by Alys Landale
He sighed inwardly. Thinking hard he tried to figure out some name. From deep down a thought tickled at the back of his mind. “Satira, sound okay.”
She just smiled. “It sounds perfect.”
Paris, also known as Rune, took his seat at the Helm. They would rendezvous with the rest of the Resistance at Kuran and then be off to the concentration camp. He looked around them. Their group of three had now become four.
Takma sent her message off just before leaving for Voyager. With any luck, she could convince the captain of the ship to follow her further into the Empire. She had always preferred trickery to brute strength anyway. And by making Captain Janeway believe that they were allies she could explore the ship to any extent she wished.
She appeared in the transporter room of Voyager some minutes later. Janeway as usual was the first to greet her. “Takma,
I take it everything’s alright.”
“Yes,” she replied. “I was merely called over for a faulty transponent coil. It seems some aboard my crew don’t yet know how to think for themselves.” Janeway laughed a bit under her breath. Takma continued. “I came to inform you that we will be leaving shortly. If you wish to come with us, I am sure that we can provide you with any resources you need.”
Janeway thought for a moment. The ship was in need of supplies and chances like this didn’t come around often. She decided to take the Parvanian up on her offer. After all, they had already scanned the other ship and Takma’s story seemed to be true.
“I believe we can take you up on that offer.” She said.
Takma smiled. “Good. Until then, I was wondering if you might care to take a look around my ship. You have already been quite hospitable to us; it would be rude not to offer you the same.”
Takma held her breath. All depended upon this one coming over to her ship.
Janeway pondered her options. “I would love to,” she said. Then addressing Chakotay over the Comm she said. “Commander, I will be joining Takma aboard her ship for a few minutes. You have the ship until I return.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” he replied.
Takma’s smile grew larger. “Come then, I have been experiencing a few problems with my Engineering system. Perhaps you could lend some advice.”
The two stepped up on the transporter platform and beamed aboard the Bonthos. Takma thanked the Spirit for giving her such luck.
Janeway stepped onboard the Bonthos. The ship was fascinating. There were so many different cultures’ technologies mixed together. It reminded her somewhat of the Federation. She longed for home even more.
Takma broke her train of thought. “Do you like what you see?”
“Your ship is amazing,” she said.
Takma smiled. “Come, I wish to show you to our dining area. I haven’t eaten yet so I hope you do not mind that I do so now.”
“Of course, I understand.”
“We have a great variety of different foods. Maybe you could try some yourself. I do hate to eat alone.”
Janeway shrugged. *It can’t be worse than Neelix’s.*
“Sure, and on the way maybe you can tell me where you came upon those transporters. They seem curiously like the Federations.”
The two women walked towards the mess hall. Kail stepped out from his hiding place. *Good* he thought. *Once Takma gets her to eat something I’ll make sure it has a little something extra added to it.*
He held the small bottle in his hand. It was so much easier to control a ship if you had the captain under your control. And once the drug took effect on Captain Janeway her judgment would be so impaired, it wouldn’t be hard to get her to do whatever they wanted.
“Is everything ready?” Commander Chakotay asked.
“Aye sir,” came the reply from Baytart at the Helm. “We can leave once the captain returns.” Chakotay shifted in his chair.
He didn’t like the fact that Kathryn had gone onto the other ship alone.
His worries were dissolved once he saw her step on board the bridge.
“Captain,” he said. “How did you like the tour of the Bonthos?”
She put a hand to her forehead. She had only been on the other ship for a few minutes but somewhere along the line had developed a massive headache. *It must have been from some of the food I ate.* she thought.
“Their ship is quite fascinating Chakotay. I can’t wait until we trade with them. You should see some of their technology.” she sat down heavily in her chair. “Mr. Baytart plot a course following the Bonthos.”
Chakotay took his seat next to her. “Is something wrong?” he asked.
“No, I just don’t think something I ate is sitting that well with me. Preliminary scans of their food showed that it was edible but I think I’ll stick to Neelix’s cooking from now on.”
He nodded. They sat back and watched the stars fly by at warp 4. Soon they would be deep within the Empire. A place most people feared more than hell. But then again, the crew of Voyager was unknowing to any of the dangers that awaited them. They just sat back and enjoyed the ride.
Takma did so as well. Kail had done an excellent job in drugging the captain although Takma was a little miffed that it had taken so long to finally get Janeway to concede to eating.
No matter. It had been done nonetheless. She plotted a course for the interior of the Empire. But first she would have to make a stop at a certain concentration camp to check on another of her new-found prospects.
*
The Imperial shuttle docked at Kuran for the second time. Following close behind, two Dezorisian fighters did the same as well.
Aria stepped out of the shuttle first followed close behind by her other compatriots.
“Commander Brandwin.” greeted Captain Raken. “I see you were successful.”
Aria nodded. “I believe you should give your congratulations to Rune here. He was the one who finally got our deal through.” Aria then turned to Paris as she said this.
