Disclaimer:
This story is based in the "Star Trek" universe. The use of anything related to "Star Trek" in this series is not intended to infringe upon the rights of Paramount Pictures,. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.
All other content or otherwise are works of my own imagination. All events are fictitious in nature.
Any similarities to persons living, dead, or otherwise are purely coincidental.
This story contains strong themes of homosexual content, if this offends you in any way, please refrain from reading further. If you are not of legal age to read this, please leave now.
Ok as well before we start this is based on the series Star Trek Voyager but with a twist from the original story line and I hope you like it.
Chapter 9: The lesson becomes reality
When the photon torpedo struck the forward Shields, I couldn't help sigh louder than I had all day." That's the 7th torpedo that has hit us. Would someone please give me a status report?" I said in an angry town." Forward Shields at 24% aft Shields at 41%." The cadet at tactical told me." Now we're talking. So what's the plan?" I asked." We should initiate evasive pattern Delta 9. And when we swing back around target, their dorsal region and take out their power grid." Said the cadet at the helm." And once we have disabled their power grid to take out their engines and they can't follow us." The Cadet at OPS told me." Okay, then we can try it your way." I said looking over at Tom and my other seniors officers who were observing the lesson." Helm evasive pattern Delta 9 tactical target that also power grid target phaser and open fire when we are in range." I ordered." Yes, Admiral." They all said in Unison. I had to give the cadet at Khan his dues, he executed a Perfect evasive sequence. It took a while for the cadet tactical to lock target and even when he did fire he hit the wrong region. Three more enemy torpedoes hitters, and it wasn't long before the whole breach alarm sounded with conduits venting and the bridge in pieces." Computer reset programme." I said as the bridge returned to normal standard." Congratulations cadets, you have just killed the deputy commander in chief of Starfleet." Tom said, clapping his hands." So what went wrong?" I asked standing up and looking at Them all." Well, if jeens Hadn't missed the target. We would still be fighting now or even at warp by now." Connect Taylor told Me." Me.!! If you hadn't taken a running dive to come out of a crap evasive sequence? Then I might have got a shot off." Jeans shouted." Cadet Brady, would you like to add anything." I asked." In fairness, Sir. This whole thing was a waste of time." He said in his British accent." Oh, really, and Why is that?" I asked looking at him." Well, these two can't agree on anything. I, on the other hand, did everything I could to ensure this mission went well." He said." Oh that's it just....." Jeans said. I held out my hand to stop him. With my eyes locked on Brady, I've faced him and spoke." Oh, you did everything did you? Does that mean that I am a mind reader? Then what did you forget that it's an OPS officers duty to report key facts about an ongoing battle? Shield starts maybe? How about the fact that we had just lost the driver coil assembly in the starboard nacelle? So even if we had tried to go to warp, we wouldn't have got anywhere." I told him." Sir, with all due respect, I'm a warp field specialist, not an operations officer." He said his cockiness so brazen." Really cadet. So when this ship you're standing on was at war with the Borg and species 8472. And Harry Kim was fighting for his life. Who do you think took over the station? This ship chief engineer that would be me." Shouted B'Elanna. "I understand Sir, but with all due respect, you are a senior officer. I am a first year cadet." Brady replied." You just have an answer for everything, don't you? Be glad you weren't on my engineering detail." B'Elanna Said" all right. Cadets release your stations to the senior officers and watch what should have happened." I said the cadets stood up and walked away as my Tom took the helm. Torres took OPS. Just to show Brady. And Mr. Paris took tactical." Computer begin simulation." I said as I sat in the command chair." Sir Kazon on radar is approaching weapons Powered" B'Elanna told me." Battle stations Shields up power weapons." I said the enemy opened fire with two torpedoes hitting us." Shields at 90%." B'Elanna told me." Options." I asked." We initiate evasive pattern Omega 5 and go into freefall." Tom said from the helm." I can target their weapons and engines with photon torpedoes and phases and disable them." Paris said." I'll continue to monitor ship systems." Torre said." Okay folks, then let's go." I ordered. My staff did me proud and within minutes the Raider was disabled and down for the count." Enemy disabled Admiral." Torres told me." Take us to warp helm. Stand down red alert." I said the bridge returned to normal as we took off to warp." Computer end programme." I said as the bridge disappeared and was replaced by a hologram. " So safe to say that was textbook. So here's why, expect. Get back together. Practise, practise, practise. And I will be back to review in three days time. In the mean time, you were all dismissed. Cadet Brady. My office at the end of the day." I ordered to the group of cadets who were looking at me." Dismissed." Or I said, as they all turned and walked out of the holodeck."" That Brady is a rare one, and so argumentative and so full of himself." B'Elanna said to me. Remind me of what Chakotay used to tell me about a certain Klingon Cadet who is his chief engineer on a training mission to Vega 5?" I replied. She smiled at me before going towards the door." Well, I'm not the one who argued with his future captain over first contact procedures" She said."" That's low." I said as we giggled and left the Academy.
