Almost The Ghost And Mrs. Muir

by Dee Price

"What the hell happened, Chakotay?" asked Kathryn as she made a complete 360-degree turn, "And where are we?"

Chakotay just as confused as Kathryn looked around. They were standing in the front room of some small house.

"I have no idea, Kathryn. We were beaming down to the planet Kidra to check on some minerals. My Tri-Corder shows . . ." and he stopped as he saw the readings.

"Shows what Commander," asked Kathryn as she started to move around the room.

"Kathryn, we aren't on the planet Kidra."

"Really Chakotay? I would never have known," said Kathryn in a sarcastic tone.

"In fact we are not in the 24^th Century," he continued, oblivious to her tone.

"What!" exploded Kathryn as she quickly walked to him and took the Tri-Corder. "Oh my God," she whispered in complete shock. "How could this happen?"

Chakotay shook his head. "I'm as baffled as you are. Obviously a Transporter malfunction of some kind," he said as he walked toward the fireplace and looked up at the picture on the wall.

"Look at this Kathryn. Look at those eyes. He must have been a Captain or military person of some kind. He looks quite stern however. I would hate to meet him on a dark night."

As Kathryn stared up at the picture and nodded her head in agreement, a presence appeared in the room . . . not a live person, but an unobservable presence to most human eyes.

This presence, dressed in a seafaring Captain's uniform, scowled deeply at those words and put his hands on his hips.

"Looks like he would have been quite disagreeable to be around," said Kathryn, causing the presence to start toward her.

Suddenly Chakotay whirled around. "Who's there?" he asked.

Janeway looked at him as she looked around. "I don't see anyone Chakotay."

"Nor do I, but I feel someone here. I ask again who is here. Show yourself," said Chakotay in a quiet, calm voice.

The presence scowled even deeper. Blast! How could it be that this man sensed him? He had a mind to keelhaul these intruders. The nerve of these people showing up in the middle of the night in Mrs. Muir's cottage! Well he would keep a sharp eye on these scoundrels.

Chakotay swung his Tri-Corder around the room as he looked at the readings. "There is definitely something in this room, Kathryn."

The presence was astounded. Blast! How could that machine he was holding show he was here, and what the blazes was it to do such a thing!

He started forward when suddenly the lights switched on and a feminine voice called down the stairs, "Who is there?"

Kathryn and Chakotay looked at one another. "I'll do the talking, Chakotay," whispered Kathryn as she stepped toward the stairs, causing the presence to immediately move up the stairs.

"I don't mean to startle you and we mean you no harm," called Kathryn to the as yet unseen bearer of the voice.

"Don't answer them madam," said the voice of the presence that was now standing beside her.

Carolyn Muir turned toward the Captain. "Who are they and how did they get in?"

"I have no idea madam, but rest assured I will send them flying!"

"Excuse me," came the voice from down below. "We really mean you no harm. We, uh, we got lost and saw your cottage."

Carolyn took two steps down so that she could see Kathryn and Chakotay and they could see her as well.

"But how did you get in here? The doors are locked."

Kathryn turned and looked at Chakotay and he just shrugged his shoulders. "It's a long story and one I'm sure you wont believe, but I say again we got lost and . . . sort of blanked out I guess, because the next thing we knew we were standing in your front room," stuttered Kathryn.

"Don't believe them for one second, madam," hissed the Captain in her ear.

She turned and looked at him. "Be quiet Captain. I'll handle this. They don't seem dangerous."

Kathryn looked startled. She couldn't see anyone with this woman and looked back at Chakotay. He moved up beside her and whispered, "The presence is with her now."

The Captain, still unable to understand why that man knew he was here, said, "Be careful Mrs. Muir. For some strange reason that man down there seems to sense I am in the room."

Mrs. Muir looked at him. "He can see you?"

"No m'dear, he sensed me and then looked at some fandangled machine with blinking lights that indicated I was present!"

"But how can that be?" asked Mrs. Muir.

Kathryn and Chakotay listened to this one-side conversation and looked at one another.

Kathryn rolled her eyes. "Either she's crazy or our Tri-Corder has been affected by this time warp. I don't see anyone, Chakotay. Are you sure there is someone up there with her?"

"Positive, Kathryn. I can't see it, but I know someone, or something is up there."

"How dare he call me a 'something' bellowed the Captain. "Why I have a mind to . . ."

