96 hours earlier

“Erowid welcomes you!  Offworlders, we are so pleased you could finally arrive.  We have been waiting many seasons and were growing concerned. That is now all in the past.  With your arrival, the Celebrations can now begin!”

The universal translator was having difficulty capturing the ambassador’s language and properly translating it, resulting in a one second delay between Captain Janeway hearing the speaker and understanding him.  He’d already turned away from her and raised his hands, signaling something akin to fireworks shooting off on both sides of the stage by the time she was finally hearing him commence the Celebrations. Having been in one too many dangerous situations, the booming smoke and noise followed by the unfurling of ten large banners behind them had both she and Chakotay slightly unnerved.  But as everyone in the gathered audience seemed to be cheering with no one fleeing the scene, they chose to take it all in as a good thing.

Ambassador Mreee turned back to them, beaming and making some sort of hooting noise before gesturing for them to precede him off the stage.  An aisle of golden-clad guards had formed at the base of the stairs awaiting them.  Chakotay glanced at his captain and as her official escort offered her his arm. 

She took it and leaned towards him as they walked forward.  “I get the impression they don’t have many visitors here. Many seasons?”

He chuckled.  “Considering we only found out about them a day ago, I’d agree that the ambassador’s speech wasn’t written precisely for us but more for anyone that came along. I guess we give them an excuse to celebrate.”

Their procession forward was slowed as several children approached, giving each of them a flower of varying color and size until they each held a bouquet of five distinctive flowers.  “One for each kingdom.  Just like the banners.”

Chakotay nodded and they watched Ambassador Mreee receive a bouquet of eleven flowers – all gold in color.  “And one for the ruling house.”

As they passed under an awning and out of the sunlight, Mreee joined them, dropping his rather large hands on their shoulders, the stems of his flowers tickling Chakotay’s neck.  “Now that the masses are finished.  We tour and dine.  You will also meet the Sons and Prince Future.  Come, come, follow.”

Again, the ambassador had finished speaking and was already steering them towards a hallway on their left before the translator had completed its rendition.  Kathryn shook her head slightly at the delay.  Eventually, given enough of the language, the translator would overcome the difficulty, but for now it was just going to be something they had to live with.

Two ornate gilded doors opened widely before them, admitting them into an opulent chamber.  Mreee strode before them, his arms spread wide as he indicated colored windows, flags, statues, weapons and paintings.  The translator struggled to keep up, informing the command team of each item as Mreee was already speaking about the next one.  Kathryn was trying to keep the kingdoms straight in her head.  Shades of blue or green usually denoted the Third or Eighth Kingdoms.  Weapons came from the Ninth while more artistic items came from the Fifth.  The Second Kingdom was represented only once, but the dark crimson statue of a formidable-looking warrior was possibly the most striking item in the entire hall. 

Mreee finally turned and waited for them at the end of the hall as the translator finished telling them about the last window decorated with purple glass depicting what looked like a large blanket created by the Seventh Kingdom.  The ambassador looked at them expectantly as the translator finally completed his speech by asking if they had any questions. 

“So, each kingdom takes a turn at ruling over all the kingdoms, and these items represent each particular…era?”  Chakotay asked, in an attempt to summarize the grand hallway.

Thankfully, Mreee kept his answer short by simply nodding.

Kathryn looked again at the single crimson statue compared to the numerous blue or green adornments. “Has the Second Kingdom only ruled once?”

“Erowid’s Second Kingdom has been blessed with many…” the ambassador hesitated, glancing between the two members of the command team before finishing, “queens.”

Kathryn raised an eyebrow and took that to mean that females were not allowed to rule over the kingdoms of Erowid.  She knew the ambassador was aware that she was higher ranking than Chakotay but wondered if that had been conveyed to the ruling families.

“Will the Supreme Ruler negotiate with Captain Janeway for the supplies we requested?”  Chakotay asked, hoping he was making it clear enough to Mreee who would be making the decisions. 

