Disclaimer see chapter one:
Chapter 3
Snarls and grumbles sounded from the young male as they paced swiftly; catching up with the rest of the pack, deep within the snow darkened forest.
"You should have let me kill him," he finally burst out angrily. Suddenly he felt the full force of Chakotay's own anger, as the males left fist slammed into the young warriors jaw, knocking him to the ground. The pack halted, wondering.
"Hakan – Fiery!" he snapped, his body visibly shaking with his contained fury. "You tend to fight fire with fire," standing close to the fallen male; who made no attempt to get up, rubbing his aching jaw. "Do you want to lose your home?" anger rising in his strong voice; dark eyes hard, both hands clenched into tight fists at his side. "My ancestors – the N'de – fought fire with fire, when other peoples settled their homelands. They lost everything. Their home, their way of life, culture, beliefs, even their dignity in what made them N'de," he paused, breathing deep to calm himself. The others of the pack watched silently. "After many years; there was reconciliation and the two sides found a way to live in peace. It gave my people a sense of dignity again, a purpose in who they were. Some tribes embraced the new technologies of that time era; others preferred the old ways and set off in search of a new spiritual home," his voice calming, eyes on some distant point only he could see, hands relaxed. Yet they soon clenched again, voice tinged with deep emotional pain as he spoke of a new aggressor. "This Apache/enemy knew none of the boundaries of honour, unlike some of the settlers of the old world. These Dakibatl/haters destroyed my home village in one foul swoop with a powerful weapon that left nothing. No stone, no bodies, nothing but scorched earth and ashes, along with an acid smell," he stopped, dark eyes glistening with unshed tears of what had been lost. "Again we fought fire with fire, yet it brought no peace, no inner calm. A troubled nagual/spirit I made myself no better than my tormenters," bringing his mind back to the present; he offered a hand to help the fallen male to his feet, which was accepted.
"You are Fiery," he said, once the young man was standing beside him, his arm still gripped tight by Chakotay. "Fire can be a force for good. As Angpetu Wi knows, providing heat, warmth and light. Fire can also give a forest the chance to be re-born. Yet it can also be a force for bad, if allowed to get out of control; destroying all life in its path," the male sighed deeply letting Hakan go. "Use your fire wisely, Fiery," he added softly, feeling emotionally spent.
"What is a warrior without courage?" trying to sound defiant, but the other's words had affected him.
"There are different types of courage, Hakan. One is knowing when not to fight, but to stand firm for what one believes in." A soft murmur rippled through those around them, whether of approval or discontent neither knew as they only had eyes on each other.
"Learn from your Elders, for their knowledge will teach you much about life, that you would never fully understand or experience within your own lifespan," he paused to smile. "It was once said; 'If we do not remember the past; then we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes.'"
"You speak truth, Kindred Spirit," an elderly female voice said into the ensuing silence; stepping forward from the pack. "I, Magaski," she informed him, looking deep into his dark eyes.
Melvern's voice calling the pack to order broke the spell between the older female and the tattooed male; thus they joined the others as they continued to walk through the trees back to their camp. Hakan trailed behind them, head down.
"You are troubled in spirit again," she said softly, looking straight ahead, her amber eyes still bright and clear despite her age. "Just when you think you'd thought you'd found your place. You feel unsure as to which world you now belong."
"You are wise, Old one," he was about to add more, but she stood directly in front of him, bringing them both to a sudden halt.
"Yes, White Swan is wise. I see someone between two worlds, part of both and yet belonging to neither. You are Kindred Spirit in more ways than you believe or understand at present," gazing up at him; for she no longer stood at her once youthful height, but she held him there; until Hakan's shout, as he drew level with them, had them moving again. They walked in silence; as he digested her words, wondering what they really meant to him. He whispered:
"Your advice to this troubled spirit, Old one," his tone respectful.
"I cannot advise you on something I know nothing of," her tone rather sharp. Sensing his disappointment, she added softly. "Follow what you know to be right, Chakotay," giving him a quiet smile. Not sure what she meant, he smiled hesitantly in return. "Courage, my son; courage," she said, patting his hand; where it rested on her arm, aiding her walk through the dark sleeping snow white forest. Strangely he felt warmed by her words, although as yet he didn't fully realise their significance to him.
/\/\/\
Noise emanated from the Mess hall; more so than usual, Janeway noted as she entered the area unnoticed by most of the people crowding the room. Grimacing somewhat at the angry words coming from the gruff male; Brandon, who'd been released from the brig only half-an-hour ago; yet the argument with Phelan and Rowena was in full swing, by the looks of things.
"No! NO! We do not know them," he snapped, staring down at his wife, who stood squarely in front of him, her face set.
