Chapter 28.
Alliances.
(Scott POV)
I was on the Bridge was we were under attack by the Kazon again.
They were hitting us hard.
"Captain," a Crewmember said as he helped me up.
"Report," I said.
"It looks like the Kazon have retreated, Captain," Harry said.
"We must have hurt them," Chakotay said.
"Not as bad as they hurt us, All engines are off line," Tom said.
"Captain, Shields are down as are all weapons arrays," Tuvok said.
"We'd better hope they don't come back, We're sitting ducks," Chakotay said.
"McCall to Engineering," I said. What's your status down there,"
"We're in bad shape Captain, We had to shut down the Warp engines to avoid a breach, The Impulse Engines are gone too, I think I can give you Thrusters but I've got a lot of casualties down here, I've got to tend to first," B'Elanna said.
"Keep me updated," I said.
"Get Repairs on the go, Harry, get down to Engineering give B'Elanna getting everything back online," I said.
"Aye Captain," Harry said.
"Tuvok. Focused on getting our weapons and Shields fully back online," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tuvok said.
"Chakotay, Get me a full Damage Report, and Casualties, Then give B'Elanna a hand in Engineering," I said.
"Aye Captain," Chakotay said.
"Tom Get the Con back online, Then Get us the hell out of here," I said.
"Aye Captain, You hurt too, you should get down to Sickbay let the Doc heal you," Tom said.
"I'll be fine Lt, Get on it," I said.
"More Damage reports coming in, Captain," Harry said. "There's a hull breach on Deck 4, Forcefield's in place, Repairs crews on way,"
"There've been casualties on all decks," Chakotay said. "No Fatalities so far,"
"Let me know if that changes," I said.
"Aye captain," Chakotay said.
"Captain Request," Tom said.
"Get down there, Get our propulsion up and running," I said.
"Yes sir," Tom said heading.
"Captain, My reading indicate the Navigational deflector has sustained massive Damage, It will be necessary to repair it, But we can achieve more than Thruster power," Tuvok said.
"Get repair crews on it," I said. "Harry, I want a complete of every bit of Damage we've sustained,"
"Yes, Sir," Harry said.
"Captain, you hurt you should get to Sickbay," Chakotay said.
"It's not serious, Let the Doc handle the Causalities first," I said.
XXX
After a few hours, I was in my Ready room.
As the Door bell Rang.
"Come in," I said.
As Chakotay came in and I could tell he had bad news. "Bendera is dead," Chakotay said. "The Doctor couldn't do anything,"
"I'm sorry, Chakotay," I said. "I knew your were friends, Will you arrange a memorial service?"
"I'll get right on it," Chakotay said.
"Coffee Black," I said. Then noticed Chakotay was still there. "Was there something else,"
"Yes," Chakotay said. "Like it or not, It seems we're in a situation where the rules have changed, and maybe if we're going to survive out here, We have to start changing too,"
"When mean more than what we have already done," I said.
"When we first started out trip home we made a decision run Voyager as a Starfleet Ship and crew, Even the rules," Chakotay said.
"Yes," I said.
"Starfleet works well in the Alpha Quadrant, But out here, Maybe we should be thinking more like the Maquis. The Maquis had to survive on their own," Chakotay said. "We were up against insurmountable odds, Just like we are now, We had to create our own opportunities for success because nobody was willing to help us, Sound like anybody you know,"
"Yes, Us right now, If you're suggesting we abandon our principles just because we're out of hailing Range," I said.
"Captain, this was the 4th attack in 2 weeks, We've lost 3 crew members to the Kazon, A dozen more have sustained serious injuries," Chakotay said. "This ship has taken so much damage we'll be lucky to get warp drive on line again, and we can count on the fact that the Kazon will be back, I don't think we can afford to keep doing business as usual any more," Then he left.
XXX
We were all in the mess hall for the Memorial for Kurt Bendera.
