VIRTUAL SEASON 7.5

episode 20

Into the Night

by Christina

Prologue
New Hope
almost 6 months after the crash landing

Hugh Murphy motioned to his right and then controlled the urge to pull his hair out when the actor tripped and fell. "Kashimuro!"

"Sorry, boss. I'll do better once I have the lines memorized," Kashimuro Nozawa said.

"That's all right." Hugh stepped on to the stage they'd made in cargo bay 2. "We're going to start act two again. Let's get set." He turned as the cargo bay doors slid open. He'd posted a large sign, asking for visitors to stay away, but of course the many diplomats, and other government officials here to see Voyager's departure, didn't read English. "I'm sorry, you...Oh Captain Janeway." The constant motion around him ceased as the sixteen actors and ten tech staff noticed the captain and the six Minenne government officials with her. "I didn't know you would be coming."

"Minister Perut here wanted to see how we put on a play," Janeway said.

"I'm not sure right now is the best time...We still are just learning our parts."

Perut, the Minenne minister stepped forward and bowed. "Drama in our culture is for holy occasions: a truly profound moment. What play are you are doing?"

"Twelfth Night, Mr. Minister," Hugh replied. "It's by one of Earth's greatest playwrights." He glanced at Janeway and shrugged. "The title refers to an early religious day."

"Ahh," Perut said. "Most excellent." He bowed again. "Thank you for letting me visit. It was a privilege." Hugh managed to maintain a neutral expression until Janeway and her entourage had departed.

"What were you thinking?" Megan asked. "A religious play?"

"It was all I could think of," Hugh replied,

"Whatever," she retorted. "He's in one for major culture shock if he ever gets a chance to see it."

"I don't know," Kashimuro said from the floor. "The scene with Toby and Marie has definite possibilities."

The cast and crew laughed. Hugh smiled. "Well, at this point we're not ready for any revelations. Kashimuro, stand up, and let's get going. We have--" he glanced at his chrono, "--fifteen minutes." Squeezing in rehearsals these last few days on New Hope had been hard. Everyone was running in circles. "And I want to thank everyone again for taking the time to be here."

#

"Good evening, Lieutenant," Susan Nicolleti said as Michael Ayala entered the transporter room. "I hope there's not much more of this."

"They'll be leaving soon." Ayala glanced around warily, wondering if he would find another missing representative under the console. "There seem to be hundreds of them on board."

"There are only fifty-five."

"It still seems like five-hundred." He leaned against the console. "The Gunrath'u representatives have managed to *get lost* twice. Commander Tuvok has doubled their escort."

"They'll all be leaving soon, and I can finally return to engineering."

"The sooner they're gone the better." He took a deep breath, wondering if he was just being paranoid about those Gunrath'u excursions. "I guess they are all just happy that we're leaving the treaty planet."

"We're leaving in approximately one hour. I can't wait." She leaned closer. "So, have you heard how today's tests with the Delta Flyer went?"

"I don't know," Ayala started to shake his head. It had taken a lot of subterfuge to conduct the slipstream tests, he started to leave, but a beep from the transporter console stopped him. "Maybe the dignitaries are ready to leave?" Ayala asked, his voice not full of much optimism.

"It's incoming." Susan opened the comm. "This is Susan Nicolletti of the Starship Voyager."

"Well, it's about time," a feminine voice said. "I am Captain Laral from the Vordai Space Defense. I believe I'm expected. I am transmitting my coordinates. Please beam me aboard, now." Susan glanced at Ayala.

"I haven't heard anything," he whispered. He tapped his combadge to contact Commander Tuvok, while Susan asked Laral to wait.

"Lieutenant Ayala," Tuvok said. "I have just received confirmation from Captain Janeway. Indeed, Captain Laral is expected. Please escort her to deck-three-section-two guest quarters. She'll be with us for our trip to the Vordai Space Docks."

Ayala wanted to ask more questions, but nodded to Susan. A second later the Vordai female appeared, dressed in the brown uniform of the Vordai military. At her feet were two small duffel bags. As Ayala stepped forward to greet her, she stepped off the platform.

"Finally. I may assume you are Captain Janeway and Lieutenant Paris?"

"No, ma'am. I'm Lieutenant Ayala, this is Lieutenant Nicolleti. Captain Janeway sends her apologies," he explained--a white lie. "We still have a number of dignitaries on board. I'll show you to your quarters."

"By the Great Forest, I was told that Captain Janeway would meet me on my arrival not seedlings. Please bring my luggage." She glanced around, then walked out the door. Ayala grumbled as he grabbed her bags.

"I'm not a porter..." But at least Captain Laral had packed light.

#

The door to the guest quarters closed and again, Ayala grumbled. Who did this woman think she was?

"Is that her?" Tom said from behind him.

"If you are asking if she is Captain Laral, the Vordai hotshot pilot, the answer is yes. She wants to meet with you and Janeway, seven minutes ago."

Tom rolled his eyes. "I can't believe the Vordai government won't let me fly Voyager. What's she like?"

"I think that is something you will have to experience for yourself." A sudden thought struck Ayala. "Tom, is that why she's here, to pilot our ship?" Tom didn't seem happy at her presence.

"The Vordai Space Defense is has said that no one but a port-licensed Vordai captain can fly a ship into their space docks. I have six days to teach her to fly Voyager. SIX DAYS. Gees...I'm sure I could pass the board tests to be qualified--and it wouldn't take me six days."

Ayala grinned. "Have fun, Tom, but right now I need to start rounding up all those dignitaries."

"I'll try. By the way, I hear Tuvok found one of the Gunrath'u representatives attempting to access Jeffries tube 4."

Ayala frowned. Most of the crew had not been happy with the inclusion of the large Gunrath'u party today. He also suspected a few of the Gunrath'u were very bad spies trying to find out something about Voyager's technology. It was quite possible all the visiting dignitaries were.

"I believe the Minenne delegation has already departed. I need to get to the bridge." Tom grinned. "It's been a while since I've been able to fly Voyager, might as well make the most of the time I've got now." The door opened and the Vordai Captain exited.

"These rooms are drab. Lieutenant Tom Paris? Please take me to the bridge."

Ayala smiled at Tom's frustrated look. He turned to depart, before being asked to help carry something else.

"If you wish to use the Vordai Space Defense dock facilities," Laral said loudly, "I need to learn about this ship. Unless you are not capable to teach? Perhaps someone better qualified..." Fortunately for Ayala, the lift arrived before he had to listen to anymore. Poor Tom.

#

Joe Carey picked up the PADD containing the data from the most recent slipstream test with the Delta Flyer. Tom had given it to him earlier. He'd been too busy all day to look at it, but he had a few minutes right now. He skimmed through the numbers and data, stopping to read an occasional paragraph. The data looked good. He would use the information to update his simulation program.

"Excellent," he whispered. They'd never managed to fix the energy drain, and there were some navigation problems--but both were manageable, if they only used the technology for a couple of minutes. He glanced up. They'd started to process the second batch of benamite ore. The first batch had taught them a lot: like the length of the exposure to the dilithium wasn't critical, but storage temperature after the conversion was.