"You're a big fool," the words were softly spoken and yet loaded; which deflated the male a little. The older man said nothing, but his expression said he favoured the female's side. Her eyes moved to Neelix, who bustled about as usual, hurried over with a small tray in hand for his young charges. The boy – Kitto – sat happily with Naomi, hanging on to her every word, as she told him about her many adventures on Voyager. The lads blue eyes were wide in delight. Janeway wondered how much of what the Ktarian girl was telling him was based on fact. From the amused expression on Kenneth Dalby's face – as he too listened – showed just enough, possibly, she thought. She smiled shaking her head softly; storytelling was part of the fun of being a child. Neelix came to her side.
"I think, Naomi is trying to do me out of a job," he commented with a cheeky smile. "Coffee?" he enquired. Silly question he knew, but this was the Captain.
"Please, Neelix," looking at the mix of people again, as he scampered off to the replicator. Paris sat in a quiet corner, just staring at the star field; his mind obviously elsewhere; for even when Torres joined him, he didn't stir much. She took the steaming mug of black aromatic brew handed to her. Kim with Seven entered, halting most of the soft conversational hubbub.
"So what happened next?" said Kitto's miffed voice a minute later, sounding loud in the hushed silence. Faces split into smiles or grins; even the pilot's face creased into a warm smile.
Janeway spoke: "Let's get down to business," she said, taking a seat at the head of the re-arranged tables. Tuvok sat to her left, Kim and Seven. Paris, Torres and Dalby sat to her right, Phelan and Rowena joining them. Brandon sat hesitantly next to the strangely beautiful blonde female. The Doctor hastened in and sat opposite Janeway.
"Ops; Is the com-channel open to the Delta-flyer?"
"Yes, Captain," said Chell, currently at the Operations station on the bridge. Markham also acknowledged her.
"Right, we shall begin. First; Doctor, how are your patients?"
"Both are in a stable condition, Captain," he said, pausing for a moment. Her expression asked the obvious question. "I'm rather worried about the Commander. The longer he stays in this strange active coma, the less sure I am of him coming out of it unscathed. I just wish I knew what I was dealing with here. Puzzling, very puzzling," he sighed. Worried expressions were reflected around the table.
"Captain; Please may Kitto and I go to sickbay and keep an eye on the Doctor's patients?" Naomi asked, standing near the seated female, Kitto with her.
"Please. I would like to see Tatti," he said, anxiously.
"Is that her name?" asked the Vulcan, making the lad stare at him wide eyed.
"Not really. Her proper name is Tatiana," answered Phelan.
"I have no objections, Captain."
"Then you may go. And Naomi, remember you're the Captain's official assistant." The young girl pulled herself erect eyes bright.
"Yes, Captain. Come," taking the boy's hand, she strode out with quite an important air to her step. Kitto trailed in her wake.
"Right, let's see if we can't get a clearer picture of what is going on here," her tone brisk. "Perhaps our guests would like to start us off, please."
"Certainly, Captain Janeway," Phelan said, his voice sure; ignoring the scowl from Brandon. He told of his people's constant fight to survive against their aggressive neighbours.
"Sounds familiar," noted Tom, when the old man paused. Neelix watched anxiously from his galley, preparing that day's lunch to come.
"Like the Cardassians and co," Dalby added.
"Please, continue," Janeway encouraged, but to her surprise it was Brandon who took up the story.
"Our High Council decided that a colony would be sent out ahead of schedule to this system. Key members would be given important information as to who we were, where we'd come from and why we'd come here. Yet each member would only be given some element of that info. We lost the ones who had the where we'd come from," he paused eyes sad. Rowena reached over and touched his hand; their eyes met. "As second-in-command, I was given the names of all those who carried this collective knowledge. Our leader and two others were killed when the cryogenics' shutdown," he stopped again, head bowed.
"One was his sister," Rowena said quietly.
"Understood," noted Kathryn Janeway softly. The big male looked at her with something akin to deep respect. "There isn't a person aboard this vessel who hasn't lost family and friends." The mood around the table was sombre; so the big gruff male gathered his resolve and continued. Their orders were to keep all knowledge about their origins from all those who lived or visited the system.
"We lost contact with our home system some four months ago." The other two were startled, as this was obviously news to them. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. It didn't seem necessary."
"Maybe it still isn't. Does Magan know?" Brandon only nodded his reply. "That figures!" leaving the Voyager crew casting questioning glances at each other.
"If you provide us with the co-ordinates…" Seven started to say, halting as he shook his head.
"I can't. I wasn't given them. I can only assume that they're gone. I know our enemies were mounting an invasion force. That information came from an unofficial source in the strictest of confidence. Our planetary defences would have been stretched to the limit. I doubt anyone would have survived."
"You survived," stated the calm cool tones of the pointed eared security officer.
"Maybe we have at that," said Phelan.
Janeway asked Markham for his information, which he gave hesitantly as though he was in the midst of doing something.
"Are you alright?" Dalby asked, before anyone else did. "Or is there something going on we don't know about?" tone worried, feeling the Captain's eyes upon him.
