Chapter 4 || Contents || Chapter 6

A few boring hours passed. Chakotay sat in the captain's ready room and read over several reports that needed his authorization and thumb print. One thing he hadn't missed during his time with the Maquis was all the Federation paperwork.

*Commander Chakotay to the Bridge.*

Chakotay glanced once more at the remaining pile sitting on the table near his feet and shook his head. They would have to wait. But he grinned at the substantial pile that he had already waded through. At least he had something to show for his few hours of hard working boredom. His grin grew wider.

His good mood didn't last very long once he stepped onto the Bridge.

Commander, we're reading a Kazon warship off the port bow, 100,000 kilometers and closing, Tuvok informed him before he even had time to ask for a report.

Do you recognize the ship's configuration? Chakotay asked briskly.

Scanning, Tuvok answered. A moment later he said, We have not encountered this particular ship before, though it does bear some markings of the Kazon-Nistrom sect.

Slow to impulse, the commander ordered. Shields up.

Slowing to impulse, Mr. Paris responded.

Are their weapons powered up?

Tuvok answered, No, they are not.

That was odd, considering their last rendezvous with the Nistrom. Chakotay felt a tingle of unease tickle his mind. How about other ships? Anything trying to hide from our sensors?

None that I can detect.

The Vulcan's calm was unnerving in itself. Chakotay had the urge to order the ship to yellow alert at the least, but at the same time he wondered if he might be making more of the situation than it warranted. No doubt about it, the Kazon made him extremely jumpy. He decided to take the initiative and request Ms. Smith to hail the other vessel, but the ensign spoke first.

Commander, she called from Ops, they're hailing us.

On screen. The commander waited until the unrecognizable bulk of a Kazon male filled the front view screen before introducing himself. I am Commander Chakotay, first officer of the Federation Starship, Voyager. What is the purpose of your hail?

Instead of answering, the dirty looking Kazon gestured curtly to someone off to his side, and he was quickly joined by another humanoid, smaller and equally as dirty. This one lacked the spiked hair displayed by most Kazon, and though the commander was fairly certain he had never met this Kazon member, he or she looked strangely familiar.

Chakotay looked at the screen in suspicious puzzlement.

The figure spoke. What's wrong, Chakotay? Don't you recognize me?

The dirt disguised the facial features, and the clothes further confused the Bridge crew, but the slightly mocking voice was unmistakable.

Seska, Chakotay breathed.

So you do remember me after all this time. I'm flattered.

Chakotay worked hard to recover from his surprise. He took a few deep breaths and quickly regained control of himself. Don't bother with the small-talk. What do you want, Seska?

The genial expression left her face at his words. Well, that's not very friendly of you. And where's the captain? Isn't she here to court martial me for desertion of her beloved Starfleet?

The Kazon male still standing behind her gave her a small shove, as if he too wanted her to stop the pleasantries. Get on with it, he ordered.

Seska whirled on him, her face contorting into an ugly snarl. In my own time, Koren! Now shut up! She turned back to the screen on her end, her face once more composed and serene. Maj Koren and I have a deal for you, Chakotay.

We don't make deals with the Kazon. You know that.

Don't be so pigheaded until you hear about it. I think you'll find it very interesting. The Kazon have found a way back to the Alpha Quadrant. She let that news settle over the stunned Bridge crew before continuing. Beam over to this ship and I'll tell you all about it. Her voice was seductive now, and she smiled just a little at the commander.

No, Chakotay forcefully replied. Seska scowled at him, but he ignored her. No matter what you have to offer, we have no reason to trust any Kazon, particularly Nistrom, and I certainly don't trust you, Seska. If you have something for us, then I'm sure we must have something that you want. Don't go away; we'll be in touch.

Seska started to say, But....

Chakotay out.

Ensign Smith closed the channel and Seska was replaced by a view of the Kazon ship.

Chakotay stood still for a moment, breathing deep, suppressing his shock at seeing the woman he'd been so involved with dressed and acting like a Kazon. He shuddered as he remembered the look of desperate determination in her eyes.

Smith's thoughts whirled with the possibilities of going home, but all he said was, Commander....

Inform the captain, Chakotay interrupted him. I'll be waiting for her in her ready room.

Yes sir. She was glad to fall back on military protocol to hide his relief at ending the dreadful silence that had followed the transmission.

Captain's Personal Log Stardate - I'll fill it in later

Commander Chakotay has all but ordered me off the duty roster for today. I'm dressed as a civilian, in the one outfit I brought with me to DS9, and I am to set foot on the Bridge only in an extreme emergency for the duration of my duty call. I didn't realize how much time I was spending on the Bridge until today. Now that I have time to do whatever I want, I find that I can't quite keep myself busy. I did discover an unusual crew diversion called dish duty while eating lunch and I am currently taking my turn at cleaning up after the crew...

Computer, pause personal log and open captain's duty reminders - add talk to Neelix about dish duty. And a conference with Lieutenant Rollins, reason: messing with assigned duty and... all-around poor Starfleet behavior. Hopefully I'll remember what I need to talk to him about. Resume personal log - er, where was I?

The computer responded, *...cleaning up after the crew.*

An extremely messy crew who leave too much precious food wasting in the kitchen. I'm not sure I want to know what Neelix does with the leftovers.

The subject of supplies brings me to a recent course adjustment. We have discovered an M class planet in a nearby system that is flooded with neutrino particles, a sure sign of dilithium. We are very hopeful that we can somehow obtain some dilithium to add to our stores on board. Having a fuel reserve would go a long way in boosting the morale of the crew, not to mention the morale of the captain as well.

