Ch 1: Oorg
Captain Kathryn Janeway sat on the couch in her ready room, reading the latest engineering report from B’Elanna. Scanning the PADD, she felt an incredible sense of déjà vu. Had she picked up the wrong engineering report? Quickly she scrutinized the stardate. Submitted this morning. Confused, she walked over to her desk and called up last week’s engineering report. B’Elanna’s minimalistic style made the numbers stand out from the screen. There was no significant difference between the two reports. Voyager was in good shape, but Janeway knew her crew was as bored as she.
Falling back into her chair with a sigh, Janeway knew intrinsically the report from the week before wouldn’t deviate significantly, nor the one before, nor the one before that. It took all of her willpower to resist looking out of her window to see the stars streak by. She needed confirmation of her ship’s forward progress, anything to dispel the unnerving sense of time screaming past at a torrential rate while Voyager crawled oh so slowly toward home. Janeway closed her eyes, and rubbed the bridge of her nose, trying to keep despair at bay.
“Bridge to Captain Janeway.”
Janeway schooled her features, “Go ahead Tom.”
“We’ve picked up a small vessel on long range sensors.”
Change! The spark driving Kathryn Janeway jumped in excitement. “I’m on my way.”
*
“Report.” Janeway didn’t take her seat right away, choosing instead to stand and wait for Ensign Kim’s response.
“It looks like a small cargo carrier, about 40 metres in length. It’s heading toward us on an intercept course at warp 3.”
“Are we in hailing range?”
“Yes Captain.”
Janeway turned to face the viewscreen. “Then open hailing frequencies. I’m Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. We’re new to this part of space and are wondering if you might be interested in trading with us.”
The screen flickered on, displaying a lanky, grey-furred alien wearing a blue coverall. “I greet you Captain Kathryn Janeway. I am Oorg. Can I be of assistance to you?”
“We’re interested in trading with you.”
“You wish to trade what?”
“Right now we’re primarily concerned with information about this area of space. We’re in need of star maps and would like a cultural exchange if you’re interested.”
“That’s all you want? You don’t need anything material?”
“My ship is well stocked for the time being, and we’d be happy to trade for any information you could give us…”
“I am interested in trading with you.”
“Excellent. Would you like to come aboard when we rendezvous?”
Oorg inclined his head. “That would be acceptable.”
*
Captain Janeway waited patiently in the transporter room for a signal from Oorg. Commander Chakotay and Neelix were also with her, both grateful for the break in the monotony of their duties.
“Oorg is signalling.”
Janeway nodded to the lieutenant at the transporter, then turned to see the tall alien coalesce on the transporter pad. “Welcome aboard Voyager, Oorg.”
Oorg stepped down from the transporter and bowed slightly to Janeway. “I thank you for you hospitality.”
Janeway gestured to the men. “This is Commander Chakotay, my first officer, and Neelix, our Ambassador.”
Oorg bowed to each of them in turn. “Captain Kathryn Janeway, you said you were interested in star charts of the area?”
“Yes, we are. If you’d like to join me in astrometrics?”
Oorg bowed again before following Janeway out of the room.
*
Seven of Nine was waiting for the small group in astrometrics. She turned to greet Voyager’s latest visitor as the doors slid open. Oorg’s attention, however, was captured by the large screen in front of him. Seven had taken the opportunity to perform another high-resolution scan as soon as the ship dropped out of warp. In optimal conditions, Seven could resolve planets up to 80 parsecs away, a month’s journey at high warp.
Optimal conditions, however, didn’t occur in space. Black holes, neutron stars, nebulas, hydrogen clouds and asteroid belts could all serve to blind their sensors, leaving areas of space dark to their eyes. Janeway knew the sensors could theoretically display over one million parsecs3, but glancing quickly at the image, she spied a large dark matter nebula, a hydrogen cloud, and a binary neutron system, all spatial phenomena that would block their scans.
“Oorg, may I introduce you to Seven of Nine?” Seven inclined her head, matching Oorg’s gesture. “Seven is our astrometrics expert.”
Oorg glanced at the image on the screen nervously before turning toward Janeway. “Captain Kathryn Janeway, you said you wished to trade for star charts. These are better than anything I can give you.”
Janeway grimaced slightly at the misunderstanding. “Oorg, we may be able to see what is ahead of us, but we need information on who is ahead of us; are their hostile species we should avoid, are there potential trading partners.”
