"The Freedom that comes to those who wait"

Posted on Thu Oct 13th, 2022 @ 8:20am by Consul Josephine Carlyle-Cragen & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor] & Michael Bishop

Mission: Season 5: Time Warp
Location: Galaxy Station, Various
Timeline: 16/08/2397
3232 words - 6.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Josephine had just finished showering and dressing for the day and at nearly 7 months pregnant it took a bit longer than it used to. But she was glad she could shower and dress these days. She wore comfortable pants and a oversized tunic shirt and slid her feet into slip on shoes. She paused by the window and frowned. They were not at Warp. Strange that.

The Kings Gambit starship moved at low impulse as it approached its destination, the Federation Starbase designated as Galaxy Station. It was careful not to get too close the Starbase's sensor net and set off alarms. It wasn't looking for a confrontation. It employed the latest in cloaking devices and it was discovered that when used at low impulse (like now) a ship was virtually undectable. It was on a mission of stealth. In the captain's chair Michael Bishop sat, it had taken months for him to arrive at this moment and after a lengthy internal debate he knew what he was about to do was for the best.

Josie moved to sit on the couch and pick up the volume of Shakespeare she had been reading. It had been Cragen's and was an original edition. So she treated it carefully.

Bishop watched as the bridge crew went about their duties. They all knew what was at stake. They could not be discovered.

One of his crew handed Bishop a padd detailing the best route to the station then stepped back to his post.

Bishop looked at the PaDD and nodded his approval. "Slow and easy gentleman, we've come too far to mess this up now."

The crew nodded and got back to work.

Josie spent her morning like most mornings, reading, trying hard not to go insane for lack of things to do.

The Doctor entered and walked over to her as she sat on the couch, "Miss Josie, how are you feeling today?' As he picked up her wrist to check her pulse.

She gritted her teeth but suffered the man's presence. Daily. "Am well today" she said calmly. "Bored as normal."

"Yes well. I can see how that can be as you are con... I mean limited to this suite." He quickly corrected himself. "You will be please that your pregnancy is progressing normally. The baby's heart rate is strong."

Josie could have told him that. "The baby is very active of late" Josie told him. "Kicks a lot during the day and night time."

"Yes. I'm sure you realize that it gets closer to your due date, the baby becomes more active. This is not an abnormal occurrence and is nothing to be alarmed or concerned over."

She really wanted another opinion but she kept that to herself. "So I have heard." she calmly replied. She was not impressed but she kept the peace. "Have you done the blood sugar test yet?" she asked him.

"Miss Josie, I know you are not impressed with my medical prowess, but I do know enough to have done a blood sugar test. Your blood sugar is normal and there is no sign of diabetes in you."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "You had better be correct Doctor." was all she said in return.

He wasn't cowed by her look at straightened himself up to the unimpressive height of 5' 6". "I am." He replied yet it didn't stop him from saying a quick silent prayer.

Josie however was more than happy to throw anyone under a bus as it were. "Do you know why we are not at Warp Doctor?" she asked coolly.

"Um." He looked about nervously at the floor, the ceiling, the paintings on the walls anywhere but at Josie. "You'll have to ask Mr. Bishop." He finally managed to get out.

She nodded "Oh I will" she said calmly. Just as soon as she could get him to get down here.

"Would like me to tell him you'd like to see him at his earliest convivence?" The doctor squeaked.

"No I can wait." Came Josephine's reply. "He comes down here often enough."

The doctor breathed a sigh of relief. "As you wish." He replied grateful he didn't have to carry any sort of demand from Josie to Mr. Bishop.

"Is there anything else you need to check Doctor?" Josephine asked.

"No Miss Josie, not at this time." The doctor replied. "I shall take my leave of you." He said with a slight bow as he turned and hurried out of the suite.

When the door slid shut Josie sniffed disdainfully. "Coward" she muttered spitefully. she stood from the couch and moved to the window. Something was going on. And she was not sure if she liked it.

After leaving Josie, the doctor made a beeline for the bridge where he informed Bishop that Josie wished to speak with him. "Of course, she does Doctor. She is no fool, she knows we aren't at warp at wants to know the reason why." He smiled. "I will see her when I can spare the time."

=/\=

It had been hours since the doctor had left, and Josephine had been reading quietly and then she had reorganise the bookshelves and cataloguing the items. It gave her something to do.

Bishop looked at his chronometer and sighed. It had been hours since the doctor had delivered his message about Josie wanting to see him. He looked around the bridge, the ship was in position, all was in readiness. He made his way to the master suite and entered. He found Josie sitting on the couch. "You wanted to see me, Josie?"

"oh the coward actually told you that did he?" Josie hated the doctor, She looked up at Bishop. "Did you run out of dilithium? we are not at warp." she said by way of explanation.

"Yes, he told me." Bishop answered as he took a chair across from her. "No, we didn't run out of dilithium and you are correct we are not at warp." Saying no more.

Knowing he would tell her when he was ready, Josie gave a shrug. Shifting on the couch, she waved an idle hand over the books on the shelf. "You should ship those to Cragen's home. When he gets free, he will want them. Oh it will be years for sure, but he will want them."

