Badge of Honor
Disclaimer: No infringement intended. The characters don't belong to me.
Setting: Delta Quadrant (A bit after "Workforce")
Morale was bad on USS Voyager. Of this, Captain Kathryn Janeway had no doubt.
Although their travels had been in mostly safe space over the past few months, the encounter with the Borg during the Unimatrix Zero incident had left the crew unsettled and sometimes anxious.
Their time on Quarra had been especially difficult for many people, herself included. Relationships had been made and broken. She knew that some of the crew had even considered staying on Quarra, despite how they'd come to be there.
Having her umpteenth coffee for the day, she pondered what could be done, while staring out at the passing stars.
"Mr Tuvok?"
"Yes, Naomi? Do you have a question?"
"No, sir. I've completed my assignment."
The Vulcan raised an eyebrow in that special way he only did for Naomi. Naomi could tell when Mr Tuvok was pleased with her and, except for Captain Janeway, he was the person she was most eager to please.
Tuvok reached across the table and took the padd offered by the girl.
"I will give you my evaluation at our next lesson, Naomi." He glanced at the earnest young girl facing him. "We should discuss your next project."
"Yes, sir." She leaned slightly forward. "What is my next project?"
"I believe we are at a point, Naomi, where you should bring all the skills you have been developing to a final major work. Something that requires you to research, put certain events into context, evaluate information and make a recommendation or reach a conclusion. Do you understand?"
"I think so sir." Naomi loved the way that Mr Tuvok spoke to her, like she wasn't a child, but sometimes he used some words that she had to look up afterwards.
"I will construct some guidelines, but you will be responsible for choosing a subject and working through your report. Your access to the Starfleet database will be upgraded accordingly."
"Wow." Breathed a delighted Naomi. This meant she got to do a grown up report. At last. Wait till she told Mom!
"Commander!"
Chakotay stopped walking and turned around to see Naomi approaching. Always pleased to see their youngest crew member, he smiled as she bustled up to him.
"Hello Naomi, how are you?"
"Great, Commander. Thank you." She breathlessly replied. Naomi always seemed to be in a hurry. "Commander, can I ask you something. It's official." Her expression had changed to one that exuded all business.
"Of course, what can I do for you?"
"Well, Mr Tuvok has given me a report to do and I can pick what I want to do it about, as long as it's Starfleet related." She paused and gave him an earnest look. "I chose to make it about a great Starfleet person from history."
"Sounds like a great theme. Have you chosen someone yet?"
"Yes sir. But I need help getting historical information from the database. Mr Tuvok said I have to follow all the protocols."
Chakotay held back a grin. Naomi's maturity and intelligence outstripped her age and all her tutors were finding it increasingly difficult to make her lessons challenging, yet informative and interesting. Tuvok had chosen an excellent topic. Naomi's favorite subjects were all things Starfleet and Starfleet related. The ship's database would be full of information about whoever she chose. And he was sure she'd choose James T Kirk, as he was the most famous and flamboyant personality Starfleet had ever produced.
"Okay, so what do you need?"
"Well, mainly historical information, career stuff and things like that. Everything else I was going to ask people."
Ask people? Suddenly he had a bad feeling about this.
"Who's your famous person, Naomi?"
"Captain Janeway."
"But I thought you were going to do a historical report."
"But the Captain was the captain since before I was born," she said in a tone that indicated that Naomi thought that her choice was obvious "and she's the most famous person I know."
Chakotay was willing to bet that not even Tuvok could have seen this coming.
"Well, I think I'd better check with the Captain to make sure it's acceptable for you to check through her service record."
Actually, what he intended to do was to ask her in a general way. The more he thought about this, the more it had the potential to be very interesting.
"Yes, sir." it was clear that Naomi believed this was just a formality, "Then I can start my research?"
"Of course, Naomi. I'll check with the Captain this afternoon."
In the end, Chakotay decided to check through Janeway's service record himself. He had never got around to it at the beginning of their journey, although he had fully intended to at the time.
Of course, at first, he hadn't completely trusted his new captain, but as the weeks and months flew by, he had grown to admire and have faith her. Due to the series of attacks and difficulties Voyager had experienced in the first twelve months especially, he had just never got around to checking her details. Afterwards, when he had the time, he hadn't seen the point.
He let out a low whistle as he scrolled through her record. Her accomplishments were many and impressive. He'd always known that she was a good student, but her Academy results were outstanding.
Once she'd graduated, she'd quickly risen through the ranks and it was obvious that her ascent was not due in any part, to her father being an Admiral. She had done most things the hard way and had achieved all her promotions on merit. As she had told him years before, she had started in the science stream, her first assignment being with Admiral Paris on the Icarus.
Chakotay's cup of tea sat untouched as he became enthralled with the details of Kathryn Janeway's career.
