Captain's Visage

By: Jennica Williams

DISCLAIMER: I am not using Star Trek for profit. Paramount owns the characters, the ships, the uniforms, the biogel packs, even Neelix's food, I'm just here playing around with the ideas running through my head. No copyright infringement is intended.

Dedication: To --B. Unknown to him, he's responsible for half of the title.

"How much longer?"

"Mere hours," she answered, peering at the elder from slightly sunken eyes. "I am ready to implement my plan now...and I have found a way that does not include harming them."

"Sania, you're too soft. You'll never make a good warrior."

"The Insagreans have harmed our people for the past twenty eight generations." Sania moved from the shadows into the dim light. "We have every right to fight them, but not to inflict pain on others."

Davcuele frowned at the younger woman. She was too stubborn and had an annoying soft spot in her heart for aliens. She would have served better on Andor's colonizing team, but unfortunately, she was on his attack team. "Just make sure you confiscate the Voyager."

"I will. And I'll do it without any of your barbaric methods," Sania smarted back.

"Watch your tongue," Davcuele snapped secretly admiring her audacity.

"I'll not watch my tongue if it means being silent." Sania took a bold step closer. "I will take the other ship. And I will take it quickly."

The twin suns shone brightly warming her Klingon soul as B'Elanna Torres wriggled her toes in the sparkling white sand. The light breeze dancing over her skin caused the ends of her hair to brush lightly across her face. Tom Paris leaned over and gently pushed them back.

She smiled at him just as Harry and Seven dropped- dripping wet from the alien ocean- onto the blanket spread out on the gorgeous beach.

"Enjoy the swim?" Torres asked the other couple.

"Definitely," Harry beamed.

Seven frowned, a drop of water threatening to fall from her chin. "I find the activity of swimming unproductive and a useless waste of time."

"It's for fun, Seven." Tom told her. "You're not supposed to work your whole life away without any fun. Imagine how dull that would be."

"Yeah," Harry interjected as a shadow fell across their blanket. "Tom manages to find more time for enjoyment than the rest of us though, right?"

Tom didn't answer. His eyes were following the legs of the Delaney sisters as they strolled past the group.

B'Elanna jabbed her elbow in Tom's side with a scowl.

Tom shook himself from his daze and turned back to his girlfriend with an apologetic smile. " You know who has my heart, B'Elanna."

She raised her eyebrows in amusement but allowed his hand to cover hers It was too gorgeous of a day to spend arguing- even if her Klingon side was itching to.

Seven shivered as the warm breezed began to evaporate the water droplets on her skin. "Hand me a towel, Ensign Kim." Catching it, she patted her arms dry. "Why does the captain not entertain thoughts of coming to the planet?"

"Oh, I'm sure she did. She just figured she couldn't take time off."

The twin suns beat down blinding her, as Captain Janeway skimmed her hand across the smooth surface of the small lagoon. Staring out at the sea, she had an idealistic view of the waves crashing over one another in their race to the shore, but by the time they reached the small inlet, they weren't more than a slight pulse under the surface.

Captain Janeway's mind was not on the tranquil scene before her; it was concentrating on the amount of time she would need to stay there to please her first officer and the Doctor. There was a stack of padds sitting on her desk that needed to be reviewed and she had also promised to look in on Astrometrics. If she had been paying more attention to the glassy surface, the tell-tale ripples drawing nearer to her would have been evident before it was too late.

Floundering in the water, the once serene captain broke the surface coughing and sputtering sea water as her first officer smirked at her.

"Welcome back to the Delta Quadrant, Captain." Chakotay laughed as she made a feeble attempt to push her hair back from her face.

"Thank you, Chakotay." she couldn't help the wry smile. "Guess I was getting a little hot out here."

Chakotay raised his eyebrows with a slight grin. Kathryn could feel a blush creeping up her cheeks as she turned away.

"Anytime." He followed as she waded back to the shore. "Tuvok is expecting us back on duty in thirty minutes. We should be going back now."

"Fine."

"What? Didn't enjoy shore leave?"

"Oh, I enjoyed it. Just didn't appreciate the manner in which I was persuaded to leave."

"I thought the Doctor and I were very gracious!" Chakotay protested. "We could have thrown you over my shoulder and transported you down here kicking and screaming. Having him declare your ready room a medical hazard for six hours was perfect."

She gave him an uncaptain-like roll of her eyes as they gathered their sandals and towels from under a small tree. Chakotay began to walk the shoreline back to the beam up site, but she grabbed his arm.

"Look."

"What?"

"Over there," Janeway took a step in the direction of the tropical forest. "It looks like a monkey."

Chakotay shook his head. "Kathryn, he's not going to let you get close to him."