"Never you mind," interrupted Mrs. Muir. "I'll handle this, so just behave yourself," and she started moving down the steps, with the Captain right beside her, ready to administer his 'ghostly' ways with these strangers if they so much as lay one hand on Carolyn!

With three more steps to go she halted and looked at Kathryn and Chakotay. They seemed harmless enough, but what on earth kind of clothing were they wearing? Looks like some kind of uniform.

"Are you with the police in any way?" she asked.

"No, we are not.  Look I'm Cap . . . Kathryn Janeway and my friend is Chakotay. I know this looks very strange to you . . . well if I were in your shoes it would look strange to me, too, but I assure you we are not about to harm anyone. How we got here is actually as much a mystery to us as it is to you."

Although not understanding that, Mrs. Muir had a hunch she could trust these people and her hunches were usually right. She smiled.

"My name is Carolyn Muir," she said as she looked at Kathryn who smiled and said she was pleased to meet her. Carolyn then looked at Chakotay and was staring at the markings on his forehead when he smiled at her, which made him appear exceptionally handsome and her hand suddenly lay across her chest.

The Captain immediately saw Mrs. Muir could not take her eyes off Chakotay and felt pangs of jealousy. "Madam, you are staring!" he whispered.

She felt embarrassed for a moment and felt the heat from her cheeks but was saved further embarrassment when a large buxom woman with white hair bustled into the room tying her bathrobe on.

"What's going on here? I heard voices and . . . who are you people? Mrs. Muir, are you all right? I'm sorry; I don't understand how they got in here. I certainly didn't let them in! Shall I call the local police?"

"No, no Martha, it's quite all right . . . I think," said Mrs. Muir.

"Madam, you can't be serious," said an angry Captain. "Show those scoundrels out immediately!"

"I will no such a thing," she said. "They seem like nice people."

"On your way Captain," bellowed Martha as she placed her hands on her hips. "Stop pestering Mrs. Muir."

Kathryn and Chakotay looked at one another. Even the Maid talked to the unseen entity!

"Mrs. Muir, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but Chakotay and I don't see anyone and you, and now your maid, seem to be talking to . . . an invisible presence!"

Carolyn laughed. "You must think we are crazy."

"No, no I assure you that's not what we are thinking at all," said Chakotay. "It's just that . . . well, you must admit it is strange. Either you are talking to a ghost or yourself and I prefer to think it is a ghost," he said as he flashed his most beguiling smile at her. This time Kathryn felt pangs of jealousy!

"Hey Mom," said a tousle-haired young boy who suddenly appeared and started walking down the stairs. He yawned mightily before continuing, "What's going on?"

Carolyn quickly turned and called to him. "It's all right, Jonathan. We just have some . . . visitors. Now go back to bed."

The Captain, still not trusting these intruders, moved down to stand in front of Kathryn and Chakotay. Just as he started to reach towards Chakotay's tattoo, a dog came bounding down the stairs, barking all the way. It skidded to a stop and suddenly started growling and then appeared to bite something.

"Blast!" yelped the Captain. "Carolyn, will you get this confounded dog off me!" he said as he lifted his leg, but the dog hung on, still emitting a continuous growl.

To Kathryn and Chakotay, the dog was hanging in mid air.

"Scruffy! Now stop that," called out Mrs. Muir. "Let go, I say." All the while the Captain was kicking his leg trying to get Scruffy to release his hold on his leg, which made for an extremely funny image of a dog, supposedly being flung around in mid air, by . . . nothing!

Carolyn moved down the steps and grabbed Scruffy and while she was trying to get the dog to let go of the Captain's pants leg, Jonathan sat on the steps laughing mightily. Soon, he was joined by a young girl, who upon seeing this sight joined Jonathan in the laughter.

At last Mrs. Muir got Scruffy to release his grip on the Captain's leg. "I'm sorry, are you all right?"

"None the worse for wear m'dear," said the Captain as he smoothed his pant leg. I don't understand why that dog doesn't like me. I love animals . . . or used to!"

Kathryn and Chakotay stood there mesmerized, mouths open and eyes wide as they watched this amazing scene unfold. Suddenly Carolyn remembered they were there and looked at them, her face becoming bright red.

"I . . . uh . . . you must . . . would you like some tea or coffee?"

Kathryn smiled. "I don't want to put you out, but after this," and she pointed to Scruffy, ". . . and hanging in mid air, I must admit some coffee sounds good."

"Good," she said as she turned toward Martha.

"Yes maam, coffee coming up," she said before Mrs. Muir could say a word and bustled out of the room.