Her first mission, on the Icarus, had almost ended in disaster. The young Ensign Janeway and Admiral Paris had been captured by the Cardassians. Chakotay shivered at the thought. Though rescued soon after capture, Ensign Janeway had been responsible for in turn rescuing one of the Rangers who had been sent to retrieve her, refusing to leave him behind. This had earned her her first of many decorations.
There followed a series of impressive accomplishments, only hindered by the deaths of both her father and fiancé. This event had almost ended her career, but she had, in typical Janeway style, recovered after that tragic episode.
She had changed to the command track on returning from dealing with the tragedy and had become the driven, yet extraordinary officer he now knew.
He would omit the more distressing and personal bits from the data that Naomi would access, but everything else he would allow her to view.
"Janeway to Paris."
"Paris here, Captain."
"Tom, report to my ready room please."
"On my way, Captain."
Paris received the call in the mess hall. His wife gave him an accusatory glance.
"What have you done?"
"Nothing." He considered. "Or, at least, nothing that I can remember."
By the time he got to the Captain's door, he was worried. He couldn't imagine what he'd done but with morale so low, he hated to think that he'd even inadvertently let the Captain down. He straightened his jacket and smoothed down his hair and then let her know he was there.
The door opened and he was relieved to see Janeway on her sofa peering into space.
"Tom, come up here and sit down. I want to discuss some things with you."
All sorts of disturbing thoughts flashed through his mind. Bad news from home? No that couldn't be it. Something about B'Elanna maybe, or was it that he'd done something wrong. Was she considering a new pilot?
"Tom, please tell me that you don't think I'm such a horrible person. You look like I'm about to order your execution." He looked a little relieved but still braced for a blow. "I need help with something Tom, and you're the first person I thought for the job." He obviously needed more convincing. "Please, relax Tom. Wouldn't you like a cup of tea or coffee before we get started?"
She could see the tension leave his body. Janeway made a mental note to herself that if nothing else, she really needed to lighten up, where appropriate, with her crew.
Handing him a coffee and sitting back down on the sofa, she smiled at him, again trying to put him at ease.
"OK, here's my problem. Morale. Tom, it's terrible."
"Yes, I agree, and it's been worse since Quarra."
"Exactly. I need a diversion or something, but something that involves the whole crew."
"Like a party?"
"I guess, but I've been trying to come up with something more participatory. But not in a mandatory type way. An event, for want of a better term, that everyone, regardless of who they are on board, will want to be a part of."
"I can see your problem."
"Yes, I knew you would. I've been wracking my brain trying to come up with something, but it's hard for me Tom. I think I've become too removed from the crew."
"Well, I know that's not true, if it were, you wouldn't be so concerned now." He replied in an off hand way, as if just stating an obvious truth and Janeway was touched by his confidence in her.
She reached out and touched his arm. "Thank you, Tom." He just gave her the shy Paris smile.
"Okay, well," he hurried on, trying to get past the emotional moment "given the type of thing you're after, the first thought I had was 'Christmas'."
"Well, I did too, but it's a bit Earth-centric, not to mention culturally specific. Christmas would be perfect, and as it's only July…but I don't think we can wait for five months."
"But, what if we use the principle, not the religious or seasonal tradition, rather the 'good will to all men' thing?"
"Hmm, yes, I guess…but I don't see…"
His face suddenly shone with inspiration.
"A Kris Kringle!"
"A what?"
"It's a sort of secret gift giving thing. Everyone that wants to participate pulls another participant's name out of a hat and they give that person a gift."
"But how does it get everyone involved?"
"Well, if I know this crew, they'll all be more than happy to give a gift to another crew member and then, they in turn will receive one as well." He smiled. "This could work, Captain."
"It's a wonderful idea, Tom. I love it." She smiled. "You're not just a great pilot."
He beamed at her approval.
"We'll need to come up with a timetable. Maybe even a 'theme', you know, to get everyone anticipating it. Perhaps something that encourages a more personal gift…"
"Tom."
He laughed. "No ma'am, not that sort of personal. I mean, family kind of personal. It's just a matter of developing the idea."
Janeway could practically see the wheels turning inside his head.
"You know what I'd really like?"
"No ma'am."
"I'd like it to really involve the senior staff in some way. Make us seem more accessible to the crew. I know everyone, but they don't necessarily know me, if you see what I mean."
"Yes, Captain, I get exactly what you mean."
"I know I can't be 'best buds' with the crew, but I don't want them unwilling to approach me, or any other member of the senior staff for that matter, if they need help." She looked at him candidly. "I'm sorry Tom. I think that's what's known in engineering terms as 'scope creep'."
He laughed.
"A bit. But I know what you mean. We're a family, we should make sure no one is left out of the family."
"That's it exactly." She put down her now empty coffee mug. "So what do you think? Can do?"
"Definitely 'can do' Captain. I'm even starting to look forward to this myself."
"That's the spirit, Tom."
