Chapter 6
Seven of Nine had reluctantly gone to the mess hall to take her dietary requirements. She had wanted to carry on researching their visitors but finally gave way to the Doctor's urgings to stop his annoying monologue. Neelix's interpretation of her diet sheet appeared to be a bowl of dubiously coloured slop that he assured her was absolutely delicious as well as being full of nutrients. She was about to take her first spoonful when Ensign Kim walked through the door. His look of fright stilled her hand. When he turned around to leave, she stood and rushed over to him.
“Ensign Kim; please – refrain from departing. I would welcome this opportunity to talk to you.”
Trapped. Harry looked for escape but found none. And really, did he want to run away?
“Okay. Let’s talk.” They made their way back to Seven's table and sat down opposite each other.
Minutes passed wherein Seven's gloop went cold and there was much shifting of feet and avoided looks.
“Look Seven, I'm not a child -- it's not like it's the first time I've ever...you know. Was just a shock out of the blue like that. It's okay, we don't need to avoid each other and maybe we can be friends?”
Seven regarded the young man objectively. He was handsome in a clean-cut way, eager, and good at his job, passionate about his career. He was an accomplished musician and loyal to his friends and crew. And surprisingly adept at sexual coupling.
“I believe, Ensign, that I would like us to be more than friends.”
Harry's eyes widened.
+ + + + +
Dawn, Willow and Tara were placed in one cell, Anya and Xander in another and the nerds were together in one next door. The girls settled down to wait, Tara and Willow trying to teach Dawn to meditate. Andrew, Warren and Jonathan tried various incantations but were getting nowhere without the magic bone, which had been confiscated as a possible weapon.
And Xander tried desperately to resist the siren Anya as she whispered dirty nothings in his ears and cornered him at the back of the cell. He didn’t want to end up on show for all to see like Spike.
+ + + + +
Captain Janeway settled back in her ready room, the cup of steaming hot coffee cradled in her hands. She'd earned it, she reckoned, after quelling the schoolboy humour doing the rounds among the officers. Something about seeing Buffy and Spike in flagrante delicto had inflamed them and turned them into giggling children. And not only that, but Mr Paris had told B'Elanna who'd told Chakotay who'd told the doctor...who'd told everybody else. So now the entire crew were infected with general giddiness.
She took a healthy sip of her favourite beverage and closed her eyes. This was heaven.
“Beep-Beep”
Kathryn Janeway sighed. She just wanted a few minutes to herself. Why did she always have to be the one to make the decisions round here? Oh, yes – she was the Captain...
“Come.”
Chakotay entered, a smirk playing around his lips. “Captain. A brief update.” He grinned, the double entendre just now entering his consciousness.
“Not you too. Am I surrounded by adolescents? Alright, perhaps it was a little unsettling to see our visitors in a state of undress but really – surely we’ve evolved beyond schoolboy humour.”
Chakotay looked suitably chastened. “I'm sorry, Captain. The report: the Doctor has scanned the recent arrivals and they do not pose a threat. Again, some strange anomalies amongst them, as if their DNA was tainted or altered, but they are human -- mostly. They persist in their story that the three strange boys cast a spell to send Buffy and Spike here, twice, and that it went wrong this second time when they tried to retrieve them. I'm not sure if I believe them or not but Tuvok is happy to mindmeld if that is your order.”
Janeway considered. It was too ridiculous not to be true. “And do they say where they come from? And when?”
“They are adamant they're from somewhere called Sunnydale which is in California in the United States of America, in the year 2003.”
Janeway blinked. Visitors from the past? Can that be right? Of course it was entirely possible bearing in mind they were well aware of time travel. And how tricky it could be...
“Oh. I see. Tell me, do they know anything about the Millennium Gate?”
Chakotay smiled. He was well aware of his Captain's ancestor. “They didn't say, but I'm sure we could find out.”
“Never mind. All right, let's see if we can solve this puzzle. I'm sure our visitors would like to go home. And I don't think they're any threat, do you? I don't think Tuvok's mindmelding abilities will be needed this time. No doubt that will please him. Maybe it's time to let Mr Neelix play ambassador and let our visitors do the tour. And let Seven know she can stand down. I think she'll be relieved, she was certainly not her usual self earlier.”
The two of them headed towards the brig to upgrade their prisoners' status to guests.
