B4FV 3.11 - The Grove of H'Taria

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Go to Parts -- 1 & 2

Disclaimer
This episode was inspired long ago by a fanfic with a similar name, The Grove of Siddhi. The mini subplot idea was given to me by Vulpix, she got the idea when she joined in a topic that turned into a one about one of the FVDA members.

Please Note
This episode's recap includes scenes/dialogue from the previous episode as usual, but it also has scenes and stuff from the first main season episode, Aggressions. See Q and the Grey's note for more info. To make it easier for you to know which bit is from which episode, recap is colour coded (B4FV white, Aggressions blue). Brace yourselves we're no longer in "B4 Fifth Voyager", we're in "During Aggressions" territory ^_^

Episode Synopsis
Voyager enters orbit around a planet where an advanced colony was wiped out, but the primitive natives are unharmed.

Special Guest Star
Desmond Harrington as Damien

Guest Stars
Johnny Shentall
Tim Byrne

Written By
Marill

Written
20th & 22nd May 2005

Episode Based In
July 2372 (early season 3)

Previously on Fifth Voyager
"A baby is not a good enough reason to move in with someone like this. If she doesn't feel the same way it's going to be rougher for her. Maybe finding out before going any further would be the best idea, the best way to do that is to tell her," Kathryn said.

"I can't, that'll scare her off," James said, shaking his head. "Jess and I we're good together, no not good, great. I didn't ask her to live with me properly just because of the baby."

Kathryn frowned, "ok ok, I'm sorry. I just thought, you've been replicating a lot of expensive stuff so I figured.."

"That I was going to propose or something?" James questioned with a smirk on his face. "No, there's no point is there? And I have paid for everything normally so you can't get on my back for that. I just got a crib, and other stuff for the baby. There's nothing wrong with that right?"

"No, somebody hacked in and got something for free, but it looks like they'll pay for it at a later time," Kathryn replied.

"Do you love him?" Ian asked uncomfortably.

"As a friend I do, probably," Jessie replied. "Oh you know how I stand with that stuff, I've no idea what it's like to love someone, or be loved by someone so I don't know. People say that if you don't know then you mustn't, but for me it's unsure."

Q stepped into sight from the door of the bedroom. "There's no need to call room service Kathy, I already ordered."

"What are you doing here?" Kathryn asked.

"Oh, I see. you think interested in some tawdry one-night stand. That's because I haven't told you why I'm here yet," Q said. "Of all the females of all the species in all the galaxies.. I have chosen you to be the mother of my child."

"What are you doing here?" Jessie asked. "And what's with the candles?"

"Shush my beloved," Nutty Q whispered as he stepped closer. "There's something I have to tell you."

"Well unless it's about you leaving me alone forever or you dying, I don't wanna hear it," Jessie said.

"Oh you're so funny," Nutty Q laughed. He walked closer to her and took a hold of her hand again. "I just want you to know that I've fallen in love with you."

"Our DNA together would create a creature that every being will be jealous of," Nutty Q said.

In the bathroom Tim was busy opening the 'miracle hide your wrinkles' cream. He looked a lot worse than he usually did until he started putting it on. It made him look twenty years younger, but he now looked the way he usually looks.

"Ah, I remember in my day they didn't have miracle cream," he said, looking in awe at the mirror.

Damien picked up a remote and switched on a medium flatscreen TV they had in the corner. "Computer interface with the TV's DVD player with the database. Show me a list of movies with a villain that has stupid minions, is misunderstood and turns good."

"The idiots will definitely fall for this."

Nutty Q narrowed his eyes again, "why didn't you tell me you were already with somebody else."

"What makes you think I am?" Jessie asked.

Nutty Q folded his arms, "I've been researching human mating rituals, you being with someone doesn't mean it's not too late."

"You, how could you? She should be with the best, and you're not it," Nutty Q said.

"And you think you are? You're the weakest Q there is," James said.

"No matter, this isn't over. Jessie is my one true love, and I'll make her mine. I wont let some lying scum of a human stand in my way," Nutty Q grumbled. He disappeared.

Kathryn looked up at him with concern in her eyes. She pulled herself out of the chair, placed a hand on the desk while resting the other one on his shoulder. "Oh Chakotay.."

"I know I don't have any right to feel this way, but this bothers the hell out of me," Chakotay muttered quietly.

"I do believe you're jealous," a familiar voice said. Kathryn turned her head to the left, Chakotay to the right. "Why didn't you tell me there was another man," Q growled.

Chakotay smiled slightly and took one step forward, "any questions?"

"Yes I have one. Would you be capable of raising a child, Chuckles?" Q questioned.

"I don't think you would, the way you've treated Kathy's is proof enough," Q said.

"I challenge you," Nutty Q snarled. He raised a white glove and slapped him with it, "to a duel."

He stared at him with wide eyes. "My god, is this why you're known as Nutty Q?"

"Yes, I'm nuts about that woman, I bet you can't say the same," Nutty Q replied.

James shook his head, "no I meant that you're just crazy."

Nutty Q backed off a few steps, a gun appeared in both of his hands. "The winner will get Jessie."

"Look she doesn't like you. Even if you did win it wouldn't make a difference," James muttered.

"Look accept the fact that I'll never like you," Jessie muttered. "I'm with James, we're happy and it's serious, he is the only one for me," she whispered.

"But I can give you anything you desire, that would make you happy. I could make a gorgeous creature like yourself immortal, it would be a waste otherwise," Nutty Q said.

"You're pursuing a girl exactly like you were pursuing Lena," Q said.

"No, I don't see why my baby can't be the one. You can't stand the fact that my DNA could save the Q continuum," Nutty Q said.

"How is that fact? It is only fact if the sentence made sense and it was true. Yours and hers would only cause chaos," Q said.