He motioned Vorik over. "The latest results," Joe said as he handed Vorik the PADD. He waited for Vorik to glance through it.

"Critical temperature starts to rise at three minutes. We will have to keep our time in the slipstream to a minimum..." His voice trailed off as several of the Grevel-Ash delegation passed. Joe waited until they'd left, then took the PADD. The various governments wanted Voyager off the planet. Anything not directly related to repairing the ship had been frowned upon. It sometimes seemed that included sleep. So working on the slipstream technology had taken some subterfuge. The test flights with the Delta Flyer had to have an excuse too. Tom had suggested that they just say the pilots needed the practice time. They'd had to travel out of the system to avoid detection, but it had worked.

The increase in activity indicated the brief lull was over. Indeed, as he placed the pad on the console, Commander Chakotay's voice made a ship wide announcement.

"Would the Gunrath'u delegation please report to transporter room two. We wish to thank you for your presence today." Joe had to smile. He'd found two of Gunrath'u delegates trying to enter B'Elanna's office earlier.

"Heads-up," Joe shouted. "They're leaving. And so are we." He glanced around. B'Elanna must still be with the Grevel-Ash engineering delegation.

There was a cheer. "Prepare for Blue alert," he ordered. "And congratulations. You all did a great job."

"We had to, Lieutenant. Torres inspected everything six times," someone shouted. This brought laughter, as everyone settled into their routines.

After nearly six months on New Hope, Voyager was once again heading where she belonged--sort of.

Their first stop was the Vordai Space Defense docking facility, where they could finish repairs and conduct space-worthiness tests.

Act 1
Space
Three days after leaving New Hope

Jenny handed the morning astrometrics report to Commander Chakotay, then turned to leave the bridge.She noted that Captain Laral sat at the helm, with a patient-sounding-Tom stood behind her..

"I'll have to do that," Jenny heard Tom say.

"I expect you still don't understand," Laral answered. "Vordai Space Defense regulations are quite specific about this. I must have complete helm control at all times within five kilometers of the dock until we are moored. Piramontoy Station is a military base. Voyager may have been granted special status, but you still must follow all regulations. Including an authorized member of VSD in command of the ship. So, I'll need access to those controls."

Jenny watched as Janeway seemingly reluctantly nodded her head, then Tom assigned Laral the necessary access codes. Her shift was over, and it was time to eat.

"Hello, Jenny," Megan said as Jenny entered the mess hall. "Has he killed her yet?"

"Tom? No. Give him time, we've only been in space for two days."

"I heard that Laral called him a sprolak, whatever that is."

"I heard. Harry said it was a jellyfish like organism found in the Minenne seas."

"Ouch. Try the bristle pastry." Megan said as she finished ladling the gruel into her bowl.

Jenny smiled. The bristle pastry resembled apple strudel. She hoped it tasted as good. She picked a medium sized piece to go along with her sandwich. "You babysitting Miral tonight?"

Megan nodded. "Yep, it's my turn. I'm going to read 'The Hobbit' to her."

Jenny laughed. "Meg, she won't understand a word."

"Yes she will, She just won't know that she does. Anyway, ever since Harry gave a copy to the Pozjan I've wanted to reread it." The two sisters laughed. "And it beats, 'Rivers of Blood.'"

"It wasn't my copy. I swear. I returned it to Naomi." Jenny raised her right hand to show she was telling the truth. "The story was too predictable. By the way, Jamie was in astrometrics earlier. She's still riding a horse in the Olympics." Jenny had to laugh at how frustrated Jamie McMinn was with that horse.

"I thought she'd deleted that program?"

"Not well enough. Tom recovered it. She's threatened to make her mount a goat."

"Jamie and the goat." Megan cocked her head. "Have they set a date yet for the games?"

"I haven't heard a specific date. Probably after we settle into a routine. We're definitely going to miss our brother's graduation, again." Jenny smiled at the thought of their baby brother who would be receiving his PhD this summer.

"We can't break with tradition--he might not recover." Megan waved. "Ayala, over here!"

Ayala smiled as stopped at their table. "Morning. I'm on my way to the bridge."

"I thought you had the morning off?" Megan asked.

"So did I. But Commander Tuvok wants me to reassess computer security. It seems the Vordai Captain is to be given access to some critical areas."

"Ahhh. I know she's supposed to take us into the space dock, but isn't this getting ridiculous?" Megan asked.

"The Vordai didn't have to let us use their military facilities. It was the best way to get us off the planet. We can live with three weeks of stricter military rules. They did send us their best port-captain..."

"And who told you that?" Jenny asked, even though she had a pretty good idea of the answer.

"Why, Captain Laral, of course." He took a quick sip from his cup. "And then we have to coordinate with the Vordai Base Patrol on security. You should see the stack of rules and regs we're going to have to follow. I need to be going."

"I've seen some of them," Jenny said to her sister. "Astrometrics and all external scanning equipment are to be shut down." Jenny picked up the bristle pastry and took a bite. She grimaced, and managed not to spit it out. "Megan," her voice carried a threat.

Megan laughed. "Jenny. It's a Vordai delicacy. Neelix is fascinated with their cuisine."

"How many replicator rations do I have?" She took several sips of water and swished it around in her mouth. "After this, I'll never complain about leola root again."

"Fortunately there is no more of that, but we need to get going. Hugh will be furious if we are late for rehearsal."

Jenny glanced away quickly. "I'm going to skip the rehearsal. I can do the costumes without being there."

"Jen, you can't avoid him forever."

"I can during my off-time. You'd better get going."

"Perhaps some day you'll tell me just what you did to Hugh," Megan said as she stood.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing. All we had was one lousy date. And I do mean lousy," Jenny whispered for herself. Megan was already gone.

#

Hugh Murphy thumbed through his script as his actors started to gather. Kashimuro and Megan's laughter brought his attention back to the stage. "We'll start with act-four scene-three. I'd like everyone to have their lines memorized by Monday. Kashi?"

"Hey," Kashimuro said. "I have act one done."

Hugh laughed. "Excellent, considering your first appearance is in act two." He clapped his hands. "Places everyone. I'd like to get through act five this morning." He smiled as the players stumbled their way through the scene. It had been years since he'd been involved in a theater production. He'd forgotten just how impossible the first few rehearsals could be. And frustrating. This was just the third time they'd rehearsed this scene. But he wasn't worried, it would come together eventually.

"Hello Hugh," Susan said as she approached. "Harry and I were wondering--" she continued in a whisper, "--when you wanted the music?"

"Thursday's rehearsal. How's it going?"

Susan laughed. "Well, Harry learned the recorder well enough, but he really isn't fond of crumhorns."

"You heard about the performance for the Vordai military brass in three weeks? The night before our departure, it's going to be tight."

"Cutting it close, but we'll be ready. I just hope the Vordai aren't expecting a religious drama."

Hugh closed his eyes. "I'm not going to live that down."

"No, Hugh, you are not." Susan smiled. "Thursday it is then. By the way, what happened with you and Jenny? I heard you two broke up."

