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New Earth
As the tinted clouds drifted against the azure sky Kathryn Janeway, former Captain of the USS Voyager, lay on her back and studied the peaceful spectacle. As a scientist she was intrigued by the similarities between Earth, her birth planet, and New Earth, the world she and her past First Officer, Chakotay, had been stranded on months earlier. Class M planets were routinely encountered by Federation personnel. The most common theory, based on ancient Vulcan legends, held that an advanced civilization had populated many sections of the galaxy millions of year before, scattering flora, fauna and humanoids to germinate. The ecosystems of each world then caused the similar, yet unique, evolutions.
Scientific dissection of its origins did little to detract from the beauty of the New Earth sky and Janeway sighed, the splendid day derailing plans to catch up on her family history files. She sighed again, happy in the realization she'd finally learned to appreciate such distractions.
Over four months before, she and Chakotay had contracted a fatal disease from insect bites. What had possessed her to go swimming with him in that little lake while the rest of the away team had been collecting botanical samples on the dry side of the ridge? Their only hope for survival was to remain on the planet, where the native environment counterbalanced the poison in their systems. Thus, they remained exiled while their ship resumed its journey toward the Alpha Quadrant -- and home.
The first few weeks she'd been consumed with the obsession to find a cure, but upon reflection, she didn't know why she was so determined. Voyager would not come back, and they could hardly expect another Federation ship to stumble across them. Their shuttle would never have caught up to Voyager, and any such attempt in the small, helpless craft would have met with disaster. Her push to discover the cure must have been based on her innate need to never give up, to fight to the last. Paradise was nice, but not what she expected of herself as a starship captain.
Paradise, when forced upon someone, just wasn't as enticing as a utopia of one's own making. Starship captains before her knew this; it was standard history at the academy. The legendary James Kirk had said it best, "Man was not meant for paradise." And for weeks she had agreed. However, Kirk, in all his encounters, had never been stuck on Paradise without hope of rescue. She didn't have the option of ejecting herself from this Eden.
After her research equipment had been destroyed in a storm, she'd finally learned to appreciate the situation. No longer depressed at being 'shipwrecked,' she'd started to thrive on the challenge of their pioneer lifestyle. Chakotay had thrown himself full force into making a new life for them, taking over all the domestic duties of cooking, building comfortable furnishing, and constructing a wonderful, luxurious bathtub. He had turned every grim condition into a pleasure. In the weeks since the storm, she'd found a peace she had never known. Now she was beyond mere acceptance, she was actually happy to be here, and eager to see what kind of a life they could forge together.
She laughed at the way that thought made her feel. She'd felt a close bond to her First Officer. In the year and a half journey through the Delta Quadrant, Chakotay had made himself indispensable as a confidant, a command officer, and a supportive friend who truly understood the difficulties she was confronted with. Janeway had been careful not to let that relationship develop into anything more. As captain, she needed to be above shipboard romances, even though her emotions seemed to have a will of their own, and her regard for Chakotay turned into something far deeper than she could have imagined.
Even after their first weeks on the planet, she still could not let go of the command image, still resisted thinking of him as anything more than a friend. She was embarrassed to remember that night when she wanted to make rules and parameters for their relationship, and he responded by telling her an allegory of his love and commitment to her. That was when she stopped fighting and allowed herself to enjoy the fun of falling in love. Like Adam and Eve, they were the only ones in Eden, and mathematically, the eventual solution to the equation was obvious. Emotionally, the equations dissolved in the sweetness of the love they were discovering.
She rolled over on her stomach and fingered the PADD brought with her for the purpose of research. Punching in the files she wanted, the data never registered as her mind drifted back to thoughts of her companion in paradise. By nature, she needed to take this new angle of their relationship in measured strides. They would be here a long time together, and there was no reason to rush things. Through their long walks, their evenings under the stars, their talk of the future, they were building the foundation of their life.
The PADD blipped and she blinked at the data, forcing herself to focus on the file. During their sojourn in Delta Quadrant, she had ignored some of her mail discs, deeming them redundant. Now that there was an abundance of time on her hands, she was sorting through some of the things she had brought with her but never read. Among the discs were the last newsletters she would receive for some time from her extended family on her mother's side. The genealogy was traced through several centuries back, and she always enjoyed the fun gossip and history sent out on a quarterly basis. Due to the distances involved in Starfleet service, her issues were always late and sometimes she allowed them to accumulate for most of a year before taking time to read them. She had set aside this morning to peruse the latest adventures of her distant cousins.
The material was light reading and she'd gotten through two and a half before she caught her breath at the title of a lengthy article from one of the Steele cousins. The story traced the legend of the Wolf Claw Medallion; a supernatural emblem and chain purported to have cured a distant family member from a werewolf curse. It was an old tale, stretching back centuries. Being from the Steele side of the lineage, she knew the story well.
