Almost Robin Hood

By Dee Price


Disclaimer: Paramount owns it all but we fans like to play with their characters.


Chakotay felt extremely embarrassed. Voyager was in orbit overhead and several of the crew, including himself, Tuvok, Ensign Kim and Captain Janeway had beamed down to see about executing a trade agreement with the natives. The problem was this planet was similar to old style England and dressed according to those times. Consequently they had beamed down in similar attire.

Captain Janeway, dressed in a floor length and full body dress, smiled at Chakotay as she walked up.

"Captain," he said, "I feel very foolish in these tights."

"Oh I don't know, Chakotay," she purred as her eyes strayed downward. "I think you look . . . magnificent."

"Kathryn! Please, I feel conspicuous enough without you staring at these pants."

That's not what I was staring at, she muttered to herself. Then aloud she said, "You look very dashing Chakotay, almost like that legendary fellow, Robin Hood." Turning, she looked at Harry, who was dressed in the similar green attire, and unlike Chakotay, quite proud of himself, and Tuvok, who was dressed like a Friar.

"Let's go gentlemen. Town is in this direction," and they started down the road and Chakotay deliberately stayed behind Tuvok's flowing robe.

Soon they reached the edge of town. A man wearing a strange and shiny uniform, stepped into the middle of the road and holding a lance across his chest, said, "Halt and identify yourselves."

"I'm . . . Maid Marian," said Janeway suddenly not sure of this situation and thinking of the Robin Hood tales.

"The man looked at her suspiciously, then at the rest. "You let a woman speak first? You there in the back," he said indicating Chakotay, "Who are you? You look like the leader of this motley group. Step forward and identify yourself."

Chakotay meekly stepped forward after taking Kathryn's raised eyebrow as an order, said, "My name is Robin Hood and these," he said indicating Tuvok and Harry, "are my men, Friar Tuck and Little John."

Harry's eyes opened wide. "Little? I do believe I'm as big as you are Cha . . . Robin." Both the Captain and Chakotay frowned and Harry said no more.

"What is it you wish? Speak, don't dawdle!" roared the man in the shiny suit.

"We wish to go into town to see about food, sire," said Chakotay. "But tell me, aren't you uncomfortable wearing all that metal?"

"Metal? I am a Knight I'll have you know, and guarding the entrance to this village. You will address me as Sir Geoffrey, not sire."

"What's a Knight, Tuvok," whispered Harry.

"Silence! Let your leader speak," bellowed Sir Geoffrey. Turning to Chakotay he said, "I have not seen you before. From where do you hail?"

"We hail from . . . yonder through this forest. We have traveled far and are quite hungry."

"Is this outspoken Maid Marian your wench, Robin Hood?" asked the Knight.

As Kathryn's mouth dropped open in protest, Chakotay began to enjoy this little caper and immediately stepped to her before she could sputter out her indignity, and putting his arm firmly around her pulled her tight to him said "Yes, this is my wench, and I warn you not to lay a hand on her Sir Geoffrey, else I will be forced to fight you!"

Sir Geoffrey threw his head back and laughed so hard his face visor slammed shut, emitting a muffled roar. After opening it he said, "Advance then Robin Hood and seek your food, but I warn you, there are many thieves in yonder village. You must be wary."

"I assure you we will take every precaution, Sir Geoffrey and thank you." As the group started walking toward the village and while Chakotay began walking with a cocky bounce in his step and a large smile on his face, Kathryn sputtered in indignation, unable to put a coherent sentence together for several steps.

Finally she muttered. "Don't look so smug Chakotay. Just remember you are only the leader as long as we are on this planet."

Chakotay chuckled. "I think I asked you once if you would serve under me. Now I guess we will discover the answer." As Janeway stopped and put her hands on her hips Chakotay clamped his mouth shut. "I'm just having a little fun, Captain."

As they entered the village square they noticed the buildings themselves were like pictures of old England. Spotting a merchant they walked to his stall and while Chakotay examined his wares, Tuvok and Captain Janeway looked around the area.

"It appears quite antiquated, Captain," said Tuvok quietly.

"Agreed," she whispered. "It doesn't look like we will find the supplies B'Elanna needs, nor much in the line of foodstuffs."

Janeway turned and saw Harry surreptitiously holding his TriCorder toward their left.

"Anything, Mr. Kim?" she whispered.

"I'm getting a strange reading, Captain. This planet is definitely Pre warp, but I can't make heads or tails of this reading."

Chakotay turned to the group with some fruit and after giving one to each said very low, "Something's not right here Captain. I think all these people are not what they seem . . . it's like they are acting . . . a stage play or something."

"I agree Chakotay. Harry is getting suspicious readings by that building. Let's head that way, but everyone walk slow and be friendly."

The foursome sauntered through the square, stopping at various stalls, smiling at people who smiled at them, and gradually made their way towards the area indicated by Harry's TriCorder.