Hugh shook his head in exasperation at the 'efficiency' of the ship's rumor mill. "We didn't break up. We never--"

"Oh, you're still together?" interrupted Susan. "That's good to hear." She patted him on the shoulder and left.

Hugh watched her go. "Because we never were a couple," he finished to himself. "It was just one date. One." He took a moment to regain his composure before turning his attention back to his actors. He hoped he could get through the rest of this production without any more questions about Jenny, or their 'relationship.'

#

Joe glanced around the mess hall. Another full house. He debated taking the tray back to his quarters, but decided against it. He wanted a break from the numbers he'd been studying. He looked around again. There were a couple of empty seats. He picked the closest.

"Hello Joe," Lora Jenkins said as he sat. "I hope your day went better than mine." Jamie McMinn grinned at her comment.

"Let me guess, you are both getting off from a long, tough bridge duty?"

"Oh, yeah," Lora replied. "It was too long. *Captain Laral* flew the ship."

"I didn't notice. She must've done okay."

"She's not bad--as a pilot. She decided to ignore Harry and made some interesting course corrections. And..." Lora shook her head. "It's only been three days, and...and..."

Jamie laughed. "I think what Lora is trying not to say, is she hopes the Vordai Captain remains with alpha shift for the rest of the trip."

"I see," Joe said. "It's just another three more days..."

Both Jamie and Lora sighed. "I can't wait--but she'll be back when we leave," Lora said.

"Only for two days, the test flight and our actual departure...She can't afford to waste any more time with us," Jamie added. "We're delaying her rotation back to Vordai Prime."

"Look who just walked in," Jamie remarked as she pointed toward the door.

Lora closed her eyes. "And she's with Janeway. I'd better leave." She started to stand. "I don't think I can remain polite if Laral says anything but good afternoon to me."

Jamie shook her head. "Don't be so harsh, that Grevel-Ash woman with us during Prixin turned out to be okay."

Joe smiled. "She at least tried to understand us. All Laral does is criticize us. Plus having Laral on board makes it difficult for us to do the simulation runs.""

"I'm sorry, she was with us all shift," Lora said.

"I understand, believe me. I'll see if they can try to get in some of the simulation runs during alpha shift. She must sleep sometime."

Jamie gritted her teeth, and a quick jerk of her head warned Joe that it was time to change the subject. "The warp core was vibrating again."

"So I heard. We'll be able to repair it in dock. Good morning Captain Janeway."

"Lieutenant, Ensign. The mess hall is crowded today," Janeway said.

"Aye, Captain," Joe replied. "Neelix and Sarexa are doing an excellent job." He glanced at Jamie who nodded. "We're just about finished here, Captain. If you would like our seats..." They both stood, picking up their trays. "Please excuse us."

"Thank you, lieutenant." Janeway motioned for Laral to sit.

"She didn't say anything," Jamie whispered as they dumped their trays in the recyclers.

Joe chuckled, "What's she going to say? Chide us for our decadent eating facilities, or tell us that replicators are an unnecessary luxury? Did you notice what she is eating?" He calculated that at the rate she was going, Laral would run out of replicator rations very soon.

"I tried not to. Fortunately for us, however, Sarexa suggested Neelix stop experimenting with Vordai food."

Act 2:
Piramontoy Station
6 days after leaving New Hope

Jenny glanced around the bridge, wondering just how she'd managed to draw this duty on this day. She may have volunteered to be cross-trained in tactical, but right now she wished she was elsewhere. Tom sat down at the helm with a shrug.

Janeway whispered something to Chakotay. Then faced the rear of the bridge. "Tactical?"

Jenny glanced down at the console, even though she already knew what to say. "All systems standing by. Lieutenant Kim is in engineering, prepared to shut down external sensors and weapons on your command."

"That would be at my command," Captain Laral said as she entered. Tom stood quickly. "Captain Janeway, I need command of Voyager," Laral said as she sat at the helm. Jenny cringed at the Vordai Captain's tone.

"Computer," Janeway said. "Authorization Janeway pi-zero two three omega. Command of Voyager is temporarily turned over to Captain Laral." She nodded toward Chakotay, who seconded the order. The computer beeped, and acknowledged.

Jenny entered a few commands into her console and changed her mind about wanting to be elsewhere. The approaching station was definitely intriguing.

"Coordinates set," Laral said. "Open communications."

"Hailing frequency open," Jenny said.

"Piramontoy Station, this Captain Laral, authorization felor-toe-kay-fumf, requesting permission to enter Piramontoy space."

There was a huge crackle, then a high pitched voice answered, "Permission granted. Proceed on heading one-two four point five, entry gate three. Piramontoy Station out."

Jenny watched her console as Laral entered the data into the computer. She nodded quickly when Tuvok looked at her. So far, there was nothing suspicious. The coordinates did take them toward the large space station.

"Course laid in. Proceeding at impulse," Laral said. "ETA in five minutes."

Jenny had seen the image in astrometrics, but Piramontoy Station was even more impressive on screen. Huge, spherical, and pale blue. It could swallow a hundred Voyagers and still have room for a couple of Galaxy Class ships. She noted that everyone on the bridge was studying the structure. "Impressive," Janeway said.

"It's the finest facility in the system," Laral said with pride. "As well as the oldest."

"The only nice thing--" Tom whispered as he moved to stand by Jenny. "--she says, and it's about that."

Jenny smiled. "She did like Neelix's dessert last night."

"I missed that," Tom answered. "Miral and I spent the evening reading and watching TV."

"I've never figured out what's so great with TV. I prefer the holodeck."

"So do I, actually."

Jenny shrugged. "Tom, have you tried talking to her?"

He shook his head. "She's always busy on the bridge or in her quarters."

"You might give it a try. You're both pilots. Wow." The incoming data was fascinating. "I'm getting some interesting readings from the sphere." She sent the information to Janeway's console. Once they entered the sphere, all external scanners were to be shut off. Tom also found the data interesting.

"She needs a special license fly into that?" Tom asked. Despite the flippant tone, Jenny heard a certain amount of awe.

"Curious, it looks like the station consists of several layers."

"That is correct, Lieutenant Paris," Laral said. "And that is why it requires a specially trained and experienced pilot to fly a craft in or out of the station. In just a minute, it will become even more obvious."

"Oops," Jenny said with a laugh. Despite whispering, Laral had overheard their conversation. Voyager had come to a stop and great doors were opening. She could see inside. What there was to see anyway--was what looked to be a second sphere.

"Scanners and weapons are now off line," Laral said. Jenny's console flashed, then went blank. "Piramontoy Station, this is Voyager. We have entered the first shell. Prepare to engage automatic beacons."

"Automatic beacons are online. Welcome home Captain Laral. Please advise Voyager's captain that form 437 needs to be filled out and entered into our system before we can begin tie-down."

Jenny watched the screen fascinated at the maze of openings and tunnels. Tom whistled softly as the made a particularly tight turn.

"I'll have to design a holoprogram so I can try this," he whispered.

"You admitting she's good?" Jenny asked as they entered the central space.

"I never denied that. Look at this place." She did. They were surrounded by a well lit interior: six ships of about Voyager's size and a number of smaller ones were moored.