After leaving the cadets with the idea of how truly shocking that simulation went and with no other classes for me to teach, I returned to Starfleet Command. As I entered the command centre, I spotted Tuvok. Who was leaving Kathryn's side office making his way for the exit. I assumed my position at the centre control station. From this round table I can control any system within Starfleet. Normally reserved for the duty officer, it was customary. That whenever myself or Kathryn were in the command centre, we take up our positions around the table. I looked down at the control screen. Cheque some status reports. Now in my 7th month of being pregnant and with Janeway not far behind Me. we were beginning to make preparations. For both of our temporary departures, once the babies arrived. I was taking a month out of duty with Tom. And Janeway was taking two months. Tom and I had already hired a nanny to look after the children. Once we returned to work. And from what Kathryn. had mentioned. Shane Kathryn. fiancé. That persuaded his mother to look after their little 1. I had told. Kathryn. To take longer, but she was reluctant to since we were a stalemate position with the Xindi. There had been a few skirmishes lately, but nothing major. And Kathryn. Was taking over. No chances and didn't want to be away for too long. My mother was taking over for one month as the temporary commander in chief. However, it was understood that if a major incident occurred both myself. And Kathryn. Would return to duty. Ask for my name. Thomas rolls at Starfleet security. Admiral Paris had agreed to look after my Department with commander daily and Commander Mears. They would be doing the day-to-day stuff. I'm briefing the Admiral every morning. This made sense as I had been mine on Toms attaches. For the last five years, and they knew just as much about what was happening at Starfleet security as we did. We would have left them in charge permanently, but there were one or two things that required an Admiral to be around, especially when it came to the joint missions between Starfleet security and the covert operations team at Starfleet Intelligence. There was a steady stream of reports showing up on the screen, many of which I could sign off and send up to Starfleet information for correct filing and downloads. I did this for a good hour before Kathryn. Emerged from her office." Afternoon Jack how are we looking?" She asked as she approached." Looking good, steady really. We have a download scheduled in 20 minutes from the full circle fleet. According to Seven of nine, she has found the inhabitants of the 37s Colony prospering Apparently, Amelia Earhart has been asking after you." I explained as we both thought back to the day we first landed Voyager and encountered settlers that were ancestors of people kidnapped from Earth in 1937." Really. I must try To find time to go and visit them. I also need a good catch up with NEELIX. He is our ambassador to the Delta quadrant after all." She said as she looked down at her own baby bump." Neelix would be thrilled to know you were having a baby." I said" Can you imagine if it happened on Voyager? He would have Being around me no end. Just like he was with you." She said. I laughed at her reaction." Says Pardon the Interruption, but we have receiving a Coded signal from the relay station at the Beta Delta Terminus." Said the officer at communications." Must be the download. Route it here." I said" so. It's not the download, it's an active life com. It's asking me for Alpha. 12 clearance. To even access the message." He told me. I looked at Kathryn. With a worried look. Alpha 12 required both a command code to open something." Route it to my office." I said" Belay that. Make it mine. That's closer." Kathryn. Said as she and I walked over to her office. Computer sealed the doors." She said as the doors closed. Taking her seat while I Sat on the opposite side. She turned her monitor around so we could both see it. The screen read. Enter access codes. " Authorization Janeway Pi 110." Said Kathryn." Authorization Carter Alpha 976." I said" security verification complete." The computer verified." Admiral Janeway, Admiral Carter." The screen had changed to the com channel. And we were now looking at a Starfleet commander, disabled and panicked." Commander Navarre what's happened?" I asked." So red alert. The fleet has been boarded and the crews imprisoned." She told us." What? How did this happen?" I asked." A race we made contact with yesterday. They invited us to their planet. Captain Hanson went down for dinner with their first minister. We lost contact with her just as a fleet of their warships attacked us. I took this shuttle as they began to board us."" She explained." Commander who was this race?" Kathryn. Asked." They called themselves the Briori Confederate." She told us." The Briori" Kathryn repeated. " You know them." The commander asked." Not directly. What's your situation?" Kathryn asked." They are demanding that the military leader of the United Federation of planets meet them to declare our surrender from their territory." She told us." Understood try to maintain your position." Kathryn said." Admiral, you don't understand. They want the colony where the 37s are back." Navarre told Us." That's 2 million people to relocate." She added." Christ." I exclaimed" leave it with us. Commander will be with you within 24 hours. Where are our ships and people right now?" I asked." Still in orbit of their home planet. The crews are currently being held in multiple prison complexes in the Southern Hemisphere." The commander explained." That's another 4000 people, Kathryn." I said" noted. Commander prepare for our arrival. We will be less than 24 hours. In the meantime, stay out of Sight." Kathryn said she Ended. the communication. She stood up and turned to lookout, her window at the Bay below. People going about their daily business. I got up and went over to the Replicator and got us both some coffee." Decaf." She asked, as I handed her a Cup." Now we are allowed little perks in the 3rd trimester." I replied as she smiled." 2 million people, Jack. That's 30,000 ships needed to move that many people and get them back to the Alpha Quadrant. Not to mention the rescue and we capture of our ships and crews. It would take all of our resources to sort this." Kathryn said." We couldn't do it. But we can't just abandon these people. Regardless of where they were born, that colony On the residence. Ah, people of Earth. And technically, citizens of the United Federation of planets." I said" So what do we do?" She asked." Well, you did say you wanted to catch up with Neelix. Maybe we should head to the Delta quadrant and meet the Briori. Hear what they have to say. Try first contact properly and come to an arrangement." I told her." Prep Voyager get the senior staff. We're going." She said. I smiled." Yes, ma'am." I replied as I turned and walked out of her office.
