Neelix was just about to add some more Leola root to the soup when his combadge chirped, "Janeway to Neelix."
"Captain! What a surprise! What can I do for you?" He asked pleasantly.
Janeway was taken off guard as the sound of pots and pans crashing about filtered through her combadge where she sat on the bridge. "I need to speak with you. Can we arrange a time?"
"Certainly, Captain! I'll come right away. Neelix out."
"Well," Chakotay looked at Kathryn from where he sat by her side, "I guess you'll be busy for the next hour . . . or two . . ." he teased knowing the Talaxian loved to hold the ear of their Captain.
"Commander, I might just have to send you into that readyroom instead," she threatened and gave a half smile as he put up his hands defensively.
"Mr. Paris," she walked down to the Pilot's consol, "any change in course of the Raylexian ships?"
"No, Captain," he punched in some information and then chanced a glance at her, "they're still tailing us."
"How far away are they," she questioned.
"We're currently out-pacing them at Warp Two . . . I'd say they're five minutes behind."
"Currently, they pose no threat," Tuvok supplied.
"Captain!" Mr. Kim drew her attention.
"Yes, Ensign," she put her hands on her hips waiting for any information.
"You should be aware that scans show these ships *are capable of exceeding Warp Five and that their shielding is more effective than ours. I can't read much on their weapons . . . yet."
"Noted, Mr. Kim. Mr. Paris, the minute that ship changes speed or course notify me at once. I'm not in the mood to play games today. Until then, I'll be in my ready room," she stated.
"Aye, Captain!" Paris said and went back to work.
"So you're telling me that this 'hub' is like a space station," Kathryn questioned, her legs crossed and her manner serious.
"Yes, I believe that from my research it's similar to your 'Deep Space Nine' . . . is it?" Neelix stated.
Kathryn raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips together as she scrolled through more of the information provided on the PADD, "Neelix . . . this makes Deep Space Nine look like a convent in some ways."
"A 'convent' Captain?" He was obviously confused.
"What I mean to say is that, well, it is a little seedier than what we find in the Alpha Quadrant . . . plus a little more politically and economically . . . unstable?" Kathryn was trying to be fair but she had to guarantee her crew's safety first . . . she wouldn't risk their safety for *any kind of shoreleave. It just wasn't worth it. She could, if this failed, increase holodeck privileges though it wouldn't be the same.
"Oh yes, Captain, I understand. But you should know that," he leaned forward, "here in the Delta Quadrant you're not going to find anything better than this hub for the time being. It has its riskier side . . . but there are restaurants with skilled chefs, much like myself," he added and smiled, "as well as shopping areas, theaters, and well with some arrangement we might be able to pick up a few supplies and get some maintenance done on your, er our ship?"
Kathryn perked, "Supplies and maintenance?"
"Yes, I know someone . . ." Neelix started but stopped as the Captain gave a little laugh.
"Neelix, who *don't you know in this Quadrant . . ." She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. Before she could say anything more the ship was jarred by a volt . . .
"Captain to the bridge!" Came Chakotay's voice.
CONTINUED IN PART 6!
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