Chapter Twenty Two:
Hatchery

Eggs.

Hundreds of them. No, Chris quickly amended. Not hundreds but thousands. He knew what they were on sight. That much about his entomological studies remained intact. The rows were endless and they stretched from one end of the cargo hold to the other. All were placed in orderly rows, each with a mechanical attachment which Chris gathered controlled its environmental requirements to prevent hatching. He could not say how he knew that the technology was meant to prevent birth but it seemed to make sense somehow.

The eggs themselves, were little more than a foot high, tubular in shape and did not seem altogether different from the egg sacs he had seen of their Earthling, except these were a great deal larger. As he and Mary stepped off the platform from the main entrance and descended to the floor of the hatchery, Chris could see the vague shapes behind the translucent wall of the eggs. Infant C'Kaia moved languidly in gelatinous fluids, completely unaware of the world beyond them..

"They must be thousands of them." He heard Mary declare. She was staring at them with a mixture of horror and fascination.

Chris shook his head at her expression. Women and bugs. Five hundred years of equality and they still got the jeebies whenever they spotted something with more than four legs.

"At least," Chris responded as another thought occurred to him that had nothing to do with this aspect of feminine behaviour. Hurrying back onto the platform, Chris activated the door panel and waited for it to slide to a close before raising his weapon. Taking, a careful aim, he fired one shot into the centre of the panel. The energy blast impacted against the device, sending sparks in all directions. He stepped back to avoid being burned by the stray embers and was content to see the panel completely destroyed. Jagged rips of metal glared at him while burnt circuitry hissed and cackled through the torn fissure.

"That ought to buy us some privacy." He said returning to the aisle where Mary was currently moving her gaze over the cargo hold with an expression he knew all to well. It was evident she was gathering information about this part of the ship. Her eyes moved across the beams and the walls of the hatchery with deep concentration. He wondered what captured her attention so completely.

"There appears to be a stasis field protecting these eggs." Mary announced after a moment.

The revelation did not surprise Chris however. He had gathered as much even though he had no solid evidence to back the assumption. Following her gaze, he realised she had come to this conclusion because there was a slight shimmer of energy encasing individual egg being generated from the mechanical receptacles they were mounted on. Combined, it almost looked like a veil of stardust hung suspended over each one egg.

"I wonder how long they have been like this?" He mused.

"God knows." She replied, even though his question had been rhetorical. "I can tell you however, this does explain why there are so few C'Kaia on board."

"Does it?" Chris looked at her sceptically. "I fail to see how."

"They are obviously the guardians for these hatchlings."

"If that's true, why risk the cargo by coming into direct conflict with the Maverick?" Chris countered.

"We're not exactly a threat to them."

"I don't know about that." He disagreed. "We may not have been in the beginning. While their technology is formidable, it is not invulnerable. We've seen that we can hurt them."

"You're right." She agreed. "I can't see why they would take a ship into battle with cargo like this."

"I don't know," Chris shrugged, unable to answer that question. "However, if one of our quantum torpedoes penetrated the hull of this cargo hold, the entire hatchery would have been lost despite its shielding."

"Shielding?" She looked at him.

Chris came up alongside of her and pointed upwards. "Do you see those conduits running across the ceiling and the walls?"

Mary did see them, however, the conduits were so fine it could have been any number of things. They ran across the length of the ceiling and across the hold that remained exposed to space. Sometimes they even criss crossed over one another but were never more than 1 metre apart. Until one actually looked, it was easy to miss these conduits as they were designed to blend into the background. "I see them but couldn't that be just normal circuitry."

"I don't think so." Chris shook his head. "I thinks it is a shielding of some sort as well as an anti-transporter mechanism."

Mary was not even going to question how he came to that conclusion but was confident he was right. Starship captains seldom made such speculations unless they were absolutely certain of what they were talking about.

"That's a good thing for us." Chris said with a sigh. "At least they won't be able to beam us out of here."

"True." She remarked and continued her observations.

So many questions, Chris thought to himself. He was starting to form a vague explanation forming in his head but there was still many gaps. They continued walking through the aisle and all the while, Chris felt uneasy about being in here with all these eggs. While the C'Kaia had obviously shown themselves as ruthless aggressor, Chris did not want to be here if the adult C'Kaia found them. Whatever he thought of the C'Kaia was irrelevant, the beings inside these eggs were not responsible for the crimes of their elders. He did not want to harm any eggs in the fire fight that would ensue once the C'Kaia knew they were inside the hatchery.

"Let's get out of here," Chris suggested and hasten his steps as they made their way down the aisle. "I don't like this place."

While Mary could not share his discomfort, she did understand it and thus hurried to keep up with him. They had not taken more than a few strides when the silence of the room was suddenly shattered by the sound of someone pounding against the steel door. Both of them reacted to the noise and knew that their privacy was going to be short lived.

"Damn." He cursed under his breath. "I was hoping for a little more time before they found us."

"That was always going to be a slim hope Captain." Mary pointed out.

"I won't argue with you there."

They ran down the narrow aisle through the sea of C'Kaia eggs. When they reached the end of the aisle, the passageway banked sharply and led to a set of doors, they had not seen from the distance. It did not appear to lead out of the sphere however but seemed to be a smaller room in the hatchery.

"Through there!" He ordered Mary, deciding they had little choice to be selective at the moment.

Chris reached the door panel first and slammed his palm against the activation pad. Fortunately, these panels did not require any identification or else they would be in real trouble. The door slid open without protest and Chris entered first to ensure it was safe to do so. The measure soon proved valid as a C'Kaia leapt in front of him and spat a shot of fluid.

"Duck!" He shouted at Mary as he jumped out of the way to avoid being hit. Turning around swiftly, he delivered a flying kick in the alien's torso and then brought down the butt of his weapon against the C'Kaia's head when it doubled over.

Mary had thrown herself against the opposite wall when the alien's venom, for the want of a better word, struck the closing doors behind her. Immediately, the corrosive liquid began eating into the steel. While she did not think it was quite strong enough to eat all the way through, it certainly reaffirmed her belief at its potency if it came into contact with flesh. She saw the captain attacking the alien and raised her own weapon in reaction.

"Don't move." She warned with ice in her voice while keeping aim at the C'Kaia. Not that it was in any position to protest as the Captain's blow had left it quite dazed as it staggered against a panel for support.

"Thank you." Chris said appreciatively, as he collected himself and unslung his weapon.

Once the captain was ready to take over, Mary looked around the room. While he was attempting to question the C'Kaia with little success, Mary focused her engineering expertise to the purpose of this annexe. It was a control room of some sort. She decided immediately. There were console screens showing a wide range of environmental readings, everything from atmospheric temperature inside the hold and the integrity of the stasis field protecting the eggs. Except for the wall where the door was located, the rest of the walls were taken up machinery. There was also an image of the cargo hold on one of the consoles. It was most likely this C'Kaia that alerted the others to their presence. However, it was incidental compared to what caught her attention.

"Chris!" She said in more excitement than she meant to show once the discovery had been made. "Does this mean what I think?."

Chris hurried to her side and saw what she was looking at. "Yes it does," he said with a smile. "The sphere is capable of separating from the rest of the ship. It has independent propulsion systems and what appears to be a communication dish. I think this is the main control room for the hatchery."

"That would make sense." Mary replied. "If the ship was in trouble, they would be able to get the eggs away to safety."

For a moment, Chris felt silent as he considered the new possibilities ahead. The idea forming in his head was distasteful but unfortunately, he had little options left. Once again, he wrestled with the moral implications of what he was doing and knew that the debate was over. The moment the C'Kaia had destroyed Federation colonies, they had thrown down a gauntlet of challenge Chris Larabee was forced to take up.

"We're going to have to polarise the stasis field." Chris declared after a moment.

Mary looked up, certain she had heard incorrectly.

"I beg your pardon, I thought..."

"You heard right, we're polarising the stasis field."

"Captain, doing that might kill the life inside the eggs." Her horror showing.

"I know." He said grimly. "But we're going to do it."

Had she misjudged him? Was he really capable of doing this, even for the sake of their lives? For a moment, Mary did not know what to say and then realised he must have a reason for this request. By God, she hoped he had one. "Why?."

"Are you murderers?" The C'Kaia suddenly spoke. "Those are infants! They have not harmed you!"

With Chris's universal translator still functioning, both Mary and he were able to understand the C'Kaia and so would it, when he responded to its declaration. "You did not seem to have this crisis of conscience when you obliterated our colonies. There were children on those worlds as well or do they not count because they are not C'Kaia."

"I do not know anything of that!" The C'Kaia said evasively. "My responsibility is to the hatchlings only. I am of the Carer Caste. I have no influence with those of the High Caste."

"Well that's too bad." Chris replied and ordered sharply. "We're doing it Lieutenant." His tone clearly indicated he wanted no arguments on the matter as he gave her quick instructions on the how.

Mary knew better than to argue and she turned to the controls in order to begin. She had no more than reached the panel when she heard the C'Kaia respond with more urgency.

"You cannot do this! Stop!"

Chris raised his gaze and met the alien's compound eyes directly. "Then help us escape." His voice full of icy deliberation.

That made the C'Kaia stop in its tracks. For a moment, it did not know what to do. Chris could almost see the conflict that was raging within it. Did its responsibility to the Caste supersede its responsibility to the eggs under its charge? Chris sympathised with the decision it had to make but he had to force the C'Kaia to choose. Their lives depended on it.

In the meantime, there were immediate problems that required attention. With his eyes fixed firmly on the C'Kaia, Chris spoke to his engineer. "Mary, see if you can find the audio control to the outside corridor."

After a moment or so, he heard her answer.