"I realise I made the wrong choice now, why do you think I'm here," Nutty Q said, eyes shifting nervously.

"If I win, I'm going to choose your girl to be the carrier," Nutty Q replied.

"What am I worried about? You wont ever win," Q said, rolling his eyes. "Fine it's a deal, but if I win your girl is the carrier."

"Because what you're trying to do with her, he's already beaten you to it," Q said. "And in the other reality he managed it about three times, I doubt this reality will be any different."

Kathryn shook her head, then covered her face with her hands. "A Q has been following me around too. It can't be a coincidence."

Jessie frowned as she sat down opposite her. "You think they're up to something?"

Kathryn folded her arms on the desk, "I do now."

Nutty Q quickly put an arm around her to pull her closer, he placed his right hand just below her stomach.

She pushed him away. "What are you doing!?"

"It's true, he's already.." Q stuttered, interrupting her. He finally made eye contact with her. "You've already mated, with him."

"She kinda does. That thing inside her is half you, and that to me is an illness," Nutty Q said.

James just shook his head, "you really can't stand it, can you? It wouldn't matter if she was pregnant or not. It wouldn't matter if she was single and I wasn't around. You never had a chance in hell. You being a Q doesn't mean you're instantly good enough for her."

"You had no right!" Nutty Q snapped. "We're meant to be, I love her and she's just been brainwashed by you."

"I know what you're feeling all right, I had one too many crushes in my teens, that's all it is," James said. "I've loved her for years, way before you even knew she existed. So cut the jealous heartbroken rejection crap, and get over yourself."

"You know what I still can do. One little snap of the fingers will make that virus inside of Jessie, disappear in an instant," Nutty Q said.

The door opened, Jessie rushed in just in time to witness Nutty Q receive a hard punch in the face.

"So? Don't you trust me, haven't I proved to you enough that I want to be with you. Some annoying Q that likes me doesn't change a bloody thing," Jessie grumbled.

"I know that but he isn't giving up so easily, I had.." James said.

"You're totally missing my point. Maybe you should come back to me when you get it," Jessie muttered.

"But he doesn't need to fight with Q. I can't stand that guy, he has nothing to worry about. He knows better than anyone that 99% of guys, I wouldn't even look at twice. The other 0 point something would be lucky to get a 'meh' out of me," Jessie said. "He's really the only one that I've.. you know liked, at the very least."

"Look um.. I just came to apologise," James said. "You were right. He wasn't worth it and there really was no reason for me to be acting like that. So I'm sorry."

Jessie smiled as she turned to him, "you are forgiven. It didn't take you long to get what I meant."

"No, in a way I already knew he was no threat to us.. I should of kept my temper. So, are we ok?" James questioned, raising his shoulders.

"Of course we are," Jessie replied.

"You're not going to believe this. Two stars are going to go supernova. We're way too close to avoid them," Harry replied.

"Can't we just jump to warp to escape them?" Tom asked.

"No time, if we try we'll still be caught in the blast," Harry replied.

"A star going supernova is an event that occurs once every century in this galaxy. We're about to witness our third in the space of two days, in the same area. Why do I think that you had something to do with this."

"Are you causing these supernova's?" Kathryn asked.

"Well not exactly," Q replied.

"Will you do something Q!"

"Well if you insist," he said with a smile. He raised his hand to click his fingers.

"Ah you copycat," Nutty Q grumbled. He quickly clicked his, he and Jessie disappeared. Kathryn and the other Q disappeared right afterwards.

"This is no fantasy, you're in the Q continuum now," Q said. He took off the hat he had on as he made his way over to the fireplace.

"I don't care where I am, take me back now," Jessie snapped.

"Can't, it's not possible," Nutty Q said.

"You shouldn't of brought her here Q, it's not safe.. or is that your solution?" Q muttered in his direction.

On the other side of the window it was mostly black, the only light was a few fires in the distance and brief flashes of light. The silence between them allowed them to hear guns firing.

"The Continuum is burning, the Q are in the middle of a civil war," Q said.

Nutty Q rolled his eyes, "oh great, he just loves to tell the story of how he lead us all into a freedom war."

Q was about to say something but Nutty Q butted in, "he made this big thing about Q's being restricted from any freedoms. A lot of us followed him, thinking it was all for the best. But now look at the state of the continuum, and you've already seen what it's doing to the universe."

Kathryn turned her head towards him, "the supernova's."

"They're actually galactic crossfire," Q said.

"What do either of us have to do with any of this, Q?" Kathryn asked.

"I want you to help me transform the Q, like that civil war transformed a nation," Q replied.

"I don't see how a baby would end a war between a race of omnipotent beings," Kathryn said.

"Simple. Mating would create a new breed of Q. Combine the omnipotence of the Q with the best humanity has to offer," Q said.

Nutty Q smiled, "I agree. Her offspring could be very violent. Surely you'd know that already Q."

Q stared at him with narrowed eyes, "I'm sure it was the fathers sides that did that."

"Get your little pet Slayer boy off me or I hurl this ship and everything on it into the Thorinian Ice Age," she snapped.

"I don't think you can," Chakotay commented.

She shook her head while stepping away from them. "Don't be ridiculous." She clicked her fingers, but nothing happened.

"Obviously somehow you've lost your powers, if you had them you wouldn't still be here and you wouldn't have that scratch on your forehead. Now start talking or I'll get our 'little pet Slayer boy' to hurl your a** into the brig," Chakotay muttered.

"I didn't know a Q could be injured," Kathryn said.

"Like I said, this is only a representation on what is happening," Q said.

Kathryn looked over the sofa, "this is your fight Q, not ours."

"Really? If their weapons can make me bleed, imagine what they'll do to you," Q said.

"God, if me being pregnant and in a serious relationship doesn't put you off, what will?" Jessie grumbled.

