Chapter 9 || Contents || Chapter 11

I don't see what choice she has, Tom Paris stated. He plunked his glass down hard on the table and stubbornly crossed his legs.

Harry's soft voice lent a kinder aspect to the mess hall conversation that was beginning to attract too much attention. Of course she has a choice, he said.

We could always do as Neelix suggested and leave the area, Kes interjected.

Harry turned a baleful eye on the Ocompan sitting serenely across the table from him. Do you really think Captain Janeway would run? That she would leave our technology in the hands of the Kazon?

Kes barely paused to consider his words before she shook her head. No. I don't.

So what are we going to do? Go up to them and say, 'Sorry, but that's our stuff. Can we have it back now?' Paris asked sarcastically. That would get us a fast ticket to oblivion.

Kes glanced at the lieutenant. Come on, Tom, give the captain some credit; she would never do anything to put the ship at unnecessary risk.

Neelix, who had paused behind her chair to hear her comment, said, I don't mean to disagree with you, sweetie, but what do you call her habit of exploring every spatial anomaly we happen to bump in to? That's too much risk right there if you ask me!

Maybe there were other reasons for Seska to take those supplies, Harry went on doggedly. Maybe she really is a slave and was forced under a death threat to come aboard and steel from us.

And make a weapon that we conveniently can't find a defense to? Paris countered. No. Sorry, my friend, but she's no slave. She's just a damn good actress. He took a sip of his drink, then said, I think we should confront the Kazon head on.

Go looking for a fight? Harry asked in disbelief.

B'Elanna Torres joined them from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel as she pulled a chair over from an adjacent table. What are you talking about? It must be something interesting for Tom to get so loud.

Paris glanced suddenly around the mess hall. Several crewmembers were staring at them, watching and listening. He scrunched down in his seat, trying to appear nonchalant. Yeah, well life and death tends to get me excited. Especially when it's my life that I'm talking about.

Kes filled Torres in on the possibilities that were open to Captain Janeway in her dealings with the new Kazon threat. Tom thinks we should confront the Kazon, she finished.

I agree! Torres burst out. This skirting around the quadrant is driving me crazy.

You're saying you want to get killed? Kim asked. I don't believe this!

Fighting is better than doing nothing, B'Elanna retorted.

Kim leaned back in his chair and regarded Tom and B'Elanna. Sure, let's fight a weapon that we can't defend against. That makes a lot of sense.

I'm working on a defense! Torres said.

Neelix perked up. Have you really found something to stave off that awful enhancer thing?

B'Elanna wilted a little under his enthusiastic gaze. Well, not exactly. We're still playing with a few ideas.

Swell, Tom said under his breath. In the mean time we could all be enhanced to nothingness by Seska and her buddies.

What if the Kazon come looking for us? Kes inquired next, her voice once again cutting through the thickening tension settling on the group. What's Captain Janeway supposed to do then?

We fight! Torres answered.

We run! Neelix insisted.

We die, Tom said matter-of-factly.

That's not an option.

The group turned to find Commander Chakotay standing behind them, listening.

B'Elanna said, I've never known a man who can sneak up on people as well as you can, Chakotay.

Just checking up on your cooking, Torres. Have you fixed the bread yet?

B'Elanna hated being checked on, especially when she was cooking. It's soaking. Okay?

Chakotay grinned. Don't burn it.

Torres turned to Kes. How can you burn soaked bread? Kes just shrugged.

I expect a perfect dinner by tomorrow night, the commander continued.

I'm an engineer, Chakotay. You'll get what you get, burned or not.

Paris raised his eyebrows. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to eat it.

The commander clapped a hand on Paris' shoulder, almost spilling the drink the lieutenant held in his hand. And don't worry, Paris. The captain won't let you die.

Paris laughed harshly and shook his head. It's not the captain I'm worried about.

Torres has some tricks up her sleeve, I'm sure, Chakotay added with a last glance at B'Elanna before turning to leave.

Paris stopped his exit by grunting and saying, Looks more like bread mix to me. Then he brightened with an idea. Maybe Torres could poison the Kazon!

She snapped her towel at him. Shut up, Tom, she suggested, her tone threatening.

Paris sagged into his chair again. Sorry. I guess being the prey of viscous Kazon hunters makes me kind of punchy.

Yeah, Neelix agreed.

They were silent. Then Kes said, More than anything I hate this waiting.

They all looked around the table at each other, each face displaying identical grim masks.

Kim sighed sadly, and the sound seemed to fill up the room.

Sunlight bathed across Kathryn Janeway's face, soothing the taut muscles along her jaw and down her neck. The sound of waves rolling gently onto a beach lulled in the background. Janeway shifted to a more comfortable position on the uneven ground, then looked around her. The fallen tree was to her left, as always, and as she'd hoped, her animal guide was waiting for her.

Thoughts flashed across the captain's mind, images and memories pertaining to the events of the last few days. In a clumsy fashion and without consciously making the attempt, she transmitted the convoluted mental pictures towards the unsuspecting lizard. Seska, the phaser, the scenes in the storage bay and Sickbay, the discovery of the theft and the eventual weapon, and last of all a mix of Mark and Chakotay and the crew and home all bombarded the patient creature in the haphazard disarray of an amateur. Finally she paused the recollections and asked, What should I do?

