“Report!” Janeway struggled to make her voice heard over the mixture of klaxons and the phaser blasts exploding against Voyager’s hull.
“Two more ships have just dropped out of warp and are charging weapons.” Tuvok gripped his console to maintain his balance as Voyager quaked with yet another jolt. “They appear to be from a different species than the others.” Sparks flew from the console behind him, but he maintained his calm, Vulcan exterior as he read the ship’s tactical status, “Shield strength is down to forty-five percent, weapons are offline.”
“B’Elanna, how’s that warp drive coming?”
“I’m attempting to bring it online now Captain, but there’s no guarantee it’s going to work.” The Klingon-Human hybrid zigzagged through the crowd of bustling engineers to the warp core. Sending a silent prayer to Kahless, she punched in the final commands on the console and watched the readings anxiously.
Captain Janeway gripped the arm rests of her chair as Voyager rocketed forward.
Harry, picking himself off his console, reported, “Hull breach on deck nine! Emergency force fields are in place and holding.”
“I need those engines now B’Elanna!” Janeway glared at the three ships on the viewscreen, exchanging phaser fire with each other and Voyager.
“They’re coming online now, but the best I can give you is warp three.”
“I’ll take it. Tom, get us out of here!”
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Lieutenant Paris punched in the commands as fast as his fingers could move.
Tuvok kept an eye on the sensors for several seconds after Voyager’s departure. “They are not pursuing.”
Kathryn hesitantly looked over at Harry. “Casualties?”
“Reports are coming in now.” Ensign Kim solemnly read the reports out loud, “Twenty crewmen were injured, and two killed in the hull breach. Another three were injured in engineering.”
Janeway inhaled sharply at the loss of the two crewmen. “Get a cleanup crew down there. I’ll be in sickbay.” Kathryn stood and walked to the turbolift, not making eye contact with anyone.
Seven followed.
“Sickbay.” Janeway ordered the turbolift computer.
“It does not make sense.” Seven stood next to the Captain with her hands clasped behind her back. “The Borg encountered both species five years ago and they were both passive races. They didn’t even put up much resistance to assimilation.”
“They’re certainly not passivist now. They both attacked us unprovoked.” The turbolift stopped and Janeway led the way through the corridor. “We seem to have become a magnet for trouble the last couple days.”
“This region of space does appear to contain an unusually high number of aggressive races. But as far as long-range sensors can tell, we should be clear of inhabited space in another day or so.”
“I just hope Voyager can hold together that long.” The Captain turned and entered sickbay to find the Doctor working as fast as he could to stabilize the critically wounded patients. A few other crew members were assisting the Doctor as much as possible, though none of them had any medical training. Kathryn reached up and tapped her combadge. “Lieutenant Paris, report to sickbay.” She strode over to the Doctor, careful not to get in his way. “Status Doctor?”
“Five crewmen sustained serious injuries. Fifteen others were injured as well, but not life threatening.”
A minute later, the doors to sickbay hissed open and Tom Paris, Voyager’s only field medic, hurried in. “Captain Proton to the rescue.”
The Captain shot the Lieutenant a distasteful look. “Assist the Doctor.”
Kathryn stood in the center of the room looking around at the various crew members lining the walls and filling the biobeds. Some were cradling injured limbs, while others writhed in pain from severe burns and lacerations. Suddenly the images became overwhelming for the Captain. “I’ll be back on the bridge.” Janeway called over her shoulder as she walked out the door, “Keep me posted Doctor.”
Once again Seven was on Janeway’s heals all the way to the bridge.
The Captain watched Seven resume her post as she made her way back to her chair. Is it my imagination, or is Seven following me?
Now that she thought about it, Seven had been behaving differently for two weeks now. The former drone had been hanging around her more often than ever before. At first, Kathryn was thrilled to be able to spend extra time with her beautiful Astrometrics officer. But the last couple of days, one might consider Seven’s actions to be stalking. She followed the Captain from the bridge to her quarters after their shift, and made it a point to be within visual range to Kathryn as much as possible, even when Seven was supposed to be on duty in Astrometrics. And yesterday morning, Janeway was sure Seven had been standing guard outside her quarters when she caught her leaning against the door frame sporting a phaser. Seven, however, quickly straightened and insisted she had just arrived to accompany the Captain to the bridge. Because Voyager was traveling through such a dangerous region at the moment, Kathryn had just let the incident slide. I really need to speak with her when I have the time.
Janeway turned the console between her and the first officer’s chair towards her and scanned a detailed status report of the ship’s damage. Her finger hesitated over the button that would bring up the list of crew members who were either wounded or killed. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she pressed in the command. Her eyes instantly fell to the two names listed as being killed in action: Ensign Ethan Curtis and Lieutenant Robert Jones.
She didn’t know them well, but the Captain felt like she had just lost a part of herself. It’s my fault. They wouldn’t have been here to die if it weren’t for me. Angrily, she punched the button again and closed the report. “I’ll be in my ready room.”
Commander Chakotay watched Janeway disappear as the doors slid shut behind her. Over seven years of friendship told him she was blaming herself over the loss the two crew members. “Tuvok, you have the bridge.”
