Chapter 9 – The Ocampa
The Borg Queen eyed those on the bridge coldly. "Cat's got your tongue?" she said to Janeway, choosing an Earth idiom. Janeway couldn't help but think it was to rattle her a bit, knowing the Borg had assimilated humans and much of human knowledge as a result. One of those humans was standing nearby. "You seem surprised to see us?" the Queen continued. "Are we not still allies?"
"The Borg terminated the alliance soon after Voyager defeated those Species 8472 bioships," Captain Janeway replied, putting an emphasis on Voyager and attempting to remain nonplussed. She was also trying to figure out a way out of this predicament, but with such an overwhelming Borg presence now in orbit about the planet, there didn't seem to be any options. And the Queen here in person. In their dealing with the Borg before, it had been through the unseen Collective. She had been vaguely aware of the Queen's existence, of course, but hadn't expected to ever meet. What was the Queen doing here? "How goes the war with Species 8472?"
The Queen smiled. "It's over," she said. "And as you said, thanks to you and your good doctor." Her smile turned slightly downward. "Although we suspect there are some bioships still hiding outside of fluidic space here in our Galaxy. They won't be a problem… to us anyway. We have discovered the secret of the weapon you created. As for our alliance, you are mistaken Kathryn. A simple misunderstanding." Her eyes wandered about the bridge until they settled on Annika. "Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero One. You are looking… different. How is our liaison to Voyager holding up? You haven't forgotten about us, have you? We haven't forgotten about you."
Annika's skin crawled under the Queen's icy gaze. She had served for the Queen when a drone, and as part of Unimatrix Zero One, many times directly. The thought of her so close again now was repulsive. "I am no longer Borg," Annika replied firmly. "You have no power over me."
"Indeed," the Queen said, more edge to her voice now. "And our scanners indicate there are thousands of our missing drones with you on the planet's surface as well. It was such a mystery and we wondered what had happened to them. We were worried sick. How did they get there? And perhaps more importantly and to the point, how did this planet get here?"
"We're not sure," Janeway replied quickly. Technically correct, as they didn't understand the nature of Kes's new powers, but not fully truthful and transparent either. She had to play along and buy time, although unsure what that time might gain them in the end. It was possible they would all be killed in the very near future, or worse yet, assimilated. As long as they were talking, however, they weren't fighting. "Why are you here?"
"A Borg sentry probe indicated a new planet appearing in this system," the Queen said. She seemed quite comfortable and willing to engage in idle conversation. Perhaps she was buying time and planning something as well. "A great power was also discovered emanating from the other nearby planet soon after. The planet Ocampa, I believe. Don't you have an Ocampan crew member? Kes is her name."
"You're correct," Janeway responded tersely.
"How is the sweet girl doing? May I see her? Perhaps she has an explanation."
"She's not available right now."
The Queen shrugged. "Very well," she continued. "Given our unfortunate experience in recent months with Species 8472, we came to investigate these occurrences ourselves. To assimilate what we needed and… protect the Galaxy if necessary."
"Protect the Galaxy," Janeway repeated with irony.
"Yes," the Queen purred. "Species 8472 wanted to exterminate us all. No telling what the sudden appearance of a new planet and power might signify. And how surprised we were to discover you and our missing drones on the planet in question. I can't imagine it is a coincidence."
"We had landed on this planet when some sort of force transported us back here," Janeway offered. Again the truth, but not all of it. "As for the people on the planet, they are no longer drones. They simply appeared on the planet as well by an unknown means, and we have done our best to help them."
The Queen's eyes narrowed. "What is your part in all this Kathryn?" she asked frostily and turned back to Annika. "And what do you know about it?"
Suddenly the transmission ended and Annika was transported off the bridge. Janeway whirled around to face Tuvok who had taken his place at Voyager's security station. "Report!"
"Our shields were ineffective at stopping the transport. Communications were severed at the source."
"Get her back," Janeway ordered.
