I've heard that the writers chose to make Chakotay so desperate in Coda because it was a safe area to show his feelings for Kathryn, and that makes a lot of sense.
Coda just boggles my mind, but here goes.
What was real and what was Kathryn's imagination?
Real:
He's trying to revive her.
Then he uses a hypospray on her and she wakes up.
And this is also real, she really wakes up, first because there is no cut from one scene to another, he stops the resuscitation and then takes the hypospray, and she is not watching, she was unconscious at that time.
So this actually happened:
Chakotay tells her that he's going to get blankets and that they need to contact Voayger. See how this scene is rich in detail and emotion:
And then we have this shot of him running, but there's no one watching. If it were a hallucination, she would see him running, but the image is captured from above.
Hallucination:
When he comes back and talks about the burns in the case, she is already sitting down, this part is probably just in her head, because that is where she enters the cave and the time loops start afterwards.
And then we have them returning to Voyager and I believe that at that moment the alien started having trouble convincing her that everything was real, because the Doctor starts talking some nonsense, like for example, the fact that she contracted phagia, she ends up refuting everything, and the alien starts to get desperate and without options.
So the alien resorts to something more realistic. Back to the accident. And we have this scene:
Then we have a flash, clearly showing the change of scene.
And this scene is real:
The alien wants to make her believe that she is dead and is a spirit, so he shows her the real scene.
At this point, actual communication with Voyager occurs:
And there's a very important clue in this scene that gives it away as real. Tuvok says that the transports have crashed, and at the end of the episode, we see Tuvok and the Doctor on the planet trying to revive her, but they don't take her to Voyager because the previous statement was true. So that part can't be a hallucination.
Hallucination:
Honestly, this alien is not very smart. He shows her that the transports are down, the scene cuts and she is already on Voyager. Total inconsistency.
And then Chakotay just walks out of sickbay and he was super calm at her wake, whereas moments before he was desperate and crying.
And then we flash again, which cuts to a real scene:
And further ahead, another flash, showing another real scene:
One last flash and she finally wakes up, after literally sending the alien to hell:
And then she and Chakotay walk out hugging each other like this:
And then, you know, he gives her a flower and they go on a date on the holodeck:
Time to do a happy dance because this is a Merch alert! 🥳
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I've also added air fresheners (so cute - mix and match among the options) and larger tote bags!
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I need more time but time can't be borrowed
I'd leave it all behind if I could follow
Since the love that you left is all that I got
I want you to know
- I remember my last visit there. I was given my general orders for Voyager's first mission: Proceed to the Badlands, and find the Maquis.
- The orders that brought us together.
I would really love for someone to write a fic about Captain Georgiou or Emperor Georgiou and Kathryn Janeway meeting. Or in general, Janeway encountering a female leader of authority who didn't sacrifice her femininity and sexuality just to see what happens lol
I love them so much!!!!! Think what you want, but for me, this couple is a married old married couple who survived the attack on Starfleet in season 3 of Picard. They are happily raising children and dogs, as well as a little kitten
Scorpion is just great storytelling from top to bottom, with excellent character work and a winning introduction for Seven of Nine. It’s also the perfect example of everything I find captivating about the Janeway/Chakotay relationship.
The two-parter demonstrates that their trust and respect borders on visceral need, and that the lines between professional courtesy and personal affection are decidedly blurred. It proves that Chakotay, often criticized as a doormat, is willing and able to vigorously disagree with Kathryn’s judgment and give orders contrary to hers. We see Kathryn repeatedly taking professional disagreements with Chakotay as personal betrayals. It shows Chakotay’s discomfort with Kathryn putting her life on the line when safer options exist. Even the twist ending exploits other characters underestimating Janeway’s and Chakotay’s ability to work past disagreements to find common ground. This is all in addition to the touches and meaningful looks and the “I can’t imagine a day without you” and “Are you with me?” “Always” of it all.