The lizard spoke in return: about what?

This forced Kathryn to focus on one thing. She needed to decide what to deal with now, and leave the rest for a later time. She was tempted to choose Mark, but something inside shied away from delving too deeply into thoughts of her lost lover, and she was equally incapable of asking about the commander or the crew she felt so responsible for. This led to Seska and the Kazon.

"What can I do about the Kazon? Should I take some sort of action, confront them, or should I simply put it all down to life in the Delta Quadrant and accept our losses? Is it my obligation as captain of a Federation ship to protect Federation technology at all costs? Or have I reached the line that I have to draw? Is that technology worth the price we might pay in a possibly violent confrontation? Have I hit the point where nothing I can do will help?"

She stemmed her questions with an effort. She waited impatiently, her hands rubbing the sun warmed uniform on her legs. Finally the implacable lizard's mouth opened, showing teeth and a flicking tongue, but the only sound it produced this time was a rather revolting BLEUH!

The door chime sounded.

Kathryn inhaled sharply and blinked. The comforting scene of ocean and adviser disappeared, replaced by the familiar gray carpet and miscellaneous furnishings of her ready room. She had once again forgotten to order no interruptions during her meditation. She glanced up from her position on the floor and called, Come in.

The door swished aside and Commander Chakotay stood uncertainly on the threshold. He instantly took in her kneeling form and wondered how anybody could be so graceful while sitting on the floor. He pushed the thought aside and asked, Am I bothering you, Captain?

Janeway motioned him over. Not at all. I was just - uh, practicing.

The door closed behind him as Chakotay chuckled. Practicing what? Carpet cleaning?

She smiled and leaned against the cushioned couch at her back. Hardly. I was contacting my animal guide.

His grin faded. I interrupted. I'm sorry. I'll talk to you later.

But the captain beckoned him again to stay. No, don't go. I wasn't having much success anyway.

The commander sat down near her on the floor, crossing his legs comfortably under him. He looked puzzled. That's odd. I know that you understand the proper procedure of contact. He paused to think. Did you do anything that might block your guide's help?

The question surprised her. She hadn't considered the possibility that she herself was the obstruction to the advice of her personal lizard friend. She wondered why she could want to hinder herself. Maybe if you can teach me to sit like that, I might do better, she commented wryly and pointed to his relaxed posture.

Practice, he said, his grin in place again. He went on, But a relaxed position is only the beginning of a successful contact. Perhaps you didn't give your guide a chance to form an answer to your question.

Or maybe I just asked too many questions, she suggested.

Possibly. Did your guide say anything?

Kathryn thought for a minute. Well, nothing advisory. She did sort of - belch.

Chakotay folded his hands in his lap and tried to suppress a laugh. I don't think I can help with that one. Far be it from me to interpret any animal's body language.

Janeway laughed, but sobered quickly. I was asking about further action concerning the Kazon. I could have used an uninvolved assessment of the situation.

Is it possible you've already decided on a course of action? After all, our visit to the Malosians gave you several days to think about our options.

Yes, it's lucky we found their planet, I guess. Weren't the Malosians an interesting people? I would have liked to stay longer and learn more about their culture. It's not every day that we come across an 'M' class planet. Not out here in the Delta Quadrant, she added thoughtfully.

Chakotay looked at her more carefully, but only said, Yes, I was intrigued by them as well. The fact that they gave us so much dilithium certainly added to the feeling of interest and congeniality.

Shore leave didn't hurt the crew's morale, either, she commented.

Instead of agreeing, Chakotay sighed. Captain, you're avoiding the subject.

Janeway glanced at him, once again surprised by his astuteness. Although she told herself that by now she should be used to her first officer's uncanny ability to plow straight through any shit right to the heart of a problem. She had no choice but to concede. I suppose I am, she said. She moodily stared at the far wall, her chin resting on her hand. He waited patiently, knowing she would speak when she felt she was ready. Finally she said, I can't do it, Chakotay.

Can't do what?

She sighed deeply. I can't disregard the Prime Directive. Not even in this instance. And I've tried! Part of me wants to leave this sector as fast as we can, just forget about the supplies Seska stole and the technology that the Kazon are bound to use. The sensible action at this point is to stay out of it and not get involved.

But? he prompted.

Her sigh deepened. But that's Federation technology they're playing with, stolen from this ship. A device like the molecule enhancer will surely affect the balance of power in the Delta Quadrant. As a Starfleet captain, I can't sit back and let that happen.

Chakotay pursed his lips thoughtfully. The Prime Directive is sometimes more detrimental than helpful to our unique situation. It's almost like it keeps us from getting home, just as something keeps you from your animal guide.

Yet we could hardly be a Starfleet vessel without those guiding rules, she pointed out. At last she shook her head helplessly and looked at him. It's a mess no matter how you look at it.

Chakotay smiled. Well, despite the dire shape of the quadrant at large, the crew's looking less messy all the time.

Her expression grew perplexed. Excuse me?

He explained, I decided to find out the reason behind the fight on deck five rather than simply follow Starfleet punishment protocol.

This is the brawl I'm not supposed to know about? Janeway questioned in amusement.