Tuvok frowned slightly. "There are eighty-one Borg vessels in orbit about the planet, only thirty-seven are visible to our sensors from our location on the planet's surface. All vessels have raised their shields."
Chakotay had moved next to Tuvok and was studying the board as well. He touched his comm badge. "Transporter room one, reroute transporter controls to the bridge security station."
"Aye sir"
"Can you find her Chakotay?" Janeway asked, stepping closer.
Chakotay closed his eyes, as if he was listening to something the rest couldn't hear. "I know exactly where she is," he finally said. "I think we can compensate for the Borg shields, but if our shields are ineffective at blocking their transports, we'll have to be ready."
Janeway nodded crisply and glanced over at the security member stationed close to the turbo lift doors. He nodded back and went to a locker towards the back of the bridge and opened it. He took out several phasers and started distributing them to bridge personnel. She touched her comm badge. "All hands, this is the Captain. Battle Stations. Arm yourselves and prepare to be boarded."
"We're talking to the Queen," Chakotay mumbled, his eyes still closed. "She's interested in Kes and the Ocampa. We're not answering her questions satisfactorily. Her drones are approaching us."
"If you can transport, do it now," Janeway said.
Chakotay opened his eyes and started working the controls. "Transport in progress," he said. Immediately after, Annika rematerialized in front of the security station next to Janeway. Annika looked about quickly and then turned to the Captain. "They're coming!" she said.
"Multiple transports in…" Tuvok began but stopped abruptly.
Janeway looked about the bridge, but no drones materialized. She turned back around to face Tuvok. "What happened?"
"The transports are being blocked," Tuvok said. "Fascinating. I registered a power buildup in several of the Borg cubes, as if they were initiating a transport, and then they were blocked." He examined his security board further. "I get no further readings."
"What are you implying?"
"Whatever is blocking the Borg transporter is also blocking our sensors," Tuvok replied.
Chakotay had gone down to be next to Annika and they both moved over to Tuvok's station. "Is the source of the blocking field coming from Ocampa?" Chakotay asked.
Tuvok shook his head. "If it were, I would not be able to tell. I don't believe, however, that is the case. The source appears to be coming from this planet."
"Perhaps Kes is helping us after all," Janeway observed. "She might be buying us some time." Janeway began pacing in front of her command chair and then turned back to Chakotay. "While we have this time, let's regroup. Is General Korok still overseeing the settlements?"
"Yes. He was leading the various groups along with the help of his Hirogen friend, Quamal."
She tapped her comm badge. "Janeway to General Korok."
"Go ahead Captain."
Janeway nodded, happy to see their own communications on the surface were not being blocked as well. "I'd like you to report to Voyager's bridge. We have a situation with the Borg."
"You can see the cubes above us in the sky. I'm already on my way."
Janeway turned back to Tuvok. "What about the shuttles?"
"They would be no match for the Borg vessels."
"Not up in space, but to cover the settlements if the Borg are able to transport drones to the surface."
Tuvok nodded. "I'll coordinate their movements from here," he said. He looked up to Chakotay. "Commander, where did you land the Tereshkova?"
Chakotay glanced sheepishly at Marina and Annika before replying. "Ah… I'm not exactly sure where the shuttle is. Kes transported us here directly while we were in route from Ocampa."
"Not another one," Janeway said, shaking her head.
"I've located it," Tuvok interjected. He was studying his security board and entering in commands. "It was placed back in its berth in the shuttle bay. I will send a crew to it immediately and direct them to start covering the settlements."
Captain Janeway turned towards Ensign Kim's station but was interrupted by a comm signal. "Crewman O'Donnell to the bridge."
"Go ahead," Janeway replied.
"Ma'am. We have a… representative from the indigenous inhabitants of the planet here to speak with you. We're at the landing ramp entrance. Lieutenants Paris and Torres just brought him here in a primitive vehicle."