"Well. Two of the settlers seemed to have incited the others to wreak something. I'm not sure what, though. It's not easy to keep track of them, especially with these e-band emissions. I have to keep clearing the screens and scanners of a symbol."
"Magan and Jabez," noted Brandon. "They're friends. Magan especially hates and fears computers and anything related to them."
"If they were cryogenics; like the rest of you. I'm not surprised they have such a fear," the Doctor said.
"Your disappearance!" exclaimed Paris. "I heard angry shouting before we were transported to the ship." Phelan swore under his breath and the big male paled. The female frowned worried.
"Could they do any real damage to that obelisk?" Janeway asked.
"I wouldn't put it past Magan. But no-one's ever gone close. Most tend to stay well away from it," Phelan paused. "Delta-flyer? What is that? A shuttle?"
"In a manner of speaking," Kim said.
"They'll tackle that first and possibly our old ship too," Brandon said.
"They had better not. If they do we'll loose the gene banks. They are still intact, but they won't stay that way," she said, responding to her husband's astonished look. "I'm ship's medic and the only female of child bearing age at present. If we lose those banks, we reduce our own survival. All the others of child bearing age died in the cryo's."
"I think I get the picture."
"Captain!" the young man's tone got her attention; looking to the Ensign. "Markham; this symbol describe it, please."
"It reminds me of the Commander's tattoo."
"Mr. Kim?" she questioned.
"It has been coming up at odd times all over the ship. Consoles, scanner screens and even PADD's," he informed her, giving her his PADD that showed the symbol.
Suddenly a childish scream halted whatever else Janeway was going to ask. Naomi's voice came over the com-system.
"Doctor; something is wrong with Tatti."
"I'll be right there," he assured her getting to his feet. A nod of acknowledgement from Janeway and he left.
"Can you stop your friends?"
"I can try," Brandon said.
"I'll go with you. No arguments this time, Brandon," his voice stern. The smile that spread across the other's face, said he wouldn't even think about doing so. Janeway ordered Dalby to go with them; advising Markham to expect visitors aboard the flyer shortly. Torres escorted them to the transporter room, whilst Tuvok returned to the bridge.
"Leave this with me, Ensign," she said to Kim, tapping the PADD with the tattoo emblazoned on it. Kim and Seven returned to Astrometrics, whilst Rowena elected to stay with Neelix; adding she could help the Doctor with his main patient at a later time. Janeway thanked her for her kind offer and left with a silent Paris en-route to sickbay.
"Tom?" her tone asking more than was said.
"Nothing, Captain," giving her his usual cheeky grin, as they exited the turbo-lift on Deck 5.
/\/\/\
Sickbay seemed unusually quiet in spite of the number of children occupying the area. The silver haired girl sobbed softly against the torso of Ensign Wildman. The EMH, who looked at a loss, was checking his comatose patient. Kathryn Janeway softly spoke Naomi's name.
"She asked about the Commander. She then went and touched him."
"That's when she screamed," put in Kitto, earning himself a scornful look from the Ktarian girl. The adults smiled amused.
"She said something about it being her fault. She didn't say what though." Janeway crouched down, so that neither child had to look up at her.
"Is Tatti the only one of her kind, Kitto?" The boy nodded his red head vigorously.
"She was found alone near a frozen river," he added, seriously. The Doctor called her to his side, where he scanned the young sobbing female.
"She is telepathic," he informed her. "It didn't show up before. But then I wasn't looking." Tatiana looked up at them with light hazel eyes, almost amber in colour, swollen with tears. Janeway asked Tuvok to report to her in sickbay. Wildman gently comforted the girl, with soft-spoken words and carefully disentangled herself from the girl's tight embrace; she left her sitting on the bio-bed and took her daughter and Kitto back to Neelix. Within minutes of their departure, Tuvok arrived. Tom stood watching the medical data of Chakotay on the clamshell monitors.
"Tatiana. This is Tuvok, a Vulcan and telepath. Perhaps you'd like to tell him your story?" she said quietly, looking a question at her security officer. Both nodded ascent. She and the Doctor gave them some space to work, the latter joining Paris at the main bio-bed.
The alien female knelt on the bio-bed and placed her small hands either side of the Vulcan's dark face, her eyes gazing deep into his. Tuvok wasn't quite sure what to expect, but he knew the experience would be a very unique form of communications; that a non-telepath would find hard to fully understand. It wasn't the invasion he'd normally expect from a Vulcan mind-meld. This was a more intimate contact, which reminded him of some of the music he knew Kathryn Janeway like to listen and relax to at times. The girl – Tatiana – shared with him her whole existence; from her birth to the moment that caused her pain and to scream. A soft moan escaped him, nothing more at that point, then she quietly withdrew; leaving him strangely empty and fulfilled at the same time.
Gently he reached out with his hand and mind to hold her there, to give something in return. Her open smile greeted him, as he came back into himself; warm and full of understanding.
