Uncountably Infinite - Chapter 5
A/N: This chapter is twice the shout-out to quiethearted, whose wonderful story Deflection inspired this story and who is wholly responsible for my presence in this fandom (Yes, I am still blaming you :-))
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Uncountably Infinite
by Vendetta17 aka crASHed
For FH
Chapter 5
Of Scotch and Deflection
Meanwhile, in the VIP Guest Quarters
Andy was pacing. Miranda was going to be the death of her! Where did she think she is going, anyway? Andy’s mind demanded to know. Never once had the fashion editor indicated that she felt anything more than a benign tolerance for Andy, let alone noticed her. She had ignored Andy the only times they ran into each other after Paris and now she had the nerve to accuse Andy of despising her. Far from it, Andy’s mind snorted. Besides, why did Miranda keep bringing up Nate? She’d never met him and Andy couldn’t fathom what Nate had to do with any of this. Oh, and how Andy hated it when Miranda called her a girl, never mind a silly girl. Wringing her hands, Andy addressed the computer,
“What time is it?”
No reply.
“Huh?” Andy stopped her pacing and tried a different route. “Computer? What time is it?”
“It is 1704 hours,” a monotone female voice replied.
“Okay,” Andy said under her breath. “Let’s see,” Andy walked back to the couch and sat down. “Computer, can you, uh, can you tell the location of a person on the ship?”
“Affirmative.”
Sitting up straighter, Andy debated for a second on whether or not she should inquire about Miranda’s whereabouts. Was that spying? Not really, she just wanted to make sure that Miranda was all right, after all. Her mind reasoned. Yet, she knew Miranda would be outraged if she knew. Well, she never needs to find out, her mind argued. Taking a deep breath, Andy asked,
“Computer, where is Miranda Priestly?”
“Unable to respond.”
“I’m sorry?” Andy face contoured with confusion. Didn’t the computer say it could tell the location of people on board the ship? Maybe that works only with members of the crew? Andy’s mind wondered. “Whatever,” Andy said with a touch of petulance into the empty room. If Miranda left, so could she!
Andy got up and left their quarters. Standing outside she considered where she could go. She didn’t know the layout of the ship, but maybe the helpful computer can also be accessed from out here? Andy contemplated.
“Computer, are you there?”
“Please restate the question,” was the cool reply.
Taking another deep breath, Andy thought about asking for one of the crew members she had met in the captain’s Ready Room. She quickly decided against asking for Captain Janeway herself, figuring that the woman was likely too busy running the ship. So, what about that number woman? Her mind suggested. Trying to remember her name, she addressed the computer again,
“Computer, where is Seven of Eight?”
“There is not crew member on board of Voyager with that designation.”
Oh, right, Andy slapped her hand against her forehead. Nine, not Eight!
“Computer, where is Seven of Nine?”
“Seven of Nine is in the Astrometrics Lab.”
Great, Andy thought sourly. If she only knew where that was. Maybe the computer? She wondered idly, realizing that she, as of now, completely dependent on the machine in order to roam about the starship. Didn’t people sometimes fall into sea because they blindly followed their satellite navigation systems? Andy wondered, snorting at the notion of this upgraded SatNav, or better ShipNav, getting her into trouble. As if you need a navigation system to get you in trouble, her mind chuckled.
“Computer, can you show me the way to the Astrometrics Lab?” Andy almost prayed she would get a yes.
“Affirmative. Visual display of the schematic of Voyager or visual and audio direction devices?” the computer inquired.
“Uh, the direction devices?” Andy squeaked. She wondered why this all had to be so complicated, when a red floating and blinking arrow appeared on the computer display in the corridor wall in front of her.
“Enter turbolift,” the computer announced. Andy followed the directions to the turbolift and carefully entered.
Nothing happened, until Andy said, “Astrometrics Lab?” Taking the queue, the lift started, startling Andy. Once the lift stopped, she exited and looked around for further directions. She signed in relief when she saw the red arrow flashing on the panel to her left and continued forward. Quickly, Andy followed the directions until she arrived at a two-fold door. Assuming that this had to be her destination, Andy took a step forward and the door opened with a whoosh.