"The preliminary scans are completed for the two star systems we will pass through in eight point three days." Seven pointed to the monitor "This M class planet appears, at this distance, uninhabited and," she bought up a different display, "the geological and chemical scans show high concentrations of several valuable minerals and elements of which we are in short supply." Another image replaced the current one. "Also, it appears to have dense vegetation and may be a source of edible materials."
"Any downsides that we can see?"
"Not as far as we can tell at this distance, Captain." Harry added.
"Well, then, alter course towards this planet Mr Paris." Turning towards her chief engineer she asked, "Can we make better speed, B'Elanna?"
"Not recommended, Captain. The food wasn't the biggest loss in the attack. As you know, our dilithium matrix is tending towards unstable. I'd rather not push it with supplies so low."
Voyager was still mopping up after an unprovoked attack by an unknown ship a few weeks before. The mystery ship had inflicted quite a bit of damage before suddenly breaking off its strike and moving away at high speed. Chakotay suggested that they'd been a victim of mistaken identity and when the culprits realized their error, they'd left. The captain tended to agree with him. They hadn't seen any sign of the attackers since.
Janeway nodded at her Chief Engineer. "Agreed. Nothing else, anyone? Dismissed." She motioned to Tuvok and Chakotay. "Commanders, could you both stay please?"
They waited while the rest of the staff left the room.
"Well?"
"I think it's almost too good to be true, but it looks like just what we need." Said Chakotay. "But having said that, nothing appears to warrant undue suspicion. We just need to use standard precautions, I think."
Tuvok nodded at the first officer's comment. "I would, of course, recommend that we extensively scan the planet beforehand Captain. Otherwise, I have no further suggestions."
"Excellent, thank you, gentlemen."
The trio made their way back to the bridge. Chakotay and Tuvok returned to their stations, the captain not bothering to sit in her chair.
"Mr Paris, my ready room, please. You have the bridge, Chakotay."
"Aye, Captain."
Tom followed Janeway. When the doors closed, she motioned the couch.
"I think this planet would be the perfect location for our event, Tom. Do you think it's too late to get the Kris Kringle organized in a week?"
"No, I think a week is fine. How do we use the planet though?"
"We land the ship."
"You're kidding?"
"Nope. We make absolutely certain that it's not inhabited, we send preliminary teams in to make sure it's got all the minerals and foodstuffs we need, and then, if it all checks out, we land and let the crew kick back for a couple of days."
"That would be fantastic."
"I've already discussed it with Tuvok and Chakotay and they agree with you." She laughed. "Our proposed site at this stage is a fairly temperate location with a beach nearby. It won't be a white Christmas, actually it won't be Christmas at all, but at least everyone won't have to replicate extra clothing. Except maybe a swim suit."
"This is going to be great. I've had a few ideas about getting the senior staff involved, as you requested. Can you give me another day or two on it, Captain?"
"Of course, but we'll need to get the names to everyone for the gift exchange as soon as we can."
"Yes, ma'am, I'll send those out this afternoon, after shift."
"Did we get everyone?" She was almost frightened to ask.
"That's the best part, Captain. One hundred percent participation."
"Damn, but I love this crew."
"How are you Chakotay? You look exhausted." She ushered him into her quarters and pushed him to the sofa. His lack of protest worried her. "Don't worry, I've got some edible food from the mess hall so you don't have to risk my cooking. Tom called it 'take out'." She got the food from the table "Salad and soup. Nice and light."
He still hadn't spoken.
"Are you with me, Chakotay?"
"Always."
She beamed at him. He could always be depended upon to make her feel better even when he was struggling with something himself. Janeway placed the food on the coffee table.
"Good." For a moment she thought she would cry. Chakotay wasn't the only person who was over tired, it seemed. "Eat. That's an order Commander. And a request to tell me what's wrong."
"I don't know Kathryn, I just feel a bit unsettled." He didn't feel the place to tell her that he was actually feeling lonely was while he was having dinner with her. Their dinners were pleasurable, but hardly what he would consider romantic. And he felt he needed some close companionship.
"You know what I think, Chakotay?" He realized that she had started speaking again. "I think you've spread yourself too thin. You haven't stopped since we left Quarra, plus all the stress you went through when we were there." She reached over and patted him on the arm. "When we get to this planet, I want you off duty for at least two whole days. I mean it."
"Thanks. You may be right."
"And, not even a hoverball game with the captain. I think you should just take some time for yourself and go beach-combing or whatever you'd like."
The last thing he wanted was to be by himself, however, he replied.
"You mean you're going to go two weeks without busting my butt on the hoverball court?"
"Oh come on. I do not break you."
"Kathryn, in seven years, I have won only three games."
"No, that can't be right." She seemed genuinely surprised. "Only three? Noooo."
"Three. And I've never beaten you at velocity or pool."
Janeway seemed upset by this revelation. "I had no idea."
"Well, I could win at some things, but you don't like the games I choose."
"Chakotay, I am not boxing you."
"Spoil sport."