"I understand now, but it doesn't mean that I can't still love you and protect you from harm," Nutty Q said.

"Everything, it's the foundation of a family. I couldn't have a child with someone I didn't love," Kathryn replied.

"But what about that blonde kid?" Q asked.

"All right, another child," Kathryn groaned. "I mean he's proof enough that parents have to be in love, care about and trust each other. Because I had him after a drunken one night stand, he was torn between two parents and that wasn't good for him. Giving him up was the hardest thing I had to do in my life, and I couldn't do it again."

"Doesn't matter Q. You already have a candidate and it's not me, you'll have to figure out the rest yourself," Kathryn said.

She raised her shoulders, "you said you wanted to get into the continuum."

"So Voyager will be pulled in too?" Chakotay questioned.

"If we time it perfectly, or else the explosion will turn you all into micro fragments," Q2 replied.

"Well it's simple really. As Q's the leader of this so called freedom faction, we will have to execute him," General Q replied.

"Wait, he isn't interested in fighting anymore, let him go," Kathryn said.

"She's right, I had a change of heart," Q said.

"Grovel all you want Q, I've been waiting for this for an eternity," General Q said. He turned to the soldier. "Put them all in chains."

Kathryn got onto her feet, "what are you charging us with?"

"Collaborating with the enemy. That crime's punishable by death," General Q replied.

Jessie said, "you know I've been waiting all my life for somebody to love me, it's typical that it would be some annoying guy who barely even knows me."

"What are you talking about? Surely your parents and family loved you," Kathryn said.

"My dad nicked off before I was born, my mother did a dip to see which of the twins she'd keep and it didn't land on me. My sister, when I did see her she was more worried about herself to notice I was even there. And now I've got this baby who hopefully would of loved me, but knowing me I probably wouldn't feel the same," Jessie said.

"Of course you would," Kathryn said.

"How can you be so sure about that?" Jessie questioned. "I can't even figure out my feelings for James. Everyone keeps saying that if you don't know if you are, then you wont be in love. They're probably right but I don't get it, I'm crazy about him but yet I still haven't figured out what love is. Now I'll never will."

"It's probably for the best you know, I'm probably too cold hearted and dead inside to be capable of it," Jessie said.

"You're not, Jessie," Kathryn said. "If you didn't care, or are incapable of loving somebody you wouldn't be scared right now."

"Do you have any last words?" General Q asked.

"Stupid fat General, he has to kill innocent ish women that are carrying babies, and you called us a savaged race," Jessie continued to mutter.

"I would but she's basically took what I wanted to say, but I wanted to say it in a nicer way. Ok um, don't do this.. don't continue using violence to resolve your differences," Kathryn said.

Q turned his attention to Kathryn, "today I sacrifice my existence for the principles of freedom and individuality that I've fought for so long. But these women are innocent, and what's more one saved my life. And she tried to save us from each other. Kill me if you must, but let them go."

The men with the rifles stood in a line, they got ready to fire.

Kathryn heard some whispering come from Jessie's direction, she turned her head around to look at her. "Aim for the head, aim for the neck.. just don't aim there.." she was whispering.

Kathryn raised an eyebrow at Q, "Q, they're not firing at us." All three glanced to the right, all of the men with rifles were firing at something in the distance, and dodging shots.

"Oh, then let me be alone with him for five minutes, it's all I ask," James grumbled. He made his way over, holding the rifle tighter than before. Kathryn and Jessie quickly took a hold of each of his arms to hold him back.

"If I were you Captain, I'd tame your Slayer before he does any damage," General Q muttered.

The two Q's finished their discussion, they made their way over to the group. "Q and I have a plan to end the war, call off your troops," Q2 said.

"Do as she says and I'll call my people off," Kathryn said.

"They may by humanoids but they're using our weapons," Q2 said.

General Q sighed, he turned away. "Cease fire," he bellowed.

"Well I'll admit, I look at the universe in an entirely different way now. I mean I can't go around causing temporal anomalies and subspace inversions, without considering the impact it will have on my son," Q said as he shifted his attention to the boy on his lap.

"And I thought you were going to teach him about love and a conscience," Kathryn said.

"Oh, that's why we want Aunty Kathy to be the God mother, now don't we?" Q said to his son.

"Well it's time to be going. The old ball and chain really hates when we're late. Well good bye, Kathy, good luck with old Chuckles," Q said.

"Commander, haven't you got a date for the luau?" Tom asked with a big grin on his face.

"What's it to you, Paris? Haven't you got a date?" Chakotay replied.

"I was going to ask B'Elanna, but she went off with Vomit," Tom replied while taking a drink.

"Vomit?" Chakotay asked.

"Ensign Vorik, Chakotay. Don't you know that's the nickname that's been spreading around the ship?" Tom replied.

"Kathryn, what have you done to your hair?" Chakotay said with a smile.

"I cut it," Kathryn replied.

"Not yet," Craig replied with a grin. He pulled out his usual PADD. "There must be some girl who is on her own," Craig said.

"Craig, lets face it, you will never get a date, nobody likes you except me, but I don't want to go out with you," Tom said.

And now the conclusion
Holodeck Two:
Most of the crew were hanging around the holodeck resort program, most of them were wearing bright Hawaiian type clothes. There was annoyingly repetitive music playing that suited the theme of the party.

Kes took a drink off the tray a man in a mask was holding. "Thanks," she said with a smile. She made her way over to Jessie, who was one of the few that didn't have bright clothes on. She was all in black, and now her black hair was in a perm. "Jessie, hey.."

"Yeah hi," she muttered.

Kes fiddled with a strand of her own brand new long curly hair, "ohno, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Jessie replied. "Oh you finally got your extensions, very nice."

