom Roll us," I said
"Full power to inertial dampers," Tom said.
"Captain the smaller creatures are detaching. They're letting go," Harry said.
"Tom get us out of here," I said.
"Yes, Sir," Tom said.
Then we managed to get away and resume course for home where repairs have began.
Then I headed down to my quarters where Kes and Clara were talking.
"Hey," I said.
"It's all back to normal, Guess you were right," Kes said.
"Something tells me that will come again someday," I said.
"I know, I got to get to bed, Night, Scott," Kes said.
"Night Kes," I said.
Then she left smiling at me and Then it was just Clara and I.
"Guess that is over," Clara said.
"Guess so, I just got to grab something from the bridge then I'm down for good," I said.
Then I headed up and grabbed my padd on my desk then the door bell went.
"Come in," I said.
Then Sam came in.
"Sam, What can I do for you," I said.
"I should inform you of my physical condition," Sam said.
"Your physical condition," I said.
"Well, we'd been trying for months, I wasn't even sure until a few days ago," Sam said. "My husband is still at DS9, He doesn't even know,"
"Sam," I said. "Are you Pregnant,"
"I know it's not the best place to have a baby," Sam said. "It's all I have,"
"Congratulations, Sam," I said.
Then Sam smiling heading out.
Then I headed back down to Clara and I started to Teach her on the PS.
Then We got ready and went to bed. But Clara went to her own this time round.
But I didn't mind, Now it was just what came next.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
I would be able to do Non Sequitur.
But I will see y'all on twisted.
PEACE!