"Here it is." She nodded and gingerly approached the communications panel in the complex.

As she began working on his request, Chris addressed the C'Kaia again. Time had run out for it to consider its options, a decision had to be made now.

"Carer, I need to know if you are going to help us. I do not wish to destroy the hatchery but rest assured I will if I think that is the only way to escape your ship alive." Chris paused a moment and then added. "Carer, if you help us escape, I will see to it no danger will come to the hatchery. My companion and I only wish to return home."

"You will not harm the unborn?" It asked nervously.

"I give you my word, for all it is worth to you that if you help us escape, the hatchery will remain undamaged. However, I cannot guarantee its survival if we do it alone. Our knowledge of your technology is tenuous as it is, one wrong button pushed and we may accidentally kill the entire hatchery. Do you wish to take that risk Carer?"

"Captain," Mary interrupted before the C'Kaia had a chance to answer. "I have activated the communication relay in the pylon. You may speak to them now."

"Do I have your answer?" Chris demanded, not tolerating any further hesitation. "Will you help us?"

Finally, the C'Kaia nodded slowly. "I will help you if you keep your vow that the unborn shall not be harmed."

"Good," Chris nodded. "Now, how do I get a visual of the corridor?" He asked quickly. The C'Kaia stepped forward gingerly, conscious of the weapon pointed at him as he walked towards the console. His odd shaped digits moved across the controls with surprising dexterity and within seconds, one of the inactivated screens came alive with the image Chris sought.

There were at least five C'Kaia at the door, trying to cut their way inside. Chris knew they could not be allowed to penetrate the hatchery so he had to make his move now. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.

"To the C'Kaia who are trying to penetrate the hatchery of the unborn, stop immediately!"

Chris saw them react to the sound of his voice. They stopped working on the door and searched the source of the voice. It did not take them long to realise that it had been transmitted from elsewhere.

One of them approached the image recorder mounted on the ceiling of the pylon and glared directly into it. While all the other C'Kaia Chris had seen so far were a dark, bluish colour, this C'Kaia and his companions were hued in crimson shades. If a caste system was in effect here, it was likely these were the warrior drones.

"We will do no such thing human!" The leader responded indignantly once the initial shock faded away. "You would be wise to give yourselves up immediately."

"I don't think so. Your power over us ended the moment we entered your hatchery. You cannot recapture us without endangering your own. We have seized command of your hatchery control and if you and your fellow C'Kaia do not withdraw to the outer ring immediately, I will jettison the entire contents of this sphere!"

"You would not dare such an atrocity!" The C'Kaia shouted in outrage. "We will destroy you and your entire race for such murder!"

"Then you will withdraw." Chris said coolly, unaffected by the C'Kaia's vehemence.

"Never!"

"Mary, depressurise the sphere." Chris ordered.

"You promised not to harm the unborn!"

"Your eggs are in a stasis field are they not?" He turned to the C'Kaia.

"Yes." It nodded. "They are protected inside the field."

"Then depressurising the sphere will not harm them, even if it is for a short period of time. I do not intend to carry out my threat unless provoked Carer, I am merely expressing to your comrades the threat I make is real."

That seemed to calm the C'Kaia down a bit but Chris did not intend to trust him with too much. The alien was too agitated and too unfamiliar with the situation to be reliable. As Mary activated the depressurisation process, a red warning light began flashing inside the room, indicating the commencement of the procedure. Klaxons began screaming inside the hatchery and outside it, Chris was sure. The warrior C'Kaia certainly heard the alarm for depressurisation because within seconds, he heard their leader shouting at him to stop.

"You savages!" He heard them shout and wondered if they could be any more hypocritical considering what they did to the colonies on Kalendra 2, Omega 6, and God knows how many others.

"There is still time to stop this," Chris addressed them again. "Withdraw now and we will abort the procedure."

The C'Kaia turned to the others in his group to make the decision, with the sounds of klaxons wailing the background, reminding them the consequences of the wrong choice. After a moment, the leader turned back to Chris and responded in a low growl. "We will withdraw for now."

"You made the right decision." Chris answered, not allowing it to show either in his voice or in his face how relieved he was they had not forced him to go through with his threat. "Now leave the pylon."

"What guarantee do we have that you will not harm the unborn when we have complied?"

"You don't have one." Chris said sharply. "However, you can be assured that the hatchery will remain safe for the time being. Now leave immediately or you might give me the impression you intend to go back on your word. Trust me, that would not be wise."

The threat in his voice was clear and the C'Kaia did not dare gamble with the lives of their precious cargo. At least, not until the odds were better stacked against them. Chris knew his advantage was temporary. The C'Kaia had formidable technology on their side and may be preparing to use it even as they stood here contemplating their next move. Finally, the stalemate was broken and the C'Kaia warrior contingent made a reluctant retreat.

Once they were gone, Chris turned to Mary and the C'Kaia Carer. "Alright, we don't have much time." His eyes moved to the C'Kaia. "You're going to help us separate the ship."

"That has not been done in centuries!" The C'Kaia declared. "I am not even certain if the ship is structurally capable of doing so now! You are endangering all of us by this foolhardy attempt at escape."

Chris wondered how much of its protests were genuine and how much of it was an effort to stall for time. In either case, Chris was not going to pay the C'Kaia's outburst more attention then necessary. "I am willing to take that risk," he stated firmly. "Now you will help us or I swear I will go out there and shoot every one of the unborn before your eyes if necessary!" He raised his weapon higher for effect. "Do we understand each other?"

The venom in his voice surprised Mary and she wondered how much of it was a facade for the benefit of the C'Kaia. She knew humans could be extremely violent when they wanted to be and this side of the captain unsettled her greatly.

"I understand." The C'Kaia nodded, suitably intimidated for the moment. "I will assist you as I promised. I will reiterate this ship has not separated for a great length of time and I cannot assure you it will work."

"Show my engineer what needs to be done and it will." Chris answered with a little more calm in his voice.

The C'Kaia turned to Mary and said quietly. "It will take a few minutes," he began. "The prelaunch sequence must be followed exactly. I have never done this before but I am told that there are no shortcuts to the procedure."

"I understand." Mary nodded as the C'Kaia set to work. "What time we have will have to suffice."

As Chris heard that, he sighed to himself and hoped it would be enough. They had only one shot at this and failure was not an option.

Chapter Twenty Three:
Failsafe

Vin Tanner found Alexandra Styles sitting at her favourite place inside the observation deck. He knew she liked that place better than she liked Four Corners because there were less people there. It was more than a day since the Captain was taken and the mood on the Maverick remained grim. Vin himself felt similar feelings of anger and frustration at the Captain's abduction off their bridge. The helm officer knew Ezra was particularly infuriated by that fact and the normally suave and charming security chief was wearing a black cloud since the kidnapping, cursing at their inability to stop the enemy from beaming the captain right off the bridge.

He walked into the observation deck hoping to find her here; unable to explain why seeing her was often the highlight of his day. Vin found so much pleasure in just talking to her, he was at a loss to understand why. Not to mention since she kissed him, he yearned to have her touch him again. She met his gaze as he approached her and flashed him a smile, the one she gave no one else but him. It made his heart rate increase just a little faster. Vin wondered if he was being subject to some metabolic anomaly that Vulcans seemed to acquire at the most inconvenient times. Perhaps he would ask Doctor Jackson about it when the present crisis was over.

"Hello Vin." She greeted him, holding a warm mug of hot chocolate in her hands. It had one marshmallow on top that was slowly liquefying because of the heat emanating from the beverage. "Just come off duty?"

"Yes." He nodded as he sat down before her. It was nice to know he did not have to ask her permission anymore.

"I came off an hour ago myself." Alex remarked, her gaze fixed on the stars outside even though she liked his company. "Anything interesting to report?" She was perfectly aware if there were Buck would have summoned her to the bridge by now.

"No." He shook his head somberly, reminded of the Captain then and feeling a wave of sadness at his absence. Ever since he had met Captain Larabee, Vin had got the sense the man was not just his commanding officer but also his friend. Vin did not have that many friends to afford losing them. He hated the captain being gone and even more so because they could do nothing to get him back. "There's still nothing."

Alex caught the sorrow in his eyes and felt the urge to hold him. She did not know why she felt the way she did about Vin Tanner, only recognising that she saw a soul as lost as her own, struggling to find its way back to the light or even reach it for the first time. She looked in those pools of cobalt and knew instantly what he was feeling and was starting to believe he could do the same for her too.

"Vin, we'll find him." She said trying to make him feel better because she hated seeing him sad. It reached into the dark depths of herself where Alex had not believed anything could penetrate, and reminded her most acutely she was not as emotionally detached as she thought.

"I know we will." He said with a smile and then raised his eyes to meet hers. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes," she liked him smiling and was happy to oblige him in his questions. He was so full of them even though they were roughly the same age.

"Why are you so sad?"

The question caught her by surprise but she recovered quickly.  In a quiet voice, she responded, "what makes you say I'm sad?"

"Because you are." He answered honestly, the only way he knew how to respond to any question. "It's everywhere. It's in your voice, in your eyes and its even in your smile."

His ability to see through her felt oddly liberating but at the same time, she hated it because it made her unable to lie to him with any success.

Alex took a deep breath and released it. She supposed Buck Wilmington was right. She did  did need to tell someone and this Vulcan was the only person on this ship, she could say she trusted with complete and utter conviction, probably because she cared about him more than any other person on the Maverick.

Slowly, she answered him and the words escaped her as if it were torn from her lips. "I was captured by the Cardassians when I was stationed on Deep Space 9."

Vin said nothing but knew enough about the Cardassians to know how they treated their prisoners. Male prisoners suffered brutally enough but even imagining what a female must have endured, suddenly made him understand a little better.

