Summary:  Part 11 of "Home".  The trial begins.
Copyright April 2001 Cassatt

Though they had prepared for the morning, they found themselves feeling rushed. Anxiety overlaid everything. They even came close to an irrational argument over, of all things, the toast. It was at that point they took another look at each other, another deep breath, and another slow moment together. Embracing tightly as though it was for dear life. As though it was, perhaps, the first of their last thirty hugs to enjoy. For many years to come. If they could have lost themselves in each other at that moment they would have done so willingly. But their lips met tenderly, lovingly. They vowed there would be time for more at the end of the day.

Stepping off the transporter pad at Starfleet HQ, in full, outdated uniform with pips and insignia, they followed through on a promise made to each other. Maybe in a fit of defiance, but really to honor the other piece of metal they wore, the non-regulation silver that adorned their wrists,  shining brightly in contrast with the black of their sleeves. Kathryn deliberately took Chakotay's hand tightly in hers and walked with him, firmly attached, to the courtroom. She acknowledged any deference made to her rank with a nod and a smile but only if someone had shot her with a phaser would she have let go of him. And maybe not even then.

Both hearts were pounding and fluttering. Both pairs of eyes searched for a sense of calm in the other's. They had done just that the moment before they opened the door to the final corridor outside the courtroom. Lights once more blinded them. Shouts assaulted their ears. The press of bodies, and vidcameras momentarily stopped their progress. This they hadn't prepared for. They pushed back and made their way up the stairs, where Lt. Com. Mueller was waiting, letting them into the courtroom, closing the door firmly behind them all.

"I apologize for not meeting you in the transporter room," Mueller said, as he led them to the back, through another door. "I've been here since 0630 hours..." They were now in a small meeting room furnished simply with a table and chairs. He motioned them to sit.

"Well, I confess, I don't think either of us expected that scene out there," Chakotay replied. "A few reporters, maybe, but Spirits, isn't there anything else newsworthy going on in the galaxy at the moment?"

"Apparently not, Commander, you seem to be it." Mueller smiled ruefully. "Now, let's get down to business. New house working out well?"

Kathryn nodded, suddenly finding words difficult to form. She noticed Chakotay merely nodding as well. They hadn't let go of each other either.

"Good. Captain, you will have to wait in the witness room until you're called to testify, which I believe is not going to be until after lunch. I trust you brought some things to occupy yourself?" Again she nodded. "It looks like, from Commander Williams' list, that Tuvok will be first, followed by Lt. Ayala, then Lt. Paris, then you, Captain..."

"Ayala?" Chakotay was a little surprised. "I know he was on the list, but to testify second?"

"I have an idea of what his testimony will be, but I shouldn't say in front of a witness here," he said with a small smile. "I apologize, Captain, but perhaps it would be best if you went to the witness room now. There are some things I need to discuss with Chakotay."

She felt a pain directly in her solar plexus. It was most definitely physical and not imaginary. She idly wondered how she ever had accomplished what she had, feeling so dependent upon this man now, completely, totally and entirely unwilling to leave his side. They both stood, however, and followed Mueller's directions to find the witness room.

Luckily, being still an hour before the trial was to start, the room was empty. They took a few minutes simply to be, to sit together, to give each other whatever reassurances were possible. Chakotay left. Kathryn's heart hurt again. She stared at the walls. She stared at the door. She opened her bag and took out her book. At least she'd have Tom around to keep her company for part of the day, she thought. She looked at the door again and felt the pain anew.

I love you, Chakotay. I'm with you...

Chakotay stood in the corridor for a few minutes, taking some time to himself. It was quiet here, no reporters had found it, the occasional clerk went by but didn't bother him. He sent a plea to his ancestors for the second time that morning. He stared at the witness room door for the third time. He told himself for the final time to return to Mueller.

I love you, Kathryn. I'm with you....

"All rise."

Everyone in the courtroom followed the order, Chakotay looking over his shoulder to Gretchen, Phoebe, Erin and Bill directly behind him. Their support at that moment was more than a comfort. He felt it as a lifeline.

The Judge Advocate General entered and sat, allowing the people in front of him to follow. To his right sat the tribune, six admirals of the highest seniority in Starfleet. Among them were Nechayev and Finnegan, both of whom had reviewed Kathryn's early command career. Neither Chakotay or Kathryn were assured by that fact.

The Judge made some preliminary opening remarks then asked if the tribunal authorities were ready to proceed. Commander Willliams, the acting prosecutor, stood and said they were.

"Call your first witness."

"The tribunal calls Lieutenant Commander Tuvok to the stand."

The security officer went out the side door.

The witness room door swooshed open and a security officer pointed at Tuvok. He gave one long look to Kathryn, nodded and left.

"Don't worry, Captain, Commander Tuvok will do what he can for Chakotay. I will, too," Michael Ayala said seriously.

"I know you will, Michael. You've always shown nothing but loyalty to him, and to me." Kathryn smiled softly. "So, why don't you fill me in on your sons? How did the reunion go...."

The door suddenly opened again and Tom strode in, his face a little flushed. "Whew, man, those reporters just don't give up do they? Hey Michael, how are you?" Tom sat down on the couch next to Kathryn after giving her a big, warm smile. She reached over and took his hand, grateful when he enveloped hers tightly, holding it while Ayala filled them both in on his return to life in the Alpha Quadrant...

"Mr. Tuvok, I understand you were working undercover for Starfleet, on the ship Liberty, under the command of the Maquis leader, Captain Chakotay?"

Mueller stood quickly. "Objection, your honor, to the term 'Maquis leader'. Commander Chakotay was not a leader in the movement, his was merely one ship of many."

"Sustained. The term will be stricken from the record. Mr. Tuvok, you may answer."

Tuvok cleared his throat. "That is correct. I was on the ship Liberty acting undercover."

"And how did you get yourself on that ship in particular?"

"I informed a few people that I was disenchanted with Starfleet and wanted to help the Maquis. Commander Chakotay approached me in a drinking establishment and asked me to join his crew. I, of course, agreed."

"He was not a Starfleet Commander at the time, correct?"

"Correct, though that is his appropriate title currently." Tuvok's eyebrow raised up a millimeter. Chakotay saw it and smiled to himself. He also wondered what the point was to a discussion of his title. The tribunal knew what his former and current status was.

"Did the Maquis Chakotay do a background check on you to see if you were telling the truth?"

"I do not know."

"Well, did any of your contacts say that he asked them what your status was with Starfleet?"

"They did not."

"Do you find that odd?"

"Odd?" Again the eyebrow lifted.

"Do you think that, given the situation, a Maquis captain should have checked your veracity before asking you to join his crew?"

"Objection," Mueller called out. "Calls for speculation."

"Overruled."

"The Maquis did not have the luxury of checking references. They must rely on instinct. The Commander is a man who trusts that people are telling him the truth."

"Or a very calculating one..."

"Objection! Your honor..."

"Commander Williams, keep your comments for the summation. Objection sustained."

Williams seemed unfazed by the Judge's rebuke. "Now, Mr. Tuvok, what did you do on the Liberty?"

"I served as a tactical officer."

"And what were your tasks as a tactical officer?"

"I was responsible for the defense systems on the Liberty."

"And certainly the offensive actions of the Liberty as well."

"That is correct."

"So you were present when the Liberty attacked Starfleet ships."

Mueller stood up quickly again. "Objection, your honor. There has been no evidence presented to the tribunal that the Liberty attacked Starfleet ships. Either this morning nor in any documentation, at least to my knowledge. Now, if the prosecution has not disclosed everything to the defense..."

The judge interrupted him. "Objection sustained, Commander. Now, Mr. Williams, would you care to rephrase the question or enlighten me as to whether you have made full disclosure?"

Williams took an obviously irritated breath. "I will rephrase the question..."

Mueller leaned over, whispering to Chakotay, "I don't plan on letting him be the only one playing to the media here..." Chakotay successfully kept his grin from showing.

"...the Liberty shot down a number of Starfleet ships, isn't that correct, Mr. Tuvok?"

"It is true that some Starfleet vessels were disabled during confrontations with the Liberty." If Tuvok could have looked uncomfortable he would have then.