Kes smiled, "thanks, I do prefer it like this but.." She looked around looking nervous, "but Neelix loves it, and you know the rest. You said you weren't going to do your hair like that."

"I know but I had something similar in the continuum, and James liked it so I had it done," Jessie said. She rolled her eyes as the song playing seemed to restart itself.

"You do realise this is a luau Jess, black isn't really the best colour for it," Kes said.

Jessie shrugged her shoulders, "black's slimming." She closed her eyes and clenched her fists, Kes took a step backwards. "Good god, if this song doesn't end soon I'm going to put one of those lei things around someone's neck and pull."

"Uh huh, still getting those mood swings?" Kes questioned.

"No, I haven't had any in ages," Jessie replied, she sipped at the straw in her drink. She pulled a face at it, then put it down behind her.

"Hmm yeah," Kes muttered, she walked away.

One of the guys with the masks on walked by, holding a tray of the same kind of drink Jessie had before. She tried to take one but he just ignored her, and continued walking. "Hey, come back," she grumbled, following him.

Tom stood on his own nearby, pouting. "Why would she choose a Vulcan over me?"

Jessie walked past him, "because you're a loser."

"No need to be mean," Tom stuttered. He headed over to the bar.

Tuvok walked past him, he stopped next to Kathryn and Chakotay who were sitting on a big sofa. "Captain.."

Kathryn looked up at him, "Tuvok, I'm surprised you're here."

"I was following orders Captain. I also thought that I should keep an eye on intoxicated crewmembers' activities," Tuvok said. Neelix chose that moment to streak behind him.

"I was only suggesting," Kathryn said with a smirk on her face. Tuvok raised an eyebrow before walking away.

Kes came over, shuddering. "Somebody really has to ban him from alcohol."

"That would be an idea," Kathryn said.

Chakotay glanced at her then at Kes, "ok, did you both go to get your hair done together?"

"Oh," Kathryn and Kes both said, pointing at each other.

"Obviously not," Chakotay smiled.

"Jessie got hers done too, that's weird," Kes said.

Kathryn looked worried, "let me guess, curly?"

"Yes, how did you know?" Kes replied.

Kathryn put her hand over her face, "oh god." Chakotay shook his head.

Jessie meanwhile had blocked the guy with the tray's path. "I only wanted a drink, what's the matter with you!" She got a few annoyed muffled comments as he tried to push passed her. She grabbed a hold of the mask and pulled it right off him. He yelled out like it was stuck on. "Eeew, here have it back," she muttered.

Neelix ran passed her. Jessie threw the mask at him, it knocked him unconscious.

"Quick, cover him up!" Lisa yelled. Some people dropped a bunch of lei's over him.

Danny and Ian walked into the holodeck, Danny had her arm around his.

"Did you have to wear that shirt?" Danny asked.

Ian looked down at himself, and at the yellow t-shirt with a pineapple pattern on it, then back at her. "Everyone's wearing these."

"Uh huh," Danny muttered, she pulled Ian further into the masses of people dancing.

"You're right, everyone looks too drunk to remember the night," Ian said.

"Told you it would be a good idea to come later," Danny said, smiling smugly.

Ian wrapped his arms around her, while she placed her hands on his arm and shoulder.

"What about any sober ones?" Ian questioned.

"We'll just say we were drunk too," Danny replied. She rested her head on his arm. A few metres in front of her, Jessie and James were talking.

"He just wouldn't give me a drink," Jessie was saying. "It's the only stuff here that's not alcoholic."

"I'll get you a drink, I'll be right back," James said. He kissed her on the side of her forehead, then walked away. She smiled and blushed a little, then sat down.

Danny lifted her head back up, "ok Ian, I'm going to do this now."

"Do what now?" Ian asked.

"Talk to Jessie," Danny replied, beckoning her head.

Ian glanced behind him briefly, "all right, good luck. Believe me, you're going to need it."

Danny stepped away from him, "thanks for the confidence boost." She smiled at him then walked over to Jessie.

She sat back in the chair, then she spotted Danny.

"Hey Jess, can I?" Danny asked.

"Yeah but be quick, James'll be back in a minute," Jessie replied.

"Oh," Danny said, she sat down beside her. "Listen I want to apologise."

"Oh really? What brought that on?" Jessie asked.

"You were right, I thought about it and maybe I was being a bit over the top," Danny replied.

"There's a but isn't there?" Jessie questioned.

"Yeah," Danny replied uncomfortably.

James walked back over holding a drink, he also looked uncomfortable. "Danny, hi.." he said, handing the drink over to Jessie.

"Thanks," she said with a smile.

"Do you want me to come back later?" James asked.

"No it's fine," Danny replied. She turned to Jessie again, "we'll finish this up later."

"No lets do this now. What was the but?" Jessie questioned.

"I still think it was a little too fast. You should be careful," Danny replied.

"Whatever," Jessie said, rolling her eyes.

"No I didn't mean.." Danny stuttered, she glanced briefly at James. "What I meant was, well you know about that incident in the Mess Hall when you made up. If you're still trying to keep this a secret, you've got to be less public about it."

"Yeah, but we didn't really think, did we?" Jessie said uncomfortably.

James nodded his head, "no, luckily it's being treated like any other rumour."

"Yeah, um Jess," Danny said. "Can I talk to him alone for a minute?"

Jessie looked worried, she glanced at James briefly then at Danny. "Ok um sure, I'll be um, probably smashing whatever's playing that music," she said, pulling herself up from the chair.

James tried not to laugh, "good luck, I've been looking around for the source for ages." Jessie stood in front of him, and kissed him on the cheek. He quickly whispered in her ear, "code 147, then tell the computer to delete."

"Thanks," Jessie said, she walked away.

"So, too public for you?" James questioned, raising his shoulders.

"A little but she always used to do that before you got together," Danny replied. She patted the part of the chair Jessie was sitting before.

