Star Trek Voyager: The Loving Game

Star Trek Voyager: The Loving Game (Chapter 70)

A/n: 70 chapters! Thanks so much for your wonderful ongoing support for this story everyone! :D

“The Deputy Ashokian Ambassador is hailing us from the surface Commander.” Harry Kim reported from his post at Ops.

“Put him through.” Chakotay ordered tersely, immediately jumping up from the chair he’d been impatiently perched on in a state of nervous agitation for the last hour as they waited for the Ashokian Government’s response and doggedly followed the movements of the Tsunkatse ship with their entire arsenal of scans.

The pinched, sallow face of a male, middle aged Ashokian diplomat appeared on the viewscreen, his thin smile ingratiating as he studied Chakotay’s stony countenance. “What can I do for you today Commander? I hope your Captain is having a pleasant journey around our planet’s beauty spots?”

Chakotay set his jaw and clenched his hands behind his back, irritated by these shallow, time consuming pleasantries. “From what I’ve heard the Captain is doing fine.” He replied with decidedly cold politeness before his eyes narrowed with barely concealed anger as he reached the point of this conversation, “What can you tell me about the Tsunkatse ship?”

The man shifted slightly in his seat but otherwise his expression remained posed as he responded, “I’ve heard about what you suspect may have happened to your two officers, it is truly unfortunate if it is true of course, but I’m sure it will turn out to be a misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?” Chakotay echoed sharply, incredulity edging his anger, “What kind of misunderstanding do you think would lead to my wife and also my Tactical Officer becoming involved in this so called sport of yours?” he enquired icily, his sarcastic tone conveying more of his anger than the glare he was unsuccessfully attempting to suppress as he met the man’s eyes.

The man’s colourless eyelashes fluttered rapidly in disconcertion, obviously caught off guard by the fact that the victim’s husband was the one in control of this conversation. “I…am not certain Commander.” He finally responded, visibly sweating. “It could be possible that your crewmembers have been picked up by some rogue operator, it has been known to happen on rare occasions. After all, Tsunkatse is the biggest business in the sector, both legitimately and illegitimately.” After this rushed explanation, which Chakotay listened to with a distinctly unconvinced expression on his face, the man cleared his throat nervously and tried once again to placate him, “I really do suggest that you wait for the Ambassador and your Captain to return Commander. I’m sure if you provide evidence for this…abduction the Ambassador will make sure that the full weight of Ashokian influence is brought to bear in order to return your crewmembers.”

“I’ll take that advice under advisement.” Chakotay replied stiffly after having to take a few seconds to rein in his temper. “Voyager out.”

As soon as the Ashokian’s face, shock and offended by the abruptness of his dismissal, had disappeared from the viewscreen, Tom turned questioningly to a pacing Chakotay, “What’s our course of action now Commander?”

B’Elanna gave a derisive snort when Chakotay didn’t reply. “Not to actually follow that snivelling targ’s advice I hope.”

Chakotay smirked in agreement with B’Elanna’s insult but addressed Harry. “I know we can’t communicate directly with the Captain, but can you get a transporter lock on her? The Ambassador too?”

“I think so Commander, why?” Harry responded, with an enquiring look on his face.

Chakotay nodded thoughtfully to himself but avoided answering Harry’s question directly, instead issuing an order. “Beam the two of them directly to the Bridge. I doubt the Captain will mind us interrupting her vacation in a situation like this.”