"And the Liberty was directly responsible for these vessels being destroyed, correct?"

"Correct."

"Now, Mr. Tuvok, did the Liberty also carry arms from Maquis' bases to outlying locations?"

"Yes."

"So the Maquis Chakotay was dealing in illegal arms, correct?"

"That is incorrect."

"These arms were not illegally obtained, Mr. Tuvok?"

"The Commander and his crew did not deal in arms, Mr. Williams. They made no profit from the experience. They were at war. They and their colleagues needed arms. Commander Chakotay transported arms to assist other Maquis ships."

Chakotay again tried to keep a grin from spreading across his features. If he ever had any doubt as to Tuvok's position, it was gone. He didn't kid himself into thinking that Tuvok supported the Maquis movement, but he knew that Tuvok supported his former Maquis crew mates. He couldn't wait to tell Kathryn about this testimony.

"Now, Mr. Tuvok, here is a copy of a report you sent back to Starfleet Command while you were on the Liberty," Williams handed Tuvok a PADD. Tuvok tapped it. "Do you recall this report?"

"Yes."

"Good. Would you read the line that's marked please?"

" 'Captain Chakotay can be considered dangerous and ruthless.' "

"Thank you. That was an assessment of his character, was it not?"

"Yes, it was. My assessment at the time I sent that report."

"You had already had time to observe the captain under every circumstance of his work on the Liberty, did you not?"

Tuvok hesitated for the slightest moment. "Yes."

"So your assessment of the Maquis Chakotay was that he was dangerous and he was ruthless, correct?"

Mueller stood. "Objection. Asked and answered."

"Overruled."

Mueller sat, touching Chakotay on the forearm in reassurance.

Tuvok looked at the JAG and back to Williams. "That was my assessment at the time I sent that report."
Williams poked through some things on his table. "Mr. Tuvok, it is true that there are no existing records from the Liberty, is it not?"

"That is correct. The Liberty was destroyed..."

Williams interrupted him. "Just answer the questions I ask, Mr. Tuvok. Since there are no logs or other records from the Liberty we have only the word of those aboard the ship, correct?"

"Correct."

"Now, Mr. Tuvok, after the Liberty was in the Delta Quadrant and before it was destroyed, Captain Chakotay, you and a Mr. Ayala transported to the bridge of the USS Voyager. Did Chakotay order you to have weapons drawn on the crew of Voyager?"

"Yes, he did."

"And you chose to follow those orders to keep your true purpose on the Liberty a secret?"

"Yes."

"I understand the Maquis Chakotay also gave you orders to set the phasers on 'kill' and look for an opportunity to take over the ship?"

Tuvok's eyebrow raised significantly. "No, that is incorrect."

Chakotay leaned over the whisper to Mueller, "I don't know what he's talking about... I never gave that order..." Mueller again patted his arm, but Chakotay could see he was slightly confused as well.

"Mr. Tuvok, I have here the results of an interrogation of a Mr. Chell done last week..."

Mueller jumped up. "Objection, your honor! Mr. Chell has not testified here. This interrogation can only be considered hearsay."

The judge took a moment. "I'll allow it, Commander Mueller. If Mr. Tuvok knows nothing, he can say so."

Williams nodded to the judge. "Thank you. Mr. Tuvok, Mr. Chell states that prior to the three of you beaming off the bridge of the Liberty, Captain Chakotay gave the order I previously iterated. Did you hear that order given?"

"No, I did not."

"When you materialized on the bridge, your weapons were drawn, correct?"

"Yes."

"And at that time, your identity as a spy was revealed, correct?"

"Correct."

"And what was Captain Chakotay's reaction?"

"He was surprised and angry."

"At that time, did he notice a Mr. Paris on the bridge of Voyager?"

"Yes."

"And what was his reaction to seeing Mr. Paris?"

Tuvok hesitated slightly. "He attempted to hit Mr. Paris."

"Why was that, if you know."

"Commander Chakotay knew Lieutenant Paris during the time Mr. Paris was in the Maquis. I was privy to some talk while on the Liberty that made it apparent Mr. Paris was considered a traitor to the Maquis. It appeared the Commander was angry to see Mr. Paris again, and in a Starfleet uniform."

"So he attacked Mr. Paris."

"He tried to hit him. He was restrained."

"He is a dangerous man..."

Mueller hit his hand on the table. "Objection! Your honor..."

The judge looked sternly at Williams. "Mr. Williams, you will confine your commentary to the summation. Do you have another question on this topic?"

"No, your honor. Mr. Tuvok, let's proceed to events on Voyager that concern Mr. Paris and some undercover work he did with a species called the Kazon. Do you know what I am referring to?"

"Yes, I do."

"You and Captain Janeway devised a plan to discover which member of the Maquis was spying now for the Kazon, while working on Voyager, correct? With the cooperation of Mr. Paris, correct?"

"Yes."

"Can you elaborate a bit for the tribunal?"

"Mr. Paris took some directed actions against Commander Chakotay to make it appear he was unhappy on Voyager. He then left the ship and offered his knowledge to the Kazon, thus being able to spy on the Kazon for us."

"So you and Captain Janeway devised this plan on your own?"

"Yes."

"Without the knowledge of the first officer of Voyager, Commander Chakotay, correct?"

"Correct."

"This was more than a year after the Maquis supposedly had integrated with the Starfleet crew, was it not? And yet, you did not include Mr. Chakotay in this plan. You did not trust him, isn't that right?"

"Vulcan's don't possess the capacity to trust. We chose to keep the Commander ignorant of the plan so that his reactions to Mr. Paris would be authentic. The crew had to believe Mr. Paris left Voyager because he was unhappy."

"Whose idea was it to keep the first officer in the dark?"

"Captain Janeway's. I concurred with her logic, however."

"The two of you were able to keep your reactions to the situation authentic, were you not?"

"Yes."

"And yet, you decided the first officer would not be able to do the same. Wasn't the decision actually made because it was a Maquis you were trying to unmask, and you felt that the Maquis Chakotay could not be trusted to comply with the plan?"

"That is not correct."

"Come on, Mr. Tuvok, is it logical to think that a trusted first officer would not go along with any plan to unmask a spy on his ship? A spy that was making things quite difficult for his crew, his captain, and the safety of his ship?"

"Under other circumstances, it is logical to assume that."

Williams smiled in satisfaction, returning to his tabletop, apparently looking for something. Chakotay watched him, seeing for the first time, just how little of the truth mattered to this man trying to put him in a prison colony for many many years. His chest suddenly felt very cold and his palms became clammy. He had faced many enemies over the past years. This one seemed the most dangerous. The most ruthless. The most frightening.

"Mr. Tuvok, let's move back a few months in Voyager's journey through the Delta Quadrant. Was there a time when you began to teach a Starfleet field training class to some former Maquis?"

"Yes."

"Why did you do this, and whose idea was it?"

"Captain Janeway came up with the idea. There were some former Maquis that were having trouble integrating into the crew. It was thought they could benefit from the rigors of Starfleet training."

"Was Mr. Chakotay privy to these meetings?"

"Of course, he was the first officer, in charge of personnel. He was the one who brought up the problem in the first place."

"So he could give the appearance that he was concerned about this situation."

Mueller thought to object but changed his mind. Tuvok was clearly willing to correct Williams if he thought it necessary.

"Commander Chakotay was very concerned about these crew members. There was dissent among the crew over the situation. The Commander was being called upon to settle many disputes."

"And yet this was nearly a year into your journey, was it not? Why did it take this long for the problem to be addressed?"

"I am not certain. The former Maquis crew members who were having trouble adjusting had not caused obvious problems up until that time."

"Interesting. So Commander Chakotay went along with this suggestion of Captain Janeway's? An idea that he did not offer in the first place."

"Yes he did."

"Do you think that was a good tactical move on his part, to go along with the idea, especially if he had plans for the Maquis to take over Voyager?"

Mueller shot up, "Objection!"

Williams smiled at him. "Withdrawn." He turned back to his witness. "Who determined which former Maquis would participate in your field training classes?"

"The Commander. He was the most qualified to name the individuals."

"And your first class included crew members Chell, Henley, Dalby and Gerron, correct?"

"Correct."