"And children, I want you to go back to bed immediately," continued Mrs. Muir.

"Who are those people mommy?" asked the girl.

"Just some visitors Candace. Now off to bed, both of you . . . and take Scruffy with you!" she called out as the two children turned and obediently started heading back up the steps.

Shortly Martha returned with a tray full of cups and a coffee pot, all the while the Captain was pacing back and forth, unable to fathom Carolyn letting these complete strangers into her house. And not only that, treating them like visitors!

"This is very nice of you Mrs. Muir," said Chakotay. "Cap . . . Kathryn lives for coffee."

"Well Martha makes very good coffee." After saying that she looked at Martha. "Will you make sure the guest room bed has clean sheets Martha? These people would probably like to get some sleep."

As Martha turned both Kathryn and Chakotay protested that they really couldn't stay, but Carolyn, pooh-poohed that saying it was the middle of the night and they could figure out how they got here in the morning. "A fresh mind does wonders in the thinking category."

"Mrs. Muir . . . surely you are not serious!" bellowed the Captain. "They could kill you in your sleep!"

"I rather doubt that with you guarding me," said Carolyn sweetly.

"What? Doubt what?" asked Kathryn.

"Oh I'm sorry I was talking . . . to myself," she mumbled. Kathryn and Chakotay merely looked at one another over the rim of their coffee cup.

"Mrs. Muir, this may seem strange, but exactly where is this place?" asked Chakotay.

She was startled at first but the question seemed to fit their sudden appearance. "We are in what is referred to as Gull Cottage. It was the Captain's residence," and she nodded to the portrait on the wall.

"But where is Gull Cottage?" asked Kathryn.

"It is just outside Schooner Bay . . . in the state of Maine," she added hastily.

After finishing their coffee Martha showed them to their room while Carolyn bade them goodnight.

After Martha left Kathryn hissed, "What now Chakotay? We obviously can't stay here!"

Unbeknownst to them the Captain appeared in the room, intent on listening to their conversation.

"I know Kathryn, but perhaps we can use this time to see if we can contact Voyager. Besides, knowing Tuvok and B'Elanna they are probably working real hard to find us right now."

"I'm sure you're right, Chakotay, but how will they know how to find us? Until a moment ago we didn't even know where we are! And based on this house and its furnishings, it's quite obvious we aren't in the 24^th Century, let alone the Delta Quadrant"

The Captain's eyes flew open in shock. What were they saying? Not the 24^th Century? Not the Delta whatever. Who are these people?

As Kathryn and Chakotay continued to talk over their options and tried the badge on their chests, Captain Gregg became assured on one thing . . . these people did not belong here!

Immediately he made his presence known. "So it is as I thought," he shouted. "You don't belong here you scroungy ruffians!"

Chakotay and Kathryn, much to the Captain's consternation, did not appear frightened or flustered by his sudden appearance as that confounded Claymore would have.

"It's nice you finally decided to show yourself," Chakotay with a smile and in a soft tone. 

"I will not allow you to harm one hair on Mrs. Muir's head," the Captain said sharply.

"We have no intention of harming her, Captain . . . Gregg is it? That portrait downstairs doesn't do you justice at all. You are a very handsome man in person," purred Kathryn

"Don't try to sweet talk me, madam. Women all over the world have tried that."

"I would say it is your loss then," she replied with a smile.

The Captain spread his legs and placed his hands on his hips and glared at them in the most menacing look he could contrive. "What are you up to? I heard you say something about the 24^th Century and some Delta something."

Kathryn and Chakotay looked at one another. What harm would it do? He was just a ghost.

"You are right Captain Gregg. We are not from this century," said Kathryn. "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager and this is my First Officer Chakotay. Somehow, someway, our Transporter malfunctioned and deposited us here. I assure you we don't like it any more than you do and will try every way we know to get back to our own time."

The Captain stared, totally befuddled by what he had just been told. He didn't know what they meant by transporter but he had to warn Mrs. Muir and immediately disappeared, to appear in Carolyn's bedroom.

"Madam, wake up," he said. When she didn't respond he said it louder and Carolyn stirred and raised her head. Upon seeing the Captain, she shot straight up in bed while clutching the blanket up around her neck.

"Captain! What are you doing in my bedroom? We had an agreement you wouldn't do such a thing," she said in an angry tone.

"My apologies Madam, but you need to know about these people!"

"Know what, they are harmless."