"It was very bad." He stated, not asking because it could be no other way.

Alex blinked. Bad was an understatement. How to tell him that they'd broken her into so many pieces, she was still trying to put the fragments of herself together? That she still woke up screaming at night because of what they had done. 

"I was held there for six months," she forced herself to continue when suddenly, she felt his hand in hers.

Alex had not noticed how close he had been sitting before but was suddenly very aware of him in a manner that did not seem to register at first, because it had been so damn long since she felt anything remotely like it. His skin was warm against hers and Alex felt her stomach leap inside her as he gently intertwined his fingers between her own and held it there in support.

"Cardassians do not obey any of the rules regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. They will do anything to break you and it came to a point where I had to do anything to escape. I made a choice to survive and so I did what I had do to get out."

To this day, she couldn't even think about what that choice led her to do and swore, no one would ever find out. Especially not this Vulcan she cared so much about.

He did not understand that part of it but he could tell from her eyes that it must have been terrible indeed to cause so much pain. "I'm sorry. I should not have made you talk about it."

"No it's okay," Alex answered with a faint smile. "You know the world didn't fall apart like I thought it would, if I spoke about it. Maybe in time, I'll tell you a little more."

"I would listen."

"I know you would." Alex met his eyes and said warmly. "That's what friends do, we listen." She glanced at the stars again and added, "That's why we have to wait here for the Captain because he's your friend and we'll get him back."

"Chris is pretty resourceful." Vin commented. "I'll bet at this moment, he's showing the enemy a thing or two about Captain's ingenuity."

"Can we please get some stabiliser control so I can stop falling on my ass!" Chris grumbled as he attempted to get to his feet again. Around him, the sphere was shuddering badly as Mary and the C'Kaia wrestled with the controls as they attempted to separate the hatchery sphere from the rest of the ship. Although he was quite certain that the C'Kaia Carer was not deliberately hindering their attempts to complete the separation, it appeared the alien knew less than he was admitting. Chris was starting to believe it when the C'Kaia had stated that the sphere had not undergone separation in centuries.

Klaxons were screaming throughout the sphere and Chris ventured to guess that similar alarms were being sounded on the ring section of the C'Kaia vessel. He knew they had achieved partial separation because the sphere was now rocking dangerously as it tried to unattach all docking clamps to the rest of the ship.

"We must abort!" The Carer cried out. "One of the docking clamps is malfunctioning! We are unable to separate."

"Can it be done manually?" Chris asked as he hung onto a nearby panel for dear life.

The Carer considered this for a moment. "Yes, it can. There is a manual release on the starboard section of this craft."

"Give me a floor plan schematic!" Chris ordered.

Within seconds, one of the consoles flashed the information required. Chris studied it carefully after the Carer showed him the location of the errant docking clamp. After a moment, he turned to Mary. "Keep your weapon on him while I'm doing this."

In response, Mary stepped back from the panel leaving the C'Kaia to work alone as she raised her weapon and aimed carefully. While they had been working to release the ship, the C'Kaia had been conscious of the captain's weapon aiming at it and poised to fire. Like Chris she did not trust the alien enough to believe it would not make a bid for escape once they were alone.

"All right," Chris said contented with the situation. "I'll be back soon."

Chris hurried out of the control room and saw the small access hatch located at the turn of the corridor leading back into the hatchery. Earlier on, he and Mary had run straight past it without seeing it but now that he was looking, Chris detected it easily enough. There was a small activation pad on the base of the wall to access the hatch. Once again, it was designed for C'Kaia hands and was quite easy for a human to operate. The hatch slid open with a loud hiss of hydraulic gases and a musty smell drifted from the opening.

As he lowered himself into the passageway and started climbing downwards, he could feel dust on his palms as he gripped the wrung of a ladder. The ship was still shuddering as it tried to escape its tether and Chris had a great deal of difficulty maintaining his hold. His descent into the engineering deck of the sphere section was slow but it gave him time to observe. The illumination in this part of the ship was dim. However, he was still able to visualise the vague shapes of machinery around him and hear the low humming of the engines resonating in his ears. According to the floor plan, he knew he did not have far to go before he reached bottom.

He let go of the rung and dropped to the remaining feet to the floor. Landing on the hard metal deck with a loud clang, Chris looked around and saw the engine core directly in front of him. It did not seem much different from the warp cores of some of the older constitution class ships, but knew that the dynamic of this ship was completely different to those ancient vessels. The similarities went as far as appearance only because this was an engine capable of transwarp speed. The machinery around the transwarp core was throbbing with its own kind of life as the core required no C'Kaia or human to aid its function.

Chris made a quick investigation as he moved towards the rear of the room. According to the schematics he saw earlier, the manual release controls for the docking clamp were on this deck. It appeared the entire deck was completely automated. The access hatch that brought him here was only meant to be utilised to conduct routine maintenance on these systems. Beyond that, the sphere's engine core did not require outside assistance to function.

The manual release clamps were situated in varying points around the large engineering deck. Fortunately, Chris needed to reach only one. It was getting harder and harder to maintain his balance as the ship's shuddering seemed to have become worse. If they did not separate from the ring soon, the sphere's structural integrity could be compromised. Considering this was their only way to escape, it was a state of affairs they could not afford.

As he approached the manual release, he saw the large, metal lever jutting out from the wall. Once again, the lever was designed so that a minimum amount of force was required to activate it. However when he went to pull the lever down, it took a great deal of strength to budge it. The physical strength of the C'Kaia must have been formidable, Chris thought. Nevertheless after a determined effort to move the lever, Chris felt the manual release engage.

When it did, he felt the engines heave with a wave of power. The shuddering stop in one final surge forcing him to the floor. Even though he could not see it for himself, Chris knew the sphere had made the separation successfully. When he was upright again, he noticed the shuddering had stopped and the engines were humming with a rhythmic pulse indicating energy flow.

It took him a few minutes to return to the control room now the ship had stopped shaking and he had the freedom to hurry instead of taking carefully measured steps. When he arrived, Mary was at navigation control although her weapon was still pointed at the C'Kaia. Upon seeing him, she lowered the gun and set her full attention to what she was doing.

"I set the coordinates as you said. Unless I really botched it up, we should be returning to Federation space at transwarp speed." She said unable to hide her concern she might be wrong.

"What about the ring section of the C'Kaia ship?" Chris questioned, coming next to her. "Are they in pursuit?"

"Yes they are." The C'Kaia answered for them. "They are in pursuit." The C'Kaia indicated towards another console. Judging from the trajectory readings of the two blips on the screen, it was clear the Carer was telling the truth. Not that it mattered anyway, Chris had expected the C'Kaia to follow them.

"Thank you." Chris answered and turned back to him. "You've kept your word, Carer. I will keep mine. We will not harm the unborn. Our plans at this point are merely to return to our own space and to my ship. After that, you may return the hatchery to your sister ship"

The Carer seemed somewhat surprised by Chris's gratitude although it was difficult to tell for certain. He had very little contact with insect species of this specialised development. Generally, it was unusual for an insect species to evolve to this sophistication. The unfortunate realities of nature had always placed arthopod life forms at the bottom of the food chain, to be preyed on by almost every other classification. If they did not meet their destruction as a food source, they were usually destroyed because they were considered pestilence.

"I am only a Carer of the unborn. I do not wish to see any creature harmed but it is not my place to question those of the High Caste." It was an attempt at an explanation and Chris accepted the gesture for what it was.

"Do you have a name Carer?"

"I am simply the Carer." It answered unable to grasp the need for a name. "We do not have use for personal designation."

"Are there many carers?"

"No," it shook its head. "I am the only one. We cannot afford to hatch many of the unborn. Only a small number are allowed to maintain the ships and the hatcheries."

"Why are the hatcheries located on ships?" Chris found himself asking. If he was to resolve this situation, he needed to know as much about the C'Kaia as possible. Besides, the Carer did not seem to mind answering his questions. This was probably because its entire genetic make up was specialised to perform one task and its mind were not created for anything else. It would not be filled with suspicion or animosity unless it had directly to do with the well being of the unborn. "It is not a safe situation to place children."

"We have no choice on this matter. Our home planet went nova generations ago and were forced into these ships to safeguard what was left of our race."

"What about colonising other planets?" If there was one thing he knew about insects was their adaptability in any environment. They were one of the hardiest creatures in existence anywhere.

"We were not welcomed elsewhere and the High Caste decided that we needed to conquer the worlds that we wanted. Our numbers then were smaller than it was now. It was decided a warrior race should be created in order to colonise worlds we desired."

"The Borg."

Of course. Now it made sense. Pieces of the puzzle fell into place with that explanation. "You used a telepathic female you hoped could link the minds of the species you needed as warriors as your collective will is linked. You implanted them with cybernetic devices to maintain control but something went wrong didn't it?"

The C'Kaia nodded slowly and somewhat regretfully as well. "Somehow, she possessed independent will and all we had succeeded in doing was creating a new and deadlier life form that we had intended them to be."

"So you unleashed your Frankenstein on an unsuspecting galaxy and have been responsible for the deaths of billions."

"We tell ourselves those were not C'Kaia so it does not matter." The Carer's voice became soft. "I do not feel this way. I am responsible for the unborn and I cherish their lives enough to learn that perhaps all life means something to the race who spawns it. I would not like it if I were the only one who felt that way."

It was a hard admission to make, Chris was sure and he appreciated the Carer's honesty. "You are not. Perhaps when this is all over, you may tell the C'Kaia the Federation has many unseeded worlds for colonisation. You need not wander like this."

"You would do this for us even after what we have done to your own?" The Carer said astonished.