"A lot of us can say we're alive today because of Kurt Bendera," Chakotay said. "There was never a better man to have at your side never anyone more willing to take on the tough jobs, The first time I met him was in a mining community on Telfas Prime Some of the miners objected to my sense of humor and decided they should break a few of my bones, there were 4 of them and one of me and I was taking a beating, Suddenly this man I'd never seen before came out of nowhere and evened things up. We stood back to back and pretty soon the others decided my sense of humor wasn't so bad after all, I thanked the man, and He just grinned and said I like a good fight. He was my friend from that moment on and he kept fighting the good fight right up to the end. Ill miss him, Ensign,"
Then We broke up and I was heading for the jumper. Need some time alone.
"Captain, can I ask you something," Hogan said.
"Of course," I said.
"Now that the Kazon have stepped up their attacks, a lot of people think that we are not going to make it out of here alive," Hogan said. "I'd like to know what you have to say about that,"
"Is there anything you have to say about that?" I said. "I assure you can speak freely,"
"I'd give them what they want, I'll give them the replicators and the transporters and whatever else it is they're after," Hogan said.
"Then we should become arms dealer next, That more than a violation of," I said.
"I know all about the Prime Directive, but you know what the Federation is 70000 light years away," Hogan said, "What does it matter what these people do to each other with our technology,"
"I can get your concerns, crewman, but let me make it completely clear, I'll Destroy this ship before I turn any part of it over the Kazon," I said leaving.
"So that's how the Maquis would do it," I said. As I passed Chakotay.
Then out the door.
"It's all right, Commander, I know Hogan's upset. I know he and Bendera was close," I said.
"But that's not why he thinks we should give the Kazon what they want," Chakotay said.
"I think I've made my position clear on that," I said.
"You have but a lot of the crew feel they haven't had the chance to voice their opinions," Chakotay said.
"This isn't a democracy, Chakotay, I can't run this ship by consensus," I said.
"A lot of the Maquis feel the Federation abandoned them years ago, You may be willing to die for Federation principles But they're not," Chakotay said.
"I can't believe you'd support that man's position," I said.
"I don't but isn't there something in between your position and his?" Chakotay said.
"Deck 3," I said. as we got into the Turbolift.
"All I'm saying, Captain, is that maybe there's a little room for flexibility in interpreting Starfleet's Protocols, Frankly. I'm not sure they were ever intended for situations like this," Chakotay said.
"I haven't seen any evidence that they've let us down," I said.
"Maybe this situation with the Kazon is the first example, maybe we have to examine Starfleet's principles with a cold eye and ask ourselves if they're really applicable here," Chakotay said.
"Computer Hold Turbolift," I said. as It stopped. "Commander, if you have a specific suggestion here get on with it,"
"Make a deal, An Alliance," Chakotay said.
"With the Kazon," I said.
"With one of their factions or 2 If we Had the Ogla and the Relora as our allies the others would be afraid to touch us," Chakotay said.
"Nothing we've been through with the Kazon would ever lead me to believe they're trustworthy," I said. "I rather be allies with the Klingons back when we were at war with them, As they have some honour. I can't imagine making a deal with the Kazon,"
"With all due respect," Chakotay said. "Maybe that's because your imagination is limited by Starfleet protocols, As Captain, you're Responsible for making decisions in the best interest of your crew, and I think you have to ask yourself if you're doing that,"
"Computer, Resume," I said. Then Left. As it got the Deck 3. Then Went to Tuvok's Quarters.
Once there I rang the Door bell.
"Come in," Tuvok said.
Then I walked in.
"Captain, this is unexpected," Tuvok said.
"I've been in your quarters before," I said.
"Indeed but so rarely that I can remember each instance. Vulcan spice tea. Hot," Tuvok said passing it to me. "And it was always at a time when you were particularly troubled,"
"Right as usual, there," I said. Taking a sip. "Thank you, Commander Chakotay has proposed that we make an alliance with one of the Kazon factions, No weapons or technology, But we would pledged to support and defend them if they're attacked,"
"I am sure that made you Uncomfortable," Tuvok said.