She read the article several times, picking up little tidbits she'd forgotten, or had been left out of the verbal retellings. The bibliographic footnotes included a book by Professor Ian Matheson, a famous historical reference standard on the supernatural. Scanning through her library, she was disappointed the book was not contained there. She knew she had run across it before. Perhaps back at the habitat. Now on a quest, she gathered up her things.
Even before she saw the gray shelter in the clearing, she could smell the delectable scent of cooking food. The warm breeze carried it through the trees and when she reached the clearing she stopped, pausing to savor the aroma and the comforting sight of home. Chakotay's hard work was indelibly stamped on everything -- the artistic touches inside, the bathtub and the log cabin visible beyond the prefab building were all refinements that made their new planet a utopia. She'd been wrong in the beginning. Paradise had not been thrust upon them, they -- Chakotay -- had worked to make it a reality, for both of them. It was his gift to her; his gift of commitment and love. What more could there be to life?
Almost perfect, she sighed to herself. Except for the cloud of smoke suddenly billowing out of the open door.
During her idyllic daydream, the pleasant aroma had turned odorous. A muffled curse from inside was followed by the crash of something metallic. Her laughter could not be stifled, and she covered her mouth for fear of alerting her companion to her observation of the disaster. A moment later an irritated Chakotay emerged and drew in fresh breaths of clean air. He stopped in mid-breath when he saw her. His expression changed to chagrin, then slowly a smile spread on his face. Kathryn closed the distance between them.
"I'm sorry," she coughed out between trying to regain her composure and allow the man his dignity. She held onto his shoulder and patted him comfortingly, but the commiseration was lost in another poorly stifled chortle. "I apologize, but I thought you were the perfect house mate. How disillusioning that even you can cook like I do!"
Unscathed by the commentary, he chuckled with her. "It's my own fault. I wasn't paying attention to the stir fry."
She noticed several red spots on his fingers. "Chakotay, you're hand is burned!"
He gave her a mock pout. "Not as badly as my ego. I'll take care of it when we go in."
"Well, your reputation is still intact. You will always be a better cook than I am."
He nodded sagely. "True."
The remark brought another grin to her face. "Were you were working on some more sand art? That's worth a skipped lunch."
"No, I was taking your lead and catching up on some reading."
Kathyrn's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "More legends, I hope. You tell the most wonderful stories."
"I do?" he asked in mock modesty.
"You do. Or maybe its the effect of camping under the stars," she teased.
"Maybe I should tell you these stories," he speculated with twinkling eyes. "Scary legends."
Her chin lifted in mock defiance. "Try me. Ghost stories don't scare me."
"What about werewolves?"
"Werewolves? That's what you were reading about?" The coincidence dropped her completely out of the playful mood. "You have a book on werewolves?"
Uncertain why her mood had changed, Chakotay admitted his library of lore and legend from across the known galaxy included several books on werewolves. His reference discs covered most mystery stories and supernatural tales from hundreds of cultures, although he was most familiar with the Earth's Native American histories. Most legend archetypes repeated throughout various planets, including those of werewolves.
He raised his eyebrows. "Why are you so interested in werewolves? Is there something I should know before the next full moon?"
She lightly punched his arm. "There are no moons around this world."
"Too bad."
"I think it's an amusing coincidence. I was just reading about such creatures in my family newsletter."
Chakotay gasped in a breath. "A family newsletter?"
"Yes, from my infamous pioneer stock. Remember, those hearty people who camped and lived off the land."
"And their name is?"
"Well, my direct ancestors were Steeles -- from my mother's side."
"But the main family branch is named Michaels," he concluded.
"Michaels -- yes, how did you..." She was completely confused. "How did you know?"
He took her by the hand. "Come on."
He lead her into the habitat, now free of smoke. On his computer monitor he showed her the file displayed -- the Michaels family newsletter, Cousins. It was the same issue she'd been reading.
"My father's name -- my family name -- is Ironhorse."
"Ironhorse. You've never told me."
"I was ashamed to use it. My father was proud of his clan and I disgraced them."
"You thought you disgraced them," she corrected sternly. "Your father would be very proud to see how his son has turned out."
"I hope so."
"Now, where do the Ironhorses fit in the family?"
He called up the genealogical chart. Starting from the man considered the patriarch of the clan, Steven Michaels, Chakotay traced his family roots from the 20th century into their current time. On the same chart Janeway followed the path from her and her brother and sister, back to what they all considered the "hub of civilization," the Michaels family of Glorieta, New Mexico.
"It's a small galaxy after all, isn't it, cousin?" Janeway chuckled.
"It seems that way now." He punched in different data. "Reading the last newsletter before we left alpha quadrant, I was intrigued by --"
"The article on the Wolf Claw Medallion," she finished.
"Exactly." Titles of books came up on the screen. "One of the Steele cousins is trying to trace it."
"Curiosity. A family weakness."
Chakotay smiled. "I believe that. I have some of the best works on the supernatural, including cousin Ian Matheson's books."