+ + + + +
Tuvok joined the Captain and Chakotay and approved their approach to the situation as being logical. He did murmur that he would be entirely willing to mindmeld with the vampire as he believed it would be of great scientific interest, but the Captain patted his arm and advised him to leave it for another day. Somehow she didn't think this would be the last encounter they'd have with Buffy and Spike.
They entered the brig and with a word to the officer on duty, the force fields locking the prisoners in their cells were deactivated.
Captain Janeway stepped forwards into view, flanked by her senior officers. The Scoobies, the Troika, Spike and Buffy tentatively passed through the openings and faced the Voyager elite.
Spike looked around, seemed like somebody ought to take the lead. He nudged Buffy who looked at him quizzically. Right. Not happening; she was still on the alert for bug-eyed aliens.
“So, Cap – what's the bottom line here? Me and my lady have things to do, and we'd like to get back to good old SunnyHell and get on with it.”
Janeway nodded to acknowledge him. “Spike. All of you - our doctor has scanned you and I understand you've all been interviewed by security forces.” The Sunnydale contingent looked at each other and nodded.
“I’m happy to say you're free to go. We just have to figure out how to send you back. Any ideas?”
Willow cleared her throat and stepped forward, Jonathan accompanying her. “We think we know how to do it. But we need to get Jonathan's magic bone back.”
“I'm sorry?”
“His bone. Your crew took it. We can cast the spell but it won’t work without the bone.”
Janeway nodded at a nameless officer – sure to be cannon fodder on the next away mission -- and the relic was procured.
“Is there anything else that you need? I don't wish to be rude but we’ve received a distress call that we have to respond to so I'd like to get this finished as soon as possible -- although, you're free to take the tour if you'd like to.”
Xander whimpered, hastily clamping a hand over his mouth to hide his nerd heritage. But they had time. /Please, please, please./
“That would be lovely. And thank you so much for refraining from zapping us with your ray guns.” Anya spoke for them all, as usual.
“Well, shall we?”
All but Willow, Tara and Jonathan – who was sulking like a three-year-old – departed to take the tour of the ship. The witches and the amateur sorcerer got down to business.
+ + + + +
Captain Janeway hadn't intended to stick around, but she found herself curious and oddly drawn to the slight figure of Buffy Summers. She'd been chatting with her on the way round the ship and some of the stories the youngster told her left her with goosebumps; demons and vampires and hellgods, and Buffy could do nothing to get out of it because it was her destiny. Somehow the girl triggered a corresponding gene in her, and she could identify with her struggles.
“So, you're the only one? Chosen amongst the entire human race?”
“Well...no, actually. There's another Slayer. You see, I died and Kendra was called. Then she died and Faith came. But I'm still here.”
“You died?”
“Uh-huh; but Xander saved me. Then the second time, Willow brought me back. It was rough at first but now...I'm happy.” Buffy grabbed Spike's hand and squeezed it, gifting him with a smile so radiant that stopped him in his tracks - causing him to stumble as he caught up to the two matched females.
“Oh. Well – I think I only died once, so you've got me beat. And I'm not even sure I did I because it could all have been an hallucination.” Janeway creased her brow, puzzled again by her recollections. “And you're a vampire?”
Spike nodded.
“Mr Paris didn't think you were real; I think he's in denial.”
“Yeah, I get that a lot.”
“And you think your friends can send you home?”
Buffy smiled. “Oh yes, Willow and Tara are awesome witches and Jonathan seems to be quite the whiz.”
“And this is normal where you come from, the magic?”
“Yeah. Well, it is for us -- for other folk, not so much.”
“Intriguing. I mean, I see a lot of things going on that would have your eyes spinning if you didn't keep an open mind but magic? Other than Chakotay and his vision trances it's not something I've had much experience of. Tuvok wants to make a closer study, engage you in a mindmeld Spike, but given the fact that you want to go home and the distress call – well, I think it's better that we just say our goodbyes. Although – if you're ever passing by this way again, feel free to drop in. I promise no brig the next time.”
Spike raised his eyebrow; mindmeld huh? Sounded too much like the initiative and meddling with his brain for his liking but maybe.
Janeway smiled, taking Spike's hand and shaking it, then Buffy's.
“That would be great, although I'm not sure Willow's gonna let Jonathan have his magic bone back. And can I just ask you - “ Buffy's words dropped to a whisper “are aliens scary? I've got issues.”
