ALLIANCES
Episode 30

Part B

 

As Chakotay catches up with her, Janeway holds up a hand. "It's alright, Commander. I know Hogan's upset. He and Bendera were close." Chakotay: "But that's not why he thinks we should give the Kazon what they want." Janeway: "I think I've made my position clear on that." Chakotay: "You have. But a lot of the crew feel they haven't had the chance to voice their opinion." Janeway: "This isn't a democracy, Chakotay. I can't run this ship by consensus." Chakotay: "A lot of the Maquis feel the Federation abandoned them years ago. You may be willing to die for Federation principles but they're not." Janeway: "I can't believe you'd support that man's position." Chakotay: "I don't. But isn't there something in between your position and his?" They enter a turbolift." Janeway to computer: "Deck 3." Chakotay: "All I'm saying, Captain, is that maybe there's a little room for flexibility in interpreting Starfleet's protocols. Frankly, I'm not sure they were ever intended for situations like this." Janeway: "I haven't seen any evidence that they've let us down." Chakotay: "Maybe this situation with the Kazon is the first example. Maybe we have to examine Starfleet's principles with a cold eye and ask ourselves if they're really applicable here." Janeway: "Computer, hold turbolift." To Chakotay: "Commander, if you have a specific suggestion, please feel free to make it. Chakotay: "Make a deal, an alliance." Janeway: "With the Kazon?!" Chakotay: "With one of their factions, or two. If we had the Ogla and the Relora as our allies the others would be afraid to touch us." Janeway: "Nothing we've been through with the Kazon would lead me to believe they're trustworthy. I can't imagine making a deal with them." Chakotay: "With respect, maybe that's because your imagination is limited by Starfleet protocols. As captain, you're responsible for making decisions in the best interest of the crew. And I think you have to ask yourself if you're doing that." He turns away from her, his point made, ready to continue the journey in the turbolift, and leaving Janeway considering his words.

In his private quarters Tuvok is engrossed in a hobby of his - horticulture - when the door signal sounds. door signal "Come in." standard doors Janeway enters.

Tuvok: "Captain! This is unexpected."
Janeway: "I've been in your quarters before."
Tuvok: "Indeed, but so rarely that I can remember each instance." To the replicator: "Vulcan spice tea." The replicator produces the tea. replicator "And it was always at a time when you were particularly troubled."

Janeway: "Right as usual." He hands her the tea. "Ah, thank you." She sips her tea appreciatively and accepts his invitation to sit down.

Janeway: "Commander Chakotay has proposed that we make an alliance with one of the Kazon factions. We wouldn't give them weapons or technology, but we would pledge to support and defend them if they were attacked." Tuvok: "I am sure that made you uncomfortable." Janeway: "How can I consider it? I can't just walk away from the precepts Starfleet has laid out for us. You don't deal with outlaws. You don't involve yourself in the political machinations of other cultures. It goes against everything I believe, everything I trained for, everything experience has taught me." Tuvok: "Quite right." Janeway: "Do I hear a 'however' coming?" Tuvok: "You are perceptive, Captain. I believe Commander Chakotay's suggestion does have merit." Janeway: "Help me understand that." Tuvok: "When I was a young man, a great visionary named Spock commended an alliance between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. This produced a major dispute. The Klingons, after all, were outlaws, employing violence and brutality to build their empire. I myself spoke out against such a coalition. But the alliance was forged and it brought a stability to the Quadrant that had not been there for two hundred years. Spock's suggestion, so controversial at first, proved to be the cornerstone of peace." Janeway: "There are some differences here. By allying ourselves to one faction, we'd be giving that faction more power than the others. That would clearly affect the internal politics of all the Kazon." Tuvok: "I understand your concern. But remember: it would only be a temporary arrangement since we are on our way out of this Quadrant. In the meantime, it might bring stability to the region and security for us." Janeway: "Once we're gone they'll probably go back to their infighting." Tuvok: "Perhaps, but even temporary stability can bring an appreciation for peace. This flower is a rare hybrid. As far as I know, it exists nowhere else in the galaxy. I created it by grafting a cutting from a South American orchid onto a Vulcan favinit plant. I doubted the graft would take and indeed the plant was sickly at first. However, after a few weeks, both plants adapted to their new condition and in fact became stronger than either had been alone." Janeway understands the allegorical point he is making.

Voyager's senior staff meet in the Briefing Room. Janeway has brought up the subject of the Kazon attacks on the ship. Janeway: "Consequently, after much consideration, I've decided to seek an alliance with one of the Kazon factions." Kim is incredulous. "Captain, you can't be serious! This goes against-" Janeway: "Ensign! I'll be glad to discuss my reasoning with you at a more appropriate time. However, this meeting is not to debate the decision but to decide how to pursue it." Neelix: "Captain, if I may?" Janeway: "Yes, Mr Neelix." Neelix: "We're not far from a planet known as Sobras, where there's a Kazon settlement inhabited by a faction known as the Pommar. I have an acquaintance there, someone who owes me some favours, some rather large favours actually. Perhaps I could meet with him and sound him out?" Tuvok: "Is he authorised to speak for his Maje?" Neelix: "Not exactly, but he does have the Maje's ear. This would be strictly informal but it might give us a reading on the possibility without the risk of actual confrontation." Janeway: "Good idea. Proceed, Mr Neelix." Kim jokes: "Why don't we just contact Seska and form an alliance with her?" Torres: "Actually, that's a good idea." Chakotay: "You've got to be kidding!" Torres: "Not at all. Seska has been trying to forge an alliance among the Kazon. She would jump at a chance to get our support." Paris: "She's right. If we went through Seska at least we could ally ourselves with the Nistrim." Chakotay: "I think it's a bad idea." Janeway: "You can't have it both ways, Commander. If you want to get in the mud with the Kazon you can't start to complain that you might get dirty." Chakotay: "Fine. I'll talk with Seska." Janeway: "No. You've been through too much with her. Mr Neelix, prepare to take your shuttle to Sobras. In the meantime, I'll make contact with Seska. Dismissed."

Janeway: "Captain's log, stardate 49337.4. After sending a subspace message to Seska and the Nistrim Maje Culluh we have received a quick response."
The images of Culluh and Seska are on the Bridge's main viewscreen as communication starts. Culluh: "Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay. I must say we were surprised to hear from you."
Janeway: "Are you willing to meet with us?"

Culluh: "You made an interesting proposal. I've discussed it with Seska and she assures me you would not make this gesture unless you were sincere. I will talk with you." Janeway: "I suggest we rendezvous with you. We'll transmit co-ordinates to you." Seska: "If you don't mind, Captain, we'd prefer to choose the co-ordinates." Janeway: "Fine. Transmit them to us."

Culluh: "We'll meet in approximately twenty hours. I must say, Captain, I look forward to this opportunity." Janeway's reaction to Culluh shows she does not like him.
When contact ends, Janeway and Chakotay exchange glances.