"And at some point, were you privy to information regarding a confrontation between Dalby and the first officer? Would you elaborate for the tribunal?"

"If you are referring to the incident in the mess hall," Tuvok looked at Williams who nodded his head, "apparently Mr. Dalby did not wish to continue with the field training class. I was told that the Commander hit Mr. Dalby in an effort to convince him to continue with the class."

"Yes, he punched him so hard that Mr. Dalby ended up on the floor of the mess hall, did he not?"

"Yes, he did."

"And from that point on, did Mr. Dalby attend class?"

"Yes, he did."

"So the first officer continued with his own particular form of communication, the fist..."

Mueller stood up at that, but before he could object, the judge was already admonishing Williams to keep to questioning. Williams again seemed unfazed.

"Mr. Tuvok, what was Mr. Dalby's attitude after the punch. Was it any different than what it had been?"

"Not significantly. Mr. Dalby continued to resist my efforts to train him as a Starfleet crew member."

"He had been quite a troublemaker, hadn't he?"

"Yes. He was reported to be disruptive and unreliable during his duty shifts."

"He was disruptive to you?"

"Yes, he did not easily comply with my orders, and directed others to follow his example."

"And what had his former leader and now commanding officer Chakotay done to resolve the situation, if you know?"

"I have no direct knowledge of what efforts Commander Chakotay made in that matter."

Williams looked at Tuvok with just a hint of disbelief. "Other than punching him in the face, that is. Just a few more topics to cover, Mr. Tuvok. Who was it that recommended Mr. Ayala to be a member of the Tactical and Security department on Voyager?"

"Commander Chakotay recommended Lieutenant Ayala. I agreed with the recommendation."

"Mr. Chakotay was that convincing?"

"I had worked with Mr. Ayala on the Liberty. His intelligence is above average and his instincts are almost as good as the Commander's."

Williams was not happy that little comment had made it's way out of Tuvok's mouth. Chakotay grinned to himself. "And who was it that recommended that Mr. Ayala be promoted to lieutenant within such a short time of being on Voyager?"

"Again, Commander Chakotay did. It was determined that my department needed another officer of the rank of lieutenant to supervise during beta and gamma shifts. I agreed with his recommendation."

"So in a very short time, now Lieutenant Ayala was in a position of relative responsibility on Voyager. With access to Security logs. Able to carry weapons freely and move about the ship at will."

"Was that a question, Mr. Williams?" Tuvok's eyebrow shot upwards again. If Chakotay didn't know better, he would have sworn Tuvok was getting a little testy.

"Let me rephrase it for you. Did Lieutenant Ayala have free access to Security and Tactical information on Voyager within a relatively short period of time?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. One other topic. During the second year in the Delta Quadrant, did the captain and her first officer have occasion to spend twelve weeks together, alone, on a planet?"

Chakotay's heart stopped. He and Mueller had glossed over this time and had assumed it wasn't relevant to anything, other than his and Kathryn's relationship. And then, only to the two of them. No one else knew what happened between them there. What the hell would Tuvok be able to say?

"....quarantined and unable to leave the planet," Tuvok was answering.

"And it was assumed they would be there for the rest of their natural lives, correct? By them and by the crew of Voyager?"

"That is correct."

"And what did you observe of their relationship prior to them being stranded on this planet?"

"They worked very well together. Their personal strengths complimented each other. They made a good command team."

Chakotay suddenly knew what was coming. He closed his eyes.

"And what did you observe of their relationship after they were unexpectedly returned to command Voyager?"

Tuvok hesitated for a moment long enough that it was apparent he knew what was being asked of him as well. "They continued to command Voyager to the best of their abilities."

Williams snorted softly. "Mr. Tuvok, would you like me to bring forward your logs of that time period to refresh your memory of observations made? Now, what did you observe of their relationship when they were unexpectedly returned to command the ship?"

"They were tense and appeared unhappy."

"Unhappy they were back on the ship?"

"They appeared unhappy."

"Did you find this a cause for concern?"

"Yes, I did. I believe I made some log entries that suggested at the time I was concerned that their command relationship would suffer in the long run."

"Did you discuss these concerns with Commander Chakotay?"

"Yes, I did."

"And what was his reaction at the time?"

"He assured me that whatever personal issues he had with the Captain would not affect his professional relationship with her. He promised me that he would put the needs of the ship first."

Chakotay cringed. He kicked himself for being so unaccountably honest with Tuvok. At the time he chalked it up to too many beers in Sandrine's.

"Did you discuss, at the time, your concerns with Captain Janeway as well?"

"Yes, I did."

"And what was her response?"

"She assured me that she would do whatever was necessary to keep the needs of the crew and ship as her top priority. She told me her professional relationship with the Commander would be fine, given some time. I did not press her further."

Chakotay was stunned. He had no idea that Tuvok had spoken with Kathryn at the time. This was another topic for the bathtub later that night, he vowed.

"Did you find it odd that they gave you virtually the same answer? Let me rephrase that. You stated in your logs that the similarities in their answers concerned you. You voiced the suspicion that something had happened during the time they lived together, alone, in one shelter, that caused a strain in their professional relationship. Is that correct?"

"Yes, it is."

"And after a few months, what did you observe of the relationship between Captain Janeway and her first officer?"

"Professionally, they worked better together than they had prior to the quarantine. Personally, they appeared to be friends."

"Close friends?"

"I do not believe that assessment is mine to make, sir." Tuvok's tone had become increasingly frosty. It was now icy.

"How close?"

Mueller had enough. "Objection, your honor! Relevancy?"

The judge nodded in agreement. "Mr. Williams, move on. Objection sustained."

Williams sat down. "No further questions, at this time. I reserve the right to re-examine this witness at a later date."

Again the judge nodded. "Mr. Mueller, your cross."

Mueller took a moment to touch Chakotay's shoulder in reassurance as he went to the podium.

"Good morning, Commander Tuvok. I have a number of topics to go over with you." Tuvok nodded to him in acquiescence. "First of all, let's go back to the time when you were on the Liberty. In your observation while you were positioned on the bridge of the Liberty, did Commander Chakotay ever deliberately engage Starfleet vessels in combat?"

"No, he did not."

"What actions did he direct while in command of the Liberty?"

"He directed us to destroy Cardassian outposts, concentrating on those with known weapons caches and other military supplies. Our orders came directly from his superiors in the Maquis."

"And under what circumstances were Starfleet vessels destroyed?"

"When the Liberty was attacked by Starfleet, we fought back. In some instances, the attacking vessels were destroyed."

"And how did that affect you? Those were your fellow officers, after all."

"I am Vulcan, sir, I had no emotional reaction to the situation. I was doing my duty, under my own orders."

"Do you think this emotional detachment was one reason you were chosen for this mission?"

"Yes, that was one reason given to me by Command."

"Now, let's return to this report you sent back to Starfleet after your first week on the Liberty. You describe Commander Chakotay as "dangerous and ruthless". Would you elaborate for the tribunal what you specifically were referring to by those terms?"

"I assessed that the Commander was dangerous because he was extremely good at what he was doing. His bravery and willingness to take on difficult assignments for the Maquis was obvious. His instincts, a human trait I do not possess, were superior to that of many Starfleet officers I had worked with. He appeared to have the ability to discern when trouble was about to happen. He also had the complete loyalty and trust of his crew and other members of the Maquis. His success rate was very high, higher than Starfleet knew. He was very dangerous to the Cardassians."

"And your term 'ruthless'?"

"I used that term to describe his passionate nature, his commitment to the cause he believed in. He would stop at almost nothing to accomplish whatever goal was asked of him. He is highly intelligent and possesses a certain... creativity... in decision making."

"So did you ever observe the Commander causing bodily harm to any being for the thrill of it?"

"No, I did not. Nor do I believe he would ever do that."

"Thank you. And Commander Tuvok, you've now had many more years to observe Commander Chakotay in a professional and personal setting. Do you believe that the trust Captain Janeway placed in him those first days in the Delta Quadrant was misplaced?"

"No. The Commander has always shown unswerving dedication and loyalty to the crew and the ship. He has proven himself to be an outstanding officer, and particularly a first officer. Even aside from the action he took in destroying the Liberty itself, I am not at all certain Voyager would have survived without him on board."