Most notably: it demonstrates that, for two people who never openly explore their feelings for each other because they don’t want love compromising their judgment in a dangerous work environment, they are already compromised. Deeply so. And that’s not conjecture – the actors have admitted that they worked with each other and the director to put that subtext there on purpose.
What we get is a personal and professional relationship that feels real, in all its unglamorous glory. And it’s why J/C, in my opinion, is the most beautiful love story in TV history. Which is astonishing for a couple who never even hugged onscreen during Voyager’s original run.
My entry for the @25daysofvoyager ! A little part 1 of a J/C fanfic. Fluff. Action/Adventure. Angst. Aliens mistaking JC as married again. Enjoy!
“Chakotay, please!”
Kathryn dodged another blow and stumbled backward.
“Chakotay! This isn’t you!” She shouted at him, still struggling to put any distance between them on her sprained ankle, before it finally gave out.
He strode toward her, but paused when he saw a large branch on the ground. He reached down and grabbed it, then seemed to test it in his hands.
“And how do you know this ‘isn’t me’?” Chakotay said, his voice deep, and dangerous.
“I know you!”
“No. You don’t,” he said, closing the distance between them and swinging the branch down on her.
THREE DAYS EARLIER
Captain’s Log:
“It is our second day in orbit around the planet Caldar. The Caldari are a very pleasant people and trade negotiations have gone well so far. The Caldari have graciously opened their planet to the crew for shore leave. Tuvok didn’t find anything to suggest bad intent and didn’t have any objections, which I guess is as close to a compliment as you can get from a Vulcan. It is nice to be reminded that the Delta Quadrant has just as many friendly species as dangerous ones. Everyone is in desperate need of some R&R. Myself included, as Chakotay is always reminding me. Being stuck in negotiations, Chakotay and I have only seen the government centers of Caldar, but I look forward to getting to explore this rich planet more. Chakotay mentioned hearing that the twin sunset over the cliffs of Rohem was worth exploring, and I am hoping to take him up on that. Tom and Harry keep coming back with stories to keep us entertained in the meantime. A personal highlight was Tom’s retelling of Harry’s failed attempt to ride, what Tom described as a horse-sized mix between a pig and a hippo. The Doctor says that Harry needs to be off-duty for 24 hours. I had to elbow Chakotay to keep him from bursting out laughing at the Doctor’s report; Harry’s already embarrassed enough as it is. However, that doesn’t mean that we won’t be enjoying those holo-photos later.
On the business side of things, Caldar continues to impress. The planet might as well be one giant ball of dilithium. You should have seen how fast B’Elanna made it to the bridge when the planet showed up on sensors. Their entire economy is built on the sale and trade of this material that we so often find ourselves scrounging for. At first, I worried about what they were going to ask for in exchange, but what the Caldari are most interested in are the various cultures of the Alpha Quadrant. Their people collect different cultures and integrate them into their own society. I recognize some bits and pieces of cultures from throughout the Delta Quadrant, while some things are completely new. However, the custom that is of the utmost importance is their one unique tradition. The Caldari take partnership very seriously. Their society includes partnerships of all kinds; males with males, females with females, and male with female, etc. Regardless of the type of partnership, once a pair has chosen each other, they become part of one another. This “sacred partnership” is at the heart of their civilization and they champion it above all else. However, from what I understand, they do not believe in the concept of soulmates, rather that they are all on a path that will one day lead them to their missing piece. It is a society built on the idea of the peaceful pursuit of love. It is quite beautiful.
Anyway, I am hoping to exchange our cultural database we will get enough dilithium to keep B’Elanna happy for quite some time.
Despite everything that this planet has given us, I find myself still apprehensive. The Delta Quadrant is rarely this kind and I…”
The chime to the ready room interrupted Kathryn’s log.
“Computer, end log” she said while pushing the console to the side,
“Come in.”
Chakotay walked in.
“Good morning, Commander,” a soft smile spread across her face.
“Good morning, Captain. I have the crew rotations for the next month.”
“Thank you. Have I missed any more of Tom’s stories since I’ve been off the bridge?”