He nodded, "I will do so. I promise." An awkward silence followed, he coughed and cleared his throat as he spoke, "I've come to say goodbye."

She raised an eyebrow. "Goodbye? Please extrapolate on that for me Michael."

He nodded, "As you correctly deduced, we are not at warp. The reason is simple, we have reached our destination.... Galaxy Station." He let the name sink in.

She was puzzled. "That's a federation outpost." Josephine stared at him. "You are releasing me?"

He saw her confusion. "Yes Josie, I am it is the best for you." He answered simply. "We are outside their sensor net so they haven't detected us but we can transport you over."

She pushed herself up to her feet and took a breath. "When?" She asked softly.

He rose as she did, "In a few hours." He answered. "You have time to pack a few things if you wish."

Josie nodded. "Okay. Do you know who is in charge over there?"

A wry smile came to his face, "My intelligence is quite good. Galaxy Station is commanded by a Captain Garrett Lovejoy. He used to be captain of the USS Elysium."

Josie took a breath. "Wonder what he did to get transferred to a station.. well no matter." She pointed to the collar. "Are you going to remove this?"

"Yes, I am." Bishop replied as he brought the collar remote out and pressed a button. An audible click was heard, and the collar popped opened, he stepped forward and gently removed it from around her neck. He stepped back and showed her the collar in his hands. "Done."

She rubbed at her neck and nodded "Thank you. I will need a copy of medical records that.. doctor has kept Michael, please."

He nodded, "You shall have them Josie."

Josie nodded "Thank you. I.. will pack." she looked around her mind whirling as she considered what would happen next.

"Of course Josie. I shall leave you to it." Bishop answered and left the suite.

Josie nodded and watched him go before turning to start packing.

=/\=

Several hours later, Josephine had packed a bag, with several items of clothing, several items that Kyle had given Sephine, which, Josie wanted to keep as a reminder and she had selected three of Cragen's original copies and packed them as well. She would give them to their child, when they were old enough. She stood now, bag at her feet waiting for Michael to come and tell her it was time.

Bishop had been monitoring the station's com traffic and now that it Gamma shift on the station, activity was less, and it was the best time to beam Josie over. He went to her quarters, entered and told her, "It's time Josie."

Josie nodded and pulled on a light jacket that hung on her frame. She had gained baby weight and a little weight back from her time tied down but she was healthy. She picked up the bag. "Thank you for sending through the files." she said to him. "And, thank you for letting me go"

Bishop picked up the bag, "You are welcome, Josie. Here is an additional copy just in case something happens to the others." he looked at her, "It is for the best Josie for you and the baby." He said simply and handed her a small box, "For the baby."

She took it, and opened it and a smile appeared. "Thank you Michael" She said as she looked at the gold locket. She closed it and put it in her pocket. "Lead on."

"You are welcome, Josie. I promised Mr. Cragen I would protect you and the baby, and this is the best way I know how." He said as he led her to the ship's transporter room.

Josie followed him in silence. Up until she was on a Federation Base, she was going to keep her wits about her.

They reached the transporter room, "If you will step up onto the pad please Josie." He asked.

She took the bag and stepped up onto the pad and turned back to face him. "Where are you beaming me to?"

"To the Promenade Level near main medical Josie. I'm sure their doctors will want to check you over." Bishop replied. "Not to mention medical is always staffed so you will be quickly discovered."

Josie nodded. "Very well. Thank you Mr Bishop. And Good Luck."

He walked up to her and handed her a old fashion change purse. "Enough credits for you and the baby for as long as you need. Just keeping my promise." He stepped back, "I wish you a good and happy life Josie."

She nodded. Then she was beamed off of the ship. When she materialized on the deck of the station, she took a deep breath. She knew her presence would be noted as an unauthorized beam in was always picked up on, so she stayed still and waited for security.

She didn't have long to wait. Security was there within mere moments. "Security, to Captain Lovejoy. This Lt. James, I'm sorry to wake you sir but we've had an unauthorized beam in, A young woman.

"A young woman?" Lovejoy's questioned through the com.

"Mid to late twenties sir."

Bring her to my office." Lovejoy ordered, "I'll be there in five minutes."

"Yes sir." James turned to Josie, "Ma'am if you will come with us."

"Of Course." Josephine said "If you require to search my bag Lieutenant please do so. Nothing bad is in there." She moved to follow the security officers.

He gave her a tight smile. "Not to worry we will Ma'am." he answered as they entered Lovejoy's office and waited for the station's commanding officer.

Josie lowered the bag to the floor and straightened her back as best she could at 7 months pregnant. She wished she had a uniform, and her rank pips. Lovejoy. Of all people.. well she just hoped he didn't hold Arrianna against her.

"What have we got Lieutenant?" Lovejoy's voice came from behind Josie. "This young lady as I was telling you sir. She just beamed in."

"Is that so?" Lovejoy questioned as he came around and saw Josie for the first time. His eyes widen fractionally, and he quickly dismissed James and the others to wait outside his office. Once they were gone. He spoke, "Please have a seat, it's Lieutenant Carlyle, isn't it?"