“Really? Well, not as much as you'd think. Mostly, they're just like you and me. Some have more parts.”
Buffy shuddered. It would take a while for her to work through that thought. Spike hugged his girl to him, speaking to the Captain again.
“Thanks for your time, Cap. And hey – if ever you make it to Earth, look us up. Buffy Summers, 1630 Revello Drive. Me – well, I have a crypt in Restfield but it's nothing much.”
“It's a date. Just have to do the getting to Earth bit.”
They'd reached the bridge where Janeway took her leave of the visitors and went to sit in the command chair, leaving them in the capable hands of Neelix. When they'd had a quick look round and left, the bridge seemed somewhat empty and she found herself feeling contemplative.
“Captain?” Her friend and confidant broke her reverie.
“I'm fine, Chakotay. Just thinking how young she is to bear such a burden. Fighting demons, saving the world. When does she find time to have a life?”
Chakotay considered the woman at his side. She was tiny in stature but huge on nerve. It was true that the vampire slayer and his captain were similar in build, and in attitude, to be honest. Both forced to make difficult decisions, sometimes at the expense of their friends and family. For that reason, it seemed they kept themselves distant. But Buffy and Spike were so obviously very much in love and devoted to each other, it gave him hope for the future.
“Maybe she just seizes the moment. Sensible advice.”
Janeway smiled at her first officer. She knew how he felt; she felt that way too. And since she'd found out that Mark had moved on, a big part of her wanted to give in to her feelings. But for now her priority was to get her crew home. Then would be the time.
Swiftly, and almost imperceptibly, she stroked her fingers across the top of his hand where it lay on the arm of his chair.
“Maybe.”
+ + + + +
Willow, Tara and Jonathan were as ready as they would ever be. They'd substituted the magic dust for an incantation and were relying on their collective auras to make the spell work. But now it was time to put it to the test.
“Excuse me! Sir! Can you put a call out for our friends? We want to go home.”
The officer on duty tapped his COM badge and advised Tuvok of the request.
“Yes, sir, I'll let them know. Your friends will be escorted back very soon. In the meantime, would you like any refreshments? I'm ordered to accompany you to the mess hall if you'd like.”
By mutual agreement, the three ventured out of the brig and into Voyager proper. Willow's inner nerd would never forgive her if she didn't at least try to see more.
+ + + +
They met up with the rest of the gang in the mess hall. Apparently, they'd been given the full tour and Willow pouted as Xander described the holodeck and the transporter system with drool coming out of his mouth. Sometimes, being the best witch sucked. She answered Buffy's question with an affirmative. They were ready.
Captain Janeway came to escort them back to the brig where the spell had been set up. She just wanted to say goodbye, make sure there were no more magical accidents. There were no force fields this time though, and the visitors mingled with the crew, swapping stories about their lives. It seemed an inordinate number of people were off duty and just happened to be hanging around the brig that day. The Captain considered dismissing them all but thought better of it. It wasn't every day they played host to a vampire, his Slayer and their friends. She'd let it slide.
Buffy detached herself from Spike's side and walked towards the diminutive figure of the Captain. She sensed a kindred spirit in the woman and understood instinctively that they trod a similar path. It was nice to think that somebody understood her, other than Spike.
“Captain, I want to thank you for believing us. I know it must have sounded strange to you.”
“Buffy, on this ship strange is part of the job. Besides, I prefer to believe the evidence of my own eyes and trust my instincts. And whilst I know that you and your vampire are capable of much destruction, I believe we're on the same side. All you want to do is get your people safely home. You’ve no idea how much I understand that feeling.”
Buffy smiled and squeezed the Captain's arm. “Yeah – I heard about your problem. If you want, I can ask Willow to see if she can help? She's really clever and stuff.”
“Already did. She doesn't think she can; seems that she can't get a sense of the aura she'd need to key into. Maybe it's for the best. Just do me a favour; if there’s such a thing as the Federation in your lifetime – pass along a distress call for me?”
“Of course I will.”
“Buffy.” Willow's soft voice carried to where the two leaders stood amongst the mayhem. “It's time.”
All too soon there was an awed circle of Voyager people gathered round the chanting figures of Willow, Tara and Jonathan. Buffy, Spike and the Scoobies watched anxiously as they huddled together to one side of the cell. If this didn't work...well, Kansas was a long way away.