Chakotay stood and followed the Captain.
“Coffee. Black.” Janeway stood by her replicator and retrieved a steaming cup of her favorite beverage.
“Are you all right Kathryn?” Chakotay slowly climbed the two steps to the upper level of the room.
“I suppose I’ve been worse.” She gestured for Chakotay to take a seat on the couch next to her. “Seven tells me we should reach uninhabited space in another day or so.”
“The crew will be relieved. They haven’t had to stay on their toes this much since being stuck in that void with a bunch of scavengers.”
Kathryn grew silent and stared down at her cup thoughtfully.
“Kathryn?”
“Hmm?”
“You sure you’re all right?”
“I was just dreading the next data transmission to Pathfinder. Having to inform two more families that I failed to bring their loved ones back safely...”
Chakotay placed his hand over Janeway’s. “You’ve been an extraordinary Captain these last seven years. If not for you, this entire ship would have been destroyed or assimilated years ago.” Chakotay lifted the Captains chin so their eyes met. “I feel the same loss you do. But losing people comes with being in Starfleet no matter where they are in the galaxy. Everyone in this crew knows that, so do their families. It’s tragic, yes, but certainly not your fault.”
Kathryn turned away and set her coffee on the table. Her mind told her Chakotay was right, but her heart was saying the opposite. “I appreciate your help Chakotay, but I’d prefer to be alone right now, if you don’t mind.”
Chakotay scoffed, “Fine. Every time I try to help, you push me away. No wonder you’re always alone.” He angrily stood and started towards the door with clenched fist.
Janeway also stood. “At least I haven’t had to resort to using an imaginary animal to keep me company.” She mocked, referring to the Commander’s animal spirit guide.
Chakotay spun around, opening his mouth to argue but stopped when he suddenly heard the words he had just spoken. Why did I say that? I didn’t mean a word of it.
Janeway stared back, apparently stunned as well.
“I-I’m sorry, Captain,” he stuttered. “I don’t know what came over me. I didn’t mean it. I don’t even know why I said it.”
“Same here,” Kathryn muttered and lowered herself back onto the couch.
Embarrassed and confused over his outburst, Chakotay quickly retreated back
to the bridge.
Captain’s personal log, stardate 55070.1: We have cleared inhabited space, and can finally take the time to make some much needed repairs to Voyager. However, the psychological stress of the last few days has apparently taken its toll. Today there have been reports of several verbal altercations between crew members, but so far only one has led to violence. I am apparently not immune to this outbreak of out-of-control emotions either, for I have found myself not only becoming short tempered with my staff, but also feeling paranoid; Like I’m constantly being watched. Logically I know I’m being unreasonable, so I have given Commander Chakotay control of the bridge for the rest of the day and decided to heed some of the Doctors advice: “Relax”.
Kathryn sighed as she sank further into the hot water of her bubble bath. She could feel the tense muscles in her neck and shoulders slowly begin to relax. Blowing some bubbles away from her mouth, she leaned her head back against the tub and closed her eyes.
She had nearly dozed off when a sound from her living room jarred her awake. Sitting up straight, she listened attentively for any further disturbance.
Nothing.
Figuring she had just started to dream, she leaned back and closed her eyes again. This time, it was the intense feeling she wasn’t alone that made her eyes fly open. When a scan of the area revealed nothing out of the ordinary, she tried a different tactic. “Hello?”
Silence.
Feeling self-conscious, she decided to climb out of the tub and try listening to some relaxing music instead.
What is with you today Katie? Why am I being so paranoid all of a sudden?
Even after she was dressed, Kathryn still couldn’t shake the feeling she was being watched. Her nerves were beginning to eat her up and she found herself constantly glancing over her shoulder. Forget the music, maybe I should go somewhere where there’s people.
Walking briskly, she made her way to the mess hall, unable to escape the sensation that who or whatever had been with her in her quarters was still watching her. You’re just being paranoid, there’s no one there, she kept repeating to herself.
The mess hall’s double-doors slid open to reveal a surprisingly few number of people, most of whom were sitting off to themselves. Crewman Chell, who had taken over as ship’s cook after Neelix’s departure, was leaning on the counter with his chin in his hand, staring out the window.
Janeway walked over to the replicator and ordered for her usual coffee. “Belay that. Give me a shot of Irish Whiskey instead.”
Kathryn pinched the bridge of her nose, attempting to combat the tension focusing between her eyes as she carried her drink to an empty table. She downed half the shot in one gulp, making a face from the burning trail the liquid left behind in her esophagus. She turned her head in time to see Seven of Nine enter the room.
Janeway’s heart skipped, both from Seven’s never ending beauty and from the realization she was still following the Captain. Kathryn pretended not to notice her, but she could feel the Astrometrics officer’s eyes on her from the other side of the room. What is up with her lately?
Just then, two nearby crewmen started arguing rather loudly, making Kathryn’s
headache worse. Oh God, why must grown men act like such children?
Suddenly feeling the need to be alone again, she gulped down the rest of her
drink and hastily retreated from the room, ignoring the fact that the argument
between the two men had turned into a shoving match.