The ambassador waved them off.  “Yes, yes, no problem. Celebrations of your arrival first.  Negotiations later.  Introductions to Sons now.  Come, come, follow.”

Neither of them was convinced by the assurance, but Mreee was already headed towards another door, gesturing for them to follow.  Kathryn’s face had a pinched look that Chakotay understood all too well.  He shrugged and indicated he would follow her lead.  “After you.”

***

Meeting the Sons had not taken long at all.  There had been only nine of them, as apparently the Second Kingdom once again had only a daughter that was considered to be of the proper age.  If appearances were at all comparable to humans, the Sons all appeared to be between the ages of fifteen and twenty.  Each had been wearing clothing associated to their particular kingdom, a few had been adorned in colored robes, and others with pants and jackets or some sort of uniform.  The olive-skinned Son from the Fourth Kingdom had been bare-chested with linen slacks and no shoes.  He had seemed perfectly at ease with his state of dress, so Kathryn didn’t take it as a sign of poverty. All of the Sons had been respectful to both Kathryn and Chakotay, showing no deference to either, but as the ambassador had led them on a stroll through the gardens, pointing out all the flowering plants and their kingdoms of origin, Kathryn couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being closely observed. 

The feeling didn’t leave her as they were escorted into a heavily perfumed lounge area where they were informed they could relax and refresh before dinner.  As soon as they were alone, she hit her comm. badge.  “Janeway to Tuvok.”

“Yes, Captain?”

His immediate reply eased some of the tension she’d been feeling.  She’d half expected her call to go unanswered.  “Report.”

 “We have received approximately one third of the requested supplies at this time. The Erowidian shuttles have been conducting deliveries for the past four hours.”

Chakotay had gotten to his feet and was standing at Janeway’s side. “That’s about the time when the ambassador declared the Celebrations were to begin.”

She hadn’t thought about it, but realized his estimate was accurate. “Tuvok, I haven’t authorized any deliveries.”

The Vulcan hesitated. “My apologies, Captain. Although I had not heard from you directly, I was assured by the ambassador’s aide and a representative of the Supreme Ruler that negotiations had been completed.”

“And what have they requested in return?”

“They have requested nothing, Captain.  I was informed that the command team’s presence during their time of celebration was all that had been required.”

“I wonder how long our presence is required,” Chakotay said, quietly enough that it wouldn’t carry over the comm. line.

“You get that feeling too?” she asked, not feeling at all relieved that they were both suspicious.

“Captain,” Tuvok’s voice carried over the comm. line, “shall I make arrangements to return the supplies?”

The supplies had been badly needed and if she knew B’Elanna at all, four hours had been more than enough for the engineer to have already made use of some of them.  “No.  Not yet, but don’t use any more of them until I contact you again.  I’m going to talk to the ambassador and clarify our situation. Janeway out.”

“Now we know why the ambassador wasn’t concerned about negotiating with you,” Chakotay quipped.

“Well, he should be now,” Kathryn muttered, striding for the door. “I don’t appreciate being uninformed.”

The door slid open at her approach but she hadn’t needed to go very far.  The ambassador’s aide was waiting for her right outside the door.  He bowed deeply.  “How may I assist you?”

“I need to speak with Ambassador Mreee.”

“He is meeting with the Supreme Ruler at this time. I cannot inform him of your need until conclusion.  May I assist you?” he asked again.

“Were you the one who spoke with my ship and arranged for the transport of supplies?”

“As soon as your arrival heralded the commencement of Celebrations, it was our duty to reciprocate. Has there been miscommunication?”

The universal translator had problems with the last word and Kathryn wasn’t entirely sure miscommunication was the word the aide had intended.  “What is expected of us in exchange for your supplies?”

The aide appeared flustered.  “Without your presence, the Celebrations would not have begun. We would still be in the time of Stasis. Once begun, it cannot be stopped.”

“What can’t be stopped?” Chakotay asked.  “The Celebrations?”

The aide nodded.

“What are you celebrating?”

“The end of Stasis.”

Kathryn almost growled that the entire explanation was in stasis when a new voice joined the conversation.

