Novel One: Forbidden Unity

[Cathexis]

A story about Janeway's daughter, Kiernan, and her life before Janeway and Voyager return.
Year: 2375
VOY returns: 2377

Title: Forbidden Unity
Chapter One: False Readings


=^= DeleVargas to Lt. Comm. Janeway.=^=

Kiernan's commbadge chimed in at the wrong moment. She had been in the middle of a critical moment with the ship's chief astrometrics officer. The two had been working in the lab on the U.S.S. Renaissance NCC 20634-E for just over 3 hours. Renaissance had run into a class 3 nebula and even thought that wouldn't normally pose any kind of threat, this nebula had one hell of a kick. Kiernan leaned over Maxwell's shoulder, his broad,lean muscles gently and sternly allowing her to do so. Max had secretly been hiding an infatuation over Kiernan since she had joined as the ship's Chief Engineer. However, he knew it was likely that she had already either immersed herself in her work, or she was already involved. She was,after all, a beautiful and talented young woman. Kiernan sighed and tapped her badge.

=^= Janeway here,yes Commander? =^= Kiernan's voice rang throughout the lab. A tingle ran down Max's spine as she spoke. He loved the smooth,strong, sexy sound that flowed from her lips.

=^= The briefing is in 20 minutes, I'm expecting a full report on the nebula by then. I also expect a damage report and a status report on the warp drive assembly. =^=

=^= Of course,sir. I'm on it..Janeway out =^= Kiernan tapped her badge once more and returned to work. Max, however, began to stare at his colleague, in awe. Kiernan noticed and gave him a curious look.

"Something wrong, Max?" She said, grinning slightly.

"What? No, of course not...Why do you ask?" Max answered,returning to work. Kiernan knew better than to accept that answer. She had known Max for years now and she knew when he was nervous. She could tell he was definitely nervous right now.

"Well, that's the third time I've caught you staring at me all glazed over like that. What's on your mind?" Kiernan said, running her slim hands over the console.

"Nothing, I guess...Well, I'll tell you later, over dinner perhaps?" Max was surprised by his own bravery. He couldn't believe he ha just asked his best friend to dinner, for a date!

"Maxwell Velleneu, are you asking me out on a date?!" Clearly, Kiernan was just as surprised as Max was at his offer.

"I suppose I am." Max said, waiting anxiously.

"Well,I-Why not! 1900 hours looks good, but we'd better get back to work, the briefing's in 10 minutes. Max went back to his work, compiling padds and running more analyses. Kiernan did the same and at 1500 hours, both officers headed out of the lab. Kiernan began to laugh softly.

"What's so funny?" Max said,laughing himself.

"Well, when you asked me for dinner-I mean, you asked me so randomly...Maybe it was just my imagination, but were you just as stunned as I?" Kiernan smiled, calming down long enough to press a button for the turbolift. Max and Kiernan stepped into the lift.

-Deck One, Conference Room- Kiernan ordered.

"No, I wasn't stunned at all! I just,I guess I couldn't help it." Max responded, calming his own outburst.

"Yeah, sure..." Kiernan laughed,the lift opened, and they both walked across the Bridge to the Briefing Room.

Commander Delevargas was standing next to a wall console, his wavy black hair and sharp tanned face watching both officers.

"Something you'd like to share with the rest of us?" He asked sharply,his latin accent faint,but clear. Kiernan sat next to Max,converting to serious mode.

"No sir." Max said simply.

"Very well then, Livingston, how are we doing at helm?" Delevargas shifted his attention to another sharp-faced, green-eyed man. The man looked pretty relaxed. He stood, picked up a padd, and began to speak in a deep voice. His dark hair shined against the lighting.

"It looks like the warp manafolds need a tune up and the injectors keep stalling. I suggest Lt. Janeway takes a look at the rest of the ship. Since she's been working in the lab, a lot of the imperative systems have fallen below somewhat 'peak' efficiency."

Kiernan snapped up,suddenly,shot a fierce but calm look over the table to the tall,muscular man who was the helm officer. She stared at him with her sapphire eyes and spoke elequently.

"Excuse me, Lt., but without my expertise on nebulae, a lot of other systems would be running at somewhat 'less than peak' efficiency. Without my work, you would be out of a job." Kiernan sat, satisfied with her response.

"Look, you two, we are a family, that means we need each other! I will not tolerate this behavior between the two of you. From now on, I expect you to respect each other. Livingston, you especially. In fact, I want to speak to you after the meeting. Now, where were we, ah yes Janeway, Velleneu, what have you got?" Delevargas spoke in a fair, firm tone and sat at the head of the conference table...Kiernan waited as Max stood up and walked over to the panel.

"First off, the nebula contains many unknown compounds, but, it also includes concentrates of aphasic proteins. That means that if we don't get out of here soon, the nebula will create an aphasic field around the ship. Aphasia is a perceptual disfunction that will cause visual and communicative stimuli to be processed incorrectly. Babel,in short." Max explained.

Delevargas was not pleased with Max's report. Kiernan could see it in his eyes as Max pressed buttons on the panel.

"Well, I DO have good news, Sir." Kiernan said, activating a new screen.

"Finally," Delevargas said,sighing.
"Go ahead,Commander." He said.