They talked for a few hours. Janeway categorically refused to talk about anything work related, although she did discuss the Kris Kringle with him. Chakotay agreed it was a wonderful idea and shared her enthusiasm for the scheme.
"I remember my mother used to make us sweet treats at Christmas."
"I thought your people didn't celebrate Christmas."
"Wrong tribe." He laughed and rose from the couch. "Well, it wasn't exactly Christmas, but we did have a gift giving celebration, especially for the children." He stretched and made to get up off the couch. "Well, thank you for dinner Kathryn, I enjoyed the evening very much."
"It's entirely my pleasure Chakotay. I hope you're feeling better soon."
He doubted that, but he tried to put as much warmth into his smile as he could manage as he left.
"Good night, Kathryn."
Tom was becoming nervous. Captain Janeway had been reading and re-reading his proposal for the last five minutes. It seemed like an eternity. He was fairly convinced that he'd gone too far and been too familiar with his superior officers.
"Explain to me again, Mr Paris, why I have to be an elf."
"Captain, everyone knows elves are supposed to be, um," he searched for a suitable word, "diminutive."
"Are you saying I'm short?"
"No, ma'am, certainly not. Perfect captainly height, if I may say so. It's just that the rest of the senior staff are so tall. Except for B'Elanna of course, but then, who ever heard of a pregnant Klingon elf?"
"But human captains are fine? Remind me again why I promoted you?"
"Because I'm charming and lovable?" Paris ventured.
"Right. That must be it." A pause. "So, it's typecasting that I'm an elf?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then why is Tuvok playing Santa Claus? I may be short, but I know that Santa was supposed to be from the North Pole on Earth. I'm betting there can't be many Vulcans at the North Pole, Tom."
"Improvisation Captain. Chakotay's culture doesn't have Christmas…"
"I'd forgotten that it originated on Vulcan. And apparently, it does, Chakotay's culture, I mean."
Tom was becoming immune to Janeway sarcasm.
"Harry will be busy with the band and music," he continued, hoping he looked unfazed "and I'll be organizing, you know, stuff."
"Right." She gave him a stern look. "Mr Paris, I will only say this once," Tom took a deep breath, preparing to lose several layers of his skin, "of all the ridiculous, downright mad and totally inappropriate plans you've come up with over the past seven years," she stood directly in front of him and handed him back the padd, "this is, I think, my favorite."
"Really?"
"I'm chief elf, right?"
"Oh yes, Elf-In-Chief, yes, ma'am. Absolutely."
"Great. I'm in. This is going to be so much fun. And Tom?"
"Yes, Captain?"
"I want something culturally sensitive, yet still embarrassing for Mister Chakotay to do, is that clear?"
God, but Tom loved his Captain. It was all he could do not to hug her right here in her ready room. In fact, before the thought had even left his head, he'd done it.
"Oh, Captain. Please excuse me, I got a bit excited. I'm so sorry."
Not for the first time, Janeway thought that Tom looked like a small boy that had been caught doing something wrong. It was a breach of protocol, to be sure, but given the circumstances, it wasn't that big a breach. For all his bravado, Tom always seemed so crushed if he thought he'd disappointed her in some way.
"Well, Tom, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it," Tom's smile returned in full force, "but perhaps not on duty. Oh, and not in front of your wife. She may not make a good elf, but she makes a terrific Klingon."
"Yes, Captain."
"And don't forget, I'm Elf-In-Chief. Dismissed."
"Yes, Captain."
"OK, I've gone through your Kris Kringle list again, and something isn't right."
"Why, what's wrong?" Tom looked over his wife's shoulder.
"Well, for a start, I've got 145 crew members and 147 gifts."
"That can't be right. Make the list by recipient name."
"Well, lookee here, Tom."
"How did Naomi and Icheb end up with two presents?" He smiled. "Although, kids should get extra stuff at Christmas."
"I don't know, the list just shows who is getting a gift, not who it's from." She looked accusingly at him. "It was your idea to keep it secret."
"No, no, it's fine. It could be Sam, but you'd think she'd have other family things organized."
"Hmm, well do you want me to make sure that the list is okay and there hasn't been a data problem or something?"
"No, it's fine. I'll check it out."
"Let me know if you need help."
Tom stared at the screen, deep in thought. He had his suspicions. While his wife was reading some engineering reports, he checked the crew's replicator use for the past month.
It needed someone who could hack into the list and manipulate the gift recipients. It had to be either B'Elanna or…yes, there it was, Janeway had almost stopped using her replicator rations the day he suggested the Kris Kringle. It was the Captain who had put herself down for the extra present for Naomi and Icheb and she'd switched her 'real' recipient for Chakotay. Interesting.
"I don't see why I have to be Santa's helper."
"Chakotay, Tuvok will need help with the gifts. Look on the bright side, at least you don't have to wear a big red suit and whiskers."
"Hmm, I don't know. What are you doing?"
"I'm Elf in Chief." Janeway replied cheerfully.