"Yes," Mary answered, hoping she was not being too forward in making promises of this magnitude for the Federation. However, she believed the C'Kaiahad a great deal to offer the Federation if it could be convinced that other species were not slaves for their service. "Need forces us to do things we often regret and it appears your need is great."

"I wish we could accept your kindness but I know the Higher Caste will not agree. Perhaps before the Borg female was destroyed, such an agreement may have been possible."

"I don't understand." Chris declared. "With or without the Queen, they are still dangerous."

"Unless you have a fail safe device." Mary stated. While she had been concentrating on keeping the controls directed at navigating the sphere ship back to Federation space, she had been listening to the Captain's conversation with the C'Kaia. "Something that the Borg themselves do not know but perhaps the Queen did."

"Yes." The Carer admitted. "I am uncertain of its mechanics but there was an original fail safe device that could be triggered in the event of a malfunction. However, the female somehow blocked our efforts to trigger it. The High Caste believe it still exists but we have no way to access it."

That was it. The final piece of the puzzle. The piece that completed the picture and explained everything.

"That's why you came after me." Chris stated with a note of triumph. "The C'Kaia wanted information about Picard because he was able to tap into the Borg Collective consciousness and defeat them. Now they want me assimilated so I can have the same access to the Collective and trigger the failsafe."

"An audacious plan." Mary declared.

"To say the least." Chris started to grin. For the first time since this all began, Chris Larabee had a plan and he knew what to do. "Mary," he said quickly. "We need to send a message to the Maverick."

"With a little help from the Carer here, I fail to see why we can't. Do you want to tell them where we are."

"It would do them very little good. At transwarp, we'd reach them first. No," Chris shook his head. "I have something a little different in mind."

Mary raised a brow and let him continue.

How much longer were they going to search for the Captain, JD Dunne found himself thinking, though he hated to think the Maverick would lose its commander during its maiden voyage, he was starting to believe there was little they could do to prevent it. They had been dutifully maintaining their pursuit for three days now and there was still little indication to prove Captain Larabee or Lieutenant Travis was still alive. He had spent most of his shift monitoring all subspace channels or frequencies for anything to assist in their rescue attempt. Unfortunately, his success was almost non existent.

The bridge seemed to be caught in a black mood of depression that was slowly filtering to the rest of the ship with each passing day they maintain their pursuit of the transwarp vessel. He wondered what could have possessed Starfleet Command to urge them to continue their search considering the ship was probably so far away now that catching up to it was astronomical. However, JD was not about to bring that up to the first officer.

Buck remained where he was since he had arrived at the beginning of his shift, firmly seated in the command chair. JD wondered what was going through his mind. Was he starting to see it was hopeless too? Nevertheless, his actions had bolstered much confidence among the crew. Even if his determination to rescue the captain seemed foolish, it was nice to know he had at least tried and would put the same effort into retrieving them if they too were lost as the Captain.

Lieutenant Standish however, seemed to show signs of wear. JD noticed the Security Chief was more sombre these days, no doubt because he was angry at how they captain had been taken off the bridge through all his security protocols. Perhaps, he knew what no one else wanted to admit even though the possibility loomed heavily in their mind, that it might be too late for the Captain or Lieutenant Travis.

The Maverick entered new territory now. The space they were now traversing had never been charted before and stellar cartography was making the most of this opportunity. It would have been nice if the circumstance bringing them out here was less dire. Suddenly, the sudden flashing on his communication panel interrupted his thoughts.

"Commander, I am receiving an incoming transmission." JD immediately declared.

Buck rose to his feet in the centre of the room and met his gaze directly.

"From Starfleet Command?" He asked before exchanging glances with Alex.

What was that about?

"No Sir," JD replied automatically, ignoring the odd behaviour of the two command officers. "This transmission isn't coming from Federation space."

The news rippled through the bridge like a wave and swept everyone along with it. JD listened carefully to the incoming signal whose frequency was completely alien but undoubtedly possessed a Starfleet recognition code. It did not take him long to decipher it.

"Commander," JD looked up at the first officer in astonishment. "Its Captain Larabee's identification code."

Everyone on the room shared the sigh of relief released by Buck Wilmington. However, he did not let himself enjoy the moment and returned to business immediately. "What does the transmission relay?"

JD returned his attention to the transmission being sent and quickly punched into the translation. "The transmission is travelling on a frequency I've never seen before. Its faster than normal subspace. I would say its a highly focused pulse of some sort."

"The content JD." Buck insisted. "The specifics aren't important at this time."

"Yes Sir," JD nodded. "The message relates, Captain Larabee Lieutenant Travis have escaped and are on their way to the Vikaris Quasar."

"Which means we'll run into them." Alex concluded.

"Please continue." Buck said to JD again and Alex fell silent.

"He has given us a instructions prior to intercept."

"Instructions?" Buck declared with mild surprise. "What sort of instructions?"

JD met his gaze, not understanding the nature of the request himself but relaying it nonetheless. "He wants us to turn our communications array into an interplexing beacon with a directional focus of vector 23 mark 563."

It took a moment for him to calculate the approximate location of those coordinates but when the answer appeared before his eyes, JD could hardly believe it. He looked up at Buck whose expression seemed even darker than his.

"Commander," he responded slowly, still unable to believe what the Captain had requested of them. "Those coordinates are in ..."

"I know JD." Buck cut him off before he could say it. Undoubtedly, experience had allowed him to calculate the importance of those coordinates long before he had received his answer from the terminal. "Those coordinates are in Borg space."

Chapter Twenty Four:
Bargaining Points

"Captain, the ring vessel is hailing us." Mary announced.

Chris had expected they would even if he did not voice it. "Let's hear what they have to say."

It had been several hours since they separated from the rest of the C'Kaia vessel. Although the ring section of the ship had been in close pursuit, it had not open fire on them. In taking the sphere, Chris had not only ensured a means of escape for himself and Mary, but with the hatchery on board, the C'Kaia were helpless to retrieve them. Since the sphere was heavily shielded and armoured, the C'Kaia were also unable to transport the eggs or them for that matter, and firing on the hatchery was not an option.

Temporarily, it appeared that he was holding all the cards.

"Captain Larabee, we wish to inform you that this foolishness will not be tolerated." The superior voice of the C'Kaia filled the airwaves. Even though, they had declined to provide them with a visual signal, Chris knew from the voice it was the C'Kaia who was responsible for his interrogation. "We demand the return of the Unborn immediately."

Chris rolled his eyes in resignation before responding to the C'Kaia. "The Unborn will be returned to you when my officer and I are back on our ship. In the meantime, I suggest you drop the attitude and remember the only reason we have not destroyed them is because it suits our purpose to keep them alive. Do not presume to think we will not do the same if their usefulness to us is ended. I am well aware of the limitations placed upon you since I am in possession of the hatchery. You will retreat out of our scanner range until such time as I locate my ship." He said coldly and then added for effect. "I recommend that you don't force my hand, you won't like the results."

There was a momentary pause and Chris wondered if they did not have a new trick up their sleeve or some alternative he had not anticipated. However, nothing happened and Mary made an announcement shortly after. "Well they did it. They've withdrawn out of scanner range."

"Good," Chris nodded in return. "How is our Carer?" He inquired when the tension had eased.

Until now, the Carer had been focussed with monitoring the condition of the eggs in a hatchery. Chris hoped when the time came, the Carer could escape the consequences of aiding them in their escape. While much of its co-operation was due to the genetic engineering ruthlessly compelling the Carer to place the Unborn above all other considerations, Chris knew that there was more to it. He got a sense the Carer was tired of this nomadic existence and did not appear to believe that the C'Kaia were the only true life forms in the universe. Perhaps it was due to its place in the Caste, who knew for sure?

"Carer," Chris was suddenly struck with a thought. "Are you male or female?"

The Carer looked over its shoulder, or equivalent anyway. "I am male as you are both. Why do you ask?"

Chris threw a glance at Mary who was engrossed in her study of the controls, before returning his gaze back to the Carer. "What do you mean both?"

Sensing some importance in the question, the Carer turned around to face him. "You are both males."

An understandable mistake from an alien, Chris supposed. How many humans would the Carer have encountered to know the difference? "Carer, I am male but Lieutenant Travis is female."

"A female?" The surprise showed in the sudden quiver of the Carer's short stunted wings. "The one called Mary is a female?" The Carer cocked its head to one side, examining Mary like she was some strange kind of creature.

"Yes I am," Mary joined in the conversation. "Are C'Kaia females not allowed to serve on your ships?"

"I have not seen a C'Kaia female in my lifetime. There are none among us."

"But the hatchery...." Chris started to say.

"When our world went nova, we were unable to save the Great Mother or the Newlings would replace her. The Unborn were removed before the devastation. Someday, when we conquer the universe, we will release the stasis field and the Unborn will at last join us. We calculate that a quarter of this number will be female."

That explained why the C'Kaia had created the Borg to colonise their worlds. They simply could not afford to take their ships into battle and run the risk of losing the hatcheries. If not for the Unborn in the hatcheries, the C'Kaia would have become extinct long ago. According to the Carer, the C'Kaia released the stasis field on a small number of eggs only when the need arose. This was mostly for replacement of crew who were aging or who had been killed during the course of their nomadic existence in space.

Chris was about to question the Carer more about the social structure of the C'Kaia when suddenly a sharp beeping erupted from the nearby controls. Mary turned her attention to it immediately as both Chris and the Carer joined her there. During the past few hours, Mary expertise in handling the complex controls had increased and she no longer needed the Carer's continuous assistance.

"What is it?"

"A ship is entering extreme sensor range." Mary replied automatically.