Janeway scanned the titles. "He was obsessed with werewolves. What's your interest in them?"
He stared into her eyes with uncommon intensity, as if reading into the depths of her soul. What he found must have pleased him. With a slight nod he came to a decision.
"There's no reason you shouldn't know, since we share everything now. We are distant -- very distant -- cousins," he qualified with a smirk. "I'll let you in on a family secret that's been passed down in the Ironhorse clan for generations."
He went to his bedroom and returned with a soft leather-like bag. From it he withdrew his medicine pouch. Then he pulled out another cloth pouch. Placing it on the table, he opened it, uncovering a shimmering metallic chain. The links were large, unique swirls intertwined in a long loop. At the bottom was a dark bar of some metallic substance.
"This isn't -- it can't be!" she stammered.
"The chain to the Wolf Claw Medallion," he confirmed reverently. Chakotay carefully picked up the neckpiece. "Handed down as a sacred trust. Only our family knows it's in our possession." He handed it to her. "Now you are part of that trust."
Aware of the solemn legacy, she took the metal circle and studied the delicate links that seemed to alter in color and shape as she held them.
"So the legend is true. It's not from Earth, is it?"
"No. Although we've never had it analyzed, we believe the medallion and chain came from extraterrestrials centuries ago. Fastened together, the medallion and chain are powerful medicine."
"You don't really put stock in those stories, do you? That it cured one of the Michaels family from her curse as a werewolf?"
He shrugged. "How can I dispute what I cannot disprove? Legends are part myth and part truth. The Ironhorse clan was given the chain, and another part of the family was given the medallion after Randi Wallace was restored, remember? They were separated because the magic was so powerful, they dared not let both fall into the wrong hands. It's been kept a family secret ever since. Sometimes acceptance takes faith." He could see she was unconvinced. "Whether we hold with werewolves or not, I do believe in the power. Charms are common among my people, but their legends are based in fact. We know there is potency in elements of the earth, like minerals and electromagnetic energy. We know many other worlds have their own forces which sometimes seem magical."
Janeway smiled approvingly. "You could almost make me believe." She replaced the chain in the cloth. "Now I have a surprise for you."
She went to her bedroom and came back with a heavy, old, lacquered chest. Opening it required shifting slats on each side and tripping a hidden lever. A bottom drawer snapped out of the puzzle box. Unfolding layers of velvety cloth, she pulled out a solid, engraved, metal medallion about the size of her hand. The carving of a wolf adorned one side, the other was inscribed with symbols. The top showed an indentation that exactly fit the bar at the bottom of Chakotay's chain, while sharp claws protruded from the lower rim, giving it a fierce and malevolent appearance.
"The Wolf Claw Medallion," Chakotay whispered reverently.
"This was given to my ancestor, Remington Steele." She picked it up and held it out to him. "I think you should be included in my family secret."
Carefully he took the object in both hands. It was lighter than he thought it would be, made of the same metallic substance used for the chain -- a material that seemed to pulsate in waves of deep hues. He felt the symbols and closely studied the artifact.
"Unbelievable," he muttered. "These are Anasazi symbols. Amazing!"
"That you've found the medallion, or that we've both ended up with the two pieces of the riddle?"
"And that we share common roots," he added. "It has been a surprising day!"
"It certainly has. The coincidence is incredible."
His expression was intense and solemn. "Fate. Destiny."
"I believe we mold our own fates," she countered, but the conviction in her tone wavered.
"But you want to believe in something bigger," he concluded persuasively. "That after so long drifting apart, the coming together of separate pieces must be significant. There must be a greater purpose and destiny." He balanced the medallion in his hand. "Can you feel the energy? The power?"
She held his gaze, understanding his meaning beyond the discussion of the artifacts. The intensity in those incredibly brown eyes was more than she could deal with. She dropped her eyes and fingered the silvery chain. "You believe it, don't you?"
"Yes," he whispered. "I want you to accept it, too, Kathryn." He put the medallion on the table, then looped the chain around her neck. "Can you feel it?"
The question was ambiguous. She could feel his presence, his power, so close. Beyond that familiar attraction, however, there was a more profound force and instinctively she knew where it emanated from.
Replacing the disk in the box, he studied her. "Are you ready to believe?" was his wry inquiry.
"I think we need to find out more about this through controlled experiments." Janeway was awed. "The possibilities are incredible."
"Agreed, but first things first. We start with the very basics and work our way up. After you help me with lunch."
"Lunch?"
"If we don't eat now you'll starve me! I'd rather not starve for the sake of science."
"Are you suggesting I might become obsessed?"
"Absolutely."
She smiled. "You're right. Lunch first. Then we do extensive research in your library. After that we can start some careful -- "
"Very careful --"
"Experimentation."
She started to remove the chain, but he stopped her by holding her hands. "Keep it."
"But..."
"My family would be honored -- I want you to wear it."