After checking to see if anyone was looking they quickly stepped inside the building, and then stood there in open-mouthed amazement. The room was obviously a storehouse of some kind and filled with barrels, stacked to the ceiling in some spots. Harry walked to one and looked at the Captain with a smile.

"This is the strange reading I was getting, Captain. The material make-up of these barrels is unknown."

"The TriCorder doesn't recognize the metal? I wonder what it can be?" She peered down at the barrel and then frowned. "They are all sealed, too. I wonder what's in them?"

"This might give you an answer, Captain," said Tuvok from the other side of the room.

Hurrying quickly to him she stared in amazement then said, "You didn't open this barrel Tuvok?"

"No, Captain, it was already open, I merely looked in it."

Chakotay reached in and pulled out a Gel Pack, while Harry whistled softly and said, "Captain, the TriCorder shows Gel Packs, Conduits, Sensor Relays and Circuit Boards in this barrel alone. This is all material used in space ships."

"Indeed, Mr. Kim. So the question is, why are they hiding this material, and if they are Warp capable, have they a ship somewhere or only have the materials for it - and the big puzzle, why don't our sensors read this?"

"Obviously our sensors do not read it because of the metal content of the barrel Captain," said Tuvok.

"Gentlemen, I think we best get back to the ship and discuss what we have discovered. Voyager," she said as she pressed her Com badge, "four to beam up." The four were lost in a twinkling of lights just seconds before the door opened and two men stepped in.

"I don't see anyone. Are you sure you saw those strangers come in here?"

"I know I did! I don't understand where they could have gone, Sir Martin."

"Well obviously no one is here. I think you have imbibed too much this morning, Sir Paul."

"I swear to you I haven't had a nip yet," exclaimed Sir Paul. "I just don't understand . . . well they couldn't have seen anything and if they didn't see anything then they don't know anything, and if they don't know anything then they are not suspicious of anything, right?"

Sir Martin stared at Sir Paul a moment, and then shook his head.

"Now I know you have imbibed -- you are talking nonsense! Come, let's get back to the Square and continue our play."

* * * * *

On Voyager, the Senior Staff sat quietly in the Ready Room after hearing the explanation of what happened on the planet, while Janeway paced, her mind trying to decipher the events.

Stopping she looked out the window a moment, hands on hips, and then turned to the staff. "Sensors still don't show anything, yet we saw equipment indicating a Warp capable society. Obviously the rest of those barrels contained more. Why are they hiding that fact and why are they dressed as if in 12th Century England? Any answers people?"

"Perhaps it is a mystery we shall never know Captain," offered Tuvok.

"I agree with Tuvok. They are hiding that information, which tells me we should just leave and forget it - go on to the next planet," said Chakotay.

Janeway started shaking her head and waving a hand in the air. "No, there has to be some explanation and I'd like to find out what the answer is."

Chakotay smiled. "Your scientific curiosity is getting the best of you again, Captain."

"You know what they say, Captain," said B'Elanna with a smile. "Curiosity killed the cat."

Janeway smiled and was quiet a moment, then suddenly stood straight. "We are going to go back down there and try to find out what's going on. They do have equipment we can use, and that's worth the risk."

"Need I remind you, Captain," started Tuvok.

"I know, I know, Tuvok, the Prime Directive. But they are a Warp capable society which allows us to talk to them."

"Not if they haven't developed it Captain," Tuvok persisted.

"Tuvok is right, Captain. I still feel something isn't right down there. I don't believe it would be safe to make a second trip," said Chakotay softly.

Janeway, her stubbornness mounting, shook her head.

"No, I want answers. Chakotay, Tuvok and Harry, the three of us will go back down dressed as before." She then chuckled. "You get to wear those tights again you like so well Commander." Chakotay groaned and Harry grinned in delight.

Tom smirked as they all walked out of the room and added, "Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Remember they stole from the rich and gave to the poor. So steal some of those Gel Packs for us, Chakotay."

* * * * *

The four materialized in the same area and started walking towards the city. It was late afternoon now and this time the men had Phasers hidden under their clothing.

As before, the Knight Sir Geoffrey called them to a halt.

"Halt, stop and identify yourselves . . . oh it's you again is it Robin Hood? Forget something?"

"Actually no, we just haven't found what we were looking for and thought we would try again," said Chakotay softly.

"And what is it you are looking for?" asked Sir Geoffrey.

Chakotay's mind worked furiously. "Well as you can see, Sir Geoffrey, we do not have any bows and arrows and we are looking for a specific wood to replenish our supply. As we are new to this area possibly one of your craftsmen can help us in the matter."

Sir Geoffrey frowned, and Chakotay began to feel nervous about his suspicions.

"Very well, you may pass. But you must pass back this way this time. I do not recall seeing you leave earlier."