"The ring section?" He asked, wondering what the C'Kaia had up their sleeve now or were they simply attempting to test his resolve. For all their sakes, Chris hoped they did not intend to call his bluff because he could not say how far he was prepared to go to get Mary back to the ship safely. If it was just his life, things would be simple but it was not. She had a son who needed her and Chris did not intend to let the boy lose another parent.

"No," Mary answered, shaking her head. "It is coming from Federation space."

Federation space? While this part of space was largely unexplored, it was also uncharted by the majority of Alpha Quadrant ships. No formal contact had ever been made to the worlds in this sector of the quadrant but that did not mean there were not privateers out here.

"Can you get a ID lock?"

"Not at this range." She responded but her hands indicated otherwise. They were moving across the board with amazing speed.

"Your female learns quickly." The Carer remarked. "Reputedly, our females are only for breeding."

"Well maybe not all things about C'Kaia customs are bad." He threw Mary a wolfish smile.

"Captain," she looked over her shoulder and remarked with smirk. "You're a pig and I think you need to see this."

Chris was at her side and examined the readings. "That's a Federation warp signature."

What was a Federation ship doing out this far? Suddenly, with a flash of insight, he knew who was out there. When he had sent the message earlier about the interplexing beacon, he had done so on nothing more than faith that his first officer and his ship were still in existence. Most likely licking their wounds in the Vikaris Pulsar after their encounter with the C'Kaia ship. Neither could he ignore the nagging fear in the back of his mind the C'Kaia might have destroyed the ship after their abduction. Now, however, it appeared his ship was not only in one piece, but Buck had done the unexpected by coming after them instead of returning to Federation space.

"It's the Maverick." He stated firmly.

"That is your ship then?" The Carer inquired.

"We think so." Chris answered before another thought occurred to him and it was a possibility that did not bode well for his plans. "The other ship is going to be able to pick her up."

She realised where he was going with this. "You think they're in danger." It was a statement not a question.

"Yes I do." He nodded. "I want maximum acceleration right now. We have to get there first. We've got a bargaining point with the hatchery, we don't need to give the C'Kaia one as well with the Maverick."

"Buck," Ezra spoke up, his voice carrying across the bridge. "I have picked up multiple transwarp signatures at extreme sensor range."

"I need a better definition of multiple signals than that, Commander." Buck said without looking at him

"Aye Sir." Ezra replied promptly, knowing that the identification was important in light that the Captain had escaped.

Nevertheless, since hearing from the Captain, crew morale rose considerably. Buck himself had contacted Starfleet Command and offered an explanation for the Maverick delay in returning to Deep Space Five. Although, he did have to confess at being perplexed by the Captain's instructions to them.

"How is the work coming along on the construction of the interplexing beacon?" He asked Alex who was at her customary position at the science console despite her temporary promotion to acting first officer.

"Julia tells me that it is ready. Apparently, she and her crew have been working double time to get it done."

"I'll make a note to enter a commendation in the logs for their work." Buck answered calmly. "Ezra, how we doing ascertaining how many transwarp signatures are in sensor range?"

"Better than before," the security chief replied unable to hide the confusion in his voice. "I think there are two but their transwarp signatures are odd."

"How so?" Buck swivelled around in his chair to face him.

"Well, one signature fits with the previous recorded signature of the enemy vessel but there is a slight variance in the other.  Two ship perhaps?" Ezra suggested.

"I don't think so." Alex replied hurrying next to his console to take a look at the readings herself. "More like a slight shift in warp field of a very narrow margin."

Buck considered that for a moment. Then it clicked into his head with an almost audible sound. His conclusion had merit given what they knew of the enemy and it now offered a possible explanation for the structure of the enemy vessel. "Alex, when we separate our ship, are our warp signatures identical?"

Her eyes flew open, understanding immediately. "They are almost identical with a slight shift in the configuration of the warp field."

"You think they've separated their ship?" Ezra looked at him.

"It might explain how the Captain and Lieutenant Travis were able to escape and transmit their message to us."

"Buck, one of the transwarp ships have accelerated considerably. They're putting considerable distance between themselves and the other ship." Ezra said suddenly.

Buck reserved his opinion on that turn of events for the present. "What is the course of the lead ship?"

"Its on an intercept course." Ezra replied. "It should reach us in 14. 9 minutes."

"Battlestations." Buck rose to his feet. "All hands to red alert."

"It could be the Captain." Alex pointed out.

"And it might not be." He said coolly. "At this point, I'm not willing to gamble until we have more information."

"Yes Sir." She nodded dutifully knowing blind faith in the Captain's abilities was not the best way to proceed. At the moment, they knew he was alive. That was enough. However, neither she nor Buck had voiced the suspicion the enemy might have extracted Captain Larabee's security code from him and was using it to draw them into a trap. While the possibility was unlikely, she was reminded of Buck's words that their lack of information was a liability.

The doors to the bridge slid open and Nathan and Josiah stepped out of the turbo lift and unto the floor. Although it was not necessary for either of them to be on the bridge at this moment, Josiah knew he could not stay away. He was slowly going mad pacing the floor of his office waiting for news of Chris now that they knew he was alive.

"Nathan," Buck looked at him. "Less I'm the one whose needing it, I don't seem to recall anyone being sick."

"Since we are going into a combat situation, it would be wise to have a doctor on the bridge." Nathan had carried his medical case with him in the instance his presence was questioned. Either way, it was a lame excuse and he knew it. The question was, did the first office know it as well?

"Commander," Josiah spoke up. "I requested the doctor's presence on the bridge. While Captain Larabee's identification code has been verified, we do not know that information was not taken from him under duress. It may be necessary for us to confirm the authenticity of the message by other means, voice pattern and DNA testing."

Buck nodded in understanding. "A wise precaution. How do you propose we do this?" He asked, even though it was actually impossible for such testing to be any value since the captain was not hear to provide the samples to make a proper identification. However, Buck could understand why they wished to be on the bridge.

"You can stay," Buck frowned turning back to the view screen. "Only because I don't have the heart to turn away two such lousy liars off the bridge."

"It is the Maverick." Chris declared as the first image of the ship appeared on one of the screens inside the control room. However, his pleasure was short-lived and he remembered the urgency of their situation. "Has the other ship picked up on them yet?"

"If their sensor range is comparable with this vessel's, then I would say that it is a strong possibility they have detected the Maverick." The Carer replied.

Damn, he wished they could get good news sometimes. "Once they reach the Maverick, they're going to use her as target practice until we give up the hatchery."

"My people would do this." The Carer offered his opinion. "We would do no less to ensure the safe return of the Unborn."

"I hope that interplexing beacon is set up or this is going to be one short homecoming. How long until we reach the Maverick?"

"At this speed, I estimate within the next ten minutes." Mary answered.

"Okay," Chris nodded and considered his options. "We should be in communication range, hail them."

A partial plan had been forming in his head ever since he learnt about the Borg and their relationship to the C'Kaia. During their journey to Federation space, Chris had a chance to iron out most of the bugs from a very risky idea. However, a gamble was all he had. There was no way the Maverick could take on the C'Kaia ship. They may be able to damage it but not without destroying itself first. Their encounters with the C'Kaia had proved their weakness so any solution to their current crisis would not be won on a show of strength. It had to be won on fear. Unfortunately, Chris had expected Buck and the Maverick to be in the vicinity of the Vikaris Quasar, instead of pursuing a transwarp signature they could never hope to catch. He had no idea why he was surprised, Buck would be determined enough to come after him.

In Buck's place, Chris knew he would.

"Contact established." Mary announced with pride because she was mastering the technical aspects of this situation quite admirably.

On one of the screens, Buck's image appeared before them. Standing alongside Buck was Josiah, whose brow was knitted in concentration.

"You finally lost your mind that you need a Counsellor on the bridge Buck?" Chris smirked at his first officer.

Buck burst into a wide grin and although the screen offered a limited view of the bridge, Chris could tell that the rest of the crew shared his relief.

"It is good to see you Chris," Buck answered. "We were starting to believe that we'd lost you for good."

They had no idea how close they had come to doing just that, Chris thought to himself but did not say it out loud. "Well you haven't got me back completely yet. We've still got a great deal of work to do before the other ship reaches us."

At that, Josiah stepped back realising that Chris needed to confer with his first officer. "Buck, why are you here? I thought you would be on your way to Federation space by now."

"You're welcome," Buck said sarcastically. "While I'm thrilled to see you, you mind telling us what's going on?"

"Lieutenant Travis and I have commandeered this vessel. It contains the hatchery for the C'Kaia young."

"The C'Kaia?"

"Yes," Chris answered. "I don't have time to explain now. Is the interplexing beacon ready?"

"Aye Sir," Buck replied. "Julia put in a supreme effort to get it done."

"Good. Now I need you to transmit the following message through the interplexing beacon."

Chris gave him the specifics of the message he had constructed over the past few hours. Upon hearing it, Buck's surprise was evident.

"This is a highly risky action," Buck commented. "Are you certain there are no other options?"

"Unfortunately no," Chris shook his head. "Make certain that it is ready to transmit immediately. For the moment, we have other problems. By now, the other C'Kaia ship knows you are here and will probably try to bargain your life for the Unborn on this ship. We can't allow them to get the upper hand. We will be in intercept range in a matter of minutes, until then hold position and go to battle stations."

"Already done." Buck said confidently.

"You're just too good Commander." Chris grinned. "I'll contact you when we reach your position."

With that, the communication channel between the two ships was terminated and Chris turned back to the Carer. The C'Kaia deserved an explanation in light of what he had witnessed between Chris and his first officer. Despite being their prisoner, the Carer had willingly helped in their escape and surrendered more information than was required of him to provide. Thanks to the Carer, they had been provided not only with valuable information about the C'Kaia but also the Borg.