She scowled at him briefly before taking another step in the primate's direction. The small animal bounced on the ground chirping at them before scampering into a tree. Making the same pleasant noise again, the monkey swung to another branch and turned to look back at them. "He wants us to follow him!" Janeway whispered excitedly.

Chakotay looked toward the waterfront and the beam out site and then back at the captain who was hurrying after the small mammal. Shaking his head in amusement, he followed her.

"Come here, little fellow," Janeway crooned softly. Pushing through the foliage that rose to her hips, she admired the dark markings down the length of this native's fur.

Chakotay watched his captain disappear further into the underbrush. Pushing a large green leaf out of the way, he peered to where she was peering around a tree about ten meters in front of him. "Capt-"

"Shh!" She put a finger to her lips and then stepped forward. "Stay right there."

Slowly, she crept toward the monkey. He was only two meters from her now. His head bobbed and he chirped excitedly as large gray eyes peered suspiciously at her.

"I'm not going to hurt you, little one. I'd just like to get a closer look at you." With her eyes on the monkey, the captain never saw the vine grow directly in front of her feet.

"Kathryn!" Chakotay shouted as he saw her fall.

"I'm fine!" She shouted back from the undignified position on her back. A sudden object came down on her forehead causing her to black into darkness.

Chakotay tore through the underbrush. Where was she?!

"I'm fine, Chakotay."

Relief washed over the commander's features as he saw his captain stand up. Reaching for her towel and replacing the sandals on her feet, Captain Janeway came towards him.

"Forget about the monkey. Let's get back to the ship." She slipped through the flora noiselessly as the two commanding officers meandered back to the beach.

In the dense vegetation, Captain Janeway lay on her back, a bruise was beginning to grow on her forehead. She was slowly regaining conscience, and vaguely aware that someone was dragging her deeper into the tropical jungle.

"Report!" Janeway announced her presence on the bridge as she briskly stepped out of the turbolift

"We are orbiting Raquera at five thousand kilometers."

"Weapons?"

"Functioning within acceptable parameters," Tuvok stated.

"Shields?"

"Same."

"Captain, may I inquire as to the intent of your questions?"

"No, you may not." Captain Janeway turned her back and missed Chakotay and Tuvok exchanging a glance.

"Navigation is at one hundred percent," Henley answered as Janeway's eyes fell on her.

"Sensors? Are there any ships?"

"Negative," Tuvok replied.

Janeway gave a short nod. "I want all personnel to return within an hour. We're leaving."

"Captain?" Chakotay turned to her. "We just got her two days ago. Not everyone has had a chance to visit the planet. I thought you wished to remain here for at least a week."

"I said shore leave was canceled," Janeway glared at the commander and gestured to her ready room. "Commander, please."

"When we are on the planet, you may treat me as a friend," she began once the door had safely closed behind them. "On the bridge, however; I expect you to treat me as your superior officer."

"Captain, when we first came on board, you asked me to be your first officer. I would be shirking my duty if I didn't object when I disagreed with you."

"Fine," Janeway leaned against the desk. "Not on the bridge though. You take it up with me later. Dismissed."

Chakotay looked like he wanted to say something else, but held his tongue. Turning on his Starfleet booted heel, he left.

The woman sighed in relief and looked down at her hand as it slipped back into its original liquid form for a minute. Concentrating, she forced herself to stay solid.

"She has gained control," Davcuele's assistant told him. "They are collecting their people from the surface right now."

"Very good." Davcuele glanced to the corner of the room where Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager lay bound and gagged. "I think it's time to join them in space." He leaned down to look into the captain's angry blue eyes. "Don't you think so, Captain?"

Shooting daggers her glare indicated her disdain of his people more than any voice could.

"Ahh, but you will learn to like us," Davcuele smiled. Standing to his full height, he snapped his fingers twice. Two servants came instantly to his side. "See that all of her needs are taken care of on the ship. Guard her at all times. I don't want her injured or...misplaced."

Davcuele gently caressed Janeway's face with a wicked glint in his green eyes. She quickly pulled away causing the alien to scowl in her direction. He motioned for the guards to take her.

The captain fought as the two servants bent over to pick her up. Kicking one in the jaw with her shackled feet she whipped to face the other, but felt herself grown faint when his hand metamorphosed into a club. With one swift blow to her head, she slipped back into unconsciousness.

"We are almost ready to implement the plan," Sania announced from her computer console in her newly acquired ready room.

"Good, I can't wait to get out of this dreadful space," Davcuele told her. "Are you certain the Voyager is ready for the trip?"

"As ready as she'll ever be." Sania shrugged. "Just make sure you have a way for me to escape if something goes wrong."

"Like the engine explodes?" Davcuele laughed hollowly. "The council will reward us handsomely for bringing back a new weapon against the Insagreans."

"They're not called Insagreans here," Sania tapped a data padd. "I've been doing some research and I found a picture of them. They're called 8472s."