"We'll get back to the destruction of the Liberty in a moment. Why do you make that statement about survival?"

"The Commander is, ultimately, a scientist with a great respect for different cultures. His ability to communicate with strange species and cultures was invaluable on more than one occasion in the Delta Quadrant."

"And regarding his destruction of the Liberty, would Voyager have survived without that action?"

"No, it would not."

"Why did he destroy his ship?"

"A large Kazon vessel was firing on Voyager, which had been badly damaged from the pull into the Delta Quadrant. He flew the Liberty into the side of the Kazon ship, destroying both vessels."

"So he saved the ship and crew which had been sent to arrest him, knowing he would then be forced to live on this same ship."

"That is correct."

"Now when you were beamed over to Voyager for the first time, you stated earlier that you were under no orders to have your weapons set to kill and look for an opportunity to take over the ship. Yet, Mr. Chell apparently has stated this as fact. Do you have any explanation for this discrepancy?"

Tuvok raised his eyebrow. "I do not believe Mr. Chell was anywhere near the bridge of the Liberty at the time we prepared to board Voyager. He was working in engineering at the time. I do not believe then Captain Chakotay would have broadcast an order such as that to the engineering crew and not to those of us actually going to Voyager."

For the first time the audience reacted. There was some laughter and the hum of voices coming from the gallery. The judge cleared his voice as an admonishment and the crowd quieted.

"Mr. Tuvok, you've had many occasions to work with Mr. Chell, correct? Not only as his field instructor."

"That is correct."

"And what is your assessment of his personality?"

Williams stood up this time. "Objection, your honor. Foundation?"

"I'll allow it, Mr. Williams. You've been the one to use Commander Tuvok's observations of character prior to this. Answer the question, please."

Tuvok nodded. "Mr. Chell is a highly excitable individual. He tends to believe the worst of his fellow crew members and puts himself in a more important light than his position warrants."

"Would you consider his perspective in a given situation to be trustworthy?"

"No, I would not."

"Thank you. And regarding Mr. Ayala, have you ever had occasion to mistrust his judgment or his loyalty to the crew of Voyager?"

"No, I have not."

"Regarding the incident with Mr. Paris when you first materialized on Voyager's bridge. Why do you think Commander Chakotay tried to hit Mr. Paris?"

Williams stood again. "Objection. Foundation as to why?"

"Again Mr. Williams, I will overrule this objection. You've been asking Mr. Tuvok's opinions and observations of the behavior of this crew." To Chakotay, the judge appeared slightly annoyed with the prosecutor. He wasn't sure that was a good thing or not.

"Mr. Tuvok," Mueller repeated, "why do you think the Commander wanted to hit Mr. Paris?"

"Commander Chakotay is a very passionate and loyal person. He innately trusts people and reacts strongly when faced with a betrayal of that trust. Immediately after learning of my deception, he was confronted by a man he believed to have violated what the Maquis hold sacred, loyalty to one's ship above everything else. He reacted as a human sometimes does."

Mueller smiled slightly at this commentary on human foibles. "And do you know exactly why the Commander punching crewman Dalby was supposed to make him more compliant?"

"No, I do not."

"So you do not know exactly what the Commander's motivation was in that instance."

"No, I do not."

"What was the attitude of the others in your field training class after Dalby had been punched?"

"They were subdued. They appeared to be taking the class a bit more seriously."

"Seriously enough to your satisfaction?"

"No."

It was Chakotay's turn to smile. Tuvok was, if nothing else, mostly predictable.

"Did anyone mention the punch to you or their reaction to it?"

"No."

"At the end of this first class of field trained cadets, were you satisfied with their performance?"

"Yes, I was. They managed to learn what I offered, worked together as a team, and became valuable members of Voyager's crew from that point forward."

"Thank you, Mr. Tuvok. Just one more question. Do you have any personal knowledge of what exactly the relationship was between Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay when they returned to Voyager after living on the planet together?"

"No, I do not."

"And do you have any knowledge of exactly when they became romantically involved?"

Tuvok hesitated, long enough for Williams to object on the grounds of improper cross-examination. While the judge was deciding, Chakotay realized the crowd behind him was completely quiet, the tension in the room almost palpable. The judge overruled the objection, stating Williams had opened the door to the topic. Tuvok was finally able to answer. Chakotay knew what it would be.

"Yes, I do."

"Is that because of a conversation with Captain Janeway?"

"Yes."

"And when did they become involved?"

"Approximately seven months prior to our return to the Alpha Quadrant."

Mueller walked back to the defense table. "Thank you Commander Tuvok. That's all."

Williams popped up quickly. "Redirect, your honor." The judge nodded. "Mr. Tuvok, do you have any direct knowledge of exactly why the Maquis captain Chakotay flew the Liberty into the side of the Kazon vessel? Direct knowledge?"

Tuvok hesitated for a brief moment. "I know that Voyager would not have survived without the action."

"Did Mr. Chakotay ever tell you what his motivations were?"

"No, he did not."

"And did anyone else ever tell you what his motivations were, at the time?"

"No, they did not."

"Thank you. And to your knowledge, do you know what conversations, if any, took place between Mr. Ayala and his Maquis captain regarding his appointment as a member of your Security and Tactical team?"

"No, I do not."

"So if there was a plan to put former Maquis in positions of power on Voyager, you would not be personally aware of that, would you?"

"No, I would not."

"Thank you. No further re-direct, your honor, with the former proviso still in effect."

"Very well," the judge agreed. He turned to the witness. "Commander Tuvok, you may step down. You may be recalled at a later date."

Tuvok stood and left the witness box. As he walked by the defense table, he met Chakotay's eyes and gave him a brief nod, returned with a smile from his former commanding officer. Mueller leaned into Chakotay again.

"It's going as I expected. Don't worry about the dents they made."

"I'm not sure I can do that. The truth seems to be elusive here...."

Williams voice brought their heads up. "The tribunal calls Lieutenant Michael Ayala to the stand."

The security officer left the room for the second time.

The witness room door opened suddenly, startling the three people out of their conversation. After the guard pointed at Michael, the lieutenant stood, turned to his Captain, saluted with a smile and left.

Kathryn visibly sighed and fell back against the couch.

"Kathryn, Michael will do fine."

"I know, Tom, it's just that Tuvok's testimony took alot longer than I thought it would. How much can they ask him that would be damaging to Chakotay? The stuff on the Liberty is so straightforward, and nothing the tribunal doesn't already know from Tuvok's reports..."

"But you and I both know that alot of weird things happened on Voyager, particularly in the first few years. And if the questions they asked B'Elanna are any indication, they're looking with a magnifying glass at everything."

Kathryn absently placed her hand on her abdomen. The motion was not missed by Tom.

"He's going to come home with you. We won't let anything else happen. And he'll be as great a father as a god-father." He reached out and patted her other hand.

Unbidden and unwanted tears were forming. "I think I'd better get the Captain back in this room, and soon..." she answered. "But Kathryn thanks you, sincerely..."

"Lieutenant Ayala, you are now considered to be an officer in Starfleet, is that correct?"

Ayala sat up a bit straighter in his chair and met Williams' look directly. "Yes, sir."

Chakotay, for the first time, stole a glance at the tribunal. Admiral Finnegan did not hide his surprise that Ayala had addressed a superior officer with deference, even under these circumstances. Chakotay felt an almost absurd pride seeing this.

"And while you were in the Maquis you were under the command of Captain Chakotay on the Liberty, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"And when the Liberty and Voyager were in the Delta Quadrant during those first days was there an occasion when you beamed aboard Voyager with Captain Chakotay and Mr. Tuvok?"

"Yes, sir."

"At that time did your Captain order you to transport with phasers raised and ready to fire?"

"Raised, yes but not ready to fire. Not set, sir."

"Did you question the wisdom of this order?"

"I did, yes. I wrongly felt that the Captain of the Starfleet vessel was not to be trusted, sir."

"And this was training given you by the Maquis?"

"Not exactly training, sir. Assumptions made after being in the Maquis."