"Captain; I believe there maybe a way to at least talk to Cmdr. Chakotay," he said, his calm tone revealing nothing of what had passed, between him and the silver haired alien female.
"A mind-meld! Why didn't I think of that before!" she said, going to his side.
"You were not aware that Tatiana's people could communicate with N'de through telepathy."
"There are more like Tatti?"
"Were, Mr Paris. They perished when the obelisk scrambled all computer technologies within range, over a year ago. Only Tatiana survived as she was outside the habitat cavern at the time. She did feel them die. The shock of which blanked her memory of them and most of her past, except for her name. That was until she touched the Commander's tattoo." In that short statement of fact, he'd revealed a great deal of information.
"That tattoo again," Paris muttered quietly, looking at the comatose male.
"How long will you need to meditate, before melding with Chakotay?"
"I require none. I can begin now, Captain. It will only require minimal contact to speak with him," he said, ignoring the knowing smiles of both females. The medic didn't look happy, yet said, he'd monitor them both, his tone of voice resigned.
"Tom, you'd better get kitted up to return and find that cavern. And see if there's a way to safely shutdown that obelisk."
"Please, may I go?" the silver-haired child asked. "I know the area. Please!" her expression pleading and hopeful. Janeway smiled softly.
"I'll see what I can find your size in the replicator stores. You stay here. I won't be long," Tom said, having read his Captain's expression as an affirmative.
/\/\/\
No stars shone through to relieve the slate grey mass above his head, as he gazed up at the leaden sky. 'How long had it been?' he wondered, hearing the sounds of people shifting in their sleep from close by. He ignored them, feeling the gnarled bark of the oak tree at his back, as he sat beneath its bare twisted branches. A voice whispered through his mind. At first he ignored that also, but it persisted; so he focused on it. After a while he saw a shadowy figure standing within a white version of his tattoo, in the darkness. This puzzled him until the figure's shape became familiar to him.
The figure was lit from behind, so Chakotay couldn't make out the facial features of the male, but there was no disguising the man's pointed ears and flat emotionless voice.
"Tuvok?!" he whispered, surprised; wondering why the other didn't come closer. Then he remembered his own words to this man: 'We've kept each other at arms length. But I've always valued your judgements.' He smiled softly at the memory.
"I have a message for you. Paris and Tatiana will join you soon. You are to look for the cavern where her people used to live and also see if there is a way to safely shutdown the obelisk," he paused sensing the other's frown. "Something wrong?"
"Yes. You!" he retorted, a little hurt. "Why are you standing so far away from me? I can only just hear you." It wasn't strictly true; he could understand what the Vulcan was saying, but it was the facial response he couldn't see. Not that the Vulcan would ever reveal anything of his true emotions; yet Chakotay felt things were different here, which would explain the distance. "Don't you trust me?" he asked the hurt coming through his voice.
"It is not a question of trust or lack thereof, Commander," he was to continue, but was cut short.
"Oh! But it is, Tuvok," his tone a direct challenge. For a moment each male just looked at the other across the dark distance, with the white tattoo drawn on the ground between them.
"Chakotay?!" asked a physical voice; feminine and worried. "Are you alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine, Magaski. Just talking to a stubborn friend," smiling at the dark figure's silence. The elderly female understood and sat beside him. "Well, Tuvok?" coming back to his original challenge.
/\/\/\
In sickbay aboard Voyager, the two watching females saw a slight smile appear on the comatose male's strong features. Tuvok stood at the bed's head, eyes closed, fingers spread across the other's temple. The EMH monitored them both discreetly. Suddenly there was a sharp intake of breath from the Vulcan, his dark features a little pained. Tatiana noted Chakotay's expression and spoke softly to Janeway.
"I think, Tuvok got more than he bargained for with Chakotay," pointing to the sleeping males triumphant smile.
"I do believe he has," grinning with the silver-haired child. "Two of my best officers and friends. And almost always at odds with each other."
"Yeah! Tell me about it," said Paris with a cheeky grin having returned in time to hear her words. "No love loss between them," he said, handing Tatiana a thick padded silver hooded jacket, which she put on. "Ready?" he asked. The girl nodded, taking his hand once he'd helped her off the bio-bed and put her on her feet at ground level.
"They'll be alright," she said confidently, leaving with the pilot. Janeway looked at her two senior officers, still locked into the mind-meld; a worried frown creeping across her features. The Vulcan broke the contact staggering backwards; she and the Doctor supported him, until he found his balance again. Straightening his uniform in silent defiance he looked at Janeway.
"I will require time to meditate."
