Uninspired Voyages
A Star Trek: Voyager fanfiction by Andrew J. Talon
DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan based work of prose. Star Trek: Voyager, Deep Space Nine, The Next Generation et al are the property of CBS Television, Para creation of Gene Roddenberry. Please support the official release.
He didn't know how Chakotay found the time to visit him in sickbay. But Shepherd had the feeling it wasn't simply to check in on him.
Though the first officer did do that. He had the air of a professor, the fun kind, who would take classes on trips during the summer and just enjoyed them learning. When he was unhappy though... He still did his duties, professional as you please, but it felt like a thundercloud was hanging over everything.
"I'm going to have more of the crew train with the TRs from now on, increase our proficiency," Chakotay stated, "given how useful they were it doesn't hurt to have more options. I want you to draw up a training plan."
"Aye sir," Shepherd replied. Chakotay nodded, flipping through his PADD.
"Your suggestion to train more field medics also saved a lot of lives," Chakotay added, "I think I want to increase the percentage of crew trained in basic first aid to one third, at least. The Ocampans have learned fastest, but no sense in putting everything on them."
Shepherd nodded slowly.
"I agree with that too, sir. I'll put together a schedule for classes with Jurot, Kes and the Doctor."
Chakotay reached the end of his PADD list. He concentrated on it intensely, silent.
He then looked over at Shepherd.
"Do you think we can actually trust Sousek?" He asked. Shepherd sighed, and looking up at the ceiling in some thought before he answered.
"At least as far as I can tell? The guy could have let me die at least ten times... And he tried to save me, every time. He's of the older generation of Kazon, the ones who had an honor system. More like Klingons, and less like angry teenaged gang members."
"But...?" Chakotay pressed. Shepherd shrugged.
"Well, I mean, I can't say I actually trust anyone completely," Shepherd admitted.
"No one?" Chakotay asked blithely.
"I am a spy, double dealing and lies goes with the territory," Shepherd said, "however, it is in Sousek's best interests to cooperate with us, and the Alliance. He knows it, I know it. And after losing so much to Seska's treachery and Cullah's incompetence, he's willing to try and change things."
"You saw the camp though," Chakotay stated softly. Shepherd stared back into his eyes, and nodded slowly.
"I did, yeah. I know exactly what Biessman and Jurot did to those Kazon, and why," Shepherd said softly. "This is a rough area of space, and people's cultures are what they are. Nobody can become enlightened over night. They are barbarians and plunderers... But we were all like that, once. Maybe they just never had a chance to grow out of it, until now. I'm hoping Sousek can steer them in the right direction. I don't have any illusions... But after they nearly got their civilization wrecked, hopefully, they can learn from it and change."
Chakotay slowly nodded, absorbing the information and thinking silently over it. Shepherd beamed.
"Plus, I can totally kick his ass if I have to," he said cheerfully. "So, no worries."
Chakotay didn't smile. Shepherd's own smile dimmed. He looked down at his hands again.
"... If there'd been another way-" Shepherd began, but Chakotay held up a hand.
"I know," he said gravely, "and I don't blame you for..."
He sucked in a deep breath through his nostrils.
"For Seska," he finally said. Shepherd nodded back.
"Yes sir," Shepherd replied quietly. "At the end, she said to tell you-"
Chakotay again held up his hand, and shook his head.
"Forget it," he ordered, "that's never going to make things better. In the mean time? You just focus on recovering. We've got a long trip ahead of us, still."
Shepherd nodded back, as Chakotay rose. The first officer turned and headed off, while Shepherd leaned back and tried to get some sleep on the biobed.
Despite his snarking at the commander... He did hope he would be all right.
Vethren was almost livid when Lieutenant Yun, her XO, told her that that damn Kazon had asked to come aboard her ship. She was furious to the point of replicating a Hrisal and storming down to the transporter room when Captain Janeway insisted she allow him aboard!
Oh yeah. She was going to let him come aboard. She'd killed plenty of these bastards, what was one more?! What was the woman thinking?!
She'd figure that out as soon as the one eyed bastard was dead.
"Everyone clear out," she barked as she entered the transporter room, "get some coffee!"
The transporter chief and two guards left. The transporter pad hummed to life as they left, and the door shut when the Kazon fully materialized.
Sousek stared at her, a large bag over his shoulder. Vethren glared back, her blade at the ready.
"What the shaav do you want?!" She demanded angrily. Sousek's face was like stone.