"I'm sorry we went out the other end of town. I didn't realize we must leave the same way we entered," he responded. "You shall see us later," and he gave the Knight a big smile and they started for the village.

As they walked Harry would periodically drop back then hurry and catch up. Finally Janeway stopped and said, "Harry what is the matter? Now keep up with us."

"Sorry Captain," he said, "But these tights keep riding up on me," then his face turned scarlet.

Chakotay smirked. "It serves you right for wearing a size too small, Harry."

"Indeed, Commander," said Tuvok with a straight face, causing Chakotay to chuckle.

Janeway just smiled and started for the village, while at the same time acknowledging it was hard not to keep looking at Chakotay. Seeing him in tights was eliciting some body heat on her part, reaction she thought she had long since subdued.

Upon entering the village Chakotay made a point of asking for a craftsman knowledgeable of all wood in the area. They were sent to several different men but managed to be dissatisfied and kept working their way towards the building housing the barrels, until at last they slipped unobserved in the door.

"Captain wouldn't it have been simpler to just ask to meet the head person instead of skulking around," asked Chakotay as they kept examining the barrels.

"Maybe," mumbled Janeway as she picked at the lid of a barrel. Suddenly she jerked her hand back. "Damn, I broke a nail!"

"Captain," said Tuvok, "All barrels are sealed, so I suggest we move back outside before we are caught, and then you won't have cause to break anymore fingernails."

Kathryn, looking forlornly at the finger, nodded her head. "I suppose you're right as usual Mr. Tuvok. Let's get back outside gentlemen."

Just as they stepped outside they saw two men walking in their direction. "You there, stop what you are doing!" called out one of the men.

"We better run for it Captain. We can't explain our skulking around now," said Harry and as an instinctive reaction they all started running, ran right past the two men and into the square.

"Stop those two!" called out one of the men, but everyone was so startled they just turned and stared at the three men and one woman, who was holding her dress up to her knees so she could move.

They raced out of town and past the Knight a few meters before veering into the woods. Shouts from behind did not allow them to tarry so they ran, jumped and twisted through the trees.

At one point the shouts behind them finally sounded fainter and as Chakotay slowed and started to leap over a fallen tree, his foot slipped, causing him to land astraddle the tree. His face blanched, his eyes rolled back and with a moan he collapsed to the ground and curled up in a fetal position on the other side. Kathryn, running behind because of her dress, crawled over the log and looked down at him.

"Chakotay, what happened? Are you all right?"

"I'll be fine in a few minutes, Kathryn," he said in a high-pitched voice.

"What's wrong with your voice?" she asked.

"I'll be all right, I just sort of hurt myself when I landed straddling that tree," he squeaked.

Kathryn's eyes widened as she realized what happened. The sound of the chasing villagers grew louder and Kathryn said, "I'm sorry Chakotay but you'll just have to suck it up, we have to catch up with Tuvok and Harry," and she turned and started running

"Easy for you to say," squeaked Chakotay, as he struggled to his feet and tried to run after Kathryn, albeit never quite in an upright position, and all the while pressing his groin with one hand trying to stop the pain.

At last they arrived where Tuvok and Harry were waiting, and after listening a bit realized the sounds of the chasing villagers were no longer apparent.

Tuvok, noting Chakotay's position, inquired, "Is something the matter Commander?"

All it took Harry was one glance, and he started grinning. "Tuvok, haven't you ever . . .?"

"That's enough gentlemen," interrupted the Captain. "Let's concentrate on the business at hand," all the while unable to keep her eyes off Chakotay's groin, who was now trying to . . . uhm, massage the pain away.

At that moment a large group of men appeared and encircled the foursome. "Well, well," said one dirty and disheveled man who stepped forward. "Look what we have here," and he moved to Janeway and put a hand on her cheek.

"Leave her alone," squealed Chakotay, causing Tuvok to look at him with an upraised eyebrow, and then suddenly realizing the problem, jerked his head upright and stared straight ahead.

"What's that you say," growled the man as he looked at Chakotay. "Are you telling me to leave this wench alone?"

"Yes, that's what I'm saying," retorted Chakotay, desperately trying to add a deep bass to the tone of his voice and straightening his posture as much as he could.

"I suppose this is your wench. But there are three of you and only one woman. Do you take turns with her?" he asked.

"You bastard!" shouted Chakotay and lunged for the man only to be clubbed on the side of the head by one of his cohorts, and fell to the ground unconscious. As Tuvok and Harry started to react to this act of violence, they were grabbed and held while the rest of the group beat them. Meanwhile the leader held Kathryn and laughed at her struggles.

Some thirty minutes later, according to Tuvok's logical brain, the three men regained consciousness and looked around. There was an eerie silence and Captain Janeway was nowhere to be seen.

"Chakotay to Paris."

The disembodied voice of Tom was heard. "Paris here.
"
"Paris we've run into some trouble and the Captain is missing. Run a scan and see if you can locate her anywhere near these coordinates. Also keep the shields up full strength and be prepared for anything."

