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

Alliances-Chapter 69

[Somewhere on Voyager]

"How can you transmit to us without your crew knowing it?" Rettick asked.

"Well, that's for me to worry about. Let's just say I'm very familiar with communications protocols. Now, will you let me talk to Seska?" Jonas asked.

"Not without some proof you can be trusted." Rettick said.

"She and I knew each other for a long time. She knows that I can be trusted. Just let me talk to her." Jonas said.

"I'll convey your message. Contact me tomorrow and I'll let you know if she's willing to talk to you." Rettick states.

[Ready room]

"Before the uprising, the Trabe were known as a highly evolved species. They produced scholars and artists who were widely admired and their technology was among the finest in the quadrant. No one really knew about the Kazon and how they were being treated." Neelix said.

"Why not? Holding another culture in virtual slavery isn't the kind of thing that could go unnoticed." Janeway said.

"You have to understand. The Trabe were rich and powerful. They manipulated information about the conditions on their planet. And no one wanted to risk offending them, and losing opportunities for trade." Neelix explained.

"It seems to me that they've learned their lesson. Mabus and his people have freely acknowledged that they were responsible for what happened to them." Chakotay said.

"Still, I do not see that it is a particularly good idea to form an alliance with the blood enemies of the Kazon. We risk uniting all the factions against us." said Tuvok.

"The only thing the Kazon agree on now is that we are their common enemy. It's hard to imagine it getting much worse." Janeway said.

"The Trabe have a lot of ships and a lot of weapons in that convoy. I think this alliance would be better than none at all." said Chakotay.

"I'd rather not be in the position of making an alliance at all, but that may be a luxury we simply don't have. My gut tells me we don't have any friends among the Kazon. As for the Trabe, I believe that people have a capacity to change. It's always been Starfleet's policy to deal with new species on a basis of openness and trust until proven otherwise." Janeway said.

[Sickbay]

"Captain, I'm glad to see you. I want to thank you for the use of your medical facilities. We have very few doctors." Mabus said.

"Everyone seems to be in generally good condition. Malnutrition is the most common problem, but it's easily alleviated with bio-nutrient supplements." said the Doctor.

"Thank you, Doctor. How much longer do you need?" Janeway asked.

"I'd say less than an hour." the Doctor replied.

"Will you walk with me?" Janeway asked.

"Of course." Mabus said.

[Corridor]

"I've been thinking about our conversation at dinner, about the things we share, and it seems to me we could be of mutual benefit to each other." Janeway said.

"Go on." said Mabus.

"What would you say to the possibility of our joining forces? My starship and your convoy." Janeway suggested.

"It clearly would be a stronger force if we did that." said Mabus.

"We could travel together for as long as it's advantageous to both of us. Maybe we'll find our way out of Kazon territory and you could settle on a new home world." Janeway said.