"Yes sir...The nebula contains nutrients that will enable our nutritional rations to be enhanced, if we can convert them correctly. This nebula has the characteristics of a class 11 betreka nebula, but the proteins aren't strong enough to qualify it as a class 11 anamoly. The same compounds that can be found in a betreka nebula have been found in this one as well. That means that the anti matter inducers can route those compounds through the core. That might give the drive assembly a bit more thrust. That's what we need. However, it's the unknown elements that have flooded the aft assembly, virtually stalling the injectors and deactivating several imperative systems. That's why we aren't going anywhere anytime soon. None of us can get into that section long enough to drive the solid gell out an airlock or something."

"I see, I want a plan on my desk by 1500 hours tomorrow. We need to get the hell out of here before the Aphasia virus sets in among the crew. Doctor Garriks, estimated time before the virus acts?"

A beautiful, thin Asian woman with pitch black eyes stood. She looked tired, but altogether okay.

"Approximately 48 hours, Commander." She spoke in a low, aristocratic voice.

"Well, we have two days to get out of here safely. Get to it, dismissed!" Delevargas stood and Kiernan made a run for it with Max.

"Mark, a word please." Kiernan heard the Commander speak.

"Yes, sir." Livingston approached his commanding officer.

"You too as well, Miss Janeway."

Kiernan thought she was clear, but as she heard the Commander call for her to join him, she turned and headed over to join them.

"Yes, Commander?" Kiernan said...

"I want to know what the problem is between the both of you. I would have expected more professionalism out of you. Instead, all I am rewarded with is insult and childish words. It ends today...I demand you to respect each other." That was that.

"Yes, sir." Livingston said quietly,looking down.

"Permission to speak candidly,Commander?" Kiernan asked. The Commander nodded.

"Sir, with all due respect. I do hold the man next to me within the highest regard. However, I do not believe the feeling is mutual." Kiernan spoke coolly.

"I understand, Mark, what do you say to that?"

"Well sir, I didn't think-"

"That's one thing I completely agree with, Lt, you indeed, did NOT think. Enough, return to your stations." Delevargas said with finality. With that, Kiernan left, followed by Mark. Kiernan returned to the Astrometrics Lab and sighed heavily. Max looked at her as she walked over to him.

"What was that all about?" Max asked, putting his hands on her shoulders. She let him embrace her, but she didn't allow herself to lose control about Mark's comments. She looked extremely stressed and Max knew she needed sleep. With that, Kiernan put her head on his shoulders and closed her eyes. Max could have sworn he felt the warm wetness of a tear dissolve within his tough uniform. However, when he mentioned this, Kiernan denied it, saying it was only his imagination.

"Hey, I know you better than that, and if you say you weren't crying, I believe you. Now, you need some rest, why don't you either get back to work or lay down on your bed in your quarters." Max said, comforting Kiernan...

"Actually, you know what, I'm gonna get back to work. We have a date later and I think I should finish up on the Bridge. If we're lucky, I can get us out of the nebula!" Kiernan said ecstatically as she hurried out of the lab. Max smiled after her, turned, and continued to work. Kiernan almost ran to the Bridge as she headed back to a turbolift. She entered, asked for Deck One, Bridge, and then ran to the Bridge Engineering console. She ran a few scans, tests, and a diagnostic, hurried into the Commander's Ready Room. She handed him the padd, he accepted the plan, and she hurried back into a turbolift. She exited and ran down the corridor into the Science Lab. She activated some panels and began working furiously. At last, success! She was ready to sample some of the nebula's nutrients.

=^= Janeway to Delevargas, I'm ready to beam a sample now. =^= Kiernan announced to her commanding officer, who was still reviewing her report. He was right at the part that Kiernan was mentioning now. He nodded and gave his approval.

=^= Go ahead. =^= Delevargas said calmly.

Kiernan beamed aboard a container filled with a swirly ice blue substance. Kiernan ran several analyses on the sample of the nebula. She began the extrapolation process.

=^= Extrapolating the nutrients...Done, now for the conversion. This is gonna take at least an hour to complete, sir. How much time can I have??=^= Kiernan asked, as calm as possible, for Kiernan anyway.

=^= Let's see, the Aphasia virus is acting fast, but I'll give you as muh time as you need. =^= Kiernan sat on one of the seats, monitoring the conversion process. An hour later, an alerting beep told Kiernan that the conversion was a success and that she could now create a more stable warp field.

=^= Janeway to Delevargas, it worked! I'm gonna get these nutrients to Engineering. I'm gonna use a hypospray to inject the elements into the antimatter. I'm hoping it will destabilize the acid like gel substance long enough to jet us out of this nebula. =^=

=^= You're the Chief, get whoever you need. Keep in mind, we only have a certain amount of time to get out of here before the virus-=^=

=^= Don't worry, sir, I'll get us out of here. =^= Kiernan took the even smaller container holding the necessary elements down to engineering and injected the antimatter containment chamber with the nutrients. The chamber immediately reacted with a positive response. Kiernan walked over to a jeffries tube and opened it, crawling inside. She inched her way through the tube, over to an access panel and tapped some buttons. She heard the injectors start to release. She smiled to herself and crawled out of the jeffries tube. She stood, walked over to the assembly and smiled more. Even though the gelly,acid like compound was slowly eating away the aft section, Kiernan was able to distill a sense of confidence in the fact that if they could leave the nebula first, then she could worry about the substance.