"Indigenous inhabitants?" Janeway replied in shock. She looked back and forth between Chakotay and Tuvok who were equally surprised.
"Yes ma'am," O'Connell replied.
What was that all about? She made a quick decision. "Transport him directly to the bridge."
"Transporters are offline ma'am. I'll escort him there personally. O'Donnell out."
Janeway turned back towards Chakotay and Tuvok. "Indigenous inhabitants," she repeated.
"We did suspect there might be some survivors from the Borg attack," Chakotay offered. "It's apparent they are able to hide from our sensors."
"There can't be many of them, or I think I would have sensed their presence," Marina interjected.
Janeway placed her hand over her mouth thinking. To mimic the Borg Queen's reasoning, his appearance during this growing crisis couldn't possibly be a coincidence. The inhabitants had been hiding from them until now when the Borg hung in their skies. The turbo lift doors opened and Korok, Tom, B'Elanna, O'Donnell, and the 'indigenous inhabitant' exited onto the bridge.
"Captain," the alien said. "We have little time. If we could augment our power with your warp drive, we might be able to sustain the force field." He was humanoid with a slight resemblance to Bolians, although with a lighter skin. He wore a tan cloak that nearly reached the floor and what looked like sandals on his large feet.
"What do we do?" Janeway asked, deciding to forego introductions. If the planet's inhabitants were the ones behind the force field holding back the Borg, she wasn't about to cause a delay.
"He discussed it with me on our way over," B'Elanna answered instead. "I already have Engineering on it and can throw the switch when you say the word."
"Do it," Janeway ordered.
B'Elanna nodded crisply and touched her comm badge. "You've got a green light Joe. Establish the static warp field and start diverting the power when ready. I'll be right down."
"Acknowledged."
B'Elanna went back into the turbo lift without saying another word. Tom glanced at her retreating form, and seeing that Voyager was grounded and didn't really need a pilot at the moment, he tossed something to Chakotay and followed her inside. Chakotay grabbed whatever it was out of the air and examined it. A grooved prong of some sort with an enlarged knob at one end. "The ignition key to our jalopy," Tom explained. "If we get out of this, you've got to take it for a spin." The doors swished shut just as he was finishing.
"Jalopy?" Janeway querried.
"I'll show you later," Chakotay said with a shake of his head. Janeway turned back to face the alien.
"Thank you Captain," the alien said. "It will give us some time."
"No, Thank you..." She held up her hand as if to allow the alien an opportunity to introduce himself properly.
"Rogert," he replied with a slight bow. "We've been monitoring your progress."
"And staying well hidden," Chakotay commented.
Rogert bowed again. "After the Borg devastated our world, we went into hiding. With the subsequent famine and disease that ravaged our world, there were only a few hundred thousand of us left. We were once a civilization of billions. There are now about a half million of us scattered about the globe. If the Borg ever returned, we wanted them to find the planet as they had left it and move on."
"You could have stayed hidden," Janeway said. "The Borg are only after us."
Rogert shrugged. "During the past decades, we have been developing this shield defense as a last resort. When your people became threatened, we never considered not using it. If we didn't, we would be no better than the Borg."
"I hope it will be enough," Janeway replied. "Thank you again."
Rogert shook his head. "Captain," he said, resignation in his voice. "It won't be enough. If the Borg persist, they will find a way through the force field eventually. If we are lucky, however, we can evacuate your people about the globe and go into hiding. Hopefully they will simply take your ship and technology and tire of looking for you and move on."
"Abandon Voyager?" Janeway said. She sounded almost insulted. The thought of it was unconscionable.
"Captain, unless you have weapons that are a match for the Borg, you have little choice."
"What of the Kazon?" General Korok put in.
"What of them?" Janeway replied. "They barely have weapons that can match us, let alone the Borg. They were a threat to us simply because of their numbers."
"Percisely," Korak answered. "Perhaps we could draw them in to the fight. Occupy the Borg with their numbers."