It was a pact as binding as an oath. She was awed at the veneration in the gift, and aware of the underlying, unspoken bond this was meant to convey. She accepted it with an understanding of how important this was to him. His family's -- his -- esteem and love was not given easily. This was perhaps his most sacred possession, and she would not reject it, nor take it lightly.
"Thank you."
Lunch was disposed of quickly, then they buried themselves in the work of tracing the history of the necklace. Chakotay called up the books in his archives and they poured over the information. Dinner was a fast snack of juice and berry-like fruits they'd harvested days before from a grove near the river. It was late into the night before their fatigue drew the intense study to a close.
This pattern continued for two more days, until both were satisfied they had learned all they could from the academic side of their resources. They agreed it was time to take their study to a more practical level. Before they progressed, however, Chakotay insisted that the next day they catch up on much neglected domestic chores. While reluctant to stop her research, Janeway agreed. She planned to spend the day transplanting the tomato sprouts into the garden, while Chakotay worked on a special project.
Even before the sun had risen, Janeway was at the table studying the artifacts. Chakotay was not surprised to find her already up when he came into the common living area.
"A little anxious, are we?"
"Yes. I told you my family is hopelessly curious."
"And obsessive. Ready to start?"
"Breathlessly."
"Remember we agreed to work on living conditions today," was his gentle reminder.
"I know," she acknowledged with a sigh. "Yard work."
"First, breakfast."
"Practical as always, Chakotay," she agreed.
She helped with breakfast and discussed some of the ideas she had formulated over the last few days. Her goal was to start with something simple, citing Dr. Matheson's studies as hinting at other powers waiting to be unleashed. There were no documented studies on experimentation with the medallion, but there were allusions to telekinesis, shape-shifting and psychic experiences -- thus, the power to heal incredible curses such as werewolves and vampires.
After breakfast they went outside under one of the large shade trees ringing their camp. Janeway took a deep breath. "Matheson said the owner of the medallion is the shape shifter. Don't turn into a werewolf, please."
"I promise not to. The possessor of the chain controls the shape shifter. I'll be putting my life in your hands." His smile indicated he considered that no hardship.
Her smile was mischievous. "You already have."
Janeway paused in the process of packing her personal items. She had no heart for the drudgery, but it had to be done. Voyager would be back to pick them up in a few hours and it would not be seemly for the Captain to be late or unprepared for the rendezvous.
It would also not do for the Captain to be so confused and unhappy at the prospect of rescue either, she mused.
That was just how she felt. She had adjusted to this life, to a new world shared only with Chakotay and the beginnings of their blossoming love. Now they had to return to the ship -- not a terrible thing in itself -- but they would also resume their old relationship -- a devastating situation. As captain, she could not indulge in a romance with her first officer. As someone in love, she did not know how she would manage to live without the easy affection they had grown to share.
They would always have the bond of love and commitment started here, but little else. She could not allow herself any more. She fingered the chain around her neck, a symbol of their union; more than a casual fling and less than a marriage -- something existing in between worlds, much as their alliance must exist now. Someday she hoped that would change, but was unsure how, or under what circumstances.
She glanced at the uniform laid out on her bed. Before she put on the old command image, there was one more thing she needed to do. She picked up the lacquered box and took it into the common room. Chakotay was packing his computer disks. She set the box next to his hand.
"I want you to keep this."
Startled, he studied her, studied every nuance of her face and finally gazed deep into her eyes. "The medallion belongs to your family."
"You've given me the chain. I want you to take this."
She pushed it toward him. He covered her hand with his. "I will keep it with me. Always." He waited, holding his position, waiting for a signal from her.
She was the one who broke the frozen moment and slipped her arms around his neck in a tight embrace.
"I will always keep you in my heart," he whispered, and sealed the promise with a gentle kiss.
The HaNon System
Captain Kathryn Janeway gazed out from her perch on the ridge overlooking the valley below. She was crouched down, her chin resting in her right hand as her thoughts reassessed the last few days -- the decisions and reactions that had been forced upon them on this hostile planet.
From her vantage point she was able to observe teams of Voyager crew as they explored farther down the valley. The rise afforded her a good view of this small part of the planet they had been stranded on. Absently her other hand fingered the chain she wore around her neck, the one Chakotay had given her. She stopped and guiltily realized that this had lately become a habit of hers when she was alone and pondering monumental problems.
She sighed. The family heirloom had turned out to be bad luck for both of them, if the past weeks were any indication. Maybe the legends were true and the two halves should never be together at any time.
Come on, Kathryn, her inner voice chided. Don't go Irish on me. You're a scientist. You've never believed in superstitions before. Why start now?
Janeway stood up. She had taken her scouting group in a northerly direction from the main camp, intent as all the teams were, on finding more water supplies.
The Voyager crew had been here two weeks -- two terrible weeks since the Kazon had stolen Voyager and stranded the entire company on this unsettled planet.