"How can I consider it? I can't just walk way from the precepts Starfleet has laid out for us, You don't deal with outlaws, You don't involve yourself, in the political machinations of other cultures. It goes against everything I believe in. Even trained for, Even experience has taught me," I said.
"Quite right," Tuvok said.
"Way do a feel a but coming," I said.
"You are perceptive, Captain," Tuvok said. "I Believe Commander Chakotay's suggestion does have merit,"
"Fine," I said.
"When I was a young man a great visionary named Spock recommended an alliance between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, This produced a major dispute, The Klingons after all were outlaws, employing violence and brutality in order to build their empire, I myself spoke out against such a coalition. But the alliance was forged, and it brought a stability to the quadrant that had not been there for 200 years, Spock's suggestion so controversial at first," Tuvok said. "Proved to be the cornerstone for peace,"
"There are some differences here, by allying ourselves to one faction we'd be giving that faction more power than the others, That would clearly affect the internal politics of all the Kazon," I said.
"I understand your concern," Tuvok said. "But remember it would only be a temporary arrangement, since we are on our way out of this Quadrant, In the meantime, it might bring stability to the region and security for us,"
"Once we're gone, They'll go back to their Gang fighting," I said.
"Perhaps, But even temporary stability can bring an appreciation for peace," Tuvok said. "This flower is a rare hybrid, As far as I know it exists nowhere else in the galaxy, I created it by grafting a cutting from a Sound American Orchid onto a Vulcan Favanit planet, I doubted the graft would take, and indeed, the plant was sickly at first, However after a few weeks, both planet adapted to their new condition and in fact became stronger than either had been alone,"
XXX
We were in the conference room going over everything when.
"Consequently, after much consideration, I've decided to seek an Alliance with one of the Kazon Factions," I said.
"Captain, you can't be serious," Harry said. "This goes against,"
"Ensign, I'll be glad to discuss my reasoning with you at a more appropriate time, However, this meeting is not to debate the decision, but to decide how to pursue it," I said.
"Captain, If I may," Neelix said.
"Yes Neelix," I said.
"We're not far from a planet known as Sobras, Where there's a Kazon Settlement, Inhabited by a faction known as the Pommar," Neelix said. "I have an acquaintance there, Someone who owes me some favors, Some rather large favours actually, Perhaps I could meet with him and sound him out,"
"Is he authorized to speak for his Maje," Tuvok said.
"Not exactly, But he does have the Maje's ear," Neelix said. "This would be strictly informal, But it might give us a reading on the possibility without the risk of actual confrontation,"
"Good Idea," I said. "Proceed, Neelix.
"Why Don't we just contact Seska and form an Alliance with her?" Harry said.
"Actually that's a good item," B'Elanna said.
"You've got to be kidding," Chakotay said.
"Not at all, Seska has been trying to forge an alliance among the Kazon, She would jump at the chance to get our support," B'Elanna said.
"She's right if we went through Seska at least we could ally ourselves with the Nistrim," Tom said.
"I think It's a bad idea," Chakotay said.
"You can't have it both ways, Commander, If you want to get in the mud with the Kazon you can't start complaining that you might get dirty," I said.
"Fine, I'll talk with Seska," Chakotay said.
"No," I said. "You've been through too much with her, Neelix, Prepare to take your shuttle to Sobras, In the meantime, I'll make contact with Seska, Dismissed,"
Then Everyone left.
XXX
"Captain's log, Stardate 49337.4," I said. "After sending a subspace message to Seska and the Nistrim Maje Cullah, We have received a quick Response, End Log," Then I went out.
"They're hailing," Harry said.
"On screen," I said.
"Captain McCall, Commander Chakotay, I must say we were surprised to hear from you," Cullah said.
"Are you willing to meet with us?" I said.
"You've made an interesting proposal, I've discussed it with Seska, And she assures me that you would not make this gesture unless you were sincere," Cullah said. "I will talk with you,"
"I suggest we rendezvous, We'll transmit coordinates to you," I said.
"If you don't mind Captain, We'd prefer to choose the coordinates," Seska said.
"Fine, Send them," I said.