“Perhaps instead of showing you flowers, the ambassador should have explained our world to you.”

Kathryn and Chakotay both turned to look at the newcomer, but the aide bowed low, backing several paces away until he was on the opposite side of the hall.  The adult Erowid male that had joined them was dressed in copper and bronze tones that deeply accented his dark hair and skin contrasting him starkly to the fair skin of the ambassador and his aide.  He gave them a slight smile before addressing the aide.  “You may leave.”

The aide hesitated only briefly before bowing again and quickly departing down the hall.  The man watched him go before returning his attention to the command team.  He smiled again.  “I’m sure to hear about this later, but as the Celebrations have already begun there is not much they can do.”  He placed his hand to his chest.  “My name is Sevrn.  I am the Prince Future.  We are not scheduled to meet until later, but I know Mreee to be a great ambassador.  Speak much and say nothing.” 

Kathryn inclined her head.  “It is an honor to meet you, Prince Future.  I’m Captain Kathryn Janeway,” she said, knowing he probably already knew but introductions gave her an opening. “Allow me to introduce my first officer, Commander Chakotay.”

Sevrn again placed his hand against his chest as he faced Chakotay. He then took a step towards the lounge area and sniffed disdainfully at the heavily-perfumed air.  “Let us adjourn to my quarters instead.”  As they walked down the hall, he gestured to their shoulders.  “You wear the colors of the Second Kingdom, Captain. The Queen will like you.  I assume Mreee showed you the Hall of Kings? Did you see the statue of King Barnerum?  A fierce warrior.  The Queen is his direct descendant, but by many generations. And you, Commander, you wear the clothing of a Second Son, but like me, your true colors show you to be from the Sixth Kingdom.  Perhaps you are of a distant relation?”

Sevrn did not speak quickly, but he also did not allow time for them to respond in any protracted way.  Kathryn got the distinct impression that this was entirely on purpose as they passed many people in the hallway.  As Voyager’s leader, Kathryn knew all too well that when in public there was always someone listening. Walking beside her, Chakotay seemed to have caught on as well.  When given the chance, he asked the Prince Future simple questions about the lands and waters of the Sixth Kingdom instead of questions that could illuminate anything of a political nature.   

“Ah, here we are.”  Sevrn opened a wide set of doors at the end of a long system of halls. “My current home.” He toed off his shoes and settled easily into an overstuffed chair.  “Please, be seated.  I am not Supreme Ruler yet.  We need not be quite so formal. Would you like anything to drink?”

A servant placed a tray of beverages on the low table between them and Kathryn accepted one, holding it in her lap. “As Prince Future, are you the next in line to be the Supreme Ruler?”

“Yes.” Sevrn waited until the room had cleared of servants before answering further.  “The Celebrations are the end of Stasis. On the Fourth Horizon, I will become Supreme Ruler, a new Prince Future will be anointed, and the Sons of my Ascension will take charge of their respective kingdoms.”

Kathryn and Chakotay exchanged a look.  “And our arrival precipitated all of that?”

Sevrn nodded.  “When Offworlders arrive, it signals Erowid’s time to change.  In the past it has usually worked out that a Supreme Ruler and his selected Queen serve for five seasons, give or take a season or two.  Your arrival was a bit later than usual.  I have been Prince Future longer than any Son before me.” He smirked. “I was beginning to think you’d never get here.”

“Our apologies,” Chakotay offered wryly. “How long have you served as Prince Future?”

“Our thirteenth season starts in a dozen horizons.”  He sipped his drink, frowned and leaned forward to add a pinch of pale green powder to it.  “Now, perhaps you understand why we are so happy to see you and eager to reciprocate to your ship.  We are fortunate to have been blessed with a wise Supreme Ruler during this long time of Stasis, but Erowids are not used to such lengths of rule. Even the Ruler himself wishes to return to his kingdom and be blessed with his own Son.”  He glanced at Kathryn.  “Or daughter.”

