A Tale of Two Captains - Prologue

By Khylaren and CinnamonGrrl

"Captain's Log, Stardate 52215.8:  We have just finished a mining operation on an class-M planet that we discovered four weeks ago.  Our dilithium supplies have been replenished, however our food supplies are still running low. Though with the additional dilithium, our replicators can produce enough food to last us for quite a while, I do not wish to rely on them solely. I also believe that the crew's morale could use a little R & R planetside, so we are in search of a planet that will suit both these needs."

Janeway paused, taking a sip from her coffee, before continuing.

"Mr. Neelix assures me that a planet with these qualifications is on our trajectory, and we should be reaching it within a day or so. End Log."

The door to her ready room chimed just as she finished the last of her coffee. "Come in," she called, making her way to the replicator.

Commander Chakotay stepped into the ready room with a smile. "Are you ready for this?" he asked, handing her a PADD. "Mr. Neelix says the planet we're headed for is quite the paradise. White, sandy beaches, crystal blue water, and lots of sunshine. He also says the fruit that grows there is almost as good a source of vitamins as leola root."

"Hmm," Janeway replied, looking at the PADD even as her fingers automatically programmed the request for another cup of coffee. She glanced up at her first officer with a smile. "Guess I'd better break out my shorts and swimsuit."

"Paris is already organizing a volleyball team," Chakotay told her with a chuckle. "And Neelix mentioned having a beach barbeque."

Janeway took her coffee from the replicator and grinned up at him. "Sounds like paradise to me," she agreed.

~ * ~

The planet beneath Voyager's orbit was a breathtaking shade of blue, and Janeway admired it briefly from the viewscreen, before looking at Ensign Kim.

"Any signs of life?" she asked, lifting an eyebrow.

Harry shook his head. "Negative for life forms other than animal. It does not appear to be populated."

Janeway frowned, glancing at Neelix. "Mr. Neelix, can you tell me why a veritable paradise is unpopulated?"

The Talaxian shifted, twisting his hands together. "Well, no," he admitted. "To be honest, I've never been there myself. I just know about it from other travelers."

She looked at him wordlessly for a moment and sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"There are no signs of any hostile life forms," Harry informed her. "Atmosphere is Terran compatible, slightly lower gravity."

"Fine," Janeway said, rising to her feet. "Mr. Neelix, Tuvok, Ensign Kim, you're with me. Commander, you've got the bridge."

"Aye, captain," Chakotay said with a brief smile, flashing his dimple. "Have fun."

She nodded, stepping into the turbolift, Neelix, Tuvok, and Harry stepping in behind her. "Transporter room two," she told the lift, crossing her arms as she leveled her glare at Neelix. "I would have preferred knowing that you hadn't actually been to the planet before we got there, Mr. Neelix."

Neelix smiled and spread his hands apologetically in front of him. "I'm sorry, captain. It slipped my mind in all the excitement."

"Might I remind you, captain, that procedure would have dictated proper investigation of the planet, regardless of Mr. Neelix's prior knowledge of it?" Tuvok said quietly. "Therefore, the point is moot."

Janeway smiled wryly. "Thank you, Tuvok, for reminding me."

He inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. "You are welcome."

They stepped onto the transporter pad just as Lieutenant Torres entered the room. "Captain, wait," she said, pushing Ensign Miles aside to take over the transporter duties. "We caught a funny atmospheric anomaly just a moment ago. It's probably just a solar flare, but I want to compensate for it." She pressed a few buttons on the console before looking up with a nod. "There. Energizing."

Janeway felt the familiar tingling sensation as the transporter took hold. Just as the transporter room began to disappear around her, she heard B'Elanna's shout of dismay, and then she knew no more.