Chakotay laughed out loud at that. Janeway immediately thought that being an elf was already worth any embarrassment, just to hear him laugh.
"What does the Chief Elf actually do?" he asked.
"Not sure, to be honest. Maybe keep the other elves under control?"
He checked the padd again.
"Kathryn, there aren't any other elves."
"Oh. Really?" She looked delighted. "Well, that certainly makes my job easier and I get a hat."
The air of anticipation was high by the time Voyager finally touched down on 'Santa's Cave' as Paris had named it. Janeway had felt herself holding her breath while waiting for Tuvok to complete his security report, almost afraid he was going to detect something that would necessitate them abandoning the idea of landing.
However, neither Tuvok, nor his many security sweeps, had detected any dangers on the planet, and she wanted to join Harry and Tom in their excited "Yes!", as Tuvok finished his analysis.
The location selected for putting Voyager down was in an area where the vegetation was less dense than other areas nearby and also had the advantage of being within five hundred meters of a beach.
The crew spent the first afternoon on the planet creating their 'party area', making sure that there would be enough room for everyone to sit and eat the next day, designated 'Kringle Day' by Tom.
Tuvok was a gracious, if quiet, Santa Claus. Janeway thought his selection, (as the man in red), an inspired one as the crew finally got to see his wicked sense of humor in action. He was exactly the same Tuvok that he always appeared but somehow he allowed everyone to see his playful side (if it was possible for Vulcans to have a playful side).
He began distributing the gifts. Slowly, methodically and in alphabetical order, after announcing that gifts would only be presented to those crew members who had demonstrated that they had been "nice, not naughty" during the preceding year.
Working his way through the crew manifest, he started with Ensign Lydia Anderson, but at the J's skipped to Jenkins. By the time he'd reached the O's, however, it was clear that Tuvok had somehow discovered 143 synonyms for "nice" (although he had seemed to resort to at least five languages so far) and no two crew were given the same description. At the T's, Chakotay presented Tuvok with his gift, remarking that Tuvok was always 'nice' and then Tuvok returned to his task.
By the time he'd reached the final gift to Crewman Yosa, he was receiving a hearty cheer from the whole crew at each new pronouncement.
The only person not to have received her gift so far was Janeway. The crew held their breath as Tuvok finally announced "Janeway, Kathryn M…" he held out her gift to her with a raised eyebrow, "Acceptable". And with that, the whole crew burst into yet more laughter and rousing applause, before finally settling down to open their gifts.
The clearing where they were rang with more laughter and even a few tears, as people unwrapped all the presents.
Janeway had hand embroidered a bag for Chakotay to keep his medicine bundle. She had thoroughly researched as well as she could his tribe's symbols. In the end, she had decided on an almost generic Native American pattern, but had used some themes from his people. The colors were those that she knew were his favorites from his sand paintings.
Naomi's uniform, of the Starfleet Academy prep school, had been met with absolute delight from the child. She had held it as if it were the most precious thing she had ever touched and as if it would break apart in her hands. Icheb had been similarly thrilled, if more restrained than Naomi, with his cadet uniform.
Tom had given Janeway a t-shirt with "Just do it" on it. He had seen one some years before when they had been in 1996 Los Angeles and had thought it most appropriate for her. She had immediately pulled it over her elf costume and worn it for the rest of the day.
The crew were certainly enjoying both the Kris Kringle and the prospect of spending some time on Santa's Cave. Janeway couldn't remember when she'd last seen people this happy and excited.
There was one matter that she needed to clear up and she spied Tuvok and Chakotay standing with the rest of the senior staff.
"Commander,…"
"Santa." Said Tuvok.
"Right. Santa." Janeway made it sound like a vague threat. "May I ask why I was not designated 'nice'?"
"The workings of the special seasonal crew evaluations and implementation of the ranking system is confidential, Captain."
"Well, I'd better be 'nice' next Christmas, Mister Tuvok, or I'll be demanding answers while sitting on Santa's knee."
"I believe that after suitable review, Captain, we will be in a position to amend your designation to 'nice'."
Janeway pushed her cap back on her head to an even more rakish angle.
"That's more like it." She now swung on her first officer. "You think I'm nice, don't you Chakotay?"
"Oh, look! Is that Seven with some Christmas cake? I'll just go and see." And he was gone.
"Hmm, mutiny." She gave a sideways glance at the others who were all trying to look as innocent as possible and all suddenly had something pressing they needed to do. "You'll all keep! I know where you all live!" she called out to them.
Neelix had gone to a great deal of trouble, researching the cultural databases and had prepared dishes that had special significance to each group on Voyager. He had paid special attention to festive and happy celebrations and had adapted, to the best of his ability, the edible resources he found on Santa's Cave. He had even resisted making the dishes more interesting, at the suggestion of Harry and Samantha, as some of them seemed awfully dull to him, but the crew were delighted.