Laral glanced behind her. "Captain, if you would transmit the necessary clearances."

Janeway nodded. Jenny returned her attention to the screen and the large bay they were heading for.

"This is Docking bay three to Voyager, please begin docking procedures. Tractor beams are ready at your signal."

"Understood," Laral said. "Cutting all engines. Engage tractor beams."

"That's cheating," Tom whispered, then whistled as Voyager began moving toward the mooring. The fit was tight, and Jenny gritted her teeth, waiting for the sound of Voyager scraping the sides.

"Welcome to Piramontoy. Once we initiate the airlock connections, we need to meet with your security staff. Colonel Staraop out."

Laral stood. ""I shall see you again shortly before you are due to depart, in three of your weeks. Until then, Captain Janeway, enjoy your stay."

Tom took a deep breath when the lift doors had shut behind her. "So, we do each get two days of R&R?"

"I can't wait," Harry replied.

"Captain," Chakotay said as he slapped his forehead. "I forgot all about the crew shoreleave. The paperwork is sitting on my desk." At this point, Jenny laughed when she saw the Commander wink. "I need to fill out form 1724 for each crewmember."

Tom chuckled. "Very funny, Commander, except B'Elanna told me you submitted them yesterday."

"See, Chakotay," Janeway said. "It's a small ship. It's impossible to keep a secret around here."

Tom winced. "Understood, Captain."

"What was that about," Jenny asked as she filed her log. The last sensor readings were the most they would get of this station.

"Oh nothing..."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing," Tom responded with some finality. Jenny decided not to press the issue, but she wondered if it had something to do with the exchanges of replicator rations a few months back. She smiled as she watched Chakotay grasp and quickly let go of the Janeway's hand.

#

Ayala winced at the moans, groans, and what sounded like grating of metal of metal that occasionally echoed from the outside into the corridor. He grasped his phaser rifle tighter at the sound. The others in his team were fingering their weapons. Only Captain Janeway and Commander Tuvok looked calm.

"Didn't anyone--" Harry whispered, "--inform the Vordai crews just what an angry Klingon is capable of doing?"

"PetaQ's," B'Elanna snarled from behind them. "Captain, you hear what they are doing. My crews can do a better job. We'd better not be paying for repairs for any scratches..."

Ayala smiled at Harry, who just shrugged. The scenario was a bit surreal. Aliens were connecting Voyager to their station--and for once, it was supposed to be happening. At another loud scrishing sound, he gritted his teeth, but Voyager's chief engineer remained quiet.

"Vordai docking team eleven to Voyager. Connection is established," a voice said through the comm system.

"Very good," Janeway answered. She nodded toward Tuvok. The docking bay outer doors opened slowly revealing a large cavern and several armed Vordai in dull green uniforms, plus several dozen dock workers.

"Airlock seal is holding," Tuvok said as he glanced at the readings from the wall panel. "They have managed, despite all the scratching, to achieve a stable connection." He nodded toward Ayala and the six others on the security detail. Tuvok opened the door and stepped through. Immediately the Vordai guards moved their weapons to a ready position. Ayala and the other team members did the same.

"Everyone calm down," Janeway said quietly as she moved forward. "Stay here." She walked toward the demarcation between the ship and the station.

One of the Vordai officers also approached. Ayala tensed. A minute later Janeway ordered Commander Tuvok forward.

"The Vordai had seemed to be the less paranoid of the four," Harry said. "Until this visit."

"It's a military base. I guess they're worried about Gunrath'u spies," Ayala responded equally quietly.

"That doesn't surprise me," Harry said.

"Military posturing," B'Elanna said in a harsh whisper. "The Vordai Space Defense Ministry said Piramontoy had the kind of facilities we would need to complete repairs and that their military facilities were better suited toward Voyager."

Ayala shrugged. Normally, the military space docks were restricted to all but Vordai military ships. The civilian shipyards apparently were much less sophisticated and wouldn't be able to deal with the complex repairs that Voyager needed.

B'Elanna said, "I'm going to spend most of my waking hours explaining Voyager to their crews..."

"It looks like everything is settled," Harry said. Janeway was motioning everyone forward.

Tuvok pulled his security team aside. "We are to stay on the ship. No weapons or scanners are to leave the ship. Each side will process those who are leaving and returning to Voyager. Everyone departing Voyager will be required to carry appropriate identification."

Ayala grimaced. The crew had been informed about what they could and could not use for barter, and what kinds of purchases could be brought on Voyager. He smiled at the memory of the Doctor's lecture about the health risks of a space station.

"Lieutenant Ayala," Tuvok said. "I want three security officers on duty at all times. Any problems are to be reported immediately." Ayala acknowledged the order. Commander Tuvok then left with Harry, Lieutenant Torres, and Captain Janeway.

"You heard him," Ayala said. "And you've read the files. The only authorized personnel in this section are Vordai technicians and repair crews and their security, and of course our own crew. These people are fixing Voyager, let's avoid any incidents."

He looked around. Vordai security had a station on the right side of the hall. "We'll set up here." He pointed to the left side. "Stay alert. The last thing I need is to find another Gunrath diplomat crawling around in the Jeffries tubes."

This brought some chuckles.

#

"Hello Hugh," Jenny said as he sat down across from her. She noted a few glances their way from the other diners. She couldn't leave too quickly.

"Jenny. I'm sorry, but it's another full house. How you been?"

Damn, she thought, he was going to try to make conversation. She delayed answering by taking several forkfuls of whatever the main dish was. "I've been fine. And you?" It was an instinctive response.

"I've been better. Jenny..." He stopped speaking for several minutes, during which she tried to enjoy the silence. It was hard. He'd been a good friend, until Prixin. What had possessed them to try to move beyond friendship? She couldn't blame takeover by nasty wicked aliens for this mistake.

She broke the silence. "I'm sorry, Hugh. I like you. I always have. It's just that..."

"I understand. I'm sorry too. We shouldn't have, well." He blushed.

She smiled sadly. "Hindsight is said to be perfect."

He nodded. She started to reach out but stopped.

"It's probably all for the best anyway." She smiled. "We're going to be home within the year," at least she hoped so. "I'm still planning on going to command school and make Starfleet my career."

"We can still be friends though."

"I hope so." She reached over and tapped his hand with her fingers. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have gotten so angry." He again nodded. The subject wouldn't be mentioned again. They finished eating in silence.

"I have some of the costumes finished," she said as she stood. "I'll bring them to rehearsal tonight."

"Excellent. Thanks for doing this." He didn't say, 'despite everything,' but she knew he was thinking it.

"It was fun. See you tonight..." Possibly the wrong thing to say in a crowded mess hall. Once again a number of people were looking at them. Oh well, she thought, it wouldn't be the first time the crew had the wrong impression. Somehow the rumor mill had them dating before they'd tried. They'd been good friends, she now wished they hadn't tried for more. She dumped her tray into the recycler and left.

#

Act 3
Piramontoy Station
15 days after leaving New Hope

"Hello," Joe said as he approached Harry. The noise of the Vordai bazaar almost drowned out Harry's response. "You look lost."