There she is! Her mind almost cheered in triumph.
She had taken a few steps into the room when Seven turned around to look at the new arrival in her lab.
“Andrea Sachs.” Seven stated and raised an eyebrow at the other woman.
“Yes, uh, you are Seven of Nine?” Andy moved toward Seven and stopped right in front of her.
“That is correct. How may I be of assistance?” Seven inquired, curious as to what the woman was doing there and why she had sought out her in particular.
“I just,… I don’t know. Miranda and I had a fight and she left,” Andy started to babble and wriggle her hands in the air, trying to explain the turnabout of the events. Immediately aggravated by her nervous habit, she smiled nervously at the tall blond. “I don’t know where she went and I just couldn’t stay in our room alone.” Andy shook her head. “I should go,” she uttered when Seven failed to respond immediately.
“You may remain here if you wish, your presence is no bother.” Seven hoped Andy would stay, she thought it could help her find out more about Junior’s reasoning for bringing the two newest additions to Voyager.
“Okay, thanks,” Andy smiled at Seven who tentatively smiled back at her.
“So, what are you doing here?” Andy asked curiously.
“The computer is searching for an element we need to enable the transporter to send you back to your time frame. I am finishing several statistical algorithms that will allow me to create an add-on-module for the transporter, where I can program the specific time and data co-ordinates.”
“Oh,” Andy drew out, not sure how to respond to that.
“What did you and Miranda fight over?” Seven inquired suddenly.
Surprised by the question, Andy looked at Seven speculatively. Well, these people are trying to help you, so be polite. Besides, a different perspective might be just what you need, her mind instructed.
“That actually is a loaded question, Seven. May I call you Seven?” and upon receiving a nod to her question, Andy continued, “I think the better question is what did we not fight about. Miranda and I, we, uh, it’s complicated.” Andy sighed, closing her eyes in frustration.
“Explain,” Seven cocked her head, looking at the brunette in front of her.
***
Back in Janeway’s Quarters
“I distinctly recall saying that this topic was not open for discussion,” Miranda hissed, closing her eyes, almost as if in defeat. Talking about it, about Andréa, would be like rubbing salt on an open wound but she knew she should talk to Janeway about it all. Who else would she talk to? Better yet, who else could she talk to? Besides, getting back home to her daughters had to be her first priority, and if talking about Andréa was indeed a solution, Miranda would face the demons she’d buried in the deepest of oceans. Despite it all, it was unlike Miranda to give in so easily.
“You said your current disagreement with Andy was not open for discussion, you never stated that your overall history was off topic.” Kathryn replied, sounding a little smug.
“Indeed,” Miranda sighed, taking another sip of her drink. “Yet, I don’t think I am drunk enough to explain this ridiculous story.” Miranda uttered, rolling her eyes and taking a long gulp of her Scotch, letting the drink descend smoothly down her throat.
“I doubt that will be a problem. I believe I have enough Scotch here to put us both on the floor, if that is what you had in mind,” the auburn haired woman laughed.
“Are you propositioning me, Janeway?” Miranda smirked and raised one eyebrow at Kathryn, who in turn blushed furiously.
I cannot believe I just said that, Janeway’s mind all but screamed, disassociating itself from her. This infuriating, maddening woman truly tested her control, and now she was flirting? She knew she needed to up her game.
“That’s not what I mean, I am, you’re…” Janeway started, wondering if her eloquence had jumped ship along with her mind.
Miranda’s laugh interrupted Janeway’s babbling. “Forgive me, I know you weren’t propositioning me. I am sadly too accomplished in the art of deflection, especially when it concerns a topic I have successfully avoided for over a year.” Miranda pondered slowly as she ran her fingertip distractedly over the rim of her glass.
“It’s all right. I usually do not become that unglued so quickly. Your presence is quite unsettling at times Miranda,” Janeway cocked her head, gazing speculatively at the white haired woman.
Miranda snorted softly, almost making it sound like a low contemplative hum, “Yes, you could say that. People tend to fear me, even when I do not want them to do so,” heaving a sigh, Miranda finished her second glass of Scotch.