"8472s?" Davcuele's face paled. "They took the name of the Borg?"

"Apparently. They even have one crew member who is a former Borg."

"They must be animals," Davcuele shuddered. "Have they tried to assimilate you?"

"No," Sania put the padd down. "I don't believe these people are connected to the Borg in any way except that they have the former drone as one of their crew. They had contact with the Collective at one point in time-"

"Well, we know that," Davcuele scoffed. "That's why we need them."

"-But I don't believe any lasting alliances were made."

"Good." Davcuele scowled. "Their former alliance with the Borg will ease your conscience concerning the servants rendering their captain unconscious."

"Was that necessary?" Sania frowned at the man.

"I assure you, it was." Davcuele glared at the younger woman. "And what regulation gives you a part of our decision?"

"None," Sania shrugged. "Except that Voyager is now in my hands and you'll have to go through me if you want anything done."

"How much?" Davcuele asked.

"One thousand bartels," she named the price for her cooperation.

"I-"

*Beep*

"What was that?" Davcuele asked glancing behind her.

"Nothing." Sania melted back into the form of Captain Janeway with a false smiled pasted across her lips. "I'll be back in a bit. It'll give you time to find all those bartels." Shutting off the view screen she raised her face to greet whoever was about to walk in the door. Grabbing a padd, she called for them to enter.

"Tuvok," She gave him her best 'captain' smile. "What can I do for you?"

"Captain, as Chief of Security, it is my duty to know of any possible danger this ship may encounter. Is there a possibility that you are withholding information you acquired while you were on shore leave?"

"Of course not." Captain Janeway stood up and smiled at Tuvok before walking over to the view port. "Look out there," she placed a hand on the glass. "It's a beautiful planet, but look past the planet. I long to be home. Any extra moment we spend on shore leave means it's a minute longer we have to wait to see our families. I want to shorten that time as much as possible. Can you understand that?"

Tuvok eyed the passionate human he considered a friend of many years. "Logically, I understand that you simply wish to get the crew home. Yet, I do question you. A crew composed of a number of humans has emotional needs that a Vulcan crew would not. They require extra time for fraternizing in order to maintain an emotional balance. By shortening our time spent on Raquera, you are denying crew members the emotional time they may need."

"You sound like Chakotay." She left her hand on the glass and pasted a smile on her face. "You must have conspired before you came in here."

"On the contrary Capt-"

"Makes no difference." She turned back to the stars. "We are leaving this planet in thirty minutes. Please tell the commander on your way back to your station."

Tuvok turned and quickly left.

Sania pulled her hand from the glass. A wet hand print was clearly visible. She would have to return to her original state very soon.

Seven of Nine looked up from her place in the Astrometrics lab. She had felt the slight shudder under her feet indicating that Voyager had jumped into warp speed. "Ensign Kim, do you know the purpose for our leaving the Raqueran planet during the crew's scheduled shore leave?"

"I have no idea, Seven. Captain Janeway has been acting a little different lately." Harry noticed the furrowing of Seven's brow and inquired as to what she had found.

"I do not know." She answered. "I recall seeing this one other time, but can not reinstate what it signifies. It appears to be scrambled so it will look familiar, but not recognizable. It may be important regarding the captain's new agenda."

"A hunch?" The laughter could be heard through his voice as the young ensign watched his console.

"I am Borg. I do not have hunches."

"You're getting more human every day," he chuckled peering over her shoulder.

"The statement was not to establish my humanity," Seven protested evenly. "It was merely informing you that I am unable to retrieve the necessary information about this anomaly. I simply deduced that the anomaly may be in some way connected with the captain's recent behavior."

"If it makes you feel any better, I don't recognize it either." Harry tapped his comm badge. "Kim to bridge."

"Yes, Ensign?" Janeway's hard voice snapped through astrometrics with an electrical charge.

"I think we've found something on long range sensors."

"Transmit the data to my console. Dismissed."

Harry watched as Seven's hands danced over the console to issue the necessary commands into the computer.

"Ensign," Seven moved to a full wall console. "I believe I have found something of importance. I require your assistance....please."

Harry's eyes grew wide. "Since when do you say please?"

"Lieutenant Torres indicated she felt I was 'rude' a few months ago. I am endeavoring to rectify the problem so I may associate with the crew on a more comfortable level for them." She turned to him suddenly. "Was my request not acceptable?"

"No, it was fine." Harry's fingers purposefully slid over the panel. "A few more seconds and we'll have it unscrambled."

"There. That should do it." Harry peered at the console and then flipped the image to the main view screen.

The form danced before them, but what the two officers could view was enough.

"Three cloaked ships," Seven slid over to the console and enlarged one ship. "Species 3152."

"They were assimilated?" Harry turned from the screen, a bewildered look on his face.