"Right - shields at full strength. We are scanning now, Chakotay . . . hold on a minute. Okay sensors show her about 3 kilometers from where you are. Do you want us to transport?"

"No," said Chakotay. "The natives are pre-warp. Is the Captain all right?"

"She appears unharmed. What happened anyway?"

"Long story Paris. Keep your sensors locked on all three of us; we may need your help. Chakotay out." He looked at Tuvok who was operating his TriCorder during this contact with Voyager and nodded his head.

"I believe I have found their trail, Commander," and the three men started off in that direction.

After a long arduous walk the kidnapper's position was noted to be nearby and the three became cautious in their approach. At last they reached the encampment and squatted down behind some foliage. The Captain was seen tied to a tree while the group of men sat drinking from an animal skin type flask.

"What are we going to do Commander," whispered Harry.

"Well there are ten of them and three of us. With a wide span on our Phasers that isn't any problem, except . . ."and he hesitated and waited for Tuvok to interrupt.

"Except that would be violating the Prime Directive, Commander," stated Tuvok, making Chakotay smile.

"So that means we have to use some other means to get the Captain back," he said quietly. Motioning for the others to follow him, they crawled a few meters back into the forest and once behind a large tree, Chakotay tapped his Com Badge and whispered, "Paris, are you there?"

On Voyager, Paris frowned. Chakotay was whispering . . . was there a problem? "Right here Chakotay," he said softly.

"Good, we need three bows and quivers full of arrows as well as steel knives of this era replicated and sent down."

"Understood, we'll get right on it. Is everything okay?" he asked in his own whispered voice.

"We found the Captain, but there are ten men and as we can't use our Phasers, we need other means. Hurry it up, Paris. Chakotay out."

Tuvok nodded. "Good thinking Commander, but without practice how efficient will we be with those bows and arrows?"

"First things first, Tuvok, but as long as they don't molest the Captain maybe we have time to practice a little."

A short time later Paris told them the equipment was ready. Chakotay had him wait until they moved farther from the camp to prevent the whine of the Transporter being heard. At last they had the bows and arrows and as Tuvok handled one and tried pulling on the bowstring he nodded acceptance. "These will suffice," he said.

Harry held his bow up and pulled at the string. He could barely move it. "Geez these are tight," he muttered. "I'm not that weak."

"Use an arrow, Mr. Kim, and pull the arrow and string back to the center of your nose," advised Tuvok.

Harry nodded, notched an arrow and after bringing the bow up, pulled back on the string as hard as he could. The string slipped from his fingers and the arrow fell to his feet. He looked at it in chagrin, and then looked up, finding both Chakotay and Tuvok staring at him.

"Come on guys, it's my first time, I'll learn," he said in a mortified voice.

Harry tried ten more times, but the farthest he shot an arrow was about a weak five meters.

"I think, Mr. Kim," said Tuvok, "You are going to be a detriment to this exercise and I suggest to you Commander, you find something else for him to do. Shooting an arrow takes a skill it seems obvious Mr. Kim does not possess."

Chakotay had been practicing himself and was surprised at how quickly the skill came back to him. He had not used a bow and arrow since barely a teenager and then only once. He noted Tuvok was quickly picking up the necessary skill also.

Looking at Harry, Chakotay nodded. "It appears that way. Sorry Harry we'll figure out something else for you."

"But I can learn it," Harry wailed as he tugged down on his tights.

Chakotay smirked. "Maybe the tights have sapped your strength, Harry, but we don't have anymore time. Let's get back to where they are holding the Captain," and after retrieving all arrows they stealthily made their way back to the kidnappers camp.

The Captain was still tied to the tree, but her head was down as if asleep. The gang of men now had a fire going and it appeared some were preparing to bed down for the evening, while others were still eating.

"They look a little drunk," said Chakotay. "Maybe when it gets dark and they go to sleep we can slip in and get the Captain."

"That might be a possibility unless . . ." At that moment Harry sneezed, causing horrified looks on both Chakotay and Tuvok's faces and eliciting activity in the camp.

"Damn it Harry," said Chakotay. "Okay we just have to brazen it out. Follow me." Rising, he smiled at the gang leader as he started walking forward, his hands out to his sides.

"Greetings. We meet again."

The leader stood with his hands on his hips. "Aye. Looks like we didn't do you or your friends any damage," he said.

"Well I don't know about my friends, but I know I have a wicked headache," said Chakotay still smiling and trying to appear friendly. He glanced over at Kathryn and saw she was now looking at them. Nodding to her he said, "Maid Marian, are you all right? They haven't hurt you have they?"

Kathryn shook her head. "Only my pride Cha . . . Robin Hood. Are you here to claim me again as your wench?"