Oorg brightened, “Captain Kathryn Janeway, I believe I can help you then.” Reaching into a pocket in his coverall, he withdrew a battered leather-bound book. “I keep notes on my encounters with others, on the rumours I hear. It’s not much but I think it might help you.”
Janeway smiled widely at him. “I think that would be tremendously helpful. What can we offer you in return?”
Oorg seemed confused. “This information I give to you freely. It came to me freely from the An’Anaki. They would be displeased if I did not share it the same way.”
Janeway didn’t know who the An’Anaki were, but offered silent thanks for their generosity. She bowed her head to Oorg. “I thank you then Oorg. I’ll leave you with Seven and Commander Chakotay. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Oorg bowed again as Janeway and Neelix left the others to their work.
Once in the corridor again, Janeway spoke to Neelix, “I know Oorg said he doesn’t want anything in return, but see if you can give him some comparable information from our own database.”
“Of course Captain, I’ll get right on it.”
“Thanks Neelix.”
*
Janeway was at her desk, feeling reenergized for the first time in weeks. Just seeing and speaking to Oorg had a measurable effect on her mood. Looking once again at the stack of PADDs before her, she gained a sense of satisfaction as the ‘outgoing’ pile started to surpass the ‘incoming’. She returned her attention to the PADD in her hand, crew evaluations from security.
“Chakotay to Janeway.” Her first officer’s disembodied voice filled the ready-room.
“Janeway here. What is it Chakotay?”
“Seven and Oorg are wrapping up down here. The data he was able to provide looks pretty good. Seems we’re entering a much more populated area.”
She could hear his smile all the way up on deck one, “That’s good news. Could you bring Oorg up here when you’re done?”
“Of course. We should be there in a few minutes. Chakotay out.”
Janeway turned immediately to her computer terminal. She pulled up the file Oorg and Seven were working on in astrometrics. Glancing at the star map, she saw almost the entire section in front of her had been shaded green. Looking at the notes Oorg had provided, she identified the section as the An’Anaki Oligarchy. Rotating the image, she discovered their territory extended to the limits of their sensor range in all three dimensions. Voyager would be making a trip through the An’Anaki’s territory, or they’d be adding over a year to their journey. Sighing, she leaned back into her chair, hoping Oorg had good news for her about An’Anaki disposition.
“Come in.”
Oorg entered with Chakotay.
Dismissing Chakotay with a nod and a smile, she turned toward her guest. “Can I offer you something to drink Oorg?”
“Water please, Captain Kathryn Janeway.”
Janeway nodded before heading to the replicator to retrieve two glasses of water. Handing one to him, she led Oorg toward the sitting area of her office. After allowing him a chance to drink, she broached the topic of the An’Anaki.
“Oorg, I was wondering if I might ask you a couple of questions about the information you gave to us.”
Oorg bowed his head, “of course Captain Kathryn Janeway.”
“You mention the An’Anaki Oligarchy. They’re in the direction we’re travelling. Do you think they would give us passage through their space?”
Oorg considered the question for a moment. “They are a very private people, protective of their boarders, and cautious of outsiders. You would have to apply for the Right of Captaincy.”
“The Right of Captaincy?”
“The An’Anaki require the Captain of a vessel that travels in their space to be judged before they are given passage.”
“Judged? Do you know how?”
Oorg tugged at his fur. “No Captain, I do not. I’ve never met anyone outside the An’Anaki who has achieved the Right of Captaincy. None of my people have ever tried to trade inside An’Anaki space.” Oorg seemed to sense what Janeway’s next question would be. “My people trade our Qugita wine with the An’Anaki for the metals our planet lacks. We find absence from our planet Elros to be…uncomfortable. I am one of the few of my species who can tolerate the distance, so I perform this duty. To travel further from Elros…I could not stand it.”
Janeway had to stretch herself to try and understand his viewpoint. As the Captain of a ship full of explorers, a desire to remain attached to a planet was foreign. However, a longing for home was something that permeated the ship. Perhaps she had more in common with Oorg than she’d originally thought.
“I am sorry for your discomfort. We did not mean to delay you.”
Oorg bowed his head again. “I enjoy meeting new people, and I am happy to have been able to help you in any small way that I could.”
“You’ve helped us a great deal Oorg. If you’re ready, I’ll have Ambassador Neelix escort you to the transporter room and so you can continue on your way.”
