Spirit Walk_ Old Wounds (Book 1) - Christie Golden [9]
The revered ambassador Skalli Jksili, the first Huanni to graduate from Starfleet Academy, had been the bridge between her species and many others. After an incident with the famous Captain James T. Kirk, during which she had helped to reunite two estranged peoples, Skalli strode boldly into Federation legend. It was she who had first suggested that Huanni might be valuable counselors, provided they were properly trained in interacting with humans and other Federation member species.
It had been a stroke of brilliance. The Huanni were capable of profound empathy and sympathy, to the point of completely immersing themselves in another’s torment. While such deep involvement was not advisable for humans, as it caused undue and sometimes dangerous stress, the Huanni thrived on it. The chemicals such feelings released strengthened their immune systems and in general improved their health. In return, they were able to provide their patients with a sincere, compassionate presence. When this natural empathy was combined with more traditional counseling methods, the result was positive for everyone. Captains clamored for them, but there were too few to meet the demand. Chakotay suspected that Janeway had, again, pulled a few strings for him. He was looking forward to meeting Astall, as well as others.
He looked out the shuttle’s windows. They had reached Voyager, and now the viewscreen was filled with the familiar image of the ship that had been home to him for seven years. As always, he admired her sleek lines, but this time, there was something different.
This time, the ship was his.
Chakotay smiled as he heard a familiar voice. “Voyager to Captain Chakotay’s shuttle,” said Lyssa Campbell. “You are cleared for docking.”
Harry smiled a little as well; for seven years, that sort of announcement had been his job.
“Voyager, this is Captain Chakotay’s party on final approach.”
“Voyager welcomes you,” Campbell replied. “Prepare for docking.”
This is the real homecoming, thought Chakotay.
Chapter
3
THE SHUTTLE DOOR OPENED, and Kim stepped out first. The young lieutenant stood straighter than Chakotay had ever seen him, and he looked very serious.
“Captain on deck!” Kim announced.
Chakotay heard the high piping sounds, and everyone snapped to attention. He strode to the podium that had been set up, his eyes flickering over the assembled crowd. He caught the gazes of Kaz, Lieutenant Lyssa Campbell, Lieutenant Vorik. Kaz winked, ever so subtly, and smiled a little. Chakotay resisted the impulse to wink in return.
Commander Andrew Ellis, Voyager’s new first officer, stood ramrod straight. Chakotay took in the impeccable dress uniform, the regulation-trimmed mustache, the thinning hair, and the pale blue eyes, and sighed inwardly.
Chakotay produced a small padd, cleared his throat, and began to read the formal letter that officially granted him command of the ship he so loved.
“You are hereby requested and required to take command of the U.S.S. Voyager as of this date. Signed, Admiral Kathryn Janeway, Starfleet Command.”
The words never varied. It felt good to be part of a tradition. This was something that his “contrary” nature yearned for every now and then.
Impulsively, Chakotay put the padd down and said, “As everyone here knows, I served on this ship as its first officer for seven years. It’s good to be back, and also rather humbling. I’m looking forward to seeing where the new voyage takes us all.”
Leaving the podium, he stepped forward to greet his crew, beginning with his first officer.
“Commander Ellis,” he said formally, shaking his first officer’s