Without question, Janeway stood, making her way towards the cabinet where she refilled Miranda’s glass once again.
Miranda nodded her thanks and took the offered glass. “You have encountered Simon before, I gather?” the fashion editor asked Janeway curiously.
“You could say that.” The captain replied dryly. “Well, we haven’t had that many encounters with Junior himself, considering that he is, technically, only two years old. His father though, Q, yes, we’ve had more than our fair share of encounters.”
“He is two years old?” Miranda uttered aghast, not recollecting herself quickly enough for it to go unnoticed.
“In human terms, yes. Time seems to pass more quickly in the Continuum.” Janeway explained, which only raised more questions for Miranda.
“This is maddening. All of this is far out of my area of expertise. Time traveling! Can you imagine? This is giving me a headache,” Miranda rubbed her eyes, taking another sip from her glass.
Janeway started to laugh, earning herself a frowning, tight-lipped expression from the other woman. “I’m sorry, I am not laughing at you, and I did not mean to offend you, Miranda. What you said about time traveling giving you a headache, I am somewhat renowned for saying the very same thing about this subject.” Janeway let out the last of the laugh and emptied her second glass of Scotch in a swill.
The white haired woman only nodded, and leaned back against the sofa cushion.
“Miranda, you mentioned earlier that Junior said he wanted to help you fix your biggest mistake. Do you, by any chance, know what he was talking about?” Kathryn asked, watching Miranda with a thoughtful expression.
“As much as I would like to say yes, I don’t. I have an inkling, but that idea is too unformed, and to be honest, too distressing to be brought up.”
“I understand,” Janeway conceded, letting a small smile appear on her lips. “I am willing to listen though, when you feel like talking about it, that is.”
Miranda looked at Janeway with an inscrutable expression on her face, and then nodded, a small smile gracing her elegant features. “That is very generous of you.”
Janeway suddenly remembered Seven’s suggestion of a DNA analysis, which allowed for a much needed change of subject. The captain figured Miranda was close to tumbling down a precipice, should they continue to head down this road. While Janeway was forthcoming about helping, she knew that pushing the other woman into talking would only worsen the situation between Andy and Miranda, as well as create more tension between Miranda and herself.
“On another note, Seven suggested we compare the DNA of Voyager’s crew with your and Andy’s DNA.”
“What would that accomplish?”
“We would figure out if either one of you has a biological relative among the members of my crew. For all we know, you could be my great-great-great grandmother,” Janeway joked, mirth twinkling in her blue-grey eyes.
Miranda almost choked on her drink, but managed to avert a coughing fit with a careful throat clearing. Looking up, she glared at Janeway with such an icy intensity that the captain started to fidget in her seat.
“Humor, Miranda, you might want to look into that concept. It may take the sting out of some of your interactions,” Janeway snapped defensively, more aggravated by her fidgeting than by Miranda’s response to her joke.
“I fail to see the humor in your ludicrous suggestion. Moreover, what do you know about my interactions? You do not know me.” Miranda narrowed her eyes at the other woman.
“I know enough to venture a guess that your disagreement with Andy may not have escalated if you did not take everything so seriously” Janeway regretted the words as soon as they escaped her mouth, leaving an uncomfortable silence between the two. Her hand itched to cover her mouth or she wished to at least utter an apology but decided against the thought for she knew Miranda would not accept it. She really did not want to stir up that partiuclar hornet’s nest, Janeway warily eyed Miranda. This will not end well, her mind warned.
“I will not sit here and listen to you brazen insults,” Miranda’s voice was barely above a whisper, but the blade was strong and sharp enough to cut Duranium. Miranda put down her glass firmly and stood from her seat. Janeway sat completely still with her eyes closed contemplatively. Upon hearing Miranda move to the door she opened her eyes and reached out to gently touch the woman’s arm.
“I am sorry, Miranda. Please, please sit back down. I do not know where that came from. You are right; there is no need to insult you. In fact, it was never my intention to insult you.”
Miranda gazed intently at Janeway and saw the full look of regret on her face. She took a deep breath and sat back down. To say that she was mildly surprised that the captain neither flinched nor backed down under her intense scrutiny, would be preposterous. Yet, it did stir a certain curiosity in her as to why Janeway was not as fazed about her outburst as others would have been.
