Yesssssss.

The chanting grew louder and the bowing deeper as the serpentine figure uncoiled itself and stretched. It gazed upon its humanoid minions with smug satisfaction.

Yessssss.

"My lord," one of the minions addressed the snake, "we have detected a ship approaching our world. A whole ship full of aliens."

"Ahhhhh. Very good." The snake grinned, baring its large fangs. "You know what I want you to do."

"Yes, my lord." The minion bowed and retreated.

The snake gazed for one more moment upon the hoard of worshippers, then began to coil itself once more on its velvet pedestal.

Yesssssssss.

Captain Kathryn Janeway sighed and dropped the padd onto her desk, her mind too distracted to concentrate on the engineering report. She picked up her coffee cup and took a sip, then grimaced. Cold coffee never tasted good.

Rising from her chair with a cat-like stretch, she sauntered over to the replicator. "Coffee, black," she ordered. The replicator hummed to life and materialised the drink. The steam rose slowly from the cup. The scent of coffee began to fill her senses.

Before she could take a sip, her commbadge chirped. "Captain to the Bridge."

Janeway sighed and set the cup down on the desk, then headed for the Bridge.

"Report," she said as she crossed the threshold.

"We're nearing a class-M planet with a small population," Chakotay said. "We're trying to determine if they're warp-capable or not, but the planet looks like a good place to stock up on food supplies."

"And we're in desperate need of those," Janeway added.

Suddenly, the Ops console began to beep. "Captain, we're receiving a hail from the surface," Harry said.

"On screen."

The alien who appeared on the viewscreen was tall and lean, green in colour, and decidedly reptilian in nature. Their golden eyes darted around the room before settling on Captain Janeway.

"Greetings, space travellers," the alien said. "Welcome to Mokallan Sanctuary. This sacred place of ancient power opens its arms to you. I am Xellan, leader of this humble group."

"Captain Kathryn Janeway, of the Federation starship Voyager. Thank you for your warm welcome. I'm wondering if we might negotiate for permission to gather food supplies from your planet."

"But of course!" the alien smiled. "Our world is welcoming to all, and we are always happy to help those in need. You may take whatever you require, so long as you are respectful of the ground on which you tread. You may also visit our humble Sanctuary if you seek enlightenment or blessing, Captain. I personally would be honoured to give you a tour of this place we call home."

"Thank you, Mr Xellan. I just might take you up on that offer."

The planet proved true to their initial assessment, offering up a bounty of fruits and vegetables to stock Neelix's pantry for quite some time to come. And true to her word, Janeway, with Ayala at her side, beamed down to the Mokallan Sanctuary for the tour Xellan promised her.

The courtyard where she materialised was bordered with tall fruit trees on all sides. A paved path wound around the overhanging branches towards the stately Sanctuary where Xellan waited to meet her.

"Ah, Captain! How delightful to meet you in person!"

"Likewise. Your Sanctuary is very beautiful, Mr Xellan."

"Oh, it's just Xellan, Captain." They motioned for Janeway to precede them down the garden path. "We have over five hundred people here at Mokallan Sanctuary," Xellan began, "some of them farmers, some tailers, some craftsmen, and all worshippers of the Divine Serpent."

"'Divine Serpent'?" Janeway asked.

"A creature of grace and beauty who rules our world and our lives with benevolence and majesty. We all pledge our devotion to the Divine One and he, in turn, blesses us."

Xellan continued to walk Janeway around the Sanctuary, inside the rock walls and outside in the sprawling gardens. The people here, they explained, came from a different world in a nearby system. They had left their technology behind in pursuit of a simpler life. Once they began to settle the site where the Sanctuary now stood, they discovered the Divine One and began to worship him. The temple that they build to honour their divine spirit stood at the center of the Sanctuary. Tall and ornate, its spire seemed to reach for the stars.

"Captain," Xellan said at the end of the tour, "I would like to present you with a gift. A blessing from all of us here as you continue on your journey."

They took Janeway's left hand in their own and slipped onto her wrist a silver bracelet. It was shaped like a snake curled around her wrist with its head coming to rest on the back of her hand. Its beady red eyes stared up at her.

"Thank you," Janeway said. "It's… lovely."

"Wear it often and think of us," Xellan said, then bowed deeply. "I wish you a safe journey, Captain."

That evening, Janeway retired to her quarters as soon as her shift was over. The day had been quite the success, with Neelix's pantry now overflowing, the crew's spirits high, and her visit to the Sanctuary rather interesting.

Crossing the room towards the bedroom, she pulled off her jacket and then her turtleneck. It was then she realised the bracelet Xellan gave her was still on her wrist. She fingered it lightly for a moment, then tried to slip it off.

It was tighter than she remembered. In fact, it seemed like it might not fit over her hand at all.

That's ridiculous, she thought. It fit to get on there, it'll fit to get off.

But why take it off? She then considered. It looks nice.

She shrugged and continued on her route to the bathroom, the bracelet snug around her wrist.

She didn't notice the snake's red eyes glint brightly in the dark room.