=^= It worked, Commander...Janeway out =^=

=^= Janeway to Livingston, please bring the warp drive back online and set a course 3 lightyears away from the nebula, let's get the hell out of here. =^=

=^= Aye, Livingston out =^=

Kiernan could feel a surging jolt as the ship tried to break free of the nebula's gellish and hellish grip. Moments later, the ship was out of range of the nebula and on it's way again. Kiernan didn't open the shaft that led to the aft section of the assembly, for she knew if she did, it would mean certain death. She rushed out of Engineering and into a turbolift, she stepped off and hurried to the Bridge Engineering panels again. She sat and began an analysis on the systems. She was working on a new plan to rid the Renaissance of the leftover nebula compound. A few hours later, a disturbing alert told the ship's chief Tactical officer, Leura Kingston
(blushing brunette with ice blue eyes.), that a ship was sending out a distress call. Kiernan looked up from her work and shifted her vision to Leura.

"Report." She said sternly.

"It looks like there's a distress call coming from a ship bearing 224, mark 12."

"Very well, Mark, lay in an intercept course. I'll alert the Commander" Kiernan stood and walked straight into Commander Delevargas' Ready Room.

"Sir, a distress call has just been sent from a ship 2 light years from here. Leura just picked it up of the sensors. I've already had Mark lay in an intercept course. We need you on the Bridge now." Kiernan patiently awaited her Commander's response.

"Acknowledged." Both officers exited the Ready Room and took their stations. Commander Delevargas sat in the command chair and Kiernan took the B.E.(Bridge Engineering) station once more. Ten minutes later, the ship arrived at the designated coordinates and the crew was completely shocked at what they saw on the screen.




Please keep your comments coming, I REALLY appreciate anything you have to say,as long as it's not vulgar,etc...

[Cathexis]

Chapter Two: Breaking Even

Kiernan looked up from her console and gazed at the view screen. It showed her the remains of a somewhat non-existent vessel that had, at some point, been full of life. She was sitting at the Bridge Engineering console and its real officer approached her with a curious look. Kiernan was yet again broken from her trance as the young Lieutenant tapped her on the shoulder.

"Commander?" The blonde, blue-eyed girl asked, smiling weakly.

"What, yes Lieutenant Carter?" Kiernan asked, turning to face her colleague.

"I think I'm going to need my station back, ma'am." Carter said, laughing nervously.

"OH! Right, I apologize...I was just trying to run an analysis on the debris. Don't worry, I realize that I gave YOU this assigment, but I just wanted to get you started." Kiernan said, seeing the anxious look on Carter's face. Just then, Mark Livingston strolled onto the Bridge with a fat smirk on his snappy face. When he saw Kiernan, he immediately hurried to the helm. He averted his attention away from Kiernan, knowing if he spoke one word that dripped with disdain, she would have reprimand a court martial and have him in the brig before anyone vould argue. After what happened at the last briefing, Mark had no intention of getting on Kiernan's last nerve. And since there was already a crisis on their hands, there was no need for a medical emergency to add to the chaos. The Aphasia had already "set in", as Commander Delevargas so mildly put it. The crew, it seemed, was no longer safe from the virus and many were suffering from its perilous symptoms. Kiernan continued to show Carter what exactly to do with the analysis and diagnostic checks. Carter had only just been assigned to the Renaissance, as a matter of fact, she was a new Starfleet officer altogether. Kiernan enjoyed tutoring her and spending time with her. Leah (Carter) seemed to have an excited attitude about serving on a starship, so Kiernan thought it was best to mold that demeanor. Leah was a friendly, intelligent girl, but she was not a risk-taker at all. Kiernan was somewhat disappointed by this, but not surprised. As Kiernan finished up with Carter, she looked back over at Mark with a look as fierce as a hawk's. She stood, excused her way out of Leah's needy words, and approached the stocky man. She looked at him mishievously, yet he didn't seem to notice it. He turned, glanced at her, and then continued to work the controls.

"Is there something I can do for you, Lieutenant?" He said, somewhat coolly.

"No, not really, I just wanted to know how you're doing, all alone at the controls." Kiernan said, amazed at her sarcasm. She hadn't intended to come off so rudely. In fact, she realized that it wouldn't hurt to lower her guard against Mark. He was, after all, her coworker. She tried to calm her harsh tone and soften her eyes a bit.

"Well, I suppose I'm alright. Why do you ask?" Mark asked, eyeing Kiernan cautiously.

"I'm trying to break the ice. I know there's been some tension between us, I thought I'd take the first diplomatic step, which is small talk." Kiernan smiled, if you could call it a smile. It was more like a grin to Mark, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"I'm stunned, absolutely amazed!" He exclaimed. At that moment, Kiernan realized what he was playing at. He was trying to make a fool out of her. She decided right then that he would not be successful, so she let him continue his little charade. Meanwhile, the Commander had returned to his Ready Room to work.

"You, the almighty Kiernan Janeway, daughter of the infamous Kathryn Janeway, have decided to pity me? I suppose this is the part where I'm supposed to kiss your boots?" Mark was really crossing the line by bringing up Kiernan's mother.

"You know that's not what I'm trying to do... However, I DO know exactly what YOU are doing. You are trying to shame me, go right ahead, it won't work. OH, and if you think you can go ahead with this childish little game of yours, my "good" man, you are sadly mistaken. One more step out of line and I'll have you backhanded into a court martial before you can put your head between your legs and kiss your ass goodbye." Kiernan spoke swiftly, potently, and ferociously, but she was careful for only Mark to heard her words. She knew that is anyone else heard her, it would be her ass on the line as well. She stood, turned on her heel, noticing the expression on Mark's face one last time, and left the Bridge without another word. She savored the memory of seeing the look on his face once she finished threatening him. She entered the turbolift and commanded for it to take her to Deck 9, where her quarters were located and where Max was waiting for her. When the lift opened, she hurried to her quarters and straight into Max's arms. She kissed him lightly on the lips and smiled. He returned the expression and motioned for her to have a seat at the table.