"Lieutenant, you may drop the use of 'sir' here," Williams said with almost disdain. Ayala nodded calmly, Chakotay seethed. "So you disagreed with Captain Chakotay. Was this done verbally?"

Ayala hesitated for the first time. "Well, not exactly. I made a disrespectful comment, but did not voice my concerns directly."

"And how did Mr. Chakotay respond to your comment?"

Ayala smiled at his commanding officer and friend sitting across the room. "He gave me what we used to call 'The Chakotay Stare'. It was clear to me what I was supposed to infer from it. I was to follow orders and not question them, particularly in a disrespectful manner. That is what I did. Sir."

"So you showed loyalty to Captain Chakotay at that time. Do you consider yourself to have retained those feelings of loyalty to him, even while on Voyager?"

"Yes, I did. I do. He has earned them in each and every action he's ever taken. On the Liberty and on Voyager."

"And he responded to this loyalty by getting you a position of some authority on Voyager, did he not?"

"I wouldn't say it was a position of authority. I did command our group during gamma shift on a rotating basis. I believe that I earned that position." Ayala's tone had taken a very slight steel edge to it. Possibly nothing that would be noticed by those unfamiliar with it. His own version of the stare was directed at Williams, however.

"I'm sure you did, Lieutenant," Williams responded insincerely. "Now, was there an occasion after you had been on Voyager for a few months when you were left in sole command of the vessel?"

"Yes, sir."

"So, you, a lieutenant not normally in line to command the vessel, are left in exactly that position. You were ordered to take command by Mr. Chakotay, is that correct?"

"That's not entirely correct. I got command actually by default. I happened to be on the bridge at the time, I was the highest ranking crewman there. No one else could reach the bridge." Ayala spoke with a touch of frustration. Chakotay wondered how many times he had attempted to explain the situation to the authorities without success. But how to explain what was essentially inexplicable?

"It was convenient that you were the one who was on the bridge at the time, wasn't it?" Again, Williams' voice took on the tone of disdain.

"It was merely luck, sir."

"Sometimes one makes their own luck, wouldn't you say?"

Mueller stood up. "Objection, your honor. Could the prosecutor keep his disparaging comments to a minimum please?"

The judge allowed a very small smile to turn the corners of his mouth up. "Did you have a specific objection, Mr. Mueller?"

Mueller raised his shoulders fractionally. "Calls for speculation?"

"Hardly applicable, but I will concur that the disparaging remarks need to be stopped, Mr. Williams. Now."

Williams only acknowledged the order by nodding slightly in the judge's direction.

"Mr. Ayala, prior to working for Mr. Tuvok in the Tactical and Security department of Voyager, did Mr. Chakotay inform you he was recommending that assignment?"

"Yes, he did."

"So he informed you of his plan?"

"He informed me of the recommendation. He asked me if I would be willing to work directly for Commander Tuvok."

"So he thought integrating into the Starfleet chain of command would be problematic for you as a Maquis? And yet he wanted you to be in Tactical and Security."

Ayala sighed audibly. "He thought my skills in Tactical would be helpful for Voyager. I had performed some of those tasks prior to Mr. Tuvok joining the Liberty. And regarding Mr. Tuvok, I felt very strongly about his spying on us for the Federation. Commander Chakotay was concerned that this might affect my job performance."

Mueller leaned into Chakotay. "Williams just blew it, allowing Michael to get the upper hand," he whispered. Chakotay wasn't surprised. Michael Ayala was one of the brightest men he had ever met. He'd always thought his potential was ultimately untapped.

Williams had stopped staring at his witness. "So, despite your reservations, you agreed to go along with the plan to put you in Tactical and Security."

"Yes, sir," Ayala answered through almost gritted teeth.

"Just one more question, Lieutenant. Did you remain close with the other Maquis after you were on Voyager?"

"Yes, they were still my friends. Some still are."

"Thank you, that's all." Williams sat down at his table.

Mueller rose to the podium. "Good morning, Lieutenant. I only have three questions. When you were in command of Voyager for that brief time, did you make any command decisions? For example, fighting aliens, negotiating trades, anything like that?"

"The only decision I made was to stay put and continue to try and figure out why no one else could reach the bridge. I also answered the comm often."

"How do you feel about Captain Janeway and the rest of the crew of Voyager?"

"I would lay down my life for her, for any of them, without hesitation, sir," Ayala answered passionately.

"Do you regret the opportunity you've had to serve Starfleet over these past years?"

"Not at all, Commander. I feel honored to have been able to do so. My attitude toward Starfleet and the Federation changed. I still feel strongly about the situation of the Cardassian trea..."

Williams interrupted him. "Objection! This is not a place for political polemics, your honor!"

The judge sighed. "Objection sustained."

Mueller made eye contact with Ayala again. "I apologize, Lieutenant, I have one more question. Why did your attitude toward Starfleet and the Federation change?"

Ayala smiled. "Commander Chakotay did that. By example, and through many many long talks over a beer or two."

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Mueller returned to his seat.

"Redirect, Mr. Williams?" the judge asked.

"No, your honor."

"Very well. We'll take a break for lunch now. Reconvene at 1230 hours," the judge said loudly as he rose and left, with the entire room rising en masse as well. The Admirals filed out after him.

Chakotay put his face in his hands, taking a deep breath, exhaling it forcefully. He was desperate for a hug from his lover. "Commander Mueller, can I see Kathryn?"

"I'm afraid not, Chakotay. I can get a message to her, through the security officer. She'll be informed of the lunch break, she and Tom can use the replicator. There's one in the room we were in this morning for us to use..." Mueller began gathering his things.

Chakotay turned around. Gretchen stood and approached him, followed by the rest of the family. He silently, gratefully, accepted her embrace. He introduced Erin and Bill to his attorney, who immediately invited the family members to join them for lunch. They came along, more than willing to be with Chakotay as well as get away from the reporters who were starting to descend.

Kathryn was pacing when the security officer came through the door and handed her a PADD, informing her and Tom of the lunch break. She turned on the PADD and read the messages from her fiancé, her mother, sister and cousins.

"I'm dreaming of suds," Chakotay wrote, "I love you, Kathryn." She smiled and blushed, knowing the officer who passed her the PADD had read it. Then she laughed out loud, thinking that maybe the man assumed it was beer that was being referred to.

One other message gave her a second much needed laugh. "Having a wonderful time, wish you were here! Love, Phoebe." She looked up to see Tom pulling a cheeseburger out of the replicator. "Hey, Tom, join me for a piece of chocolate cake?"

"Chocolate cake for lunch, Captain? I don't think Chakotay would forgive me if I let you do that. How bout a burger first, then cake?"

She had to admit, his lunch smelled good. Really good. She consented, but certainly not because Chakotay would take it out on Tom if she didn't...

"Starfleet tribunal calls Lieutenant Thomas Eugene Paris to the stand," Williams called out.

Within a few minutes, Tom came into the room, walking purposefully toward the witness box. After sitting, he made eye contact with Chakotay. Both men knew exactly what was being said between them. Chakotay was grateful to know Kathryn was doing fine.

In truth, Kathryn was now doing much less than fine. With her final distraction gone, and having not seen Chakotay for hours she was beginning to go a little stir crazy. She paced, she tried to read, she replicated herself a cup of tea even. She went to the bathroom, checking her hair, her uniform, her face. Back on the couch, she closed her eyes and tried to picture the two of them, walking in the hills, going to the beach, laying down together in front of the fireplace. She imagined the feel of his skin under her fingertips, the taste of his mouth, the softness of his hair. She finally allowed herself to drift, to relax, to feel him holding her as only he could. Gently, tenderly, closely as though she would disappear should he let go...

"Lieutenant Paris, before joining Voyager you were incarcerated in a penal colony due to your involvement with the Maquis, correct?"

"Correct." This time Chakotay smiled when Tom did not defer to a commanding officer. Having a father who was an admiral did have some small privileges.

"And while a Maquis you worked as a pilot under Captain Chakotay on the Liberty, correct?"

"Yes."

"Where were you when you were recruited by Captain Chakotay?"

Chakotay wondered what the hell this had to do with anything. He soon found out.

"I was in a bar, getting drunk." The sounds of soft laughter could be heard from the audience.

"And how long had it been since you'd piloted a starship of any kind?"