"Granted," she told him and watched him leave sickbay with a much dignity as he could muster. With a soft amused smile playing around her lips, she bent closer to the sleeping male's ear. "You have certainly unsettled him, you rascal," affection in her tone. "Just come home soon," she said, gently squeezing his shoulder. There was no reaction on his neutral face, yet she felt sure he'd heard her. With a quiet acknowledgement to the EMH, she strode briskly from the area; leaving the medic alone with his patient. Shaking his head at his quiet thoughts on events; he closed the tricorder and returned it to the med-tray. He ordered the computer to de-activate him. Thus the male slept alone.
/\/\/\
The males hand was warm, curled softly round her small one, made her feel safe as they walked through the falling snow. It was hard to tell if it was day or night at times. Tatiana studied the human male beside her; his blue/grey eyes intent on the readings his tricorder was giving him, resting in his other open hand; keeping them on track in this unending white/grey shifting alien landscape.
"You are worried about him. Aren't you?" her young voice hushed in the semi-dark forest.
"Yeah! Like a hole in the head!" he quipped, moving the tricorder to and fro trying to get his bearings.
"No. It is more than that," gently holding onto his arm, forcing him to look at her. Paris looked down into her almost amber coloured eyes; she smiled. "You good friend, Tom Paris," the young girl's smile widening as he frowned. "And no I cannot read your mind," laughter in her voice. For one only about five or six earth years of age, her words were quite profound.
"Come. Let's see if we can find that Large White," he said, setting off. Tatiana trotted after him, asking why he'd called Chakotay that. "Appears to fit; don't you think, Tatti?"
"I'm not sure. Only that some of the tales and legends that Lyulf told me, involved one called the Great White one. I thought it meant this cold white stuff."
"Snow!" he said, standing with her under the gnarled oak tree.
"Maybe the stories meant one of their kind; only different in size and colour. Chakotay is taller and very white in comparison to the other N'de."
"You maybe right there, Tatiana. Plus that tattoo of his. Come it is this way," taking her hand again and moving off to the right of the tree.
Soon they found the Great White One with two others waiting for them a few yards away. The girl let go of Pairs' hand and ran to Chakotay flinging her arms around his white neck ruff. Whilst staying close to the White she softly touched the female's nose and playfully scratched the young silver-grey male on his hard head. She introduced everybody to each other.
When Paris realised the second male – Hakan – was his would-be attacker, he was surprised; yet he knelt down holding out his hand. Hakan looked at him; then Chakotay, who softly smiled his encouragement. He stepped forward tail between his legs, before he sat in front of Paris and put a fore-paw into the males out stretched hand. Tom grinned; his hand gently closed around the paw and shook it.
"Nice to meet you, Hakan." The animal's ears pricked upright in total surprise, giving him quite a comical expression. The others N'de seem to laugh, even Tatti grinned.
"We'd better go," she said, resting her small hand on Chakotay's tall white shoulder and then slipped her other hand into Tom's as he drew level with her. Magaski and Hakan followed.
"I don't understand. Why?" his tone puzzled.
"Many things there are in life, one doesn't truly understand, young one. You just accept what is. Friendship is a precious gift, Hakan; treasure it from wherever it comes," her voice wise with the wisdom of many years of experience. Tatiana gently played with the Great White's soft furry ears; he rumbled softly his pleasure at her touch. Both having heard White Swan's words, and realised she'd not only been talking to Hakan, but to all.
"I'll tell him," she whispered quietly.
They walked in silence in the sound muffling forest, the snow about ankle deep most of the time, so they made good progress. No birds sang, yet they were there in the bare branched forest. The group moved closer together, eyes wary, ears alert as the shadow of the cliff face darkened the forest even more, as they drew steadily toward it. With a heart stopping sob the girl-child stood still; Hakan only just managed to avoid colliding with her. Magaski had noted that she'd been hanging back as if afraid; she assured Chakotay that she would remain with the young one. Tatiana visibly swallowed and told the upright male – Tom Paris – she would stay with White Swan adding:
"I can't go any closer." Tom didn't push it seeing deep sadness and fear on the girl's upturned face. Thus the three males proceeded on and reached the cavern entrance some few minutes later.
"There is some sort of power source here, it's very weak," holding the tricorder up checking the readings. Chakotay nudged Hakan telling him to stay with Paris and see that he came to no harm; whilst he returned to the two females. Cautiously human and N'de entered the cavern just as the Great White reached Magaski and Tatti; who spoke:
"Do you remember the stories Lyulf spoke of?" He nodded puzzled. "The Great White?" Both looked at her surprised, especially as the girl continued. "You, Chakotay are that one," her voice touched with awe.
"No, Little Silver. I'm dark not white. It is this winter…." The shaking of her head halted him.
"The Great White will walk through the singing metal. Halting its song before the first flowering can return. He melts away to travel the Hanging Road from whence he came," said Magaski.
Chakotay stared at her recalling those very same words and more from Lyulf.
"The settlers and I do not see you as you see yourselves. Dark of hair and eye you are to yourself and the other N'de. But to me you are white and larger than they are," Tatiana said quietly, gazing at him. Her light hazel eyes looked deep into his dark brown ones and spoke again: "In the stars someone sleeps; yet he walks the paths of the N'de." Magaski frowned at the child not understand, but she noted the dawning of comprehension in her companions dark amber eyes.