"We'll meet in approximately 20 hours, I must say Captain, I look forward to this opportunity," Cullah said before ending the call.
"Once we got those Coordinates, Set a course, and scan the area around it before we arrive," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tom said.
XXX
After a bit they were finally here and we were in the Conference room talking.
"You've made a good choice," Cullah said. "The Nistrim will be a potent ally,"
"We want to make sure the Nistrim will also be an Honourable ally, That you'll adhere to the conditions we establish, You can let all the Kazon Factions know that Voyager has formed a coalition with you and will be an ally to any Nistrim ship or Outpost we encounter. In addition, We're prepared to provide Emergency supplies when needed. Food, Medicines, Clothing, No weapons or technology," I said.
"Understood," Cullah said. "Just one other detail, an exchange of crew members,"
"An exchange," I said.
"Yes," Cullah said. "I'm sure you'll agree that our alliance should represent a genuine partnership,"
"Perhaps you should define that," Tuvok said.
"It's Obvious, Federation Crew on my ship, Nistrim crew on yours," Cullah said.
"Maje, I think that's a detail we could work out later," Seska said.
"I can assure, that I would never agree to that, The only time, I would do that is if your ship were damaged and needed extra assistance in Repairs," I said.
"It seems a natural extension of your own proposal," Cullah said.
"We don't have to decide everything right now," Seska said.
"I will determine what we decide and when," Cullah said.
"Yes, Maje," Seska said.
"I won't have a young Captain dictate terms to me," Cullah said.
"Cullah, I found the Idea of an alliance with you distasteful. I was willing to explore the possibility. But now I see my instincts were right on the bat," I said.
"Talk to him, Tell him to be reasonable," Cullah said.
"This meeting is over, Lt," I said walking out.
XXX
I was in my Ready room.
"Captain's log, Supplemental, We're on our way to rendezvous with Neelix. I can only hope that had more luck with the Kazon than we did, End log,"
Then I went to the Bridge and sat down.
"Captain, we're approaching the coordinates," Tom said.
"All stop," I said.
"I don't see any trace of him," Harry said.
"Long range sensor indicate no sign of Mr. Neelix's Shuttle within a radius of 2 light years," Tuvok said.
"The Kazon have him," Tom said.
"We cannot jump to conclusions," Tuvok said. "He may simply have been delayed,"
"We'll hold position here for 2 hours, If he hasn't shown up by then, We'll go to Sobras," I said.
XXX
It's been 2 hours and nothing.
"That's it, We're going after him," I said. "Tom set a course for Sobras, Full impulse,"
"Aye Captain," Tom said.
"Tuvok, Ready all weapons, We don't know what the Kazon have in store for us," I said.
"Shields at full power," Harry said.
"Yellow Alert, All hand at the Ready," Chakotay said.
"Captain," Harry said.
"What is it," I said.
"Ships, Kazon Ships on long range sensors, Closing fast," Harry said.
"Confirmed, Captain," Tuvok said.
"On screen," I said.
"It appears to be an armada, and their weapons are powered," Tuvok said.
"Red Alert," I said. As the Klaxon went red. "Ready all weapons systems and standby, Harry, Hail the lead ship,"
"They're hailing us, Captain," Harry said.
"On screen," I said.
"Hello, Captain," Neelix said. I'd like you to meet my good friend Mabus, We've just escaped from the Kazon Pommar,"
"What are you doing on a Kazon ship?" Chakotay said.
"They're Trabe Vessels actually, Everything the Kazon have, they stole from the trabe, Mabus will tell you all about it over a sumptuous dinner, the Food hasn't been very good where we're been, And the Shuttle is in the shuttlebay," Neelix said.
"I look forward to it," I said.
Then We beamed the Shuttle and Neelix aboard Which after a while we were in the Mess hall. Eating.