“No, but you did miss Neelix’s rousing report promising ‘new and improved’ recipes for leola root” Chakotay chuckled as Kathryn’s face turned into a grimace.
“Hopefully they are better than his last ‘masterpieces.’ I’m still low on replicator rations from last time.”
“Me too. Mostly from you convincing me to get you more coffee,” Chakotay said with a knowing look.
Kathryn smirked, “Captain’s prerogative. Plus, you have to admit that his latest attempt at ‘better than coffee’ coffee was unbearable.”
Chakotay chuckled. “Well, if Caldari food is anything like their hospitality, I think that we will be alright.”
“Yes,” Kathryn stood and made her way over to the viewport. She clasped her hands behind her back, “The Caldari have been extremely welcoming to us.”
“But you’re worried,” Chakotay joined her at the viewport, “worried that they are too good to be true”
Kathryn gave him a sideways smile,
“Have you been reading my log?”
“No, I just know how you think”
“I feel like we are waiting for the other shoe to drop. We’ve been in trade negotiations for over a day and all they’ve asked for is Picasso and Kadis-Kot! My gut is telling me there is something more,” she sighed.
Chakotay put his hand on her shoulder, “We have one of our last trade meetings today. Whatever comes our way we have always been able to make it through. Today will be no different.”
Their eyes met and Chakotay couldn’t help but get caught in those pools of blue. Their relationship, after so much hardship, was finally starting to settle down again. Their weekly dinners were the highlight of his week and recently Kathryn was starting to let him in a little more. Not beyond anything that couldn’t be brushed off as close friendship, but still.
Chakotay knew that he had fallen for Kathryn a long time ago, from the moment they locked eyes on the bridge, but it was the shared moments like these where he recognized the depth of his feelings for her. He would wait for her. The angry warrior would stay by her side, for as long as it took.
Spirits, I’m lost.
“Thank you, Chakotay,” she said softly.
“Of course, Kathryn.”
“Tuvok to Captain Janeway.”
He dropped his hand from her shoulder.
Tuvok and his timing.
“Go ahead.”
“Captain, the Caldari ambassadors have arrived to begin negotiations. They are waiting for you and the Commander in the briefing room.”
“Thank you, Tuvok. We are on our way”
Chakotay moved towards the door, but Kathryn continued to stand looking out the viewport. Chakotay’s voice interrupted her worried thoughts,
“Are you coming, Captain?”
“Yes, I am right behind you”
Chakotay flashed her a smile and exited. Kathryn shook her head and followed after him.
Oh, I am so lost.
“Captain, I am glad that Voyager found its way to our corner of the galaxy. I think both of our people will benefit from these negotiations.” The Caldari ambassador, Turin, sat at the end of the briefing room table. The color of his skin reminded Kathryn of lilacs. The soft texture of his light purple skin was accompanied by small streaks of green that accentuated his humanoid cheekbones and jaw. His cheekbones stuck out on his face but seemed like they wrapped around his head towards the back of his skull, giving his face a sleek appearance.
“Thank you, Ambassador. I agree. I hope you find Alpha Quadrant culture as interesting as we do”
“Yes, there is much to explore. You have an extensive database on so many species! It will keep our scholars busy until the next Dual Eclipse!” The green streaks of his skin gave a soft glow with his excitement.
“I hope so, and if I may, I would recommend Dante. He is a philosopher from Earth’s history, and a personal favorite of mine.”
“Thank you for the recommendation. Now, Captain, I have a few formalities before we begin. Requirements from the High Council. You understand?” Turin said.
“Of course”
Turin reached into the satchel that sat on the floor next to him and brought out a beautifully bound book filled with greenish pages. When Turin opened the book, Kathryn realized that the pages’ green hue was similar in color to the streaks on the Caldari’s faces. She wondered if this was due to choice, or something in the planet’s biology that affected both of them. She suppressed the urge to ask as he began to speak.
