Marooned - Christie Golden [91]
Kes was smiling. The doctor was annoyed. Tuvok was composed. Neelix was chattering. Tom and Torres were arguing.
All was back to normal on Voyager again.
Captain's Log, supplemental The few Jain who remain on Mishkara seem to be a frightened, sorry lot and were more than willing to go with the prevailing wind, to borrow a phrase. Hrrrl has sent the kakkik Wind-Over-Water back to his people, to convey the news that interspecies communication and cooperation is now welcome. As I had predicted to Wind-Overwater, the greatest opportunity for him to help will come later, in building bridges between races. The Sshoush-shin technicians are already starting to recover some of the forgotten knowledge of their ancestors, and together with the last remnants of the Jain, should be able to get much of New Hann up and running in a short time.
Now that the Sshoush-shin are able to control the ion storm and the distortion field, the surface of Mishkara is receiving much more light than before. When combined with judicious terraforming projects, the transformation of this world, first a prison and then a hell, should be complete.
Meanwhile, I have decided what to do about Aren Yashar and the other Jain who did not willingly surrender. I think justice is about to be served.
Janeway's gaze traveled over the gathering of Sshoush-shin, their happy murmurings punctuated by the sounds of engineering crewmembers working on the shuttle. Things were radically different from the last time she had been here, injured, suspicious of the huge aliens, fearful of the sudden pulse that would cause instant disaster, and feeling like a helpless victim of Aren Yashar's treachery.
Yashar was here now, closely watched by two security guards with drawn phasers. The tables had been turned with a vengeance.
"I don't know how many years you ruled Mishkara," she said to Aren, though her gaze was on the Sshoush-shin and their new friends, the kakkiks. "I don't know how long you blocked out the sun, how long you made a peaceful people suffer for your own purposes."
"Captain, in my own defense, making the Sshoushshin suffer was not my goal," replied the Rhulani, his voice still as honey smooth as ever.
"That makes it even worse," Janeway replied at once. She turned to face him, hands on her hips. "Your reign is over. This planet belongs to those who evolved here, and to those who were brought here against their will centuries ago and who have survived to make it their home. It is not a planet for conquerors and pirates any longer.
"For centuries, you were in charge, they were the vanquished. I think it's time to reverse those roles."
The color drained from Aren's face. "You-you're turning me over to the Sshoush-shin?"
"You catch on quickly, Yashar."
"Captain, I protest-"
"You're in no position to protest anything, Yashar. I don't have the time, rations, or inclination to haul you along with us on our journey. You made this your planet, fine. Stay on Mishkara, in the hands of its new masters." She allowed herself a small grin. "If you had bothered to learn more about Sshoush-shin culture, you wouldn't be so worried. They are a fair and decent people. There's no word in their language for murder. But there's no fine cuisine, no soft pillows, no holorooms for your pleasure here. You'll work hard for a change. It's time to start undoing some of the damage you have wrought. And," she added, enjoying twisting the knife a bit, "you've got so much time on your hands now, don't you? Or would you prefer it if we dropped you somewhere in the wastelands where you can take your chances against kal plants, the Sand-That-Eats, and the Xians?"
"Why, Captain," and the mask was back in place, "You can be almost as ruthless as I. How charming."
He inclined his head. "I accept your offer," he said, as if they were sitting at a negotiating table.
Janeway didn't rise to the bait. She would have the last laugh. That was enough.
She turned to Hrrrl, who stood patiently