"So, how was your day?" He asked, pouring cognac into two clear wine glasses.

"Stressful, you know that distress signal we picked up? All it led to was a debris field. It turns out that the same compound sitting in our aft assembly was found among the vessel out there. I fear that we'll need to keep the core down until I can get whatever it is out of the drive assembly. If I don't, we'll end up exactly like that ship out there. We were lucky even to get out of the nebula. Fortunately, the nutrients were converted correctly, so we were able to get out safely. The gelled substance that's floating around the assembly is what's contaminating the crew." Kiernan took the glass of wine that Max handed her. They clinked, toasting to their remarkable situation. After downing half her glass, Kiernan smiled at Max and put her hand around his neck.

"How was your day, Max?" She said, sitting down on the red velveteen couch...

"Well I analyzed that gel substance about fifty times. I think, if I'm lucky, I can come up with a plan to sample it and run more tests on a physical subject. Any ideas?" Max said, joining Kiernan on the couch.

"Actually, that DOES give me an idea." Kiernan said, grabbing an unused padd off the coffee table. She tapped in a few calculations, some ideas, and finally, a plan was clearly visible on the padd before her. She handed it to Mac and smiled to herself.

"Wow, I think you've got a great plan, but there's only one thing wrong," Max downed his glass of cognac and breathed slowly.

"How are we going to get TO the aft assembly? None of us can withstand the acid like proteins that are flowing throughout that gel!" Max said, sighing.

"Actually, I think you missed the answer to that. Paragraph 4, sentence 5. All we need is a hologram. I have been trained in holotechnology, therefore, I can buld a hologram. At the Academy, I was able to construct a complete holographic woman, exactly like me, in under 2 hours. She was perfect, and, with the same skills, I can do the same thing in this case." Kiernan's smile broadened.

"I think you've got something to go on. At last, something's finally going right for us after all!" MAx leaned over and kissed Kiernan again, but this time, it wasn't as light. It was softer, and more romantic than before. Kiernan indulged herself and let their embrace last a few minutes longer. When she was ready to pull away, she did so, slowly. She smiled again, picked up the padd, and put it on her desk. She sat there, working, while Max followed. He watched her workm just gazing at her smooth, soft face. He stared for what seemed like minutes before either of them spoke.

"Here, check this out." Kiernan showed him her findings.

"Great! All we need is to take this to Delevargas!" Max couldn't help but look further into Kiernan's eyes. He was falling deeply in love with her every whim. Her looks, her talent, her demeanor. Not only was she clever but she was sensitive and strong willed as well. He admired her, she was perfect for him, even she knew it. Kiernan thought about their future as she let Max fall into her sapphire blue eyes. She loved it when he did that. It meant that he felt the same exact way about her as she did about him. She was crazy about him, of that she was certain. She had been so immersed in her work for so many years. She joined Starfleet as soon as she was old enough. She worked and worked, but didn't receive an acceptance letter until after the 4th time she entered an application. Why was she so determined? Simple, her mother. When Voyager left, Kiernan decided that she wanted to join her mom in space, as soon as she could. It wouldn't be until she was 19, but once she was accepted, she drove herself even harder. She couldn't wait to find her mother again, to be united after years and years of separation. Of all people, Kiernan's mother was none other than Kathryn Janeway, Captain of the lost starshipm U.S.S. Voyager. She wanted to see her mother again and she was willing to do anything to get there. Today, she was a Lieutenant Commander on an Intrepid Class starship. She was proud of herself, but she still had not been successful in finding or even being assigned to a research team looking for Voyager. She was in love with a gorgeous, young man who was equal in rank and as intellectual as she was. Suddenly, she felt Max kiss her neck, and was again torn away from her nostalgic trance. Something inside didn't want her to leave this state of mind, but her better half forced her to.

"Well, up for dinner in the Mess Hall tonight, KJ?" Max said, standing, stretching, and heading for the door. He seemed to be in a sudden rush. Kiernan stood as well, raising an eyebrow.

"The Mess Hall, why on Earth would we want to eat replicated food?" Kiernan stood as well, awestruck at Max's anxiety.

"To be honest, I thought you might want to have dinner with Leah and Mark. They are seeing each other now I thought it might help to break the ice."

"Believe me, Max, the ice? I already tried and as far as Mark and I are concerned I barely even dented the ice. If you go through with this little dinner plan? The "ice", as you so gently put it, will crack and we'll all fall through." Kiernan felt a heated anger surge throuh her voice and she fought to keep a steady tone within her diaphragm.

"Come on, KJ, it'll be alright, I had a little talk with Mark. He said that he's willing to give things another go if you are. Do this for me, Kiernan, not for Mark or anyone else for that matter." Max put his arms around Kiernan and he kissed he one last time. Kiernan took a deep breath and accepted the kiss with dignity.

"Very well...But know this, one wrong move and he'll wish he had never accepted his commission!" Kiernan said as she and Max left her quarters together.

[Josi Rockholt]

Please continue.It's good.