"Carer, I know what you have heard may sound alarming but I assure you we will not be forced to take this action unless your people gives us no other choice."

"I understand that you are compelled to do what you must," the Carer replied. "However, if you do this, you condemn our race to death."

Chris placed a hand on the C'Kaia's shoulder. "Carer, your people are not fools. They know as well as I do what the stakes are. When my plan is brought to their attention, I am sure they will not risk the lives of the Unborn any more than you are willing to do."

The Carer however, appeared unconvinced. "The High Caste are not always reasonable. You may not have a choice but to retaliate."

Chris had considered the possibility but instinct told him that this was their only chance. With the Dominion War still raging on the other side of the galaxy and the recent Borg attack on Earth, the Federation could not afford to waste resources on fighting a new enemy. The C'Kaia had proved themselves to be a formidable threat. Even though their numbers were small, the technology gave them an advantage and it did not appear they were prepared to give any quarter for the savagery of their attack. Certainly not after destroying Federation colonies that were home to women and children with ruthless and clinical efficiency.

No matter, how many of the high minded ideals of his Federation past lingered in his mind, Chris knew that war allowed for no such considerations. They had one weapon that could silence the C'Kaia forever and end the threat to the Federation. As much as it pained him to use it, Chris knew he would do so if forced into it. Even the C'Kaia knew if his message were allowed to escape the memory banks of the interplexing beacon, it would signal the death knell to the entire C'Kaia race.

"Captain, the ring ship is increasing speed." His reverie was broken by Mary's announcement.

"I gathered they would." Chris said with a sigh. He had expected them to do so once they had the Maverick on its scopes. No doubt, they were seizing the opportunity to balance the odds in this dangerous game he was playing with them. Strangely enough, he was no longer afraid. Now that the moment was upon him, there was little time to feel fear or caution. It was reminiscent of how he felt during that moment when Captain Picard first took command of the fleet during the Borg attack and he was still the first officer of the Rutherford. He had come face to face with that singular moment in every Starfleet officer's life that defined the rest of his career. The moment of the Call. He had made the choice then and he was a starship Captain.

Now, it remained to be seen if he could pull the same hat trick twice.

Chapter Twenty Five:
The Borg

The ring section of the C'Kaia vessel increased to maximum acceleration the minute the Maverick came into its scanner range. Fortunately, Chris had expected as much from them. Within a matter of seconds, the ring was bearing down on the Maverick that was still not taking any evasive measures as per his orders. His instructions to Buck were in accordance to a plan that required maintaining the ship's position. Still, Chris did not intend to put the Maverick at any more risk than it already was.

"Mary, move us into position between the Maverick and the ring ship." Chris ordered, watching the monitor closely.

The ring was bearing down hard on the Maverick even though the galaxy class starship was making no efforts to move out of the way. Sensor readings before him indicated to Chris that Buck was taking the appropriate measures. The ships' shields were up, including the specifically modified shield that could stand up to the battering offered by the superior weaponry of the C'Kaia ship. Without even being present on his bridge, he could determine the sequence of events as they unfolded. No doubt, Buck would have placed phasers and quantum torpedoes on stand by to fire.

More than anything, Chris wanted to be there.

"The ring is increasing speed." Mary declared. "They are trying to reach her before we can put ourselves in position."

"They're not fools." Chris responded. "They know if we move to protect the Maverick, they'll be back to square one. They won't be able to fire."

"I am adjusting to speed to compensate." She answered and Chris saw the Maverick drawing closer on the monitor screen.

Realising their advantage was drawing close, the ring ship fired a series of blasts at the Maverick. Chris could sense desperation in their act. From this distance, those blasts were nothing more than a futile exercise. He could see the Maverick' shields absorbing the energy of those bolts, preventing them from harming the ship.

"How soon until we are in position?" He asked quickly.

Mary was staring at the console screen. She was very unsure with what she was doing and even though she was holding up well with his tutelage and that of the Carer's, this was not her field of expertise. .

"Lieutenant?" He repeated firmly. This was no time for doubt. He cared about her but they were still Starfleet officers. "Keep focussed."

"Yes." Mary nodded. "We are in position now."

The sphere ship glided effortlessly through space between both ships and then came to a halt. With its thrusters igniting in the darkness surrounding them, the sphere held position, completely obstructing the Maverick from the line of fire. The ring section of the C'Kaia ship slowed immediately, realising their momentary advantage was lost. The vessel made a vain attempt to swing around the sphere to regain their line of sight with the Maverick but Chris saw to it that the sphere followed suit.

They could play this game for hours. Chris realised this but this entire incident had gone far enough. He did not want to destroy the C'Kaia hatchery any more than he wanted his own ship harmed. However, that decision would depend entirely on the good senses of the C'Kaia in the ring ship. They were not a mindlessly aggressive species. Their technology was formidable because of engineering superiority and scientific knowledge. If they did not possess such a supreme attitude that they were not the only sentient life forms in the galaxy, the Federation might have been able to assist them. However, Chris did not hold out hopes for the C'Kaia to change. What was needed to end this was not compassion but another emotion entirely.

Fear.

"Signal the Maverick." Chris instructed and then turned to the Carer. "It's now or never. I hope your people care about the Unborn as much as you say."

The C'Kaia did not say anything but his stunted wings started to tremble slightly, an action he often produced when he was nervous. Chris knew the Carer was still confused at his role in this situation. His first duty was to the safety of the hatchery and everything he had done so far, even assisting them to fly this ship, was for their protection. Chris just hoped his superiors saw it that way when it came time to account for his part in this incident when it had ended.

"Buck's online." Mary informed him dutifully. She seemed more focussed now and Chris was glad. He could understand her apprehension but despite his feelings for her, he was still her Captain and there were times when he needed to pull her in line.

Buck appeared on the screen. As usual, Buck was holding a brave face for the benefit of the crew, hiding any concern despite the fact that their recent battles with the C'Kaia ship had not ended well. However, without being able to look beyond the screen to the rest of the bridge, he knew the rest of the bridge crew was not that dispassionate.

"Report." Chris ordered automatically.

"We sustain minimal damage to the ship. The shields are still holding and we have initiated the ionic dispersion field throughout the ship. As no one has been transported yet, it is logical to assume that it is working."

One of the requests Chris had made during their early transmission was for the Maverick to generate an ion dispersion field throughout all decks inside the ship. He did not want the C'Kaia taking anyone else off the Maverick to use as a bargaining chip during their discussion. The premise for his plan was fragile enough without adding the potential for hostages into the equation.

"That's nice to know." Chris replied with a faint smile. "Has the message I asked for been fed into the computer?" He inquired.

"Aye Sir." Buck nodded. "JD informs me that it is ready for transmission through the interplexing beacon."

"Good. What about my other order?"

"A Class 9 probe has been despatched to Starfleet Command. It should make contact with Deep Space Five in a matter of hours."

"All right," Chris replied, deciding there was no delaying the inevitable now. The pieces of his stratagem had been laid out and it was time for him to make his gamble. "Standby on my order to transmit the message. I am leaving this frequency open so you will be able to monitor my communications with the other ship."

"Understood."

With that, Chris turned back to Mary. "Hail the C'Kaia vessel."

The C'Kaia on board the ring ship took their time answering their hail. Chris estimated this was probably because they were still trying to decide what to do. While they did not want to take chances with the hatchery, Chris knew they could not sit still and let a non-sentient hold them to such ransom. In any case, it was time this situation was resolved conclusively. Mary continued hailing the C'Kaia until the enemy ship was forced to respond. For the second time, since they had commandeered the sphere section of the ship, the C'Kaia who interrogated him appeared on the viewing screen. Despite his predicament, the C'Kaia commander was still determined to maintain his air of superiority.

"Captain Larabee, if you do not shut down engines and prepare for reintegration of the hatchery back to our vessel, we will destroy the Maverick."

To his credit, Chris had to admit the commander was making a strong show of intimidation. However, they both knew the threat was empty.

"Is that the best you can do?" Chris said just as firmly. "I think we both know that you won't fire on the Maverick, not with the hatchery in your line of fire. Make no mistake if you make the attempt to fire from a different angle, we will compensate for the difference."

"This is merely a diversionary tactic." The C'Kaia snorted derisively. "You cannot remain in the sphere forever and the moment you remove yourself from it, we will destroy you."

Chris did not doubt the hatred in the C'Kaia's voice would drive him to do that. To him, non-C'Kaia were barely alive let alone sentient or deserving of any consideration. In separating the C'Kaia ship and stealing the hatchery, Chris had instigated the full wrath of the C'Kaia's superior ego. Nothing less than his death would satisfy that wounded pride.

"No you won't." Chris said firmly. "Because if you do, then you condemn your entire species to death. Do you want to be responsible for your own genocide?"

"You overstate your importance!" The C'Kaia declared. "Your Federation does not have the strength to confront us on any level, technologically or otherwise. We could destroy your ship now and it would not matter."

"We may not," Chris said slowly. "But I think the Borg certainly are."

The alien's wings started trembling for a split second before it steadied into a rigid pose. "What do you mean?"

"At this moment, my first officer is on standby to transmit a message through an interplexing beacon we have built on our ship. Since you seem to know all about the Borg technology, then you know an interplexing beacon is how they relay most of their communication. You will also know during our experiences with the Borg, we are aware of the frequency in which they transmit. Make any attempt at attacking my ship and I will order my first officer to transmit our message."

"What message?" The C'Kaia said haughtily although Chris could tell it was not as confident or superior as it once was.

"That the creators of the Borg still exists and are attempting to destroy them." He retorted.