Kathryn didn’t even bother with the comment. She was just thankful Sevrn spoke more slowly than the ambassador, giving the translator better time to repeat him. “So the supplies arriving at our ship? You want nothing in exchange for those?”

For the first time since arriving in his quarters, Sevrn’s expression seemed to close off.  “Your arrival and participation in the Celebrations is payment enough.”

“So far our participation in the Celebrations has included an onstage introduction to the citizens of Erowid, and we’ve been told about the feast this evening,” Chakotay said.  “What other participation will be expected of us?”

The Prince Future set his drink down on the table, a frown forming between his eyes.  “Tell me, how did you happen to come across our planet?”

“A trader named Aldon.  His ship was sending out a distress signal, and he didn’t seem to be much of an engineer. We were able to affect a small repair for him.  He told us of your planet and suggested that we could negotiate for supplies here,” Kathryn explained. 

Sevrn nodded, closing his eyes.  “And how is it that the two of you specifically came to the surface?”

“When we approached orbit, we received a communication from the ambassador welcoming us.  Mreee indicated that the Supreme Ruler and his queen would only negotiate with offworlders of equal standing.”

“And you are the highest ranking male and female on the ship?” Sevrn clarified.

“Yes, I’m the captain. He’s my first officer.”

Sevrn looked between the two of them.  “You are not…mated?”

“No,” Kathryn replied, hoping that the translator had not misinterpreted the last word.  “Is that a problem?”

The Prince Future was quiet for several moments.  “No.”  He got to his feet, causing them to do the same.  “Ruling relationships are built on far less sometimes, but if you’ll excuse me, I do need to speak with the Supreme Ruler and ensure he is aware that there have been some…misunderstandings regarding your participation.”  He gestured to the doors through which they entered.  “My aide will see you back to the lounge.  I will see you at this evening’s feast and look forward to speaking to you more then.”

He inclined his head in their direction and left the room through a side door.  The front doors opened, and the aide waited for them to join him.  Chakotay offered to let Kathryn go first.  As she passed him, he said, “One day, Kathryn, we’ll learn to answer that question differently.”

***

The feast was designed to be exactly the elaborate affair that Kathryn had envisioned, and despite the discomfort, she was glad she and Chakotay had changed into dress uniforms.  They still looked underdressed comparatively, but it was the best they had to offer while still staying in uniform. And until they were assured that Kathryn would be treated as an equal, they had no intention of giving up her military edge. 

Aside from themselves, there were ten other couples in attendance, each kingdom having sent their ruling king and queen.  The ruling couple from the Second Kingdom approached and embraced them almost immediately.  Eventually several other couples joined their conversation and by glancing around, Kathryn noticed that each of the five queens surrounding her were adorned with some sort of crimson jewelry despite wearing gowns of whatever other color signified their kingdom.

“I was under the impression that only the Second Kingdom was represented in red,” she commented. 

The First Kingdom’s queen laid her hand gently on Kathryn’s arm.  “Surely, you’ve heard that while the Second Kingdom may not lay claim to many Supreme Rulers, we do hold the edge in producing queens.”

“I have been told that, but I guess until now I didn’t quite realize what the ambassador meant.”

 “Daughters of the Second Kingdom are generally found to have very calm personalities.”

“A stabilizing influence in opposition to our sometimes rather aggressive husbands has averted many a conflict.”

Kathryn nodded in understanding, grateful they were speaking one at a time, making it easier for the translator to compensate.

The Sixth Kingdom’s queen swirled the drink in her glass.  “It’s very ingenious of you to wear the Supreme Queen’s colors.  She will be more inclined to show you favor in the coming horizons.”

“How many horizons of celebrations should I be expecting?” Kathryn asked, wondering not for the first time how long the Celebrations lasted. With the abrupt departure of the Prince Future earlier, she and Chakotay had still not been given a clear idea of what was expected of them.

