Part V
They were a day away from Omri-Wor when something went wrong with the warp
drive. No one could quite figure out what it was, and B'Elanna was still unfit for duty.
Janeway called an emergency staff meeting and they discussed the situation. It was agreed
upon that she and Neelix would take his ship to Omri-Wor and complete the negotiation
while picking up the needed supplies, and the rest of the crew would work on repairing
Voyager. The warp core would probably be online within two days, and Voyager could
simply swing by and pick them up when the warp drive was functional once again.
Kathryn was fairly confident about the plan. It might in fact, she said, give her more time
to complete the negotiation, seeing as no one would recognize Neelix's ship upon arrival
when they would recognize Voyager, and the Bromalians wouldn't be alerted on time.
So Janeway and Neelix set out, the crew of Voyager started to work on the warp core,
and Rennika sent a transmission to the Bromalians.
Mordus still didn't believe the woman, the one who had tipped him off as to where
Janeway was going. He sat in wait, Vaila at his side, on the low roof of a building where
the negotiation was supposedly to be held. He watched the street below him intently,
waiting to see the woman who had eluced him for so long, if she'd show up at all.
It must be a trap of some kind. He'd told Vaila earlier. Be prepared. However, he
still failed to receive any sign of deception. But then again, the mere fact that someone
would give away their leader was a sign of something being amiss. Sure, Mordus had
heard of double crossings of this nature before, but this one still had a note of... unease
attached to it.
He noticed Vaila eyeing him, and returned her stare until she hastily looked away. He'd
noticed she'd been acting strangely lately. She was still pursuing him, despite the fact that
his interest in her had nearly faded. Her irrational jealousy merely made her look the fool.
It almost made him laugh out loud. She was seeing things that weren't there. He had
interest in Captain Janeway purely as a challenge, yet Vaila seemed to take it personally.
Perhaps it was because this was the first one they had pursued that had been female.
However, this female was also the most cunning person they had hunted. No one had ever
escaped him for this long.
Vaila was once again staring at him, and he calked his head sideways at her, to inquire
why she was staring at him, or maybe just to let her know he knew she was watching him.
She glanced away once again, staring down at the street for their prey to come into view.
They had received word a few minutes ago that an alien ship had arrived, however, upon
looking at it, Mordus concluded that it was not the Voyager. Besides, these people used
transporters, they didn't land ships on the surface.
Vaila hit him on the arm, and he immediately glanced down at the street. He
could only see a short, fat man, and a blur of bright red. But he could feel her in the air, as
though her very presence was tangible... That's her! He whispered, readying his
weapon, signalling his officers to turn on theirs. None of his officers made a move. They
were too well trained to go rushing into a fight like a bunch of rookies. Instead, they
waited until the prey was in a good enough position for the ambush to be wildly
successful. Mordus felt anticipation build up in him as he forgot all about his troubles with
Vaila, his hands shaking as he raised his weapon to focus right on the woman. He watched
as the Omri-Wor man walked out to greet her, nervously, but he went along with his
instructions and started to lead her to the building. The short fat man was escorted off by
another Omri-Wor. Unconsciously, Mordus assessed the Omri-Wor. They were known to
be rebellious and have a lack of respect for authority, but they feared the Order, and that's
all that was needed to keep them in line. He watched the man trot a few paces ahead of
Janeway, glancing up at the roof nervously.
*Don't do that, you imbecile! You'll give us all away!* Mordus thought, preparing to
spring just in case Janeway caught on. Do not fire your weapons unless absolutely
necessary, he whispered to his men, wincing as the Omri-Wor man glanced a second time
at the roof.
After the third time he glanced at the roof, Janeway did so as well. She could have sworn
that she saw movement. She slowed down uncertainly.
Is something wrong, Captain? The Omri-Wor asked. Janeway looked at him. He was
nervous.
No, nothing's wrong. She said, although she started to get a terrible feeling in her gut
about what was happening. He was far too frantic for simply pre-negotiation jitters. She
recalled a quote from a 23rd century captain, something like, You can't run a ship off of
gut feelings and intuition alone... That wasn't exactly the right wording, but she couldn't
quite recall what the exact quote was at the moment. She pushed down the feeling and
continued to follow the man.