For a moment, the C'Kaia did not speak. Chris could sense his fear, even if the alien's expressions were unreadable by him. However, Chris could smell his apprehension. He could feel it in his bones with an instinct as tangible as reality itself.

"They will not believe you." The C'Kaia replied with an angry hiss.

"They will believe when we inform them that you have implanted a failsafe device in their original matrix allowing you to disable them and render the entire Collective harmless."

"You are speculating!" The C'Kaia snarled with impotent fury. "You have no knowledge of the kind!"

"Humans aren't as stupid as you think, "Chris returned with similar venom. "We are capable of gathering evidence and producing a hypothesis. No one builds an army of aggressively dangerous soldiers without wishing to maintain some control. I give your species more foresight then you believe us to have, so I know you would not have unleashed the Borg without being able to render them ineffective at some point. Most likely after they had conquered all the territory you required. Unfortunately, the Borg Queen terminated your link to their minds didn't they? You seem to underestimate all creatures that are not C'Kaia. Once she terminated the link, you no longer had any control over them and that is why you are so interested in Jean-Luc Picard's assimilation. You wanted me assimilated so I could trigger the failsafe once I was inside the Collective consciousness."

"As I said," the commander of the C'Kaia ship repeated. "You are speculating."

"Perhaps I am but rest assured, that speculation is also included in our transmission to the Borg."

"We will destroy your ship before such a message is ever released to harm us. Your threats mean nothing to us."

"If myself and my ship, do not contact Starfleet Command in 24 hours to advise them otherwise, they will transmit the message."

"You are bluffing." The C'Kaia snorted. "You had no time to send a transmission."

"The transmission was sent before you attacked my ship." Chris countered. "You may be able to find the probe that is sending the message but not even with transwarp energy are you going to outrun subspace. The message will be sent to the Borg and they will come here first and we will offer them our assistance in exchange for our safety. Considering the nature of the threat you pose to them, they will undoubtedly accept. The Borg are relentless but they are not stupid. They will come after you with everything at their disposal and they will find you because we will tell them what to look for."

"You would do this!" The C'Kaia shouted. "You would offer us to the Souless Ones like a sacrificial animal? What of your Federation ethics? You forget I have accessed your computer core. We know everything about your vaunted Federation principles, you may make the threat Captain but you certainly do not have the instincts to do so callous a deed."

Very good, Chris thought to himself silently. The C'Kaia was attempting to appeal to his moral side. It only served to show how desperate they were becoming. He knew as well as Chris did that if the C'Kaia's existence were made known to the Collective, there would be nothing that could stop the Borg from finding them.

Unfortunately, in this matter, Chris had no compassionate side. The images of those destroyed colonies lingered in his mind as well as the blank hopelessness in Lars Croft's eyes because he had failed to protect the people under his command. He thought of Kalendera 2 and all those children who would never know another sunrise or grow up to have children on their own. Thinking about them hardened him and gave him the rage he needed to drive his point home.

"You forced me to cast out Federation morality when you murdered the people on our colonies. You expect compassion after what you have done? I don't give a damn what happens to the C'Kaia because the C'Kaia deserve whatever is coming to them. If you attempt to destroy my ship or ever put yourself in Federation space again, my last order before I die is to see to it that your presence is made known to the Borg." He paused a moment and took a deep breath. "Before you kill me, I will have the satisfaction of knowing all C'Kaia in the hatchery will be born Borg."

The air was still for a long while because the C'Kaia before him could think of nothing to say. Chris had used his last words carefully because he knew this was what would have the greatest impact on convincing the C'Kaia the threat was real. If the fate of the Unborn was truly what the C'Kaia cared for, then the possibility of their assimilation would be the most terrifying reminder of the Borg threat to them.

"You make a convincing argument Captain," the C'Kaia said finally. "I would not have believe such savagery from a supposedly civilised race however, you are after all inferior so one cannot expect you to abide to your own rules."

Chris knew the C'Kaia was trying to anger him with those words but he took them as barbs from a fallen enemy who was unable to strike back. "Our rules apply to those who offer us similar consideration. By your actions, you have proven that the C'Kaia cannot be trusted to do the same. We want no more to do with you or your kind. Leave Federation space and that will be an arrangement suitable for all."

The commander leaned closer to the screen and glared at Chris in the eye. "We will defeat the Borg Captain, you may rest assure of that and when we do, we will be back. I look forward to that day with great relish because you will know what it is to make an enemy of us."

An empty threat, Chris decided but nevertheless one he would keep in memory for a long time. He certainly did not intend to lose any sleep over it. "There are enemies everywhere, you are no different from any other."

At that, Chris terminated the line.

Letting out a sigh, he wished he could have been able to offer the C'Kaia some help but knew it was impossible. The higher castes that controlled the fate of the entire species were too arrogant to be reasoned with. It was sad because those like the Carer would be swept away on a wave that could only lead to extinction for their civilisation.

"Carer," he looked at the C'Kaia. "I look forward to the day when we can be friends." He said honestly. "I do not judge the C'Kaia by the actions of the high caste, only by yours."

"You have kept your word to me." The Carer answered. "I do not judge your actions by your words to my leaders."

"Thank you," Chris grinned. "You may tell your people when we are gone that we will not transmit the message while you remain outside Federation space. However, I will see to it that if we even suspect you of trespassing on our territory, we will transmit to the Borg."

The C'Kaia nodded. "I understand. You must do what you can to survive as we must."

"I am certain you will not be held accountable for what has taken place." Mary spoke up. "You may tell them that I am telepathic and was able to take much information out of your mind. We will corroborate your story."

"Thank you," the Carer answered, genuinely touched by the offer. "I wish things could be different."

"I do so as well." Mary replied. She felt a certain kinship with the Carer in his concern for the Unborn. She could share his feelings of protectiveness because she knew that she would be no different if it was William who was threatened. He had dealt with the Captain and herself with honesty and forthrightness even though he was not obliged to. Mary hoped he would be spared any blame for what has taken place.

"Carer," Chris said finally. "There is one last thing I wish you to bring to your people after we have left."

"What is it?" The C'Kaia inquired somewhat intrigued.

"If the C'Kaia ever decide the rest of the galaxy is not populated by non sentient beings, the Federation has many planets that are uninhabited. There is no reason for the C'Kaia to wander like nomads through space. We would help you to find a new home if your people are willing to accept our help."

He had to make that offer. As a starship Captain, he was compelled to extend the hand of friendship to other species, no matter how averse they were to the idea. The Federation was built on tolerance, even if it is given to one who was previously an enemy.

The Carer seemed sceptical about how such an offer would be received but he nevertheless returned a polite response. "I will see to it that your suggestion is given to them." He did not hold any hopes for his superiors to accept such an offer though.

Pity. It would have been nice to have a home.

It never felt so good to be back on a bridge of a starship then at this moment.

After setting out terms with the C'Kaia, Chris contacted the Maverick and ordered a shuttle to dock with the sphere ship. Once the shuttle Ares had docked with the C'Kaia vessel, Chris and Mary left the craft in the capable hands of the Carer. The twenty minutes it took to cross the breach between the sphere and the Maverick, under the watchful eye of the ring ship, still seething from its defeat, were unsettling ones for Chris. Everyone on board let out a sigh of relief when the Ares finally landed on the hangar floor inside the Maverick.

If it had not been inappropriate for the captain to do so, Chris would have dropped to his knees and kissed the deck under him out of sheer gratitude. As it was, he settled for wearing a wide grin on his face as he moved through his ship to the bridge. His crew were equally elated at his return and Chris spent much of his journey to the bridge responding to salutations on his well being. Mary had excused herself immediately after they had left the hangar and hurried to see her son.

When he stepped on the bridge, Josiah was the first to reach him. The doctor did not stand on ceremony and gave him a hearty slap on the back before launching in a tirade of well wishes. Chris received similar responses from his bridge crew (albeit a little more restrained) before he took his command chair. It felt good to be back on the bridge of the Maverick. He never knew how much affection he had for his ship and his crew until this moment.

"The C'Kaia ship has begun to integrate Captain." Buck informed him as he settled in.

"Let's take advantage of that." Chris declared. "Do we have full warp power?"

The question was rhetorical because the Maverick had sustained minor damage during the brief attack by the ring ship earlier.

"Julia reports all systems are functioning at peak efficiency. She has corrected any damage inflicted earlier." Buck answered dutifully, returning to his customary position next to the Captain's chair and Chris had a feeling he was pleased to be there.

"In that case, Vin, take us back to Federation space at Warp 9."

"Aye Sir," Vin glanced over his shoulder and offered him a smile. "With pleasure."

Ahead on the viewer, the image of the two sections of the C'Kaia ship suddenly disappeared from the screen as the Maverick made a 180 degree turn and started heading in the opposite direction. As the stars blurred past the ship, Chris could tell by the atmosphere on the bridge everyone was pleased to be leaving the C'Kaia behind.

"Ezra, are there any signs that the C'Kaia are in pursuit?" .

Ezra studied his scanner readings momentarily before he looked up at the Captain again. "At this time no. We are still within scanner range and I have programmed the sensors to give us a proximity alert if the C'Kaia ship comes any closer than one light year."

"Nicely done." Chris commented and faced the viewer once more. He became lost in thought for a brief while, his mind trying to grasp the future that lay ahead for the C'Kaia. It remained to be seen if the C'Kaia could honour their agreement however Chris was confident they would. The C'Kaia ego would not take defeat at the hands of a lesser species with much dignity. However, they could not risk the Borg becoming aware of their existence until the time was right for them.

For the moment, the situation was in a stalemate, although some might construe that he had won. Chris preferred to think that he and the C'Kaia had reached an uneasy compromise.

