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Table of Contents
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When Janeway received the news regarding Tuvok's revelation, she jumped into action. Her first move was to notify Admiral of the Fleet Velez of the discovery. Then she thanked the admiral for her assistance. The delay of the review board had helped tremendously. Her investigation team had a chance to look into every aspect of the Maquis crewmembers, their conduct, interviews, extensive research and more. Finally, it allowed Tuvok the opportunity to prepare for, and then actually revisit, the Suder meld.
Now, all those concerned were back in the hearing room. With only a handful of crewpersons left to review, Janeway was certain today would be the final day for the entire process.
The only question mark of the review process was whether or not they had accepted Tuvok's findings or not. Mentally, she would cross that bridge when she got to it.
It didn't take long. In fact, the remaining reviews took a lot less time than Janeway had even thought possible. It was almost as if the board just wanted the entire process to be over as soon as possible.
Regardless of the reason, Janeway and the others were happy with the actual process and did nothing to slow it down.
Soon, the lunch hour approached and the board made two announcements. First, there would be a two-hour recess. Second, following that, the board would have a final decision regarding all issues concerning the Maquis crewpersons.
So, everyone left the hearing room feeling mostly optimistic, but still just a little apprehensive. After all, they had been close to a favorable resolution before only to have unforeseen issues suddenly appear such as the missing data or the incident at Meldan.
The two-hour lunch felt more like two days, but eventually it was time to return for the final verdict.
As everyone took their seats, they became quiet quickly in anticipation. Soon afterwards, the review board entered and Wainwright gently rapped his gavel a single time. The room was already quiet and any more gavel action would have been theatrical.
A brief settling in by the review board was followed by Wainwright reading from a data padd. He spoke in a monotone voice that was barely audible but still welcomed, at least, at first. "It is the finding of this board that each of the persons reviewed, has been shown to be, not only highly skilled and technically competent, but also resourceful and of a caliber which Starfleet prides itself. We believe that, based on our evaluation, these people would therefore be a welcomed addition to Starfleet."
There was a subdued cheer from all over the hearing room which died soon after Wainwright gaveled twice, quickly and loudly. Then he continued. "Our last outstanding issue concerns the deaths of a Starfleet team at the Maquis camp known as Meldan. Some of those Maquis are known to be part of the Voyager crew and the board requested information to show that they were not involved in the Melan incident. The board has been presented with a resolution of sorts, based on a mind meld conducted by Voyager's security officer, Commander Tuvok. The board, in a split decision, finds the evidence circumspect and may be 'tainted' in favor of the Maquis personnel by reasons of familiarity and friendships and therefore cannot be accepted de facto. The board must have hard evidence regarding the Meldan massacre, especially since a number of Voyager crewpersons were in the area and were actively engaged in operations against Starfleet personnel. Therefore we rule against reinstatement at this time. If, however, other, more reliable evidence can be provided, the board will reconsider our decision."
Wainwright was about to gavel the hearing to adjournment when a voice was heard from the back of room. "Just a moment, chairman." The voice was familiar to Janeway but she couldn't quite place it.
Turning, she saw Fleet Admiral Velez stand and move to the front of the room. Locking eyes with Janeway as she walked by, she smiled and... winked!
Stopping in front of the review board, Velez stared at Wainwright. She spoke in a calm manner without raising her voice. It wasn't necessary as the room was dead silent. After all, it wasn't every day that the highest-ranking Starfleet officer made an appearance, unescorted and unexpected.
"I have been following the issues presented in this hearing since its beginning. Up to this point, it has proceeded well and I have agreed with it. Initial findings regarding the integrity and competency of the former Maquis personnel are obvious.
"However, as far as the issue of culpability concerning those same Maquis persons and the Meldan incident, I do not agree with this board. In the greatest tradition of legal procedures, it has always been a founding principle of law that guilt can only be determined when evidence is presented to prove it. It is not the responsibility of those accused to present evidence of innocence.
"Also, while it may be difficult for some to accept a Vulcan mind meld as irrefutable proof, I believe it to be reliable and admissible. Also, Vulcan integrity is considered to be above suspect. These issues force me to override the board's decision concerning the Meldan massacre and declare it irrelevant. This is particularly valid when considering the Federation's general amnesty extended to all former Maquis.
"Therefore I declare the issue resolved and that all the Voyager Maquis crewpersons are to be cleared for duty at the earliest opportunity."