Mordus watched her intently as she hesitated. He knew the man had aroused some
suspicion in her. The Omri-Wor said something to her. *If he's telling her,* Mordus
thought, *I'll kill skin him.*
He let out the breath he'd been holding when Janeway continued on, instinctively walking
slower. If she had figured it out from where she had been standing, she might have had a
chance to get away.
He noticed Athader next to him starting to rock slightly in
anticipation. Mordus could sympathize with him. He was new at this, and the most
thrilling moments were always right before you close the trap. He was about to put out a
hand to still Athader when he realized that Atader had knocked a bit of gravel loose from
the top of the ledge. It slid down the roof and landed on the ground.
They were about ten feet away from the door of the negotiation room when a few small
pebbles hit the ground in front of Janeway's feet. The thought rushed to her head, *
Someone's on the roof.* The Omri-Wor broke out into a sprint and began to run away.
The same instant, in dawning horror, she realized, *My god, I know why he was looking
up there!* The thought came to her the instant before her hand automatically went to her
phaser.
She had realized what was happening, and was undoubtedly about to fly, Mordus knew.
He'd kill Athader for it later, but for now, he had more important things to concentrate on.
He unceremoniously let out a battle cry and jumped down from the ledge, noticing his men
and Vaila follow his action. There were eight of them in all, and he realized that despite
Athader's blunder, it was already too late to get away.
Next to him, Athader suddenly fell with a cry after a bright beam of light flashed out from
a weapon Janeway was carrying. She backed up a few steps to avoid Pothtomok's blow,
and fired on a wider beam, taking out Theravall and Sandor. Mordus noticed with
displeasure that his people seemed to be hanging back, hesitant to attack her.
Unfortunately for Janeway, she had turned at a bad angle to fire her last shot, leaving her
entire right side exposed to Mordus.
He instinctively sprang at her, tackling her, knocking her phaser out of her hands and to
the ground. He was surprised at the speed of her recovery as she lifted herself up on one
hand and elbowed him with the other to knock him to the side of her before she quickly
crawled out from under him, straight towards the phaser. Alas, there were now five of
them and one of her, and shew as quickly intercepted by two more of Mordus's men. One
kicked her in the rips and the other grabbed her by the upper arms and pulled her up from
the ground, jerking her into the air and off her feet and sqinging her around to toss her
right into the wall. She hit the wall and slid down a short ways, stunned for a moment
before she managed to get once again to her feet. The man who had just thrown her
quickly punced her. She staggered back once again against he wall. He hit her with the
other hand, and she almost collapsed. One more hit would probably knock her out,
Mordus reasoned, standing back like the rest of his men to let Lurd'Morda do his work.
Lurd'Morda aimed a third punch at her and swung. She ducked at the last second and his
hand contacted painfully with the wall.
He cried out in pain asn Janeway quickly stepped back, away from him, only to bump into
Vaila, who she hadn't seen yet. Vaila was nearly a head taller than Janeway, and it
suddenly dawned on Mordus that Janeway was a tiny woman. It gave him more
confidence in the fight, and when Vaila shoved Janeway back, he caught her himself and
forced both harms behind her back, both wrists in one of his hands while his other arm
looked around her waist, pulling her two him and holding her back against him. She was
small. Mordus began to wonder if he could snap her in two.
He cried out when one of her boot heels contacted with his shin. She was still struggling,
with a strength that he never could have counted on by looking at her. Vaila gestured for
one of the other men to help, and he grabbed Janeway's legs, securing them to prevent her
from struggling anymore.
She must have realized that she couldn't fend them off any longer, so she stopped straining
to free her captured limbs and looked around, not sure which one to talk to . What do
you want? She was half out of breath, and Mordus almost thought he head a slight waver
in her voice. Out of fear or out of rage? He wasn't sure.
The question she asked was fairly simple, so Mordus answered from behind her, his lips
right near her ear, I want you to stop struggling. You're beaten.
She couldn't turn her head to face him, but he felt her bristle in her arms. Yes, it was
definately out of rage.