"Only pilots get lost."

Joe laughed. "So, Tom took a wrong turn?"

"He's somewhere over there." Harry pointed to his left. "He saw something for Miral."

"I see. And B'Elanna?"

Harry laughed as he shook his head. "She's checking on the work on the deflector dish."

Joe nodded. He'd been out yesterday. "It's still frustrating to not be fully involved in repairing our own ship. And the shops and merchandise aren't very exciting." For the past week, returning crew had spoken of the bazaar and other shops as also being overpriced. Joe had to agree. He'd found the time he'd spent wandering through the civilian ship yards more interesting. The Vordai Space Defense Ministry had been correct, the military facilities were much better. So was security.

They stopped at a booth with many bright beads and stones. The merchant trilled as he started to show his wares.

"The trick," Harry said with a half-smile, "Is not to appear too eager."

"I'll try to keep it mind, if I ever see anything that appeals to me." They walked away.

"It's still hard to believe that our next shoreleave may be in the alpha-quadrant." Joe wondered why Harry seemed so reticent.

"What's wrong?"

Harry shrugged. "The slipstream. I remember our last attempt all too well."

"We've made improvements. And we've tested every scenario. Worst case is we exit the slipstream at an angle. We would end up in the wrong place."

"The last time I sent myself a message from the future. Apparently that wrong place was a planet."

"Come by this evening. We'll run a worse case scenario. We've improved the safety back-ups since our last test."

Harry smiled. "I know, I know. Harry the over optimistic dreamer is worried about this. I know you've taken every precaution, I'm just spooked."

"That's okay. Come by. The more testing we can do, the better. The last time we tried to do too much at once, cover the whole distance in one shot. This way, while slower, is better and safer."

"I will. I need to look for something. What does one get someone whom..." Harry shook his head.

"Harry?" Joe stopped walking. "What does one get whom?"

"Nothing...I mean..."

"Ahh. Marla." Joe wasn't sure if the match was a good one or not. He liked Marla, she'd become a valuable member of engineering, but deep down he wasn't really sure if he could ever get past what she and the other Equinox crewmembers had done.

Harry nodded. "Yes. I'd hoped to find something special for her."

"I don't think the schlock that's for sale here is what you're looking for." Joe paused as he thought. "Do you remember that concert you gave three or so years ago. You played..." He bit his lip, he just couldn't remember the piece Harry had played. Pre-twenty-second century music had rarely interested him. "You played the clarinet. Make a recording."

Harry's smile grew. "That's it. Thanks Joe." He bolted.

Joe shrugged and turned his attention back to the markets. He hoped that there was something here for Annie and the kids.

"Hey Joe--" Tom said from behind him, "--have you seen Harry?"

"I think he returned to the ship. He mentioned you'd found something for Miral."

Tom shook his head. "On closer inspection, that toy had too many small parts. I'm still looking. I never realized just how hard shopping for a baby is."

"It's been a while for me," Joe said. Over seven years. He'd missed his kids' childhoods..."But yeah, I remember."

"Hey, with the slipstream, we'll be home before you know it."

"Are we doing the right thing though? The slipstream to begin with is much more troublesome than the transwarp, and you know how that ended up."

Tom took a deep breath. "I know. But the slipstream should be all right. I flew many of the test flights. And we're not just going on theory--we're also working with the knowledge of our own past experiences. 'Don't be greedy, don't overuse it...'"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence. But in ten days we'll be using it on Voyager for the first time."

"Nerves..." Tom grinned. "B'Elanna was very nervous before we attempted the transwarp. It's expected." He patted Joe on the back. "We trust you. Now, just relax. Enjoy yourself. But don't go to Jultana's."

"Missed that one." He laughed when Tom winked.

"Yea, the morning briefing was pretty interesting. It seems there was a little skirmish there last night. The Doctor has the two patients now."

"And Commander Tuvok?"

"He's gets them next."

#

Hugh smiled. Tomorrow the costumes would be ready. Tech and dress rehearsals would start in two days. Then their performance for the Vordai VIP's. Followed the next morning by Voyager's departure.

"Hey Hugh," Kashimuro shouted. "We're ready."

"Excellent. By the way, Janeway said she would stop by to watch. We're to ignore her when she does--don't let it affect our rehearsal."

"Great," Megan said. "Does she know about the bath song?"

"I doubt it. Why? Oh..." Hugh laughed as he remembered why Megan brought it up. "Well, it's Renaissance."

"That's right," Susan said. "And it's no where near as full of sexual innuendo than numerous others I could have chosen." She smiled, wickedly. "I figured it was up to me to keep this from becoming a religious drama."

"Trust me," Megan said. "There's no chance of that. I just hope the Vordai don't view drama in the same terms as the Minenne."

Hugh rolled his eyes at the thought. "We'll muddle through, then the next morning flee..."

There was a moment of silence. Hugh's thoughts had drifted toward the Alpha-Quadrant and his mother. She was the only surviving member of his family.

"What are you planning to do when we return?" Megan asked him.

"I don't know," was the reply. Over the past seven years the goal seemed to have shifted to just surviving another week. Even with the transwarp and now the slipstream, he found it hard to think about life in the Alpha Quadrant. "We do need to get started." He glanced around. "Where's Harry?"

"He'll be here," Susan said. "He said he would be few minutes late." She picked up the cornetto in her lap. "Ready?" She placed the instrument to her lips and blew a quick fanfare.

"If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die..."

Hugh nodded and sat back. He'd stop the rehearsal only if something atrocious happened.

He turned at the sound footsteps. Harry smiled in greeting and went to join Susan. He pulled two recorders out of a bag as he sat.

#

Joe hated EVA suits, but he needed to inspect the alignment of the warp nacelles. His escort made a motion to hurry. Coming, he thought. The teams of workers were putting on the finishing touches. B'Elanna and the Captain were again meeting with officials to schedule a test flight. He slowed down his ascent to the nacelle. His escort moved to one side. It was pretty obvious the Vordai officer with him was not a technician. She'd questioned everything Joe had brought with him. She moved closer as he unhooked his scanner. Just ignore her, he decided.

He ran the scanner over the struts and smiled The ship was in better shape than it had been since their run in with the Hirogen almost four years earlier. He turned to scan another area. He angled his wrist light to see better. Again the data showed the Vordai knew what they were doing--even with alien ships.

Even if they didn't know that Starfleet regulation exterior paint should be several shades lighter. He hummed as he worked. B'Elanna had approved of the darker gray, Janeway had just grunted.

He finished his examination of the port nacelle and motioned to his escort he was moving. He didn't wait for her. He had to finish scanning the starboard one and prepare a worst-case-scenario test of the slipstream for Harry.

Their last time using the slipstream had been a disaster...except that with interference from the future it hadn't been.

He hated temporal dynamics. Theoretically it was fascinating. The past is the future is the past...whatever. In reality it sucked. He couldn't rub his head, but he could feel the pain beginning in his sinuses.

Even thinking about temporal stuff was enough to start a headache.

"Stick to the present," he muttered. And that meant finishing his data collection.