"I was 8 years old when it started," Mabus said. "I wasn't even particularly aware of the Kazon. They lived in restricted areas, That Children weren't allowed to go near, I didn't know they in lived poverty, the Filth. I didn't know they were persecuted by the Trabe police, I was told they were violent and dangerous, and had to be kept isolated. So they wouldn't get loose and kill us, Which is exactly what they did, But we brought it on ourselves, The Trabe treated them like animals, Fenced them in, Encouraged them to fight amongst themselves so they wouldn't turn on us, and sat by while they turned into a violent, angry army, When they finally realized we were their true enemy, we didn't stand a chance, I was luckier than most, A friends father grabbed me and took me and his family to one of the Starships that managed to escape, I can still remember It happened so fast, One minute, I was a happy child playing in a field, The next, an Orphan exiled in space,
"It strikes me that in many ways, we're in the same predicament, Separated from the lives that we knew, searching for home," I said.
"A goal you may well achieve, Captain, But the Kazon have refused to allow us to find a new home world, Every time we try to settle somewhere, they attack and drive us away, We're scattered, like Nomads, with no home and little Hope," Mabus said.
"It happened over 30 years ago, and the Kazon are still trying to punish you," Chakotay said.
"Remarkable isn't it?" Mabus said. "Most of the Trabe who persecuted the Kazon are either dead, or old men by now, Most of us were children when the uprising occurred, and our children are innocent, But the Kazon's desire for revenge is as strong as ever,"
XXX
Chakotay, Tuvok, Neelix and I was in my Ready room.
"Before the uprising, The Trabe were known as a highly evolved species, They produced scholars and artists who were widely admired and their technology was among the finest in the Quadrant," Neelix said. "No one really know about the Kazon and how they were bring treat,"
"Why not?" I said. "Holding another culture in victual slavery isn't the kind of thing that would go unnoticed,"
"You have to understand, The trabe were rich and powerful, They manipulated information about the conditions on their planet, and no one wanted to risk offending them and losing opportunities for trade," Neelix said.
"It seems to me they've learned their lesson," Chakotay said. "Mabus and his people have freely acknowledged that they were responsible for what happened to them,"
"Still I do not see that it is a particularly good idea to form an alliance with the blood enemies of the Kazon," Tuvok said. "We risk uniting all the factions against us,"
"The Only thing the Kazon agree on now is that we are their common enemy, It's hard to imagine it getting much worse," I said.
"The Trabe have a lot of ships and a lot on weapons in that convoy, I think this alliance would be better than none at all," Chakotay said.
"I'd rather not be in the position of making an alliance at all, But that may be a luxury we simply don't have," I said. "My gut tells me we don't have any friends among the Kazon, As for the trabe, People have a capacity to change, It's always been Starfleet's policy to deal with new species on a basis of openness and trust, Until proven otherwise,"
After that I was down in Sickbay.
"Captain, I'm glad to see you," Mabus said. "I wanted to thank you for the use of your Medical facilities. We have very few doctors,"
"Everyone seems to be in generally good condition. Malnutrition is the most common problem But it's easily alleviated with Bio-Nutrient supplements," Doc said.
"Thanks, Doc, How much longer do you need?" I said.
"I'd say less than an hour," Doctor said.
"Will you walk with me?" I said.
"Of Course," Mabus said.
As we walked out of sickbay.
"I've been thinking, About our Conversation at dinner," I said.
"Mm-hmm," Mabus said.
"About the things we share, and it seems to me we could be of mutual benefit to each other," I said.
"Go on," Mabus said.
"What would you say to the possibility of our joining forces My Starship and your convoy" I said.
"Clearly we'd be a stronger force if we did that," Mabus said.
"We could travel together for as long as it's advantageous to both of us," I said. "Maybe we'll find our way out of Kazon Territory, and you could settle on a new home world,"
"It's a reasonable idea, captain, I have no Objection," Mabus said. "But it would only benefit your group and mine. There are other Trabe who wouldn't enjoy the same protection I wonder, If you might consider a somewhat more bold plan,"
"Tell me," I said.
"Together, The Voyager and the Trabe would be a force to be reckoned with, Suppose we took advantage of that and asked the representatives of all the Kazon factions, to join us at the bargaining table," Mabus said.
"To achieve what?" I said.