There was an immediate outburst of applause and cheers which drowned out Wainwright's gavel rap to signal the closing of the review process. Without hesitation, Janeway stood quickly and approached Velez. "I'm so glad to see you, Ma'am. Your presence was quite... unexpected. I am, or rather we are, grateful for interceding on behalf of my people."
Smiling, Velez explained, "I told you I was keeping an eye on this. Can't have our newest Admiral stuck in a prolonged hearing when there are worlds to explore and discoveries to be made."
Janeway was floored. She had no idea that Command was so concerned about her future. "Thank you, Admiral. This will go a long way to help bring the Voyager crew together and make it ready for our next assignment. By the way, there are a few items of concern regarding the Voyager refit." She finished on a smile that reflected just a touch of guilt.
Admiral Velez gave Janeway a knowing look. "Okay, I'll see what I can do, but from now on, you're on your own. I don't want anyone claiming favoritism. After all, I just got this job. I don't want to lose it before I call my first staff meeting, right?"
Without waiting for a response, the Grand Admiral turned and made her way through the group of well-wishers and congratulations.
Chakotay had been waiting and now approached Janeway, standing by quietly until finished watching Velez exit the room. "Good to know I'll be working for people like Admiral Velez. So what's next on the agenda?"
"Well, I'd say the hearing for the Equinox people, but right now, I'll settle for a good dinner and a celebration. We'll worry about the Equinox situation later."
"Good! Then I'm buying! Let's round up the others and get out of this hearing room. I'm tired of looking at it."
"Sold, Commander, but I get to choose where we go." She finished on a smile.
The former Maquis celebrated very heartily and rightfully so. Most happy, though, was Janeway. She was proud of her investigation team and the work everyone had done. She was also very relieved that the Meldan issue had been put to rest. Of course, the best part of the whole thing was, all of the Maquis would be able to return to Voyager. The admiral found herself smiling as she entered the turbolift that would take her from the bridge to the shuttle hanger. Voyager's hanger deck was to serve as their place to celebrate. This was done so many of the crew could fit and would gather to enjoy each other's company for hours.
Arriving a little early, the admiral was very surprised to find the party already in full swing. Tom Paris was the first to notice her arrival and saw to correct protocol right away, "Admiral on the deck!"
The room, which had been filled with laughter and animated conversation, suddenly became quiet and everyone turned to see Janeway. Embarrassed at having interrupted the party, she waved off the tradition. "Please, as you were and everyone continue to enjoy yourself... and that is an order!" She finished on a smile and was rewarded with a resounding cheer.
The celebration and conversations resumed and everyone seemed to be having a genuinely good time. The admiral made her way through the crowd and was greeted enthusiastically by each person she saw. They now looked at her in a totally different light. While it was true she did her best to bring them home safety, she had also continued to look after their well-being, even after she had fulfilled that promise. She had earned a reputation within Starfleet as one of the most outstanding officers of all time and was now considered on par with Captain Kirk himself. Although that was one comparison that Janeway enjoyed personally, she never repeated it herself, far less flaunted it.
The ship's Maquis contingency had naturally gathered together at the far end of the deck. Each one now was proudly wearing their new Starfleet uniforms, bearing the insignia and rank appropriate to each one. There was as much pride in that as there was in the fact that they had been welcomed back to Voyager as part of what would be the next crew of the newly rebuilt starship.
There were other types of celebrations as well. Aside from the larger issue, there were smaller moments of gratitude and individual festivities.
One such moment occurred between Tuvok and Chakotay in an isolated corner of the hanger. Now a full commander in Starfleet, the Amerind approached his Vulcan friend quietly. "Mister Tuvok, may I have a word with you?"
"By all means, Commander, what is it you wish to discuss?"
Now standing next to the ship's security officer, Chakotay spoke in hushed tones. "I understand you were responsible for the investigation, but more importantly, finding out who was responsible for the Meldan murders."
The Vulcan nodded, "Quite true."
"I also understand that you accomplished this through a risky process concerning a unique meld."
"Also true."
"Then I must personally thank you for what you did. Taking that type of risk to help us was nothing short of heroic. We, the Maquis... that is, former Maquis... crewpersons of Voyager, thank you. I also thank you personally for what you did and I owe you a great debt for which I may never be able to repay."
Tuvok studied the man. "It is my understanding that Earth tradition tells us, between friends there can be no... balance sheets and therefore no debts. We shall remain friends, regardless of our individual assignments, duties or location."
A slightly emotional and embarrassed Chakotay smiled, "So noted Mister Tuvok and much appreciated."