[Voy_Girl]

Good chapters!

[Cathexis]

thanks, I'm working really hard on this novel...please check back for the third chapter! and be sure to read my other stories like Vanishing Point and the other ST Novels for U.S.S. Andromeda NCC 74656

[Voy_Girl]

How long are you planning on making it?

[Cathexis]

12 chapters...

[Cathexis]

Chapter Three: One Last Chance



Kiernan and Max made their way down the corridor to the Mess Hall and entered the grey room. Mark and Leah immediately stood and Leah smiled. Mark did not, which was no big shock to Kiernan. Max pulled out a chair for Kiernan to sit down and she did so graciously. Kiernan grinned across the table to Leah, who sat down again. Max took his place next to Kiernan and began a quaint conversation with Mark, who kept glancing at Kiernan.


�So, how are you this evening, Maxwell?� Mark asked, trying to avoid full eye contact with Kiernan.

�I�m alright�To be honest, I wasn�t sure if this was such a great idea, putting Kiernan in the same room with you, but when you told me it was okay, I decided to try.� Max beamed at Kiernan and she nodded politely.

�You know, Mark, I think we could end up on good terms with one another after dinner is over with. At least, I hope we will be.� Kiernan shot a meaningful glare at Max. She wanted to make it clear that she was still not happy with the dinner arrangements.

�Well then, how about dinner?� Leah said, trying to change the subject. She too was aware of the two officers� quarrelsome behavior toward each other. She intended on ending the evening on a bright note.

�Sounds good to me, sweetheart, what have you prepared?� Mark asked Leah lightly. He seemed to be avoiding Kiernan�s piercing gaze, and for a good reason. He suspect that she had had no say in the dinner plans for that night. He could tell that she wasn�t happy with any of it, but he was going to be on his best behavior, or else.

�Actually, I�ve prepared something quite lovely. Chicken and rice casserole with white wine, and for dinner? A delectable chocolate fudge cheesecake. I chose that dessert especially since I know how much you enjoy it, Kiernan.� Leah awarded a bright, sparkling smile to the three people sitting at the table around her. She stood once more, hurried into the galley, and returned with a dish of steaming casserole. She placed it gently on the dull colored table and made her way back into the galley. She brought out four glasses and a bottle of wine, that Kiernan read. It told her that the wine�s vintage was 2230 and Kiernan smiled.

�Good year, 2230.� She said, trying to patch up the breech in communication between her and Mark. Mark, on the other side of the table, nodded and stunningly enough, responded to Kiernan for the first time.

�Yes, if my memory serves correctly, that was an excellent year. Wasn�t it the date of the first settlement on Jupiter?� Mark asked, directing his comment towards Kiernan.

�Your memory serves with excellence� You�re right about the date. It was a shame, though, how that was also the last settlement. Even after being the first colony, the researchers and everyone else who enlisted for the expedition were killed while trying to get off the planet. They died instantly, as I recall. The first colony ended up being the last colony. Tragic end for such an integral bunch of people.� Kiernan allowed Leah to pour her a glass of the glistening, sweet liquid and then stood to offer a toast.

�To new beginnings, to a renewed friendship�� Kiernan raised her glass, along with the others, and let them clink. For the first time since they�d entered the Mess Hall, Max noticed that the four of them were the only officers in the hall. He looked around and then took a drink from his glass. He smiled along with everyone else and watched as they all drank from their glasses.

�Here, here!� Mark, Leah, and Max said, taking another swig from their glasses. Leah began serving each of them and making small conversations with Kiernan and Max. Meanwhile, Mark continued to keep a quiet tone. He watched every word that he drew and tried to keep the mood as cheerily as possible.

�Kiernan, I understand you have some training in transwarp mechanics, is this true?� He asked, forking his chicken and slicing it. He took a bite and then stirred in the rice. Kiernan smiled to him and took one last drink of wine before answering.

�Yes, that�s right� I trained at the Academy in a course called Transwarp Theory and Design. I was allowed to conduct tests and experiments for one project. The object of the course was to come up with my own theories on a fully active transwarp engine. I completed my assignment only a week before it was due. I completed my calculations and theories on several pads. I even created a full scale model of a transwarp drive assembly and engine. I made another model for extra credit. It was a Transwarp Core. My professor thought it was absolutely incredible and awarded extra points. I worked hard on my theory and it seemed that it could work.� Kiernan explained in a friendly tone.

�Care to share your theory?� Leah asked, enjoying her culinary success.

�I wish I could, but it was confidential since the entire assignment was on theory only, not actual possibility. Professor Garrikson told me that I would have a future in the engineering department, and here I am!� Kiernan took a few bites of her dinner and looked at Max.

�Darling, why don�t you share some of your expertise with Mark and Leah?� Kiernan said, nudging Max with her elbow.

�Sure, why not�Well, my entire career has been based on Stellar Research. From the time I entered my first application, to this day right now. I took several theoretic courses at the Academy. Most of them were Stellar Theory classes, but I took the basic requirements as well. One class, in which I found most exciting, was called Astrometric Design & Probability. I loved that course and I spent a lot of time n extra credit assignments, which earned me full credit in many of the other classes I was taking. And just like Kiernan, I followed my dream of becoming an Astrometrics officer. Except I�m not just an officer, I�m the CHIEF!� Max laughed and so did Leah and Mark. Kiernan smiled and finished her dinner. She pushed her plate forward and set down her eating utensils.