A shimmering tingle lit the cell and as all the occupants disappeared a faint chorus of ”Live long and prosper” echoed after them. There were murmurs amongst the crew left behind in a suddenly empty brig, excited whisperings in the wake of the drama.
Kathryn Janeway drew breath. Somehow, the encounter with Buffy Summers and her friends and family had given her renewed energy to seek a path back to the Alpha quadrant. “Back to work, people. Our visitors may have made it home, but we've still got a long way to go.”
+ + + +
The group rematerialised in the Magic Box, shocking a worried and pacing Giles into falling on his butt. Spike laughed out loud as he clearly made out the words “What the fuck?” on the Watcher's lips. Not quite the height of refinement that he made out, was he?
Scrambling to his feet, Giles rushed towards Buffy and gripped her shoulders, seeking evidence of damage. Finding none he stepped back and pushed his glasses up his nose. “Erm...Buffy. I had to come -- I caught the first flight out. What a relief to see you returned. I was most concerned when I rushed from the airport and found nobody here. I didn't know what to think; would it hurt to leave a note?”
Willow grinned, excited beyond measure. “Wow, Giles! You must have got on a supersonic plane or something – or we're we gone longer than we thought. Is this still 2003? Okay, stopping babbling now...We kinda didn't have time to leave a message. We’d managed to convince the nerds here to bring Buffy and Spike back then 'KAPOW' we were somewhere that wasn't here. We actually got to see round the spaceship! Well, some of us did – some of us had to work a spell.” She couldn't hide the glee in her voice, nor the slight disappointment. Sometimes the girl with the plaid dress and Keds wasn't too far below the surface.
Giles blanched as his eyes left Willow and spotted Spike now sitting at the table with Buffy on his lap. And she was nestling against his chest! This was too much.
“Does somebody want to tell me what's going on here?”
Dawn stifled a giggle as Xander glanced at the vampire and the slayer, closed his eyes as if in pain then walked towards the back room, his explanation lingering on the air as he left.
“Buffy's boinking Spike, he's part of the group – Anya'll fill you in.”
Buffy yelled after him, “I am not boinking Spike, Xander Harris! I’m...” her words faltered and she sought the reassurance of Spike's hand in hers and his adoring looks.
“You're what, Buffy?” His soft, even voice melted her heart. She felt safe and loved and whole. What could be wrong with this?
Everyone in the Magic Box waited for her answer, Dawn hugging herself with glee as she realised that now was the time she'd been waiting for. She willed Buffy on…one small step for some, one giant leap for Buffy.
Buffy blinked, drowning in the deep blue of Spike's eyes. She swallowed hard, as if about to do something devilishly difficult...then it suddenly wasn't.
“I am in love with him.”
Anya slapped a hand down on the counter. “At last! Now can we get on with tidying away the books and get the shop open. I have money to make.”
Warren, Andrew and Jonathan backed away quietly as all eyes were focused on Buffy and Spike. It was a pity they'd mislaid the recorder but sometimes you had to run away to live and fight another day. With a final glance, they sidled out of the open door and vanished.
Dawn rushed her sister and her friend where they sat and engulfed them both in a soppy girlie hug. Spike blinked back tears; he was so happy he thought he might combust at any moment. Just looking at Buffy...Buffy beamed, her smile lighting up the whole room.
Strangely, the Scoobies were quickly getting used to the idea that they didn't really have any problem with a Slayer being in love with a vampire. Just so long as she kept on smiling.
+ + + + +
Back on Voyager, Harry Kim almost tripped over a small black box that nestled against the back wall of the storage area in which the second set of intruders had been discovered. It was beeping softly and he was concerned that it was an explosive device. He scanned it and found that it was a media cube and there were images held inside. Curious, he took it along to Seven in Astrophysics and she linked it into the screen and pressed play.
Harry gasped as the screen filled with images of Spike and Buffy getting rather heated. He almost bit his tongue as Seven nibbled on his ear, but then a sly grin crept across his face. He turned suddenly, taking the Borg by surprise and pushing her up against the console.
It was Seven's turn to gasp when he spoke.
“Resistance – Seven – is futile.”
THE END
So, here it is. Hope you've liked my second venture into the Voyager world. I'm having such fun with crossing over my two favourite shows that I'll definitely be dabbling again.
Live Long and Prosper. :)