Raken nodded to Paris. “You wish to be called Rune now?”
Tom dismissed it. “Long story.” He then turned to the Dezorisian beside him. “This is Satira. She will be joining us as well.”
Consul Maris then stepped forward. “I have to congratulate you son. Not many can carry such a trade with the Dezorisians. But do you still think you can do this?” he asked, referring to the mission ahead.
“Just have another ship ready when I give you the signal. It shouldn’t take over an hour at the absolute most to get inside and shut down their power generators. I just need an armed transport ready to get them out of there once the shields are down.”
Maris put a hand on his shoulder. “You give us the signal and we’ll be there.”
“That’s all I ask,” said Paris as Raken approached the two.
He shot a violent stare in Paris’s direction then he turned to Maris. “Consul, there are a few matters I wish to discuss with you.”
Maris nodded and Raken escorted him away. Satira then came up to Paris. “Rune,” she said. “Since we are back to your base, I believe it would be wise if you would let me take a look at you in sickbay. The injuries you received during the fight might prove to be more serious than we first thought.”
Tom shrugged it off. “I’m fine,” he stated.
She kept persisting though. “If you would just let me take a look, then I could give you my professional opinion on the matter.”
He looked her square in the eye. “I told you I’m fine. End of discussion. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get some sleep before we leave in a few hours.” He left abruptly towards his quarters.
Satira stared after him. “Why does he act like that? I was merely offering my services.”
Aria walked over to the taller woman. “Don’t take it personally. He just doesn’t like sickbays, I don’t think.” She stared after Paris. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go have a talk with him.”
Aria followed in Paris’s wake. Satira was left behind in the company of Danag. “What was that all about?”
he asked.
She rolled her eyes at the man who was just barely the same height as she. “Don’t ask me, drunkard.” And then she walked off as well, leaving behind a very bewildered Danag.
Raken pulled Maris to the side. “How can you trust him?” he asked. “For all we know this is just some trick by the Empire to lure us out and dispose of us once and for all.”
Maris tried to control his tone as he answered. “If he was going to betray us, don’t you think he would have done so by now? As for questioning my judgment, I’ll thank you to know that I am not a complete imbecile. I realize the risks but if Commander Brandwin has assured us that he is safe, then I believe him. Now good day, Captain.”
Maris strode away. Raken watched as he left. He knew he couldn’t trust Rune. That man wasn’t one of them. He would never be one of them. Raken swore that he wouldn’t let the man trick them. He would follow along on this little mission and catch
Rune once he finally did betray them. Then they would see he was right. Aria would finally realize that the man she had been running around with was nothing more than a lying spy.
He would make Aria see the light. He swore it.
*Would you please slow down* Aria asked Paris.
He turned around. “Yes...” he asked.
“What was that all about? She was just trying to help.” Aria wished they still held that psychic connection. Deep down she knew they did, but he had learned to build up shields around his mind. And she wasn’t prepared to break through them just for an answer. Besides it would mean much more if he would tell her himself.
“Look I don’t want to talk about it.”
He then turned to leave but Aria wouldn’t give up that easily. *I know what they did to you Rune. I know your reasons for not wanting to go near sickbay but you’ve got to learn to get over that. Let me help you.*
Paris stopped when he heard her thoughts. Turning to face her once more, he said, “I’m sorry, but I’m fine, really. If I need any help, you’ll be the first one I ask.”
Aria decided to let it go for now. Instead, she took on a new tactic. “Alright, but go get some sleep now. I don’t want you nodding off once we’re inside the camp.”
He nodded. “That was the plan.”
She turned to leave. “If you need anyone to talk to, I’m always here. Remember that.”
He felt a little guilty by her words and decided to give her a little leverage. “Tell you what, why don’t you come to my quarters. We can talk some there.”
She smiled and then turned to follow him. Her plans always worked out.
*
Sargon noticed that the guards were acting even more peculiar than usual. He had heard them talking of a new ship they had found but this was getting ridiculous. Instead of the usual five or six guards placed strategically around their prisoners’ cells, there was now only one. If it wasn’t for that damn forcefield then he could probably get out of this.
He walked over to Meylin. She stood at the side of the cell to herself.
“Meylin,” he said. “We need a plan.”
She looked at him. Her ears pricked up at his words. “What do you have in mind?” Her red hair had lost its shine since they had been transferred to this camp. He hated seeing the Chief of Security in such a state. Her species didn’t fare very well in such conditions. Even her orange eyes had lost that rebellious glow. But he needed her help. He knew he didn’t have the mind for military tactics. He was an engineer not a soldier.
“I was hoping you could come up with something,” he said. She slumped down a little more. He could see how badly she was faring. She just wasn’t used to the lack of food or the poor environmental conditions around here. He had grown up in such places; he was used to it by now. But she wasn’t.
“Just rest.” he said. “I’ll figure something out.”
