suggested Tuvok.
"We may be able to follow a trail of such markers until we
arrive at a sacred site."
"If we find that's the case, it would be the first
documented evidence of such behavior in the Delta
Quadrant," said Ensign Greta Kale, a young woman with blond
hair, dark brown eyes, and a sprinkling of the spots humans
called "freckles" across her nose. "What does that kind of
commonalty say about the origin of all species?"
It was an insightful question, but Tuvok didn't look
forward to answering it. There was a great deal of contro
versy about that very matter. Why were there more simi
larities than differences among most species? It argued for
some original link, a commonalty of origin among the
galaxy's species that had never been satisfactorily ad
dressed. Many believed that an alien group from another
galaxy had "seeded"
the primordial soup of all the planets at the point when
the building blocks that would produce life first began to
develop. Others believed that a powerful, unseen supreme
being had created life, full blown, in an instant.
Tuvok himself preferred a more scientific explanation:
basic matter-the elements and their various molecular
combinations-from which the galaxy was formed was common.
These building blocks would have been distributed
throughout the galaxy as stars and planets were formed. Why
would it not follow, then, that the stuff from which life
developed had many common qualities, and that the
development of humanoids along similar lines was to be
expected, rather than questioned? "I will let you make your
own judgment about that, Ensign, based on your individual
beliefs." Kale smiled at him; apparently it was the answer
she had expected.
"Can we do it, Lieutenant? Follow the marker, see if
there's a trail?" Kim looked at him with what could only be
described as eagerness. The young man was clearly caught up
in this mystery and wanted to pursue it. "I see no reason
not to,"
answered Tuvok evenly. But Neelix jumped in. "I must remind
you that our primary mission is to gather food supplies.
This paleontological stuff is very interesting, of course-I
myself am an amateur archaeologist of some experience-but
let us not lose sight of our priorities."
"Quite right, Mr. Neelix. I suggest you detail a group of
ten and scout the area for foodstuffs. I will take the
others on a scientific investigation." "Fine. Kes, you're
with me-was "Oh, no. I'm going with Tuvok." Tuvok, like
Neelix, noted her tone of voice and knew she was
determined. Neelix nodded and quickly counted out the ten
who would be with him. Tuvok was aware that they all seemed
disappointed, but unlike Kes, they were too steeped in
Starfleet discipline to refuse.
Neelix led his small band away from the mound and began
scanning for edible plant forms. Harry Kim led the others,
eagerly marching toward the second spire, eyes scanning
upward as though he might suddenly spot one of the soaring
creatures who had once sailed these skies.
Tuvok continued to check his tricorder frequently.
There was no inkling of the real danger that would come
from those skies.
It could not have been more sudden or unexpected. One
minute Janeway was in her ready room, relaxing with
vegetable bouillon while reviewing personnel reports.
Strictly speaking, that wasn't her responsibility; the
first officer's review was all that was officially
required. But Janeway enjoyed the process, finding that it
drew her closer to her crew. If a junior officer in quantum
mechanics was having a rough week, she wanted to know about
it. Lunch with the captain, or a private chat over
afternoon tea, could work wonders in reviving flagging
confidence or dispelling a touch of homesickness.
A dull ache had burrowed its way just behind her eyes. She
hadn't slept well last night, having revisited the house
with many rooms and finding, inevitably, the closed door.
After that, she had tossed restlessly, trying to find