"... Your hate is strong. I do not blame you," Sousek said at last. Vethren sneered.
"You have no idea of my hatred," she spat, barely resisting the urge to run the bastard through then and there. "If you're offering an apology-?!"
"You would not accept it," Sousek stated calmly, "I can only say, I did not approve of such things. While I was given the camp, I had little say over Cullah's sons and their conduct."
"Didn't approve?!" Vethren growled. "What kind of a lie is that?!"
"A truth," Sousek replied evenly, "we, the old guard... We would kill. We would enslave, I do not dispute that. I have done many things in my life that, upon reflection, are a stain on what we were... But I cannot change the past."
He hefted the duffle bag over, and slammed it down. He then opened it. Vethren gaped. Four Kazon heads stared out at her, all surprised.
All familiar to Vethren.
"Cullah's sons," he stated blandly. "They were the ones who abused you and your women, along with their underlings. I only killed if I had to. I never tortured."
"You killed our captain!" She shot back. Sousek nodded.
"I did. I cannot change that. I can at least, grant you some measure of justice."
"Still a slaver, and a murderer," Vethren growled. Sousek nodded slowly.
"When one is at war with the entire universe, is that murder? Perhaps..." He sighed. "Nevertheless... This is an attempt to demonstrate my intentions."
"By killing your potential political rivals?" Vethren sneered.
"I can accomplish many things," Sousek replied, "to secure my position... And to demonstrate my intentions."
He hefted the bag up over his shoulder again, looking grim.
"I have no illusions about what I am, what my race is, Captain," Sousek stated, "but I also know that something must change. I know my crimes. I do not ask your forgiveness. I do not expect anything of that nature."
He sighed heavily.
"But... I am not a man of words. Only of actions. These men were in my way, in the way of making the Kazon... Something more. They also personally hurt you and your crew."
He shook his head.
"I cannot give you what you want... Even my death would not make things fair," he stated, "but as Shepherd once told me... It's an imperfect universe. We never get exactly what we want."
Vethren was silent for a time. She shook her head again, fingers still tense around her sword.
"You finished?" She asked.
Sousek bowed his head to her.
"I am," he agreed.
"Good," she sniffed, "then get off my ship."
Sousek nodded again.
"At your command, captain," he said, "I suppose the only comfort I can provide is that... After the treaty... we will never see each other again."
"That, at least, we can agree on," Vethren huffed, as she reversed the transporter beam. He vanished, leaving her alone. She took a few deep breaths. The security team came in, looking concerned.
"Captain?" The lead, Murphy, asked.
"I'm fine," she replied, turning and heading for the door. They parted, like ice for the Kumari.
She had a ship to run. And a crew to get home.
They'd had conference upon conference in every meeting space they could put together aboard Voyager. Hell, they'd even taken chairs and tables from unused quarters and stuck them in the hydroponics bay for delegates, captains, and representatives of all the governments to talk in as they made their way back to Talax Prime. The Krowtonans had even sent a few 'observers', as they called them. The Hazard Team was working overtime as security, along with a few Cardassian soldiers Bartatt had volunteered to help keep the peace between all involved.
In comparison, this meeting was going to be relatively straightforward. She'd invited the captains of the Alpha Quadrant ships, Neelix, Kes and Chakotay to her quarters. Vethren was looking more confident, standing a bit straighter than before. Bartatt had suffered a broken arm, but he still made it even with his arm in a heavily reinforced cast and a stoic expression. Neelix was determined, less jubilant but still warm. He and Kes stood a bit awkwardly around one another, but still within eachother's orbits. The pretty Ocampa was still recovering, but had made it with surprising determination. Chakotay was quiet, and a bit solemn.
Ransom was standing like he didn't know where to be, as though the situation wasn't quite real. She couldn't blame him-After hearing what he and his crew had gone through, it was a miracle he was even alive.
"Thank you for coming," she said. She gestured to the table full of drinks and snacks. "Help yourselves, please."
She took a cup of coffee and waited for the others to take some food and drink. Bartatt drank down his warm fish juice eagerly. Vethren sipped her cold Andorian expresso. Chakotay took his own coffee with some sugar. Ransom just downed his coffee like it was the best thing he'd had in weeks. Kes and Neelix nibbled and sipped.
"I thank you all for everything you've done," Janeway stated without preamble, "neutralizing the Iconian Gateway was difficult. But we pulled it off."
"We didn't find a way home though," Bartatt pointed out. His tone was without accusation, but it was rather cold. Janeway nodded to the Cardassian.