As the two men continued their friendly conversation, they noticed the Wildmans speaking to B'Elanna Torres. The ship's newest mother was consulting with the 'old hand,' Samantha Wildman. Close by was Naomi, the only child born on Voyager and the only one on the ship until the young Borg were rescued and brought aboard.
Torres was holding Miral while talking to Samantha. "Did you find it difficult to balance your duties and care for Naomi? After all, you were on your own."
It was an honest and realistic question, so Wildman responded carefully. "Actually, I was very fortunate in that regard. Nearly every crewperson aboard Voyager became a member of my family and helped with Naomi's care. Talk about all hands on deck!" She laughed at her own statement.
For a few moments, Torres didn't respond, deep in thought. "Voyager is a small ship and, unlike a Galaxy class ship, which has facilities for children, Voyager has none."
"You're telling me? I had planned on transferring off Voyager in my second trimester. However, the Caretaker had other plans..."
Barely stifling a smile, Torres continued, "Then I suppose I can make due as well."
"You plan on staying aboard when Voyager returns to duty?"
Torres was flabbergasted. "Well of course! After all the Admiral went through to get us reinstated? I think she'd take it as a slap in the face if I didn't stay. Besides, I'm going to be Chief Engineer, only this time, officially recognized and approved by Starfleet Command! Now that's real progress. How can I turn my back on that?"
Samantha Wildman held up her hands in mock surrender. "Okay, I get the point. You're shipping out!"
Now the new mother challenged the elder Wildman. "So, are you shipping out, too?"
"Yes, of course. Naomi considers the Voyager crew as her family. Since I lost my husband... well he found someone else after six years. Voyager is my home. Anyway, I felt the same way. Naomi is much older now, in many ways, maybe I can get her accepted as a crew member." Samantha put her arms around her daughter and gave her a big hug.
A very guilty looking Torres explained, "There's a reason why I asked. She'll make a perfect baby sitter!"
The two shared a laugh and Naomi suddenly became interested in the conversation taking place over her head. She finished off her ice cream cone in one large gulp. "You mean that I can help with Miral?"
Kneeling, Torres got face to face with the young lady. "Count on it. Who else would I trust with such an important job? As long as your mother approves..." She looked up at Samantha for confirmation and received a quick nod. "... then the job is yours!"
A very excited Naomi ran off to tell anybody who would listen, leaving Torres and Wildman to share another laugh. After the laughing subsided, Torres had a thought. "Maybe we could convince the admiral to convert one of the storage spaces to a full time school and day care center. That way Naomi and Miral will both have a place of their own."
While Wildman and Torres began planning the proposed facility in earnest, Tom Paris sought out his dear friend and new Lieutenant, Harry Kim. He finally found him near the table lined with food. Tom watched as the young Asian man loaded up a plate.
As Harry turned from the table, he caught sight of his friend. Paris pointed to the overfilled plate, "Think you got enough there, Harry?"
Embarrassed by the question he recovered quickly, "Well, I'm still trying to get over seven years of rations, replicator food and Neelix specialties."
"Can't fault you there; what looks good?" Paris was now surveying the table as Harry described his selections.
"Well, for me: tacos, fresh sushi, smoked ham and lasagna."
"On the same plate?" Paris was almost horrified. "I'll take it under advisement, but I think I'll look for something else."
Harry Kim looked at his friend and grinned. "I know one thing you won't be able to resist." He pointed to the far end of the extremely long table. "I think they included it just for you!"
Paris looked for what his friend was talking about and lit up, "Hot dogs!" The ship's pilot rushed to the end of the table, actually pushing by a few startled crew persons. At first they were annoyed, then realized what Tom was up to and laughed. His well-known addiction was a source of amusement for many.
Kim explained, "No doubt, someone checked the replicator logs and discovered your bad habit. There's also a container of popcorn somewhere, too, and root beer." Moving next to his friend, he was amused to see the plate filled with four hot dogs, completely dressed with multiple condiments.
"I'm flattered, but I hate to be so... predictable."
"It's okay, I'm sure you're still full of ... surprises."
The celebration went on for hours and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves completely. As people began to drift out, Janeway sought out a few select people. First on the list was Torres, who seemed to be deeply engrossed in a conversation with Samantha Wildman. She approached tentatively, interested in what had the two so absorbed. "Can I get in on the discussion?"
Both women seemed embarrassed and Torres was the first to respond. "Well, at some point we'd like to discuss a special project with you, but we'd like to hammer out some details first. What's on your mind, Admiral?"
"I'd like a realistic appraisal of Voyager's refit. It looks like it's a little behind schedule."