"Yes Sir. Lieutenant Junior Grade Josephine Carlyle, though I guess it maybe legally Cragen.. I am not 100% sure about the legalities" Josie took the seat.

Garrett raised an eyebrow at the name Cragen but makes no comment. "Would you like something to drink and or eat Lieutenant?"

"Ah. no thank you Captain." She placed her hands in her lap and continued. "Sir, I am probably listed as AWOL or a deserter, but there were... extenuating circumstances."


'As you wish. I have been made aware of the extending circumstances Lieutenant the Alindari government has told me what happened."

"Alindari... Arrianna, they found her? They got her back from the slavers?" Josie's hands clenched. Sephine had been in control then, had watched quite happily as Arri had been sold, and sent away. Happy that Sephine was safe with Kyle and Arri would not break them up. But Sephine was gone, dissolved into Josephine again and Josephine was worried about the woman she ... loved... if that was even possible for Arri to consider that.

"Yes. When I was in command of the Elysium, I was informed of a secret Federation team that rescued Arrianna. She has been receiving counseling sessions to help her cope with the trauma she has undergone. However, she is safe." Garrett answered as he moved behind his desk to sit down.

Josie's head dropped forward as she pressed her hands to her mouth. It took a few silent moments as her shoulder trembled and then she raised her head, eyes damp but her face was outwardly calm. "That's good news." she said calmly. "News I am glad to have heard. Thank you Captain. I... you and Arrianna do not see eye to eye, I appreciate you letting me know she is safe."

"You are welcome, Lieutenant, may I call you Josie or Josephine? You are right Arri and I didn't see eye to eye, but I've made peace with the Elysium crew and their captain.... I believe you served with her Captain Phoenix Lalor."

"Josie will be fine. For about 6 months prior to her arrest" Josephine's knowledge was very out of date. "Was she cleared of those ridiculous charges?"

"Are you sure you don't want something to drink?" Garrett asked before going any further.

Josie took a breath. "If its bad news Captain, I would like to know. And I know you will need to keep me secure, either in Medical or the Brig. I know the process. Have been through it before."

"Quite the opposite, Captain Lalor was never arrested it was all a cover story. She and a special team of operatives were undercover to arrest a rogue Starfleet Admiral named Highlaw. They rescued Arri and Captain Lalor is once again in command of the Elysium."

Josephine absorbed the information and nodded. She was quietly assessing things in her mind. Highlaw had been one of Cragen's allies, though Highlaw always thought he was better than Cragen and had given orders. Josie remembered that much from being Sephine. Her fingers on her right hand touched her left wrist and her lips moved as if she was counting. "Well that's good to know that she was not imprisoned."

"She is not imprisoned. She has resumed her command of the Elysium. I need to send a message to her as well as Command and tell them of your appearance. How did you get here by the way?"

"A man by the name of Michael Bishop. He is the man who has taken over Kyle Cragen's ... business for lack of a better word. He .. undid the mind stuff Kyle did to me and he set me free. He beamed me here from his ship. I am not sure where that ship is or has been or where it is going"

"Michael Bishop." Garrett repeated. "I see. Thank you. We'll run him down and catch him." Garrett vowed. "He can run but not hide." Missing the fact that Bishop had been right under their noses and they weren't even aware.

Josie chose not to comment on that. "So.. next steps?" She asked choosing to focus ahead

"For you, the first thing is to get you to medical and have you checked over. Then a brief interrogation but before that have quarters assigned to you where you can rest comfortably. I'll send Phoenix, er Captain Lalor a message and we'll work on transport back to Earth."

"Ah yes, Interrogation. Well this one better not end with another court marshall." Josie went to stand. "Medical it is"

"It will not." Garrett assured her. "It is to get information on Michael Bishop." He said bluntly. "I'll send a security officer with you."

"As one who has been for the past few months chained naked to a bed, or locked in a cabin with a slave collar, I can tell you he is an arsehole and Arrianna would know more, as she dealt with him more." Josie finished getting to her feet, picked up the bag by the chair. "Thank you captain"

Garrett's face was a blank mask as Josie told him of the horrors, she had been through and endured yet his eyes expressed the shock and outrage his face didn't.

She noted the eyes. And gave him a shy smile. "Life keeps moving Captain and we need to move with it. I would love to turn back the clock, tell Arri she was being stupid and not leave the Elysium. But I can't and now I have to face the future. And I will, whatever happens."

"Indeed, it does Josie and hindsight is twenty-twenty, You cannot second guess yourself. Trust me there are things I wish I could take back and the words I wish I had never spoken."

She inclined her head. "So now we both have a second chance, though for me I think its more like 3rd or 4th chances. 1660's, Mirror universe, I think the Universe has a warped sense of humour."

"Life is full of second chances and you get them because you are tough and tenacious, and you have to be to make them count. So, make the most out of this new opportunity."

Josie smiled wryly "I plan on it." she vowed. "I so plan on it."

"I am pleased to hear you say that, Josie." Garrett replied.

She gave a short nod and headed for the door. "Best get this out of the way, at least these doctors will be properly trained." she added in a half mutter.

Garrett watched Josie leave once she was out of his office, he began to make calls to report Josie's return.