Yes, but I figured you would have heard the gossip by now. Apparently there are a number of personality conflicts among both Maquis and Starfleet crewmembers, and hence, we have a particularly disgruntled crew. I'm rearranging some of the crew cabin assignments. Hopefully that will solve the problem and we can avoid any more unprofessional behavior.

Kathryn laughed. My compliments, Commander. You handled the situation very well.

Thank you, but Tuvok doesn't think so. He's all for giving extra duty calls to each of the crewmembers involved in the fight. We're still discussing the effectiveness of such a decision. His tone implied the discussion had been going on for some time.

You're not convinced? she asked.

Chakotay shrugged. I agree that we can't accept such behavior on the ship. But, like the Prime Directive, I feel that Starfleet procedures don't always take a crew like ours into account. Extra duty shifts might do the crew's morale more harm than good.

The captain nodded thoughtfully. You're saying there's no point in giving them more time to stew over the conflicts?

Right.

So what do you suggest? She leaned forward in interest, happy to have something besides the Kazon to occupy her mind.

The commander looked a little reluctant as he admitted, Neelix has been after me to allow him to throw a party -

She didn't let him finish. I hardly think a disobedient crew deserves a party or -

Let me finish, Captain, he interrupted. She drew back in surprise, but motioned him to go on. I was thinking that if we assign those crewmen in question to work together with Neelix, to plan something fun that doesn't relate to any attempts at undermining Maquis or Starfleet relations, we might build much more than a punishment could tear down.

Janeway sat still to think over his proposal. She linked her fingers and raised an eyebrow. It's an interesting idea. You know, I think I like it.

You sound surprised.

I believe I am. She smiled at him. Throwing a party to improve Federation and Maquis relations - maybe the upper brass should have thought of this a long time ago.

Chakotay smiled too. Maybe.

Very well. I don't suppose a party can hurt any of us.

Thank you, Captain. The commander rose, but paused on his way back to the Bridge.

Kathryn glanced up again. Is there something more?

He turned around slowly to face her again, his expression one of indecision. Yes, he said quickly, as if he wanted to say what was on his mind before he had a chance to think better of it. Would you like to have dinner with me?

Janeway was bewildered again. Dinner? We eat dinner all the time.

The commander's lips turned up in a half smile. No, not Neelix's cuisine. B'Elanna's.

Suddenly she understood. He was talking about the bet between himself and Lieutenant Torres, the very one she had so wanted him to ask her to only a few days earlier. She had been so preoccupied with her command decisions she hadn't even recognized the invitation when it came at last. Are you sure it's safe to eat her cooking? she asked before she considered the rudeness of her words. Torres was a close friend of the commander.

But the commander only laughed. Tom Paris said almost the same thing. But you shouldn't worry; Neelix is coaching her.

Neelix? Janeway balked. The thought of the Talaxian coaching the volatile half Klingon in anything did nothing to reassure her.

Yes, it is a rather humorous combination. But it seems to be working out all right. And I know how much you like sweetbread.

Even as she had desired this invitation, she had been asking herself how she would answer it if it was offered. She had a brief flash of Mark, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. Dinner, like a party, could certainly not harm morale, hers in particular. You're on, Commander, she answered simply.

Chakotay smiled. There went his bet with Tom Paris, another successful prediction of events concerning Captain Janeway. He was beginning to feel that he knew his captain better than even he thought possible. Tomorrow night, then, if Torres hasn't blown up the kitchen.

She nodded. That would make...

Suddenly the ship rocked unsteadily to port and both officers felt the change in the engines as Voyager dropped unannounced out of warp and back into normal space. Chakotay lost his balance and almost fell onto the glass table fronting the couch, but Janeway caught hold of his shoulder and held him back even as she struggled to gain her feet. The ship lurched once more just as the red alert siren screamed over the intercoms. The lights dimmed instantly in the captain's ready room in response to the alarm, and at the same time Tuvok called, Captain Janeway to the Bridge! over his combadge.

She didn't take the time to acknowledge the Vulcan's hail. One hand still on the commander's shoulder, she moved swiftly to the door. It slid aside and she and the commander were practically thrown through it as another round barraged the ship.

Report! she yelled, hanging on to the Bridge railings to maintain her equilibrium.

We are under attack, Tuvok said unnecessarily. We were hit on our starboard nacelle while cruising at warp six. No casualties and no damage so far, beyond an obvious drop out of warp.

Commander Chakotay headed quickly for the command level and the ship wide comm channel to order, All hands, battle stations! Maintain red alert!

Who's attacking us? Janeway called to Ops as she simultaneously leaned over Tuvok's shoulder for a look at his sensor readings.

Harry Kim looked up from his panel. It took a moment for the sensors to recalibrate after such a fast drop to impulse - I'm getting a reading - it's Kazon, Captain!

How many?

Six - no ten ships! They're moving so fast it's hard - I'm counting four Nistrom, three Ogla, and several others with configurations I don't recognize. But they're definitely all Kazon.

On screen!

A confusing scene unfolded on the forward viewscreen. What appeared to be static made the picture difficult to make out, but the static quickly transformed to laser fire as several ships, both large and small, fired systematically on each other.

Voyager appears to be caught unnoticed in a Kazon battle, Captain, Tuvok announced in the maddeningly calm voice he reserved for tense situations.