"Chris," Buck inquired. "Do you really think this is it for the C'Kaia?"

"Yes I do." Chris said firmly. "Threats aside, they are a doomed race unless they decide to settle on a planet and stop their nomadic existence."

"And if they don't?"

"If they don't, they will be wandering the spaceways forever, hoping for a way to defeat the Borg so that they can take control again."

"Hell of a life." Buck ventured to say. Chris had not much time to give him a detailed account of his time on the C'Kaia vessel and made a mental note to read the captain's report at a later time to get a full appreciation of the facts.

"Yeah." Chris agreed sadly. "They are so trapped by the singular notion they are superior to everyone else that the only way to start again is on the ashes of conquest. It sounds dramatic I know, but it is true."

"They aren't the first to believe that." Buck countered. "Maybe in time, they will learn better."

"They have spent a great deal of time wandering in the wilderness, hoping to find that elusive way to penetrate the Collective. Ultimately, they will find it but it will be their destruction. The moment the Borg are aware of them in their consciousness, they will also be aware of the failsafe. Picard's report on his assimilation by the Borg was very specific. He had no independent will and everything that he knew became theirs to use." Chris met Buck's gaze, who nodded in understanding.

"Therefore, whomever the C'Kaia uses to infiltrate the Borg will become a tool who will be able to hide nothing from the Collective. The Borg will be capable of locating the C'Kaia more effectively than any message relayed by us through an interplexing beacon." Alex who was listening in quietly offered comment.

"When that happens..." Chris tried not to think of the consequences to the C'Kaia nation because assimilation was a fate he would not wish on anyone, even an enemy. "The C'Kaia will cease to exist."

Epilogue:
Captain's Log

"Captain's Log Stardate 143536.5

"It has been almost a week since our encounter with the C'Kaia and so far, the scans we have made across the sector show no further evidence of the C'Kaia ship in our space. After two days of repairs at Deep Space Five, the Maverick has resumed her mission. During our recent incursion into uncharted space, stellar cartography has listed a number of M-class worlds that may have intelligent life. Starfleet command has requested us to investigate."

Chris put down his data pad and eased back into his chair waiting patiently for Buck to arrive. There was something in Admiral Wellington's communication to him that required investigation, if only for his own curiosity. Regarding the incident with the C'Kaia, it appeared Starfleet felt he had acted accordingly. Not relishing another enemy to deal with along with its current problems with the Dominion, Starfleet was grateful at his handling of the situation and the problems he averted. They were also interested in the part of his report dealing with the origins of the Borg. Chris was sceptical at how useful such information could be, but it did answer a few questions about the Collective.

He was in mid swallow, when he heard the door to his ready room. His yeoman had programmed all his favourite beverages into the food replicator when he had been away so Chris was now enjoying a thick Jamaican blend of coffee. He gulped down the liquid and responded quickly to the beeping door.

"Come in."

The door slid open and Buck made his entry as expected. Since returning from the C'Kaia ship, Chris had noticed that the crew's confidence towards their first officer had been strengthened because of Buck's determination to rescue him. Reports from both Josiah and Nathan seemed to add weight to the notion that Buck was turning out to be a splendid choice as first officer, no matter what reservations Admiral Wellington might have had. In fact, the Admiral himself had finally agreed that the Captain's choice had been the correct one after all.

"You wanted to see me Chris?" Buck said entering the room before pausing in front of his desk.

"Yes," Chris replied taking another sip of coffee. "Sit down Commander."

Buck's brow rose at that request but reacted with no more than that. He sat down promptly wondering why Chris was using such formalities with him and wondered if he had some bad news coming to him.

"I've some interesting comments from Admiral Wellington."

"Really?" Buck answered. However, there was a slight shift in his manner Chris was perceptive enough to catch. Buck's response had been more than just a reflex action to the comment but there was also more interest in his voice than he was letting on.

"It seems that the Maverick was unaccountable for almost 24 hours after receiving Admiral Wellington's directive to return to base." Chris pointed out, careful to keep the accusation out of his voice.

"We sustained damage and I felt it necessary to hold position in order to make repairs." Buck replied with just a hint of guilt in his voice.

Chris tried to smile wondering if his first officer knew this was one of the most used excuses to account for missing time in Starfleet history. However, he did not mention it. "According to the log, the ship slipped into Warp 8 after I was taken and you maintained pursuit of the C'Kaia ship."

Buck did not speak but he repented nothing and knew Chris was enjoying seeing him squirm.

However, Chris decided to spare him the embarrassment. In truth, Chris knew exactly what had happened. He had already guessed Buck had probably disobeyed orders and maintained the pursuit. Even though his actions were a breach of orders, one that Admiral Wellington was astute enough to notice, neither the Admiral nor Chris wanted to take any action. Buck's actions were something both of them would have done themselves in the same position.

"Its okay Buck," Chris said with a faint smile. "No explanations are necessary. I have had the discrepancy stricken from the Log. Admiral Wellington seems to agree with what you did. He even seems to think you might make a good first officer after all."

"Thanks," Buck let out a sigh, glad that he was not in trouble.

"I appreciate what you did Buck," Chris said soberly. "Not many officers would have been willing to put themselves on the line like that. You've earned a new respect with the crew when you did that and I'm pretty damn grateful too, big fella"

"Hell," Buck said somewhat embarrassed. He never knew how to deal with praise, not in almost twenty years of friendship. "I figured you'd find your own way out of there." Buck added. "You usually do."

"It's nice to know that you were there anyway." Chris grinned.

"I always will be." Buck answered softly and Chris knew that was a truth far more steeped in reality than any other said so far.

Chris knew he cared for her a great deal. He refused to deny that or hide from his feelings about her although he did understand her fears. She was a widow and her husband was only six months lost to her. He could understand her fear but he was not willing to let her go. Not until she gave herself a chance to explore what she expressed to him in the C'Kaia vessel. Mary had found him on that enormous ship because she had allowed herself to become emotionally connected with him. In itself, that was an act borne out of necessity yet it was a barrier that could not be forgotten now it had been crossed.

She was working in Engineering again, trying to brush up on her technical knowledge since the experience on the C'Kaia ship had taught her how necessary it was. Chris stepped on the deck to see her at a workstation. He knew from other members of the engineering staff she occasionally liked to work in the small hours of the night because there was less chance of interruption when she was doing intense study.

The hum of the warp core in front of her masked the sound of his footsteps as he approached so Mary had no idea of his presence until he spoke.

"Hello Mary."

She stopped working immediately, placed the data pad down before turning around to face him. "Captain, what can I do for you?"

Her tone seemed cold and Chris knew it was forced.

"Mary, we need to talk." Chris said gently, meeting her gaze. He saw a flicker of apprehension in her eyes, before it was crushed mercilessly under the weight of her self-discipline.

"I'm working on something." She answered softly, knowing what he intended. Mary knew that he was aware she was staying away intentionally.

"Fine," he replied, refusing to be brushed off. They were going to get this out now. "We'll do it here."

"Captain, this is inappropriate."

"Mary, I care about you," he began ignoring her attempts to silence him. "I care about you a great deal. Now we both know something happen between us on that C'Kaia ship and I'm not prepared to forget it. At the time, I didn't believe that of you either."

"It is ill advised for us to become emotionally involved." She said softly. "It would lead to errors in judgement for both of us. As captain, I would compromise your ability to make decisions."

"I know all that.  Believe me, there's probably a paragraph in Starfleet Regulations about it but I also know, no one who's really cared about someone he's served with, has ever given a damn about it."

"It is too soon for me Chris," she confessed finally. It had been hard for her to make that revelation but deep inside her, beneath the anxieties she felt, this much she knew. Vulcan discipline had forced her to bury those emotions but she could not help how she felt. She could only control it. "I have lost a husband and I am not ready to explore a relationship between us. Is it enough for you to know that I care?"

Strangely enough, it was. Chris cared about her and he knew pursuing a relationship with her could be difficult but the difficulty did not make him want to give up. She was worth it and he knew when she was ready to share a relationship with him, it could be truly wonderful. When it came to Mary, he was struck with an insight about them that would not be denied. In her eyes, he saw everything he had ever wanted from a woman and knew that his life would never again be complete without her. If she needed time, he could wait.

"It is." He answered, taking her hand in his. "When you are ready, I will be here."

She did not smile but when he gazed into her eyes, Chris could see it.

"What is going on at that table?" An unknown ensign asked Inez while she was pouring the young man the Rigellian cocktail he ordered. The Bolian was looking over his shoulder at the Captain's table, where the senior staff had gathered for their weekly dinner.

Inez slipped in an olive into the blue concoction and reached for a bottle of liqueur under the counter. "It's the Captain's weekly dinner." She sang out as she searched for the bottle in question.

"What's that all about?" The ensign continued to probe. He could see Doctor Jackson, Counsellor Sanchez and the Captain laughing at a joke while Lieutenant Commander Standish and Lieutenant Pemberton were whispering quietly to themselves at the same time that Commander Wilmington, Lieutenant Tanner and Ensign Dunne were engaged in similar banter. Lieutenant Travis and Lieutenant Commander Styles were making comment on the entire proceedings.

"It's just the Captain's way of getting to know the senior staff." Inez replied as she emerged from behind the counter again.

"They never did that on the Potemkin." The ensign retorted.

"Well, Captain Larabee likes to do things differently." Inez said pouring a dab of liqueur into the cocktail. "It's his way of creating a good working environment between the senior officers."

"Is it working?" The young man asked.

Inez stopped what she was doing and glanced at the group of people at the Captain's table before responding to the ensign's question with a faint smile.

"It's getting there."

THE END