And I assume you're Ragnar Mordus?
Mordus gestured with his head to Vaila, who brought forward binders. Mordus
slowly, warily, slipped his arm from around her waist. His men, the ones that were still
conscious, drew in close to restrain her in case she started to fight them again. She glanced
around, face impassive, assessing the situation, but didn't make a move against him as he
snapped binders on her wrists.
You're assuming correctly, he replied, nodding to Pothtomok to release her legs. He
turned her around to face him, noticing bruises already appearing on her face in the places
where Lurd'Morda had hit her.
So, what happens next? She asked quietly, eyes flashing. Mordus had learned enough
about her to know she was just stalling until she thought of a plan.
Knowing it was best to keep her off balance, he said gruffly, You come with us. He
grabbed her by one of her restrained arms and jerked her with him as he turned to walk
away from the bulding. Lurd'Morda and Eshemmot stayed behind to help the injured, and
Vaila and Pothtomok flanked around Mordus and his prize to make sure no one interfered
in what was happening. He noticed that Janeway stumbled often as they were walking,
obvuously still disoriented from the blows she had received and most likely in shock from
the recent turn of events, but she kept up with him.
Mordus heard a faint, Captain?
Janeway's eyes grew wide and she spun around as far as she could. Neelix! Get out of
here, now! Go! she screamed, struggling furiously against Mordus as he looped his arm
around her waist. Mordus nodded to Pothtomok, who ran in the direction of the voice,
and he reaffirmed his grip on Janeway's wrist and his hold around her body as he shuffled
her in the direction of the ship.
Janeway was unable to put up an effective fight with the binders on. There were
only Mordus and the woman holding her now, and it was a prime chance to escaoe, but he
held her securely in a way that allowed no effective struggle.
Mordus, the female Bromalian said, panting at his side as he dragged Janeway
with him. She's still struggling and slowing us down too much. At least let me sedate
her.
Mordus glanced down at Janeway briefly, then nodded his compliance to the
woman.
No, wait, I'll stop, Janeway began, knowing she had no chance of getting away if she
was unconscious-- but faded off when she felt a slight sting in the side of her neck. The
world darkened around her, and the last thing she was aware of was being hoisted up onto
Mordus's shoulder.
* * *
B'Elanna! It's good to see you up and about! Chakotay exclaimed.
No thanks to you, the half-Klingon grumbled, even though it was obvious she was in a
great mood. You didn't even bother to visit me when I was sick.
They stepped into the turbolift.
I'm sorry, B'Elanna. We've had so much happen lately, with the virus, the warp core
malfunctioning and the negotiation with the Omri-Wor, he replied, thinking, but not
speaking of, his argument with Kathryn.
Well, I can assure you of one thing, B'Elanna said jovially, turning to him. If I had
been on duty and not your girlfriend, the warp core would never have
malfunctioned.
Come on, be fair, Chakotay said. Rennika was stranded on a desolate moon for nine
years; she hasn't been around starships for a while, and she's still getting into the swing of
things.
The others from the moon are getting into the swing of things very nicely. And besides, I
can't believe so large an error can take place without her catching it first. She gave a
dramatic sigh and raised her chin. But never fear: I'm back, and I'm her for good.
I think we'll all be grateful for that, Chakotay replied, turning back to face the door.
The lift stopped and they stepped out onto the bridge.
Applause broke out, and Torres swept down into an elegant bow. When the applause
continued, she waved it off. Please, people, you're embarrasing me, she said with a
laugh.
We're just glad to have our most brilliant and beautiful engineer back. Paris said;
B'Elanna shot him a dirty look and he grinned sheepishly in return.
Well, Chakotay said, if that's over, I suggest we all return back to duty... Something
wrong? He had noticed Torres glancing around the bridge before resuming the
engineering post.
Yes. Where's the Captain? She glared at Chakotay. Now there's someone who
actually *did* visit me when I was sick.
Hey, I visited you! Paris called from the helm.
You don't count, helmboy! She replied, turning briefly to Paris before she looked back
over to Chakotay.
She's just gone temporarily. She and Neelix are negotiationg for dilithium on
Omri-Wor.