"Peace. Together we would represent a stabilizing force in this part of the Quadrant Bring the Factions together convince them that an end to violence would be in everyone's best interest," Mabus said, "Think about it, I believe it could work,"
XXX
After that, I was in my Ready room
"Captain's Log Stardate 49342.5, Neelix has returned from Sobras where he learned a disturbing piece of Information, that may require us to rethink our plans, End log,"
Which was when My door bell rang.
"Come in," I said.
Then Clara walked in.
"There's something wrong," Clara said.
"What," I said.
"Mabus, There's something else," Clara said.
"Like Revenge," I said.
"Yes," Clara said.
"Same here, That was way too easy," I said.
Then my Door went again.
"Come in," I said.
Then Neelix, Tuvok and Chakotay came in.
"He was a Takrit, A band of Mercenaries that operates in this system," Neelix said.
"What was he doing when the Kazon-Pommar Arrested him?" Tuvok said.
"My Contact on that planet said that he was making a sketch of the Conference site and believe me, The Takrit are not known for their art," Neelix said.
"Who sent him?" Chakotay said.
"That's as much information as I got," Neelix said.
"So Someone wants to sabotage this conference," I said.
"One of the Majes," Chakotay said.
"Or Mabus," Clara said.
"Clara could be right too, Why miss a chance to wipe out your rivals, while they're together in one room," Neelix said.
"Or Wipe out your enemies by taking out the leaders of the factions," Clara said.
"That's too," Neelix said.
"If that is true, then one of them will undoubtedly try to leave before the meeting is finished," Tuvok said.
"Captain, I think you should Consider not going to the Conference," Chakotay said.
"No, If I can help bring stability to this quadrant, I'm not going to walk away because of a rumor. Or just Suspicion," I said.
"A Rumor or Suspicion that must be taken seriously nonetheless," Neelix said.
"Agreed, Commander Monitor all the Kazon Vessels carefully and look out for any suspicious ship movement near the surface," I said.
"Including Trabe," Clara said.
"Keep us on a constant transporter lock, so we can beam out at the first hint of trouble, Tuvok, Neelix, You're with me, Clara, Be on the Bridge and keep an eye on the Trabe ships too, just in case, it's them, not Kazon," I said.
"Got it," Clara said.
"Let's go," I said.
XXX
We were down on the surface. Where we were heading towards Neelix.
"He hasn't heard anything more, But he's frightened, He must believe something's going to happen," Neelix said.
Then Tersa. Neelix's Friend came back. "The First Majes of the Kazon order, Minnis of the Pommar, Surat of the Mostrl, Loran of the Hobii, Valek of the Oglamar and Cullah of the Nistrim," He said.
"Captain, we seem destined to encounter each other," Cullah said.
"This is Mabus. A governor of the Trabe," I said.
"Maje Cullah, I'm gratified to meeting you like this, I hope we'll be able to come to terms," Mabus said.
"I never thought I'd see the day when any of us would sit at a table with the Trabe," Cullah said.
"Times change, Maje," Mabus said.
"Perhaps," Cullah said.
"Shall we?" I said.
Then we went and sat down.
"Our Gracious host, Jal Minnis has provided food and drink to make our discussions more pleasant," Tersa said.
"We appreciate you coming, we hope this will lead to a new climate of peace," I said.
"Peace, With the Trabe?" Cullah said. "Forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical,"
"I understand, After decades of antagonism, You're bound to be suspicious, But surely, everyone here is tired of constant violence," I said.
"Aren't you really trying to get us to relax our guard, So the Trabe can conquer us again," One of them said.
"How could we do that? We're scattered and dispirit, all we ask for is a chance to find a new home world and settle peacefully," Mabus said.
"Excuse me," Cullah said. As Cullah got up and went for a glass, as Tuvok got a bit cautious. "Captain McCall, I'm curious as to the nature of this alliance you've struck with the trabe, Especially since you refused my offer of a similar pact,"
"I found the Goals of the Trabe to be compatible with our own, I represent an organization which is devoted to peaceful coexistence among people The Trabe want nothing more than that," I said.