Instead of soothing, the tone only irritated Janeway. I can see that. Hail them! I guess I have to announce our presence.

We have audio only, Kim said.

Captain Janeway braced herself against the railings as more fire raced across her ship's shields. This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager! she yelled over the battle noise that leaked through the comm channel. Please hold your fire and allow us to withdraw!

Static was their answer.

The channel is closed, Captain, Tuvok said. I believe we infiltrated one of their channels reserved for ship to ship communication. They have sealed it and, I assume, opened a new one unknown to us.

Keep trying. And shut off that damned noise! she ordered. The red alert claxon stopped immediately, though the indicators still flashed red and the lighting remained dimmed. Janeway made her way through the lurching and pitching of the ship to the captain's chair, then fell into it as they were caught in a burst of sudden crossfire. Mr. Paris, evasive maneuvers! she said, though she knew the command was unnecessary. The lieutenant was part of the reason for the ship's instability - he had started moving Voyager out of harm's way the moment they had encountered the battle. Still, giving the order gave her another moment to come up with a possible plan of action.

Chakotay called out to Kim, You said some of those ships are Nistrom. Can you tell if one is Maj Koren's?

Kim's eyes were glued to his panel readings. I can't be certain. Kazon ships all look alike to me. Wait a minute! He paused, and Janeway darted a look back at him. Here comes another ship, Nistrom sect, and yes, this one is Koren's ship! I recognize the markings.

A particularly nasty spray of laser fire intersected directly over them and the crew pitched forward as Paris compensated by throwing the ship into a dive that took them several hundred kilometers below their previous position.

Shields at ninety percent, Lieutenant Tuvok said calmly. However, I must caution against any more sudden dives. The ship's inertial dampers are already working at maximum.

At any other time Paris would have given some retort to answer the Vulcan's apparent criticism of his flying skills. He was perfectly aware of what Voyager was capable of and didn't need any tactical officer to remind him of his responsibilities to the ship's safety. But he needed to concentrate more on his flying than waste precious energy on replying.

Captain, Chakotay interjected quietly. If Seska did build that molecule enhancer and has installed it, my guess is it's on Koren's ship. I suggest we move out of the battle as quickly as we can before we're caught in something we won't recover from.

My thoughts exactly. Mr. Paris, move us out of here as safely as you can.

Paris grimaced. That's not going to be easy, Captain. We're pretty much surrounded.

Janeway clenched her fist and sighed in anger at their situation. Just do your best, Lieutenant, and try to keep us out of the worst of it.

Aye, Captain.

Then without warning, a bright red beam of energy exploded out of Koren's ship, aimed directly at a vessel of an unknown Kazon sect. As the stunned crew of Voyager watched, the beam struck its target and the ship under attack simply disappeared.

The crews of the other Kazon ships were equally as surprised. The battle suddenly ceased as each ship seemed to asses this new threat.

Paris recovered from his stupefaction first and glanced down at his conn panel. Captain, there's an opening at two eight seven mark five! he yelped.

Janeway's attention riveted back to their predicament. Take it, Paris, full impulse! Engage!

Voyager burst into action as Lieutenant Paris slammed the engines forward and turned the ship in an upward arc, aiming for the opportunity suddenly available to them.

Well, so much for all the ifs, Chakotay said to Janeway. They have an enhancer, no doubt about it now. He touched his combadge. Bridge to Engineering. B'Elanna, have you come up with any defense against molecule enhancers yet?

Her reply was anything but encouraging. *Defense, no. Ideas to handle them, yes.*

Chakotay rubbed his chin in annoyance. Sometimes Torres liked to keep her miraculous solutions to the ship's many dire scrapes to herself a bit too much for the commander's taste. Care to explain? he suggested testily.

*I think our best option is to transport the device off the Kazon ship, rematerialize it at a safe distance in space, then blow it to smithereens.*

Tuvok spoke instantly. That would be difficult, Captain. First, we would need the precise location of the enhancer. In addition, we do not know if our transporters can penetrate Kazon shields.

*Do you have a better idea?* Torres yelled over the channel.

Though I have been considering our options, I admit I do not, Tuvok said with a soft sigh of frustration.

B'Elanna continued. *We can focus our sensors to pick up any Federation signatures in Koren's ship. That should indicate the position of the enhancer.*

Then all we would need is a way through their shields, Chakotay said. This could solve our dilemma very neatly, Captain. We would be reclaiming stolen Federation technology and the balance of power would revert to what it was before Seska boarded Voyager.

Sounds very appealing, Janeway confessed. She nodded. Mr. Tuvok, start -

Her order was cut short. Kim exclaimed, Captain, we're being hailed by Koren's ship!

Captain, Tuvok called before she could order Ensign Kim to respond to the hail. I would suggest that you remain quiet about any plans to remove their enhancer. Perhaps then they will concentrate on destroying each other, leaving us time to perfect our course of action.

The captain glanced at Tuvok briefly. The Vulcan had anticipated her practice of being forthright, even in a potentially dangerous situation. It would be expedient to curtail her habits in this instance. She gave him a curt nod. Noted. Then she turned back and said, On screen. Janeway quickly stood, but had to support herself by gripping the front railing of the command level as the battle suddenly resumed around them.