"Oh, about six or seven months, I think."

"You're not certain?"

Mueller popped up. "Objection. Relevancy."

The judge appeared to be making eye contact with someone behind Chakotay. Admiral Paris, he realized. "Overruled."

Tom hesitated for a moment. "No, I'm not certain. I spent the time drinking." Again, titters were heard. The judge tapped the pad on his desk, a low decibel sharp noise was heard. The audience quieted instantly.

"So Captain Chakotay approached you in a bar, where you were getting drunk, and asked you to pilot his ship?"

"Yes, he did."

"Did you think that odd, at the time? You were no longer a pilot, you were inebriated."

"I assumed my reputation had preceded me. I was known as a good pilot while I was in Starfleet. I believe an old friend of mine recommended me to the Commander."

"Did he speak to you about your drinking?"

"No, he did not."

"Don't you think that shows Mr. Chakotay to be a poor judge of character?"

"Objection, your honor! Argumentative!"

"Sustained. Mr. Williams, move along."

"During the time you were on the Liberty, did you participate in the smuggling of arms?"

"I piloted the ship, so I suppose you could say that I participated when the Liberty transported arms to other Maquis vessels and outposts."

"This was an illegal activity, correct?"

"Technically, yes."

Williams looked at him askance. Tom met his gaze clearly. "And you were arrested while piloting a Maquis shuttle, correct?"

"Objection, your honor. I fail to see the relevancy of the circumstances of Lieutenant Paris' arrest."

"Sustained."

"Very well. Mr. Paris, when you saw your former Captain for the first time since your arrest that was on the bridge of Voyager, correct?"

"Yes."

"And he attacked you, correct?"

"He tried to hit me, he was restrained by Lieutenant Tuvok and some Starfleet crewmen on the bridge."

"He saw you as a traitor, correct?"

"Yes, at that time, he did."

"And when Captain Janeway gave you your field commission as her pilot, now Commander Chakotay was your direct supervisor, correct?"

"Correct."

"Did that present any problems for you?"

"Well, it was complicated. I had more problems from the former Liberty crew than I did from the Commander. But that's because I owned him by then, for saving his life."

The audience reacted with more titters, but quieted quickly. Williams picked up a PADD and handed it to Tom. "Here is a copy of a complaint you filed with Captain Janeway a few weeks into your journey. Can you enlighten us as to the nature of the complaint?"

Tom looked down at the PADD and read. Chakotay could almost hear the gears turning in Tom's head. Tom looked up. "It was a complaint I filed because I thought the Commander was being unduly harsh with me and wouldn't give me the work shifts that I desired. I felt he was doing this as payback for seeing me as a Maquis traitor." He held the PADD out. Williams took it back.

"Even though you owned the Commander, as you put it."

"Yes, well, like I said, our relationship was complicated."

"And how did your Captain respond to this complaint?"

Tom looked as though he finally understood where this was leading and didn't like it. He hesitated. "She told me, rightly, that I should talk this over with the Commander."

"Did she tell you that she fully supported Mr. Chakotay in this matter?"

"Yes, she did."

"So she, essentially, took the side of a Maquis criminal over that of a member of her crew, the son of an Admiral she had close ties with?"

Tom's eyes turned cold. "Given the circumstances, there was no difference between the Commander and myself. We were both former Maquis criminals, as you put it. Now field commissioned officers. He was my supervisor. She was correct to recommend I discuss this with Chakotay."

"Did you feel betrayed by her at that moment?"

"No, not betrayed."

"Did you, in fact, discuss this with the first officer?"

"No."

"Were you afraid of him?"

"No."

"And yet you did not discuss it, but let the matter drop."

"Yes."

"Lucky for the Commander," Williams said as an aside, but seeing Mueller rise and open his mouth he amended, "Withdrawn. Now, Lieutenant, during your second year in the Delta Quadrant, you were recruited by the Captain and Lieutenant Tuvok to go undercover with the Kazon. You participated in the discussions about this assignment, correct?"

"Correct."

"So you were informed that your Commander would not be in on the deception, correct?"

"That's right."

"Was this surprising to you?"

"A little, but I understood."

"You followed orders."

"Yes."

"Now, jumping ahead a bit in your journey. Do you recall the days following your commanding officers' return to Voyager after being stranded on a planet for twelve weeks?"

Tom's eyebrows raised slightly, giving him a surprised look. "Yes."

"Would you describe, for the tribunal, the demeanor of Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay immediately following their return to the ship? You were on the bridge with them daily, particularly that first day."

Tom hesitated again. Chakotay could see that he was trying to decide whether to lie or not. He willed him to tell the truth. "Well, they were a bit subdued, after all, it was a shock that we had returned to get them."

"Subdued? Was that all? Did they appear happy to have been rescued?"

"Not exactly."

"How, exactly, did they appear to you, then, Lieutenant?"

Tom sighed. "Unhappy. Tense. Formal."

"And isn't it true that you started some betting pools amongst the crew at that time, about your commanding officers?"

Chakotay wondered who had spilled the beans about the betting pools. Chell, probably. He groaned inwardly. Mueller patted him on the arm in reassurance. Looking at Tom, however, it was obvious he had no idea this was coming.

"Yes, that's true."

"And what, exactly, was the subject of the betting pool that was started the day after your commanding officers returned to the ship?"

Tom sighed again. "People were betting on whether anything had happened between the Captain and the Commander while they were on the planet, and whether anyone could find proof."

"Anything meaning what, exactly, Lieutenant?"

"Whether they had become more than friends while they were there." Tom met Chakotay's eyes and sent an apology. He received absolvence in return. Tom breathed again.

"And how many crew members participated in the pool?"

"About 80. Nobody won, however."

"And how often over the years did this type of betting pool happen? Where you all were betting on the relationship between the Captain and the first officer?"

"Well, it was off and on. It depended upon circumstances. Something would happen and someone would recommend that I start it up again, and we would, and then nobody would win, and then a little while later it would happen all over again."

"So speculation about the exact nature of the relationship between Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay was constant amongst the crew?"

"Not exactly constant, but there."

"And what did you observe of their command relationship a few months after their return from the planet?"

"They worked very well together."

"Did the tension apparent when they returned dissipate by this time?"

"Yes."

"From the prevalence of the betting pools for the next five years it seems as though their personal relationship was strong as well. Is that an accurate description, Mr. Paris?"

"Yes, that is," Tom answered, a note of surprise again creeping into his voice.

"Thank you Mr. Paris. Nothing further." Williams sat.

Mueller went to the podium. "Good afternoon, Lieutenant. First of all, about these betting pools. You say that nobody won. Why was that?"

"Because no one found proof that their relationship was anything but a friendship."

"And what type of proof would have been sufficient?"

Tom smiled. "Well, someone would see something, or hear something. For example, see them kiss, or touch differently, or overhear a comment made at a party or the mess hall. That sort of thing."

"And that never happened, correct?"

"Yes." Chakotay knew Tom was stretching things a bit with this answer, but he was grateful for it.

"And seven months ago, was there a pool going at that time?"

"No."

"And had there been one, would anyone have won it?"

"Technically, no. The Captain and the Commander told us directly about the change in their personal relationship. So there'd be no further speculation and so that we would understand there'd be no change in their command relationship."

"Were you happy with the announcement?"

Williams stood up. "Objection, relevancy?"

"Overruled."

"Yes, I was very happy. They deserved it."

"And what about the rest of the crew, if you know. Were they happy?"

"Objection! Hearsay."

"Overruled."

"Everyone I talked to was also happy. Very happy for the Captain and the Commander."

"Thank you Mr. Paris, for clarifying that for us. Now, let's get back to the complaint you filed with the Captain. You stated that you did not feel betrayed by her when she declined to take action on your behalf. Why didn't you feel betrayed? She had just brushed you off."

"I was disappointed more than anything. I thought I'd have some pull with her since she had such a close relationship with my father."

"And why didn't you discuss your complaint with your direct supervisor?"

"I didn't want him to know that he'd gotten to me, if he really was denying my requests as payback."

"And do you know for a fact that he was doing just that?"

"Actually, I found out a few weeks later that he wasn't."

"How?"