Oh, more tidbits: Chakotay made a bet with Lieutenant Torres about convincing me to take this day off. Now she has to cook dinner for him. He's not aware that I know about this wager, and B'Elanna is far from happy about the arrangement. I believe Neelix is coaching her on her cooking skills. If the commander ordered sweet bread, I hope he has enough to share: I've been craving it for weeks!

End log entry.

*Bridge to Captain Janeway.*

Janeway here. She smiled at the sound of Ensign Smith's youthful voice. She wondered what trick Chakotay would employ to keep her off the Bridge this time.

*The commander would like to see you in your ready room as soon as possible.*

Uh-oh. On my way. Janeway quickly dried her hands on a cloth and headed for the nearest turbolift, leaving a pile of untended dishes next to the sink.

She felt the eyes of the Bridge crew on her the moment she left the lift. Perhaps it was her clothes that caused the sensation. The stares made her feel like she'd come to the Bridge half naked, and she uncomfortably straightened her shoulders under her brown vest. A quick assessment of the personnel revealed the absence of Commander Chakotay: he was waiting for her. This looked more grim every minute.

Mr. Tuvok, report, she ordered.

The Vulcan said, There is a Kazon ship 80,000 kilometers off our bow, matching our speed and course heading.

Did they say what they want?

Tuvok's eyebrow went up to his dark hairline. The commander wishes to discuss that with you at your earliest convenience. They do not have their weapons armed, and they appear to be no threat at this time, he added, predicting his superior's next question.

Very well. I'll be in my ready room. Inform me if they so much as make a trash dump. Janeway sighed and made her way up the steps and disappeared through her ready room door.

Trash dump? Tuvok questioned thoughtfully. Surely she's not serious.

Paris swiveled around in his chair to face the Vulcan at Tactical. I wouldn't want to take the chance if I were in your shoes.

Tuvok considered the other man's words. Perhaps you are correct, Mr. Paris. Though I consider a trash dump as minor procedure, we are dealing with the Kazon.

Paris continued, And you can never be too careful when your prime enemy is within spitting distance.

A charming choice of words, Lieutenant. Tuvok calmly returned to monitoring his panel readouts. Something you picked up during your time with the Maquis?

Paris experienced a wash of anger before he realized that Tuvok was teasing him, Vulcan style. Unfortunately, he didn't find any humor in their present situation. Actually, it was during time spent chasing the Borg. Fortunately, we never found them. Chilled by the thought of the Borg, Tom continued softly to himself, I hope we have the same luck this time.

Janeway found Chakotay sitting limply in one of the chairs before her desk, staring at the frozen image on her computer screen. Her eyes widened when she could make out the details of the picture. That's Seska, she stated needlessly.

Chakotay turned at her words. Yes. His voice was flat and expertly devoid of emotion.

The captain studied his chiseled features for a moment. She saw one eyelid twitch, but other that that he was under tight control. Perhaps you'd better tell me what's going on, she suggested and sat down behind her desk.

Chakotay ordered the computer to replay the recorded scene between the Voyager and the Kazon vessel. His mouth was a tight, grim line during the entire recitation.

Janeway was silent after the short recording ended. She leaned one elbow on her desk and thoughtfully supported her chin with her hand. Finally she asked, What do you make of it?

That's definitely Seska.

I would agree. Do you believe her?

I have no reason to either believe or disbelieve her at this point, he answered hesitantly. She gave no indication of what she might be talking about.

Janeway shook her head. After all this time what could she want from us? Better yet, what do the Kazon want?

Technology, Chakotay answered. That's all they ever wanted from us.

But Seska knows my policy on trading technology to the Kazon. She above anybody else should know that I would never agree to any terms the Kazon might offer us.

Chakotay ruffled his short graying hair with his fingertips and gave a sour look as if he was in pain. I think we might find out more about this if we get Seska away from the Kazon. I suggest we beam her and Maj Koren over to Voyager. He was silent for a moment, then commented, She's been badly treated. She would never admit to it, but I know Seska.

Janeway furrowed her brow and glanced at her first officer. Do you, Commander? she asked softly, but was unable to keep the accusation out of her voice.

Chakotay looked at her in surprise, then angrily said, That's not exactly fair, Captain. She fooled you too.

Janeway lowered her gaze to the floor and crossed her arms. I apologize, Commander. But I think the crew still harbors a lot of animosity towards Seska right now. I don't want her on board my ship if it causes nothing but more problems. That statement about a way home could just as easily be a ruse to get aboard this vessel for whatever purpose the Kazon might devise.

Perhaps we should offer her a round-the-clock security detail.

Yes, she agreed and nodded thoughtfully. Chakotay rose to make the arrangements for beam over, but the captain continued, Then we'll be sure that someone always has their eye on her.

Chakotay stopped only two paces from her desk. That's not exactly what I meant, he said.

Kathryn sized him up through narrowed eyes. It was an expression Chakotay was getting to know extremely well. Commander, what exactly are your intentions towards Seska?

My intentions? Chakotay's eyes were equally as narrow.

Janeway stood and moved around the desk to stand close to him. May I remind you that she's a Cardassian spy who covertly infiltrated your ship, then moved on to mine. We owe her nothing.

You don't need to remind me of anything, Captain! he retorted. And we owe her exactly what we owe anybody from the Alpha Quadrant - a trip home. Then he angrily left the ready room without waiting for a dismissal. Sometimes he just didn't understand Janeway. If anybody else had offered the possibility of a way home, she would have jumped at the opportunity. But now she seemed almost childishly reluctant to even take a look at Seska's data. Was it because of the Kazon? Or because it was Seska making the offer?

In her ready room, Janeway was still standing where Chakotay had left her, asking herself the same questions.

Chapter 4 || Contents || Chapter 6