Maj Koren filled the viewscreen. His image was much changed since their last encounter. Now he was clean, and his fur-trimmed tunic was nothing less than opulent. You are not wanted here, Federation! This is not your concern! he growled without preamble.

Nor do we plan to make it our concern! Janeway replied. Our presence is purely an accident.

Koren snorted. You expect us to believe that? Ha! Get out of the way, Captain, or your fate will be similar to that Luxla grnshta we just disintegrated! The universal translator didn't have time to come up with a match for Koran's expletive before the transmission ended.

Status, Janeway commanded in the following silence.

Shields at eighty percent and holding, Tuvok reported.

No damage to the hull, Chakotay commented.

Kim said, We have casualties on decks ten and eleven, but nothing serious. Transporters are undamaged, as are the sensor arrays, both long and short range.

Good. Mr. Kim, start scanning for any Federation signatures among the Kazon ships. Mr. Tuvok, find a way through their shields. She paused a second, then said, Janeway to Neelix. Please report to the Bridge.

I'm already here, Captain. The turbolift door closed behind Neelix as he stepped onto the Bridge. I was monitoring your Bridge communications from the mess hall. I knew you could use my expert knowledge on Kazon shielding abilities.

Janeway allowed a fast smile. Thank you for being so prompt, Mr. Neelix. What do you know about those shields? She gestured towards the viewscreen and the battle beyond the ship's hull.

Neelix proudly puffed up his chest. Just about everything there is to know. After all, I sold the Kazon much of their shielding technology. He paused to look around for any admiring glances, but everybody was too busy to give the Talaxian their attention. Neelix sighed, then continued, The Nistrom sect leans towards shields produced in the Chelsee system. They work very much like Federation shields, though ours are superior in strength.

Any weaknesses? the commander asked.

Possibly.

Janeway said, There had better be a weakness. Neelix, I want you to work with Mr. Tuvok on finding a way through their shields. Bridge to Engineering. B'Elanna, while we work on the shields from here, I want you to come up with at least one other plan to handle that enhancer. Once we attempt to override their defenses, our intentions won't be a secret to Maj Koren much longer. I would rather have something to fall back on in case this doesn't work.

*Aye, Captain. We're on it,* Torres answered.

Commander Chakotay started to order a configuration of the battle to the front viewscreen when Kim suddenly interrupted again. Captain, we're being hailed.

Is it Koren? she asked.

No, it's another Nistrom ship. I don't recognize the markings.

Janeway shook her head as even more laser fire shook the ship. On screen.

Seska's image appeared. She too looked far better than at their last meeting.

Ouch, Paris commented. Can this day get any worse?

Seska glanced in irritation at the Bridge crew. What the hell are you doing here?

Janeway blinked. She had anticipated Seska to be cloyingly sweet, as she had been before. This abrasive attitude was unexpected. We could ask you the same thing, Seska, the captain said.

Seska gestured curtly to cut Janeway off. I don't have time for this. Get out of here or you'll be - She stopped, as if she suddenly remembered that she was not supposed to reveal something important.

Janeway grabbed the opportunity. Or what? We'll be damaged? Destroyed? It's obvious your allegiance is not to us or the Alpha Quadrant, so why do you care what happens to us? She paused and gave a dramatic lift of an eyebrow. Or do you want us alive and whole because you need more Federation supplies for your weapon? she asked slowly.

Seska glared at Janeway, her eyes glittering slits of barely concealed hatred. She turned hastily to the commander and her gaze softened somewhat. Join us, she offered.

Chakotay rose to stand beside the captain, his face a mask of puzzlement. The ship rolled left in the battle, but he hardly noticed. Join you? In what?

Can't you see what's going on around you? Seska said impatiently. This battle? It's not just a day's light entertainment! We are attempting to take control of the other Kazon sects.

We? Chakotay asked.

The Kazon Nistrom. Are you dimwitted?

To what end? Janeway questioned.

This time Seska sneered as she looked back to the captain. Power. Can't you stupid Federation idiots understand that simple concept? We are the invaders, the unwanted intruders in the Delta Quadrant. Do you really expect to be allowed to meander your way home across an extremely hostile sector of space? You'll never make it; the Kazon will make sure of that! She returned her attention to the commander. Open your eyes, Chakotay! You could go far in a culture like the Kazon's. You are a Maquis, a fighter. They respect that. Help us to overthrow the other sects so we can become one powerful force in this quadrant! Then we will have the means to continue the journey back home. With this new weapon, no one can oppose us!

Chakotay stared up at the screen, his eyes crinkling with sadness. Conquering any race does not give you power.

Power is something you take! she insisted.

He lowered his gaze to the floor, still ignoring the surges of energy bombarding the space surrounding them. No, Seska. We won't be mere suppliers to a group of power-hungry Kazon.

Seska's gaze traveled from Chakotay to Janeway and back again. Understanding, then desperation, leaked through her tight anger. But we need your bio-neural circuitry for more weapons. If you won't help us, we'll seize Voyager and take what we need!

The muscles in Janeway's cheeks tightened, and she gripped the railing until her knuckles turned white. I won't let you take anything. I'll destroy the ship first, she vowed. Mr. Kim, end transmission!

