Chapter Four.
Kathryn, Chakotay and Tuvok were once again ensconced in the Captain's ready room, trying to put pieces of the puzzle together.
Chakotay and Tuvok had agreed albeit most reluctantly, to allow Kathyrn back to the mining sight, seeing her reasoning that things must look as if going smoothly, by continuing the negotiations for the Dilithium while trying to gather more evidence.
The Commander and Tom would take the Delta Flyer to arrange a meeting with the organisations Shantari had mentioned.
Kathryn returned to the surface, rejoining B'Elanna and the Proconsul discussing the Terrafarming equipment. She made excuses for her absence, putting it down to Starfleet protocols that required the Captain to report back to her ship for status reports and hoped it would surfice.
The Proconsul did not seem to give her explanation much attention, he was far more interested in how B'Elanna was planning to repair and upgrade his failing worn out equipment. Work had been progressing so fast, that supplies from his homeworld for componant replacements did not keep up with the demand. He was most pleased with B'Elanna's refinement suggestions, as it would speed up progress and productivity considerably, with little to no time delay, while repairs and adjustments were made.
Kathryn took the time to look around her. There were no obvious signs of a military presence in the area, just a hustle and bustle of engineers and scientists going about their buisiness, but she wanted to scout around further afield, unhindered and preferably unescorted. She waited for an opportunity to slip away.
"So Captain Janeway of the Alpha Quadrant Starfleet Federation. Your meddlesome reputation in the affairs of the Delta Quadrant preceeded you. My sources told me that you're persona non grata in several sectors. There is even a bounty on you and your ship, dead or alive."
"Birds of a feather flock together." Kathryn responded sardonically.
The Proconsul looked puzzled, but did not ask for clarification, and Kathryn was in no mood to give one to this two faced pompus ass.
"So what now?" She asked sternly.
The Proconsul gave a mirthless chuckle and smiled coldly. "You will remain here as a guest of the Bagothans and will help them in their work. Voyager will be impounded, your crew taken prisoner, while we wait for those after your head to come and collect it, and pay me handsomely for your capture.
"What will happen to my crew?"
"We can't waste a good strong resource of free labour now can we, they will be put to good use don't you worry, along with your exceptionally talented Engineer."
"What if she refuses to help?
"Oh I'm sure I can find something or someone to guarantee her willing co-operation."
"You won't get away with this." Kathryn said angrily.
"Now now dear Captain calm yourself, and if you will excuse me, I have much to organize and a schedule to keep, you have wasted enough of my valuable time with your charades already. You know, we could have made such good deal over the Dilithium you so badly need, but no, you had to go poking your nose around where it was not wanted." Now you and your crew will pay the consequences.
He nodded to the two guards at the door and they took Kathryn by the arms and dragged her roughly from the chair.
"Take her to the welcome committee, they will see that she is well looked after." The Proconsul said sarcastically and laughed, turning his back on them to peruse the large screen displaying the latest market prices.