Torres became serious and thoughtful, "I'll have a full report for you in the morning. But really, sir, it's not as bad as it looks."
"I'll take your word for it, but let's meet tomorrow at oh nine hundred... if that doesn't upset Miral's feeding schedule."
Looking at the now-sleeping infant, Torres shrugged, "Who knows? She really doesn't have a set schedule yet. But if it becomes a real issue, her father can manage just fine, thank you."
Amused by the comment, Janeway left the two mothers in the middle of another round of laughter.
Now that the area wasn't quite so full of people, she quickly found her next 'victim.' The EMH and Seven were in an animated discussion. The doctor stopped mid-sentence when he saw the admiral approach. "Admiral! Seven and I were just talking about you."
"All good I trust," she was only joking but prepared herself just in case. The doctor had a habit of surprising her from time to time.
"Absolutely, we were discussing the possibility of performing together."
"Really? How I am involved?"
"We were making a list of who to invite and you were the first we thought of."
Genuinely surprised and flattered, she asked the obvious question. "May I ask in what venue?"
"Why the opera, of course," the doctor seemed indignant at the question.
"Of course, forgive me for not realizing that in the first place. Anyway, I wanted to know if you had made up your mind in regards to remaining with Voyager."
The doctor seemed preoccupied, "Well, I'm still looking at several possibilities but all of them may be decided by the Federation Supreme Court, if I get the opportunity to present my case."
"I see. If you get your wish of being declared a sentient being you may have other plans, is that it?"
"Not necessarily, but after being declared sentient, I will have a choice. Otherwise Starfleet may still consider me to be part of the ship."
Janeway studied the doctor and spoke quietly, in a reassuring manner. "You will always have a choice as far as I'm concerned, regardless of what Starfleet says. That would be true, even if I have to go to court again to ensure that possibility. After all, if I did it for Tom and the Maquis people, why not you?!"
The doctor was speechless, probably for the first time in his life and even Seven was impressed. "Admiral, I continue to be amazed by your willingness to help others and take care of your crew."
Janeway deadpanned, "Actually I just didn't want to go through the painful process of needing to properly train another ship's surgeon, whether humanoid or not!"
Seven laughed but the doctor looked hurt and was still speechless.
"Command is asking for a list of manpower requirements for Voyager's next assignment. One position I must fill is ship's surgeon. Also, we need a nursing staff, medical technicians and lab personnel. We're short on all of those positions. If you're staying, I'll need a list of recommendations. If not, I need a new chief surgeon to do that for me... and soon."
Finally recovering the power of speech, the doctor made a counter offer. "Why not let me make the recommendations regardless. That way you'll be fully staffed whether I stay or not."
He finished confident, as if the situation was resolved once and for all.
"Not possible. If you do decide not to stay, whoever takes your place may not agree with your choices. I can't take that chance. Starfleet Command has given me the power to request specific replacements for our next assignment; part of being an admiral, I suppose. I don't want to squander that gift. One way or the other I'll need your decision once the court martial is concluded." She finished on a weak smile then added, "I would really prefer you, but I have no wish to stand in your way. Think about it, carefully." Finished with her speech, she headed towards the corridor doors.
The doctor watched as the admiral left the hanger deck then turned back to Seven. "Perhaps we should reconsider our opera plans."
In the corridor, Janeway cleared her thoughts for a moment and began thinking about the upcoming court martial. It was going to be difficult at best. Next would be a visit to the JAG office.
The first thing Janeway did after the Maquis celebration was to visit the Starfleet JAG office. She needed help and she knew it. Aside from that, the JAG office had recommended it very strongly. The only place to find out what she needed was to go where she would find the best help possible.
The Headquarters building was particularly busy and it took her some time to negotiate the crowded lobby and locate the information counter. There she found several bright and young faces, eager to help anyone with a question. They were from Starfleet Academy, usually third or fourth year students.
Automated systems were more than adequate, but the 'real person' tradition initiated on the opening day of the Headquarters Building continued. It was one part of the Academy requirements that every student 'manned the lobby' as part of their studies. Most students liked it and some actually requested 'multiple tours of duty.'
Janeway approached the counter and her rank insignia caught the eye of a very friendly young lady who smiled. "Yes, Admiral, how may I help you?"
The standardized question provoked a few memories for the admiral while she returned the smile out of hand. "Yes, the location of the JAG office."
"Yes, Ma'am," the Academy student turned and pointed to a bank of turbolifts. "Take one of those to the tenth floor. The main JAG office is in room 1001. You'll find the receptionist, Lieutenant Sedki, there and he will direct you. Will there be anything else?"