The screen had just enough time to revert to the battle scene before a renewed bombardment struck the ship. Paris was thrown forward and the air rushed out of him as his chest struck the edge of his conn panel. He heard a muffled shout from behind him and a loud thud, then Voyager shot ahead of the Kazon ships again in response to his random commands. He lurched back into his seat and struggled to regain control of the ship.

Captain, Tuvok called from his post, that was not a stray shot! The Kazon are now firing directly at us. Shields still holding at eighty percent.

Stay ahead of them, Paris! came the command from somewhere near the lieutenant's feet. Tom risked a glance down and saw Janeway sprawled on the floor beside his conn station. He guessed she had caused the thud he'd heard when she somehow flipped over the command railings during that last blast. She seemed unhurt, but was having trouble regaining her balance. Tom quickly reached down to offer her his help while flying the ship with only one hand.

Janeway let him pull her up, then braced herself on his willing shoulder as she quickly assessed their condition.

Neelix had also been thrown to the floor, but the commander was assisting him. Everything else seemed unaffected.

The attack stopped as suddenly as it had started. They all glanced back at the viewscreen to see the Kazon Nistrom ships that had fired on them begin to withdraw and rejoin the initial skirmish.

I guess they just wanted us safely out of the way, Chakotay suggested. He steadied Neelix against the tactical station. That would make sense if they plan to use us for spare parts later on.

The captain agreed. Mr. Paris, hold position. Damage report, she requested.

Tuvok said, None that I can discern.

Tom muttered, At least Starfleet gave us a descent ship to be hurtled across the galaxy in. Hope she holds together just a little longer.

She will, Janeway answered under her breath, then patted him on his shoulder. Mr. Tuvok, any luck with those shields?

Actually, yes. He sounded surprised by his own success. Mr. Neelix pointed out a peculiar characteristic in the shield design. Every ten seconds, the energy modulates up ten degrees, then exactly six point five seconds later, back down six degrees. The pattern appears to be most consistent in Nistrom ships.

It's those cheap shields, Captain, Neelix explained cheerfully, though he dabbed gingerly at one side of his oblong orange head as he spoke. It's all the Nistrom can afford.

She glanced at him sharply. Are you all right, Neelix? Do you need to go to Sickbay?

Neelix shook his head, then grimaced. Just a bump, Captain. I prefer to stay on the Bridge where I'm needed.

Chakotay said, If those shields are so easily breached, why haven't the other Kazon ships destroyed the Nistrom by now?

Tuvok replied. A very simple reason, Commander. Kazon scanners are not equal in range or ability to those of the Federation. They cannot take advantage of a deficiency they know nothing about.

Well, good news at last, Chakotay retorted dryly.

Suddenly Lieutenant Torres called over the comm channel. *Captain, I think we've pinpointed the enhancer's coordinates.*

Janeway brightened. Excellent! Feed the information to Tuvok for a double check.

Tuvok took only a moment to glance at the new input. Lieutenant Torres is correct. I'm getting definite readings of a Federation signature.

Lock on to that signal. I don't want to loose it. B'Elanna, get down to transporter room two. We'll probably only have one chance at this.

Even as she gave the order, the red beam lanced out again to engulf another Kazon ship, Ogla sect this time. The ship lurched in an attempt to avoid the attack, but by then the entire starboard side had disappeared. Their engines began to explode, but that energy was also transformed to minute space dust. A second later, nothing was left of the ship.

The conflict resumed with renewed energy. The other sects were now banding together to bombard Koren's ship with a constant rain of laser fire. Apparently the Kazon were capable of compromising when communally threatened.

Ensign Kim was the first to break the following silence on the Bridge. We'll need to get awful close to Koren's ship to maintain an effective transporter lock with all this interference.

Janeway nodded. Any suggestions?

Chakotay said, Do you notice how the other Nistrom ships surround Koren in a sort of ring of protection? They're taking the majority of the pounding while Koren just sits there, waiting.

Waiting for what? Tom asked.

For the enhancer to recharge, Chakotay supplied the answer.

Intriguing, Tuvok stated from his station.

I would agree, Janeway said. But I don't see -

No, Captain, Tuvok continued. If the enhancer needs that much time to recharge, it would indicate that it requires large amounts of energy, drawn presumably from other parts of the ship.

The shields? she asked.

Precisely. Just prior to the enhancer's last burst, Koren's ship dropped their shields completely, the other Nistrom ships moved out of the way, and the beam was released. This is an excellent indication as to when they will fire next.

Good work, Lieutenant! Janeway smiled. Now all we need to do is get close enough for a solid transporter lock. How much time do we have before the enhancer recharges?

If it takes the same amount of time to recharge as last time, five minutes, thirty seconds, Mr. Kim said.

All right, then, let's see what they'll do. Janeway resumed the captain's chair, and Chakotay dropped beside her into the first officer's. Mr. Paris, bring the ship in closer to the main battle.

Aye, Captain. Coming about, heading 232 mark 21.

Voyager closed the distance between themselves and the Kazon fleet, only to be confronted almost instantly by a Nistrom ship. A warning shot raked across their starboard nacelle, and the ship rocked in response.

That's Seska, Kim informed them.

