Peaches and pumpkins
Posted on 2025, Sat Jun 28th, @ 2:29pm by Commander Emily Janeway & Commander Cormac Situs
Edited on on 2025, Sat Jun 28th, @ 3:00pm
2,826 words; about a 14 minute read
Mission:
Episode 1A "Shadows of the Empire"
Location: Uss. VoyagerA science department.
Timeline: Weeks Before Voyager was to be demolished
Tags: Voyager Crew, E1 "Shadows of the Empire", E1 Shadow of the Past, Season 2 Missions
The science lab of the USS Voyager-A crackled with chaotic vitality, a wild scatter of glinting tools and snaking conduits strewn across workstations like debris from a shattered asteroid. Holo-displays pulsed with molten amber data, casting jagged shadows that danced across the scuffed duranium deck, synced to the warp core’s deep, insistent hum driving them toward an uncharted nebula’s enigma. Commander Situs stood at the console’s heart, PADD gripped like a starship’s helm
“It’s there,” he said, holding a PADD in his hand, and that's what he was using to point out. “Right over there, see, that's the deviation.” After ensuring the young officer understood his assignment, he tapped him lightly on the shoulder with the same PADD. The Voyager was underway; they had little time to get the labs running before arriving at their destination. The clean and pristine labs were now looking like a construction site. Too many instruments need assembly, calibration, and, finally, approval by the Science Department Chief. In this case, himself.
The double doors of the lab opened with a soft hiss, drawing the attention of everyone present. He snapped to attention and responded, “Commodore on deck!” as he stood straight, maintaining a salute while gazing at the woman who had just entered the room.
Janeway strolls around the room, taking in her surroundings as if conducting a friendly inspection. She notices that her chief science officer has already announced her presence. Turning slowly on her heels to face him, she maintains a warm and professional demeanor. “At ease, Commander. I’m here to lend my support as you take on your new role as chief officer of the science department. I just wanted to check in and see how everything is progressing,” she says, positioning herself in the center of the science laboratory.
He dropped his salute and motioned everyone present to carry on, quickly glancing around for a station that seemed almost operational. "In that case Captain, why don't we start with the central Astrometrics interface, indispensable for mapping the nebula as we get closer to it" he stepped over an exposed access hatch on the floor ''If you'll follow me, Captain, do mind your step".
The Commodore strode confidently alongside Commander Situs towards the operational astrometric interface station, stepping decisively over the hatchway. "That’s an excellent idea," she stated with certainty. With her hands clasped firmly behind her back, while Janeway’s still conducting her own examination of the area. Her eyes focused on the control panel of the meticulously organized astrometric station, and she still felt a strong sense of pride in in the way, the department has assembled the astrometric interface and panels.
With a few rhythmic taps the machine came to life and displayed an approximation of the nebula. "As you can see the Federation has little information about it, we know were it is and we have an approximation of its size but that's about it." The work resumed so the room started to get increasingly louder again, Situs turned to see if the Captain was still interested in the inspection. "Our cartographer has his work cut out for him, frankly I'm surprised the Klingons are letting a Federation ship get so close to it"
Captain Janeway nodded thoughtfully, her gaze shifting from the glowing display of the nebula to Commander Situs. “Impressive work so far, Commander,” she said, her voice carrying a note of approval over the rising hum of the lab. Clasping her hands behind her back, she leaned slightly closer to the astrometric interface, studying the swirling approximation of the nebula with keen interest. “A blank slate like this—it’s a rare opportunity. The Federation may not know much about it yet, but I have no doubt your team will fill in the gaps.”
She straightened, casting a quick, knowing glance his way. “As for the Klingons, I suspect they’re more curious than they let on. A Federation ship charting an unknown nebula this close to their territory? They’ll be watching us closely—probably hoping we’ll stir up something they can claim credit for later.” Her lips curved into a faint, wry smile before she gestured toward the interface. “Let’s see what else this station can tell us. I’d like to get a sense of how you’re planning to tackle the mapping process.”
Appreciative of Janeway's insight, Situs nodded politely and started typing commands on the terminal. Several spots appeared on the map. "The process will largely depend on you Captain, we have several possible starting locations selected that we feel will give us a good start. The first step would be to determine the class of the nebula, as you know this is the most important part. The class will determine the course of the entire process, some classes for example are very inhospitable to spacecraft, we might not even be able to enter the nebula safely." The visualization of the nebula changed shapes and colours as Situs explained the complications.