"The Trabe have always wanted peace for themselves, But we paid the price, They lived in luxury, and we lived in Saylor and misery," Cullah second guy said.
"What I fear, captain, is that this union you've made with the Tribe is an effort to force us to Capitulate if so, we assure you it is doomed to failure," Cullah said.
"I won't pretend that our alliance wasn't an attempt to make a show of strength. Separately, we and the Trabe are vulnerable, Together we are stronger," I said.
"Are you threatening us, Captain," he said.
"It is important that you understand our determination. But this is no threat, It's an offer, a Negotiated peace among all of us would provide a greater stability in this quadrant, How could that do anything but benefit us all," I said.
"I can't speak for all of you, But I for one don't think we can trust this proposal, A Young Captain and a Trabe, How can we listen to them, I find you nothing but a hypocrite, Captain, Allying yourself to the Greatest villains this quadrant has ever known, if this is where your revered Federation values have taken you I want no part of it," Cullah said.
"Gentlemen, Allow me to confer with my Federation Colleagues, Please have some refreshments, and Let us continue in a few moments, Captain, Would you please join me?" Mabus said.
Then I looked at Tuvok and he knew what I was thinking. Clara was right it was a Trabe attempt to kill them. The next thing I noticed was rumbling.
"The Hell," I said.
"Captain, I really need to talk to you now," Mabus said.
"Get down, Now," I said.
"what is this, Captain," Cullah said.
"Listen to me just once Cullah get down this was a trap and the Trabe was trying to kill you all. Now get down," I said as a ship showed up. "McCall to Voyager, Red Alert,"
"We're on it," Chakotay said.
As we beamed up.
Once back on Voyager, We got off the Pad as Tuvok stopped Mabus from getting off.
"You've ruined what would have been the greatest step toward peace in decades," Mabus aid.
"Peace, A Massacre?" Neelix said.
"I could have decimated the Kazon leadership it would have taken them years to recover," Mabus said.
"You planned this whole thing, And used our good will to make sure you were successful," I said.
"You don't know the Kazon," Mabus said. "There's no dealing with them, Violence is all they understand,"
"Or perhaps that all you understand," I said.
"You are naïve Captain, It's clear You have no understanding of the harsh realities of this part of space, When I tried to do was done as much for you as it was for us," Mabus said.
"I'm not Grateful, And I want your ass off my ship, Chief beam our former guest back to his vessel," I said.
"Captain don't do this," Mabus said. "You're going to need us,"
"I don't think so," I said. "Tuvok,"
"The Kazon will be determined to seek revenge how can this one ship hope to survive?" Mabus said.
"Not by making deals with executioners, Energize," I said. As he got beamed off me Ship.
"I would suggest we depart before the Kazon have a chance to return to their ships," Tuvok said.
"Agreed, McCall to Paris, Get us out of here," I said.
"Aye captain," Tom said.
XXX
After we got clear, I called for a staff meeting.
"There's no question we're more vulnerable now than ever, We have to take every measure, to Make sure we're prepared for an attack, I want continual diagnostics on all ships systems," I said.
"I will schedule Additional battle drills for all hands," Tuvok said.
"Neelix what about our food supplies," I said.
"We're in good shape captain, We shouldn't have to sop anywhere for several weeks," Neelix said.
"Good, Lt, What's the condition of our propulsion systems?" I said.
"We have a reasonable supply of antimatter, Barring any major problems, We should have Maximum performance of Both Warp and Impulse Engines," B'Elanna said.
"There's just one more thing I want to say, I hope there's a lesson for all of us in this, Although some of the species we've encountered here have been peaceful, Others seem governed only by their own self-interests, This appears to be a region of pace that doesn't have many rules, But I believe we can learn something from the Events that have unfolded, In a part of space where there are few rules it's more important that ever that we hold fast to our own, In a region where shifting allegiances are commonplace, we have to have something stable to rely on and we do, The principals and the Ideals of the Federation As far as I'm concerned, those are the best allies we could have, So Let's get on with it," I said. "Dismissed,"
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!