“Thank you Captain Kathryn Janeway.”
“Janeway to Neelix, Oorg is ready to leave.” Neelix walked into her ready room a few moments later. “Please escort Oorg to the transporter room.”
Oorg turned once more to Janeway. “The An’Anaki are a reasonable species, Captain Kathryn Janeway. If you need is great enough, they may allow you to travel through their space regardless of the Right of Captaincy.” Bowing once again, Oorg followed Neelix out of the ready room.
*
Janeway met with her senior staff once Oorg had left the ship and was back on his way. A decision was reached quickly and a course was set for an An’Anaki sensor buoy near their position. Janeway could sense the relief from her staff when they heard of Voyager’s imminent encounter with another civilization. She hoped the spring in her officers’ steps would diffuse to the crews beneath them.
*
“Captain, sensors are picking up an object approximately 3 metres in length along our current course. It matches Oorg’s description of the An’Anaki sensor buoy.” Kim reported.
“Bring us up alongside it Tom. Let’s see it Mr. Kim”
The viewscreen shifted, showing a magnified view of the alien buoy. The alloy had a faint orange tint, reminding Janeway of the hull of a Cardassian ship.
“We’re being scanned. It’s hailing us Captain, audio only.”
“Put it though Mr. Kim.” Janeway looked up in anticipation.
“Attention Alien vessel. You are approaching An’Anaki space. A patrol vessel has been dispatched to your location. Please maintain your current position.
“Attention Alien vessel. You are approaching An’Anaki sp-”. Janeway’s cutting motion to Kim ended the recording.
“Hail it, Mr. Kim”
“No response Captain. I don’t think the buoy is able to receive transmissions.”
Taking her seat, Janeway looked over to her left. “How long do you think we’ll have to wait?”
Chakotay considered the question for a moment. “You said Oorg suggested they might be concerned with border security. I doubt we’ll be here more than a day. Otherwise, your guess is as good as mine.”
Janeway mulled over his words for a few moments, before offering up her own opinion. “If we haven’t heard from them in 48 hours, we’ll proceed-”
“Captain, long-range sensors just picked up a vessel approaching at high warp.”
Janeway exchanged a raised eyebrow with Chakotay before replying to Kim, “Put it on screen, Ensign.” Again the viewscreen shifted, this time showing a heavily armed cruiser, also tinted slightly orange. “How long until they’re in hailing range?”
“Just over two minutes.”
“That was fast.”
Janeway snorted at Chakotay’s obvious understatement. “That’s putting it mildly.”
“It concerns you.” Chakotay made sure to keep his voice low. The rest of the bridge crew had no need to hear this conversation.
Janeway nodded almost imperceptibly. “It does. What are they so anxious about?”
Chakotay shrugged. “Only one way to find out.”
Janeway nodded again, though clearly unhappy with his answer.
“We’re being hailed Captain.”
Gracefully, Janeway slid from her chair to stand in the centre of the command dais. “Put them through Harry.” She spoke in a low tone, hoping the informality of her order would serve to calm the energized bridge.
A few moments later the screen flickered once more, this time revealing their latest contact. “I am Captain Dr’ouk of the An’Anaki vessel Northern Sentinel. What path do you tread?”
Janeway paused a moment before answering, evaluating her counterpart. He was average height by human standards, but his striped skin was decidedly exotic. The alternating bands of peach and ebony flesh reminded her of a zebra. A thick mane of blond hair covered the top of his head and spilled under his chin. For a moment Janeway was struck by Dr’ouk’s apparent combination of lion and zebra. Two fangs creeping from under his top lip further confused the issue.
Which are you: Predator or Prey? Knowing she could stall no longer, Janeway responded to the other Captain. “I am Captain Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. We seek passage through your territory.”
“I see. Have you achieved the An’Anaki Right of Captaincy?”
Janeway let out a breath. “No, Captain, I have not.”
Dr’ouk was nonplused. “Do you wish to assert your Right?”
Janeway smiled slightly at this. “I don’t know Captain, what does this assertion entail?”
Dr’ouk’s fangs retracted. “A wise answer, Janeway. If you will permit it, I will transport to you ship to explain this custom. Then you can make an informed decision.”
“That would be most helpful, Captain Dr’ouk.”
Dr’ouk lowered his head, though he never broke eye contact. “Then I will arrive within the hour.”