Chakotay sighed. She's definitely determined to keep us out of the fight.

Janeway ordered, Back off, Mr. Paris.

Seska's ship left the battle to follow them, like a parent shepherding a child out of danger.

Janeway held her chin thoughtfully with one hand. Let's see if she'll follow us further afield. Set a course out of here, warp one, and hold for one minute.

The warp engines burst into life and Voyager exploded into warp speed.

Tuvok reported, Seska has disengaged.

How much time until the enhancer can fire? Chakotay asked.

Four minutes, Kim replied.

Paris dropped the ship back to impulse and sat at his station, awaiting the captain's next command.

We'll wait here, she decided. There's no point in showing our hand before we need to. Harry, give us exactly one minute, ten seconds to reach Koren and to transport the enhancer.

Yes ma'am. Starting count down.

Tom, we'll need to come out of warp practically on top of Koren's ship. Can you plot a course that will bring us within ten kilometers of Koren without taking us into the worst of the laser discharges?

Paris raised his eyebrows as he turned to regard her. The ships keep changing position, but I think I can plot something like what you want as long as Tuvok can feed me the new positions of all those Kazon.

Tuvok nodded. I will link the scanners into your panel, Lieutenant.

Paris turned back to his station and set to work. The captain's request was going to be difficult to fulfill without getting them all killed in the process, but Tom saw it as a challenge to his ability. Janeway wouldn't have asked him to attempt such a complicated maneuver if she didn't think he could pull it off. He was almost glad for the request; it gave him a chance to show the crew exactly what Tom Paris could do with a ship like Voyager.

The rest of the crew waited impatiently for the time to elapse. Finally Harry called out, Two minutes before complete recharge.

Janeway settled more securely into her chair. Here we go. Tuvok, lock on to the signature and arm phasers.

Scanners and phasers targeted and locked, Captain.

Transporter room, get ready.

*Getting a strong signal from Tactical. I'm ready when you are,* Torres replied.

Mr. Paris, set course.

Course set.

Janeway hesitated. Brace yourselves. This could get rough. On Kim's mark....

There was a pause, then Kim called, Mark!

Engage! Janeway said.

Voyager leapt into warp again, dropping out a minute later exactly five kilometers over Koren's ship. They would have rubbed shields, if only the Kazon ship had shields to touch.

Their shields are down! Tuvok stated.

*Transporter locked!* Torres called.

Energize! the captain commanded.

Torres yelled, *Got it! Lock phasers to coordinates 289!*

The three seconds it took to transport the enhancer off Koren's ship and into space was enough for four Nistrom ships to turn and pummel Voyager with phasers. The ship heaved and lurched, but the Bridge crew continued with their mission and ignored the interference.

Phaser's locked! Tuvok said.

Janeway ordered, Fire!

Phaser fire lanced out from Voyager's saucer section, culminating in a burst of energy as it engulfed the unprotected enhancer. A second later, there was nothing left of the Kazon weapon.

They've engaged their shields, Mr. Tuvok warned. They're coming about. All five ships are firing!

Voyager was suddenly bombarded by laser discharges from all sides. The shields began to overload immediately, and panels blew in bursts of sparks all over the Bridge.

Evasive pattern Delta three! Janeway called over the noise and confusion.

Tom whirled the ship around in an effort to come up and over the enemies facing them. At the same time Tuvok fired phasers, attempting to take advantage of the Kazon shield weakness that he and Neelix had discovered. Two shots managed to pass clean through the shields of Koren's ship, disabling it immediately. The other four were unaffected as the phasers glanced harmlessly off their shields.

The Kazon proceeded to reform their blockade around Voyager, effectively cutting them off from the edge of the battle and eventual escape. The fire barrage began again.

Captain, we're losing shields! Kim shouted, then ducked as a blast of sparks erupted above him. Hull temperature is rising to dangerous levels.

Janeway heard his report, but didn't take the time to acknowledge him. Paris, change course to -

The deck suddenly heaved wildly under her feet and she felt herself being pressed into the back of her chair. Neelix was again thrown to the floor and this time he didn't get up. Harry Kim lost his balance and slid down the steps leading from Ops to the lower deck, landing hard on his left hand. He felt his wrist snap even as the ship bucked once more, and then he couldn't tell if he was laying on the floor or standing on his head.

Captain Janeway heaved a deep breath into her lungs and managed to say, Paris, pattern omega one!

No! Paris startled her by saying, though his attention was riveted to his panel and he missed her mouth drop in response to his disobedience. Seska will anticipate that! Maquis tricks won't help, either. Let me try a few ideas of my own.

Janeway reigned in her burst of anger at his refusal to follow orders and snarled, You had better be right! Just get us out of here!

Hold on! Paris shouted.

Tom turned the ship directly towards the four opposing Kazon vessels. All power to the front shields! he called as phasers turned the viewscreen into a mirage of bursting color.

Shields at twenty percent and failing, Tuvok warned.

Mr. Paris - Janeway threatened.

Almost there! Tom reassured her. He kept the ship on the suicidal course he had chosen for another three kilometers, forcing the Nistrom ships to break off their renewed attack if they wanted to keep from being rammed. Suddenly Tom veered the ship to starboard, barely keeping Voyager from plowing into the Nistrom ships. Put all power to port shields! he yelled, and the ship rocketed past the Kazon. By the time the Nistrom had recovered from the Federation pilot's crazy maneuver, Voyager was out of phaser range.

