Janeway nodded.
“I have reservations about placing you in command of the Full Circle fleet.”
This was no surprise.
“I half expected when you arrived that you would immediately demand to be reinstated. Instead, you started acting as if you had been. You ignored the chain of command. You sought the counsel of everyone but me. You continued to intervene in the lives of your former crew. And in the process, you confirmed my worst fear about having you in command of the fleet.”
Janeway took a moment to wonder if all of this might have been avoided had Counselor Austen been her first meeting. Jens had been Montgomery’s choice. Cambridge’s words came back to her. Montgomery had expected her to fail.
“What is that fear, Ken?” Janeway suddenly asked. She didn’t expect he’d answer, but she was genuinely curious.
“That you are incapable of following orders.”
This was a surprise, and Janeway allowed the shock of it to settle before she responded.
“I have always prided myself on being a model Starfleet officer,” she finally said. “I have tried to uphold our principles. When faced with complicated judgment calls I try to err on the side of restraint. I place the needs of those I command far above my own.”
“Or Starfleet’s?” he interrupted.
“Never,” she replied softly.
“So when you roped Captain Picard into allowing Commander Data to assist you in illegally removing Seven of Nine, Cadet Icheb, and your EMH from detention to illegally gain access to Voyager, that was in Starfleet’s best interest?” Montgomery asked.
“Ken, I did everything in my power to convince you to let us help. You turned condescension into an art form as you ignored my requests. You left me no choice but to take the actions I did, and as it happens, I was proven right,” Janeway countered.
“Eventually. But you had no idea what Covington was up to when you took those actions. They were about Seven of Nine.”
“Who was instrumental . . .” Janeway began.
Stopping her, Montgomery continued, “When you allowed Captain Chakotay to forego his mission to Kerovi in order to save the life of Miral Paris, that was in Starfleet’s best interest?”
“I was . . .” Janeway said.
“When you chose to personally investigate that Borg cube when any of a number of our scientists would have done as well, that was in Starfleet’s best interest?”
Janeway paused. Montgomery’s first case against her was almost entirely without merit, but the next two were closer calls. Her choice to allow Chakotay to pursue the Warriors of Gre’thor had cost Starfleet the ability to interrogate a Changeling infiltrator. Her choice to investigate the Borg cube that had assimilated her had been made primarily to prove that sending Voyager back to the Delta Quadrant to further investigate the Borg was unwarranted.
“I see your point,” Janeway acknowledged. “But I also believe that my record demonstrates my devotion to Starfleet. We don’t always see eye-to-eye, but when we work together, we serve the greater good.”
“You still believe those choices were right because you could not have done otherwise and lived with yourself,” Montgomery replied. “But you did not follow direct orders or standard protocols, nor did you err on the side of restraint. You made similar calls in the Delta Quadrant, but those were mitigated by your unique circumstances, and more latitude was granted in evaluating them. I don’t give a damn about how you conducted yourself there. What you have shown since your return is that you answer first to your own internal sense of right, disregarding the authority of Command. It’s not that I know exactly what you’ll do out there. I don’t know. You can lead, but the question is, are you also willing to be led?”
Janeway considered this seriously. It would never have occurred to her that she had not been led, if not by her superiors then at least by their shared ideals. But the picture Montgomery painted was too accurate for her to dismiss it.
A new thought occurred to her: If Montgomery had made his final decision with Akaar’s blessing, what was this? Was he inflicting wounds just to pour salt in them?
“I will be led, whether I return to the fleet or not,” Janeway replied. “So unless you’re drumming me out of Starfleet, we’re both going to find out.”
“There are days I’ve wanted to,” Montgomery admitted. “But I understand what a waste that would be.”
“Why did you offer me command of the fleet in the first place?” Janeway asked.
“The Full Circle fleet has been one disaster after another,” Montgomery replied bitterly. “I didn’t see how you could do any worse than your predecessors.”
“Leaving me out there saved you the trouble of confronting the fleet’s issues?”
“More or less.”
“Admiral Akaar didn’t see it that way,” Janeway guessed.
“He thought it was wrong to ask you to take up the post after all you’d been through. There were enough people raising hell to support his position, not that he needed it. I knew once he spent time with you, he’d see that you were too great a risk, and I expected he’d simply recall the entire fleet and we could put this exercise in futility behind us.”
“You no longer believe in the mission of Project Full Circle?” Janeway asked, incredulous. “You’re in command of it.”
“It was Willem Batiste’s idea,” Montgomery replied coldly. “We all know now that he was not motivated by concern for the Federation. I’m surprised you still believe in it,” he added. “You died trying to prevent it.”
“That was before the invasion,” Janeway replied, “before the Caeliar. Had I witnessed those events, I don’t know how I would have felt. But the fact remains that the fleet has served with great distinction.”
“Not from where I’m sitting. We have to secure Federation space right now with half of our usual resources. We all know exploration comes with acceptable losses, but we can’t continue to sustain ones of the magnitude this fleet has endured. The whole thing was a bad idea.”