*
Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok strode into the transporter room to await the arrival of Captain Dr’ouk. His ship had signalled a few moments before, advising them of his imminent departure. The brief meeting she’d had with Chakotay and Tuvok after their initial contact with the Northern Sentinel had left them in a rare state of consensus. Though their reception from both the An’Anaki sensor buoy and Captain Dr’ouk had been curt, the sheer size of An’Anaki territory forced their hand; a detour around the area was still unacceptable. As the transporter beam began to materialize, Captain Janeway reminded herself that Dr’ouk might hold the key to their safe passage.
When the beam faded away, Janeway got her first close look at the other Captain. He was lanky, with arms and legs a little longer than she would expect from a man his size. His uniform was pale grey and immaculately crisp. A white braid hung from his left shoulder, pinned with three brushed silver insignia. Buttons of the same brushed silver held closed the high-necked jacket. Gloves and boots of flat black leather completed his costume. Though simple, the formality left Janeway wishing she’d ordered dress uniforms for this meeting.
Realizing nothing was to be done about her casual attire, Janeway stepped forward. “Welcome Captain Dr’ouk. I’m Captain Janeway, my First Officer Commander Chakotay, and my Chief of Security, Commander Tuvok.”
“Thank you Janeway. I welcome you the An’Anaki Oligarchy. May your path be clear.”
Janeway nodded to Dr’ouk and gestured toward the door.
Dr’ouk followed the out stretched hand, exiting the transporter room. “This ship, Voyager, is remarkable.”
Janeway inclined her head at the compliment. “Thank you Captain. It was once the pride of our government.”
“Once?”
“It’s been over seven years since we saw another ship in the fleet. We can only assume things have changed since we left.”
“And you find it tolerable to be separated from your kind for such a long time?”
Janeway smiled a little wistfully. “We’ve spent the last seven years trying to get home.”
Dr’ouk’s confusion deepened as the group entered the turbolift. “I don’t understand. Why are you here?”
“We were brought here by an alien looking for a species like his. When he died, we were stranded.”
Dr’ouk seemed to consider this as they entered the conference room.
“Captain Dr’ouk, may I present the rest of my senior staff, Lieutenants Torres and Paris, Ensign Kim, and our Ambassador, Neelix.”
“I welcome you to the An’Anaki Oligarchy. May your paths be clear. I understand that you wish to travel through An’Anaki space. What is the reason you wish to travel this path?”
Janeway stood from the chair she’d taken at the head of the table and moved to the computer terminal. Pressing a button, she brought up a schematic map of the galaxy. Though a high-resolution image, the dense core of the Milky Way tended to blend into a white blob. In order to overcome the shear number of stars at the galactic core, the figure had been designed to sit in the background, allowing other information to be laid out on top. “This icon here represents Voyager’s approximate current position.” She pointed to a blue circle. “We received information suggesting that An’Anaki territory covers this area.” At her touch a green oval appeared on the screen. Our destination is on the other side of the galaxy, but lies on a line directly through An’Anaki territory.” One final touch and a Starfleet insignia appeared near the end of a spiral arm.
Dr’ouk paused for a moment before answering, considering his response. “Captain, if I may ask, where did you begin your journey?”
Surprised by his question, Janeway nodded before ordering the computer to display the Caretaker’s array. A black dot materialized on the diagram.
Dr’ouk’s eyes widened at the space between the black mark and the Starfleet symbol, as well as the great distance Voyager had travelled in seven years. “Janeway, your journey is most impressive. Unfortunately, your information regarding our space is inaccurate. If I may?” Janeway nodded at his gesture toward the screen. Standing, he ordered the computer to zoom in on the relevant area. He highlighted an additional area of space, expanding the section ten-fold. “This represents a more reasonable estimate of An’Anaki space.”
“That would take a year to cross.” B’Elanna clearly didn’t like the idea of traversing such a wide area of alien territory.
“Or five to go around.” Tom didn’t appreciate the change any more than his wife did.
Janeway shot a warning glance at her officers before turning back to Dr’ouk. “This right of Captaincy, would it allow us to cross your territory?”
“Of course. You would have another ship to guide you, but you would be allowed access to any planet or system you wished.”
“What does it entail?”
“First you would have to declare your Right to Captain a vessel in An’Anaki space. You could make this declaration to me. I would then escort you to one of our planets where a counsel of Skoudra, or honoured Captains, would judge you from dawn to dawn. They would grant or deny your request.”