"I know," she sighed, "but. Shepherd managed to get a message through a Gateway to the Alpha Quadrant. He told me exactly what he said."
She shook her head.
"I know it's not much," she said, "but the fact they know we're alive... That we're out here? That means that we've got hope. A lot more hope than we had before."
Bartatt stared intently at Janeway, before slowly nodding.
"Agreed," he said quietly. "My crew is... Not happy."
"Serven?" Janeway asked. Bartatt smiled coldly.
"He is the son of a high ranking member of the Central Command," he explained, "he is used to getting his way."
"We noticed," Chakotay said softly. "Can you trust him?"
Bartatt was silent for a few moments.
"In many matters, yes," he said. "He didn't try to usurp control in the midst of our battle-I was afraid of that-But in the future... We will have to keep an eye on him. But, he is a good officer. I am loathe to discard him without probable cause."
"So you do intend to stay with us?" Vethren asked, curious. Bartatt nodded.
"If our governments are aware that we are still here, we have a better chance of them finding us if we stay together," he said. He nodded to Captain Ransom. "Finding more Alpha Quadrant ships will increase our odds still more."
"Thank you," Ransom said gratefully. He gave Janeway, Vethren and Chakotay a warm, grateful smile. "In all honesty, the prospect of facing the journey alone was... Terrifying. The Equinox isn't exactly a warship. I was afraid we might have to do some... Terrible things to survive."
Janeway finished her coffee, and set it on the table. She steeled herself.
"That's another issue I wanted to discuss," she stated. "Larxeena is hoping to make the Delta Alliance we assembled permanent. We can't stay here to help her maintain it. Assuming an average warp speed of Warp 7, we'll be out of range of all these worlds in around a year."
"There's a large, uncharted region ahead called the Nekrit Expanse," Neelix added, "it was always a dangerous region, even at the height of the Talaxian Empire! That's the border of what is currently known around here, I'm afraid. I mean, Larxeena's giving us everything she can from our records but... Even the newest are centuries out of date."
"So, when we get there, the Alliance is on its own," Bartatt said quietly. He shook his head. "I know you will consider this crass, Captain, but what business is it of ours? Don't you have a Prime Directive-?"
"A Prime Directive we abandoned when a larger threat arose," Janeway stated, "but even with that in mind... The Federation was born from many different races coming together in common cause. Before then, the Vulcans and Andorians were in a cold war that nearly turned hot, the Tellarites were aggressive, the Kzinti raided and enslaved numerous worlds, even after humans defeated them..."
Janeway glanced at her coffee mug, and then back up at the other captains.
"As a Cardassian, you can appreciate order over chaos, correct? Even if we disagree on what that order looks like?" Janeway asked. Bartatt looked faintly amused.
"I can," he said. "But how can we do this?"
Janeway was quiet for a bit.
"The Talaxians need an edge," she decided. "I'm willing to offer them technology that's obsolete to us, but new to them. 22nd century transporter technology. Shields. Basic replicator and protein resequencer technology. Terraforming systems. A few other things, in trade for all the information they've given us. To give them a carrot, and, if necessary, a stick. Something to make this Alliance work."
She looked around at the other captains.
"I believe," she said, "this is a Prime Directive violation... But we're so deep in, there's not much point. However, as my fellow captains, I feel you deserve to know. And to object, if you wish."
Ransom snorted.
"Captain, I've always felt the Prime Directive was applied like a religion more than a law," he stated. "The Talaxians have helped us, they're not a bronze aged civilization that we're playing god to. Friendly people are a rare commodity in this quadrant-I say we should do everything we can to let them make this place better."
Vethren nodded earnestly.
"I know that trading with the Kazon nearly got my crew... It got my captain killed," Vethren managed, "but if the Talaxians want to keep them and other barbarians in check? I say, let's do it."
Chakotay managed a slow nod.
"It's not like they can court martial you," he said, "besides, I'm a wanted felon back home."
Janeway smiled softly and nodded in thanks to her first officer. Ever since Seska's death, he had been so solemn. Despite all she had done... He still felt for her. She would allow him his time.
All eyes finally went to Bartatt. The Cardassian sighed, exasperated.
"You Federation types and your rules," he stated, "if you wish, Captain, I can simply take the data we've stolen on all your old technology and trade in your stead. There. A nice, legal technicality. The outcome of any court martial, assuming we get home, will be assured. Like a proper Cardassian trial."