"You're right she did," James said as he sat down beside her. "I kept getting different answers everytime I asked, so I stopped."

"Yeah ditto, except I didn't stop," Danny said.

"All right, what's this about? Should I be worried?" James asked.

"Right, maybe a tiny bit.. I dunno, I'll know when I'm saying it," Danny replied. "Ok first of all, I'm still kind of mad at you for what you did to Jessie."

"I think everyone but her is in that club, I'm not surprised," James said.

"Yeah, Jess has always been protective of you but I was still surprised she took you back so soon. Anyway, I want to apologise to you," Danny said.

James looked confused, "for what, you can be mad at me all you want."

"I'm not mad enough to hold any grudges, or be all rude and abusive towards you. It's just I said a few things about you to Jess, I went a little over the top," Danny said.

"She didn't tell me anything about the fight anyway, so it's ok," James said.

"That's not the point. I don't want to be mad at all, you were drunk and there's no way you would of done that sober," Danny said. She shook her head, "god, you can tell I haven't planned this at all."

"It's ok, it's not like I plan everything I say," James said.

Danny sighed, "I just thought, and still do that there's something you guys aren't telling me. Maybe I'll understand this better if I knew. You're a little more on edge and serious some of the time, and Jess she's.. I dunno, I can't put my finger on it."

"A lot's happened recently; the whole turning evil thing and the chip, that planet with the vampire threat. As for Jessie, she's been well you know happier since New Earth," James said.

"No.. I mean yes she has but that's not what I was talking about. She's been more into you than she used to be, you know she doesn't hold back as much or care about being seen," Danny said. "I'm going off topic, sorta. I get that you've been through a lot lately, and I totally forgot about it and said lots of stuff I didn't mean. Jessie may tell you."

"Do I want to know?" James asked.

"Probably not but it doesn't matter. While I was saying all that stuff, I just forgot who you even were.. I know you would never hurt her, you seem to care about her more than anybody else does," Danny replied. The annoyingly repetitive music stopped abruptly. "I wouldn't even know Jessie if you weren't.." she then noticed the music had stopped.

"Weren't what?" James said.

Danny looked around with an amused expression on her face, "geeze, it was crap music anyway." She turned back to James, "oh.. sorry."

"No it's fine, what were you going to say?" he asked.

Danny sighed as she looked down at her hands. "You're a great guy James, there's not another one of you out there that's for sure."

"Something to be thankful for," James said.

Danny shook her head, "you're wrong, there should be more like you. There's too many vain, rude, piggish guys out there.. I should know, I dated a lot of them. You were the only guy in the entire school that I thought was good enough to be my friend. And probably the only one that I liked in the first meeting, and never asked out."

"What's your point Dan, a lot of girls didn't want to do that," James asked, with a smirk.

"Oh I did, that's my point," Danny replied. "The only reason I didn't was because of Jessie. You are the only guy she has ever liked.. I figured if you couldn't get her over the men fear, nobody could. And when I got over you, I was always hoping you guys would get together."

"Well in a way I kinda did too," James commented.

Danny smirked, "so that's kinda everything I wanted to say. I'm not sure if I said it but I'll say it again, sorry."

"You're forgiven, still not sure why you have to apologise though," James said.

"Do you think Jess is still mad at me?" Danny asked.

"It's hard to tell lately, she has been losing her temper a lot and it's.." James replied.

"Yeah, what's up with that?" Danny asked. Some proper music started playing from all of the speakers, a lot of people sighed in relief and continued dancing if they were before.

"It's people like you and Ian that's getting to her," James said, narrowing his eyes.

"All right, all right.. stop it with the guilt trips," Danny said with a pout.

Jessie rushed back over, "I did it, I got it to play my music collection." She blushed, "oh sorry, did I interrupt?"

"No, we have just finished," Danny replied as she climbed onto her feet. "Look Jess, I hope that we can forget about all this."

"Sure, it'll be hard to forget that phony excuse you gave me but I'll try," Jessie said.

Danny frowned, she looked down at James then back up at Jessie. "What phony excuse?"

"You told me to be careful because you still think he's going to hurt me or something. The whole public kissing thing was a lie," Jessie replied.

"No it wasn't," Danny muttered.

"Ok then you probably will mind if James and I go to dance to the next song, I really like this one," Jessie said.

James sighed as he stood up, "ok um.. you know I'm terrible at that, right?"

"Yeah right, come on," Jessie said as she held out her hand.

"Jess I wasn't lying, I said I'm sorry.. what more do you want from me?" Danny asked.

"I dunno, I'll get back to you. Come on," Jessie replied. She grabbed James' hand and dragged him over to what appeared to be the dancefloor. They passed Ian, who was making his way over to where Danny was.

"I take it didn't go well," he said.

Danny sighed, "no, I figured James would be the hard one. Again I'm wrong."

"It's ok, she'll come around," Ian said.

An hour later:
B'Elanna, Craig and Vorik were standing next to the holodeck controls, B'Elanna was busy working on one of the panels. "This is strange, it looks like it's been deleted."

"It can't be recovered then, oh shame," Craig said a little too cheerfully.

Vorik turned to the controls, "actually there should be a backup.." B'Elanna quickly keyed in something. "Maybe not," he said, raising an eyebrow.

Nearby James and Jessie were still dancing together on the dancefloor, only a few people were left behind. Jessie turned around so she could slip an arm around James' neck. "You don't think I was a bit harsh with her, do you?"

"I really don't know, I wasn't even around while you two were talking," he replied.

Jessie stepped back, "I'm going to talk to her. You don't mind do you?"

"No, you guys should sort it out," James replied.

"Ok, I'll come back," Jessie said.

James watched her walk away, she made her way through the crowds. She looked around as she walked around the resort. She turned the corner and stopped dead, her eyes widening.