"No," Seven raised her head. "The Borg encountered them a century ago during an attempt to overtake the Collective. Their unique physical structure prevented them from infiltrating the Borg and also made them unsuitable to become drones. During the attacks of the 8472s, it was discovered that they had fallen prey to the 8472s."

Harry turned back to the sleek ships dancing across the viewer. "Then they're from...."

"They are from fluidic space."

The young ensign's eyes grew wide. "You mean there's a rift open somewhere that let them in?"

"Possibly, yes."

"We've got to tell the captain," Harry's hand came up to hit his comm badge, but Seven's hand darted out and caught his.

"No."

"No?"

"Species 3152 was not assimilated because their physiology is not compatible with Borg implants. They can metamorphose into a liquid state."

"Shape shifters?"

"The Fluidic Space equivalent," Seven's voice carried a sharp edge as she peered at her fellow officer. "Captain Janeway has been acting...different...correct?"

A light of understanding flashed in Harry's eyes. "That hunch business of yours is paying off. You think that she isn't the captain. That she's one of these...these..."

"They call themselves Orllegrans."

"Yeah...them." Kim dropped his data padd onto the edge of the console with a metal clank. "Can we do an internal scan to determine if she is one of these Orllegrans?"

"No. The 3152s are very complete. Physically, she will register as the captain. Except under a microcelluar nucleolus analysis."

"Great. A trip to sickbay."

"Stay away from the Trikolian salad for a few days," The Doctor told the lieutenant who slid off the biobed and left for duty.

"I assume you're not here for your medical check up." The Doctor turned from the biobed and replaced a silver colander shaped instrument back on a tray. "What is it you need?"

"I require for you to run a microcelluar nucleolus analysis on the captain," Seven stated.

"A what?" As Seven began to repeat the phrase, he cut her off with a wave of his hand. "I know what a microcelluar nucleolus analysis is. But why would I run one on the captain?"

"We have reason to believe she is not the captain."

The Doctor gave Seven an incredulous look as he picked up his tricorder. Running it down the length of the former Borg's body, he made a quick adjustment and then snapped it shut. "You're physically fine. Go to your alcove right now and regenerate for another hour and I believe that should clear up this mental illusion you are under."

"I am not experiencing a mental disorder." Seven replied. "Run the scan and you will find traces of alien chromosomes in her chromatin."

"Fine." When the pair didn't move the Doctor turned to them. "Not right now! I've got to figure out how to get her down here without thinking this is some sort of trap. You can't just go telling the captain that you think she's an alien. I have to have a good excuse."

"That's fine Doctor," Harry patted the hologram's shoulder. "We need it soon though."

"I understand the importance of the situation," The Doctor tapped a few commands into his console. "What I don't understand is your human persistency to be so bothersome." Harry opened his mouth to say something, but the Doctor cut him off. "I'm working on it!"

Captain 'Sania' Janeway leaned back on the sofa in her quarters. So far, the plan was on schedule. Davcuele had transmitted the coordinates of the other vessels which would accompany the Voyager into the rift and through liquid space- one vessel which was carrying their very own Kathryn Janeway. Presently, the four ships were traveling at warp eight towards the rift and Voyager's crew had no inclination of the trap lying ahead.

The only part of the day she had not enjoyed in her new found power was the medical check up that had been scheduled for the captain. But it had all worked out. Confident in her solidity abilities, Sania had fooled even the best of the Starfleet medical officers who were incorporated into the EMH's programming.

*Beep*

Sania looked towards the door of her quarters. She was lounging around in a satin nightgown as she reviewed the data padds and the layout of the ship. Was it proper protocol to allow an officer to see her like that? "Computer, identify personnel at entrance."

"Commander Chakotay."

An evil smile slid over her features. "Enter."

Chakotay stepped out of the harsh lights of the corridor and into the softer hues of the captain's quarters. "Captain?"

"I'm over here, Chakotay."

He blinked his eyes in an effort to adjust to the dimly lit interior. Making out her form, Chakotay hesitated before taking the opposite end of the couch as the satin-clad woman. "I just wanted to make sure everything was all right with you. After shore leave today, you seemed a bit more preoccupied."

"I know, Chakotay. And I'm sorry." Her hand slid over to his. "I promise, it's only because I want to get the crew home faster. I just felt we needed to leave there. Something might have happened."

Chakotay took a deep breath in an effort to hide the effect she was having on him. "So that's what these orders are? Intuitions?"

"Ahh, yes." Captain Janeway pressed his palm. "I just have this feeling something is not right about the Raquerans."

Chakotay looked down at their intertwined hands. "Something's not right, Kathryn," he said slowly. "You're not usually so harsh with the crew....or myself. You don't give orders on a whim," he looked straight in her eyes; tried to peer into her soul. "What's wrong?"