"That's the first time that's ever sounded like a good thing," Vethren deadpanned. Bartatt threw his head back and laughed, shooting a grin over at his former prison mate.
"Truer words were never spoken," he agreed.
Janeway chuckled. Ransom smirked. Chakotay remained quiet.
Neelix allowed a smile at the dark humor. Kes bit her lower lip.
"That's all well and good, but I have to ask, Captain," Kes said, "why did you invite me?"
Janeway smiled.
"That's simple," she said, "you are, in effect, the leader of your people. Even though you don't have a ship, the Ocampans have become very important to Voyager."
"M-Me? Leader?" Kes nearly squeaked. Janeway nodded firmly.
"Yes," she said, "and I wanted to know if you would agree to ask your people to join the other ships, as crew. This would be entirely voluntary, but... You've become so helpful, we want you to aid us. But only if you agree."
Kes beamed brightly.
"I-I will ask, but I think they'll be more than agreeable!" She cried. She glanced worryingly at Gul Bartatt. The Cardassian shrugged.
"As long as your people learn fast and aren't annoying? We'll allow a few of you aboard," he stated.
Kes nodded eagerly.
"So Neelix," Janeway said, "what do you think of all this? Are you still going to stay with Larxeena?"
Neelix vibrated in anticipation, like a tea kettle about to boil.
"Actually, uh, Captain? Captains? Er, and Commander? And Kes... She asked me to do something different..."
Two weeks later...
The Sacred Tree had been burnt, blackened, and broken... But new branches, thin and fragile, were already growing out of the damaged trunk. They were reaching up towards the only recently repaired skylight, seeking the sun to regrow and rebuild.
Larxeena, Shepherd reflected, was quite the politician. She stood in front of a round wooden table, carved from some of the wood from the crushed branches. At one point stood Larxeena, backed up by Talaxian advisors, Neelix, and Janeway herself with Shepherd, Vethren, Ransom, and Bartatt alongside.
Shepherd had managed to get into his dress uniform, and Electric Nightmare was hanging from his belt. For once, the dress uniform didn't feel entirely itchy and uncomfortable.
Though that may have just been because of the pain killers he was taking.
To their left stood Sousek, wearing a decadent and almost garish fur cape over his shoulders. Shining Blood was strapped to his back-Lacking one blade still. His own Kazon advisors looked around furtively, aware of the glares on them from several representatives but still standing as proudly as they could.
To Sousek's right stood the Krowtonan representatives. All the size of grizzly bears, like ground sloths in bright red and blue armor. They seemed at ease, despite their surroundings. Probably due to how big they were.
To their right stood the Trabe, led by Mabus, in purple and gold ceremonial vestments that Voyager had graciously replicated for them. They were still shooting glares over at the Kazon, but they had kept themselves restrained.
To their right, and Larxeena's left, stood General Orabel with several other Haakonian officials. They favored deep greens, silvers and pinks for their understated military uniforms and civilian vestments, but all stood at parade ground attention.
A few other races were present in the crowd, representatives and observers. Enarans, telepaths from an isolated world, stood apart from everyone else with antiseptic gloves. Myleans, a cousin species to the Talaxians who had more spots and lighter skin, stood among the other Talaxians, eagerly and happily mingling. The Nezu, a humanoid species with advanced infrastructure and spiny ridges over their brows, stood around in bottle green suits. They shared space with the bird-like Baneans-Both looked warily over at the Etanians and Numiri-Species of humanoids with armored, bony skin like armadillos who were their enemies. The Etanians and Numiri for their part shot wary looks back.
The reptilian Rakosan, a species Voyager had helped out when a rogue Cardassian missile had nearly attacked their world, stood in large numbers near the back. Several Sikarians in loose fitting, relaxed clothing were part of the crowd too-Though more than a few were shooting looks over at Janeway and Shepherd.
Yeah, they remembered last time they'd met Voyager.
Larxeena tapped her throat, and the nanomike activated. The subspace signal was being sent all over the area, for at least fifty lightyears in every direction.
"The strangers to our Quadrant, now friends and allies, are from a great alliance of worlds. Called the United Federation of Planets. Multiple different races joined together for mutual defense, cooperation, and peace. They helped form an alliance of worlds here, to combat a deadly threat that no one race could overcome on their own. To that end, the Talaxian Confederacy has proposed the formation of a new alliance. The Delta Alliance."
She looked out at her fellow politicians, and then over at the large crowd. She smiled warmly.