As I strolled into my office. Sat in his spot was command daily doing his usual bang up job." Hi Thomas. Can you cancel everything for the rest of this week and convey my apologies to Captain Sisko that I can't visit DS9Also advise the Security Council. We will have to reschedule. You also need to save my classes can be covered and then contact my cadets from this morning and rearrange for next Friday. Close you will need to contact the president and let her know that Kathryn and I are going off world. Coordinate with Ensign Deacon for her diary. Tom will be taking a trip with us, so speak to Chris about his diary as well. I think that covers everything." I told him as he scribbled it all down On a Pad." Lastly. Contact captains Kim, Paris and Torres. And also the doctor. And put them through to my office. I also need you to ask Tom to come and see me." I said again." On it. Plus Admiral, you have a visitor waiting." He said, nodding his head to my waiting area. I turned to see Cadet, Brady, waiting." Oh cadet, I forgot about you. Come in and we can talk." I said as I headed into my office. I went to the Replicator and got myself a coffee before sitting at my desk. Brady continued to stand." Sit down cadet." I said" thank you, Sir." He replied as he sat down." So cadet. I walked field specialist who was hoping to make chief engineer on a Starship by age 25. But also doesn't think that the OP's position is anything to do with him." I said sternly." Sorry about earlier, I wanted to apologize about that. I've had time to think it over and hearing what captain Torres said I want to be the best I can be I've had time to think it over and hearing what captain Torres said. I want to be the best I can be. At the time I was dealing with other issues of my own that I shouldn't have brought with me to class. So I apologize, and next time I'll be at the top of my game." He explained." You're damn right, you will be. I see something in you, Cameron. In fact it was Captain Torres who mentioned that you are a lot like I was when I was a cadet and Admiral. Janeway was the first to agree. I know you will make a damn good engineer and I know that...." I said before I was cut off." Admiral, I have the four-way communication ready for you." Thomas said over the intercom."" Hold that thought." I said to Brady." Put them through." I said the screen in front of me changed. And there I was looking at Harry. B'Elanna Paris and the doctor." Ladies and gents we have a situation with the full circle fleet. A full briefing will be made to you on route pack for Voyager. Cancel everything you have been requested by Admiral Janeway. On that out, Captain Kim. Admiral Janeway will be taking command of Voyager. We ready and on board in one hour. Carter out." I said as I ended the com." Sorry Cameron. Listen, just work hard and be ready for the retest when I return." I said to turning my attention back To Cadet Brady." So I'd like to make a request if I may." He said." Make it quick." I said as I turned off my console." This mission. It's obviously going to the Delta Quadrant. I haven't yet been given my placement for my field observation class. I'd like to come with you." He said. I looked at him." This could be a dangerous mission. I can't do it, I'm sorry." I said" Sir, please, I'm prepared to take the risk." He said." Cadet I....." I started to say before I remembered what B'Elanna had said to me. She reminded me about me arguing with Kathryn. Over first contact procedures. And now here he was doing the same with me." Be packed. on board Voyager in one hour." I said he smiled." Thank you Sir." He said getting up." Dismissed cadet." I said as he left. I wrote up his temporary transfer orders as quick as I could just as tom Walked in. " Hi babe, I got a message you wanted to see Me." He said." Pack a bag. We're going on a mission." I told him." Babe?!" he said. I quickly filled him in on what commander Navarre Had told us." OK, look babe. You're Seven months pregnant. So is Kathryn. Is this safe?" He asked." It's not open for debate Tom. Get ready to leave." I said as I submitted Brady's transfer orders." Janeway to Carter are we set?" Came Kathryn. Voice." Yes, I'm wrong. Voyager is in orbit standing by and the senior staff are on route. Plus we're having a guest with us." I said" would this guest be your argumentative young mentee?" She asked." Oh yes, ma'am." I replied." See you on board Janeway out." She said as the comm clicked off.
An hour later, after Kathryn. Had briefed my father, who was taking over from her. We found ourselves on board Voyager. After setting up quarters, I sent my mother a message explaining our situation, asking her to look after Emma and Matthew. Once she responded, we set off up to the bridge where we run into the other senior staff and Cadet, Brady." Ready for this cadet." Kathryn asked." Yes, ma'am." He replied, smiling." I assume you have completed hand hand combat training and how to use a phaser, right?" She asked him." Of course." He said slightly more worried." Good." She said as we exited the Turbulent and onto the bridge." Admiral on the bridge." Paris announced as Harry and his senior staff rose." Captain Kim, good to see you again." Kathryn said." Likewise Admiral." He said, smiling. She nodded, giving him the signal." Senior officers, please release your stations. You're all relieved." He stated as his senior officers rose from their stations." You are to report to your Department Or to security that includes you Commander." He said signalling his first officer." Actually, commander Lee. I'd like you back down on Earth." Kathryn said. "Of course, ma'am." He said." If we fail, Admiral Carter senior has orders for you." She told him." Understood." He replied as he left the bridge." Now, Mr. Kim, we have something official to do before we depart." Kathryn said." Of course. Computer transfer all command codes to Admiral Kathryn Janeway Authorization Kim Kappa, 9, two Omega." Kim said aloud." Command code transfer complete USS Voyager. Now under the command of Admiral Kathryn Janeway." The computer confirmed." Very good Mr Paris. Take the helm, Mr Kim. Assume OPS. Mr Walker assumed tactical mysteries engineering station cadet Brady Auxiliary Engineering Station." She said pointing to the consoles above the command chair." Cadet Brady is on his field observation class, so give him as much information for his report as he needs cadet. Be sure you are taking notes." I explained." Aye, Sir." He nodded. After advising all hands that B'Elanna was now chief engineer. Tom was now chief of security and tactical, and that Kathryn was in command with me as first officer. We finally took our seats. The Doctor was, of course, keeping a close eye on both myself and Kathryn. But for now, he organized sick Bay." Mr Paris go into the astrometric data files and pull up the coordinates for the planet where we found Amelia Earhart." Kathryn said." Aye, Sir." He said working away. " B'Elanna standby to engage the slipstream drive." Janeway said." I have the coordinates." Paris confirmed." Slipstream drive ready." Torres told us." All hands stand by for a jump to slipstream." I said over the com." Mr. Paris set a course for their planet and take us to slipstream." Kathryn ordered. We all watched as the ship took off and soon we were in the slipstream corridor." Senior staff time to brief you all you to cadet." Kathryn, set as we all stood and headed for the conference room as the relief crew took over.
As we all sat around the conference table, Kathryn and I had just finished explaining our situation to the rest of the crew." Thought." Kathryn said " Why after 400 years have the Briori decided now is the best time to return?" B'Elanna asked." That's one of the many questions to ask. And it's one that I intend to get to the bottom of when we get there." I replied." Have they given any hint of a Time frame." Paris asked." We haven't heard anything, but we are currently thinking that they want the planet. Evacuated as quickly as possible." I said" by our estimates we're going to need 30,000 transports to fulfil this evacuation. And of course we don't have anywhere near that amount of transports available." I added." So how on Earth do we expect to evacuate that many people?" Brady asked." Good question cadet. We haven't a clue is our honest answer. But Harry B'Elanna I'd like you to both begin thinking of ways that we could possibly begin an immediate planet wide evacuation. I'm sure the young cadet will be wanting to get involved." I said" in the meantime, let's prepare for the worst. Dismissed." Kathryn said as everyone rose and returned to their stations. I looked to her who was now looking out the window at the bright blue Slipstream corridor." It's nice to be back on board." She said." If only it were under better circumstances." I added." Ah Yes, Jack. But my dear, these circumstances are the ones I Excel at." She said. I smiled as we left to the conference room.
