The Other Torres | A Star Trek Fanfiction *Book 1*

Prime Factors-Chapter 28

[Mess Hall]

B'Elanna is openly eyeing a man who has just collected a meal from the counter. She turns back to see Seska looking at her. "What?" she asks. "I've seen that look before. Ensign Murphy had better watch out." said Seska. "I happen to know that Murphy is seeing one of the Delaney sisters." said B'Elanna. 

"That's true, have you heard the new rumour?" asked Seska. "What rumour?" asked B'Elanna. "Your sister and Paris, rumour is they're dating" replied Seska. "Amanda and Paris, she would've told me" said B'Elanna. "I guess there are some things she keeps to herself." said Seska.

Amanda, Tom and Harry are at the next table. "Mandy, what's this I hear about you and Paris?" B'Elanna asked folding her arms over her chest, Amanda who was talking with Harry paused midsentence, Harry looked lost. "I don't know, what are you hearing?" Amanda asked. "Come on, Mandy there aren't any secrets on a ship this small." said Seska.

Amanda looked at Tom who's fork was halfway to his mouth when Seska spoke. "Paris, is it true about you and Mandy?" she asked, neither Amanda nor Tom knew what to say, Harry bailed them out not knowing the two were secretly dating, obviously someone had seen something or seen how close to two had become. 

"They're best friends" Harry said, Seska and B'Elanna looked like they didn't believe him, but when along with it anyway. The group started talking about Harry's time on the holodeck with Jenny Delaney, it ended with them all laughing.

At another table, Tuvok and Janeway are eating together. "I think it's finally beginning to happen. Both crews getting along." said Janeway observing. "That kind of bonding should improve performance and maximise efficiency." said Tuvok. Janeway smiled at her oldest and closest friend. "Yes, I'm sure it will." she replied. "Bridge to Captain Janeway." said Chakotay on the comm. "Go ahead." said Janeway. "Captain, we're receiving a distress call in one of the lower subspace bands." said Chakotay. "I'm on my way." replies Janeway.

[Bridge]

Janeway, Tom, Amanda and Harry enter. "Report, Commander." said Janeway. "The subspace distress signal is coming from a vessel bearing one two five mark two one. Distance two hundred thousand kilometres." said Chakotay. "Captain, sensors indicate five lifeforms aboard." said Harry. "The vessel is altering it's course to intercept us." said Tuvok. "Go to yellow alert and slow to impulse. Hail them, Mister Kim." said Janeway. "Aye, Captain." said Harry.

The image of a human looking man comes on the viewscreen. Amanda tilts her head in confusion. "This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. What is the nature of your emergency?" Janeway asked. "We have no emergency." replied the man on the viewscreen. "But you're sending out a distress call." said Amanda. "Yes, we are." said the man. "Why?" asked Amanda. "Because you are in distress. I am Gathhorel Labin of the planet Sikaris. Please, let us welcome you to our system. Show you the hospitality of our people." said the man now identified as Gath. "That's very kind of you" said Amanda. "If I could come aboard your ship, I have gifts for you and a proposal I hope you will find irresistible." said Gath. Amanda looked at Kathryn. "Mister Tuvok, make the necessary arrangements to receive our guest." said Janeway.

[Mess hall]

Neelix and Kes are working in the kitchen when Janeway, Amanda and Gath enter. Tuvok follows. "Mister Labin, it really isn't necessary to go to all this trouble." said Janeway. "Please. Call me Gath. And I promise you I would like nothing better than to prepare a few of our newest delicacies for you. Ah, this will be perfect." said Gath. "Captain, I'm serving lunch in less that two hours." said Neelix slightly offended. "We won't be long, Neelix. This is Mister, this is Gath. He's from Sikaris." said Amanda. 

Gath takes dishes from a bag he was carrying. "Ah! Ooo. Sikaris!" said Neelix. "Do you know the planet?" asked Janeway. "Only stories about their incredible hospitality." said Neelix. "Tell me, how do you know about us?" asked Amanda. "Our people are very well travelled. Some of them have brought back stories about the ship of aliens from another part of the galaxy. People lost and alone, struggling to find their way home again." said Gath, smiling at Amanda, who suddenly felt uncomfortable.