Janeway was struck by the harshness of his assessment. But slivers of the truth shone through the cracks. “I’m not the problem,” she said softly. “This is about you and your reputation. You don’t want the Fleet on your record. And until a few months ago, nobody was paying attention, were they? Not with so many pressing concerns closer to home. Then things went seriously sideways, and your first instinct was to pass the buck. You wanted to shift the blame to me. But Akaar wouldn’t let you. You’re in his crosshairs right now, and as the fleet goes, so goes your career.”
“Akaar retains enough naïve arrogance to believe that the price of exploration never outweighs its potential. There’s a case to be made that had the fleet not been out there two months ago, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now. Omega would have ended everything. But with that crisis behind us, it’s hard to justify leaving them out there. When he brought you back, I was sure the rest of the fleet would follow in short order.”
“Why haven’t they?”
“The Vesta will be ready to launch in less than a week. That was your doing. It was an inspired call. Some of your detractors have had a change of heart, and you’ve received considerable support from others who have taken an interest in the issue. Your counselors have filed glowing reports. And you surprised both of us by stepping back and letting other people do their jobs. I didn’t know you had that in you.”
“I didn’t either,” Janeway replied mirthlessly.
“It proved to us beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are the only officer we have right now who should be in command that fleet.”
“Excuse me?” Janeway replied, certain she hadn’t heard him right.
“Verdell’s a good man, but he’s made a complete hash of the reconstruction efforts. He’s been flying a desk too long to understand how things work out there. Akaar saw that. There is no one else who can be brought up to . . . ” Montgomery stopped himself. “We need answers about those comm relays sooner ra
ther than later.”
“So I’m the bottom of the barrel?” Janeway asked pointedly.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Montgomery said. “You are a calculated risk.”
“I’m returning to the Delta Quadrant?” Janeway asked, unable to believe the words she was saying.
“Assuming you and I can come to terms regarding a few outstanding points of contention,” Montgomery said.
“And those are?”
“First, there is the issue of fraternization.”
“I beg your pardon,” Janeway replied.
“Are you currently engaged in an intimate relationship with Captain Chakotay?” Montgomery asked.
“Throw all the stones you like at my professional choices, Admiral,” Janeway warned, “but take care with my personal ones. I won’t be held to a different standard than my peers.”
“Your peers?”
“The captain of the flagship is married to his CMO. Titan’s captain is married to his ship’s counselor. There’s Admiral Shelby and Captain Calhoun . . . Didn’t Picard officiate when they got married?”
“The operative word there is married,” Montgomery replied.
“Before those relationships were made official, there was no fraternization going on?” Janeway asked. “What century is it again?”
“I’m not judging you, Kathryn,” Montgomery insisted.
“Really?”
“If a relationship develops between two people within the same chain of command, it often results in complications that are distracting for the crew. If you expect to lead the fleet, including Captain Chakotay, you will be required to maintain more than a modicum of propriety until such time as your relationship becomes public and official. At that time, your superior officers are permitted to decide if the nature of that relationship presents problems for the crew. In each of the incidences you cite, those evaluations were made. You will be accorded the same treatment as your peers.”
“Let me think, where did I leave the keys to that chastity belt?” Janeway said.
“I’m serious, Admiral.”
“I agree with you, under most circumstances,” Janeway said. “But there are clearly incidences of fraternization that have not led to the wholesale disruption of operations. I know that the nature of my relationship with Captain Chakotay and the deep friendship on which it was founded will ensure that it does not compromise my ability to serve as his commanding officer.”
“Nevertheless,” Montgomery went on, “quarters have been prepared for you aboard Vesta. For the duration of the fleet’s presence in the Delta Quadrant, you will maintain those quarters. This is a direct order.”
Janeway considered the order. “That’s actually not a bad idea. If we decide to marry?” she asked.
“Do me a favor and don’t, at least not for a while,” Montgomery said. “I’d hate to miss the ceremony,” he added semi-seriously.
“We’ll make sure your invitation doesn’t get lost.” Janeway smirked. “Is there anything else?”
“Starfleet Medical has requested that Seven of Nine be returned to Earth as soon as possible,” Montgomery said.
Given the Doctor’s recent reports, this was not surprising, though Janeway had held out hope until now that it would not come to pass. Montgomery continued, “There is a medical emergency on three Federation worlds; almost a hundred thousand additional lives have been lost. Starfleet Medical fears that count could triple.”
Janeway looked up abruptly. “Triple?”
Montgomery nodded grimly. “We need all hands on deck on this one, and Seven’s an invaluable resource for their research.”
“She’s also invaluable to the fleet,” Janeway said. “But, when she is apprised of the circumstances, I’m sure she’ll want to comply. The disease is catomic in nature?”
“So we believe.”
Remembering the Doctor’s concerns, she chose her words carefully, “I assume that once she returns, Seven will immediately be reunited with the patient from Starbase 185 known as Axum?”
Montgomery leaned back, clearly frustrated. “Your former EMH doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.”