"Of course," he said emphatically as he looked back at the leader. "Look, Maid Marian is my wench, you stole her from me and I demand to have her back. Can we do this in a civil manner?"

"She's our wench now Robin Hood. We have her, which makes her ours," he said with a smile.

"Look Mr . . . How may I address you?" asked Chakotay.

"My name is Thomas and I am the leader of this group."

"All right Thomas, can we make a deal on getting Maid Marian back?" asked Chakotay.

"Deal? The only way would be in an arrangement involving a fight. Winner takes the wench and I warn you I am very good with my fists."

"I'm afraid that is not acceptable," said Chakotay. "I will not fight you. Is there some other way?"

Thomas stared at Robin, then noting the bow in his hand and the quiver of arrows slung on his back, smiled. "Are you good with that bow, Robin?"

"Yes I am," smiled Chakotay.

"Good because you will have a chance to prove it and provide us with entertainment." He then called the men together a short distance away and they talked excitedly for a few moments. At last Thomas walked back to them as two of the men headed for the Captain and brought her to her feet.

Thomas smiled at Chakotay, then glanced at one of the men rifling through a knapsack. "Come on Daniel, hurry it up!" Daniel suddenly straightened and threw something to Thomas, who upon catching it started tossing it up and down in his hand. It was a bright red apple.

"You good at target shooting Robin?"

"Of course," lied Chakotay. "Place that apple on a stump and I'll show you."

Thomas immediately turned and tossed the apple to one of the men holding the Captain, looked back at Chakotay and said, "The apple will be placed on the wench's head. Shoot it off and you get her back, miss and . . . well, you bury her."

Chakotay looked shocked, Harry gasped and Tuvok almost sprained his neck he turned so fast to look at Chakotay.

"I can do that, I'm Robin Hood, after all," Chakotay said trying to appear calm.

Tuvok immediately stepped in front of Chakotay, his back to Thomas and said quietly, "Need I remind you, it was William Tell who shot an apple off his son's head, NOT Robin Hood."

Chakotay's eye's widened and he saw Harry standing there nodding his head in agreement with Tuvok.

"Now you tell me!" he hissed.

"Backing down, Robin?" asked Thomas.

"No I will do it," said Chakotay softly.

"Robin!" yelled Maid Marian. "Are you sure?"

"Fear not Maid Marian," called out Chakotay. "I can do it. Of course if I miss . . ."

"You will be Captain," said Tuvok quietly.

The apple was placed on Kathryn's head and Chakotay took his position. As he looked across the space at Kathryn his heart was hammering and Kathryn's eyes were the widest he had ever seen them. Slowly he notched the arrow and raised the bow. However it began moving about due to his nerves and he suddenly dropped his arms and called out, "Stand still Maid Marian! You are moving about so I cannot hold my bow still!"

"It's not . . ." started Kathryn then clamped her mouth tight, glared at Chakotay and nodded her head.

Chakotay stared across at Kathryn, even as she stared back at him. They stood thus for several moments as eerie quiet and anticipation filled the group of men gathered around. Suddenly without warning Chakotay quickly raised the bow, sighted and released the string. The arrow shot through the air straight for Kathryn, whose eyes now were wider than thought possible.

The thunk of the arrow was followed by both halves of the apple, and Kathryn, falling simultaneously to the ground.

"The wench fainted," called out one of the men, a fact which Kathryn vehemently denied later, saying she had merely thought it prudent to 'duck' at the last moment.

Chakotay ran up to Kathryn and helped her to her feet.

"Are you all right . . . Marian?" he asked even as he noted to himself that he had to hold her up, as she was unable to accomplish that feat on her own.

"Yes, I'm fine. That was nice shooting my dear Robin Hood. I am now yours again?"

Chakotay glanced back at Thomas, and declared, "The wench is now mine, agreed?"

"Agreed. That was fine shooting. We could use someone with that skill while we hunt for game for our village," said Thomas, his voice not now sounding like the ruthless man he was trying to portray.

"Do you have a village nearby, Thomas," asked Tuvok.

"About an hours walk from here, but we are foraging for food and dare not go back until we obtain some. All in our village are poor and starving because of those filthy aristocrats back there," he spat out pointing in the direction of the large village where the Voyager group had previously discovered the hidden warp equipment.

"Sorry about your wench, Robin. Although we are poor, we are honorable men and just wanted some fun. It was a diversion from our troubles. We never intended to hurt her."

"Good thing you didn't Thomas or you would never see your village again." Chakotay looked at him for a moment then said, "Thomas we just might be able to strike another deal. You know my name is Robin Hood, and I am legendary for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. That village back there has something we want. What say we pool resources and come up with a plan to teach that village a lesson?"

The entire group of men immediately gathered around the people known to them as Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Little John and Maid Marian. After an hour a plan was formulated, which even included one 'allowed' suggestion by Maid Marian.

Thomas had smiled at the suggestion and said to Robin Hood, "Your wench has a devious mind for a woman."