Sania froze. She hadn't fully expected such a passion to be shown in the first officer's eyes. He was obviously very much attracted to his captain. And worse, if she loved him, Sania would be unable to fool him psychologically. "I'm sorry, Chakotay," she slid slightly closer to him. "I've been under pressure," she clasped both of her hands around his and gave a soft chuckle. "I had to be forced into shore leave, after all."

"I know Kathryn...but still," he trailed off as she leaned closer. "You seem differ-...."

Chakotay was cut off as Kathryn's lips claimed his. He inhaled instantly and was rewarded with the scent of roses from her hair. Sliding his arms around her small frame, Chakotay eagerly returned the kiss. He couldn't believe it was actually happening. He'd patiently waited for the moment when she would return his love- now it looked like she might. Her arms were intertwined around his neck when he felt the first fleeting thought of trouble. Pulling away sharply, Chakotay stared at Kathryn for an instant.

This is not the Kathryn I know, was all he could think.

"What? Is everything ok?" She traced his ear with a long finger and then ran it over his tattoo.

"Fine," Chakotay lied. "It just reminded me of our first kiss....on Rinax."

Her lips curved up in a soft smile. "Me too." Sania suddenly found herself dumped on the floor of the captain's quarters.

"I have never kissed the captain before," Chakotay growled glaring down at the woman with intense hate in his eyes. "I don't know who you are or what you've done with the captain, but you'd better tell me right now."

"Kim to Commander Chakotay."

"What?" Chakotay snapped harder than he meant to.

"Um...well, I convinced the Doctor to run some scans. And Captain Janeway is not our captain. She's an alien from fluidic space."

Chakotay scowled at the woman before him. "That explains a lot. Thank you Ensign."

"That's not all, Commander," Chakotay closed his eyes. "Seven's determined that there are three cloaked vessels leading us directly into a rift in the space fabric which will take us to fluidic space."

"Full stop!" Chakotay barked already stepping toward the door. "Bridge, I want a security team to the captain's quarters!"

"We're already in it's gravity force," the ensign interjected. "We didn't know until it opened a minute ago."

Chakotay turned back to the impostor on the floor. "Who are you and what do you want with my ship?"

Sania melted back into her true form. "I simply must have Voyager. You can come along too if you like."

Chakotay stepped out of the turbolift and onto the bridge with determination. "Shields up."

"Shields are in place," Tuvok answered. "Commander, where is the captain?"

The first officer glanced at tactical. "She's not here. From what I gather, she was kidnapped and a shape-shifting alien impostor was put in her place. I left it in her quarters with security guarding...her."

Tuvok didn't comment that he was Chief of Security and should have been notified to the nature of the situation. He simply had followed orders and sent two lieutenants down. Making a mental note to speak to the Commander on the subject, the Vulcan turned back to his console. "I estimate we will enter the rift in forty eight seconds."

"Brace for impact," Chakotay ordered as he took the captain's seat. Gripping the arm rests he muttered, "It doesn't look like we're being given a choice about going in or not."

"Indeed," the astute Vulcan added.

Less than one minute later, the view screen flickered and the unwelcome sight of fluidic space came into view.

"Sensors?"

"Three ships came with us into fluidic space." Kim answered, fingers dancing over the blue and gold panel. "There are four more ships plotting an intercept course."

"Estimated time of arrival?"

"About one minute. Sensors are having a bit of difficulty adjusting," Kim looked up. "Commander, we're being hailed from the lead Orllegran vessel."

"Open channel," Chakotay turned to face the forward screen.

"Sania?" The pale faced man glanced around the bridge. "Where is the captain?"

"I'm afraid she has been placed in custody," Chakotay spat. "I'm Commander Chakotay you'll be dealing with me until Captain Janeway is returned."

"Commander Chakotay...I'm Davcuele of the Takeover Cowop." He flashed a smile. "I've heard that your people have a method of...shall we say 'exterminating' the Insagreans. We require your ship and the technology."

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

"You don't have a choice," Davcuele growled. "If you cooperate, we shall return your captain and even give you one of our ships. A fair trade. If you don't, then I'm afraid we'll have to kill you and your crew."

"That's a risk we'll have to take." Chakotay turned quickly and drew a line across his throat indicating he wished for Kim to cut the transmission. He was instantly obeyed. "I believe we can safely assume they won't open fire on Voyager. They want our ship too much. I'll be down questioning the....Sania. Tuvok, you're with me. Tom, you have the bridge."

The young ensign on duty snapped to attention as Commander Chakotay and Lieutenant Tuvok entered the brig. "Sirs."

Chakotay waved formalities aside. "Just lower the force field, ensign." Chakotay moved closer to the blue tinged shield. As it dropped from view, Chakotay stepped inside. Sania, in her original solid form, was curled up on the bench.

"Sania."