It was a constant battle to find enough water and food to sustain them day to day. Teams ventured out constantly to search for whatever they could find. The Kazon had literally left them here with only the clothes on their backs. But Janeway was proud of her people. They had all, Starfleet and Maquis alike, joined in and tackled their problems without complaint. They'd already started charting the area and would continue to do so as they went further afield, especially if, God forbid, they ended up marooned here the rest of their lives.
Now there's a happy thought. There you go again, Kathryn, looking on the dark side.
Only yesterday Chakotay had reminded her that dwelling on the bleak side of life wasn't her way. He'd told her that it was her positive attitude, even while lost in the Delta Quadrant, that had kept the crew on an even keel.
Come on, Kathryn, buck up, Janeway chided herself again.
It hadn't taken long to realize there were native inhabitants and that there were large, ill-tempered lizards, capable of devouring a humanoid. The senior officers had quickly issued an order that no one was to venture out alone and never at night.
They'd suffered one casualty thus far. Hogan, killed not long after they'd been stranded here. Since then, a few of the crew had been injured in their explorations, luckily none of them seriously, since they had no medical equipment. They'd definitely gone back to basics on this world.
Kathryn sighed heavily. This situation was her fault. As captain of Voyager, it was her responsibility and hers alone. She had decided to pursue Seska and the baby she claimed to be Chakotay's son. She could never allow Chakotay to leave his "son" in the hands of the Kazon. Nor could she, in all good conscience, leave even a half-human baby by itself in this distant quadrant.
"Captain?"
Janeway looked over as her chief engineer came up. "B'Elanna. Did you find anything?"
"No Captain, I'm afraid there isn't any water to the south. Did you have any luck?"
"No, Foster and I also came up empty-handed."
"Maybe some of the other teams had better fortune."
"Let's hope so."
Janeway gestured to the other two members of her team to follow. She took the lead and headed back down the difficult trail.
They hadn't progressed far when an earthquake rumbled through the ground beneath them. They'd felt thousands of these small tremblers since they'd been on the planet and had learned to ride them out. As the quake continued, Janeway and her team stopped their forward momentum to wait out the tremor.
Janeway caught a sudden movement out of the corner of her eye. The quake had dislodged the boulders above them, starting a landslide. Shouting out a warning to her people, she tried to shove Torres out of the way of the rockslide.
Something struck Janeway's shoulder, sending pain shooting up her arm. Another rock slammed into her, knocking her flat. The last thing Kathryn saw before she blacked out was Torres tumbling into Warren and Foster behind her.
B'Elanna lay stunned for a minute, listening as the echo of the rockslide died away. She sat up, coughing at the layers of choking dust floating through the air. Her legs were trapped under a huge rock She turned when she heard sounds behind her and saw Foster and Warren struggling slowly to their feet. The main slide had missed them entirely.
Torres reached for the stone pinning her legs, straining to remove it, when the two men came over. Using their combined strength, they were able to free her.
"Are you all right, Lieutenant?" Warren asked.
Torres didn't answer him immediately. With the help of her crewmates, she struggled to rise. B'Elanna noted absently the huge gash in her leg, but her thoughts were centered on something else.
"Where's the Captain?" Torres demanded anxiously.
They turned to where they had last seen Janeway. B'Elanna gasped in horror. There were only rocks covering the small trail.
"Oh my God," Torres breathed. She limped over to the rubble, followed by the two crewmen. The only sign they could see of the Captain was her left hand protruding from under a pile of stones.
Commander Chakotay approached the encampment with his weary and discouraged group. He noted that both Tuvok and Ensign Kim had already arrived at base camp with their own parties. The guards at the entrance saluted as the band slowly straggled in. By the look on their faces, Chakotay could tell that none of the crew had been successful in the search for a new source of water.
The camp was situated near a cliff base. There were huge outcroppings -- slabs of stone that had compressed, folded and tilted. Guards had been posted almost immediately as the local natives had a tendency to sneak into the camp and pilfer whatever they could find. Not that the crew had much to steal.
The fires had already been lit as the nights on this world came on fast and cold. Initially, they'd had some problem starting a fire, but had found a partial lava flow not too far from where they had set up quarters. They'd been able to use some material from their uniforms to fashion torches which they lit from the flow. It was the job of one crewman to always keep at least one of the fires burning. Certain jobs had become routine even in just the two weeks they had been on the planet.
Chakotay began to worry when the Captain's team failed to appear. He knew they were only a half hour late, but out here anything could happen. He had decided to send out a search team when the security guards signaled that someone was approaching.
"It's Warren, sir. He's coming in fast."
Chakotay felt his chest contract with anxiety. He exchanged a look with Tuvok, then both hurried over to where a very winded Ensign Warren had just entered the camp.
"Report, Ensign," the first officer barked tersely.
"Commander." Warren tried valiantly to catch his breath. "Landslide... the Captain..."
Chakotay grabbed Warren savagely by his uniform front. "What's happened to Captain Janeway?"
"Rockslide... she's been buried in a rockslide. Torres sent me... to get help!"