" We are about 130 light years out." Harry said." Admiral Janeway to the bridge please." I said as I moved over to the first officer seat. Kathryn emerged from the ready room and made her way over to her seat." Mr. Kim." She said." 70 light years And closing." He confirmed." Hurry, Tom. Coordinate." I said" understood Mr Paris 27 light years and closing." He said." Slipstream shut down in 20 seconds by my account." Paris said."" Confirmed." Torres said." Let's make it happen." Kathryn said with confidence. We all sat and watched as we exited the slipstream corridor." Right on target" Kim confirmed." What's our position?" Kathryn Asked." Approximately 2 light years from the planet." Paris told us." Set a course for the planet warp 9." I said Paris took us to warp and it wasn't long before we were entering orbit. Harry scan the area. Any other ships in the region?" I said" nothing so far." He told us." Continual scans Mr Kim. Mr Walker, any sign of our shuttle." Kathryn asked." Yes Sir, it's landed on the Surface 2 kilometres outside the biggest city." Tom told us." That must be the capital. Hail Commander Navarre." KTHRYN Ordered. He worked The controls." No response." He told us." We've got to go down there." Kathryn said." Admiral, Please remember we can't transport through the Trinimbik Interference." B'Elanna told us." Of course, we're going to have to land the ship." KTHRYN Said I saw Paris smile." Captain. I think I should tell you, I've never actually landed a Starship before." He said echoing his words from 15 years ago." That's all right Lieutenant. Neither have I. But something tells me you will be a natural." Kathryn said also smiling. The bridge crew chuckled to ourselves, all except Brady, who had a look of pure confusion on his face." Don't panic Cameron, just A touch of nostalgia." I said" oh OK, I was beginning to think people had forgotten their ranks." He said, causing me to Laugh. Kathryn smiled as she tapped her combadge" Bridge to engineering. We're going to land the ship Kyle. Take the Warp core offline. Vent all plasma from the Nacelles and standby to commence landing sequence." She said." Acknowledged Admiral." Kyle replied." Code blue." I ordered." This is Captain Walker to all decks. We are preparing to land the ship. Go to blue alert and report to cold blue stations." He said over there, calm as the alert began to pulse blue." Landing struts online. Inertial dampeners at maximum." Mr. Paris confirmed." Dissent vector plotted landing site acquired." Tom confirmed." Put it down Mr Paris." Kathryn said as we both sat down. He did just that over the next few minutes, he piloted the ship into the atmosphere and executed a perfect textbook landing." Disengaging engines securing thruster exhaust. We are down." He finally said as all systems were Secured" Jack Brady. Doctor you're with Maine. Mr Kim. You can have your chair back for awhile." Kathryn set. We all stood up and headed for the Armoury before heading down to the planet surface
materializing in the centre of town, we were immediately greeted by a welcoming party pointing weapons at us. I immediately drew my phaser as did Kathryn." Put your weapons down. They are our guests." Came a familiar voice. Emerging from the crowd stood Amelia Earhart and several others that we recognized from our previous visit to the planet." Chancellor, my apologies. We were not aware they were due to arrive." The security officer said." Away with you all." Amelia ordered." Captain Janeway welcome back to New Earth." She said." Amelia, so wonderful to see you again." Kathryn. Said as they embraced." Lieutenant Carter welcome back. Doctor lovely to see you again." She said as we shook hands." And I'm afraid I don't know you." She said to Cadet Brady." This is cadet Cameron Brady of Starfleet Academy. He's here on a field study." I explained." Welcome." She said shaking his hand." Chancellor, I should clear something up. I'm no longer captain Janeway. I'm now Admiral Janeway, Commander, in chief of Starfleet. Jack is my deputy. Admiral Carter also runs Starfleet security and tactical." She explained." Of course, commander Navarre explained you made it back to Earth." Amelia said." Yes we did." Kathryn told her smiling." Well, I guess we should update you on what's happening here. I'm in my 9th year as chancellor. We named the planet new earth and expanded. Our population has grown dramatically." She told us." And now the Briori want to take that away from us. When Captain Hanson told us she went off to rectify things and then they got attacked, we have no way to defend ourselves here like you do. So therefore I formally request your help." Amelia added." That's why we are here. The Briori have requested that the leader of Starfleet come to negotiate." I explained." OK, What Is there anything I can do to help?" Amelia asked." What I first priority is we need to speak to commander Navarre and get her report. And then we moved to meet with the Briori. It might be wise if you come with us to the meeting with the Briori so that you can have your say in the negotiations." Kathryn said." We have a dedicated ambassador to the Delta Quadrant. And we would like him to call oversee the negotiations with us." I added." Of course. I'll be only too happy to accompany you." Amelia said. Kathryn turned to me." Jack head back to Voyager. Go and get Neelix. Cadet, Brady doctor. You can stay with me while I debriefed the commander." Kathryn told me." Aye Sir, stay safe." I said" Don't worry, she will be perfectly fine with us. So I see you're expecting would this be with that handsome first officer of yours?" Amelia asked as they walked away. I chuckled as I tapped my combadge." Carter to Voyager, one to beam up." I said as I dematerialized.