"I overheard them talking in their room and . . ."

"Captain Gregg! Of all the nerve! . . . Spying on them and being in their room. You should be ashamed of yourself!"

"I will duly apologize later Carolyn, but these people aren't from this world!"

"What on earth do you mean?" she said, her interest now piqued.

"Come Carolyn and see for yourself. Put your robe on and we shall go to their room"

While complaining that this was a highly unusual night, she nevertheless put on her robe and headed for the guest bedroom.

She stood motionless in front of the door for a moment, but the impatient Captain urgently motioned for her to knock, which she finally did. The voices in the room stopped immediately and a minute later Chakotay opened the door.

"I'm sorry to bother you," started Mrs. Muir.

Chakotay smiled and motioned for her to come in. "So you are not only a ghost but a blabbermouth ghost as well," said Chakotay as he looked at Captain Gregg.

"I am merely protecting Mrs. Muir," he blustered.

Kathryn looked at Mrs. Muir a moment, then made a decision and motioned for her to sit down and she and Chakotay did the same on the bed.

"Mrs. Muir, what I'm about to tell you will border on the unbelievable . . . for you anyway. You see we are from the future . . . the 24^th Century to be exact."

"Oh my. That's 400 years in the future!" Suddenly she smiled and then laughed. "You are pulling my leg. This is some sort of joke isn't it?"

"No, Mrs. Muir I assure you I . . ."

"Tuvok to Captain Janeway" was suddenly heard causing Mrs. Muir to be startled and the Captain to look all around the room.

"Blast! There is another ghost here, invading my house. How dare you!" he yelled.

"Janeway here," responded Kathryn with a smile. "It's nice to hear you voice Mr. Tuvok."

"And you as well, Captain. Are you and the Commander well?"

"We are fine Tuvok. How were you able to locate us?"

"Suffice it to say, it has been quite an endeavor. We show you on the North American continent on the eastern edge."

"Yes, we are in the state of Maine, just outside of Schooner Bay."

"Yes, we have you pinpointed at that location. However, we show another life form in the room."

Kathryn smiled at the obviously shocked Mrs. Muir. "Yes the lady of the house is with us," she said, deliberately omitting mention of Captain Gregg.

"Then I made an error in contacting you Captain. I should have waited, but we were unsure if the communication would be successful."

"It's all right Tuvok. What about getting us back?"

"Lt. Torres is working on that right now. She reports it will be about an hour."

"Fine Tuvok. We will be here. Contact us again at that time. Good luck and Janeway out."

She looked over at Mrs. Muir. "That was my Security Officer, Lt. Tuvok. They are currently working on a way to get us back to our own time."

"And knowing your crew Captain, I believe they will be successful," said Chakotay.

"Madam you cannot trust these people. A voice without a body? That is very strange!" said the Captain, who had been pacing the room trying to determine the source of the voice.

Mrs. Muir smiled. "No more strange than talking to you when you don't show yourself."

"Hmm, yes, well that is different, Madam. I am the owner of this cottage."

"Previous owner, Captain," she said sweetly and then turned back to Kathryn and Chakotay. "I must confess this really has me confused."

"I'm sorry Mrs. Muir, but we will soon be gone, we hope, and then you can go on with your life," said Kathryn.

"Can you tell me anything about your time?"

"Well it is quite different, due mostly to the advance in technology," began Kathryn while Chakotay frowned at Kathryn's willingness to tell her.

"For instance, this cottage . . . our houses are not made of wood any longer."

"Oh my. That makes them sound so cold and heartless," she exclaimed.

"Not really. They look like wood and are actually much stronger and last longer. It has just been determined we must save what trees we have left."

Carolyn nodded as she stared at Kathryn. "You don't seem any different than me . . . us."

Kathryn laughed. "No I assure you we are still human. We have, however, made contact with many more species. For instance my Security Officer is a Vulcan from the planet Vulcan and my Chief Engineer, Lt. Torres, is half Klingon, half human. We have also met species such as Romulan, Cardassian, the Kazon, Vidiian . . . well I won't bother you with all that, but humans are not the only specie in the Galaxy.

"Good grief Mrs. Muir. Listen to them! They are daft, I tell you, daft!" yelled the Captain.

Before she could answer Tuvok hailed them.

"Yes Mr. Tuvok. Any news?"

"Yes Captain. Lt. Torres feels she has a method to transport you, but she must transport herself to your coordinates as she has to set up some refractor and displacement tubes."