Chakotay's heart raced at Warren's announcement. Issuing quick orders for Kes to follow and leaving Kim in charge of the base camp, Chakotay took off running. Tuvok was not far behind in the mad rush to reach the Captain. Even at a dead run, it took them long, agonizing minutes to reach the area of the landslide. Vulcan stamina could not outstrip Human motivation, and Chakotay stayed seconds ahead of the Lieutenant during the desperate charge.
B'Elanna sat holding Janeway's hand. They had tried to dig the Captain out, but even with the engineer's Klingon strength, they'd been unable to move the heaviest boulders. They'd only succeeded in uncovering Janeway's face so she was able to breathe.
Torres checked the Captain's pulse again to reassure herself that the woman still lived. Janeway was unconscious and hadn't moved. B'Elanna had never been the patient type. It came hard to have to sit by and do nothing when someone she cared for was dying in front of her.
She heard the sound of voices in the distance and then saw Chakotay and Tuvok coming up the mountainside. Warren was not far behind them, and then she saw more crewmen farther back, unable to keep up with the quicker senior officers. Chakotay reached the two women first and B'Elanna read the naked fear in his eyes.
"She's still alive," she reassured the Commander. "But we couldn't free her."
Chakotay bent down near Janeway, calling her name. "Captain... Kathryn, can you hear me?"
"She's unconscious," Torres informed the First Officer.
They turned their attention to the landslide and attempted to carefully remove some of the boulders pinning their Captain. With combined Vulcan and Klingon strengths, plus Chakotay's sheer Human determination, they had the Captain freed by the time they were joined by the rest of the rescue group.
The worried officers moved out of the way to allow Kes room to work. The Ocampan knelt next to the Captain. Even with just a cursory examination, Chakotay could tell the assessment wasn't encouraging. He didn't need Kes to tell him what he already knew. The Captain was badly hurt -- probably beyond what they could do for her on this primitive planet.
Kes finally suggested they take the Captain to camp. Her terse assertion that it was better to move her to a safer location in spite of the risk of making her injuries worse said more than just those words. Moving her would make no difference, the injuries were too severe for recovery. Tuvok volunteered to carry her, but Chakotay would not allow it.
"No," the commander tightly corrected. "I'll do it."
Chakotay carefully gathered the Captain up in his arms and headed down the trail. It was a subdued group who made there way to the base camp. When the Captain was settled in a sheltered alcove, Kes treated her injuries as best she could, making Janeway as comfortable as possible.
Chakotay and Tuvok had not strayed far. B'Elanna was assisting Kes, but ruefully turned to look over at the two men standing close by. She had drawn her own conclusions about the Captain's chances and could see the same realization reflected in their faces.
B'Elanna stayed with Janeway and watched as Kes joined the two senior officers.
"I'm sorry, there is very little I can do for her," Kes admitted, tears welling in her eyes. The Ocampan was frustrated that she didn't have the modern technology of sick bay which could help heal her dying friend.
"You've done the best you can under the circumstances," Chakotay told her, his tone matching the dull words of empty comfort.
"I know, but it's not going to be enough, is it?" Kes answered ironically.
Chakotay flinched at the words. Kes reached out to touch his arm, then stopped. Rigid with control, the first officer's raw emotions were barely under the surface. There was nothing she could do for his pain -- for anyone's pain now. She mutely went back to join Torres and the Captain.
Chakotay turned to look at Tuvok and neither man said anything for several silent minutes.
"I suggest, Commander, that we not say anything to the crew for now."
"I agree," Chakotay answered numbly. Tomorrow would be soon enough to face the fact that Kathryn was dying and there was nothing any of them could do about it. Unable to deal with the ramifications of the tragedy, he gravitated to the only place he could go.
"It's all right, Kes, I'll stay with her," he volunteered as he stood by the captain.
Kes gazed up at Chakotay, seeing the haunting pain in his eyes. The realization that the captain probably wouldn't make it through the night was plainly visible on his face. She stood and watched as Chakotay took her place next to the dying woman.
Kes knew it was fitting for the first officer to be here with Janeway at the end. She'd known for some time -- certainly before either of the senior shipmates, that there was something building between these two that went far beyond a Captain and First Officer. She had seen the attraction grow between them the first year on the ship. She had watched it strengthen over the last few months until the two officers had been stranded on New Earth. Kes realized when they returned from their exile on the planet that something had finally occurred. There were new undercurrents to their relationship. It had stayed hidden effectively until that time, but these last months most of the crew seemed to recognize and approve of the affection.
Now that growing love would never mature. When Chakotay tenderly took hold of the Captain's hand, Kes turned to leave, allowing them a final privacy. Her heart was heavy, knowing the entire crew would grieve the captain's death, but none would be so devastated as this man who loved her.
Chakotay sat crossed-legged on the ground next to Kathryn, her hand in both of his.
"I'm so sorry, Kathryn," was his broken whisper. "It's my fault, all my fault."