" Mr. Paris prepared to initiate the ascent sequence." I said as I strolled onto the bridge." Admiral." He questioned." Where's Admiral Janeway?" Harry asked." She's staying here to debrief the commander. We're going to get Neelix." I explained." Will she be OK down there?" Tom asked." She will be fine. Besides it won't take long to get Neelix." I explained." I've already got the coordinates for the asteroid." Paris said." Then let's get going. The quicker we get there, the quicker we get back." I ordered." I Sir. Inertial dampers at flight configuration. Antigraft thrusters engaged. We are ready to lift off." Paris said." Make it so." I ordered as I sat down in the command It didn't take us long before we were back in orbit and ready to get going." Mr Kim, how long will it take for us to get to Neelix?" I asked." 3 hours." He replied." Mr Paris." I said" slipstream drive ready." He said." Engage when ready." I said as we took off. I picked up a pod and made out the ships log. I notice Harry and B'Elanna head away to work on a plan to get the colonists off the planet if we ever needed it. After I finished making out the log, I stood up and headed to the tactical station." Fancy some lunch." I asked Tom." Sure babe, not much else going on." He replied. I smiled as we headed for the Turbolift." Mr Paris, Tom and I are heading for lunch. Think you can manage here." I asked." Pretty sure I'll be fine with just going in a straight line." He replied, grinning." Then Mr. Paris, the bridge is yours." I said as Tom and I entered the Turbolift." Deck 3" I called out as the Turbolift sprang into action. Tom put his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him he gently kissed me." Hey you." I said once we broke the Kiss." So nice to be back in space." He said." I couldn't agree with you more." I replied kissing him again. As the Turbolift began to slow down, we pulled apart, straightened ourselves up and headed out. The doors to the Mess Hall opened and Tom got us some food from the Replicator and some coffee. As I sat down at a table." Thanks babe." I said as we as he sat down with the food. We chatted whilst we ate and spoke about Matt and Emma. As we finished, Tom got up and put the plates back in the Replicator." Want anything else." He asked me." Baby, I really need some cake, something lemon. Oh, and something chocolate." I said even in my 3rd trimester I was still getting Cravings. He brought me back a chocolate cake with lemon frosting and lemon cream filling. I took a bite from it and it was lush." Oh, I do love you." I said as I kissed him." You taste like lemon and chocolate." He said, smiling." Torres to Carter." Came Bellana voice over the com. I tapped my combadge." Go ahead." I said" could you come to the astrometric lab? Harry and I have something." She said." I'm on my way." I said." Head back to the bridge. Let Mr Paris grab some lunch." I told Tom." No problem, see you later." He said as I left. I rode the Turbolift down to Dec 8 and entered the Astrometric Lab where I found B'Elanna and Harry working away." What have you got?" I asked." Well, Harry and I have been trying to find a way to evacuate the colonists after what the Admiral requested. We threw some Ideas around? But none of those worked. Then we went back to something that cadet Brady suggested about using the slipstream gate in the Alpha Quadrant. But we Dismissed it at the time. This is because the gate in the Delta quadrant is too far away to move here." Torres told Me." So where do we stand now?" I asked." Well, we went back to it. We could open the gate in the Alpha quadrant and use Voyager's navigational deflector. As a gate here and connected to the Alpha quadrant to form a corridor." Harry, Said." Then all Voyager needs to do is transport the colonists off the planet from here and back to the Alpha quadrant via the corridor. With a few well placed beacons in the corridor that a shuttle at both ends can place, they can link to create pattern enhancers with quantum beacons to allow them to lock on. It would take about 3 days of continuous transport, but we could do it." He added." I like it. However, I must say I have found one flaw in your plan." I said" what's that?" He asked, getting defensive." We can't transport through the Planets atmosphere." I said." We thought of that. We can place pattern enhancers in specific areas in the cities so that we can get a lock." Torres told Me." OK, I like it. How long will this take to set up?" I asked." Around a day as we need to communicate with my team at Starfleet research and development to make the changes to the gate in the Alpha quadrant and then to make the changes to voyagers, deflector plus deploy the pattern enhancers and the beacons." Torres told Me." Very well make all the preparations and I'll brief the Admiral when she returns."" I said" aye, Sir." Harry said." Bridge to Admiral Carter." Came Tom's voice." Go ahead." I replied." Approaching the asteroid field." He told me." On our way." I said as Harry Torres and I left the lab and headed for the bridge.
" Time to intercept." I said as I walked onto the bridge."2 minutes to the asteroid." Paris said. I looked at the view screen to see what we had come out of. Slipstream, and we're nearing the asteroid field." Jack, we're being hailed. It's the Talaxians." Harry said." On screen." I said the view screen changed and there appeared a younger Talaxians man." Good day to you. Welcome to the new talax asteroid field. My name is Brax, how can we help you?" He said to us." This is Admiral Jack Carter of the Federation Starship Voyager. I'm here to see Ambassador Neelix." I said" Voyager. I remember you from when I was a child. Good to see you again." He said, smiling." You too." I replied with an equal smile." Is Neelix around as we have very little time?" I said" sure, standby." He said. Minutes later we were reunited with our former morale officer." Jack Jack Carter is that you?" Said NeelixTime had been good to him. He had hardly aged." Neelix we need you to come on board." I told him." Of course I'll wait for your shuttle." He said." No need we can transport you." I said" then beam away." He said, smiling." Stand by." I said" Tom head to Transporter Room one and welcome the ambassador on board." I ordered." My pleasure." He said leaving the bridge." Mr Neelix prepare for transport." I said as the channel ended. A few moments later, and the bouncing Talaxians came wandering onto the bridge." Welcome aboard ambassador." I said giving him a hug." Jack, it's so wonderful to see you again. I've been in regular contact with Seven, so I know all about your promotion and Admiral Jane way's. Is she here?" He asked." In a way. Neelix, we need your skills as the Delta quadrant ambassador. We need you to come with us." I said" of course lead on." He said." Mr Paris take us back to the planet, engage slipstream when ready." I ordered." Yes, Admiral." He replied as he maneuverer the ship and took us back into the slipstream corridor." So Jack what's happening that you need me for?" Neelix asked." For that, I think I should brief you and bring you up to speed." I said as I led him to the conference room.
It took me a little under 45 minutes to explain everything that had happened and answered Neelix his questions." But it's nice to be back on Voyager and able to help." He said." Actually, Neelix, you've never been on this ship. This is Voyager A." I said" what happened." He asked." The Old Voyager was severely damaged. She was decommissioned two months ago." I told him." Oh well, I better get settled in. Where are my quarters?" He asked." We have you assigned to deck 10 the VIP quarters." I said" thank you, Jack." He said as he took his time and left." Mr. Neelix take your time to settle in. We won't arrive for another 3 hours." I told him. He nodded as he left. I walked back onto the bridge. When Harry and B'Elanna summoned me. " What have we got?" I asked." Whilst we were with the Talaxians, we contacted Starfleet. The research and development team are going to make the changes to the gate for us in preparation. This should cut down the time we need to spend preparing. I also have a team getting ready the pattern enhancers and quantum beacons. So all we need is 2 hours to modify the deflector. However, we can't do that whilst we're at Slipstream velocity." B'Elanna told Me." Excellent, once we land back on New Earth, start the modifications." I ordered." Aye, Sir." They replied." Mr Paris, what's our ETA?" I asked." 2 hours 15 minutes to destination." He replied." Maintain course." I said as I sat in the command chair." Which to engineering and sure we are ready for landing when we drop out of slipstream." I ordered." We'll be ready, Admiral." Karl applied." Good work commander Carter out." I said as I sat back waiting to get back to Kathryn.
