Gateways 07_ What Lay Beyond - Diane Carey [72]
“She is,” said Sook. “I could think of no better way to show that I am determined to facilitate equality among both races. She has a lot of learning to do, but as you know, she’s more than capable.”
Janeway turned her attention to Marisha. “How are your crewmates doing?”
“We are all doing well, thank you.” Marisha hesitated. “We are so grateful for all you have done for us for all of us, Todanians and V’enah alike. All suffered under Arkathi, and now, we are all free. I am so pleased that you have been able to find the others a way home.”
“The others? You’re not going?”
Marisha shook her close-cropped head. “No.”
Slightly worried, Janeway asked, “Is this your decision alone?”
“I know what you are thinking, and no, this is something that we all agreed on.”
“You have seen perhaps the worst of our people in Arkathi,” said Sook. “But that does not mean that he was the only one of his kind. Back in our home sector, it would be impossible for V’enah and Todanians to interact as we are doing here, on the Relka. We are a small number, Captain. Here, we can act as individuals. But millions of Todanians still own millions of V’enah, and we cannot liberate them on our own.”
Disappointment knifed through Janeway. She had hoped that the reconciled, integrated crew of the Relka could take their lesson back to their worlds. “But Sook, that’s how it always starts,” she said softly. “One person with a vision.”
Marisha glanced down for a moment. When she looked up again, tears sparkled in her purple eyes.
“You speak truth, Captain Janeway. But what I am about to say is true, too. We have fought our battles, we V’enah and Todanians. We have made peace amongst ourselves. We do not wish to lose that precious beginning, have it trod underneath the careless, brutal feet of those who would espouse the way things have always been. Rest assured, Captain, if I and Sook can come to the conclusion that we have reached, others will, too. For now, though, I am weary of fighting. I want to explore this thing called freedom, to walk on soft… grass?”
She turned to Sook, seeking confirmation of the word. He nodded, smiling.
“To walk on soft grass, and see the open sky. I want that for everyone here, and if we settle on this planet, we can have that. We can form a new society, one in which the old designations have no meaning. We will not be V’enah or Todanians first of all we will simply be people. And… we will not be alone.”
To Janeway’s utter amazement, her bridge was visited a second time by Leader. She felt its thoughts in her head again, and knew that the rest of her bridge crew did as well.
Captain. We will also decline your gracious offer of a way home. This voyage has been a remarkable one for myself and my crew. We have been moved by what we have witnessed here. We have found, some of us to our utmost surprise, that we enjoy interacting with other species. At least on a limited basis. We have a great deal to offer these people, and they have chosen to accept our help.
“What happens when you decide you need a break from them?” asked Chakotay.
Leader turned to “address” him. It is a large sector, and we have the technology to retreat when we need to. We will have the ability to leave and return as we see fit. But we are committed to being there for the settlers to assist them, when they ask for it.
Janeway could hardly believe what she was hearing. “One thing Ihad hoped for when we started on this strange journey was that feuding species would put aside their differences and learn to work together. I could not have imagined such a harmonious outcome. In the words of the sailors of old on my planet, I wish you godspeed.”
And to you, Captain. I am sorry that you won’t be returning home yourself.
Janeway wondered how Leader could have known that, then relaxed. It was hard to keep anything from a telepath. More than likely, Leader also knew about Q, and was choosing to respect her silence.
“We’ll get home, one day,” she reassured it.
He nodded, bowed, and then his image slowly faded.
“Captain,” said Marisha,