"The obelisk," he whispered and without another word he ran toward the area where the strange singing metal structure stood.
/\/\/\
Although the cavern had been large the corridor that led off it was narrow and winding, yet he found that both he and Hakan could pace easily together and he without having to stoop either. The tricorder told him the passage was natural in origin, possibly a fast flowing stream or river, which accounted for the constant twists and turns. The corridor was lit by a soft glowing bioluminescence, from the surrounding rock walls, which gave them both more than enough light to see their way ahead. Tom stopped, his tricorder registered a marked change in the power readings, yet it wasn't the only change. Ahead was a large open cavern with not only non-functioning machinery, but also dead humanoids, possibly a dozen or more. Taking a deep breathe he moved forward again, along the passage's smooth floor. Hakan at his side was wary, nose questing, ears twitching. A low growl rumbled in his throat, he did not like it. As they rounded the final corner, the main area loomed in front of them revealing the carnage within. Paris put a hand over his mouth, trying not to gag from the smell; his eyes wide taking in the scene. Several adult silver-haired people, of both sexes sat slumped at dead consoles, with two lying on the floor near the main entrance way. Hakan's growls grew louder, smelling the charred ozone of burnt-out electrical circuits and living flesh that still hung in the cold air.
"They didn't stand a chance. The electrical discharges must have flashed around the area like….like lightening bolts." That was something Hakan could understand and within such a confined space there had been no escape, even for those not working on the equipment housed here. Paris shook himself and scanned the area trying to locate the power source, which now appeared to be in two places. He located the first at a central freestanding console that stood in the middle of the floor. It was hexagonal in shape and stood just above his waist in height.
"Looks like a computer data storage," watching the readings on his tricorder as he walked around the structure. He cursed as he almost fell, having tripped over an inert form lying at the consoles base. Tom felt sick at the sight of the charred flesh, but pulled himself together enough to continue working. He found the power indicator that glowed with a soft steady faint silver-blue light. He tapped out a few commands on both his tricorder and the console. They both bleeped happily. He breathed a sigh of relief.
"The data appears to be intact. Downloading," he said quietly; putting his open tricorder on the console. "That is going to take awhile," looking round. "HAKAN?!" he called, wondering where he'd vanished to. The N'de made a sharp bark sound from somewhere in the shadows, yet Tom managed to track him down. Getting down on hands and knees, he asked: "What have you found?" putting a hand on the creatures light grey shoulder, moving closer. "Well I never!" he said and smiled.
/\/\/\
The obelisk stood tall and alien looking in the part bowl shaped area, snow free and singing. He stood his breathing slowing from his run back along the cliff face to eye the structure from behind, wary and hesitant not fully understanding what was happening to him. A soft wise and familiar voice spoke:
//You know my friend. You have always known// He smiled to himself at the sound of her comforting voice and then frowned. //Yes, my friend I am here. As I always am. Why do you refuse to acknowledge it?//
"I do not understand."
//Oh! But you do!// she softly added the words Tatiana had spoken earlier. //In the stars a man sleeps, yet he walks the paths of the N'de//
"Wise One. Am I you?" he asked still puzzled by all that had happened here.
//Are you?// her voice soft. He realised she wasn't teasing him; also she had substituted 'someone' with 'a man'. Breathing deeply, he closed his eye and saw her standing near him. She slowly nodded her wise noble head. Carefully he opened his eyes again. The obelisk was still in the same place yet it looked different as if he was viewing it from slightly lower down.
//You know// she whispered, as he looked down at his feet and saw two silver-white furred forepaws on the frost hardened snow.
Suddenly the silence was shattered by a cry, one that touched him deeply; hearing two voices call to mourn. Two others close-by joined in, he smiled recognising them as Netis and Freya. Their combined song filled him, swelling through every fibre of his being, that he too lifted his muzzle to the sky and joined the chorus of howls. The calls echoed and re-echoed through the forest, off the cliff face and on through the valley, picked up by others who relayed it until it started to fade at its source, then silence. In his heart it still sang filling him with a deep sense of belonging; something he had been wondering would ever be his; a place to call home. Because of it he moved toward the obelisk with determination and courage. His nose questing the cold air, informing him of what his eyes could not see; ears erect, pointed to catch the slightest sound; which heard only the song of the metal structure. All his senses were on high alert as he reached the snow-free stepped base of the obelisk with its strange symbols. One though stood out, his own.
/\/\/\
Near the caverns two N'de stood looking quite quizzically at a small bundle in its carry basket, at the upright's feet, whilst the male informed Captain Janeway of his finds and subsequent actions.
"I've sealed the cavern. There was nothing we could do for them. The details will be in my report," looking sadly at Tatiana as she smiled at the bundle.