�Well, that was fabulous, Leah, excellent culinary skills!� Max said, practically reading Kiernan�s mind. Kiernan stretched a bit and settled in her seat.

�I�m gonna go get dessert.� Leah said, excusing herself yet again.

�I�ll help with the table.� Kiernan offered, standing and beginning to pick up the dishes.

�Thanks, Kiernan.� Max said�

�Yes, thank you very much.� Mark said delightfully. He seemed to realize that it was pointless to argue and prod Kiernan like he had been doing lately. He couldn�t begin to forgive himself for what he had said to her earlier. Then he began to wonder if Kiernan was only being pleasant and wonderful toward him as a show for Max. He wondered whether or not she was sincere in her words and gestures. He tried to pull himself away from that suspicion, but paranoia was quickly overwhelming him. On the other hand, he didn�t want to risk saying something that would jeopardize his career. He waved off his former conclusion and relaxed in his chair. Meanwhile, Kiernan was carrying on a nice conversation in the Galley with Leah.

�Well, it seems everything is okay between the two of you. Not on insult all evening. He seems to be enjoying your company, Kiernan.� Leah said, putting the finishing touches on the desserts.

�Yeah, he�s been completely wonderful since we sat down together�I just, wonder if he means every word of what he says� Is he sincere? Or has this entire evening just been a show he put on for his own amusement.� Kiernan said, putting the dishes on a pad and letting the leftovers dematerialize. She washed her hands and gave Leah a hand with the cheesecake.

�Look, Kiernan, I believe he�s actually trying to patch things up. You need to be as open minded as he has been. The whole time we were waiting for you, all he could talk about was how perfect everything had to be.� Leah beamed once more, letting her bleach white teeth show. Kiernan smiled back, her own snowy white teeth flashing after Leah. The two young women exited the Galley and set down the desserts at each place. Max immediately began praising Leah for her artistic work. When Mark saw his slice, he reacted with a calm response.

�Nice work, Leah, doll��He said, digging into his slice. Kiernan sat down, along with Leah, and they both began to eat.

�This is magnificent, Leah!� Kiernan exclaimed, somewhat quietly.

�-Computer, what is the current time?-� Max requested.

-2134 hours-

�Wow, we�ve been here quite a while�Time flies when your enjoying yourself.� Mark said, polishing off his cheesecake.

�Can�t argue with that!� Kiernan said, making her own comment. A few minutes later, each dish was left with only crumbs, so Max and Kiernan stood.

�Well, I certainly had an enchanting evening, thank you, Mark.� Kiernan said, extending a slender hand. Mark took her hand and shook it softly.

�I did too�� He said as softly as he shook Kiernan�s warm hand.

�Let�s do this again real soon, eh Marky?� Max said, breaking the odd mood.

�Of course�How about we make this a weekly shpeal?� Mark answered, breaking the handshake between him and Kiernan.

�Oooh, that sound nice.� Leah chirped. Kiernan and Max gave their final goodbyes and left quickly. Kiernan was eager to talk to Max about the encounter and Max felt the same way. He wondered if she was still angry with him about making plans without her knowledge. They both headed into a turbolift and stepped in.

�Deck 9.� Kiernan ordered and the lift began to take them there.

�Well? Still angry with me?� Max asked, grinning evilly.

�I suppose not�� Kiernan said, returning the expression and putting her arms around Max.

�Positive about that? I mean, do you feel comfortable having dinner every week with Mark and Leah?� Max asked, curiously.

�I�m fine with it, as long as every dinner is as delightful as tonight�s.� Kiernan kissed Max lightly and smiled, beginning to laugh a bit. She loved it when Max gave her the impression he was scared of her. He, of course, was not scared at all. In fact, he loved playing that mind game with her. Kiernan pulled away as the lift opened and they both exited, walking down the corridor. Max and Kiernan stopped once they reached Kiernan�s quarters. Kiernan turned to Max and gave him one last smile.

�I had a fantastic evening, Max.� Kiernan said, seriously.

�So did I�How about a Hoverball match tomorrow evening, 1930 hours.� Max asked, trying to edge in one more kiss. Kiernan backed away and laughed.

�Ha! You think you even have a chance of beating me, the mistress of Hoverball, in the holodeck? I think not, lover boy�� Kiernan pressed a few buttons on the keypad and stepped backwards into her quarters. As the doors closed, she mouthed something to Max. Max smiled, knowing that her lips had formed the words, �I love you,� to him. He headed back to the turbolift, entered, and continued to his quarters on Deck 8.

Back at her quarters, Kiernan was getting ready to go to bed, when she noticed a padd on her desk. That, she told herself, had not been there earlier and there was no way anyone could have gotten into her quarters without her authorization. She walked slowly over to her desk and looked at the padd for a moment. She picked it up after a few minutes and read it:

To: Lieutenant Commander Kiernan Janeway
From: Admiral Leonard Whitefield
Subject: Entrance Application

Dear Miss Janeway,

This notice is to inform you that a briefing has been held, regarding your last request to join the research team searching for Kathryn Janeway and the crew of the lost ship, U.S.S. Voyager NCC 74656. I regret to inform you that your application has been denied and dismissed. Please re-enter again in the future. I would like to express my sincere apologies and good luck to you.