#

Jenny continued to tap her foot as she again debated starting her shoreleave without Megan. She smiled as her sister entered the docking bay.

"Sorry, rehearsal went a bit late. Janeway stopped by."

"How'd it go?"

"Great. We're going to be ready. Janeway loved the bath song by the way." They both stopped at the Vordai security table and handed them their shoreleave passes. The officer didn't look up as he took them. "Hugh was pleased."

"Have a good stay," the officer said as he handed their passes back. "Please remember the rules." He barely looked up as they turned to walk away. "Teramon!"

"Teramon?" Jenny whispered as they continued walking. "What's that?"

"Probably the other officer's name." Megan shrugged as they turned the corner and entered the bazaar. "We weren't introduced."

"Funny, Meg, real funny. He's not your type anyway.

Jenny grimaced when Megan jabbed her elbow into her ribs. "Stop horsing around--" she whispered, "--they're staring at us." Jenny glanced around warily. "Is there a large hole or spot on my back?" She stopped. "Megan?"

Her sister shook her head. "No, impeccable as always. Ignore them. Maybe they're still not used to seeing humans. Over here." Jenny followed quietly. There were fewer of the merchants and other visitors staring at them.

Megan held up a solid navy blue cloth with gold strands woven in it. "Here, Jenny."

"Perfect." She reached over and felt it. "A good weight. But the red piece will look better on you." Jenny nodded toward another bolt. Megan grinned as she reached for it.

"How much?" Megan asked the merchant. The older Vordai female turned and stared.

"Teramon!"

"Teramon, twins?" Jenny whispered into Megan's ear.

"Yes, we're twins," Megan replied. The Vordai merchant reached out and touched them.

"For Teramon, twenty a'stapa." The merchant pulled the bolt off the shelf and began to measure, while Megan showed how much she wanted. "And the same for your other?"

Jenny shook her head as she politely thanked the merchant. Megan paid, then pulled her away. "Sis, that was quite a bargain."

"I know. From what the others had said, I was left with the impression..."

"Teramon," someone shouted. Several merchants rushed over to show their wares. Jenny was beginning to feel claustrophobic, so left for the edges of the market. Once there she took several deep breaths of air.

Lora Jenkins and Jaime McMinn joined her. "What's that about?" Jaime whispered. "Half the time the merchants are extremely rude."

"I have no clue," Jenny replied. "Unless it's because we're twins."

"Could be, I've seen stranger things, like the Captain and Commander are on leave, together," Lora said. "Least they were when we passed them a few minutes ago."

"I'm surprised they managed to get shoreleave together," Jamie added.

"Good for them," Jenny replied, "but I do need to rescue my sister." She walked back into the crowd that was gathering around Megan. The Vordai parted, whispering something the Universal Translator wasn't translating well.

"I don't get it," Lora whispered. They'd followed her into the crowd.

"Teramon, please..." A small child held out a well woven basket. Jenny took it to look, but the child vanished in the crowd.

"That's too much," Jamie said. "I can't get the merchants to assist us, and they're giving you stuff."

Jenny blushed and quickly looked around to find the child, then gave up. "Megan!!!"

Megan waved. The merchants stepped back as she made her way through the crowd.

"Hi Lora, Jaime. Jen, I can't do this. I'm going to spend my shoreleave on the ship." Megan handed Jenny the small bag with their Vordai currency. "Perhaps I'll finish the monthly reports early."

"We'll go with you," Jaime said. "Our time is almost up. Good luck Jenny."

"Meg. I'll tell you what," Jenny cut in. "We'll take our leave separately. I'll spend a couple of hours, then return, then you can go. Maybe if we're not together..."

"Deal. See you in two hours?" Jenny nodded. She would try another section of the bazaar--someplace where no one knew of she was Teramon. She wasn't even sure if that was good or bad.

She noticed a small cafe, and the captain sitting alone, sipping something. Jenny wondered where Chakotay was as she said hello.

"Hello, Lieutenant," Janeway said with a smile.

"Captain." Jenny took a deep breath. "Please tell me that's a cup of real coffee."

Janeway cocked her head, then laughed. "I'm afraid not. It's some sort of tea."

"Oh. Captain, do you know what Teramon means?"

"No. Is it important?"

"I hope not. Captain, have a good shoreleave." She beat a hasty retreat, as she spotted Commander Chakotay returning.

#

Joe had checked the data four times, then had rechecked his calculations another three before convincing himself that he was ready for this. Even knowing it was just a simulation did nothing to calm his nerves. "Well, I'm ready," he announced to the assembled participants. Harry nodded as he sat in the simulated command chair. Tom turned, waiting for the necessary commands.

"Well then," Harry said. "Let's do it."

"Slipstream drive is in stand-bye mode," Joe said. "Tom, anytime."

"Great," the chief pilot said. "Course plotted." He touched his console and the image shifted to the streaming view of stars. "Will disengage in eighty-nine seconds."

"Drive temperature is climbing," Joe called out. He glanced at B'Elanna who nodded. "Shields are holding."

"Sixty seconds," Tom called. "Looks good, so far."

"Benamite crystals are starting to destabilize," B'Elanna said. "We're still within the safety range."

"Critical temperature will be reached in two minutes," Joe added. "Shields are down to ninety-one percent and falling." He frowned. They were falling one percent faster than expected. He would need to track down the source of the error. But this test was also to prove to Harry that a worst case scenario wasn't so bad. He quickly hit a key. The ship lurched.

"Disengaging drive," Tom shouted. The streaming starlines slowed. "We're off course. Engaging reverse thrusters in five seconds." Harry glanced back at Joe.

"Drive temperature is falling. Shields are holding at eighty-nine percent," Joe said They waited until the stars were once again single dots of light.

"Excellent," Harry said. "Now, where are we?"

Joe grinned. "B'Elanna"

"We are seven-hundred and three point two-five light years off from our expected exit point."

"Harry?" Joe smiled. Not too bad.

"And what if there had been some obstacle? Like a planet," Harry asked.

"I am able to maneuver the ship," Tom replied. He stood. "It's sluggish, but acceptable. There was one minor asteroid, but it was successfully deflected. Harry, it works. B'Elanna is satisfied. And trust me, she wouldn't have given her approval if she wasn't."

"Helmboy, I'm right here. But he's correct, Harry. I wouldn't have approved it if I didn't believe Joe hadn't done his research."

Harry nodded. "Good. Oh. Wait, I forgot. Lieutenant Kim to the Emergency Medical Hologram."

"I see you decided to remember me," The Doctor's voice said. "I monitored the simulation. For the two minutes, simulated-radiation levels remained minimal for the humanoids on board."

"Doctor, are you trying to tell me we have some stowaways?"

"Of course not, Lieutenant. There are no rats on this ship. I am referring to the plants in the airponic and hydroponic gardens. The levels of radiation contamination will be cumulative to them. Lieutenant Carey was correct in his assessment. Our two cadets are working on the problem.

"I hope you are at more at ease," Joe said as he sat on his stool.

"I hope so too," Harry replied.

"We did it. And it works."

"Well, it works fine, as long as no one wants to eat, play, or take a shower afterwards," Tom said with a grin.