"Now remember, we were drunk," Danny giggled as Ian played with her hair.

He put his arm around her, "yes ma'am." He leaned in to kiss her, she wrapped an arm around his neck and kissed him back.

"Oh.. my god," Jessie muttered.

The next morning
The Bridge:
Tom stumbled into the room, holding his head. "Oh.. what a hangover," he groaned.

"Oh Tom, you're just in time," Harry said.

"In time for what?" Tom asked.

Kathryn jumped onto her feet, "ok guys, I have a new song!" She cleared her throat, "I love coffee and I cannot lie, my sisters cannot deny. When a pretty little girl walks in with a big cup of coffee in your face, you gotta steal it and drink it."

Tom covered his face, "oh.. stop it." He covered his ears.

Chakotay shook his head as he walked over to him. "Oh Tom, I've got something for you."

"Pain killers?" Tom questioned, looking hopeful.

"No better," Chakotay said with an evil look on his face.

The Security Office:
James looked up from the computer, eyebrow raised. "Jess.." he said with a smirk.

Jessie was too busy twirling a bit of hair around her finger, and looking out of the window to notice.

"Jess, anyone home?" James said.

Jessie jumped a little, "huh, what?"

"You've been quiet for a while, what's the matter?" James asked.

"Nothing, everything's good," Jessie replied.

"Uh huh, you said you were leaving five minutes ago," James said.

Jessie looked confused, "I did?"

"Danny, make up.. ring any bells?" James said.

"Oh," Jessie said, she quickly got out of her chair. "Ok I'm ready, do I look nervous?"

"Just a tad," James replied.

"Great," Jessie said, she headed for the door.

"Good luck," James said.

Jessie turned back around, "yeah, I have to find her first don't I."

"You checked her location five minutes ago as well," James said. She bit her lip nervously, and raised her shoulders looking helpless. "Mess Hall, she's probably having a late breakfast."

"Oh late breakfast.. yeah, she was probably up all night kissing Ian I suppose," Jessie said. She stepped out of the room.

James stared after her looking bewildered, "what?"

The Mess Hall:
Only a few people had populated the entire room. Three were sitting eating their breakfast, two others were talking by the window. One of the ones eating breakfast was Danny.

Jessie walked into the room, looking more nervous than before. She took in a deep breath before making her way over to Danny's table. "Hey."

"Jess," Danny said, looking up at her. "This is a surprise."

"Can I sit with you?" Jessie asked. Danny nodded her head. She sat down opposite her. "Look um, I'm sorry. You apologised and I was a real b**ch about it.."

"No it's ok Jess, it probably did sound like I was going to say what you thought," Danny said.

"Yeah it did, sorry again. Are we ok?" Jessie questioned.

Danny smiled, "yeah, why not." She pushed her plate aside, then folded her arms on the table. "I've got some catching up to do."

"Catching up with what?" Jessie muttered.

"You know, you and James," Danny said.

"All right," Jessie said, folding her arms on the table too. "But first you owe me something."

"Um.. I do?" Danny said.

"You and Ian last night, how long's it been going on?" Jessie asked.

Danny's eyes widened, her cheeks turned a little pink. "Um.. what er.."

"Let me guess, you were drunk," Jessie said. "Nice excuse."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Danny muttered.

"I decided to go and find you so I could apologise last night, but I saw you and Ian. You were telling him the drunk excuse, then you started kissing," Jessie said.

Danny put her hand over her face, "oh damn it.."

"So, how long? Why and all the other questions you ask me," Jessie questioned, smiling evily.

Danny looked back at her, eyes narrowed. "You're loving this aren't you?"

"Oh yeah," Jessie said with a grin.

"All right, it's been over two months," Danny replied.

"And?" Jessie said.

Danny groaned, "why, um I don't know where to start."

"It's ok, I have time," Jessie said.

Danny muttered something under her breath, then covered her face with her hand again.

The Shuttle Bay:
Tom stood around the doors, arms folded and pouting. "Stupid Chakotay, I don't even remember what I even did while I was drunk last night. Why punish me for it?"

An unknown crewmember shrugged, "you were yelling at a lot of people."

Tom stared at him, "me? I'd never yell, and Neelix streaks everytime he's drunk so he should get punished for once."

"Oh you were yelling, I remember you yelling at the wall at one point," the guy said.

Craig and Lee stepped into the room. Tom groaned as he glanced at them, "don't tell me you guys are on the team."

"Oh man, there's no girls coming?" Craig moaned. He put his PADD in his back pocket.

"Yeah can I ask, what's up with that thing?" Lee asked.

Tom rolled his eyes, "it's best not to ask. Chakotay said there is two others, where are they?"

The doors opened again, Johnny and Tim stepped through them. "Reporting for the awayteam," Johnny cheerfully said.

"Oh god, I must of yelled at Chakotay a lot last night," Tom groaned.

Sickbay:
Kes walked over to the station in the middle of the room, she started working on it. The Doctor stepped out of his office with a big smile on his face. "Kes, would you mind being in charge of Sickbay while I go on my first housecall?"

Kes smiled as she turned to face him, "no problem Doctor. I'd say enjoy but, what's the house call about?"

"Ensign Vorik has food poisoning, he refuses to leave his post," the Doctor replied.

"Ok, I'll pass on the 'enjoy' comment then," Kes said. The Doctor just smiled at her before stepping out of the room.

A few minutes later Jessie walked in slowly, with her hand on her stomach. "Hey Kes, I have a bit of a problem."

Kes glanced at her looking concerned, "what's the matter, go sit down." She picked up a tricorder.

Jessie walked over to sit down on the nearest biobed, Kes followed her and began scanning. "I think I ate something funny last night."