Best of Luck,

Admiral L. H. Whitefield

Kiernan looked completely devastated. She raised her head and looked out the window, into the vast abyss of space. She couldn�t believe that after everything she had put herself through, she just wasn�t good enough to be admitted to the research expedition. She had driven herself crazy trying to make herself good enough and this is how she was rewarded. She threw down the padd and let it fall to the rough floor. She allowed several beads of tears flow down her face as she made her way to the section of her quarters where her bed was. She lay there, just letting tears fall to the bed. She had fulfilled everything she expected out of herself, and yet, she just couldn�t make the cut. She sat up, wiped the water from her tear-stained face, and changed out of her uniform into her nightwear. She slipped the white, satin gown over her head and let it drop to her knees. She lay once more on her bed, sliding under the comforter. She allowed her mind to wander as she closed her eyes. Hours later, she awoke from her dream state to hear her alert waking her. It was time to start another �fun-filled� day of work. She sat up, deactivated the alert, and stood. She went into the restroom, activated the sonic shower, undressed, and stepped in. After she finished, she stepped out of the shower, dried off, and dressed into her uniform. The thick material felt confining as she put it on, but nevertheless, she wore it well. She looked in the mirror and gazed at the top half of the uniform, which was yellow. She longed for the day when that yellow section would be red, showing off her seniority as a Captain. She would be even more proud of herself and perhaps that would earn her a position on the research team. She put up her hair in a fashionable protocol-friendly style and washed her face. She stretched, put on her deep red lipstick, and left her quarters. Max met her in the turbolift, smiling.

�So? How was your night? Sleep well?� Max asked pleasantly.

�Cram it, how did you get that padd into my quarters without my knowing about it?� Kiernan asked, somewhat crankily.

�Oh, I put it in there while you were on the Bridge�I didn�t think you�d mind! Besides, how�d you know it was me?� He asked�

�Simple, you�re the only other person I gave my access codes to.� Kiernan smiled sadistically.

�I didn�t make it. After all I worked for, all I strived for, I�m just not the right person for the job.� Kiernan said, thinking about the padd.

�Well, keep entering, KJ�You�ll get in, somehow.� Max hugged Kiernan and when the lift opened, Kiernan walked into Engineering, leaving Max in the lift. Max took the lift back to Deck 8 and started his shift. Kiernan hurried to one of the panels and spoke.

�Janeway reporting for duty.� She said so her staff heard her. They immediately handed her padds and diagnostic results. She accepted them and then began her plan for creating a hologram.

[Josi Rockholt]

Very good chapter.

[Cathexis]

thanks...i added more

[Voy_Girl]

Very good!

[Cathexis]

ya,looks like you have some competition for the next Top User of STV tallies! lol

[Voy_Girl]

I don't mind

[Chakotays Angel]

Very Good Story sounds like Daughter is fallowing in Mom's footsteps in falling in love with her first officer. Keep up the awsome work

[Voy_Girl]

^
You're right in that she follows her mother's footsteps.... They even have the same initials!

[Cathexis]

thanks, C.A.! I'm working on the 4th chapter right now!

Luck & Wits coming soon!

[Voy_Girl]

Hey... Fic Of The Week!

[Chakotays Angel]

Fiction of the week rocks

[janewaykat]

good job! it's great.

[Cathexis]

my fic-it's an announcement..OH MY GOD...i am a hellagood writer,ha? lol
thanks all,i am gonna put the next chapter up...now,i think

[Cathexis]

Chapter Four: Luck and Wits


After what about an hour, Kiernan finally looked up from her console and rubbed her eyes. She diverted her attention the panels in front of her and checked her work. Kiernan thought she had everything ready, so she downloaded all the data onto a padd and left Engineering, leaving everyone with something to do. She entered a lift and asked for Deck 4. She knew she would have to act faster than the nutrients within the antimatter chamber, or else the acidlike gel that was eating away the aft assembly would increase and destroy the entire engine. She couldn�t let that happen, so once the lift doors opened, she strolled through the corridor and reached another door that said �Holodeck One�. She entered an enormous room that looked like a cube with grids all around it. She walked up to an island console that was toward the middle of the room. She activated the panels and began downloading all the schematics for a fully active hologram.

�-Computer, activate AEH-� She said, and a form began to appear before her very eyes. To some, this process would be incredible, but to Kiernan, it was just a normal experience. She smiled once the AEH (Active Engineering Hologram) was fully formed and listened to what it said. The hologram looked exactly like Kiernan. Blue eyes, dark auburn hair, thin, slender figure which must have stood 5�7.

-Please state the nature of the emergency- The hologram stated clearly in a voice, which sounded exactly like Kiernan�s. Kiernan slapped a small device on the hologram�s arm. It looked like a portable transporter, but it wasn�t.

�Hello again.� Kiernan smiled at her counterpart.

�Well, well, Kiernan Janeway, my creator. What can I do for you?� The holographic femme said, smiling back.

�You can come with me to Engineering, because I need your help. This, dear Kat, is an emergency.� Kiernan said, turning to the door, with her counterpart following closely. The two of them exited the Holodeck and got back into a turbolift. Kiernan explained their situation to the hologram and waited for the doors to open. Kiernan had instructed the computer to take them directly to Main Engineering. When the lift opened, Kiernan rushed her holographic counterpart over to the engine assembly room. Kiernan told �Kat� what to do while she ran straight onto the platform of the trolley that would take her to the second floor level of Engineering. She activated the consoles and began moniroting the assembly as Kat worked.