She glared at him. "So? You know my name. You'll not get much from me."

"I know you're fighting for something here. I just don't know what. From what I can understand of you and Davcuele, you don't really want to hurt Voyager or our people. You just want our technology. Tell me why."

"Why should I?" She snapped.

"Because, if you don't, then I'm going to be forced to get the captain back myself and then return to our space. If you tell me, maybe I can work something out."

"You lie," she seethed. "What makes you think I'm going to put my confidence in someone who will stop at nothing to see his captain and ship restored?"

"You're right," Chakotay stood. "I guess you give me no choice. I'll inform your people of your decision." He stepped out of the force field and motioned for the ensign to raise it again. "Tuvok," Chakotay led the Chief of Security away to a safe distance, but spoke loudly enough so he was sure Sania would hear their words. "I'll leave you to dispose of her molecules in whatever manner you see fit."

Tuvok eyed the Commander for a minute. It was obvious what Chakotay was attempting to accomplish, so the Vulcan decided to play his part. "Shall I begin the execution immediately?"

Chakotay hesitated only briefly. "Do it whenever you get a free minute. I know you're busy."

"Wait." Sania stood up. "You're not really going to kill me, are you?" The once proud and stubborn leader stared helplessly at the two men in front of her. She had worked so hard to make sure they would be treated humanely, and now they were going to kill her.

"You give me no choice." Chakotay answered. "You will be of no use to us."

"No!" She placed a hand on the force field and then jumped back as an electrical charge surged through her body. "I worked to keep peace between our races. Please, don't harm me."

Chakotay rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I don't know... It would be different if you were willing to cooperate."

"You want to know why we need your ship?" Sania leaned forward, careful to avoid getting close to the field again. "We have been persecuted for twenty eight generations by what you call the 8472s. We want to kill them and lead our own peaceful existence. You can't deny us that, can you?"

"Why should we care if you live peacefully when you have demonstrated that your intent toward us is hostile?"

"Janeway is safe as long as you give us what we need to survive."

"Any attempt to peaceful coexistence by forcing this crew to help will be stopped."

"Bridge to Commander Chakotay."

"Yes, Ensign?" Chakotay leaned against the console as he endured the sparks shooting from Sania's eyes.

"It appears that the other vessels are moving into an attack formation around us."

"I'll be right there. Evasive maneuvers and target their weapons." Chakotay glowered at the shape shifter. "Your comrades are here. We'll see what happens."

Tuvok and the commander stumbled onto the bridge as the first round of the alien's firing rocked the ship.

"No damage," Harry announced. "They're barely hitting our shields."

"Moving us out of their range," Tom stated. Then, peering closer at the attack patterns, he called Chakotay down to him. "Look at this," Tom jabbed a finger at the blinking console. The six red ships were directly behind the blue Voyager. "It looks like their trying to push us in that direction."

"What's out there?" Chakotay's fingers ran over the navigation controls. "A planet?" He whispered, slightly surprised to find one in fluidic space.

"The Orllegra world?" Kim wondered aloud.

"That would be the logical assumption," Tuvok answered from his station.

"Long range scans show that the lead Orllegra vessel is already in orbit." Harry grinned suddenly from his position. "And there is one human on the planet."

"The captain? You can scan from this distance?"

Harry shrugged.

B'Elanna turned from her place at the engineering console. "The fluid is making it easier for the energy scans to transfer from molecule to molecule. A little slower maybe, but very detailed."

"Set course for the homeworld."

"Ensign Ashmore to Commander Chakotay!"

"Chakotay here."

"The prisoner....she's.....escaped."

"What do you mean 'escaped'?" Chakotay demanded. "How did she get out?"

"I don't know sir. The force field is still in place."

"Shape shifters..."

Chakotay turned sharply to look at the ensign at the science console. "Ensign?"

"If she's a shape shifter, then she can liquefy and slide out any opening or crevice in the brig," Ensign Wilner reminded them.

If Sania was masquerading as the captain, she would have full reign of the computer. Without hesitating Chakotay made the next decision. "Computer, restrict all clearance levels of Captain Kathryn Janeway. Authorization Chakotay Beta 110."

"Secondary authorization?"

Chakotay cast a glance at Tuvok.

"Tuvok Pi 108."

"Authorization for Captain Kathryn Janeway restricted."

"Access denied."

Sania's hands came down on the console with a loud thud as she let out an exasperated sigh. Why would the captain be restricted from any information? Sania glanced around her. The corridor was empty. It would only be seconds before the ensign on duty realized she was not in her cell. Returning to her liquid state, Sania slid back into the jeffries tube and made her way to the mess hall. There would be no one there, save Neelix, and he would be able to open a channel for her.

"Neelix?" Sania took the form of Captain Janeway again. "Neelix?"