"Approaching the planet Admiral." Tom Told me." Prepare for landing." I said" landing struts online inertial dampeners at maximum." Paris told me. All stations to blue alert." Tom said over the com." Set US down Mr Paris." I ordered. I watched as he skilfully piloted Voyager through the atmosphere and settles down onto the planet surface." All stations secure from landing." I said" Janeway to Voyager" came Kathryn voice." Go ahead, Admiral." I said" glad to have you back, Jack. Did you pick up the ambassador?" She asked." Yes, ma'am. He's on board." I replied." Very good. Well, we have made a few developments here. I'm on my way back to the ship with Chancellor, Gerhard and Commander Nivar. Be prepared to lift off. Convener meeting at the senior staff. We're going to face the Briori" she said." Understood Admiral see you soon." I said as the Channel closed. It didn't take long for the commander, Admiral, and Chancellor to arrive back on the ship at along with the rest of the away team." Welcome aboard chancellor." I said I spotted cadet Brady. Assume his post." Senior officers to the conference room." Kathryn said aloud. We all followed her into the conference room where we sat down at the table. Closely followed by Chancellor Earhart and Commander Nivar." Cameron" I said to Cadet Brady. He rushed down and entered the conference room With me." Thanks to Commander Nivar. We have the coordinates for the Briori Home world. We will head there at maximum warp. I want this Ship armed and ready for combat, just in case they want to fight. I will head down to the planet along with Ambassador Neelix, Chancellor Earhart and Commander Navarre." Kathryn explained." I'd like you to consider taking a small security detachment with you." I said" negative. We go in peace." She replied." Harry, B'Elanna any success if we need to evacuate the planet?" She asked. I noticed Chancellor Earhart looked down at this. Clearly, she and Kathryn. Had spoken about this." Yes, ma'am." Harry said as he and B'Elanna went into detail about their plan." Excellent work, let's hope we won't have to use it." Kathryn told them." Mr. Paris, the commander will provide you with the coordinates. Once we are back in space, take us to maximum warp." She said." Yes, Sir." He replied." Then let's go to work dismissed." Kathryn said standing and leaving the room. I eventually stood and left the room. In the back of my head, all I could hear was Captain Sisko saying fortune favours the bold. I just hoped he was right.
Once we were back in space and at high Warp Kathryn and I sat down to dinner and discussed our options. I voiced my concerns again about her going down unarmed, but as usual, she had the last word on the matter. The crew were working hard to make sure the ship was ready for combat. It was moments like these that I had to remind myself that I'd faced much worse. And not to panic." Approaching Briar Prime Admiral." Harry announced." We're being scanned from the surface." He added." That's all right, Harry? Let them take a look." Kathryn Said" I'm detecting the Vestar and the rest of the fleet on the far side of the planet. Life signs indicate that they are Briori on board." Tom told us." I've located the crews of those ships on the planet surface. They're spread out over three encampments." Harry said." We're being hailed." He added." On screen." I said" This is Supreme Commander Toshack on the Briori Confederacy. Identify yourself." A Grey skinned man said. He had green eyes, dark hair, and Grey bumpy skin." This is Admiral Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. I am the commander in chief of Starfleet. We are here at your request to discuss the planet where a large group of our people are based. "She said." We are prepared to transport down to you to discuss this." She added." Very well we will send you transporter coordinates." Toshack said before he entered the Transmission." Away team. You're with me." Kathryn said as they took off and left the bridge. I looked around everyone else left on the bridge." Let's maintain a transporter lock on the away team. Let's not forget who It is we are beaming down there." I said as I moved to sit in the captain's chair. When the away team checked in 20 minutes later to say they had been down safely, I began to relax only slightly. I didn't trust this situation. I had a bad feeling in the back of my head.
Over the next couple of hours I spent reviewing status reports and looking through Sensor Records. During our dinner. Kathryn and I had agreed that we would make no attempt to recover our ships or people by false and that she would negotiate for their release. For me, however, as a tactician, I was already formulating plans in my head. I was stuffed in the conference room working with cadet Brady on his report. When my earlier fears started to become a reality." Admiral To the bridge please." Came Harry's voice. I stood up with Brady and walked onto the bridge."" What is it?" I asked." Admiral, the away team is half hour over Due on reporting in." He told Me." Have you tried to raise them?" I asked." Yes, Sir, repeatedly, but so far no response." He replied, working his controls." Hail the planet." I ordered." Yes, Admiral." He said. The view screen changed." What do you want?" Set another male unfamiliar to the previous one." Who am I speaking with?" I asked." I am deputy Supreme Commander Nanaq." He said. Great my counterpart." This is Admiral Jack Carter, deputy commander in chief of Starfleet. We have been unable to raise our way team and I want to make sure that they are OK." I said" your people are currently detained. Following your Admiral Jane way's refusal to surrender the planet Unconditionally. She and your people are now being treated as criminals. If you are her deputy then you should leave as she will not be returned. Your ships will be seized earlier and now the property of the Briori Confederacy. Following a trial, your people will be executed. The crews of those ships will be executed and our planet will be taken back by force. You are ordered to leave here at once. If you do not leave or if you make any attempt to rescue them, then I will order the fleet of ships that you will no doubt detect in a few moments to tear your ship apart. Piece by piece, this is your only warning." He said. I looked to Tom who confirmed there was a fleet of ships approaching. "Nanaq, I don't respond well to threats. We came here to negotiate. If that is not possible, then we ask you to return our people to us. As for the planet, we will have it evacuated within four days. We will take back our Crews But I can't allow you to keep our starships, so we would ask that they are returned or we will destroy them. " There is no need for anymore bloodshed." I stated." No Admiral, we have made our position