"We've been getting these all day," Kes said, smiling weakly. She picked up a hypospray off the equipment tray, then pressed it into her neck. "The Doctor believes it was the toasted cheese sandwiches."

"Probably was, it was the only kind of food there that didn't make me feel sick," Jessie said.

"Oh, so what else is.." Kes questioned.

"Well after last night there's only fish, salad and.. bread I guess, left that I can eat," Jessie replied.

"Look on the bright side, all of that's good for you," Kes said.

James rushed into the room, he went over to the girls. They both stared at him blankly.

"Let me guess, cheese sandwich?" Kes questioned.

"What, no," James muttered, frowning. He turned to Jessie, "what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong.. I just wasn't supposed to eat those cheese sandwiches. How did you know I was here, and so quickly?" Jessie questioned.

"I just asked the computer where you were, it said Sickbay so I panicked," James replied.

Jessie smiled and shook her head, "it's ok, I'm fine." She reached out to stroke the side of his face. He stepped closer, then sat down beside her.

"You didn't actually touch those cheese toasted sandwiches, right?" Kes questioned.

"No, if I remember right Jessie snatched mine out of my hands," James replied, he put an arm around Jessie.

She smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder, "it's true, I did. I bet you're thankful now."

"No, not really," James said. He kissed her on the head.

Jessie lifted her head back up, "were you looking for me for a reason other than just seeing me?"

"Actually yeah, what was the Danny and Ian comment all about?" James questioned.

"Oh right. They've been secretly seeing each other for two months," Jessie replied. "Don't worry, I just found out today."

Kes' eyes widened, "really? I didn't see that coming."

"No, oh well I guess that's good," James said.

"Good, they're copycats," Jessie said, resting her head on his shoulder again.

In: "Tuvok to Taylor."

James groaned, "oh great." He tapped his commbadge, "what?"

In: "Why are you not in the office?"

"I'm on break ok," James replied.

In: "Your break isn't until ten thirty hours. Please report back."

"All right, Taylor out," James groaned, tapping his commbadge. "Sorry, gotta go."

Jessie took a hold of his arm, "no don't, he knows you skive anyway right?"

"Yeah but I don't really want to work night shift again, sorry," James replied. He got back onto his feet. "Maybe you can stop by later, if not I'll come by during my break.. that's if you'll be on the bridge."

"Probably, but I think Janeway's too hungover to care," Jessie said.

"Hungover? I didn't know she even drank," Kes commented.

"Ok hungover on coffee," Jessie said.

"Well either way, I'll see you in an hour or so," James said. Jessie nodded her head, pouting her lips a little. He put his hand through her hair, stroking it and her face. "That's all right isn't it?"

"No, we really have to start working in the same place," Jessie replied.

"I'll see what I can do," James said, he leaned in to kiss her before walking out.

She sighed, "oh god." She groaned into both of her hands. "What's the matter with me, you'd think I'd be used to this by now."

Kes smiled as she sat down beside her, "you have been taking it harder than you used to."

"Do you think it's the pregnancy hormones?" Jessie questioned. "Cos that may explain why everyone keeps acting weird around me."

"Well you do keep getting irritated, that is the hormones hopefully," Kes replied looking uncomfortable. "As for wanting to be around James all the time, I'm not sure. It could be that or you're feelings for him is increasing."

"Maybe, I dunno.." Jessie muttered.

"While we're on the subject, we'll have to think of an alibi if you still want this as a secret. People will start guessing right the more they see of your mood swings," Kes said. "Not to mention your aversion to most food, and weird cravings."

"Can I still play the 'I am just sick' card?" Jessie asked.

"I doubt it, the Doctor will probably be told to examine you," Kes replied. "I know the Captain knows but people will get suspicious if she didn't do anything."

"Right, I'll just discuss it with James, we'll think of something," Jessie said. Her face lit up as she glanced at her, "hey, that could be my excuse for going to see him."

"What now?" Kes questioned.

"Uh yeah, it would be just silly to go if I had no reason," Jessie replied.

Kes developed a smirk on her face, "uh Jess."

"Did you see that though, he rushed into Sickbay as he was worried about me. I was barely here a minute," Jessie said. Kes shook her arm and stared at her intently. Jessie finally looked at her, "what was that for?"

"I'm curious, did you start being more well.. obsessed with him before or after you got pregnant?" she questioned.

"Obsessed, there's that word again," Jessie muttered.

"Jess I don't think it's the hormones that's making you feel this way. Your moods keep switching, but that one seems to stick around constantly," Kes said.

"It's not like I'm just getting a crush on him now, that would be stupid," Jessie muttered, shaking her head. "That's been there for ages.. what I feel for him hasn't changed it's just.. you know."

Kes frowned, "no I don't."

"You said that my feelings for him have increased, well they haven't.. I know that much," Jessie said.

"Oh but you two are more at ease, and comfortable with your relationship now. You don't care about people like me or Danny seeing anything. You both seem happier together than before, and.. it's almost like you've fallen for him again," Kes said.

"Nah, it's just easier to talk to him than before," Jessie said as she got off the biobed. "Of course it was always easy to talk to him, obviously. I just mean that we were always uncomfortable talking about 'us', now it's simpler. I also feel less restrained, I'd usually hold back just in case I'd get embarrassed or something. I just thought a while ago, why am I like that?"

"You're just saying that you feel this way because you have more freedom with him?" Kes questioned, staring blankly.

"Yeah, I was so sick of holding back.. as soon as I stopped, it was much better," Jessie replied. She sighed, "thanks for that, I never would of thought about that if you hadn't of.. Thanks, I'll see you later ok." She stepped out.

"Huh.. wow, she has no clue," Kes muttered to herself.

End of Part I

Part II

The Bridge:
"Captain, we're receiving a recorded message from the shuttle," Harry said.

Kathryn sat up in her chair, "already? Lets hear it."