The other Kazon sects took the opportunity to close on the Nistrom conglomeration and pound them with their own weapons, allowing Paris to slow the ship and bring her around. They were once again out of the main battle, and the Nistrom were too busy with their old enemies to give Voyager any more attention.

Neelix rolled to his side and moaned as he slowly sat up. Ensign Kim found himself leaning against Chakotay's chair. He picked himself up from the floor, his hand dangling from his wrist, his face still ashen white from surprise. I think I saw their eyes through their Bridge windows, he croaked. Tom, next time warn us before you try something like that.

Paris flopped back into his chair and groaned. Are you kidding? he asked in a drained voice. I'm not doing that again any time soon; I left my fingertips permanently imprinted on the conn controls! He considered sneaking a look at Captain Janeway, but he wasn't at all sure he wanted to see her expression. He didn't think Starfleet would have favorable opinions of a mere field officer disobeying a direct order from his captain, and Janeway was all Starfleet, no doubt about that.

Well done, Mr. Paris, was all she said, and her noncommittal tone did nothing to indicate her thoughts. Keep us out of their way for now. She paused a moment to rest and watch the flashes of light bursting across the Kazon battlefield. A large explosion suggested that a ship had just become a casualty of war. She wondered vaguely if it was Koren's.

Then Tuvok gained her attention. Captain! I am picking up another Federation signature.

She jerked her head to look at him. Another enhancer?

He nodded. It appears to have the same signal as the one aboard Maj Koren's ship.

Can you trace it?

Yes. This one is located on Seska's ship.

Janeway met Chakotay's eyes for just a second. She suddenly remembered Tuvok's report: Seska had stolen two of everything. How could they have forgotten? Damn, she whispered. It was hard to conceive that the Kazon would fall for the same transporter trick twice, and she wasn't even sure if Voyager had enough maneuverability left at this point to attempt to come any closer to the battle than their present position.

But Tuvok continued. I must point out that her ship is moving in extremely erratic and illogical patterns. Her actions would imply that her plans are becoming desperate. She is too close to the other Kazon ships to safely fire an enhancer, and she has no protection to give her weapon a chance to fully charge.

Chakotay eyed Tuvok carefully, but he thought he had a pretty good idea of what the Vulcan was getting at. Bridge to Torres! he called.

Torres grumpily replied, *I'm a little busy down here, Chakotay!*

The first officer ignored her temper. What will happen if an enhancer is fired without being properly charged? he asked.

*Easy,* came the swift reply. *It will overload and explode. Torres out!* She promptly closed the channel.

Chakotay was on his feet now. Kim, hail Seska's ship! When Kim had complied, the commander said, Voyager to Seska!

The reply came immediately. Butt out, Chakotay! This is my fight! The disgust was evident in her voice.

But Chakotay plunged on. Seska, don't fire your enhancer! You haven't had enough time to fully charge -

She is firing, Tuvok calmly announced.

Seska, abort! Chakotay yelled.

His advice was ignored. The familiar red glow appeared in front of Seska's ship, but there it stopped. He watched in horror as the vessel's hull began to visibly crumple in on itself, followed by a bright explosion. B'Elanna's prediction was coming true.

Seska? Seska! Please respond! There was no answer to his hail. Chakotay strode quickly forward. Paris, bring us within transporter range! Transporter room, lock on to the coordinate's of Seska's ship and beam any survivors directly to Sickbay!

Tom forced his hands back onto his controls and the ship moved sluggishly forward. The battle loomed closer on the front viewscreen.

Transporter room, do you have them? Chakotay called frantically.

Ensign Monrow's voice was equally as desperate. *I can't get a lock on them! There's just too many ships and too much interference.*

Reroute the energy from the replicators to the transporter. Boost the signal to maximum! Janeway advised.

*Okay, I've got a lock!* Monrow reported excitedly.

Energ- Chakotay began.

Before he could complete the command, Seska's Kazon ship exploded in a burst of flame and random energy discharges. An undirected enhancer beam shot out, blasting into the side of a nearby ship, eating through the entire aft section, crippling it instantly. Large pieces of debris collided with other ships, causing turmoil in an already chaotic battlefield.

With the destruction of Seska's and Koren's ships, the Nistrom suddenly lost their aggressive determination. They regrouped at one side, facing their Kazon enemies. Smaller conflicts broke out among the many sects involved, and soon the battle was an undisciplined free for all. The remains of Seska's ship sparked and flared, disregarded by the other Kazon.

Chakotay stood alone in the center of the command level, his fists clenched at his sides. He was engulfed by disappointment. He just hadn't been fast enough. He had failed, and now Seska was dead. He felt this defeat keenly, like a knife stuck in his back. But even as his insides teemed with roiling emotions, he only stood rooted in one spot, unable to do anything more than stare blankly at the viewscreen.

Then he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked down into the face of his captain and saw his own pain mirrored in her eyes. For a scary moment, he almost didn't know who she was.

I'm so sorry, Chakotay, was all Kathryn said. But it was enough.

Chapter 9 || Contents || Chapter 11