=^= Kat to Kiernan.=^=

=^= Go ahead.=^=

=^= I�m in, but I can�t get this panel open. =^=

=^= Just use my access codes, their in your database. =^=

=^= Right�Entering the chamber now�It looks like the acid gel compound is almost melting away the assembly, and yet, it�s almost completely hardened onto this section of the engine�Is it possible to beam it out of the chamber without taking this part of the assembly with it? =^= Kat asked, pausing to listen for Kiernan�s response.

=^= I don�t think so�but maybe we can contain it and then beam that out of there�=^=

=^= Are you sure that would work? Since the substance has attached itself to the engine, we need to- a plasma torch! That would at least cut off most of the gel, but we need to remove the rest of it from the engine� What we need is something to loosen the compound long enough to beam it into a containment field.=^= Kat answered calmly and steadily.

=^= Let�s try a phaser shot then� if that doesn�t work, then lower the setting on the torch. Let me notify Commander Delevargas of our plan. =^= Kiernan changed the comm. Channel to talk to her commanding officer.

=^= Janeway to Delevargas, the hologram is with me, here in Engineering. She is in the aft assembly section and we have a possible theory. =^= Kiernan stated seriously.

=^= Go ahead�=^=

=^= Well, the acid gel compound has hardened and attached itself to the aft assembly part of the engine. That means Kat�s- =^=

=^= Kat? =^=

=^= Kat is the name of my holographic miracle. Anyway, that means she�s gonna need to remove the compound with a plasma torch to remove it. Even after that, she won�t be able to remove the part of the substance that is still hardened onto the engine without softening it with a phaser. Even after that, we�ll need to erect a level 9 containment field. =^= Kiernan explained.

=^= Why? =^=

=^= We�ll need to beam the substance out of that section; therefore, we need a place to put it without it eating that up. Hence, containment field in the science lab. =^= Kiernan said, pressing a few more buttons on her console as she spoke.

=^= Proceed, and keep me informed. =^=

=^= Aye, Janeway out. =^= Kiernan tapped her comm. badge twice, reopening her channel to Kat.

=^= Janeway to Kat. =^=

=^= Yes, ma�am. =^=

=^= Go ahead� I�ll be monitoring your progress from here. Let me know when you�ve finished cutting the gel. =^= Kiernan ordered, watching her console carefully.

=^= Got it, Kat out. =^=


Kat continued to work with her plasma torch and phaser, slowly melting and cutting the gel as she fired. It was working, and Kat knew this would probably be Kiernan's best news all day...

=^= Kat to Janeway...=^=

=^= Yeh? =^=

=^= I'm done, go ahead with the transport.=^=

=^= Affirmative...transporting the substance..Kat, you might want to get out of there now...Kiernan out.=^=

=^= Lt. Comm. Janeway to Lt. Reisce, please prepare your containment field.=^=

=^= Aye........it's ready...=^= The youthful voice of a man responded in a calm voice...Kiernan tapped the button and the gel substance was wisked away to the science lab.

=^= I have it Commander!=^= Alex Reisce's voice spoke up over the comm.

=^= Good, please run a full scaled analysis on the gel,I'm on my way to the lab right now...Janeway out.=^= With that, Kiernan headed toward the exit of Engineering just as Kat stepped out of the passage...

"Kiernan, what will I need to do now?" Kat said curiously. Kiernan turned around, realizing she had not yet deactivated her holographic counterpart...

"I'm going to have to deactivate you for now, Kat, but don't worry, I'll need you again..Thanks for everything." Kiernan smiled and Kat returned the gesture....Kiernan tapped a button on the console and Kat faded away...Kiernan continued out of Engineering and into the surprisingly quiet corridors. She walked straight into a turbolift and gave the order or the science lab. Minutes later, the shaft doors opened, but the lift had not arrived on the appropriate deck. Kiernan rolled her eyes...

"Damn these lifts! I thought i repaired you!" She said in annoyance...

=^= Lt. Commander Janeway to Lt. Reisce.=^= But no reply was heard.

=^= Lt. Reisce, please respond....=^= still nothing...

=^= This is Lt. Commander Kiernan Janeway...is anyone receiving this signal? =^= But no one responded, so Kiernan cautiously stepped out of the lift and looked around. To her amazement, the corridors seemed deserted. No bustling of officers through the halls, no sounds of any type. In fact, Kiernan could hear her own breathing! She knew that going back into the turbolift was not an option,so she looked for the jeffries' tubes on this deck. Once she found it, she slid through and began crawling through, up, and over. After a while, Kiernan reached the next deck up and slid carefully out of the tube.

"Computer, where am I?" Kiernan asked as she stepped up to a wall panel...

-Deck 4- The computer showed a map of where Kiernan was in relation to the rest of the ship and Kiernan sighed. She looked around the corridor to find that this deck, too, had been deserted. She walked back over to the jeffries' tube and hurried through it, on all fours for about 30 minutes...She finally reached a shaft where she could stand up, so she did just that. She still had 3 more decks to climb from this point to get to the bridge.

[janewaykat]

good job, another great chapter.

[Cathexis]

*takes a bow*

[Voy_Girl]

Yehah, Good job!

[Cathexis]

Thanks, Voy-Girl and to everyone who allowed my story to be placed here! I'm hoping you will love the rest of this chapter! It's not finished yet,I still have modifications and other stuff to add to my rough draft..Plus, I'm working on an entirely different fic you'll enjoy...