"Even a dozen Kazon ships are no match against a single Borg cube," Tuvok observed. "Let alone eighty-one Borg vessels."
"Species 329," Annika chimed in. Everyone turned in her direction. "The Borg determined that the biological and technological distinctiveness of the Kazon was unremarkable and that assimilating them would have detracted from the perfection being pursued."
"They were rejected?" Janeway asked.
"Yes," Annika confirmed.
"It would buy us more time," Korok repeated.
"To what end?" Rogert questioned.
"For this creature, Kes, to return us back to where we came from," Korok replied firmly. "She was responsible for moving this planet a thousand or more light years in a matter of seconds. It only stands to reason she can send us back."
"What do you mean?" Rogert asked, a bit perplexed.
"I'm not sure how we would reach Kes," Janeway commented, addressing what Korok said and not Rogert's question. She turned to Chakotay. "When you encountered her on Ocampa, did she give any indication she was going to help us get the planet back to where it came from?"
Chakotay shook his head. "Quite the contrary," he replied. "She seemed anxious and said she wasn't allowed to interfere."
"Specifically," Annika added, "she said 'I'm not supposed to warn you. I'm not supposed to interfere.'."
"What does that mean?" Korok bellowed.
Janeway rubbed her chin. "Perhaps there's more to the Ocampa than we realize."
Marina stepped forward. "Captain, when we were on the planet, I felt a powerful presence. Something I couldn't pinpoint, and something that definitely wasn't there three years ago when Voyager and the Val Jean were in system."
"The Borg Queen did mention their sentry probe detected a great power emanating from Ocampa soon after our arrival here," Tuvok commented.
Korok moved over to Ensign Kim's station. "Ensign, what is the status of the Kazon vessels?"
Kim shook his head. "The force field is blocking our sensors as well. I can't ascertain the status of anything other than what's in our local vicinity on the planet's surface."
Rogert turned to face them. "Perhaps I can help." He produced a chip from under his cloak. "Here is the rotating frequency algorithm for the force field. If you modulate your sensors accordingly, you'll be able to penetrate the field using a low power beam with no problem."
Kim accepted the chip and started working at the sensor controls. After a few moments, he nodded his head. "I'm getting something," he said. "It appears the Kazon are on the move. They must have used warp inside system for three of their big ships are only minutes away."
"It appears we didn't have to entice them after all," Korok commented.
"What are the Borg doing?"
Kim studied the panel. "Ignoring the Kazon. It appears many of their spheres are testing the perimeter of the planetary force field using their weapons."
Janeway touched her comm badge. "B'Elanna, how's it going down there?"
"We have a static warp field and the power relay into the force field is stable."
"Keep us appraised if anything changes." She turned to the rest. "Now what?"
"Evacuation," Rogert persisted.
"Out of the question!" Korok thundered. "We will stand and fight if necessary. Today is a good day to die."
"Captain," Kim interjected nervously. "Something's happening with the Kazon ships."
"Now what?" Janeway grumbled. The situation was escalating, and they were essentially powerless.
"They've targeted three of the Borg cubes and are accelerating rapidly," Kim replied. He looked up suddenly, his eyes wide. "They're on a collision course!"
Janeway glanced forward to the main view screen and then back to Kim. It was also frustrating not being able to see what was going on. Blind and impotent. "Report!" she ordered.
Kim analyzed the sensor results and shook his head slowly. "It all happened so fast," he finally replied. "All three of the Kazon ships were destroyed. Two of the cubes were also destroyed, the other was disabled and is entering the atmosphere."
"Bravo!" Korok cheered.
"The Kazon sacrificed three of their ships?" Chakotay remarked. "That doesn't make sense."
"The ships were apparently minimally manned," Kim reported. He looked up. "They were designed to be used in that way."
"Even so," Chakotay persisted. "The Borg outnumber their ships nearly three to one. What do they hope to gain?"
