Chapter 7
The ship shook again. Harry said, "We need to get lower in the atmosphere before I can get any definite scans."
"Such a maneuver has significant risks due to the planet's gravitational field and atmospheric unpredictability, Commander, but the electrical signals may interfere with the enemy targeting arrays as, it has our scanners," Tuvok agreed.
His teeth rattled as another well-targeted blast hit them. Whoever ruled this system obviously did not take well to outsiders.
"Tom, take us down," Chakotay ordered.
"Aye, sir," Tom obeyed. They skimmed closer to the cloud lines.
"I'm reading one lifesign in the north polar region!" Harry reported.
Cold. He knew this was it. "Beam them directly to Sickbay, Mr. Kim," Chakotay ordered quickly. "I'm heading down there now. Mr. Tuvok, with me. Tom, take us back up and away from this planet as fast as you can!"
"Yes sir," the three officers answered promptly. He and Tuvok were in the turbolift within a minute of Harry confirming the transport was successful, and as the doors closed, he felt Tom avoid another shot from their pursuers before engaging the warp engines. They were safe for now.
The turbolift ride was swift, and Chakotay and Tuvok strode into Sickbay within minutes. "Report, Doctor," Chakotay ordered.
"Good news, Commander. The captain's condition began to improve as soon as you brought our visitor on board. Her neural pattern matches the one that has been overlaying the captain's. She's the one we're looking for."
"Can you wake her?"
"Of course. Although I must warn you, she will likely be very anxious upon seeing us." Chakotay nodded in understanding, and the Doctor administered the hypospray.
Almost immediately after awakening and regaining her bearings, the girl jumped up and backed against the far wall, sinking down to wrap her arms around her knees.
She had beautiful bronze skin, dark hair that fell in curly waves down to her waist, and a striking pair of blue eyes that might rival Kathryn's own.
He knelt so that he wasn't as imposing. "I'm Commander Chakotay, of the U.S.S. Voyager," he said gently. "This is our Doctor."
"And I'm Captain Janeway," a gravelly voice behind him added. Kathryn knelt beside him. A quick glance told him that she looked tired and slightly pale, but he still felt reassured by her presence.
"We rescued you," he said to their terrified guest. "You're safe."
The girl's eyes filled with tears. "Help me. I don't know what to do," she said.
Chakotay watched compassion flood Kathryn's features. "I believe you," she said softly. "Lower the forcefield," she ordered the Doctor.
He watched as she approached the girl slowly and sat near her.
Even through her fear, Chakotay could tell the girl regarded Kathryn with curiosity. She stared at Kathryn intently and then reached out to touch her hand. She breathed in amazement, "I know you," she said. "I was afraid. I reached out, and you were there."
She then stood tentatively and stared at Chakotay. "I remember," she murmured.
"Remember what?" he asked.
She ignored the question, fixing her intent gaze on Kathryn again.
"What is your name?" Kathryn asked softly.
The girl hesitated and then answered, "Veya."
Kathryn rose slowly from her sitting position. "That's very beautiful," she smiled. "Veya, do you mind if our Doctor examines you? To make sure you're okay?"
Veya eyed the Doctor suspiciously. Then she nodded in acquiescence.
Kathryn nodded at Chakotay, and he fell into step beside her as they left Sickbay. "We're going to have to find out the full story from her," Kathryn sighed. "Something tells me it isn't going to be pretty."
They were halfway down the corridor when Kathryn suddenly stumbled, holding one hand on her forehead as a look of pain crossed her face. Chakotay was at her side supportively in an instant.
At the same moment, they saw Tom emerge from around the corner. "Captain!" he was saying. "It's Veya; she…" He paused abruptly at the sight. Confusion and concern crossed his face before understanding dawned.
"We know," Chakotay sighed, his tone showing the same realization.