The queen gave Kathryn a curious look but then looked past her and rolled her eyes, indicating with her chin that Kathryn should turn around.  Ambassador Mreee, dressed garishly in gold and silver robes, was approaching the gathered nobles and command team.  “Greetings, greetings everyone!” He gestured to the long table behind him.  “If everyone would please gather at their chairs, the Prince Future will arrive followed by the Supreme Ruler and his queen.  Offworlders, if you would follow me please?”

Chakotay extended his arm to Kathryn, and they followed the ambassador to the head of the table.  Mreee indicated the two seats on the left end of the table and attempted to maneuver Chakotay in to taking the chair on the end, closest to where the Supreme Ruler and the Queen would sit.  To once again reinforce the idea that Kathryn was the higher ranking officer, he and Kathryn exchanged seats after Mreee had taken his position behind his own chair across from where Chakotay would now sit.  The ambassador did not look pleased, but as a trill of chimes announced the arrival of Prince Future Sevrn, there wasn’t much he could do about it.

Sevrn entered, circling the table and greeting each of the kings in turn, some of whom it was obvious he was friendlier with than others.  Reaching Voyager’s Command team, he was much more formal than when they had met him earlier, but he did manage a quick smirk towards Mreee when he saw where Janeway was intending to sit.  He inclined his head to the captain and took his place across the table from her.

Heavier, deep bells sounded, announcing the arrival of the Supreme Ruler and Queen.  Unlike the Prince Future, the stately couple walked directly to their seats, acknowledging no one at the table until they sat down.  Then everyone else joined them, seating themselves and immediately breaking into conversations. 

The Supreme Queen immediately reached over to clasp Kathryn’s arm.  “I am so glad you could finally arrive.  Good fortune smiles on my family and yours now.”  She sat back again, giving Kathryn a wink.  “Husband, did you happen to notice how finely dressed our distinguished guests are?”

Apparently the Supreme Ruler hadn’t paid any attention at all to what they’d been wearing, but upon having their red uniforms pointed out to him, he frowned at his wife.  “Did you put them up to this?”

The Queen laughed, obviously amused at his reaction.  “Heavens, no.  These are her colors.  I’ve never seen them before now, but I must say I definitely approve.”

The Supreme Ruler wore clothing of gold fabric, but Kathryn noticed his wrist cuff and two rings were all a deep purple and she thought she finally understood.  Gold was the color for the Supreme Ruler, but prior to being anointed, he had been a Son of the Seventh Kingdom. 

“I shall send jewelry from my home to you tomorrow,” the Queen announced to Kathryn.  “I know you’ll be wearing clothing of a darker material at tomorrow night’s feast, but you can still have a hint of color.”

“Forgive me, but why will I be wearing darker clothing tomorrow?” Kathryn asked.

“It’s only fair,” the Queen replied after a moment’s hesitation.

Another chime sounded before Kathryn could ask her to elaborate, and servers began to enter the great hall, carrying trays upon trays of food.  Plates were placed in front of the Supreme Ruler and the Queen first, and Kathryn was surprised to see that the main servers were the nine Sons of the Kingdoms. 

The Prince Future saw her surprise and explained. “It helps them learn to work together.  As future rulers of their kingdoms, they must be able to help each other.”  He indicated the rest of the table.  “Prior to being anointed Supreme Ruler, the King worked with each of these fine men in service and in his Ascension.”  A couple of the closest kings heard him and raised their glasses in salute.  He responded in kind.   “When I am Supreme Ruler, my kingdoms will be ruled by those with whom I trained.  The bonds we created while serving as young men will hold us close as allies.”

“How long do you train together?” Chakotay asked.

Sevrn glanced at the Supreme Ruler before answering.  “Sons arrive here in training when they become of age.  They train together throughout each Stasis.” He laughed lightly as he accepted a prepared plate. “These young men are also among the relieved that you have finally arrived. The Celebrations signal the end of their training.  This will be the final meal they serve together.”  He indicated that the command team should look behind them.  “Tell them which foods you would like to try, and they will serve you.”