Kathryn frowned. "That sounds complicated."

"I will not go into the process at this moment, Captain, but I will also transport down with her as a safety precaution."

"Is that wise Tuvok?"

"We feel it is Captain."

"Very well, but when you transport will you bring down some of my candy?"

"Candy, Captain?"

"Yes, you know . . . the candy I am always forgetting," she said. Chakotay immediately smiled, knowing why Kathryn was so free with her conversation of their century.

There was a moment of silence as Tuvok digested the statement, then "Oh yes that candy. Very well I will bring some with me. Lt. Torres has indicated she is about ready Captain."

"Good luck Tuvok," said Janeway.

Five minutes later there was a humming sound and some flashing lights followed by Tuvok and Torres appearing in the room. Carolyn gasped and the Captain immediately disappeared, but stepped in front of her, ready to protect her from any and all attacks.

As Tuvok and B'Elanna fully materialized they looked around. Carolyn Muir now stood up, her mouth open in shock and staring at these two very strange looking people.

Kathryn immediately stood and said, "Mrs. Muir I would like you to meet Lt. Torres and Lt. Commander Tuvok." Both nodded to Mrs. Muir but she continued to stare in mute shock at their appearance.

Kathryn turned to Tuvok who immediately handed her two 'pills'. "Your candy Captain."

B'Elanna started setting up her 'tubes' and adjusting them as Tuvok reported to Voyager that the transport was a success.

"Captain we have only a ten minute window," said B'Elanna.

"I understand," she responded and moved to Mrs. Muir."Mrs. Muir this is my favorite candy. I had Tuvok bring a piece down for you, so would you join me in some 24^th Century candy?" and she extended her hand to Mrs. Muir, who looked at it a moment and then reached out and took one piece.

"Careful Mrs. Muir," whispered the Captain. "It might be poison."

Kathryn took her hand to her mouth and pretended to take the other piece as Carolyn watched her and then conversely placed her piece in her mouth.

"Do I suck it or chew it?" she asked.

"It doesn't matter, but it's good isn't it?"

"Yes it has a bit of a sweet taste, but not too much," said Carolyn as she sucked on it.

Kathryn turned and walked over to B'Elanna. "How is it going B'Elanna? Do you think it will work?"

"Well it should Captain. If not, we have a long time to argue about what went wrong," she added as she looked over at Tuvok, who stood there with a frown on his face. At last she stood.

"It's as ready as it will ever be, Captain."

"Good." She turned to Mrs. Muir. "Well, if things go well, we shall leave you now. You have been most kind and I do want to thank you for your courtesy, but also ask you to speak of our appearance as if it were a dream."

Mrs. Muir nodded but looked at B'Elanna. "Despite those ridges on your forehead, you are a very beautiful person," she said softly. Then she placed her hand to her forehead and immediately sat down. "I feel a little light-headed."

"I think you should go to bed now Mrs. Muir and I hope you will have a good night's sleep. Thanks again for everything," and she, Chakotay, Tuvok and B'Elanna moved within the 'tubes' circle.

"Energize," said Janeway and the foursome disappeared.

The Captain immediately appeared and looked around. "Blast! What is going on with people appearing and disappearing!"

Carolyn smiled. "Not unlike you Captain." She stood. "I suddenly feel very tired. I am going to bed now. Goodnight Captain," and she left the room.

Captain Gregg appeared up on the widow's walk and looked up at the twinkling stars. Was all that real? Were people really here from the 24^th century? Could that actually have happened and do people in the future sail the heavens? Just then a piece of paper appeared on the railing in front of him. He picked it up and read:

"Mrs. Muir has been given a 'pill' that will not let her remember this night, but otherwise she will be fine. And, Captain Gregg, I've never met a ghost before and to put it mildly, you were delightful. I know you will continue to protect Mrs. Muir in your nightly vigils.

"As to not giving you any 'pill', you are just a ghost and frankly, who would believe your story?" It was signed Captain Kathryn Janeway, Starship Voyager.

The Captain started laughing and looked up at the stars again.

"Who indeed?" he asked as he laughed so loud it was like thunder rolling across the sky. "Ah . . .   I have sailed the seas the world over, but if there really is such a thing as a Starship . . . oh I would have loved to sail amongst the stars my dear Captain Janeway."

He smiled and started his nightly vigil of walking the premises to protect his brood, but more importantly to protect Mrs. Muir.

Please use my feedback form              Back