"Tom, you know how much power this takes," B'Elanna retorted.

"Devours is more like it," Tom retorted. "But yes, I do know. And we can live with smelly crewmates for a couple of days that is. In four more days, we'll know how much odor we can truly take."

"Speak for yourself," Harry said. "You drink blood wine."

"It provides protein..." Tom grin grew. ""But just think--it works! I know Miral is looking forward to meeting her grandparents."

"Translation," Joe said, "Her grandparents are anxious to meet her."

"You win. But if she was older..."

"Next you'll be telling me that she said her first sentence yesterday," Harry said.

"Not quite, but I'm sure I heard her say da-da." Tom stood.

"He's delusional," B'Elanna said.

"No I'm not. I'm sure she did." He laughed, "I suspect every father says that."

Harry laughed, "I do believe Joe has reports to prepare."

"Spoil sport. Just wait until you have a daughter," Tom said with a laugh as he hugged his wife. "Come on, sweetheart. Happy writing."

Joe waved them out of the room, then turned to pick up his PADD. He needed to check on a couple of things before he could write the report.

Joe glanced about the holodeck. "Okay. Computer display data from sixty seconds advance forward one second on my command."

"Parameters set," the computer's voice said. The holodeck image shifted slightly.

Act 4
Space
20 days after leaving New Hope

Ayala rubbed his eyes. A last-minute meeting had kept Captain Janeway and Commander Tuvok on the station. Janeway had decided to not delay the testing of all the repairs, so Ayala had found himself doing a double-shift. He turned his attention to the helm. Voyager had arrived at the test flight site, and Captain Laral stood. Tom smiled as he reclaimed his helm seat. Captain Laral started to walk away. "Thanks for agreeing to do this," Tom said

"I had no choice. No one else is licensed to pilot Voyager within the station defense perimeter, and you needed to complete your tests."

Ayala shook his head. Tom had tried to be pleasant to the captain ever since her arrival three hours earlier. Voyager's test flight would now begin.

"I know it must be hard to take time from your busy schedule to do this," Tom said as he banked Voyager to starboard and engaged the warp drive.

"By the Great Forest, I have enjoyed the privilege," Laral said. "Voyager is one of only a dozen non VSD ships ever allowed access Piramontoy Station. I know the repair crews enjoyed the challenge too."

Ayala glanced at Harry and shrugged. Harry looked as puzzled as he did. Was Tom really trying to talk with the Vordai Captain?

"We're at Warp 9.6, Commander," Tom said.

"Excellent," Chakotay said. "Reduce speed to warp 5."

Ayala turned his attention back to the tactical station. They would continue to run a series of maneuvers for the next five hours. So far the incoming data showed everything was going well.

"So," Tom continued. "Why did you become a pilot?"

Laral's shoulders stiffened. "We were at war." She moved to the back of the bridge.

Ayala shook his head as she left. So much for socializing with her. "Shields are holding at 99.9 percent," Ayala said.

"Excellent," Chakotay said. "Tom reduce speed to warp one and start a slow spiral."

"Sir..." Tom was grinning. "Really?"

"Sure, let's see if these Vordai technicians really did a good job."

Ayala knew that Tom would enjoy this. And while the spiral wasn't on the test, it would definitely put a lot of stress on the ship.

"Shields are still holding. Hull stress has increased five percent," Ayala said after a minute.

"Maintain current speed and spiral for three minutes, then break out at warp three." There was a soft hiss from Laral.

"Not bad," she said with a smile.

#

Hugh leaned against the back wall and relaxed as the curtain went down on act three. Voyager had returned to the Vordai station just two hours earlier. Things were rushed, but outside of one ripped bodice, a broken sword, and a smashed vase, things were going extremely well. The Vordai guests seemed reserved, but the Voyager crew was enjoying themselves. He slipped out during the laughter. The intermission was in three minutes.

"You're missing the show," he said to Ayala who leaned against the wall of the corridor.

Ayala groaned. "All these dignitaries. Most may be in there," he jerked his head toward the cargo bay where the play was being performed, "but we also have several inspectors aboard. And then there's that reporter."

"Eala? She's a drama critic."

"If you say. When she first came onboard, she seemed very interested in engineering."

""Oh well, so much for reading a review in the morning," Hugh joked, then sobered as he thought of the security implications.

Ayala nodded. "She needs to contact Colonel Staraop."

"We're missing some paperwork?"

"I wouldn't be surprised, but I believe the Grevel-Ash government wants reassurance that we are not returning to New Hope."

Both men chuckled. "How about we officially label this region of space, land of the bureaucrat?"

"I vote for it." Ayala quickly raised his hand and lowered it. "And tomorrow we leave..." He smiled. "It's been some year."

Hugh grinned in agreement. It sure had. Borg, war, kidnapping, Cardassians, more Borg, more Cardassians...And most importantly, what had started seven years ago as a seventy year trip was down to just fifteen at most. Now with the slipstream, perhaps in less than a year they would be back at Earth.

"So, how's the play going?"

"Great, too bad you are missing our one performance."

"Blame the Vordai or Commander Tuvok. Perhaps there'll be a encore performance?"

"Perhaps." Hugh turned as the first of the audience exited. "There's the Captain. Have fun, Mike."

"Fun?" Ayala shook his head. "Well, 'once more unto the breach..."

"See me later, I might put you in my next production..."

"No way. Captain Janeway, excuse me." Ayala walked quickly toward the captain.

#

"Lieutenant Ayala, is there a problem?" Janeway apologized quickly to the various Vordai officials she was with.

"Colonel Staraop asked that you contact him."

"I see." She closed her eyes. "I see."

Ayala just nodded as she continued. "I'm not willing to cause an incident this late in the game...We're leaving tomorrow." She chuckled. "They aren't too happy with the play--'it took the crew away from the more important work of getting of that damn planet'." He understood the unspoken side, the time spent on the slipstream was also keeping the crew from that work. "Have all the crew returned from shoreleave?"

"Aye, Captain. The last group returned an hour ago."

"Good. Excellent work, Lieutenant." She glanced behind her. The half-dozen Vordai officials were in a small group chatting.

"Thank you, Captain..."

Ayala turned his attention back to the crowd. He noted a short shadow slip around the corner. He followed. "Excuse me, ma'am?"

The figure turned. He wasn't surprised to see that it was Eala, the *supposed* theater critic. "Oh," she squealed. "You startled me."

"The intermission is a little short for you to go wandering off--you don't want to miss the next act."

"No, of course not. Although I will confess, I find the play confusing. The language is very different from what the rest of you speak."

"It's very old."

"Oh." She glanced around. "You are correct, I should return. There is not enough time to look through my notes. I was under the impression that rehearsing this play was contrary to the agreement that allowed you to remain on Treaty Planet?"

"All work and no play..." Ayala muttered. "I believe that it was frowned upon, but by the time they started rehearsals, much of the work was done. And all rehearsals and work was done during our off duty time. At no time did the play interfere with repairs."

"The Treaty Planet has been the cause of four wars in the past fifty years, the most recent just ended ten years ago. I believe we have every right to want you off the planet. Perhaps if you kept better care of your ship..."