“Try the pheasant.  It is a delicacy from my home,” the Queen suggested to Kathryn.  “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

Kathryn tried getting the servers to simply fix what they thought best but they looked aghast at the suggestion and she ended up randomly picking a few items, being sure to include the pheasant.  She wasn’t sure what Chakotay was going to eat as most of the dishes seemed to involve meat of some sort.  He caught her eye and just shrugged.  Although he preferred vegetarian, it wasn’t as though he hadn’t eaten meat before.

“Be sure and season that food well,” the Supreme Ruler barked at the servers before jabbing his eating utensil in Chakotay’s direction. “What about you, sir?  You have the look of the Sixth Kingdom and yet you wear her colors.  Does your society encourage this intersecting of lineages?”

Sevrn looked agitated, frowning at the servers, but he remained quiet as Chakotay began explaining that, in their society, officers in the command structure wore the red uniform.  Plates heaped with food were set in front of Kathryn and Chakotay, and for a moment, her attention wavered from the conversation.  The universal translator was still slightly delayed and seemed to be getting worse as multiple conversations in the hall began to slow down its process.  There would be no overhearing interesting tidbits of conversation this night.  To simply maintain a single conversation, she had to concentrate on the translation. 

Using the utensils provided, she took a bite of the pheasant and found that the Queen had not been exaggerating.  It was indeed a delicacy that seemed to simply burst with flavor in her mouth.  She nudged Chakotay in the side, indicating he should definitely try it.  When she looked up to compliment the Queen, she caught Sevrn frowning at her.  He locked gazes with her for a moment before looking away again and being drawn into conversation with Mreee.  She wished she could ask him about it and made a mental note to do so after the meal.

After what seemed like hours of dining, the Supreme Ruler pushed himself to his feet, gesturing for everyone to stay seated.  “Now, I think it’s time for a toast.”

Immediately, the Sons placed tall, narrow glasses made of color-shifting crystal in front of each person at the table.  A golden liquid was poured into the Supreme Ruler’s flute and the Queen’s. 

“It’s been a long generation for us, but tonight we begin the Celebrations that will end our time of Stasis.” He leaned over and poured his drink into Sevrn’s flute. 

Kathryn was surprised to see the Queen do the same by pouring her drink into Kathryn’s glass.  For a moment, she worried that it was some sort of bonding ceremony between her and Sevrn, but then he poured the contents into Mreee’s glass. The Queen gently nudged Kathryn to follow suit and send the contents down the length of the table by pouring hers into Chakotay’s glass.  The Supreme Ruler was still toasting, but everyone at the table watched as the golden liquid made its way down to the end of the table where the rulers seated there exchanged glasses across the table and then sent the liquid on its way back up the table.  Within moments, Chakotay was pouring into Kathryn’s glass and she received the slight nod from the Queen before pouring it into her glass. 

“To the end of Stasis!” the Supreme Ruler finished, and he and the Queen both drained their glasses. All the rulers at the table cheered and the Sons stepped forward to fill everyone’s glasses with the golden liquid.  “To Sevrn the Prince Future!”  Everyone cheered and drank; the glasses were refilled.  “To the Offworlders!” The cheers were louder, and again the glasses needed to be refilled.  “To the Kingdoms’ Sons!”

At the third toast, Kathryn tried just taking a sip of the deliciously sweet liquid, but the Queen noticed and indicated she should finish the drink. The fourth toast sent warmth spreading through her entire body as she, against her better judgment, downed the contents of the glass. The fifth and sixth toasts were offered up by the Queen and Sevrn and oddly enough she didn’t feel bad about drinking to them at all.  She felt Chakotay nudge her in the side, indicating she was to offer up the seventh toast. She hailed Voyager and heard everyone cheer although she wondered if they had any idea what she had said. It sounded as though Chakotay commended her as captain for the eighth toast, and she was glad to feel the support of his free hand resting at the small of her back.  As there were ten kingdoms, there had to be ten toasts, but Kathryn could’ve been put in front of a board of admirals and she wouldn’t have been able to answer a single question regarding the final two toasts.

She leaned into Chakotay’s side and sincerely hoped he was handling the golden liquid better than she was. 

 

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