“Yes, well, I seem to have a tendency to put everyone on the defensive. Must be my sparkling personality, or maybe my witty remarks?” Miranda laughed humorlessly.
Janeway didn’t like the look of defeat that seemed to cross Miranda’s features at that moment. “I am sure you are exaggerating. I don’t know what your issue is with Andy and I am sorry that this is upsetting you so much but…” Janeway suddenly trailed off and stared unfocused into space.
“Janeway? Are you all right?” Miranda’s brow furrowed in confusion.
Snapping back to reality, Janeway’s face lit up with a smile, “I just had an idea.”
Miranda looked at the captain impatiently; she did not like to be kept waiting.
“We are the future!” Janeway exclaimed excitedly and got out of her chair, moving over to the computer console on her desk in the living room.
“You know, Janeway, two glasses of Scotch should not be enough for you to reach such levels of intoxication. I have to say, I am somewhat disappointed, I expected you to hold your liquor better. I presume drinking all that Syntehol nonsense made you weak.” Miranda voiced haughtily.
Janeway chuckled along with Miranda’s comments, “You know, you just sounded like a Klingon, a very stylish Klingon, but still a Klingon.”
“Why do I get the impression that was not necessarily a compliment? ” Miranda sighed and shook her head. How she was still relatively sane and sober was unfathomable since this day was driving her insane.
Janeway shrugged her shoulders and continued to input data into the computer at a furious speed.
“That depends on how you look at it. Klingons are proud, and honorable. They are also aggressive and brash. In the end though, I guess they would be far too loud for your liking.”
Miranda only raised her eyebrows at that.
“Computer. Display all available data for Miranda Priestly and Andrea Sachs, both were born on earth in the 20th century, in England and the United States respectively.” Janeway enjoyed the startled look on Miranda’s face upon hearing her request.
After a few seconds, Janeway was presented with the requested information. Miranda watched as the woman’s face changed to the perfect picture of utter confusion as she studied the data.
“This is unusual,” Janeway stated, with her eyes still focused on the screen.
“Could you have the decency to inform me of your findings? This is my life you are looking at, after all,” Miranda snarled impatiently.
“Miranda, what is the date, today, in your time frame, I mean?”
Caught off guard by the turn of the conversation, Miranda needed a moment to gather her bearing before she could answer the captain, “Today would be the 30th of March 2008.”
“I was afraid of that,” Janeway sighed, turning the computer screen so that Miranda could have a look at the data.
Miranda, feeling dread, excitement, and anxiety run through her all at the same time, read through the information on the computer. After a few minutes, she looked up at Janeway, suddenly understanding the other woman’s confusion.
“There is no data on here that goes beyond the 30th of March 2008,” Miranda acknowledged and sat back down with a heavy sigh. “Does that mean that we never return? That we are stuck here, on Voyager? What about my girls? What are going to do?” Miranda asked, desperation coating her words, proving that despite her self-control she was truly afraid of the answer.
“I am not sure what this means. Time traveling is very complex and is not something one can simply explain. I don’t think we should jump to the conclusion that you will never get home, though.” Janeway tried to reassure Miranda, who only scoffed at her in return.
“Really? I didn’t think sugar-coating was your style, Janeway.”
“I am not sugar-coating anything, Priestly!” the captain shot one of her infamous glares at the fashion maven. “You are a prominent figure of your time, so, if you truly never returned, I would expect to see documentation of investigations into your disappearance, along with stories about your children, not to mention your funeral to show up somewhere among this data!” Janeway exclaimed firmly.
Miranda gazed at Janeway contemplatively and was about to form a cutting reply, when
suddenly, the living room lit up with a bright flash and Junior was standing next to the couch, smiling at both women.
“Now, ladies, you didn’t think I would make it that easy for you, did you? I deleted all information pertaining to both Miranda and Andy’s future.”
“You!” Miranda jumped out of her seat and stalked toward Junior who had the presence of mind to slowly draw back, away from the agitated fashion editor.