clear, leave or be destroyed. Those are your only options." Nanaq said as the channel was Closed." Just great." I said as I Exhaled." Jack, those chips are 8 minutes away. And they are approaching with weapons powered." Tom told me." 5 ships to be precise." B'Elanna added." Admiral, if those ships can overpower six of our ships, we don't stand a chance." Harry said." So you think we should leave? Well, my answer is no. Let's also bear in mind that of those six ships, only two are actually Battle capable in these circumstances." I told them." Admiral, if I may." Brady said." Go ahead, Cadet." I said "so I can get a lock on prisoners in two of the three Encampment for some reason, a scattering field has recently appeared over the third." He said." That must be where Admiral Janeway is." B'Elanna announced." Continue cadet." I said" I have identified that captain Hanson is one of the. People in these encampments. I can initiate a simultaneous transport from here. I can be in the prisoners out of the prisons whilst at the same time beam the Briori off the Vestar and the Jiwire." He said." Can this be done in one transport?" I asked." Yes Sir, I see where he is going with this. If you expand the targeting array and the pattern buffers to the absolute limit, it can work." B'Elanna said moving over to his console." Then what are we waiting for? Do it?" I ordered. Between them their fingers flew over the controls. Minutes later, Brady smiled." Transport successful, Sir." He said." Open a channel to the vesta and The Jiwire." I ordered. The view screen came to life and split as Seven of nine appeared on one side, and a Lieutenant appeared on another side." Admiral." Seven said." Are you OK?" I asked." Yes, Sir, what's going on?" She inquired." No time to explain. Do you have a command crew? Both of you?" I asked." Yes, Sir I can manage with who I have here." Seven said." We don't have an experienced captain here." The Lieutenant said." Understood, do you both have weapons and Shields?" I asked." Yes, Sir." They both confirmed." Brilliant go to red alert and moved to join Voyager. Lieutenant prepare for the arrival of your captain." I said" aye, Sir." He confirmed as the channels ended." Harry, head to the Jiwire." I said" yes, Sir." He replied as he left the bridge. B'Elanna went ahead for OPS, but I held up my hand." t Brady assume OPS?" I said" Jack Now might not be the best time for this." B'Elanna said sensing where I was going with this. " I disagree. Cadet." I asked." Yes, Sir." He said as he moved over to assume OPS. B'Elanna smiled to me." Red alert all hands to battle stations." I said as the bridge began to flash red and the klaxon sounded. Security came round issuing hand phaser. As Tom prepared our weapons and Shields. " Deploy armour" I said as I watched the deployers activate and cover the Hull." The Vestar and Jiwire have reported in they are ready." Brady told me. " Thank you, cadet." I said as I move to the centre of the bridge." All hands tactical alert secure your stations. All emergency bulkheads and prepared to engage the enemy." Stand by for my orders." I said
" 30 seconds to intercept." Paris announced." All ships lock a target fire. What you can then run like hell." I said. Impact. A torpedo had struck us. " And so it begins." Paris said. We were struck by several phaser volleys." armour integrity at 98%." Brady told Me." Target phaser And torpedoes at the lead ship. And open fire." I said I watched as the weapons fired and Voyager shook as battle ensued. In the words of the Klingons, today is a good day to die." Continuous fire all weapons." I said" again, Paris flew the ship between the others, as Tom continued to land hits. It wasn't long before we had destroyed two of their ships." Attack pattern Delta 9." I ordered." Tom continued to target it will. Let's do this, people." I ordered as the battle progressed." Armour at 47%." Brady told me. The Vestar is pulling back. She's just lost her phaser banks. "he added. " Advise them to return to our port quarter." I told him." Maintain fire." I ordered. Moments later, we destroy the third ship, swiftly followed by a fourth." Sir, aft armour has failed. Aft Shields at 77%" Brady told me. " The armour is depolarizing. We've lost armour." B'Elanna announced." Shields at 86%." Brady told me." Advise the other ships to move to position 27 and 4 6 by 371 and let initiate. Tactical spread Epsilon 3"I announced. The two ships moved to just above our ventral section. We moved in a dive formation." Fire." I bellowed as all three ships fired multiple torpedoes and destroyed the last two ships." We did it." Brady yelled." Calm down cadet. That's one phase down." I said" Paris take command. B'Elanna Tom with Me. Get Kyle on damage control. Security teams Alpha and Beta report to the Armoury." I said as we left the bridge. After a quick Armoury stop, we headed to the transporter room." Beam us to the command centre." I said to the operator." Yes, Sir." He said." Weapons. Let's end this." I said as we dematerialized. With hand phaser in hand.
As we rematerialized in the centre of their command centre. There was a flurry of people running around." Intruder alert" someone shouted." You" Nanaq said pointing a weapon at Me. " Fire that my husband and I will destroy you." Tom said." Surrender. It's over. Get Toshack here. Now we need to talk." I said forcefully." Commander, your presence is needed urgently." He said into a calm device on his arm. It didn't take long for Toshack to arrive." What are you doing here?" He asked me." I told you to destroy them." He said to his deputy." The tables have turned I'm afraid to shack. Your fleet is just up there. If you checked the two prisoners, you didn't put scattering fields over, you will find my people have been replaced with yours. I now have control of two of my ships and I want the other three back. In addition, I want Admiral Janeway, Chancellor Earhart, and commander nirvair released Along with the rest of my people. In exchange we will surrender the planet as requested Within one week from today. Failure for you to agree to my terms and my ship is in orbit loaded with transphasic torpedoes ready to destroy this building if I don't contact my ship." I balked. I stood there waiting for his response, hoping he didn't call my Bluff." Your proposal is acceptable." Said another male voice entering the room." Commander Toshack Deputy Commander. You are hereby relieved and I'm placing you under arrest." He said." Minister this is an outrage." They both said as they were placed in irons and dragged away by security forces." No commander, what is an outrage is you attempting a coup?" The Minister replied. He turned to me." Will you join me, Admiral, so that we can finalize his agreement?" The minister said, as we were led away.