Is it just me, B'Elanna muttered to him, Or are the names of these planets getting
stranger and stranger as we go along? They shared a private chuckle before they went
back to their posts.
Chakotay looked back at Tuvok and barked, Speaking of the Captain, what's our status,
Mr. Tuvok?
We are headed at warp nine to Omri-Wor. We should be in the planet's orbit within the
next fourteen hours. Tuvok reported.
Good. Once we finish with this planet, we won't have to stop again for the next five
weeks. Chakotay commented.
Unless Carey and I end up out of commision again, and your girlfriend somehow
manages to blow up the warp core. B'Elanna remarked.
Hey, Chakotay said, glancing over at her, Don't overstay your welcome, Lieutenant.
B'Elanna interpreted that he said it in jest, but there was a quiet, warning under tone to his
words..
All right, all right. I was just about to clear out anyway, she replied.
A few minutes later, conversation had died back down, and Chakotay was wordlessly
watching the stars zip past on the view screen. He was somewhat startled when Tuvok's
panel began beeping.
Commander, I am detecting an alien vessel on long range sensors. He studied the panel
for a moment before he glanced up. It is Mr. Neelix's ship.
Already? Chakotay asked, standing up. Hail them.
Tuvok's panel beeped again. I am getting no reponse.
He glanced back at Tuvok. What's their status?
I am detecting one lifesign on the vessel. The vessel itself appeared severely damaged,
with life support failing rapidly. Sheilds and weapons are down as well.
Chakotay felt his stomach tie up in knots. He began to feel almost sick with dread. Are
we within transporter range?
We will be shortly, Tuvok replied.
Chakotay tapped his combadge. Chakotay to sickbay.
Go ahead, Commander, The Doctor answered.
Prepare for a patient, Doctor. He turned back to Tuvok. Can you beam the person
out while the ship is at warp?
I belive so. Tuvok replied. Stand by... He paused, then glanced back up from his
panel. The transport has been sucessful. Chakotay felt his tensed shoulders relax
slightly. I'll be in sickbay.
* * *
He must have run the whole way. When he reached sickbay, his heart was pounding so
loud he could hear it. Or was it just apprehension? Chakotay bolted through the doors,
and stopped short in dismay. Neelix was lying on the biobed, being treated for various
burns and cuts. Chakotay strode up uncerimoniously and demanded, Where's the
Captain?
Commander, the Doctor said, My patient is in not shape to be
interrogated--
Answer me, Neelix. Where is the Captain! He resisted the urge to go up and slap Neelix
to try to jog his memory.
Neelix looked like he was trying to speak, but it ended up a throaty gurgle.
Commander, the doctor said, steel in his voice. If you persist in this behavior I will be
forced to call security. Now please, back of and give my patient room to breathe!
Chakotay glanced up at the Doctor and reluctantly backed off.
Thank you, the hologram said. When he is fit to speak, I will inform you. For now, I
suggest you leave him in peace.
Chakotay nodded his compliance. Damn. It was al lhe could do. He retreated to the door.
You'll call me the minute he can speak to us.
Of course. Now leave, please. The Doctor shooed him out.
* * *
... the next thing I knew, she was yelling for me to run, and this large Bromalian
fellow started for me. Now, if I had brought a phaser, I could have stopped him right
there, but since I didn't, I just had to run. He chased me all through the streets, shooting at
me. Even some of the Omri-Wor tried to get me. I was hit in the back right outside of my
ship. I managed to crawl into my ship and set a course for the rendezvous coordinates.
They shot at me until I got out of orbit, but they didn't follow. The next thing I knew, I
was here. Neelix was holding himself up like he was a martyr as he spoke. Chakotay
was sitting on a nearby biobed, listening with distant eyes and a brooding expression.
Tuvok was staring at Neelix, his features set to neutrality, his eyes haunted.
Do you know where they took her? Chakotay asked.
I-I don't know, Commander. But they were there so quickly, it was less than
fifteen minutes after we had arrived. They must have been waiting for us. Someone must
have told them.
The Omri-Wor? Chakotay asked, glancing at Tuvok.