He gazed at Janeway, seeing the massive bruising and large facial cuts that marred her beautiful face. Tenderly he brushed away some of the dirt with a quivering hand. Then the despair and anger surfaced. In frustration he slammed his fist on the ground. He had to do something! He couldn't just let her die! The anger almost instantly shifted to a sorrow so intense he could not contain it. Hot tears slipped down his cheeks. He shook with the anguish of his breaking heart; guilt, regret and pain warring for possession of his soul. With trembling fingers he brushed her cold cheek, trailing down her neck. The ancient, silver chain was stuck to her clammy skin and he straightened it. It had been his pledge of love and honor; the promise of their intertwined destinies. They had shared so much, yet so little. It could not end like this! He wouldn't let it!
An idea -- a mad, desperate, impossible idea -- began to form in his mind, but he didn't know if what he planned would work. The old legends and fanciful tales swirled in his thoughts, blending with the despair of losing his love, and the possibilities of powers beyond his realm of reference. Hope sparked -- incredible, unrealistic, supernatural faith blossomed inside his broken heart. It was all so fantastic to believe, but that was what he had asked her to do months ago on New Earth -- believe in the powers beyond their understanding, believe in the miraculous -- in the unknown. It was something he had to cling to now, because it was all he could think of to save a life more precious than his own. He knew he would have to give it a try because it might be the only thing that would save his beloved Kathryn.
Chakotay studied Janeway, her face deathly white and her breathing labored. If he was to help her, he needed to go now before it was too late. He would have to take Kathryn away from the camp so he could perform the ritual he planned without interruption. Having made his decision he reached to gently pick up the Captain. She was very light in his arms. Kathryn's vibrant personality always projected larger than she actually was -- her "Captain" persona made people forget how fragile she was in reality.
Carrying Kathryn, Chakotay stealthily moved through the dark, thanking his ancestors for his quiet movements. He knew where all the guards were stationed and would have no trouble getting past them in the dark. He worked his way around the sides of the camp, shifting his burden as Kathryn moved slightly in his arms. Chakotay blended with the shadows as some of the fires set earlier by the crew still smoldered, casting light through the dark encampment. Just outside of camp, when he felt he was out of range of the guard's hearing, Chakotay turned cautiously at a sound behind him. Tuvok stood there.
The Vulcan stared at the commander as he held their captain securely in his arms. He was painfully aware that Janeway was dying and also that things had changed between the two senior officers since those months together on the planet they had named New Earth. It wasn't that Tuvok really distrusted the former Maquis commander -- he knew him to be a man of honor. It was just that Tuvok and Janeway had been friends long before Chakotay had come into the picture.
Chakotay eyed Tuvok warily, wondering if the Vulcan would prevent him from doing what he knew would be the only thing that would save Janeway. Chakotay was fearful that if he explained what he planned to do, Tuvok might think him deranged. The myth of a medallion that held the power of healing might prove too fantastic for a logical Vulcan. Even Kathryn had been doubtful at first about the powers of their family heirloom. It was, however, his only hope, and Chakotay would do anything necessary to perform the magic.
"Tuvok, I know you and I don't always agree, but please... you have to trust me."
When the second officer said nothing, Chakotay continued. "I would never harm her... you know that. But something happened on the planet when we were together. It's not anything I can explain... but it just might help."
"Nothing can do that now, Commander... she is dying," Tuvok reasoned, beginning to wonder if the first officer was breaking under the strain of the Captain's imminent death.
"I know how it sounds, Tuvok. I may be able to help her, but I can't do it here. It must be..." Chakotay was at a loss for words and time was growing short. "Look, Tuvok, does it really matter what I tell you?" His voice cracked. "I love her. She is my life. I'm taking her over that ridge because I need to be alone with her. Can you understand that?"
"I will wait here for you." Tuvok spoke quietly, aware that his unexpected acquiescence surprised the other man.
Chakotay stared numbly at the Vulcan, taken off guard by his complete trust. "Thank you," he told the second officer before he slipped away with the captain.
Chakotay picked a small, flat area and carefully lowered his precious burden to the ground. For several moments he studied her face, overwhelmed with love and anguish. What he planned must work, to save both of them -- Kathryn from physical death, Chakotay from an emotional one.
He brought out his medallion, kept securely in an inside pocket he'd fashioned specifically for the thin piece. He knelt beside Janeway and set the charm next to her. Reaching under the neckline of her gray turtleneck, he found the chain. Gently pulling it over her head, he placed it beside him, not allowing either piece to be close until he was ready.
"I have to take it from you now, Kathryn, but I promise to return it."
Chakotay began to prepare himself for the coming ceremony. The research he and the Captain had done on the planet had been as thorough as they could make it, considering they were working with something unknown. Though it had been in their respective families for centuries, it was still a mysterious power no one had dared to unleash. He knew what he was trying could be dangerous, but he also knew he had to save Kathryn, no matter the cost.