Kim was looking back down at his sensors. "I'm reading more Kazon vessels arriving at the outskirts of the system."
"The Kazon have given us what we needed without us even asking," Korok said with a grin. "Let us just sit back and watch."
"Ensign," Rogert said. "What is the status of the Borg cube entering the atmosphere?"
Kim paused as he consulted the sensor readouts. "It's in one large mass, but it's beginning to break up," he reported. "It appears the force field is preventing any of the debris from reaching the surface."
Rogert shook his head with concern. "I'm afraid it might mean bad news for us. If the Borg are monitoring the field strength, they will see that is has weakened from the impact. It's possible if they too sacrifice enough of their ships at a single point, they could breach the field. It was a contingency we've always feared. If they notice the weakening of the field, we might be in serious trouble."
"There are more ships entering the system," Kim reported, his eyes darting back and forth between the sensor outputs. "Kazon and… a configuration I can't identify. A hundred or more of them."
"The Kazon have an ally," Janeway observed. "That's why they felt confident enough to take on the Borg."
"Most of the Borg vessels are breaking orbit to engage," Kim continued. He paused and again switched between sensor outputs. "It's a mess. It's hard to fully assess exactly what's going on."
"Captain," Tuvok interrupted. "I've been monitoring the situation from my station as well. It appears multiple ship to ship transports are in progress aboard the Borg vessels remaining in orbit. Nine spheres have been nearly emptied and are positioning themselves directly above our position."
"Can we see them on screen?"
"I believe so," Tuvok replied and entered in the appropriate commands. When complete he looked up towards the main view screen and the rest on the bridge turned to look too. The spheres were lining up, like beads on a string. As they watched, the first sphere in the line broke formation and started to enlarge. "The first sphere is approaching the force field." As it approached, its forward surface began to glow red due to friction from the atmosphere. Suddenly the red portion caved in on itself in a flash of white with pieces of the sphere scattering in all directions. "The first sphere has impacted the planetary force field," Tuvok said, although it was obvious what was going on even without his commentary. There was some chatter coming from Tuvok's console. "The settlements and shuttle crews are reporting a visual sighting of the explosion. Second sphere is starting its approach."
"We've run out of time," Rogert said with resignation.
Janeway ignored him and turned to Crewman O'Donnell who had remained by the turbolift door. "Cathal, distribute sidearms to everyone on the bridge who doesn't have them."
"Third sphere is starting its approach."
"Multiple ships on both sides have been destroyed," Kim added. He had been continuing to monitor the ongoing space battle in the system. "It appears the Borg have the upper hand, but other alien ships are arriving. Unknown configuration."
"Fourth sphere is starting its approach."
Janeway glanced at her phaser and examined its controls, setting it on its highest level with a rotating frequency. She glanced at Rogert who was still standing beside her. He had just been handed a weapon and was examining it with curiosity. "You can leave if you'd like. Crewman O'Donnell can show you to the exit."
"Where would I go?"
"Fifth sphere is starting its approach."
They all watched spellbound and the fifth sphere repeated the descent into the atmosphere and then impacted the planetary force field. This time, however, there appeared a shimmering in the field long after the destruction of the sphere.
A comm channel opened up from Engineering. "Captain, the static warp field is fluctuating. I'm going to have to shut down power soon or we risk a warp core containment breach."
"Keep shunting power to the planetary force field for as long as you can, but do what you have to do," Janeway replied. She turned to Tuvok. "Bring topside phasers on-line as soon as the power is available."
"Aye Captain," Tuvok replied. He didn't bother to announce the approach of the next sphere, but it was clear from the visual that it was already following along the same trajectory as the first five. "Shuttle crews are observing debris reaching the ground. It appears failure of the planetary force field is eminent." He looked up to witness the impact. After, the shimmering effect on the surface of the force field lasted longer than the previous time and then suddenly winked out.
"Shutting down the warp field," B'Elanna called from Engineering.