"Understood, Mr. Paris. Anything else?"
"Yes. The power source was both data storage and a maturation chamber. Therefore we have one small bundle," pausing as he smiled at the bundles hearty cry. "A baby boy. Alive and kicking."
"That is good news," sounding pleased. Her next words were cut short by a more distant and strange call, sharp and angry. Both N'de's heads snapped up; looking away along the cliff. Tatiana stood up and gripped Tom's hand tight.
"Chakotay!" she whispered worriedly.
"Mr. Paris. What's going on?" her tone sharp.
"I'm not sure. I think someone is in trouble. I'll be in touch. Paris out," he said, watching as Hakan ran off. "Tatti; you and Magaski bring the boy. I'll see if I can help," giving her a wily smile.
"Be careful!" she called after him as he too ran through the trees and snow. Hakan had waited for him, thus the two ran together amidst the bare silent trees. Was it his imagination or was the obelisk's hum louder? He asked himself, struggling to keep up with Hakan. The two halted at the tree line and took in the scene before them. Within the bare trees stood two other N'de, watching; crouched ready to spring out if necessary. At the obelisk's stepped base stood the Great White, his fur coat bristling, legs bent and a soft snarl emanating from his throat. At his feet, lay at least two medium sized sticks.
"Hakan; Stop your friends from getting involved. We don't want any blood shed," he said quietly; from his crouched position in the undergrowth, with the young silver/grey male. The N'de softly padded away towards the other two. "Paris to Delta-flyer," he whispered into his com-badge, hearing the hum of the obelisk deepen. Markham answered him. "How are things?" Paris asked.
"Fine; Most of the settlers were pleased to help dismantle their homes, ready for transport off planet. Two are missing. Brandon and Phelan are out looking for them," the male informed him, voice steady.
"Tom. Both have com-badges," Dalby said.
"Thanks. I'll call them. Paris out," tapping his badge, softly swearing, knowing it could only be Magan and Jabez, Chakotay was facing out there. His badge bleeped at him and Phelan's voice spoke: "We're not far from the obelisk, Tom."
"Good. Just be careful. Although I can not see them, I think Magan and Jabez are confronting the Great White N'de."
"Understood," he said and the link went dead. Tom checked his phaser, although he was loathed to use it; for whatever reason, as it may endanger them all from the obelisk; yet he had to protect Chakotay.
Movement caught his eye, as the smaller of the two N'de; Hakan was making for shot forward snarling angrily. The second was stopped from following as Tom stood up and moved at a crouched run toward the snow-free obelisk. A thud, yelp, whine followed. He fired at the male who stood over the fallen N'de; the obelisk's hum was increasing; the man fell startled, the second was about to run forward but a shout from behind halted his move. Brandon reached him and held him fast.
"Sorry, Jabez," he said, propelling him unresisting forward to where Tom knelt at the injured N'de's side. The Great White rested his head on Tom's shoulder, dark eyes worried. The two male N'de's moved cautiously closer; whilst Phelan checked the fallen male, yet his thoughts were for someone else.
"How is she?"
"Not good. Can't tell for sure," he said, having to raise his voice above the hum of the alien structure.
"LOOK!" shouted Brandon, pointing at the structures top. A narrow beam of light, thrust up into the leaden sky, growing in intensity. Paris was trying to contact Voyager, but the signal was dead.
Tatiana, Magaski and their small helpless bundle arrived. The silver-haired girl spoke, her voice clear.
"The Great White One will walk through the singing metal. Halting its song before the first flowering can return." All the humans looked at the large white N'de standing uncertainly beside Paris. "You can do it. Just do not doubt," she added. Tom looked into the N'de's troubled brown/amber eyes, smiling softly.
"I think I'm beginning to understand. Only an N'de can enter the obelisk unharmed, but only the settlers would have the know-how to shut it down. You are both, my friend," his last sentence was heard only by Chakotay. "The injured one needs medical treatment, I can't give. We've lost all contact with Voyager. And I wouldn't be surprised to learn that that beam is targeting the ship." The marked noble head turned away from him to the injured female and then the obelisk. "I know you can do it, Chakotay," his words for the male alone. Only the white ears told him he'd been heard; for suddenly the large white N'de strode purposefully up the steps of the structure. Paris spoke to Tatiana. "As soon as the humming stops; call Voyager. 'Medical Emergency'. Use your com-badge for the female and they'll transport her aboard."
"I understand. Please go with him." The male pilot didn't need telling twice and ran to join the N'de.
/\/\/\
On the bridge of the starship semi chaos reigned; red battle lights the main illumination as the crew contended with the energy beam coming at them, from the planet surface.
"Shields are holding; down 50 and weakening."
"Engineering. We need more power to the shields."
"I'm doing my best, Captain. It is disrupting other systems," came Torres harassed voice, yelling at one of her staff to seal a coolant leak. "Without shutting down other key systems; including all life-support. You've got all we have."