Chakotay merely smiled, nodded and said, "I have found it so, that is why I allow her to talk." Janeway silently fumed.

* * * * * * *

During the night Chakotay secretly contacted Tom Paris and informed him of the plan, and the next morning the group set out for the 'aristocratic village'. As they neared where Sir Geoffrey guarded the road Chakotay, Kathryn, Tuvok, and Harry, along with Thomas stepped out on the road, while the remaining group of men stayed hidden in the forest.

As they neared the Knight he again stopped them. "Well I see you and your rogues are back again Robin Hood. You realize you are wanted by Sir Martin and Sir Paul in the village?" As Chakotay merely, nodded the Knight continued. "I also see you now have your bows and arrows . . . but wait! You have that scalawag Thomas from yonder village. Why do you include him in your group?"

"He is poor and hungry, as are we, Sir Geoffrey. Surely you do not begrudge him the right to look for food."

"He is a thief!" roared the Knight, throwing his one arm up so hard the weight of the armor caused him to lose his balance, but Harry quickly caught him.

"Possibly, but if you were poor and hungry and your family starving you would steal, too," said Chakotay softly. "Anyway he is with us, and we wish to make things right with your leaders and explain our activity of yesterday. You may pronounce us your captives and escort us into the village if you feel that is necessary."

Sir Geoffrey grinned. To say he captured these rogues would be quite a feather in his cap . . . er helmet.

"I have a job to do and must protect my village so it is necessary for me to escort you into the village. All of you - follow me and do not attempt any skullduggery or you shall all be thrown in the dungeon and left to rot." With that Sir Geoffrey turned and in his armored Knight's suit, started a lumbering, awkward, clanking and squeaking walk to the village, while Robin and his merry band grinned. So far the plan was working!

As the group entered the village Sir Geoffrey called out, "Hail all! Sir Martin, I have captured those snooping rogues from yesterday."

Several of the villagers, hearing this pronouncement started to gather around Sir Geoffrey. Soon Sir Martin pushed his way through the people and came face to face with Robin Hood and his merry band.

"So we have you. What say you for your devilish thievery of yesterday? Speak quickly else we shall lay 40 lashes on the lot of you."

"We did not steal anything yesterday Sir Martin," said Chakotay strongly. "We were hungry and looking for food, you saw us snooping around and we just reacted and started running. We are back now and wish to speak to the leaders of this village and arrange a deal."

"That would be Sir Paul and me," he said. "But you have no rights here and obviously nothing to deal. I think it best we put the lot of you in the dungeon." Turning he motioned to several men. "Take this motley group to the dungeon!"

Chakotay took hold of Sir Martin's elbow as he said, "A moment of your time, Sir Martin!" and firmly led him to one side. After walking a few steps away, Chakotay placed his back to the villagers and said to Sir Martin, "We know what's in that storehouse. We know you are cheating 'strangers from the sky' and we know you are mistreating the other villagers, keeping them poor and destitute. Now cooperate with us and nothing will happen to you!"

Sir Martin, at first shocked, angrily pulled his arm away from Chakotay. "Your charges are ludicrous and all lies!"

"Are they?" said Chakotay. "We know you know about space travelers and are hiding that fact from the villages and possibly even some of your own people."

Turning to the villagers he said, "I am a Sorcerer and if you don't believe me I will prove it to you. See that rock on the hillside? I will blast it to a million pieces!"

As he slowly raised his hand he looked over at Kathryn who tucked her chin to her collar and whispered, "Now, Tom."

An explosion thundered across the village as the rock exploded. The men of the village gaped then groaned, Sir Paul took a quick nip from his flask, the women screamed and the children cried.

"It's only magic," cried out Sir Martin. "You put something there yesterday to make the rock blow up."

"Is that so? All right, that group of men standing to your left. I shall make all six of them fall to the ground unconscious," and again he raised his arm. Instinctively, those men raised their arms across their faces. Kathryn again whispered into her collar, and a brilliant flash of light was followed by all six men dropping silently to the ground. Sir Paul took two quick nips of his flask, the women screamed louder and the children wailed.

Maid Marian tugged at Chakotay's arm and they moved away from the group. Acting on the note this was his wench, he placed his hands on Kathryn's hips and pulled her tight against him and placed his cheek against hers and waited for what she wanted to tell him. Kathryn gasped, at first aghast at Chakotay doing that, and then almost groaned as she felt his hard mound against her. Not only against her, but . . . it was moving!

"What did you want to tell me Captain?" whispered Chakotay.

"I uh . . ." What was it she was going to tell him anyway? She couldn't think - all she was aware of was his body against hers and the urge to push into him.

"Captain?"

"Oh, I uh, I think you have made your point and we don't need to do anything else."

