Through the Looking Glass

evealed groupings of asymmetrical chambers and twisting hallways. Centered was a shaft the
traversed from the top of the dome-like structure to the bottom. "Sensors indicate a series of
plasma reactors and isolytic power relays similar to those used in subspace weapons."
Look at all those hallways, the way they wind and wend…
Seven's contralto monotone broke the train of Chakotay's thoughts, "If we can access its controls,
it is possible we could free the ship and open a portal back to the Delta Quadrant."
The warning in his head would not stop. …it bears no small resemblance to a maze. There are no
accidents, Sudea, only plans we cannot discern.
A guttural growl from his left snapped Chakotay's head around. His spirit-panther slunk past
Harry Kim, eyes glimmering with scarlet light.
"Chakotay?" Janeway's hand fell on his shoulder.
The cat disappeared into shadow. He faced his captain. "Something's not right."
"I have to agree," the compact woman turned to the rest of the crew. "How long would it take to
configure our transporters and communications systems to compensate for the phase variance?"
Torres scrunched her forehead in concentration. "I'll have to realign the pattern buffers. We can
use Transporter Room Three; I already have a team there running diagnostics." She bent down,
sticking her head inside one of the Bridge consoles. "Communications will be the tricky part."
Her head reappeared abruptly. "The Away Team will need modified comm badges in addition to
any changes made on Voyager. I'd say at least four hours."
"Do it," Janeway commanded.
"Captain," Chakotay lowered his voice. "I don't like it. Our last encounter with an organic vessel
almost cost us the ship." Memories of that experience were still fresh in his mind.
"The composition of …that…" Torres gestured toward the viewscreen, "…is vastly different
from the one we boarded in the Labyrinth." She stepped near and folded her arms. "However,
even if that floating squid doesn't wake up and raise shields, transporting back to Voyager may
prove problematic. Any change in power output can change the phase variance. We'd have to
recalibrate the sensors and transporter. That will take time." She shifted liquid brown eyes to
meet his. "The Away Team could be stranded for an hour or so."
Janeway nodded, but the set of her jaw and glints of determination in the slate of her eyes told
him the argument was already lost. "If there is the slightest chance that we can get back on
course for Earth, we owe it to the crew to try. I'm willing to risk a few hours if need be."
He exhaled slowly. The truth of her words was undeniable. There was absolutely no guarantee
that even if they reached the next station, it would be a way out. "I'll lead the Away Team,"