"The threat of the Iconians is not the only danger we must face. The Vidiians, the Borg, rogue Kazon, and other enemies are threats to all of us. Divided, we will fall. Together, we will triumph. The Alliance will promote free trade, and help less advanced worlds improve their technology. Our allied fleets will protect shipping lanes from pirates and enemy states. They will not enforce the peace, but they will create the peace, by working together. Thanks to the Federation, we will build starships more advanced than anything one race alone could build. This Allied Fleet will help to patrol borders, and aid in times of natural disaster. They will work with your militaries to improve them, but will not, however, aid you in war against your neighbors. They will do this fairly, and equally, for all."
Larxeena beamed kindly, the sunlight shining on her red hair and spotted skin. A few bird-like animals tweeted and flew overhead.
"If you refuse to join the Alliance, we will depart and trouble you no further," she said, "this will not be an empire. But if you join, you will commit to improving your fortune and the fortunes of others. You can rule your people and live how you wish. But you will be held to account in your relations with other worlds, to a standard we will all work to achieve. It will not be easy. It will be difficult. But, the gains you will make far outweigh any you might make through military action. All members will agree to recognize the independent authority of the Alliance Fleet, and all member worlds can contribute to that fleet, to keep it fair and unbiased."
She looked around the table, smile bright as the sun.
"If you take this step, and join our Alliance," she said, "It will usher in a new age of peace and prosperity-For all our peoples! One that will signal the start, of a new chapter in the history of the galaxy. I call upon you, the first signatories to the Delta Alliance: Do you agree to these terms?"
Sousek nodded.
"You have fought with honor, and treated us with mercy despite what Seska and Cullah did to you," Sousek stated, "your people deserve our respect. The Kazon have been raiders, barbarians... No more. The Kazon Nistrim agrees to join this Alliance."
Orabel unfolded his arms, and nodded respectfully.
"The Haakonian Order also agrees to join the Alliance," he said, "though it will be a hard road, we believe the benefits outweigh the costs."
The Krowtonan leader snuffled, and stepped forward.
"In the face of such threats... We closed off all contact," he said, "we became fearsome... But alone, we will be crushed. The Federation aided us, even after all we had done to them. We of the Krowtonan Guard also agree to join."
All eyes were on Mabus, and the Trabe. The old man heaved a heavy sigh.
"In the interest of peace and prosperity for my people," he managed, "we also agree to this Alliance."
Sousek was holding back a smirk. Shepherd smiled at him. His warrior bro was becoming a good leader already.
"Then it is decided," Larxeena announced, "the formation... of the Delta Alliance!"
Above, Voyager, Lillehammer, Equinox, and the Thunderbird flew, rattling the Great Xanaxian Library. The crowds ooed, awed, and took holos as cheers filled the air. Larxeena waited for things to die down a bit, before she spoke up again.
"To that end... I appoint Neelix of Rinax, my dear friend, as Ambassador at Large for the Delta Alliance!" She cried. Neelix flushed, his bristles twitching in embarassment but also joy. Larxeena beamed at him. "He will be the first of many, to go out and spread the word of our Alliance. And to represent our interests to our Federation friends, as they make their way home."
Neelix grinned broadly now, as many Talaxians cheered. Shepherd patted the little guy on the shoulder.
"And in remembrance of those who died for us," Larxeena continued, "to secure this alliance... Sousek?"
The big Kazon looked to his aides. One handed over the broken plasma spear that Roxas had wielded. Shepherd's eyes widened, as Sousek walked over and handed it to Larxeena. She took the spear, and reverently laid it on the table.
"This is the spear of General Roxas of Xix," she spoke, "who gave his life to prevent the use of the Iconian weapons. His sacrifice will never be forgotten-His spear will be kept here, with the Sacred Tree. As a memorial, and an inspiration to us all-Talaxian... And otherwise."
Sousek nodded, as the crowds went absolutely insane. Many pink aliens with poofy air bounced around, throwing out streamers and blowing party horns of alien origin. Ransom smirked over at Shepherd.
"Ponea," he explained, "the Party animals of the galaxy."
Shepherd grinned and laughed.
"Good call!" He said.
The celebration had become massive. Talaxians and numerous other aliens were celebrating heartily all over the place. Even the Kazon and Trabe were loosening up, though definitely not around each other. The Poneans bounced all over the place, happy and spreading joy everywhere.
And Shepherd and Sousek sat alone, in the shadow of the Sacred Tree, with beers in hand.