“If you would just hold still please.” The Doctor struggled to take clear readings with his tricorder on his fidgeting patient.
Lieutenant Rick Biessmen rolled his eyes. “Hurry up already.”
“Mr. Biessmen, I suggest you co-operate with the Doctor.” Tuvok stood nearby ready to act in case the Lieutenant demonstrated another attempt at violence towards Lieutenant Kendrick, who was seated on the next biobed.
Seven of Nine also stood nearby observing the scene. She had been the one that reported the altercation in the mess hall and assisted Tuvok in breaking it up.
“If it wasn’t for this asshole,” Biessmen jerked his head towards Kendrick. “Trying to take credit that I deserve-”
“Oh Puh-lease!” Kendrick protested.
“There is no need for colorful metaphors, Lieutenant.” Tuvok interrupted the two, raising his eyebrow with impatience.
Seven frowned, not understanding the human need for profanity.
“I’m afraid you have a fractured rib. Lie back and I’ll be right with you.” The Doctor moved around Tuvok to scan the other Lieutenant. “A broken nose, and two fractured ribs.” Sighing and shaking his head at the juvenile behavior, the Doctor retrieved his tool tray from the other side of the room.
It took only a few minutes to repair both men’s injuries. “There, good as new.” The Doctor returned his tools to the tray. “I hope you gentlemen have learned that violence never solves anything.”
“Only if you don’t win.” Rick jumped off the biobed, giving Tuvok a hard stare.
Another security officer, who had been standing by the door, moved forward to help Tuvok escort the delinquents to the brig.
Kendrick stood and gingerly examined the bridge of his nose to make sure it was indeed repaired. “Not bad, for a hologram. Still would feel better if we had a real Doctor instead of a computer program,” he muttered.
“Now just a minute!” The Doctor started to protest, but Tuvok’s sharp glance silenced him.
“That will be all, Doctor.” Tuvok snapped as he grabbed Biessmen by the arm and roughly led him to the door.
“What?” The Doctor stood in stunned silence as he watched the doors hiss shut behind retreating figures. “Well,” he scoffed. “Is it just me, or did the entire ship wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?”
Seven merely lifted the ocular implant over her left eye in response before
hurrying back to her duties.
Janeway cautiously entered the Cargo Bay, making sure Seven was no where in sight. “Computer, locate Seven of Nine,” she ordered for at least the fiftieth time.
“Seven of Nine is in Astrometrics.”
Janeway continued forward, looking around for anything that may indicate why Seven had been behaving so strangely. She stopped in front of Seven’s alcove and spotted a PADD on top of the right command console. Glancing nervously at the doors, she once again asked the computer about Seven’s location.
“Seven of Nine is in Astrometrics.” The female voice repeated.
Kathryn let out a breath and activated the PADD. At first glance it appeared to be a list of Seven’s daily activities, but upon further examination, Kathryn came to the startling realization that these weren’t Seven’s activities for the day, rather they were hers! “Six a.m., takes a shower. Six thirty a.m. completes shower and prepares for shift.” How could Seven have known when I was taking a shower? Unless... She was in my quarters. Suddenly the Captain realized why she had the recurring sensation someone was watching her, even when she thought she was alone.
Janeway dropped the PADD and hurried to the door, then doubled back to replace the PADD where she had found it so Seven wouldn’t suspect she was there. “Computer, where is Seven now?”
“Seven of Nine is in Cargo Bay Two.”
Wide eyed, Kathryn spun around as the doors opened to reveal the former drone.
“Captain?” Seven walked determinedly towards Janeway. “What is your purpose here? You are supposed to be on the bridge.”
“I-uh...” Kathryn sputtered. “I-I was just looking for you.”
Seven’s expression was emotionless, “Clarify.”
“Well um,” Kathryn struggled to come up with a reasonable explanation, but her mind wasn’t co-operating.
Seven began acting agitated. “You shouldn’t be running around as you please. Someone would better notice if anything was wrong if you maintained a specific schedule.”
“What?”
Seven roughly grabbed Janeway by the arm and escorted her to the bridge, while Seven remained in the turbolift. “Remain here until your shift is over.”
Kathryn timidly made her way to her chair, ignoring the curious stares of the senior staff.
She turned to her first officer, and confidant, who was tapping his fingers on the arm rest. “Chakotay, I think something is really wrong with Seven. She’s starting to scare me.”
Chakotay rolled his eyes. “I’ve got my own problems to worry about,” he snapped. “What do you want me to do? Go down to Astrometrics and spank her?” His eyes got a thoughtful look in them. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea.” Grinning mischievously, Chakotay left the bridge.
The Captain stared after him, shocked at his behavior, not to mention nauseous from the picture he just painted her.
Kathryn tried to focus on her duties as Captain but found herself glancing
over her shoulder every few seconds to see if Seven had returned. Anxiety
getting the best of her, she ran into her ready room, forgetting to hand command
of the bridge over to anybody, locked the door, and huddled on her sofa with a
soothing cup of coffee.