"Captain Janeway and the Commander called me over to their table in the mess hall. He told me that I was being promoted to alpha shift."

"Do you know why the change was made?"

"I found out that there had been a problem between the crewman on the Conn and the crewman at Ops during beta shift and the Commander was trying to keep them apart until the situation could be resolved. It was, and the beta shift pilot was returned to beta shift, opening up alpha again for me."

"Were you satisfied with that explanation?"

"Absolutely. I knew it to be true."

"You've stated that your relationship with the Commander was complicated by the fact that you saved his life. When did that happen?"

Williams stood quickly. "Objection. This is not relevant, your honor."

"On the contrary, Mr. Williams, you opened the door to a discussion of their relationship. I, for one, would like the entire story. Overruled."

Tom made eye contact with Mueller again. "On the day we got back to our ships from the array. We went immediately to a planet to search for Ensign Kim and B'Elanna Torres, who were both missing."

"At that time Lieutenant Torres was a member of the Maquis, while Ensign Kim was a crew member of Voyager, correct?"

"Yes."

"And on this planet, there was an occasion to save Commander Chakotay's life?"

"Well, yes. Essentially, we were all climbing a very long set of stairs to the planet's surface, while the planet was being rocked, like small earthquakes. During one of these, Chakotay's stairway lurched and he fell, breaking his leg. Captain Janeway asked me to go down and rescue him."

"And what was the Commander's response?"

"He ordered me to leave him alone."

"Even though he would likely perish?"

"That's correct. I ignored him and went down the stairs to get him. The set of stairs between us was precarious and Chakotay didn't think I could make it. I did, however. We made it back up just as the stairs fell away."

"And was the Commander grateful?"

"Not exactly," Tom said with a laugh. "He didn't want me to be the one that saved him. With anyone else he would have been very grateful." Tom smiled broadly.

"Has the Commander ever treated you unfairly?"

"No, sir."

"On Voyager, has he performed as an exemplary Starfleet officer?"

"Objection! Foundation, your honor? How is he qualified to answer that question?"

"I believe the fact that he was born into a Starfleet family and has a father who is an Admiral qualifies him to answer that question, Mr. Williams. Have a seat, please," the judge answered with a stern look at the prosecutor.

Tom looked at the judge, then out to the audience. Finally to Chakotay. "Yes, sir, Commander Chakotay has proven himself to be an exemplary Starfleet officer. One that I am proud to serve with. Sir."

"Thank you Lieutenant. Nothing further." Mueller sat down.

Williams stood up and quickly went to the podium. "Lieutenant Paris. Isn't it a fact that Mr. Chakotay is going to be one of your child's godparents?"

Mueller rose just as quickly. "Objection your honor! This is totally irrelevant to these proceedings."

"Your honor, it goes to prejudice."

The judge looked down his nose. "Mr. Williams, this was your witness. Are you wishing to discredit his testimony? Objection sustained. Anything further?"

"Yes. Mr. Paris, isn't it true that if the Captain and the Commander had a relationship of an intimate nature on the planet or even before that time you would not necessarily know about it?"

"Yes, that's true."

"And if they were discreet while on the ship and continued that relationship, no one would necessarily know about it?"

"Yes."

"And even though you didn't see any evidence of an intimate relationship between your commanding officers that does not prove it wasn't a fact?"

"Yes."

"Nothing further," Williams said as he walked back to his table and softly slammed a PADD on the surface.

"Thank you Lieutenant. You may step down."

Tom walked toward the defense table, clearly relieved and tired. He took a moment to nod seriously to Chakotay before passing. Chakotay nodded in response. Tom went to sit with his father and mother, next to Gretchen and the Janeway clan.
 

Kathryn had begun pacing again. What could they be asking Tom, she thought for the millionth time. He'd been a Maquis for such a short time. What could they be asking about the time in the Delta Quadrant? She had some ideas, but honestly, this business about Chakotay planning to take over Voyager during those first few weeks was so absurd.... She spun around at the sound of the door swooshing open.

The security officer pointed, unnecessarily, in her direction. She took a deep breath, raised herself to Captain's bearing, picked up her bag and followed him out the door. Down the corridor and to the door she and Chakotay had used that morning. She felt the silver sitting against the back of her wrist and concentrated on that feeling as she entered the courtroom. She saw a blur of faces until she saw him. Their eyes locked. He was smiling softly. The guard touched her elbow, directing her to the witness box where she sat, put her bag on the floor at her feet and took a breath. She felt the tension in the room and quickly made eye contact with him again. Her heart was pounding slightly, but her most recognizable emotion was impatience.

Lieutenant Commander Williams was moving things around the podium, distracting her gaze from Chakotay. She studied her adversary and made a quiet vow. Come on, give me your worst, I can take it. Let me save him from you. I'm ready for you, sir.

Chakotay's heart was pounding and he willed his hands to remain relaxed on the tabletop. They continued to try and ball up into fists. Mueller reached over and placed his hand on Chakotay's forearm, just resting it there. He couldn't take his eyes off her, however, and continued to lock his gaze with hers, sending her strength. Her back was ramrod straight. She was in full Captain mode. She looked ready. He rubbed the silver on his left wrist. Go get 'em Kathryn. I love you. She gave him a small smile just before her gaze broke and went to Williams, shuffling a few PADD's on the podium. He watched her set her shoulders in just that certain way she had. Ready to take on the Borg.

"Captain Janeway, you were first introduced to the Maquis Chakotay through intelligence reports given to you prior to your trip into the Badlands, correct?"

"Correct."

"And what documentation was in those files?"

Kathryn was surprised at the question. The Admirals themselves had given it all to her. "For those members of the Liberty crew who had been in Starfleet, I had their Starfleet records. Additionally I had copies of Lieutenant Tuvok's reports and other reports from Cardassia on the activities of the Liberty. This included a full roster of personnel on the Liberty. For Commander Chakotay, I had all three, his Starfleet record, Tuvok's reports, and intelligence gathered by the Cardassian authorities."

"You were ordered to go after the Liberty to find Lieutenant Tuvok and arrest Captain Chakotay and his crew, is that correct?"

"Yes."

"And this was the first trip for the ship Voyager, was it not? You had a new crew, correct?"

"Yes, Voyager had never been on a mission, and my crew was a mixture of people I'd worked with before and new members as well."

"After the ship was pulled into the Delta Quadrant, what was her condition?"

"Weapons were off-line, there was some damage to the warp core, shields were at minimum. In addition, my first officer, chief medical officer and chief engineer, among others, had been killed."

"The tribunal knows the details of what happened once you found the array and the Liberty. You were also transported to the array, eventually returned, and discovered your Operations crewman, Harry Kim was missing. Why then did you contact the Liberty?"

"I thought perhaps Ensign Kim had been returned to the wrong vessel."

"Why did you not immediately take the crew of the Liberty into custody at that time?"

"I had more pressing concerns than arresting the Maquis, 70,000 light years from the Alpha Quadrant."

"More pressing than your orders."

"Yes, in this instance, yes. Survival took precedence."

"So you beamed aboard the leader of the Maquis ship, your chief of security and a crewman from the Liberty. To the bridge of Voyager. They materialized with weapons drawn. What did you do?"

"I ordered my security officers to lower their weapons. This was not the time for a stand-off. We needed to figure out what to do to get our crew members back."

"So faced with renegades with weapons pointed at you, rather than firing, you told your people to lower their weapons?" Williams' voice was beginning to show his slight contempt.

"That's correct. I did not believe the Maquis would fire. If I had been in their position, I would have had a weapon drawn as well."

"Why did you not arrest the Maquis Chakotay at that time?"

"I decided that working together would be a more productive use of my energies."

"Did the Captain agree with you?"

"Reluctantly, he did."

"Were you attracted to the Maquis Chakotay when you met him for the first time?"

Kathryn was slightly shocked. Where in the world had that come from? Her memory of meeting Chakotay was engraved clearly. The sparks. The intensity. Their eyes locking together, causing the rest of the occupants of the bridge to momentarily fade away. Her heart jumping. Her surprise at her own reaction to this stranger, whose life facts were held on a PADD on her desk at that very moment and virtually committed to memory already.

