Title: A Dissidence Between Royals

Author: Megara79

Series: Star Trek: Voyager

Rating: T

Summary: The battle of Unimatrix Zero is over, and the crew of Voyager believes that they've managed to thwart the Borg, yet again. The Queen, however, is a dangerous opponent, and determined to track down the drones Voyager has helped escape. Soon the life of Captain Janeway hangs in the balance, while Commander Chakotay clings to his own humanity as he desperately tries to save them all.

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Thanks to: CF, beta hero! And Vestal Virgin who helped with the first chapters.

A/N: Written for VAMBs Secret Summer 2015 and EydieMunroe, who had the following request: A kidnapping story. One of the senior staff is snatched and Voyager must find them, but not without confronting some serious moral issues. No goes: C/7, J/P, slash, rape, weddings, OOC behaviour, AU, Angry Warrior references.

The following, is my humble attempt to write a plot-centric fic. Read at your own peril! Please note that Chapter 4 will have a M rating!

2377

"Energize!"

He watches the cube explode before them, temporarily lighting the bridge in hues of amber and emerald. Thousands of drones are destroyed along with the vessel. Shadows of sentient beings, their half-lives snuffed out in the blink of a queen's eye. He knows he should feel an inkling of sympathy for the souls on that ship, but he only cares about three of them. Bile hovers at the back of his throat and he barks his next order with force.

"Report!"

A sheen of sweat covers Ensign Kim's forehead as he franticly tries to realign fading atoms into the shape of loved ones.

Chakotay waits, tension coiling within him. He clenches his fists, stares at the young man at the ops station, and agonising seconds pass like years.

"I've got them!" Harry exclaims at last, relief colouring his features. After six years on Voyager, he's matured, his work always diligent and performed with honour. In some circumstances, however, the ensign is just as green as he was at the beginning.

Relief is premature.

Relief is dangerous.

Chakotay nods a quick thanks regardless, and shifts his attention to his pilot. "Tom." Tom turns, his face ashen. "Sickbay."

Tom doesn't need to be told twice. There's a reason why he's a lieutenant and Harry isn't. Bolting from the helm, he's at the elevator before the second helmsman has reached the vacated seat. It takes every last ounce of self-control for Chakotay to not do the same. 'They're in good hands,' he tells himself.

She's in good hands.

He takes a breath, forcing his mind to focus on the task at hand and to forget the woman he serves. "Apart from General Korok's sphere, are there any other Borg vessels nearby?"

"No, sir," Neelix answers from behind, filling in at Seven of Nine's station.

"Long range scanners?" Chakotay asks next, turning his attention towards the lieutenant who stands where Tuvok usually works.

"Nothing on long range scanners either, Commander."

"Then take us out of here." Chakotay makes his way back to the captain's chair. "Maximum warp."

To the crew on the bridge he is the epitome of calm – a commanding officer Starfleet would be proud of. He doesn't allow them to see the misgivings and fears that taunt him while emotions of old are about to break free from the prison they were forced into when he first met the woman who usually captains this ship. He supported and believed in this mission, but as Voyager flees from the Collective, a long forgotten fury flexes its claws, and a resounding thought plays on repeat.

'You've made a mistake!'

TBC