"Assuming its one of the more stable classes, I have put together a group of... promising officers who will handle sample collection, sensor log archiving, radiation measuring and finally compiling a report" Promising. The word he used to describe them was optimistic at best. Though definitely trained and with solid military bearing, the group would surely be tested in the conditions that awaited them. He tried to read the Captain's expression, out of worry he might be boring her with details or to perhaps preemptively dispel any worries he added: "Of course depending on the needs of the mission I will personally oversee every step."
Janeway settled onto the stool, her fingers lightly touching the bracelet beneath her sleeve. She glanced at the astrometric displays, keeping her tone smooth and encouraging. “This is a nice piece of work, Situs. It’s going to streamline our mission planning, especially in those unpredictable sectors. Good to have this kind of data at our fingertips. Reminds me of when my cousin was an astrometric officer on Voyager.” She offered him a reassuring smile on her face.
Situs allowed himself to smile at the captain's compliment but he quickly refocused on the display. "That is high praise, Captain. We aim to live up to it" He tapped a few commands to return the display to a wide field of stars. "Though I wish the team was here to hear it, they are quite promising but they lack experience. I don't even think a single one of them has any notable field achievements". The display switched to an approximation of the USS Voyager journey through the Delta Quadrant. ''Now that's fieldwork, uncharted space, your cousin must have had the opportunity of a lifetime. Even if it was under bad circumstances"
A brief silence lingered in the room between the two individuals, accompanied by the faint sounds of the astrometric science lab's control panel. In the background, the soft hum of the USS Voyager-A's engines resonated throughout the space.
Commodore Janeway adjusted her position on the barstool-like seat, a gentle smile emerging as she looked at Situs. "They will indeed have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and competencies, Situs," she said. "Gaining experience takes time, and I have seen you guiding them thus far. I’m sure they will achieve their own accomplishments in the field soon enough.”
Her gaze shifted to the display, where the illuminated path of the old USS Voyager through the Delta Quadrant was visible. She chuckled softly to herself, the sound blending with the subtle hum of the Voyager-A’s engines. “Give your team time—they’ll discover their own frontier. And once they do, I’ll want every detail, preferably with a coffee in hand.”
Situs smiled. ''Well I can't promise we will have Neelix's rumored special blend for you captain" The light humor of the interaction almost made him forget. He had to check on the progress of an entire list of instruments that were still being assembled. And though technically under his command, the subject matter of most of those instruments was not his specialty. "We're excepting the hydroponics to be operational today. I've had my doubts but they assure me even coffee could be cultivated there". He was way more optimistic than he should have been. The hydroponics lab was reporting delay after delay and he himself lacked any expertise that could assist them.
Commodore Janeway rose from the stool, her eyes meeting Situs with a warm, inviting glow that softened the lab’s sterile edge. “You’re lighting a fire under that team, Situs—shouldering this with a strength I admire.” She stepped closer, her voice a gentle, playful lilt, rich with possibility. “Hydroponics, you say? I’ve got 900 pounds of Howden pumpkins down there—plump jack-o’-lanterns, deep orange and warm, glowing like embers, vines sprawling like they’re eager for company. Let’s head to hydroponics there now—spend some time together in that patch. I’d love carving one with you, sharing that quiet glow, because moments like this pull us closer, and I’m craving that with you.”
He blinked momentarily, caught off guard by a change of tone he did not expect. He cleared his throat and left his PADD on the console. "Commodore," he began carefully, "I... wasn't aware you had such an interest in hydroponics." His voice was steady, but there was a hesitation there, a question he wasn’t sure he should voice. The hum of the lab around them seemed to fade, the chatter of the crew dimming into background noise. "Though I should warn you. My carving skills are strictly theoretical."
Emily’s smile softened, a glint of encouragement in her eyes. “Theory’s a start, Commander. I’ll show you the ropes—precision’s my forte, and pumpkins don’t fight back. Let’s go see what they’ve got growing.”
Situs hesitated for only a fraction of a second before nodding. "Lead the way, Commodore." He gestured toward the lab doors, careful to keep his expression neutral despite the unexpected detour. He left his PADD on the interface as he have a few quick glances on the progress of the lab as they walked outside.
The hydroponics bay hummed with life as the doors slid open, revealing rows of vibrant greenery under the soft glow of growth lamps. The air was thick with the earthy scent of soil and vegetation, a stark contrast to the sterile, metallic tang of the science labs. Vines curled along and clusters of vegetables. Some familiar, some experimental. All flourished in their controlled environment. And there were the pumpkins
“Starfleet botany has come a long way.” Situs said, trying to spot any defects or signs of unfinished work in the bay.