The little girl watched the scene before her. She had kept her eyes on the two new prisoners who had come in. They were different from all the rest. She looked on as the two sat down next to each other discussing something.
She had never before seen a Parvanian in one of his own people’s prisons. And the other woman was much more of an enigma. She was a strange species that the girl had only seen a few times before. The girl thought her race was called Gerans, but she wasn’t sure.
She hid herself back in the corner. A few of the other prisoners would sometimes come say something to her, but that was very seldom. She had learned to just keep out of the way; that was best for everyone. So she settled down in her corner and watched those around her. Maybe she could get to sleep if she really tried. Her stomach let out another growl. Or maybe she would just stay up instead.
Tom stepped into the shuttle. Preflight had already been taken care of, Danag had recovered from his hangover, and everyone was at their stations.
From the helm, he asked over the Comm. “Is everyone ready?”
Different affirmations played over his Comm line as the other ships confirmed their status.
Aria sat behind the Tacticianal station while Danag took Ops. Satira stood in the background. She had protested that she come along so he had allowed her to. Who knew what the status of the prisoners would be. He might need a doctor on his team.
While he led the away team, Raken was in charge of the diversion.
“Well, it’s now or never.” he said. The Imperial shuttle soared out of shuttle bay. The Dezorisian fighters took the lead.
He took in the sight of the four ships. Along with himself and the two fighters, a large armed transport followed close behind.
It would be at least a day’s travel to their destination. He plotted their course. With any luck, they might actually live to do this again.
*
Takma’s voice sounded over the Comm system on Voyager’s bridge.
“Captain Janeway,” she said. “We need to make a course correction. I’ve been asked to stop by one of our research bases to pick up another ship. I hope this won’t be of any inconvenience to you.”
Janeway’s headache was still running full force. “That would be fine,” she said absently.
“We will send you the new coordinates immediately. It should only take a little over a day to reach our new destination.
From there we can proceed to our trading ports.”
Takma sat back in her chair on her bridge. She just needed to create a diversion to get that ship out of Portus’s hands and then she would have the advantage again.
*****************
It had been a long journey but they were finally at their rendezvous destination. A day with the arguing of Danag and
Satira had been an unimaginable Hell. He hoped that Aria was right about them needing him. She had refused to tell him why, just that he was a valuable person to have in battle.
He opened the Comm line to the other ships. “Fighters one and two, take your positions.”
The two fighters then sped off ahead of them. It was growing time for them to make their move.
Raken sounded over the Comm. “Are you really going to do this?” he asked for the hundredth time.
Tom sighed. “Just stand by, and come in when I tell you to.” He then addressed the fighters again. “Okay, start creating a diversion.”
The pilots then flew full speed after the nearest Imperial ship they could find. All they needed to do was pose a threat to any Imperial ship in the area. That would give Tom and his group cause to seek refuge in the camp.
So far it was working. The Imperial freighter was opening fire on the fighters. Tom just hoped they were good enough to evade capture or worse, the missiles flying around them.
Guiding the shuttle through the crossfire, he led it down towards the concentration camp.
A voice crackled over his comm line. “Unknown shuttle, identify yourself.”
Tom responded quickly. “This is the Imperial shuttle Caston. We seek refuge. Resistance fighters are all over the place.
We don’t have the fire power to
take them on.”
The man on the other end of the line paused a moment. “We cannot offer you sanctuary.”
Tom grumbled under his breath. “Look, I’m on a mission for Takma. If you want to explain to the Pretor’s wife just why one of her shuttle’s got destroyed for no reason, then you can do it.”
This got the man to thinking. “Fine, you can dock in shuttlebay one. That’s shuttlebay one. Got it.”
“Aye. And thanks.” The line went dead. “Some manners,” muttered Paris.
He turned to the others in the shuttle. “Well, it looks like it’s showtime.”
Once Rune’s shuttle had successfully docked, Raken called out to the Fighters. “Get out of there now. They’re in.”
He held his ship hidden behind a nearby moon. Hopefully the Empire’s sensors wouldn’t pick them up here. He thought about the away team. He had conceded to allowing Aria and the rest of them to go along with Rune on this insane mission. He wondered when he had gone insane himself.
*No matter* he thought. *When the guy screws up I’ll come in and save the day.*
The four inside the shuttle quickly checked their supplies before stepping outside. They concealed weapons and explosives underneath their clothing. To anyone else, it might appear that they were crazy to think they could get away with such a thing, but they would.
Paris was the first to step out of the shuttle, followed closely by Danag and Satira, then finally Aria. Those present in shuttlebay never knew what hit them as the four quickly took out all the occupants of the room. Tom then walked over to a console.
Four tentacles slipped out of his gloves as he linked to the computer terminal. Satira and Danag looked on in awe, but Aria only asked, “Can you shut down their system from here.”
He shook his head. “I’m installing a virus but I can’t reach any of the primary systems from here. We’ll have to go ahead with the plan and blow their generators manually.”