“Judged how?”
“It is a judgement of your character. We need to be sure that you won’t…act inappropriately while in our space.”
“Act inappropriately?” The more questions she asked, the less she understood.
“I’m sorry Janeway, I’m not permitted to say more.”
Frustrated, Janeway tried another approach, “Is there another way to be permitted passage?”
Dr’ouk thought about it for a moment. “Given your situation, you could apply for a special exemption. However, a fleet of warships would escort you, and a team of An’Anaki would occupy your vessel. You would not be permitted contact with any other An’Anaki.”
Janeway’s eyes narrowed at the prospect of surrendering control of her vessel to others. “If I were to be denied Right of Captaincy, could I still apply for a special exemption?”
“Yes.”
Seeing what Janeway intended, Chakotay interjected before she could continue. “Captain Dr’ouk, is there a punishment or penalty to Captain Janeway or this ship if she is declined by the Skoudra?”
Dr’ouk looked genuinely insulted, his fangs sliding fully from beneath his lip for the first time. “No Commander there is not. The An’Anaki do not ‘punish’ people for failing to achieve. The failure is punishment enough.”
“I apologize for insulting you Captain. Unfortunately, a great number of people we’ve encountered do not share your philosophy.”
Placated, Dr’ouk dipped his head and withdrew his teeth.
Janeway was determined to regain control of the situation. “Captain Dr’ouk, I then wish to declare my Right of Captaincy.”
“I accept your declaration Janeway, and vow to deliver you for judgement within 5 days. If you’ll excuse me, I must return to the Northern Sentinel to begin preparations for our departure. I will signal you when we are ready.”
“Thank you, Captain Dr’ouk, for you expediency in this matter. We will await your signal. Commander Chakotay, if you would escort the Captain to the transporter room-”
“That is not necessary Janeway.” He reached to his collar, activating a small device at his throat. With a last inclination of his head, the Captain dissolved into the purple shimmer of an unfamiliar transporter beam.
*
As soon as Dr’ouk returned to his ship he gave orders to his second to make preparations to get underway. His second was a grizzled old man: loyal, competent and fearless to the end. Now confident his ship would be ready for him, he entered his office, seating himself on the thin pad set before the viewscreen.
“Contact Skoudrid Yerivat.”
A few moments later a man appeared on the screen. His hair was pale grey and his face lined by years of wear. Though old, he stood unbowed in his deep crimson uniform, eyes meeting Dr’ouk’s with the same quickness and intelligence they had the first day they’d met. “My student, Captain Dr’ouk, how is your path?”
“It is clear and inviting, Skoudrid.” The Captain lowered his eyes before his superior.
“I am glad to hear that Dr’ouk. You bring me news?”
Dr’ouk raised his eyes to meet the older man’s once again. “Yes Skoudrid. I have encountered an unknown vessel. Its master has declared the Right of Captaincy.”
“Its master?”
“Janeway, sire. She seems strong and determined.”
“Janeway…” Yerivat rolled the name over his tongue, measuring its weight – and depth. “Send your information the usual way, but I would like a preliminary report within the day.”
Dr’ouk lowered his eyes again, “Yes my Lord.”
“Tread well, Dr’ouk.”
The screen blinked off, but Dr’ouk maintained his position of submission a minute longer. Contacting a Skoudrid, especially one as powerful as Yerivat on his first mission was a dangerous move; he hoped his instincts about Janeway did not prove false.
*
“You are going to listen to him, aren’t you?” The visitor in Yerivat’s office had been out of the camera’s eye.
Yerivat regarded her a moment. “You sound surprised.”
“I am. His first mission out and already this whelp comes mewling for help from his mentor. And you intend to give it to him. This is very unlike you, Yerivat.”
Yerivat uncovered a fang in amusement. “Maybe Dr’ouk is unlike any other Captain.”
The woman snorted in disgust. “Don’t be absurd. You don’t believe that for a moment.”
This time both fangs flashed briefly. “No, of course I don’t. But Dr’ouk’s instincts are exceptional. His command of the Northern Sentinel is proof of that. It would be unwise to dismiss him.”
The women’s eye’s widened in shock. “You intend to go to Aourea for this Janeway’s judgement, don’t you?”
“A Skoudrid should always be present for his pupil’s first presentation to the Council of Skoudra, shouldn’t he?”
The woman just snorted again, pulling her indigo robe around her.