"Yes, Captain?" The robust Talaxian came bounding out of his kitchen with a wide grin across his features. "What brings you down at this time of night? Could I interest you in a cup of Raqueran coffee? The crew has enjoyed it."

"Maybe later. I need for you to open a channel to another ship for me. The computer is malfunctioning and does not recognize my authorization."

"Malfunctioning?"

"Yes. I have B'Elanna working on it right now, but didn't want to disturb her. I figured I'd negotiate with the new aliens from the mess hall while I ate a piece of that Alock pie you had this evening."

"Oh, all right." He smiled, not paying attention to her conversation ,but already thinking about the pie. "I'll get you a piece. We'll take care of that transmission in a little bit." Muttering softly to himself, the Talaxian disappeared into the kitchen.

"Attention all hands," Chakotay's voice echoed through the halls of the ship. "The captain has been kidnapped by an alien race very much like the Gamma Quadrant shape shifters. If you should see the captain, please inform me immediately. Chakotay out."

Neelix's brows furrowed together. Plate of purple colored pie in hand, he stepped back in the mess hall. It was empty. Tapping his comm badge, he quickly opened a link with the bridge. "Commander, she was just here. In the mess hall. She requested that I open a communications channel for her."

"Good work. Chakotay out." Chakotay answered. "Get a team down in the mess hall to start tracking her."

"Entering standard orbit," Paris announced. Then, with a shrug he added, "Whatever that is in fluidic space."

"Commander, they're hailing us." Kim looked up.

"Put it on the view screen."

"Commander," Davcuele's face filled the screen. "We meet again. I see you're coming to our world."

"That's correct," Chakotay took a menacing step towards the view screen. "We've come to take our captain and return to our space."

"I'm afraid that's just not possible."

"I'm sorry you don't agree." The commander snapped. "End transmission." Chakotay turned to Tuvok. "Would it be possible for us to beam the captain up from this distance if we dropped shields?"

"Negative, Commander," Tuvok's brown eyes held a hint of regret. "Transporter use through fluidic space would be extremely dangerous. There is no guarantee of retrieving her pattern."

"The planet does have a gaseous atmosphere." Harry offered. "We could transport her and Seven could coordinate the rift to open at the same time."

"And they wouldn't fire on their own planet, right?" Tom turned from his console.

"Let's hope they are in such dire need of our technology they won't fire on us." Chakotay turned back to Tuvok. "Let's try it."

"Your people are very stubborn, Kathryn. But, I will make them see reason." Davcuele smiled wickedly and slid a lone finger down Captain Janeway's face. She ground her heel into his foot. "Ow!"

"Teach you to capture me," Janeway grumbled, her arms and feet still tied.

"Capturing you was only so we could gain control of your ship." Davcuele glared at her. "We only want your ship. What happens to you and your crew is not my concern. Though," He smiled wickedly, a fiendish glint in his eyes. "I do have preferences about your future."

"Some play thing, I imagine." Janeway seethed. "It won't happen. I know my crew. They'd die before they left me in your barbaric hands."

"At the moment, your crew should be the least of your concerns." Davcuele smirked. "I've got six ships in an attack pattern around them. But, you are right here, waiting for any one of the dozens of guards I have to inject you with poison."

"You won't."

He shrugged. "Right now, you don't matter. I am more concerned with what happens to the Insagreans." He leaned down in her face. "Your technology will help us exterminate all of them." At her confused look he added, "You call them Species 8472."

"You wish to kill off an entire population?"

"Yes. They have raided our colonies for twenty eight generations. It's time to put a stop to this. With your technology, we'll be able to win."

B'Elanna threw open the hatch to jeffries tube Alpha-J. This time it was a power surge that would require the data chips realigned.

"Attention all crew," Chakotay's booming voice echoed through out the corridors of the ship once again. B'Elanna's comm badge carried the transmission relatively well considering she was buried in a jeffries tube under the warp core. "We are going to attempt to descend into the planet's atmosphere and transport the captain aboard. Sania, if you wish to return to your people, we have decided to transport you down at the same time. Chakotay out."

A sudden chirp from the tricorder in Lieutenant Torres' hands alerted her to the small pool of liquid in front of her. Backing up so she could sit on her heels in the cramped jeffries tube, she tapped the tricorder so it would record and translate the data.

"Oh my..." B'Elanna stared at the dark liquid that was registering as organic. Tapping her comm badge, she opened a link to the bridge. "Commander, Sania isn't going to transport to the planet."

"Why not, B'Elanna?"

"She never heard your offer." B'Elanna tapped the tricorder a few more times. "It looks like she either committed suicide or experienced an electrical shock while attempting to access communications systems. I think that's what caused the power surge."

"Are you sure?"

"Tricorders don't lie. I'm sure of it."

"Understood." Chakotay nodded at Tom.

