lintara2

Standard disclaimers: It's Paramount's not mine, damnit.

Lintaran Slave Laws II

Kathryn Janeway sat at her desk patiently reviewing ships reports. Her attention was completely absorbed, so she was startled when she was paged by Tuvok.

"Go ahead, Tuvok."

"Captain, we have received a hail from the surface. Governor Hiall is requesting to speak to you."

"Patch him through."

Janeway turned to the screen with a smile to greet the Governor.

"Good day to you, Captain." The white haired Lintaran had been a most pleasant host and negotiator during their trade agreements with the Lintarans.

"Good day to you as well, Hiall. What can I do for you today?"

"Actually, Captain, it is I who should be asking you that question?"

"I don't understand."

"Well, Captain, when we negotiated our agreement, I was under the impression that we were able to meet your needs. Imagine my surprise when I discovered we had not done so." The man was clearly showing regret in having failed to meet their needs.

"I assure you that all our needs have been sufficiently met. I don't understand how you came to an alternate assumption."

"Forgive me, Captain, but a recent purchase has brought this to my attention. You see, all slave purchases must be registered immediately. When the purchase of one of our exotic slaves by one of your people, was registered by the dealer, we realized we had neglected your needs. You see, we didn't realize your people condoned slavery. There really aren't that may civilizations that do. Would you care to purchase any other slaves for service aboard your starship?"

The question was asked so innocently that Janeway had to shake herself back to reality. Fury warred with calm as she tried to understand what was going on. "Surely you must be mistaken, Hiall. We have no need of slaves on board Voyager." Her tone was calm, cool, and polite, betraying none of her anger.

"No Captain, I assure you, a purchase was made earlier today by a Harry Kim. Are you sure you wouldn't care to make another purchase?"

"I will consider your offer, Hiall. Would you please send us any data concerning your policies? We certainly wouldn't want violate any customs."

"We would be honored to serve you, Captain. Thank you for your time."

"Your most welcome. A good day to you, Hiall."

"Good day to you, Captain."

Janeway was furious, she couldn't believe that one of her people, much less Harry Kim had participated in a slave purchase. Just as she reached for her combadge, she was hailed.

"Kim to Captain Janeway"

"Janeway here"

"Captain, I've got a problem, and I need to talk to you immediately."

"Meet me in my ready room, Mr. Kim."

"Um, Captain? Could we possibly meet someplace else?"

Janeway's brows rose slightly, and a hint of humor made itself apparent in her response.

"Where would you suggest?"

"Well... Captain, would you consider coming to my quarters? Please?"

"Very well, Ensign." The amusement in her voice was barely concealed. Her anger had drifted away with his hesitance. Besides, she rarely made a decision without looking at all the facts. Walking onto the bridge, Janeway glanced over at Chakotay. "Commander, you're with me. Mr. Tuvok, you have the bridge"

As Chakotay stepped into the turbolift, he noticed the smile Janeway was fighting. "Something amusing, Captain?"

She glanced up at his words and laughter bubbled out. "According to Governor Hiall, young Harry has purchased an exotic slave. He seems somewhat uncomfortable with the situation. He as asked me to meet him in his quarters. It is my assumption that he plans to break the new to me there. You should have heard him requesting me to met him in his quarters. He sounded like he expected me to think he wanted to proposition me."

"Maybe he's planning to." Chakotay's grin was infectious.

Laughter bubbled forth again. "Please, Chakotay, I'm more like his mother than a potential lover. Besides, he wouldn't know how to handle me."

"Are you saying he's not man enough?"

"Maybe, I've never been into little boys. I prefer a man with confidence."

"Is that an invitation, Captain?"

She blinked at him, realizing that their flirtation was bordering on dangerous. Keeping with the mood, and ignoring the light in his eyes, she patted his cheek. "Only in your dreams, Commander."

"And yours, Captain?" He moved forward, cornering her in the lift. Leaning forward slightly, his lips hovered over hers. Their breathing quickened and mingled. *Yes!* As his mouth covered hers, she realized that she had spoken out loud. They were interrupted by the doors of the lift opening.

"Shall we continue this later, Commander?" Mischief twinkled in her eyes. She had wanted a taste of him for years, now, she planned to savor it.

His response was lost as she turned away. They continued to Harry's quarters. Harry answered the door with a nervous expression. He introduced the Captain and Commander to Sera, and proceeded to explain the problem.

After researching the problem, Kathryn Janeway was able to come up with only two possible solutions. The first was to sell the young woman back to her people. The second was to offer Sera asylum. When given a choice, Sera accepted asylum. She didn't understand why these people refused to use her services, but the alternative was unthinkable. As time passed, the young Lintaran was integrated into the crew. She had an affinity for children and quickly assumed responsibility for the growing numbers onboard. Harry retained an infatuation with her. Eventually, the two married.

Fin

My apologies to all those who have waited forever to see the end of this story. I'm afraid she fizzled out on me and I was unable to catch another wave. Also, I couldn't resist a little J/C. Anyway, hope you enjoy.

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