Chapter 9
Hours later, something was burning in the brig. The officer stationed outside noticed the smell. He thought for a little bit about what to do. His orders were to never leave the post, but if the ship was on fire, that would be a good thing to know. On a similar note, if the ship wasn't on fire, he shouldn't call anyone to tell them about it. So he decided to go investigate. The décor of the room changed, and soon he was staring into a bonfire. Now he thought a little more quickly: ship on fire bad. He grabbed a fire extinguisher and let down the force field. A bright light and he was out like a light, and Kathryn and B'Elanna came dashing into the corridor. They had made slight modifications on their outfits to make running a little easier, and the singe marks actually made for an interesting design. The extra fabric also made for good kindling. Before they left, Kathryn caught a glimpse of B'Elanna's tricorder on the desk. Why put this technology so close to us? She wondered as she made a quick U-turn and snagged it before they moved on.
Out in the open, they found themselves at a loss for direction. Kathryn picked right, B'Elanna followed. No time was lost turning back, a turbolift was right in front of them. Kathryn stood to the side and opened the doors, B'Elanna held the phaser. Their precautions were fortunately unnecessary; the lift was empty. They dashed in; every second was one second closer to someone discovering their empty cell. B'Elanna mashed the button to engineering, and they traded gadgets for the final battle.
When the doors opened, they stood side by side. B'Elanna watched for bio signs with the tricorder, Kathryn watched for bio signs with the phaser. Neither spoke until B'Elanna announced "Next turn." Kathryn nodded, and she led the way into the room. It took everyone a second to react, which was just enough time for them to get to a console with plenty of cover. B'Elanna was completely obscured by a wall, leaving her plenty of room to work. Kathryn blocked the only opening.
Things were going well for the first minute; there wasn't enough time for everyone to get organized for their surprise attack. But after a while, every guard that Kathryn shot down was replaced by another, and the bridge had long since been notified. "How much longer?" Kathryn called back over the din.
"Only a minute," B'Elanna answered, never taking her eyes from the screen. So it came as a great surprise to her when, after she had pushed the last button, Kathryn was nowhere to be seen. The firing had stopped, something else that she didn't notice. And strangely, they were still there. The shields were down, they were being monitored by Chakotay, but they hadn't been transported away yet. Then she saw where Kathryn was: in the menacing arms of Kartok. Her phaser lay on the floor next to B'Elanna. Stupid of him not to pick it up, she thought, and then did so herself. As she raised it, Kathryn spoke.
"It doesn't work on him, B'Elanna. Just drop it," she said, but B'Elanna didn't let go.
"Why won't you just let us go?" She asked, stalling for time.
"I made a bargain: your ship for your captain. If I don't have your captain, I will have to take your ship."
If you could find it, B'Elanna thought, getting more impatient. Where are you Chakotay?
~*~
"Transporter Room 2, what is your situation?" Chakotay asked after a few seconds of silence.
"I have a lock on Lieutenant Torres," someone answered, "But something is blocking the captain's signal. Should I beam back the lieutenant?" There was no answer. "Sir?"
"No…" said Chakotay slowly. "No, just wait. I have a feeling B'Elanna will be able to solve this one."
"Yes sir."
~*~
"You, of course, are free to go, Lieutenant," continued Kartok. "At least your ship will finally leave me in peace. And as I'm sure you are aware, because of your little plan your ship can transport you aboard. Though, I am afraid, your captain will have to stay here." He lifted his shirt an inch to show something on his belt buckle. "This cancels out all transporter beams. As long as she is with me," he squeezed her tighter to make his point, "she won't be going anywhere."
B'Elanna thought. She wasn't sure what to do. She obviously couldn't leave the captain here after coming so far, and yet it didn't seem like she would be able to leave at all if she didn't. If she didn't hurry, Chakotay would make her decision for her and she would be beamed aboard alone. The entire room stood at a standstill, waiting for her to make her decision.
"I don't have all day, Miss B'Elanna," Kartok said impatiently.
"Just go B'Elanna," pleaded Kathryn, "I'll be fine."
B'Elanna stared at the floor as she thought. Then, suddenly, she looked up. She looked at Kartok, looked at the phaser in her hand, and fired.
Kathryn fell limp in Kartok's arms.
He looked at her, shock written all over his face, then dropped her to the floor as he turned to B'Elanna in a rage.
"You have just made a very foolish mistake."
"I don't think so," said B'Elanna with a wry grin. She tapped her phaser. "Latest technology: stun setting. You should really invest in some."
His jaw dropped as he realized what she meant. He jumped towards Kathryn's body, but it melted away as he got there. "No!" he shrieked. "NO!"
A/N: Okay so... I'm late and totally not impressed with this chapter. I might have to change it a little bit later, though the events will be the same. Just the wording will be a little different.
Only one more chapter! Keep the reviews coming until then! Not gonna put a time frame on this one since I want it to be perfect. But I promise it won't take more than a week.