Paris slid his fingers expertly over the helm controls. He felt Voyager slide out of standard orbit and into the planet's atmosphere. "Descending to transporter range. Sixty kilometers. Forty. Fifteen. Two."

"Lowering shields."

"Locking onto the only human life sign," Harry ran his shaking fingers over the console. "Got her!" He announced triumphantly.

"Get us out of here," Chakotay snapped. "Transport her directly to sickbay."

Seven turned from her position at the science console. "I am about to initiate a tacyon burst to reopen the rift."

"Just where exactly is this rift going to be?!" Tom exclaimed. "Do me a favor and tell me where to steer the ship!"

"Continue on present course, Mr. Paris." Seven answered curtly.

Chakotay watched as fluidic space opened up to reveal the inky blackness of normal space. Paris smoothly piloted Voyager through the gaping hole.

"Captain?..." Harry stared, mouth open, at his console not even noticing his slip.

"I'd rather not accept the promotion, Ensign." Chakotay smiled.

"Sorry, sir. But...look." He was shaking his head in bewilderment at the console as Chakotay joined him.

"What seems to be the trouble, gentlemen?" Captain Janeway stepped out of the turbolift and headed straight to where two of her finest officers were gaping open mouthed at the console.

"It's not possible." Harry muttered. "Something's wrong."

"Welcome back, Captain." Chakotay muttered in shock. "And welcome three months closer to home."

"How in the..?" Tom stared at the small group huddled around the Operations console.

"The rift opened in a part of space three months closer to the Alpha Quadrant." Harry answered in disbelief.

Janeway peered over their shoulders with a smile. "It appears that lady luck was on our side this time. Though, I'd rather not try it again. Set a course for the Alpha Quadrant, Tom. Warp six. While you're at it, keep an eye out for another M-class planet. I heard shore leave was canceled for some crew members."

"Aye, Captain."

Captain Janeway slid a slight bit further down on her couch as she dropped the data padd on her lap. It was all very interesting what had occurred, but the endless reports were tiring her.

*Beep*

"Come."

Chakotay stepped inside and stopped short. De je vue, he thought to himself taking in the scene before him. The captain was sitting on her couch in full moonlight with a data padd in her hand, much as Sania had been last time he'd come in these quarters. This time though, she was in full uniform.

"Chakotay?"

"I just came to give you another report" He smiled remembering what had transpired the last time he'd been in her quarters.

"What's so funny Commander?" She asked, amused by his grin.

"Nothing, Captain. Just remembering what it was like to play captain for a few hours."

A slight laugh escaped her throat as a smile broke over her face and she motioned for him to sit down. "Tell me about it," She waved the padd in her hand. "This tells me what happened to the ship and a little bit about the crew. But emotionally. How did she affect them?"

"Honestly Captain, she didn't have much interaction with the crew." Chakotay leaned back into the far end of the sofa. "From what I can estimate, she came on board, gave us the orders to leave, and then retreated to your ready room or quarters. The little interaction she did have was with the Doctor and a very limited amount of officers."

"The Doctor," Janeway groaned. "I was reminded that I had missed my checkup. He wanted to complete it right after you had transported me to sick bay, but I managed to stall for a day." She smiled ruefully at him. "Tuvok reported that it was Engisn Kim who figured out she was an impostor, but you seemed to know before he told you. What was it that made you realize she wasn't me?"

"I just knew it wasn't you."

"And how did you know it wasn't me?"

Chakotay felt his dimples deepen as he remembered that night. "I stopped by here to make sure everything was ok with you. After shore leave, Sania had begun issuing orders without a purpose. It didn't seem like you. So I asked what was wrong."

"What did she say?"

"Chakotay, I'm in love with Neelix." At Janeway's horrified expression, the first officer burst out laughing. "I'm kidding!" He chuckled. "I...well, it's really not important. Just suffice it to say that she didn't do a good job of pretending to be you."

"Well, I hope that she behaved."

Chakotay smiled secretly causing Janeway to raise her eyebrows in question. "I think she did just fine." He stood. "I'd better be going."

"Good night, Chakotay."

"Night, Kathryn." He hesitated at the door and then turned back. He felt he really should tell her that he had allowed her impostor to kiss him, but he couldn't bring the words forward.

"What is it?" She asked with a smile sparkling in her blue eyes. A friendly smile, nothing more, he noted.

"Nothing." He bluffed. "Meet me for lunch tomorrow and I'll help you with those reports?"

Her face broke into a full grin. "Now, how can I resist that offer? It's a deal. 1230 in the mess hall."

"Great." Chakotay turned back to the door with a wide smile on his face.

Kathryn let her own smile break over her face and pulled her knees up to her chest as she gazed out of the view port from her couch. Tonight, she was three months closer to the Alpha Quadrant-- three months closer to home.