He glanced at Janeway after a moment of meditation and was surprised to see her eyes open. She smiled wanly.
"Chakotay... what?" Pain made her voice even huskier than usual.
"Kathryn... do you trust me?"
"Of course I do." Chakotay could barely hear her.
"I going to use the medallion."
"Chakotay... it's too dangerous." Janeway tried to reach and grab his arm, but the effort was too much and she groaned in pain.
He took her hand and barely brushed it against his lips. "It's the only way."
"Please... you can't... too dangerous."
"Do you think that matters to me?" was his impassioned response. "I have to save you." His voice shook; his eyes misted. "Our fates are linked together, Kathryn. This has to work."
"...won't let you." The last part of Janeway's protest was almost lost as she sank into unconsciousness.
"It will work," he whispered fiercely.
Chakotay stared at the amulet. After returning to Voyager, he'd had a little more time than the captain to spend in study. While on the planet, the two officers had had plenty of leisure to consider the artifact, though they'd been unable to decipher much of the writing inscribed on the face. When Chakotay got back to the ship, he remembered a journal his father had passed down to him from his ancestor, Paul Ironhorse, the original caretaker of the chain. With the help of the writings, he'd been able to decipher more of the inscription carved on the piece.
Chakotay sat silently for a full minute after he had recited the incantation he believed was the correct one -- the one to heal. But nothing happened. The bitter taste of defeat translated into tangible tears that slid down his face. Knowing nothing would save Kathryn now, he gently kissed her forehead, tears dropping onto her bruised skin.
He jumped when he suddenly felt a warmth swelling in his chest from where the medallion now hung around his neck. Closing his eyes, he felt the energy spread down his arms to his finger as power radiated towards Kathryn. Placing his hands on Janeway's face, he felt the electricity as it pulsated from his fingertips, the charm humming along as if singing. He watched in wonder and awe as the bruises and contusions began to disappear.
With this proof of its healing power, Chakotay closed his eyes again and slowly began to work the medallion's magic on the Captain's broken body. He could visualize in his mind the knitting of broken ribs, the closing of a punctured lung, the repair of vital organs. The glow was now so bright that even with his eyes closed he could see the energy transferring from him to Kathryn. And then it was over. The energy subsided as quickly as it had begun. Chakotay opened his eyes and gazed at Janeway. She had lost her deathly pallor and her once ragged breathing was even now, as if she were sleeping.
Chakotay pulled off the necklace. Separating the pieces carefully, he laid the chain next to Janeway and held the amulet in his hands. It was still warm. Chakotay sat there staring in wonder at the heirloom his ancestors had given him. It had come through again, even though it had happened many centuries after the first time, and in a much different manner than the healing with Randi Wallace. Exhausted from his ordeal, he held Kathryn close and rested his head on her shoulder.
It was the feel of someone's hand on his leg that roused him. He had fallen asleep sitting up next to Janeway and it was her touch that had awakened him.
"Kathryn." For a moment he just stared at her. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired, but much better."
"You look better," Chakotay told her. A delighted smile lit his face.
Except for some faint bruising on her face and the dark circles under her eyes she appeared completely healed.
"It worked!"
"Yes, it did," Kathryn said fondly, "but it was still dangerous."
"Yes... and my choice to make as your First Officer, Captain." He laughed with the intoxicating joy of relief and the sheer bliss that she was alive. "And I would do it again," he assured unrepentant.
"I know, a First Officer's job is to protect his captain, as you so often remind me." Janeway smiled happily back at him. "You excel at your job, Commander."
"Thank you, Captain."
Her expression grew serious as she brushed a hand down his cheek. "Thank you, Chakotay."
"You are very welcome," he whispered in return.
Janeway was still too weak to walk far, so Chakotay picked her up and carried her back to the base camp. They reached the entrance just before full light and found Tuvok exactly in the same place Chakotay had left him the night before.
When the two officers reached Tuvok, Chakotay put Janeway back on her feet.
"Captain," Tuvok greeted, pleased amazement evident by the uncharacteristic surprise in his voice. "You are alive."
"Yes, Mr. Tuvok, thanks to Commander Chakotay and an old family secret. I am alive."
"I can see my trust in you, Commander, was not misplaced," Tuvok responded formally to Chakotay. "An old family secret, you said, Captain. Whose family?"
"What, Tuvok?"
"Whose family? Yours or the Commander's?"
"Ours," Chakotay piped in wickedly.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Oh, did we fail to mention Chakotay and I are cousins?" Janeway responded off-handedly.
"No, Captain, you never mentioned that," Tuvok said stiffly.
"Well, we are... distant cousins."
"Very, very distant cousins," Chakotay stressed.
"I see," Tuvok answered, but he really didn't so he changed the subject. "How are we going to explain your sudden recovery from the brink of death, Captain?"
"Oh, we'll think of something," Janeway replied as she slowly walked back into the base camp with Tuvok on her left and Chakotay, as always, on her right.