Neelix rather thought that the Captain was going to cry when he bought out the mince pies for dessert. She hadn't, but she'd especially thanked him, saying that her grandmother had made them when she was a little girl and she'd always loved them.
Actually, Neelix couldn't remember a time when so many people had been so complementary about the food. This surprised him a great deal as it all was very bland.
Most of the crew had now wandered off. The day had been a huge success. Everyone had had enormous fun, with not only the Kris Kringle, but Tom had also organized some fun games and activities that had everyone involved and laughing.
Naomi, resplendent in her new uniform, had been carried back to the ship by her mother. The young girl had participated in all the games as well as taking advantage of the ability to be able to run around without the constraints of being on board a military vessel. She had almost fallen asleep standing up and had finally bid a reluctant goodbye to everyone late in the afternoon. She'd been assured by the Captain that they were staying for a few days and that she would be able to do more of the same tomorrow.
Janeway had had enormous fun. She had stayed in her costume for the whole day. Tom thought she looked like a cross between one of Robin Hood's merry men and Tinker Bell. The crew had been delighted by her 'boots 'n' all' adoption of her 'character'. It seemed that her favorite part of her role had been her elf hat, which had a bell on the tip of the point. She tinkled wherever she went.
As the sun went down, some people had returned the main area where Tom and Harry had prepared a bonfire.
By nightfall, almost all the crew gathered around the fire. Quietly sitting with partners and friends. Janeway, still wearing her hat had looked around for Chakotay but being unable to find him had sat with the doctor and was among the last to leave for the evening, even joining in the singing of carols, started by Harry.
Everyone had agreed it had been a wonderful day.
"Ready to go, Naomi?"
Janeway and her assistant were to be the last off the planet. Naomi had wanted to get some last minute images for a holodeck recreation and Janeway had readily agreed. Though in uniform, Janeway was taking the opportunity to wear her elf hat one last time, much to the delight of Naomi.
"Voyager to Janeway."
"Naomi, tell me honestly, am I that much of a nag when I'm in charge?" The young girl just giggled and smiled at her captain. Janeway tapped her commbadge. "Janeway here. I hope everyone is on board, Commander, we're scheduled for a 0900 departure." Janeway used her sternest captainly voice and winked at Naomi.
"All safely aboard Captain with the exception of two wayward crew members who can't seem to follow orders."
Janeway rolled her eyes and smiled at the now giggling child.
"I think you'll find that those two crewmen are at the beam up point now, Commander."
"Very good, Captain. I'll have them transported aboard and we'll be underway immediately. Chakotay out."
The captain and her assistant materialized on the transporter platform and immediately made their way to the turbo lift.
"Did you have a good time over the last few days, Naomi?"
"Oh yes, Captain. So did Mom."
"That's g…"
Janeway's reply was lost as the ship shook. The lift shuddered and seemed to hesitate but continued on its way.
"Janeway to the bridge. What's going on Chakotay?"
"The hit and run aliens are back, Captain. Same configuration as the previous ship but they're doing a bit more damage this time."
The turbo lift again wobbled and Janeway ordered it to stop at the next deck, where she alighted with Naomi. The last thing she needed was to get stuck in a lift in the middle of a battle.
"Damage?" Janeway was jogging down the corridor, almost unaware of Naomi trotting after her.
"Shields holding. Slight structural damage but we've lost phasers."
"Keep hailing. Let's hope they realize we're not whoever they think we are, as quickly as they did last time."
Janeway turned a corner just as another explosion rocked the ship. She paused to keep her balance which gave Naomi enough time to catch up. She had forgotten the child was with her.
"Naomi, you should…"
"Captain, we've lost warp and shields are down to less than twenty percent."
"Prepare forward torpedoes. We'll try just a…"
"No good, they've knocked out the launch activation sequencers. We're unable to respond with torpedoes."
"I'm on deck four now, Chakotay, I'll do it manually. Open the access portal to torpedo bay one and I'll reconfigure for manual launch"
"It's too dangerous. I'll come down and…"
"Negative, Commander. We don't have time. I'm there already, I'll get started."
Opening the panel, Janeway started to make the necessary configurations as Voyager again lurched as another volley of the alien vessel's fire hit. She realized that Naomi was still with her.
"Naomi, I need to concentrate right now, so I want you to stay out in the corridor. You're not to enter this section, understood?"
"Yes, Captain."
"Captain, Harry's trying to bypass the activation sequencers."
"How long will it take Commander?"
"We're not sure but…"
"Voyager doesn't have any more time, Chakotay. We have to do something now."
Back on the bridge, reports were coming through from all over the ship. None were critical so far, but it was clear that Voyager would be in serious trouble once shields were lost.
"Janeway to the Bridge. I've configured and armed for launch."
"Locked on target."
There was a slight hesitation before the call went through to Janeway.
"Fire."
The torpedo found its mark, detonating with a blinding flash and for a while all was quiet on the bridge.
"Direct hit." Tuvok reported.