"No, thank you, cadet; you've been quite helpful."
In a scant five minutes, Janeway was speaking to the 'famous' Lieutenant Sedki. The lanky Egyptian youth sat at attention when she walked in. He was all business. "Yes, Admiral?"
"I need to speak to someone regarding a legal issue concerning several of my crewmembers."
"Does this involve an ongoing case, Admiral?"
"No, Lieutenant, but it's scheduled to begin in about twelve days."
A surprised look crossed his face. "And you haven't been assigned council yet?"
"Actually, I was going to handle it myself... but I've been advised I would need to secure assistance from this office."
The surprised look reappeared, "May I have your name, Sir?"
"Admiral Kathryn Janeway --"
"Of course! Sorry, Ma'am, for not recognizing you right away!" He stood abruptly, smiling and gushing. "I should have realized it was you from all the Voyager news. I'll take you to your assigned council right away!"
He stepped from behind the counter and motioned for another officer to take his place. "Follow me, please, Ma'am."
He took lengthy strides befitting his lanky build and nearly left Janeway in the dust. She struggled to keep up but said nothing.
The trip took only a few moments, thanks to the quick pace. Sedki paused at a door and turned to indicate for Janeway to enter. He was horrified to see her still five steps behind. "Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I was so excited; I forget my long legs sometimes..."
"No need to apologize, Lieutenant. No harm done, but I did get my work out for the day."
She entered the indicated room and found a big bear of a man, about 6'3" and 240 pounds with salt and pepper hair and beard to match. Some might call him stocky but Janeway figured it was all muscle. He moved surprisingly quickly to greet his visitor, all smiles and very friendly.
"Admiral Janeway, I've been waiting to see you! It's good to meet you at last!" He extended his hand and shook hers firmly but not to the point of discomfort.
"Nice to meet you... ?"
"Oh, forgive me, I'm Mikhail Novozhilov. Captain, actually, but I tend to forget that sometimes as well."
An amused lieutenant was watching the performance with interest when the Russian dismissed him with a booming voice. "That will be all, Mister Sedki."
Embarrassed, the young officer broke off his amazement of having met Janeway and left in a rush. "Yes, sir!"
The door closed and Janeway got straight to business. "I was told that you could help me with my... situation."
He offered her a chair and moved behind his own desk and sat in an antique style, over-stuffed chair. "I must tell you that I'm pleased to be working with you, Admiral."
The remark caught her off guard, "Really? Why is that?"
"I've been following your 'legal career' since the first courtroom appearance. You do quite well for someone with no formal training. I believe it has something to do with your dynamic personality and ability to express yourself well."
"Thanks for the compliment, Captain. But I'm afraid my amateur standing may hurt my chances in a formal court martial."
"Not necessarily, but that's why I will be there."
"You were... drafted?"
"I volunteered!" He beamed, "Like I said, I've been following you all along. I think between the two of us, we'll have a good chance." He finished on a smile that revealed a broad expanse of teeth.
"Okay, where do you we start?"
"I have a rough idea of your situation, but I'd like to meet your people. Let's start with the accused. I need to talk to them in detail, with you present. Later, I'll interview your crew. Not all of them, just the ones who are most likely to be called to testify."
Janeway nodded in understanding and agreement. "Meeting the accused is easy to arrange. As far as the ones who will be testifying, that would be my senior officers: the bridge crew, chief of engineering, the EMH, and Seven. Most of them are working on Voyager's refit. Your idea sounds good, when can we start?"
"Are you that eager?" Novozhilov was mildly amused.
"Actually, I am worried. We've only got a dozen days to prepare. I think we'd better hurry."
Mikhail studied her, "Don't worry, we might be able to get that postponed, if necessary."
Janeway was surprised by the comment. "How so? I thought all court martial proceedings were fairly inflexible."
"I heard that the new Admiral of the Fleet is quite amenable to... change."
Now she was embarrassed, "You heard?"
"I keep telling you, I was following your legal career."
After a few moments of silence, Janeway made a suggestion. "Why don't we give the defendants a visit? Like you said, it is a good place to start, Captain."
"Okay, but everybody calls me Mike."
"I'll take it under consideration." Then she stood up, ready to go to work.