Janeway glances over at him, a warm smile dancing on her lips as she gently grasps his hand, guiding him toward her beloved pumpkin patch. The vibrant orange gourds sit proudly among the lush green vines, their colorful hues contrasting against the rich soil. “I hope you like pumpkin pie,” she says, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
With a playful expression flourish, she reached into her pocket, pulling out a small, intricately painted figurine of a horse that shimmering like the night sky, each detail capturing the essence of the midnight beauty stallion.
. “I want you to have this figurine of me on the horse,” she adds, her voice soft yet filled with affection.
But beneath the surface of their cheerful exchange, a sense of urgency lingers. The air is thick with tension, as the condition she refers to—it has become quite serious—and the extent of the poison that has seeped into Janeway’s body is truly horrific. The gravity of their situation juxtaposes starkly with the warmth of the moment, creating an intricate tapestry of hope and despair. “I want to give it to you so that you have something to remember me and you forgot your notepad gift. I gave it to you when we first met during dinner together.”
“I remember the notepad,” he said quietly, reaching out to accept the figurine. “It’s still in my quarters. I kept it, still do. I didn’t forget.” His fingers brushed hers as he took the horse, a small, unexpectedly intimacy in the filtered air of the hydroponic bay. The weight of the token in his palm felt far greater than its size.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he added, his voice low now. “Not like this, not in this impediment .” He glanced over his shoulder instinctively, as if half-expecting a medic or aide to appear and scold them both. “Does Starfleet Medical even know how far it’s gone?”
Janeway’s eyes softened as she looked at him with her eyes wide open to tears as she stroked the pumpkin patch vine leaves“ I don’t think they haven’t taken it seriously enough to be able to do anything more Dr. Grace did what she could but it was to try as far as the assessment just enough to stabilize the overall horrific nightmare was the fact medical staff were trying to figure out what’s nature of poisoning still it’s true realize what impact nightmare it’s happening to my own body it’s just affecting on my own career ” she says with her eyes in tears as her voice chokes up as she hugs him gently and then she starts shaking “I would be in the position of being stripped of my own rank of Commodore I’m scared of losing you out there in spite of my strength own body battle this unknown poisoning .”
Situs stood frozen for a moment. He was not a man who often embraced emotion. Protocol and practicality were safer. But this was not the time for shields. He returned the embrace gently. ‘’You are not losing me” The fleet had already taken the Resolute from him. And everyone aboard. But this time, he could actually see it coming. This time could be different. His voice was as steady as he could manage. “And I cannot lose another captain like youself.”
Janeway’s face seemed more scared expression softened as she tried keeping herself calm as she tried to keep hands off her bandages underneath her uniform gaze into his eyes slowly turned around to see him speak in her soft embrace “ I’m losing my soul in this god forsaken universe of darkness.” She let out a deep sigh, sickening cough slowly leaving a barely visible foaming black bloody liquid on her lips.
He reached out, his fingers brushing the black liquid away on her lips. He caressed it between his fingers, inspecting it with growing concern. “This? This is what’s holding Starfleet Medical back?” he muttered, disgusted. He wouldn’t stand for it. He held Emily closer to his chest while as he tapped his combadge.“Situs to Lieutenant Harris—drop everything. Bring a full sampling kit to the hydroponics bay. Now.” Another tap. “Situs to Sickbay—I need medics in the hydroponics bay. Immediately.” He paused, another tap, voice dropping into a tight growl of urgency. “And Harris—you’d better get here before the medics do. I want that sample logged before anyone starts poking around.”
Janeway leans towards him, attempting to provide solace despite her own distress, she struggles to maintain her composure. The corrosive fluid she is expectorating—a side effect of a biological weapon—continues to afflict her, permeating the dressings adhered to her chest.
Each painful cough serves as a stark reminder of Janeway’s ongoing struggle, yet she strives to regain her steadiness, resolved to demonstrate her presence and commitment, even as her body seems to betray her. While her physical strength may be waning, her spirit remains strongly connected to his, exuding warmth and reassurance amidst the turmoil.
“I apologize for the unforeseen difficulty caused by my current predicament,” she states, her voice steady yet tinged with strain. “Uncertainty weighs heavily on me, as I find myself with limited options in my capacity as a Starfleet commanding officer. My duty compels me to adhere to orders issued by fleet command and their higher echelons, who I know will show no leniency regarding my condition. The search for a remedy to my ailment is proving exceptionally challenging.”
Janeway meets Situs’s gaze with resolve. “Instead of remaining in the voyagers hydroponics bay, perhaps we should relocate to my quarters. We need not dwell on the precariousness of our situation.”
As they walked off together, her steps faltering, the room’s hum faded, Voyager’s future lying ahead into the unknown looming of their inevitable fate. At the door, a turning closing point unlocked their decision-making, her temporary departure a silent step toward absence, her spirit lingering forever in the shadows .
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