"Their status?"
"Seems to have knocked out their weapons, Commander. Maybe propulsion too."
"Tom, get us out of here."
"Naomi to the bridge."
"Go ahead, Naomi."
"Commander, the Captain isn't moving and I can't contact the Doctor." Naomi sounded very frightened and very young.
"Rowlins, take the conn. Tom, get down there now."
"Aye, sir." And he was gone.
"Naomi, Tom's on his way down to you right now."
"Yes, sir." Came the very quiet reply.
"We're receiving a transmission from the alien vessel, but the universal translators are having a hard time decoding it." Harry said quietly.
Nobody was interested in the alien's message.
"God my head hurts. What happened?"
"You tangled with another example of the Delta Quadrant's finest."
"And lost?"
"No, believe it or not, you won."
"Doesn't feel like it."
"I'm sure it doesn't. The Doctor will be back shortly, he's just gone to the cargo bay to deal with a small lifting accident." He looked closely at a perplexed Janeway. "You really can't remember what happened, can you?"
"Not really, oh wait…our friends came back."
"Yes, they were back and, until we got a torpedo off at them, we were in serious trouble."
Janeway drew a hand up and held it to her head.
"Oh yes, I remember some of it. Manual launch, right?"
"Right. The torpedo must've knocked out their weapons and while they were getting them back, they probably took the opportunity to get a detailed scan of us. They sent us a message," he pulled up a padd and read from it, "'penitential…solecism…Verger…amende honorable' was the best the universal translator could do." He gave her a smile "My translation: 'sorry, wrong ship'."
"I think you're right. Let's hope they let any other ships they have know that, whoever it is they're not getting along with, it's not us." He nodded in agreement. "Voyager and her crew can do without the aggravation. Voyager's captain definitely can too." She closed her eyes. It was obvious she still had quite a headache. "Perhaps we should alter our standard greeting to omit the ship's name. Maybe that'll avoid confusion and they'll not bother us further."
"Well, to be fair, they didn't realize that they were tangling with the head elf."
"Elf in Chief" she said, absently, rubbing her forehead.
"Right."
"Did we sustain any casualties?" Any humor had gone out of her voice and he could see the dread in her eyes as she waited for an answer.
"Only one," he smiled at her. "Sorry Captain, your hat didn't make it."
"Damn."
It had started as an impromptu gathering in the mess hall, and had turned out to be a full blown crew get-together. For the first time in months, Voyager's cargo bays were full of food and engineering had sufficient quantities of raw materials.
It seemed like everyone had turned up looking for someone.
On entering the room, Tuvok determined that this occasion would be a suitable time for Naomi to make her presentation and suggested it to her. The young girl returned to her quarters at a run to get her materials and notes. And, of course, to put on her uniform.
"Commander Tuvok to Captain Janeway."
"Yes, Tuvok?"
"Captain your presence is required in the mess hall."
"My presence?"
"Yes, Captain. Full dress uniform is required."
"Dress uniform? You're kidding?" Silence. "Sorry, Tuvok. Of course you're not kidding. May I ask why?"
"Certainly Captain. Naomi is going to make her first Starfleet presentation. I considered this an opportune time as there are no other pressing matters currently being addressed."
Janeway got the message. This was Vulcan for 'no one is attacking us, the crew is feeling a little blue due to Neelix leaving the ship and we need a diversion'.
"Understood. Good thinking Commander. When do we start?"
"In forty seven minutes, Captain. There will be minimal disruption at the time for crew members who want to attend but are on shift. Is this convenient for you?"
Crew members on shift? Was he trying to scare the kid to death by having the whole crew present? Despite her reservations, she replied;
"It's fine, Tuvok. I'm looking forward to it."
"Thank you Captain. Full dress uniform." He reminded.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world Tuvok. I'll be there. Janeway out."
There was quite a crowd when Janeway entered the mess hall. People were still coming in, all either tugging at their collars or yanking down their jackets. Janeway always got a little frisson of pleasure when she saw the crew like this. In the third row one of the ex-Maquis was getting her rank bar adjusted by one of the original crew. It appeared that they'd all taken a little bit extra care in their appearance for Naomi. It was amazing that the girl wasn't completely ruined with the amount of attention 150 people paid to her, but somehow Naomi managed to stay happy and unspoiled despite the crew's best, or perhaps, worst efforts. Samantha had really done an extraordinary job with the child.
Tuvok looked almost nervous, for a Vulcan, with his pupil about to deliver her first Starfleet report at the age of five. His performance as Santa and his nurturing of Naomi had certainly 'humanized' him in the eyes of the crew. Janeway knew him to be a caring and considerate, even doting father and she was glad that others could now see beneath the dour Vulcan exterior.
At that moment, Chakotay appeared at her side.
"Captain, I'm to escort you to your seat."
"Do you know, Chakotay, I think this is the first time I've ever seen you in dress uniform. Impressive." He smiled back at her. "But are we sure all this palaver isn't going to be a little overwhelming for Naomi?"