“I share some of his concerns regarding Axum’s recovery. The Doctor believes it is essential that Axum see Seven. You should also consider that while not a Federation citizen, Axum has rights. I’m sure once it’s explained to him, he’ll want to help us. I knew him briefly, and he seemed like a good man.”
“This request is a deal breaker?” Montgomery asked.
“Yes,” Janeway said.
“I’m going to take heat for it: agreed. You also need to tell the Doctor to stand down.”
“If I can assure him of Axum’s well-being, and Seven’s, he won’t trouble you further,” Janeway replied. “But given his expertise, I strongly suggest you keep him in the loop.”
“Consider yourself so assured,” Montgomery said.
“How are we going to arrange for her transport?” Janeway asked. “We have no idea where Voyager is, do we?”
“They haven’t reported in,” Montgomery replied. “I don’t know if they’re out of range or if the relays are the issue.”
“We’ll find out,” Janeway said. “Will Achilles . . .”
“Vesta and Galen will join the fleet,” Montgomery interjected. “As soon as the Vesta’s repairs are complete, Achilles will be formally severed from it. I know you might be able to use her, but she’s more valuable to us here,” Montgomery said.
“I understand,” Janeway agreed, “but I don’t want to make a habit of sending vessels back and forth for personnel transports. It’s a drain on our limited resources.”
“There is a slipstream-capable vessel stored on Achilles right now that was designed by your fleet chief, Commander Torres. You will return Seven to Earth on that vessel—I think it’s designated the Home Free—and we’ll get her back to you as soon as we can.”
“You realize, Ken, the final decision has to be hers.”
“You just said you were certain she would want to help.”
“I am, but I cannot order her to comply. I don’t have that authority, and neither do you.”
“You do have the authority to refuse to allow her to remain with the fleet as a civilian advisor,” Montgomery pointed out.
“I would never do that,” Janeway cautioned him honestly.
“Make sure she understands that it is temporary and vital to the interests of the Federation.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Then there’s the issue of the Paris family,” Montgomery went on.
“Has the court . . .” Janeway began.
“The court has ordered mediation,” Montgomery said. “Commander Paris, Commander Torres, and their daughter are ordered to attend.”
“Really?”
“Julia Paris has a lot of friends in very high places. Should it come to her attention that Starfleet had the ability to bring them home, perhaps with Seven, and did not, they might hold Starfleet and the Parises in contempt.”
“You’re asking me to do without Seven, the fleet’s chief engineer, and Voyager’s first officer indefinitely?” Janeway asked.
“Mister Paris brought this on himself. Tell Chakotay to promote whomever he sees fit in the interim, and you should also feel free to assign a new fleet chief if you think it’s warranted.”
All of her worst fears but one were now real.
“Admiral.” Montgomery rose to his feet.
Janeway came to attention.
“Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway, you are hereby ordered to take command of the Full Circle fleet,” Montgomery said. “Your first priority is to investigate the damaged relays and determine the cause. Once done, Vesta and Galen will regroup with Voyager and Demeter. You will then arrange for the transports we discussed.”
“Aye, sir,” she said.
Montgomery extended his hand to her, and she shook it firmly. “And Kathryn?” he added, as he resumed his seat.
“Yes?”
“Going forward, I will be your first, and last, point of contact.”
His tone chilled her. She honestly hadn’t anticipated his anger.
“As long as you have our backs, Admiral, I will have yours,” she assured him.
“Understood,” he said.
When Janeway returned to her office, Decan was standing inside waiting for her. He was Vulcan, so he wasn’t smiling, but she sensed his happiness nonetheless.
“How did you know?” she asked.
“How did I know what, Admiral?”
“That I would be given command of the fleet?”
“Admiral Montgomery is a small man who thinks in small terms. Neither you, nor Admiral Akaar, suffer from that failing. It was only logical to assume that ultimately, Admiral Montgomery’s concerns would be given their proper, negligible weight.”
“Admiral Akaar was the one who brought me home in the first place.”
“Have you not found your time here beneficial?” Decan asked.
“I have,” Janeway said.
“As he knew you would. Once Admiral Akaar realized he could not rely on Admiral Montgomery to make the appropriate choices regarding you and the fleet, he took that task upon himself. I knew the other likely candidates and did not doubt that once the admiral evaluated them, he would see that you were the best choice,” Decan replied.
Nodding her understanding, Janeway said, “We have work to do.”
“Obviously,” Decan said.
“Does the Academy still place first years in posts within Starfleet departments?” she asked.
“It remains a core requirement for the final year of study,” Decan replied.
“Do you know who selects and approves of those posts?”
“I do.”
“Contact him immediately. I have a special request to make.”
“Concerning which cadet?”
“Cadet Icheb,” Janeway said.
Chapter Twenty-one
VOYAGER
As the familiar sensation of transport released him, Tom Paris heard his daughter squeal in delight and shout, “Daddy’s here! Daddy, look!” Though he had promised B’Elanna not to open his eyes, even after the site-to-site transport from their quarters was complete, Miral’s excitement made that impossible.
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