"You sound surprised, they are going to a planet," Chakotay commented.

In: "Get your hands off that you nutcase! Ahem, Paris to Voyager.. we've ran into a local storm, I'm going to attempt an emergency landing. You know how badly those go by now, right? Ok to cut that short, we're so screwed. Paris out."

"Harry can you locate them?" Chakotay asked.

Harry worked at his station, "the storm is blocking all of my scans. Once it's cleared I might be able to get their location."

"Great, keep an eye on them Harry," Chakotay said.

Kathryn climbed out of her chair, "how come you losers didn't notice the storm until now?" Everyone stared blankly at her. "What?"

"It seemed to come out of nowhere Captain," Harry replied. "I'll run an analysis."

"Sure, then you'll be too busy working on that to notice anything else," Kathryn muttered. She headed for her Ready Room muttering quietly to herself.

"What's up with her?" Danny asked from the helm.

Chakotay sighed, "I don't know."

Meanwhile, on a lush green planet:
Tom, Craig and Lee stepped out of the shuttle looking confused. "Um, I thought there was a storm," Lee said as he blocked the sunlight getting to his eyes.

"There was, it cleared up really quickly," Tom said. "Weird or what."

Craig glanced back at the shuttle, then back at the others. "Er guys, want to hear something weirder?"

"Why not, there's always something," Tom muttered in response.

"Those FDA guys are gone," Craig said.

Tom turned back to the direction of the shuttle, "hey you're right, we only just opened the doors." He walked back into it, he had a quick glance at one of the consoles. "Mystery solved, they did an emergency transport."

"If we could do that, how come we didn't do it!?" Lee snapped.

"Don't look at me, I was busy piloting the shuttle," Tom replied.

"Great, so where did the newbies transport to anyway?" Craig asked.

Tom sighed, "just twenty metres away from the crash site. They should be around here somewhere." Right on cue he heard a lot of rustling coming from the trees. "See, they found us."

About ten men wearing tattered old clothes, holding big bits of wood, charged out of the trees and quickly surrounded the team.

"Ok something else has," Tom stuttered.

"Um I thought this planet was uninhabited, typical of our luck. What's next?" Craig muttered.

Tom groaned, "never ask that, there's always something worse."

Voyager
The Bridge:
Chakotay made his way over to opps, "you got something Harry?"

"Yes Commander, and you're not going to like it," Harry replied. "I think I know what's causing the storms. There's two advanced colonies on the northern continent."

"I thought there was no lifesigns," Chakotay said.

Harry glanced at them, "there is now. A storm must of blocked the scans, these storms appear undetected at first."

Danny turned her chair around, "ok, what has the colonies got to do with the storms?"

"There's only one lifesign near one colony, both colonies are however empty. Each one shows signs of nuclear type blasts, most of the storms are located above these spots," Harry replied.

"One lifesign, is that our team or the natives?" Danny questioned.

"A nearby storm is still blocking scans for the area they went down in. They should be nowhere near the northern continent," Harry replied.

"So a survivor then," Chakotay said.

Harry nodded his head, "it appears so." His console started beeping. "Commander, we're receiving a hail."

"Where from?" Chakotay asked.

Harry frowned as he read the readings on the console. "It appears to be coming from a small building outside one of the colonies, where the lifesign is."

"Good, lets hear it," Chakotay ordered.

Harry nodded, "yes sir. Channel open."

Chakotay made his way over to the centre of the bridge. "This is Commander Chakotay of the Federation Starship Voyager."

In: "Greetings Commander, my name is Thy Siln."

"Can we be of assistance?" Chakotay questioned.

"Dumb question," Danny commented.

In: "Actually yes Commander, however it would be difficult to explain over a comm channel."

Kathryn came out of her Ready Room, "what did I say about contacting aliens when I'm not in the room?"

Chakotay shrugged, "um, it's ok?"

"Yeah right. Who are we talking to?" Kathryn asked.

"Thy, would you like to come aboard and we can discuss it?" Chakotay said.

In: "Yes, thank you Commander."

"Harry, let the transporter room know," Chakotay said.

"All right fine, you get to make all the first contacts," Kathryn grumbled. "I guess you would want to go and greet him too."

"We both can if you want," Chakotay said.

Kathryn's face lit up, "then what are we waiting for?" She rushed towards the turbolift.

"Strange," Chakotay muttered, following her.

The Conference Room:
Kathryn, Chakotay and a dark haired tanned man walked in, Kathryn stood nearby the window, the men stopped nearby.

"So you're saying you destroyed each other?" Kathryn questioned.

"Exactly. The missiles themselves were at an unmanned launch bay outside each colony, both were sent on the same day. Nobody had time to evacuate as there wouldn't of been much time between the launch and the explosion," Thy replied.

"So how did you survive?" Chakotay asked.

"I was visiting my family on the homeworld when it must of happened, I returned in my shuttle but one of the storms made me crash land," Thy replied.

"Oh, that must of been, difficult," Chakotay said.

"It was, I had lived there for five years. What I found strange about it was the buildings, objects, they were undamaged. It was just everything that was living was gone, most likely vaporised in the blast," Thy said.

"I hate to sound insensitive but how can we help you?" Kathryn questioned.

"I don't know if you can yet, all visitors so far haven't been able to," Thy replied.

"I don't understand, I thought what you'd want is to get off this planet," Chakotay said.

"It is but there's some unfinished business I have to attend to, I owe that much to the people who lived here," Thy said.

Kathryn sat down on the edge of the table, "I see, what is it?"

"I have to perform the ancient death ceremony. It allows any of my people's spirits that get trapped in the sky after their bodies die, to go on into the after life. As you can tell I'm not much of a firm believer of it," Thy replied.

"You have to do a ceremony for each person or.." Chakotay questioned.