“Now, Miranda, I wish you no harm,” Junior raised his hands in front of him, as if surrendering, while he continued to move back, eventually being cornered by the white-haired woman.
“I cannot say the same about you,” Miranda whispered, her voice like honey but laced with shrapnel-like malice, ready to catch, squash and devour the fly that had flown into her web. She studied the boy retreating tensely towards the sofa.
“Aunt Kathy, feel free to help here,” Junior shot a pleading look to Janeway, who had remained in her seat and was watching the scene in utter fascination.
“You’re on your own, Junior. You play with fire and you’re going to get burned,” the captain chuckled nonchalantly.
Then, there was another flash and Q stood next to Junior, his hands on his hips, shaking his head unimpressed.
“Son, do I need to remind you that you are omnipotent?” Q drawled annoyed.
“Dad! Well, yes, I am, but do you see her? She is scary.” Junior tried to defend himself.
“Yes, yes, whatever.” Q snapped his fingers and both Miranda and Janeway froze, immobilized as Q stopped time.
“What exactly are you doing here, Junior? I thought we had agreed to let them figure things out by themselves.”
“Well, yes, dad, but Miranda sounded so sad, I just wanted to make sure she knew that the missing data was my doing and not a sign of her never returning to her daughters,” Junior gesticulated widely.
“How incredibly thoughtful of you, not to mention human. Where do you get all this compassion from, I wonder? It sure isn’t from me or your mother,” Q snorted at that thought.
“You’re one to talk, dad! You interfered too. Worse! You changed the rules, you added another condition for their return. They don’t even know about that!”
“Well, yes, I just thought that it would make this more interesting. Anyway, I sure didn’t do this as an act of compassion.” Q replied sternly.
“Uh uh,” Junior smiled. “Sure dad, whatever works for you. But, are you sure we shouldn’t tell them about the second condition that has to be fulfilled in order to get Andy and Miranda home?”
“No son, let them tackle one problem at a time. Besides, this way will be much more fun. Believe me, this will be a blast at the moment of the big reveal. Oh, Jean-Luc!” Q smiled, thinking of another one of his favorite play toys. “I’ve never done anything like this for you. Maybe I should?” With a snap of his fingers and a flash of light Q disappeared once again, taking Junior with him.
***
Miranda, who was frozen amid moving forward, almost stumbled once released from Q’s freeze. “What happened? Where is that sniveling little idiot?”
Janeway just sighed, this was not her first time dealing with frozen time. “They disappeared again, he probably stopped time in the process. I really hate it when he does that.”
“Freezing time? Omnipotent idiots? Time travel, star ships! I am about to lose my mind. Please tell me I had a nervous breakdown and that I am currently institutionalized because of these delusions!” Miranda ran a hand through her white hair, before starting to pace up and down Janeway’s living room.
“Sorry to disappoint, but this is all very real,” Janeway voiced sympathetically. She really didn’t envy Miranda. The woman truly was experiencing a day from hell. Better than a year of hell, her mind replied gloomily.
“What time is it, anyway?” Miranda asked exhausted.
Janeway turned to look at the old fashioned clock on the wall, “It is 1930 hours.”
“That is 7:30pm, if I remember correctly,” Miranda mumbled to herself. “I think I better return to my room. I am tired and I think I should eat before retiring to bed.”
“Yes, that is probably a good idea. Good luck with Andy,” Janeway smiled softly at Miranda who only nodded as the captain led her to the door.
“Thank you, Kathryn,” Miranda smiled a genuine, small smile, and left a stunned Janeway standing in the doorway.
TBC
A/N: Here’s the thing. I did not see Andy and Seven’s conversation coming. My muse just dragged me there. I am a little afraid that you guys get bored because all they do is talk and think. The next chapter will include more of Seven and Andy’s discussion, and then what was originally planed for chapter 6. Basically, the next chapter will likely be more of what I’ve written so far. Then, the plot will speed up. Please tell me if you overall think things go too slow and if you’re starting to get bored with the pace.
Thank you for all your comments, I appreciate and enjoy them. Oh, and thanks also to the silent readers, I was among you for most of my fanfiction reading years. A salute!