Ayala decided to ignore her. "The intermission is nearly over."

She glared at him, but didn't say anything. He found himself counting to ten several times. He deposited her at the theater entrance and waited until she was inside. The others followed her in. He yawned. So much for an early night.

#

Hugh tapped Ayala on the shoulder. "You still here?"

Ayala nodded. "How's it going?"

"Great. I think the Vordai finally started to appreciate the play."

"Teramon!" There were shouts from the theater, and they didn't sound too happy. The two men stared at each other, then Ayala tapped his combadge and ordered more security officers to report to the cargo bay on the double. Hugh shook his head as they rushed into the theater. There was a crowd around the cast. Susan, with a look of relief on her face as she spotted Hugh, elbowed her way through the throng until she reached him.

"What happened?" Hugh demanded.

"Viola and Sebastian just recognized each other, when several of the Vordai jumped up on the stage."

"But that doesn't make any sense!" Hugh said in exasperation. "It's the climax of the play, true, but I don't know why that should get them riled up like that--"

"I do," Jenny said from behind them. "Teramon. Twins. The Vordai apparently have very strong reactions to seeing twins. Most of the time it's positive, but even then their response can be more than a little overwhelming. We should have realized this was going to happen--and warned you."

"That's okay," Ayala said. "We..." He looked around quickly. "Oh, blast! Where's the reporter?" He rushed out.

The other security officers had arrived along with Janeway who looked furious. Hugh cringed. This wasn't how he'd planned the curtain call. Someone whistled.

"Listen up..."

"Teramon!"

"Get the actors off stage," Hugh said. "Jenny, you and Megan, had better leave too." She nodded. A security officer left with them as Ayala reentered the room, with the reporter firmly in tow.

Janeway stepped forward and began calling for quiet, along with one of the Vordai officers. Hugh shook his head. "Damn."

TWith the assistance of security, the audience was guided out of the theater. The Vordai guests were quiet at last.

"A sham," one of them was heard to say on his way out. "They weren't Teramon, after all."

"Well," Susan said. "That was some standing ovation. How are you going to top this?"

He laughed. "I don't think I'm going to try." Hugh took a deep breath. What could go wrong, would.

#

Joe hummed quietly as he sat down at the engineering console on the bridge. He ran through the checklist. Engineering was ready for departure. He swiveled about to face the command chair.

"Open ship-wide communications," Janeway said as she entered the bridge. A second later Harry nodded.

"Attention all hands, we did it," she said with a big smile. "Everyone is to be congratulated on a job well done. We have permission to leave port in two minutes. And soon after that, we shall continue our journey back to Earth."

"Earth or bust!" Harry said.

"Yes, indeed. Earth is our goal, but let's not bust anything this time," Chakotay cut in.

Joe chuckled quietly. Captain Laral at the helm shook her head, but didn't make the expected comment.

"Vordai Port Authority has cleared us for departure," Harry said. He glanced at Joe and gave a thumbs up. Joe returned the acknowledgment.

"Very good," Janeway said as she sat. "Captain Laral, take us out of here."

"With pleasure," the Vordai Captain said. Joe smiled to himself. That response reflected the crew's expectations too. He watched the viewscreen as Voyager slowly backed out and made a slow turn.

"Voyager," the Vordai port officer's voice said, "May the stars guide your way. You are cleared to depart via gate b-five. Automatic beacons engage."

This was it, they were once again on their way home. Well, first they would rendezvous with an incoming Vordai cruiser and drop off Captain Laral.

#

"Overall," Neelix read from the PADD that contained Eala's review, "Voyager's performance of 'A Dozen Nights' made for strange theater..."

"'Dozen Nights?' What's that mean?" Jenny asked. She reached across the table and grabbed the PADD Neelix held.

"My guess it's not a good translation," Hugh said from another table. "Continue reading."

"'A Dozen Nights,'" Jenny repeated as she handed the PADD back to Neelix. The fourteen other crewmembers in the mess again focused their attention on the Talaxian.

Neelix shook his head. "'A Dozen Nights', a bawdy play of no deep or significant meaning that is apparently by the humans' greatest playwright. This Shakespeare is a poor imitation of our Rajk Ilarjo, the famed poet of the Fresel era. Considering the highly publicized use of military facilities for the repair of their ship, the unthoughtful use of Teramon was unfortunate. We can only hope the humans did not mean to insult the Vordai by their apparent lack of understanding."

"Oh well," Hugh said as he stood. "We can't please everyone."

"Especially when they are gaping at *sham Teramon*," Kashimuro said. ""But all this is really irrelevant when you consider that in just a little under two hours..." There was a second of silence, then everyone stood. Jenny needed to go to Astrometrics.

In just hours they would make their first attempt with Joe's new version of the slipstream.

"So," Jamie McMinn said as they exited the mess hall. "What do you think about the Olympics being back-on?"

"I think it's great," Jenny said with a big smile. "They eliminated white-water skulling, but I'm looking forward to the four-by-four relay."

"Oh bother."

Jenny closed her eyes and laughed. "Jamie. The other team doesn't have any riders either. Tom's going to cancel..."

"YES!" Jamie calmed down immediately. "I need to go to the bridge. I'm back-up pilot while we're in the slipstream."

Epilogue
Space
21 and a few hours after leaving New Hope

Joe closed his link to B'Elanna, who was in engineering, and turned to face the Captain. "The slipstream drive is in stand-by mode. All systems are ready." B'Elanna had told him that it was his project, he deserved the honor of being on the bridge for their first run.

"Very good," Janeway said as she sat in the command chair. "Helm?"
"The course is laid in. We're ready, Captain."

She glanced at Chakotay. "Then, on my mark, let's do it."

Joe crossed his fingers when she ordered him to engage the drive. The diamond-shaped slipstream conduit glowed with writhing and overlapping blue and white lines. "Shields down to ninety-five percent. Warp coil temperatures rising quickly." He glanced at the chronometer. "Fifty-six seconds left." The warp coil temperature jumped another hundred Kelvin. "Preparing shut-down procedures."

Janeway glanced at Tuvok. "Yellow alert." Coming out of the slipstream was a critical moment.

He noted the chronometer was now showing twenty seconds left. At ten seconds, he started the countdown.

"Slipstream has been successfully disengaged. Shields are at sixty percent, weapons are offline." He found himself gripping the edge of his console as he waited for Voyager to come to halt. It would be several hours before they would have enough power to travel at warp and recharge the weapons. The massive energy requirements was one thing they'd never been able to overcome.

Janeway stood slowly. "Scan for any activity. And where are we?"

It took Harry several seconds to get all the data. "Captain, there are no ships within an area of one-thousand cubic kilometers. And we've traveled eight-hundred-thirty-eight light years." He took a deep breath. "All decks reporting in. No damage or injuries. It worked."

"Lieutenant Carey," Janeway said with a big smile. "I want to see your report in two hours. Good job, everyone."

"Aye, Captain." Joe shook Harry's hand. There was now a lot to do. It would be several weeks before they could use the slipstream again. "We did it," he whispered to himself.