"Phasers online," Tuvok reported immediately after. "I'm reading multiple transports in progress from the primary cube."
"Stop!"
Suddenly, the main view screen went blank and everything became quiet. The chaos from just moments before ended abruptly and completely. The frantic updates from the settlements coming into Tuvok's station were silent as were the communication relays and telemetry with the shuttlecraft overhead. Captain Janeway surveyed the bridge, adrenaline still pumping through her veins. She had been ready for the Borg to arrive, drones transporting in amongst them. Instead, everyone remained at their stations looking as perplexed as she. Chakotay and Annika were both standing near Tuvok, where they had been helping him coordinate the settlement defenses. Rogert and Korak were standing beside her in the center of the bridge by her command chair. Korok's mouth was open as if to say something, but he couldn't quite articulate it. The main view remained blank, and as she was just remembering and starting to wonder who had called out 'stop' just moments before, two beings began to materialize on the platform at the front of the bridge. She raised her phaser, but then lowered it just as quickly. This was not a Borg transporter. There was no sound. Everyone waited as if holding their breath. The figures were first only a glowing white form, but then began to dim and take shape. Before the transport, or whatever it was, was complete, Janeway finally recognized one of them. "Kes," she whispered.
The afterglow faded quickly, and then the two appeared very much like everyone else on the bridge. "Hello Captain," Kes said. She was dressed as she had been when Janeway last saw her, but also very different. There was a new quality to her features. A new intensity.
"And these are the creatures you wish to save?" the other who was with Kes said. He had gestured to those on the bridge, but was addressing Kes as if the others didn't exist. He appeared as an adult Ocampan, but also had an ancient aura to him. A gravity emanated from his presence.
"Yes," Kes replied.
"But why? They are unpredictable and aggressive. None of these species may evolve past their current form."
"They are my friends," Kes said easily with her familiar soft voice. She turned and faced Janeway, and then smiled warmly. "Captain Janeway was like a mother to me. Kind and intelligent and thoughtful. She is my… Captain."
The other grumbled, but seemed to acquiesce. "Very well then," he said and turned to face Kes, as if ready to leave.
"But before that," Kes interjected and catching her companion's eye. "They deserve an explanation. You promised."
The other stopped and then nodded. "This is very untoward, Kes, and you know our ways. But… as you wish. There are… extenuating circumstances." He then turned back to examine his surroundings, as if for the first time, and finally settled on Captain Janeway. "You must have many questions Captain."
"The Borg?" she asked. They had been, after all, in a battle for their lives just a short time ago.
The Ocampan shrugged. "Held off. They will not be bothering us. And neither will the Kazon or Alamenpoor."
How was that possible? But of course, given the power that Kes had demonstrated, Janeway didn't doubt his words. Who was this person before her? Who was Kes? "Are you really an Ocampan?"
The other now smiled. "Ah, it is this that Kes desires I explain. To answer your question Captain, I would have to say yes and no." He stepped down from the platform and began to pace, appearing to consider carefully what he was going to say next. "The Ocampa you met three years ago are not exactly what you think they are. Eons ago, my species was as you are now. Humans, Vulcans, Klingons. Corporeal and restricted to a single form and place. We evolved, however, beyond that. Evolved to a point of being pure conceptual beings, essence of thought with no corporeal bodies. There are many such species that inhabit our Galaxy." He glanced at the others on the bridge, as if to gauge their reactions.
"The Organians," Tuvok proposed.
"Very good, Commander," the Ocampan replied with a smile. "Your Federation of Planets has met some of these species in your past. The Organians, the Metrons, the Continuum."
"You are peers with the Q?" Janeway asked.