"So," Sousek began, "you're sure you want to go home?"
Shepherd nodded.
"You saw my wife."
Sousek laughed.
"True, true," he said, "must be an amazing woman, for you to go to all that trouble."
Shepherd grinned.
"She is," he agreed."
Sousek sighed.
"Well... Since I can't be your bodyguard to repay my debt," he began, "I suppose I'll just have to try and make this... Alliance thing work."
"I know it's gonna be tough, but, hell," Shepherd laughed, "if you'd seen the Federation when it was first formed? You wouldn't have bet on it lasting a week."
Sousek snorted, downing his beer. He immediately grabbed another from a passing Ponean, popped it open, and began to nurse it.
"Probably," he agreed. "Still... My debt needs some more direction that that."
Shepherd watched Larxeena. Even in the midst of this party, she was shaking hands and gladhanding everyone. Still determined to be a good leader, and politician.
He got an idea. An awful idea. A wonderful, awful idea.
"Then in addition to making this Alliance work? You will be Larxeena's friend," he said. Sousek stared at him. Shepherd shrugged.
"What? She needs one, and you're just her type," Shepherd chuckled, "tall, muscular, older, not too bright-Like Roxas and Neelix-"
"Watch it," Sousek growled. The old Kazon warrior huffed. "I will do this, then. And I will name our firstborn after you."
"You wouldn't dare," Shepherd scowled. Sousek laughed.
"That's the price you pay to be friends with a Kazon of honor," he taunted. Shepherd sighed, and rubbed his forehead.
"Ugh... Fine," he grumbled. "Ya know, I did just say 'friend'. I didn't imply anything further."
"Well, maybe I have my own desires," Sousek sniffed. "Cullah and his ilk loved quiet, submissive little females. Me? A female who's steel in a velvet glove... Is just my type."
He grinned savagely.
"Besides... I owe that little Talaxian for stealing water from my sect," he stated. He got up and headed over to Larxeena. He pushed past the suck ups and well wishers, and asked her to dance.
The little Talaxian president smiled, accepted, and let the burly Kazon lead her off.
"Did... That just happen?"
Shepherd looked over at Neelix, who gaped in astonishment. Shepherd chuckled, and patted him on the back.
"Plenty more fish in the sea, Ambassador," Shepherd said, "plenty more..."
Back in the Alpha Quadrant...
Arul sat at the conference table, in one of many such conference rooms on Deep Space Nine. Across from her sat Captain Sisko. Around her were several of DS9's command staff, including Chief O'Brien, Chief Shepherd, and Doctor Shepherd.
"Doctor Arul? Doctor Bashir?" Sisko asked. Bashir nodded.
"The DNA on it matches Lieutenant Shepherd's, all right," he said, "along with the DNA of an alien race we've never encountered before. Completely unknown."
"The tech is unknown to us too," O'Brien said, "and the radiation readings off it do match what we scanned from that Iconian gateway."
"Almost perfectly, actually," Dax added, her eyebrows raised. "The tricorder also has a LOT of info on the Iconians-Stuff even we didn't know! It's a treasure trove of data!" She glanced at Arul and the Shepherds, "Alongside, well, the other information of course."
Mrs. Shepherd smiled back. Chief Shepherd shrugged slightly. Arul was still stoic, but slightly more relaxed.
"The voice match is perfect, no deviation from the records," Chief O'Brien added. He glanced over at the Shepherds, who were clustered around the pregnant Arul protectively, "and I know his voice. I could never forget."
"He could be quite shrill at times," Mrs. Shepherd allowed, the tears and smile on her face grateful.
"I believe then," Arul said, "we have sufficient evidence to submit to Starfleet Command that Voyager survived... And her crew is alive."
Sisko nodded, smiling at the young Vulcan doctor.
"Overwhelming, really," he said. He shook his head. "Seventy thousand light years from home... I don't know what we can do about it, Arul, Shepherds, but... I promise. Starfleet's going to do everything it can."
"I know," Arul said softly. She nodded to the captain, her hand on her rounded belly. "And we thank you."
"Do you think he's still alive, though?" O'Brien asked. "Not to be insensitive, but the recording..."
Arul nodded again, eyes clear and bright.
"He is," she said, "I know he is. I can feel it."
She looked around the table, the slightest hint of a smile on her Vulcan face.
"All he needs... Is time."
And this arc is concluded! What did you all think? What other episodes should I turn into arcs? Or should I stick to one shots from now on?
Let me know! And thanks again for reading!