“Captain, as you are aware, our society values partnership over everything else. You assured us that your culture assumes a similar view to the importance of partnership, which is what allowed us to begin this fruitful relationship between our two peoples in the first place. However, we are concerned, and frankly somewhat… off put, that you have yet to introduce us to your partner.”
Kathryn paused and tried to absorb what Turin was saying, “I’m sorry, Ambassador. I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
Turin’s mouth twitched, “We do not interact, or much less conduct trade, with peoples whose leader is unpartnered. It is an unspeakable offense. Furthermore, if we were to be led into an arrangement under false circumstances regarding one’s partnership status, we would consider that an act of aggression against our planet.”
Kathryn’s typically quick-witted diplomatic mind felt like it stalled out. A partner? She was the Captain! A relationship out here could never be a partnership. Not when every available person was someone under her command. “Ambassador, you have to understand, as Captain, I don’t -“
“You don’t what?” The threat was clear. Turin’s jovial attitude was long gone and his streaks shifted to a deeper green as his mood shifted.
“I-“ Kathryn started, but Chakotay’s hand coming to rest on hers stopped her. She resisted the urge to yank her hand out from under his as she locked eyes with him. As it often was with him, she needed no words to understand what he was saying:
Trust me.
And she did.
“Ambassador Turin,” Chakotay started, “I am the Captain’s life partner.” He moved his hand on hers to interlock their fingers. Kathryn let him, since all of her energy was being spent actively trying not to have the panic she was feeling on the inside show on her face. “You have to understand,” Chakotay continued, “the Captain is not used to sharing the status of our relationship since our job’s put us in a tricky position, considering that it could be taken advantage of by our enemies. If our feelings and commitment to one another were to become common knowledge, any number of species could use that to their advantage. And, sir, as you said, our culture values our partnerships, and you’re right. If anything were to happen to Kathryn, I would stop at nothing to get her back, including putting others at risk.”
Turin visibly calmed down, but seemed wary. “But why keep this information from us. We have shown nothing but hospitality to you!”
“We apologize and don’t mean to offend, but it is just something that we’ve gotten used to protecting.”
Turin seemed to accept this and clapped his hands together. “Oh, great happiness! We are glad to keep you as friends. Now, we must discuss the Three Trials.”
“The Three Trials?” Kathryn found her voice again, but still struggled to stay focused with her hand intertwined with Chakotay’s.
“The Three Trials are three tasks meant to prove your love and commitment to one another.”
Kathryn shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“This serves a dual purpose: one, to confirm your partnership, and, two, to determine if you are tjaasaktic. Will you comply?”
The universal translator faked to pick up the last word, but all Kathryn could think of was their desperate need for the Caldari’s friendship and trade. “When do we start?”
The big thing everyone struggles with in regards to Janeway threatening to let the aliens kill Noah Lessing is that no one is looking at that scene in it’s appropriate context. Or we’re at least ignoring the whole context in favor of vibes.
Noah Lessing and his group lured in, trapped, and killed living sentient intelligent beings and then ground their bodies up for fuel. He killed people. He’s a murderer. Does calling him a serial killer make it more clear? Atrocity is the correct word, though the more accurately you try to label his crime the more abstract it becomes. We as an audience struggle to conceptualize that kind of horror.
Janeway threatening to let the aliens who’s people he murdered do what they want with him was an understandable reaction to the enormity of the crime the man had committed. Sisko went ham on a guy who got too into Les Miserables roleplay. I never hear about him going to far or ‘being out of character’.
Not only was that moment very in character for Janeway, someone who has a strong sense of justice, but it’s also not an action she’s ever going to get flack for back home. Most Starfleet officers can’t deal with the nuance of the Maquis who are fighting for their homelands. They’re not going to have any sympathy for a group that committed genocide. The worst long term consequence for Janeway is that she’s going to have captains and admirals coming up to her and telling her they would have spaced the lot of them.
It was not a good moment for Janeway. It wasn’t heroic and it probably haunts her but it was an understandable reaction, a human reaction to the monstrous.
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