"Noted, Lieutenant. Janeway out," she acknowledged closing the link and joining Tuvok at his tactical station. "Where is it coming from?"
"As far as I can determine from the obelisk," pausing to hang on as the ship was rocked again. "Captain; we may need to do as Lieutenant Torres suggested."
"NO! Tuvok. There has to be another way," she snapped angrily, staring at the PADD in her hand; yet she saw a sleeping male. Chell and Kim working at Ops informed her they were not getting any response from anyone on the planet surface and yet the E-band emissions were still very strong. "In that log report by the Enterprise; did they find a way to operate their obelisk?"
"Yes, Captain. Mr. Spock deduced that the symbols were musical notes."
"Music!?!"
"The correct tonal qualities in the right sequence would give them access to the obelisk's controls," he informed her, whilst still working his console.
"If we had the time to work them out. How did the Enterprise do it?"
"Captain Kirk hailing his ship!"
"Pity we don't have him handy. Then again, maybe we do," looking at the main screen on which was a very familiar symbol. Suddenly the ship stopped shaking, silence. Then a young clear voice called for medical emergency transport. "Report!" she called as Kim complied with the requested transport.
"The obelisk appears to be dormant. All interference has gone," Chell said his smile broad across his blue face. Even the symbol on the main screen faded from view, she noted.
"Hail the Away Team," she ordered, returning to the command area as Ops complied.
/\/\/\
Inside the obelisk, Tom sat at the top of the steps leading down into the control room from the trap door and watched as a figure appeared from within the large white N'de. Dark of hair and eye, skin a deep tanned colour, his familiar body clothed in silver/white fur garments. He worked around the room checking consoles, their read-outs and chanting a rhyme. Chakotay gazed at the various symbols on the consoles wondering which ones would shut the structure down; hearing the hum of the energy beam that was indeed attacking Voyager.
First he found that control and deactivated it. 'What next?'
//You know// came the soft wise voice and with it the knowledge he needed. Carefully at first he did what Lyulf had told him, chanting the words he'd been taught as a child as he worked with more confidence around the room, switching off all the various consoles. Soon silence reigned, only to be broken by a strident bleep that made both of them jump.
"Paris, here," touching the offending item – his com-badge – noting that the male figure was the N'de once more, padded over to him, as Janeway's voice asked for a report. "Well; all's safe down here. How's the Doc's patient?"
"In good hands; although, he did mention something about; being a doctor not a vet. He'll manage," she said, relief in her voice.
"Good. Just inform him to keep her sedated, whilst she's in his care."
"Any reason?" puzzled.
"Plenty, Captain. Not that I can go into any details right now," he said, stroking the White's soft ears.
"I suggest you get some sleep. We'll compare notes in the morning. Tom; please take a visual scan of the obelisk symbols. At 09.00hrs bring the Delta-flyer back on board. Janeway out."
"Well; you heard the lady. Time for bed," he said getting to his feet and re-emerging out of the trap-door. The White followed, closing it again, by putting his paw in the slight depression under the upright structure, near the open square. It closed with a soft whirl. Paris had passed on the Captain's information, excluding the request about the symbols. Tatiana spoke pointing to the west;
"Look!" her voice filled with wonder.
"That's typical. Just in time to set," Paris noted, grinning. They all stood and gazed in awe at the sight of the planet's sun, setting the breaking clouds aglow with its red/gold fire.
"Beautiful," said a very feminine voice. Paris looked round at her, smiling softly. The speaker moved closer to him and leaned against his legs; so he sat down and stroked her soft white/grey fur. Magaski nuzzled his ear. Only he heard what she'd said; but Chakotay knew, because something changed in the young male's body language.
"Paris to Delta-flyer; Transport in three loads," he said, getting to his feet; his manner decisive. Brandon with Jabez went first, followed by Phelan and the reviving Magan; which had to wait as he re-scanned the obelisk. "Looks like transports could upset things here," he said, noting the readings. "Ok, Dalby all clear. Energise," he ordered, then the two vanish. "Wait until I call," he advised, noting the N'de's wariness. He mounted the steps and scanned the symbols, going round at least twice. "Don't worry; I'll keep in mind that transporter signals could interfere with the obelisk; when I report to Captain Janeway. Tatiana," he called to the girl, descending the steps to join her and the little bundle. "Dalby. Energise." The three vanished; leaving only the N'de standing at the base of the now silent obelisk; watching the glorious sunset.
"You told him," his tone warm and quiet; standing beside the older woman, watching the western sky with its red and deep blue banners.
"Yes, Chakotay; I told him," gazing up at him, his dark eyes reflecting the last of the gold of the setting sun. Hakan pointed to a bright new star that hung in the darkening sky. A smile spread across the tattooed male's face; deep affection in his voice, he spoke a name: "Voyager."
/\/\/\