Janeway and Novozhilov used the rest of that day and the next three days, meeting the defendants, one by one and conducted in-depth interviews. 'Mike' was thorough and spoke to each one like a father. Throughout, he was friendly and very interested in what each one had to say. The admiral said little, as the Russian had instructed. She was present mostly as a means of keeping the Equinox people 'honest.' They would think twice about trying to lie with her present as she could call them out and remind them that she was a witness to much of what transpired.
In any event, she was surprised by what some of them said and found herself a little more sympathetic to the situation of a few of the Equinox crew.
Arriving back in the captain's office at JAG, Mikhail took a seat and quickly got to business. "As I see it. Morrow, Sofin and Tassoni are basically sheep caught up in Ransom's promises of getting home as quickly as possible by using the aliens as fuel. Next is Gilmore, she's a... mess. Has she been checked, I mean for psychological disorders?"
A very surprised Janeway responded, "No, why do you ask?"
"Something about her makes me think she's not one hundred percent in control of herself. It might be worth looking into. Could your EMH examine her as a prelude to a genuine, full blown evaluation."
"Okay, what about Lessing?" She was genuinely interested in the captain's impression.
"He's a strange one. I think he'd say anything to protect himself, even at the expense of others. He says one thing than acts another way entirely. If he does that while giving testimony, he's as good as convicted. I'd say he'll be the toughest to defend. In any event, given what the Equinox crew did, it's even money that they will all wind up serving time, in one form or another.'
Somewhat horrified, the admiral challenged his evaluation. "Aren't you being a bit pessimistic?"
"Realistic, Admiral. I've seen a lot of cases under somewhat similar circumstances. Starfleet wants to make an example of this group, of that there is no doubt."
"That bad?" Janeway thought for a moment before asking, "What can we do?"
"Let's interview your bridge crew and the others. If it looks like we'll need more time, you may have to ask the Admiral of the Fleet for another favor."
"I'm not sure I have any left."
The crew interviews went very well and quickly, quicker than the defendants and they were almost twice as many to talk to. Of course, Janeway's crew was a lot friendlier and much more talkative. They didn't have to guard their words nor were they suspicious of what Novozhilov wanted.
In a less than two days, the crew interviews were done and Mikhail settled into his role as defense council. "Admiral, I think this is a fairly straight forward case. However, it's going to be a difficult road to navigate. On one hand, you have the Prime Directive, Starfleet regulations and basic morality. On the other, you have frightened, paranoid and confused people that are being told by someone that everything will be okay if they ignore those basic tenants. He's a command officer, captain of the ship no less, with an impressive background who made a horrible mistake in judgement. He eventually realized the error of his ways, but only after ruining not only his reputation, but that of Starfleet and the Federation as well."
"Not to mention he ruined the lives of his crew," Janeway added quietly. "A real can of worms, is that it?"
"Yup! It's the Kobayashi Maru scenario again."
Janeway was surprised. "You know that one, too? When did you attend the Academy?"
Laughing loudly, Novozhilov explained, "I know the saying but not the actual circumstance surrounding it. You see, I'm a ninety-day wonder. Never figured I would command anything other than a desk or, at the most, a courtroom. After prep school, college and then law school, I wasn't in the mood for another four years at the Academy. But I did respect Starfleet and what it stood for. It's a family tradition. I had hopes to take a few voyages at some point, but it hasn't worked out that way. I've had just a few short trips to space stations, starbases and outposts." The Russian sounded somewhat disappointed.
"You could still train for shipboard duty. It's not too late for a second career."
"That's very kind of you to say, Admiral, but I'm afraid I'm too set in my ways. Besides, I don't think my family would approve." After a moment of silence the Russian continued. "Getting back to our case for a moment, I am somewhat confused by my conversation with Chakotay. It seemed a little... sketchy at one point."
A very uncomfortable Janeway decided to take the bull by the horns, "We didn't exactly see eye to eye about how to handle the Equinox situation. While it didn't come to blows, I did confine him to quarters for a while to allow him to cool off and rethink his position."
Novozhilov was surprised by the revelation. "I didn't see that in the ship's logs."
"We were quite busy at the time, so it never was logged as he and I came to an agreement."
"I just hope the prosecution doesn't get wind of it; it could add a new and unwanted dimension to the case. In any event, you and I have a lot of work to do. By the way, I'd like to recommend using Lieutenant Paris as a co-council. Think he'll do it?"
Janeway laughed. "Try keeping him away! He's been at my side since day one. Of course, that wasn't his choice then, but he's been very helpful to me and supportive of the others. Besides, everyone seems to like him. He's become a symbol of sorts for all the legal issues surrounding Voyager."
"I agree, Admiral. Now, about getting the court martial delayed..."
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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