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Janeway/Seven Advent Calendar Story 2007
Janeway’s Odyssey
By Gun Brooke
4
“Want another ale, Katie?” Norrian asked. A bulky man, boasting a large, brown beard, he was the gentlest soul, next to Neelix, that Janeway had ever met. “No thanks, one's enough.” Janeway tapped the side of her glass. “I have bridge duty. Graveyard shift.” “Again? Too bad. I thought I'd get the gang together for a game of sling-mix.” Norrian shrugged. “Oh, well, this way I just might have decent chance to win a credit or two.” “Are you saying that I'm better than you when it comes to sling-mix?” “You know you are,” Norrian huffed and swallowed the last of his ale. “You're such a gambler.” Janeway laughed at her friend. Norrian had reminded her of Neelix, and in a way also of Tom Paris, the way he piloted the Lothar. He handled the ship as it was an extension of him, and Janeway had witnessed numerous daredevil stunts that would have impressed her former helmsman aboard Voyager. The thought of her ship, of her old crew, made her heart slow down, and almost come to a halt. She had tracked them, traveled through space on her own, for four years. Every time she thought her journey had brought her closer, she’d been disappointed. Some days she didn’t like the ruthless, goal-oriented person she’d become. Fanatic enough to catch up with Voyager, she’d taken any job, on any vessel, some days losing contact with her inner compass. Space pirates, prison transport, luxury cruisers, no ship were off limits when she signed up, as long as they were moving toward the Alpha Quadrant. Janeway drank the last of her ale in one gulp. The mirror behind the bar described a compact wiry woman with auburn hair. A white tress grew from the left side of her forehead, and she was dressed in a black, leather uniform. The thought of wearing real animal skin had been quite repulsive in the beginning, but now she didn’t care. “Time to head back,” Janeway said and patted Norrian’s shoulder. “I’m going to go by the administrator’s office and then I need to catch a few hours sleep.” Norrian looked concerned. “Don’t get your hopes up too high, Katie,” he said. “I won’t. Don’t worry.” “Oh, Katie.” Norrian shook his head sadly. “I have picked up the pieces too many times not to worry.” _______________________________________________________________
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