It's the most likely conclusion, although I fail to see what they could gain out of
such a deal, Tuvok replied.
I can think of a lot of things-- Chakotay began, before Neelix blurted, Sir, if I
may speak?
Chakotay glanced at him, annoyed, but nodded for the little man to speak.
I don't think it was the Omri-Wor. They seemed very nervous, frightened, even.
If they helped the Order, I dont think they did it willingly.
Well, Neelix, if you can name anyone else who would turn the Captain over to
Mordus, I'm all ears, Chakotay replied.
Commander, Tuvok interjected. We are not considering all of the
possibilities. It may be someone on Voyager who tipped the Bromalians off.
Impossible, Chakotay said immediately.
It is not 'impossible' as you put it, Commander. We have been betrayed on two
separate occasions already, and it is perfectly conceivable that we have been betrayed a
third time.
But who would it be, Tuvok? Chakotay demanded. Unlike the Kazon, there is
no dealing with the Bromalians. No one has anything to gain out of it!
That is not necessarily true, Tuvok replied. If someone harbored ill will
against Captain Janeway, then they would have everything to gain off of this.
The Starfleet-Maquis problem is long gone; I can't think of anyone who would
have a grudge against her. The crew would follow her to hell. He sighed and buried his
face in his hand.
Perhaps, the Doctor intervened, If you got some rest, Commander, your
thinking process would be clearer.
Doctor, we are losing precious time. They could be getting farther and farther
away with her this very moment while we're just sitting here. I have no time... He trailed
off, gazing thoughtfully into space for a few moments. Then,. How long until we reach
Omri-Wor?
Approximately six hours and twenty-two minutes, Tuvok replied.
Very well, Chakotay conceded. I'll take your advice, try to sleep for a few
hours. I want to be contacted immediately when we reach the planet.
Aye sir, Tuvok said.
As Chakotay was leaving sickbay, he couldn't stop the feelings of helplessness and
guilt that washed over at him. He had no clue where the Captain was, and he couldn't
help her in the least at the moment.
He had a feeling that he wouldn't be getting very much sleep tonight.
* * *
They arrived at Omri-Wor ahead of schedule. Chakotay spent the entire day
arguing with Omri-Wor officials. Finally, they revealed to him that the Bromalians were
headed to the T'Itari system. The third planet was apparently a Gatekeeper Planet.
Without thanking them, Chakotay beamed back to the ship and they set a course
for T'Itari. It was a six day trip, and it gave Chakotay time to sit back and discuss the
situation with Tuvok.
I think you might just be right, Chakotay said finally.
Tuvok raised an eyebrow. About what, Commander?
Someone on this ship gave away what we were doing. Chakotay leaned across
Janeway's desk to look eye-to-eye with Tuvok. The Omri-Wor claimed that they weren't
the ones who turned the Captain over to the Order, that somehow the Order knew of the
negotiation before the Omri-Wor had affirmed it.
It is possible that they are not telling the truth, Tuvok noted.
Chakotay stood up and stared out the viewport. Let's see... the warp core just
happened to malfunction right before the negotiation that the Order just happened to find
out about. Too damn much of a coincidence to be accidental.
Then I believe we should begin investigating the people in engineering at the
time. Tuvok said.
I'll ask Rennika if she saw anyone that wasn't supposed to be there-- he faded
off at Tuvok's pointed stare. What? You don't think she did it, do you?
I am not implying anything, Commander. I am simply saying that everyone in
engineering is suspect, and we should not let on to any of them that we are investigating a
possible traitor.
Then I guess I'll ask B'Elanna to start analyzing the warp core problem to see if it
was sabotaged, Chakotay said. He paused for a second, turning back to Tuvok. I
think you were implying something, Tuvok. I can assure you, if Rennika was responsible,
which I doubt, but if she was, I wouldn't hesitate to tell you. You know that, don't you?
Of course, Commander, Tuvok replied.
Good. Chakotay stepped through the door onto the bridge, Tuvok walking past
him to his post.
B'Elanna, Chakotay called. She glanced over at him from the engineering
station and he waved her over.
As soon as she reached him, he gestured towards the readyroom. Let's talk.
Part VI
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