Chakotay nodded but then his eyes went wide. Had Kathryn pushed her body against his? Oh Gods, he couldn't control himself. A good thing these tights were restrictive . . . well, somewhat restrictive . . . and tight. He couldn't get out them in a hurry even if this situation occurred in private on Voyager!

Turning to the rest of the villagers Chakotay cleared his throat and while keeping his hands folded across his lower region, said loudly, "I will do no more damage to show you my powers. Learn your lesson! You must share with the other villages and stop cheating people or I will destroy all of you."

Turning to Tuvok, who suddenly lifted his head and while staring straight ahead, raised both eyebrows raise to his hairline. Damn - he saw my groin, groaned Chakotay. "Friar Tuck, take Little John, Maid Marian and Thomas to the storehouse, along with Sir Paul and open all the barrels."

Tuvok nodded and started off, with the others named following closely behind. However Chakotay was quite aware of Kathryn staring at his groin area as she walked by with a lascivious smirk. Not only that Harry snickered as he walked past, muttering about "a rising." Once inside the storehouse, Kathryn got down to business and had Sir Paul show them how to open the barrels, and soon everyone was busy. Thomas' eyes bugged out as he saw all the barrels full of preserved food and he raced out to Robin.

"Robin, there is very much food in there!" Chakotay nodded and told him to summon his men, at which Thomas notched an arrow and sent it flying over the entrance of the village.

Outside, Thomas' group saw the arrow and raced for the village. As they ran into the village, they started yelling, and the women screamed and the children cried, but the men raced past them, up the hill and into the storehouse.

After Thomas left, Kathryn had Tuvok occupy Sir Paul while she moved to the back of the storehouse, contacted Tom and ordered B'Elanna, Lt Ayala, Mulcahey, Dalby and Neelix to all beam down to that area. This group, waiting for those instructions, immediately transported into the Storehouse and started opening more barrels when Thomas and his group came running back in. Eager to see the food, they thought nothing of the new strangers in strange dress.

Outside, Chakotay was trying to mollify the villagers. "You have deliberately kept those people starving and destitute, and you Sir Martin, have no right to stand here and complain."

"But what will we do," he wailed. "We used those goods to trade with the 'strangers from the sky.' You leave us with nothing. How will we survive?"

"You cheated the 'strangers from the sky' with your 'play acting' and now you must learn how to survive honestly," said Chakotay, and he spent several minutes explaining how they could learn to build, sew clothes and find game, all of which left the villagers with perplexed looks on their faces.

Inside the storeroom, Thomas' group loaded their arms with food and started back down the hill. Thomas stopped where Chakotay stood.

"Robin, this is only a pittance of the food in there. There is enough for all the nearby villages."

"Then send word to them, Thomas, and give me your word you will share all the food equally, with everyone." The men of the village groaned, the women clutched their children tightly and the children . . . of course they cried, not understanding a thing that was going on.

Thomas set down his armload, wiped his hands on his trousers and extended his hand to Chakotay. "You have my word on that Robin."

"Good. There is another matter, Thomas. As we are taking all the supplies and you are taking all the food, it leaves these people without their stores. I want you to teach them how to build houses, forage for food, plant seed and sew clothes. I also want all of you to tear down this village and use the material for new houses. If this village no longer exists, they will be forced to learn to fend for themselves. Will you help them Thomas?"

Thomas exploded. "Why should we help them? They kept us starving and poor for years!"

"Because you are all honorable and forgiving people, Thomas," said Chakotay. "I know it will be hard, but perhaps by teaching them how to live, you will all eventually become good neighbors and friends and live in peace and harmony with one another."

Thomas stared at Chakotay a moment then slowly looked around at the villagers, his hate and distrust of them obvious. Finally he looked back at Chakotay and nodded his head. "Aye," he said softly, "We would be as bad as them if we didn't help."

Chakotay grinned. "Good, thank you Thomas, you are indeed an honorable man. I also say to you," and he raised his voice a little louder so everyone heard him. "Spread the word of what has happened here today to all the poor villages. Let there be no doubt that if there are any other aristocratic villages on this planet and they do not share their wealth with all the poor villages in their area, Robin Hood will pay them a visit!"

Thomas laughed delightedly. "We will spread the word Robin, you can be sure of that."

"All right. I must join my colleagues in the storehouse. Good luck to you Thomas. And Sir Martin, I say to you, Thomas and his people are good, decent villagers. They will teach you well." He turned and walked quickly up the hill, leaving Sir Martin and the 'aristocrats' feeling very lost.

As he entered the storehouse he found it almost empty and walked quickly to Kathryn. "How is it going, wench?" he said with a laugh.

Kathryn looked at him, and then laughed herself. "Very well Chakotay. B'Elanna decided we would take not only the contents, but the barrels as well. Their metal makeup might be of use to us sometime and if it turns out some of the contents are not compatible or useable we can trade them down the line. How are the villagers doing?"