"More overwhelming than Borg attacks and the ship being boarded by Hirogen hunters."
"Good point." She sighed. "It's amazing that's she's not full of neurosis, isn't it?"
"Pretty amazing, yes. Although, she's a pretty amazing kid herself."
"That she is." They took their seats in the front row. "So, what's the topic of the dissertation?"
"It's about a great figure in Starfleet history."
"Oh god, not another thesis about that cowboy, Kirk. Why is it that he is every cadet's hero?" She groaned.
"Well, not every cadet's." Chakotay said under his breath.
The rest of the crew were taking their seats.
"Hmm?"
"Nothing."
"I must say, it's great to see the crew making a special effort for Naomi. There's never been a crew that enjoyed wearing dress uniforms." Janeway laughed.
"They don't mind for a good cause."
She looked around the room. "Have we parked Voyager somewhere Chakotay? Who's on the bridge?" Janeway could see all of her senior staff were now present.
"Shh." Was the reply from her first officer.
A hush slowly settled on the group and they all patiently waited for the proceedings to begin.
Eventually, Tuvok very formally welcomed the crew, thanked them for attending and introduced Naomi.
Janeway felt nervous for her little assistant, although, it didn't appear that Naomi was concerned at all. The child was almost bouncing with anticipation, holding tightly onto her notes and several bits of equipment.
Tuvok gravely outlined in general terms that Naomi's presentation would be concerned with an important figure of Starfleet history.
As he completed the introduction, there was gentle applause from the crew.
Naomi, resplendent in a cadet dress uniform got to her feet in a confident manner and outlined her presentation with a poise and confidence well beyond her years.
At first, Janeway was confused as Naomi first outlined the early cadet years of her subject.
It was all too recent for Kirk. No, it was someone around her age. Could it be Will Riker? No, that wasn't right, the timing was off for his time at the Academy. She wracked her brain trying to think of someone from her graduating year that was famous. She smirked to herself, whoever the person was, they must've been a total nerd.
Slowly, the horrible truth revealed itself. Janeway herself was the subject of Naomi's assignment. No wonder Tuvok had such a Vulcan self satisfied smirk on his damned face. This was payback for the Santa thing. Anyone who said that Vulcans don't stoop to revenge had never pissed one off. She'd have to think of a way to get him back for this little surprise.
Janeway was now almost cringing down in her seat as Naomi breathlessly, and with an almost exquisitely painful thoroughness, shared all the details of her long Starfleet career.
Her feeling of relief that Naomi was reaching the present day faded as Naomi started to give details of all her commendations and decorations.
Squirming with self consciousness now, her assistant meticulously detailed every citation. It wasn't that Janeway was ashamed or embarrassed by her achievements, it was just that once she'd got into command, she'd agreed with her father, who had always said, that the only recognition that mattered a damn, was a full crew complement and that crew's respect at the end of a mission.
"That's the end of my presentation," Janeway gave thanks to whichever deity was looking over her. As the applause died down, Naomi continued, "but now I would like Captain Janeway to join me at the podium please."
The applause from the crew was enthusiastic and loud. Janeway was overwhelmed by their response and blushed in unexpected self consciousness. She joined her young crew member on the podium.
"Captain, I have been authorized by the crew to perform this, um, ceremony thing." For the first time, Naomi faltered. She glanced at Tuvok, who nodded at her and she seemed to regain most of her previous poise. "Captain Janeway, on behalf of the crew of Voyager, I am authorized to award you the 'Voyager Medal' for conspicuous (Naomi pronounce it 'conspicunous' but no one appeared to notice) bravery and looking after us a lot for the last seven years." Naomi again looked to Tuvok as she obviously had forgotten the exact wording of the award, but he merely nodded his approval again.
Naomi, buoyed by Tuvok's reaction, stood on tiptoes while she pinned a medal to Janeway's already impressive array of decorations on her uniform. The crew, as one, were on their feet and at attention. Janeway was almost overwhelmed as she returned the mass salute from the crew, who had now burst into applause again.
It was some time before Janeway felt equal to actually looking at her new decoration. It appeared as though Naomi had hand made the medal, which hung from a colorful piece of Christmas ribbon that had been around Naomi's gift from Janeway.
When she looked closely, the image on the medal was that of an elf. She practically laughed out loud.
"You could've warned me, Chakotay." she playfully punched him in the shoulder. "Some best friend you are."
"We wanted it to be a surprise."
"It was that." Janeway said with a wry grin. "So, who's idea was all this?"
"Well, Naomi had already picked you as her 'historical' figure." Janeway didn't like the emphasis on 'historical', accompanied, as it was, by his cheeky grin.
"There's no need to make me feel old."
He ignored her.
"And after Santa's Cave, Naomi thought we should do something to thank you."
"I don't need thanks for doing my job."
"You do more than just do your job, Kathryn."