2 hours later and a contract had been signed by all parties. Chancellor Earhart agreed to leave the planet within a week and Kathryn signed our part over to the Briori with an invitation to meet with United Federation of planets representatives to open diplomatic negotiations, which they readily accepted." Minister, it has been a pleasure." Kathryn said as she shook his hand." Apologies for our behaviour." He said." We all learn from our mistakes." Kathryn said. We soon departed and headed back for Voyager." Well Jack, you saved the day yet again." The Admiral said as we sat on the bridge traveling at high warp back to the planet. We would drop off Chancellor Earhart and then head back to Earth. Harry. Would return in a few days to do the evacuation. I smiled to Kathryn." What would you do without me?" I asked. She laughed." Lord knows." She said. She laughed at me again as we fell into a fit of giggles." All I can say Jack is I'm glad you're by my side." She said. However, just as quick as the smile had started, it ended as she suddenly stood up holding her belly." Oh Jack." She said as she stood up in a pool of water running down her leg." My waters have broken." She said almost crying." Cadet transporters to sickbay." I shouted. We quickly dematerialized and then reappeared in sickbay." Doctor." I exclaimed he came running out of his office whilst a nurse took one side of Kathryn and helped me to get her to the Surgical Bay. He Scanned her." Contractions are 17 minutes apart." He said." Jack, I'm afraid this won't be a quick process like yours." He told me as he gave her a hypospray." I'll contact you when there's further Development." He added. I looked at Kathryn." Good luck my friend. Just remember to breathe." I told her as she rested flat on her back." Thanks, Jack." She said as I turned and left.
Walking back onto the bridge, there was a sense of excitement in the air. Everyone underbridge knew Kathryn On a close personal level. We were all excited about the prospect of her having her first baby." Well, looks like it could be awhile." I said" where is she at?" B'Elanna asked" 3 centimetres dilated contractions are 17 minutes apart." I explained." Looks like we lost the bet." Tom said making me smile." Thank God Seven of nine is taking Neelix Home." I said" tell me about it. He would be all over sickbay right now." Paris said. We all chuckled. Was Neelix meant well he would be driving both Kathryn and the doctor crazy." Approaching the planet Admiral." Paris announced." Drop out of warp ¾ impulse on approach." I ordered." Bridge to Shuttlebay 2." I said over the com." Go ahead, Admiral." A voice replied." Is the Delta flyer ready for launch?" I asked." Yes Sir, the engineering crew equipment and Chancellor Earhart are all safely on board, ready for launch." The Voice replied. Instead of Voyager Landing again, it was decided that the shuttle would take Chancellor Earhart home with an engineering crew who would set up the transport enhancers ready to evacuate the planet. This made sense as we didn't have much time to complete the evacuation." Bridge to Delta flyer. You are cleared for launch." I said" acknowledged Admiral. See you soon." Came Lieutenant Henry's voice. We watched as the flyer was launched." Well, I guess it's time for us to head home. Mr Paris." I asked." Trajectory plotted course laid in for home." He told me." Then by all means, take us to slipstream." I ordered." Yes, Sir." He replied as the ship took off at slipstream velocity. In a few hours we would be home. All those few hours were relatively uneventful. Kathryn had only got to 7 centimetres dilated constructions. Now 8 minutes apart. So she was trying to be as comfortable as possible. I, on the other hand, was up to my eyeballs in reports and updates. Harry had told me to take the ready room, but I had opted for the conference room. Just as well really, as the desk was covered. I forgot how much paperwork came with commanding a Starship." Bridge To Carter." Came B'Elanna voice. " Go ahead." I replied." Jack, you better come out here." She said worry in her voice." I'm on my way." I said as I stood up and sensed danger. I walked onto the bridge with a sense of urgency." What is it? Is it the Admiral?" I asked panicked." No Sir, she is fine, its us." B'Elanna told me. " What about us?" I asked. She looked to Paris." I just tried to lay in our exit to directory and couldn't do it." He said." So try again." I said, still confused." I can't. As you know we need to use the gate in the Alpha quadrant as a fixed point to establish our exit directory. What time is saying is the gate is no longer there?" Torres told me. A look of dread appeared on my face." So what does this mean?" I asked." Can you get us out of slipstream without the gate using the old method?" I added." With Mr Kim's help, yes I can, but we may come up a little short of our target." Paris told me. " I don't care, do it." I ordered." Aye, Sir. Hurry using our current position relative to the centre of the Galaxy. Let's plot this exit vector." Paris said to him, as Harry joined him at the helm. Together, the two of them worked in Unison, and before long Paris turned to me." We've got it, Admiral." He said." How long before we exit?" I asked." 40 seconds." He replied." All hands standby to Disengage from slipstream." I said over the com. Together hurry and Paris worked, and we soon left the slipstream corridor." What's our position?" I asked." Five light years from Earth." Paris said." Good. Set a course for Earth. Maximum warp" I ordered." Jack, hold on. Take a look at this." Tom said as he pulled up a star chart on the view screen. I turned my attention to what he was saying." What is it Tom?" I asked. He marked two spots on the star chart." Here and here." He said, noting the two spots." This is where the pulsars are supposed to be in the corral system. And this is where the star is supposed to be in the molar system. But according to my scans, both are now inert and there seems to be no signs of the planets in those systems. It's almost as if they were destroyed." He explained." Confirmed. Gravitational eddies are present where the stars are supposed to be." Harry told me." Sickbay to bridge." Came the doctor's voice." What is it doctor?" I asked." The Admiral is ready to begin." He said." That's brilliant doctor, but I have a situation here, Bridger out." I said in a harsh tone." B'Elanna run a temporal scan. I need to know when we are." I said this didn't take her long before her face dropped." You are not going to like this." She said." Go on." I said" We are 30 years into the future." She told Me Everyone on the bridge gasped, looking fearful, worried and shocked. " Great, just great." I said as I sat down in the command Chair." Now what?" I asked them all.
To be continued....
been so long since my last upload but Feedback and comments welcome to leeteey2063@hotmail.com thanks for being patient with me and for keeping up with the story I am now back into writing after a few hectic months and more is on the way