"They are all pretty much in shock. I don't know how the previous space travelers made contact with them, or how these people outsmarted them, if they did, but it's obvious the phaser blast and stunning the people had the desired result."

"It certainly caught their attention. Well, we will be finished here shortly. How is Thomas?"

"Ecstatic. They feel they have found heaven with all this food."

The Voyager away team kept checking on various barrels and after Thomas and his men returned for another load, Chakotay decided the first cooperative effort should start immediately and he informed Sir Martin to have all the men join in the moving of the food to the village. When the group left laden with food, Kathryn, along with all the members of the away team, beamed back to Voyager.

When there were only six barrels left Thomas informed Sir Martin he may keep the remaining barrels for his people and arranged to meet with them in the a.m. to formulate plans for the 'rebuilding' of the village and the first lesson of how to find food on their own. Chakotay smiled as he listened to this, and walked out with Thomas and through the square of dazed people. He noted the women no longer screamed nor were the children crying. A first step, he thought.

As they entered the woods Robin told Thomas he had to leave to meet his group, they shook hands and once Thomas was out of sight, Chakotay beamed back to Voyager.

* * * * * * *

As Chakotay strode onto the Bridge he noted Kathryn, Tuvok and Harry were already in position. He walked to his chair and sat down with a big sigh, then became aware Kathryn was staring at him.

Turning to look at her he asked, "What?"

She smiled and asked, "How are you feeling Chakotay?"

"Pretty darn good, Captain. I think we accomplished a lot down there."

"No, I mean how are you feeling?" Then she smiled mischievously and leaning toward him said softly, "How is your 'owie' Chakotay?"

"Captain!" he hissed, his eyes wide in shock.

Tom, hearing as sharp as an animals, swiveled around to face the Captain and Commander.

"Owie? Were you hurt on the planet Chakotay?"

A muffled snort came from Harry, and Tuvok immediately said, "That will be enough Mr. Kim."

Tom looked up at Harry, only to see his head down and a hand across his mouth. "Eyes front Mr. Paris," snapped Chakotay, and then snuck a look at the Captain. She sat there still grinning at him and he tried to look straight ahead.

Kathryn leaned way over to Chakotay and nodded for him to reciprocate. He reluctantly leaned toward her and she whispered, "There was something my mother always said when I was hurt. Want me to kiss it and make it better?" The words were no sooner out of her mouth then she could have bit off her tongue.

Chakotay looked at her, his expression first one of shock, which slowly spread to a very mischievous glint in his eyes and he whispered, "Why Kathryn, how nice of you to offer, I will hold you to it."

Kathryn's face was now beet red and she suddenly stood and headed for her Ready Room. "You have the Bridge, Commander," she said curtly. As the Ready Room doors hissed shut she grabbed the edge of a chair and leaned forward. Oh Gods, why had she tried to be funny with that man? Suddenly she was aware her trousers were very wet in the groin area and she could detect a musky smell. Damn. Chakotay will pick up on that, and she abruptly turned, walked out, across the Bridge and out the door without saying a word.

Chakotay sat and watched the doors close, looked at Tuvok and saw he was staring at them also.

"Did the Captain state where she was going, Tuvok?" asked Chakotay.

"Not one word, Commander," he replied with an arched eyebrow.

Tom meanwhile, sat with a frown. Something happened on the planet and he didn't know what, and all that whispering behind him . . . He had tried mightily to hear but had only caught a couple of words, mother and kiss. What did that have to do with what happened on the planet? He swiveled around and looked up at Harry.

Harry's eyes went wide and he said, "Oh no, Tom, not this time. You will get nothing out of me."

"And if Mr. Kim cannot keep his mouth quiet I am sure there are other means to accomplish that task," added Tuvok quietly, while looking directly at Harry.

"That means keep your eyes on your Helm and your mouth closed Tom," said Chakotay.

"But . . ." started Tom. "It's only us guys here now. What happened anyway that you can't tell me? After all Chakotay, I handled my part of the plan very well. Don't I deserve some consideration for that?"

Chakotay slowly stood and walked towards him, causing Tom to quickly swivel back to the Helm. Chakotay stood at Tom's side a moment, then leaning down said "Why don't you try wearing tights tonight Tom? I think B'Elanna will get a 'charge' out of it, and they aren't restrictive at all. In fact they are very easy to remove." He turned and walked back to his seat a smug smirk on his lips.

Tom turned and looked back at him. Chakotay smiled, then grinned broadly then broke out in a loud laugh, followed by Harry guffawing from OPS. The only person not laughing was Tuvok, but Tom was sure he saw a smirk in those black eyes.

Chakotay sat back, enjoying Tom being left out of something for a change and then thought of Kathryn. He smiled to himself. He knew darn well why she had suddenly charged off the Bridge and also knew she would return in a fresh uniform. His grin broadened. He would have some fun with that.


The End
April 2000
Edited June 2006

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