The Ocampan snorted. "I would not go that far," he said. "The Q are arrogant and reckless, but generally harmless." He spoke as an older brother might chastise a younger sibling. "But I digress. Kes requests and you require an explanation." He returned his attention to the matter at hand. "When a new consciousness is born into my society, it was decided long ago that we should all get to experience our original corporeal existence, albeit at an accelerated rate, so as to remember our roots. Our shared heritage. And to better understand all the other lesser species that we share our Galaxy with. The Ocampa you've met before are they. The subterranean community that now exists on the nearby planet is our nursery, if you will. At the end of their lives there, they begin their lives with us."
"Are you immortal like the Q?" Ensign Kim asked.
The Ocampan laughed. "No Harry. No beings are truly immortal. Mortality is a constant for all species, although some may say and delude themselves into thinking otherwise. We've been watching you, as do all the others. It is possible, a thousand or a million years from now, your species will join our community of non-corporeal species. But for now, we have a policy very much like your prime directive. Not to interfere with the natural course and evolution of inferior species."
"Father, you promised," Kes interjected again with a teasing frown.
The Ocampan raised his hand and nodded. "Yes, yes. This case is different. We are not, necessarily interfering, since one of our own was integrally involved." He turned back to Janeway and the rest. "Normally, a corporeal Ocampan would live out their life and transition into their non-corporeal life whether here or elsewhere. For Kes, it would have been the same, so we were unconcerned when you took her from the planet three years ago. She would experience her life with you before joining us." He then turned to Tuvok and shook his finger. "But the Vulcan meditations and exercises you taught her Tuvok began to unlock her true self. She inadvertently used her powers to free those Borg drones, and to bring this planet back home to us. She did not know how to use her powers, however. She wasn't ready for them. But since much of this did happen because of her powers, because of who we are, an accommodation can be made. We will indulge my daughter once again."
"What do you intend to do?" Korok asked, finally finding his voice.
"We will move our planet," the Ocampan replied. "We need to… disconnect ourselves from the rest of the Galaxy. In the not too distant future, we project the Federation and Klingon Empire will acquire trans-warp technology. You will no longer be able to contact us. To reach us. We must stay hidden. We must not interfere." As he spoke, he had moved back to stand next to Kes and placed a loving hand on her shoulder.
"Good-bye Captain," Kes said. She was satisfied with the explanation given and the meeting was apparently coming to an end. She looked at the rest, a content smile on her face. "Thank you. I will miss you all."
"What of the Borg? And the Kazon and their new ally? What did you call them, the Alamenpoor? What do we do?" Janeway asked. Moving the Ocampan planet would not help them. What more was there to this 'accommodation'?
Kes nodded knowingly. "Another gift," she said. The two Ocampans held hands and began to glow, as they had during their entrance. They quickly became outlines of pure white, and then too bright to look at directly. "Be well," Kes said, her voice now seeming to come from all directions at once. Immediately after, their forms began to dim and there was a sensation of movement. Sounds and vision were distorted for several seconds. When they stopped, each shifted to regain their balance and bearing.
"We've been moved!" Korok bellowed. The feeling had been just like before, when Kes had moved the planet to the Ocampan system. "Sensors!" He turned to Ensign Kim and everyone else followed his gaze.
"The General is right. We're no longer near Ocampa," Kim replied. He appeared flummoxed, his fingers not able to move fast enough. "And we're not back where we started."
"But where are we?" Chakotay asked as he stepped down from the security station. Annika moved over too to stand next to Chakotay. The two met each other's eyes briefly, and then turned back to face Kim.
The young ensign worked feverishly on the sensor inputs, stopping every so often to examine the results and shake his head. Eventually he stopped and looked up in shock, but didn't speak.
"Well?" Janeway said, getting impatient.
A smile finally formed on Kim's face. "Captain, it's incredible. I've identified Procyon, Rigel, Bellatrix, Capella. It appears we're in the Alpha Quadrant. They've sent us nearly all the way home."
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Author's note: This story didn't go exactly in the direction I originally intended, but I suppose whenever Voyager gets back to the Alpha Quadrant in an AU in one piece, it's a good thing… One more chapter to go. Reviews would be most welcome.