"I was not aware of any attraction to the Commander at that time," she half lied, answering with conviction. She'd make it up to him later, easy to do since he already knew the truth.

"Did it occur to you that by joining forces with the Maquis they could have had a plan to take over the much disabled Voyager?"

"Honestly, no it didn't. They had a crew of around 40, I had about 100 people."

"Yet, they were looking to survive as well, were they not?"

"Yes, they were."

"And what better way to do that than to hijack a Starfleet vessel with the newest possible technology and a warp nine-plus capability."

Kathryn waited for him to ask a question, wanting wickedly to tell him to go to hell. He continued to look at her. "Was that a question, Commander Williams?" she asked sweetly. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Chakotay smile.

"Let's jump ahead a bit, Captain, to when you all returned from the Ocampan home world with the two ill missing crew members and an injured Captain Chakotay. Where did everyone end up?"

"Ensign Kim, Lieutenant Torres and Commander Chakotay went to sick bay to have their injuries treated. Lieutenant Tuvok and I returned to the array to see the Caretaker, try and find a way to use the array to send us all back to the Alpha Quadrant." She knew what was coming next.

"So you left your ship with a Maquis Captain and his engineer, unsupervised, on board?"

"Yes."

"And that didn't bother you at the time?"

"No, it didn't. Extraordinary circumstances have a way of putting things into perspective fairly quickly. Call it instinct. Gut feeling. Whatever you'd like. I felt they were trustworthy."

"Then within a day after that you had given the position of your second in command to this renegade Maquis Captain, whom you were sent to arrest. Essentially handing over your ship to him, should the need arise for him to take command, correct?"

"That is correct. And as you are aware, he performed above and beyond the call of duty for the crew of Voyager. Many times over." There, take that.

"Yet you had intelligence reports that stated he was not to be trusted, correct?"

"Yes, but I..."

He interrupted her. "Just answer the question, Captain. You were virtually ordered not to trust this man, correct?"

"Yes."

"At some point in the next few weeks, did Commander Chakotay recommend that his engineer, B'Elanna Torres be given the position of Voyager's chief engineer?"

"Yes."

"And did you agree with this recommendation?"

"Not at first, no."

"Did he argue with you about your decision?"

"He attempted to convince me."

"Are you saying there was no arguing over this issue? I have reports from various bridge crew members about shouting heard from the ready room."

"We disagreed over the recommendation. Our voices were raised."

"He was passionate in his defense of Ms. Torres, was he not?"

"Yes, he believed her to be the most qualified for the job."

"Yet Ms. Torres had a violent temper, prone to hitting people who disagreed with her, is that correct?"

"B'Elanna had some trouble adjusting at first. She is half-Klingon, after all. But she settled down quickly once she was given responsibility."

"Who finally convinced you to give her the position?"

"Actually, she did. Unintentionally. Her knowledge and creative thinking convinced me."

"So within a few weeks, the Maquis engineer had control of Voyager's systems."

"She was my chief engineer. A decision I have never regretted. I doubt we'd be home if we hadn't had her babying our engines. She is a ..."

Again she was interrupted. "Just answer the questions, Captain." She smiled sweetly at Williams.

"Yes, Mr. Williams, within a few weeks, Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres was my chief engineer."

"Now, Captain Janeway, let's jump a little further ahead. At the end of your first year in the Delta Quadrant, did Commander Chakotay approach you about problems some of the Maquis were having adjusting to life on a Starfleet vessel?"

"Yes, he did."

"And you came up with the idea of Mr. Tuvok holding a field training course for them?"

"Yes."

"What had the Commander's idea been for solving the problems?"

"He hadn't presented one."

"So your idea was agreed upon, correct?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Was it usual for the Commander to present a problem and not a solution?"

"Well, not that usual."

"And who decided which crew members would attend this course?"

"The Commander. He was in charge of personnel. These were his former crew members. He knew who needed it and who didn't."

"And did there come a time when you became aware of a confrontation between the Commander and a Mr. Dalby?"

"Yes, I was aware of the situation."

"Who told you about it?"

"The Commander."

"And what was his demeanor when he told you about hitting Mr. Dalby?"

"He was contrite. Bemused. Glad it had worked."

"Did you discipline him for hitting a crew member?"

"No, I did not. I didn't think it was necessary."

"So he had your blessing to punch out whatever crew member he wished, knowing he would face no consequences?"

"No, he did not have my blessing. In this instance, I thought the situation was better left as it was. I trusted his judgment."

"Yes, you trusted him with quite alot, didn't you," Williams said with that note of disdain again.

Mueller stood up at that. "Objection, your honor, argumentative."

"Sustained."

Chakotay felt as though he were crawling right out of his skin. Kathryn looked calm, but she didn't know what had come before. What ammunition she had inadvertently given Williams. He dreaded the part coming up soon, when Williams would start to ask about New Earth.

"Captain, some months later, you, Mr. Tuvok and Mr. Paris participated in a secret plan to get Mr. Paris on board a Kazon vessel as a spy, correct?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Commander Chakotay was not informed of this plan, was he?"

"No."

"The spy on Voyager was thought to be a former Maquis, correct?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Because of the fact that someone from the Liberty, a Seska, had already turned to the Kazon from Voyager. It was thought she still had someone on Voyager who was cooperating with her, correct? Logically a former Maquis."

"That is correct."

"And so the former Captain of the Maquis was kept out of the loop in this particular investigation, correct?"

"That is not why he was uninformed, Commander." Kathryn turned her death glare onto the prosecutor.

"He was not trusted to perform his part effectively in this drama, was he?"

"No, we felt it would work better if he didn't know Tom was acting."

"He was not trusted, was he?"

"Not as an actor, no. As a first officer, absolutely." Take that - again.

Chakotay smiled. Not that the memories of that experience with Tom were anything to smile about. He had been plenty angry with Kathryn at the time. And hurt. But for now, he allowed himself a deep breath. Although looking at the Admirals sitting on his left he saw the looks of unease on their faces. He couldn't tell what exactly they were uneasy about. That thought disconcerted him.

"Captain Janeway, was it true that a former Maquis was helping another former Maquis to defeat Voyager through an alliance with the Kazon?"

"Yes."

"And this was well into the second year of your voyage home from the Delta Quadrant?"

"Yes."

"Did you have any further problems with the former Maquis in the third year of your journey? Aside from this Seska and the Kazon taking Voyager, that is. Once you got the ship back and Seska was dead. Any further problems?"

Again, Kathryn was pleased they had deleted the little mutiny situation from the logs. "No."

"Now, Captain Janeway, at the end of your second year in the Delta Quadrant, you and your first officer were quarantined on a planet together, correct? You were left there under the assumption this was for the remainder of your life?"

Kathryn's heart stopped. She hadn't thought they would ask about this. They hadn't asked her during her 'interview'. She glanced at Chakotay. She couldn't tell what he was thinking.

"Captain Janeway, do you need me to repeat the question?"

"No," she said sternly. "Yes, that is correct."

"You had one shelter, correct?"

"Correct." She made the instant decision that she'd be damned if they made anything sordid out of their time on New Earth.

"And you were there for twelve weeks, correct?"

"Yes."

"Were you surprised when Voyager returned for you?"

"Yes."

"Were you pleased to be returning to the ship?"

"Of course, I wouldn't have made it home to Earth otherwise."

"So you weren't unhappy when you returned to Voyager?"

"I'll admit the responsibilities were a bit overwhelming after twelve weeks off."

"What happened six weeks into your stay on the planet?"

"My scientific equipment was destroyed in an ion storm. I no longer had a way to try and find a cure."

"So you resigned yourself to the fact that you would be there for the rest of your life, correct?"

"That's correct."

"From that point onward, you and the Commander were simply making a life together, isn't that right?"

Kathryn hesitated. "We were simply living, that's right."

"Did the Commander fall in love with you while you were on the planet?"

Their hearts stopped in tandem. She needed a moment to think of an answer. "He did not tell me that he was in love with me."

Williams regarded her carefully, then looked down at the PADD in front of him. He went to his table and conferred with his co-counsel. Returning to the podium, he said only one thing. "Nothing further for this witness at this time. We reserve the right to recall her in the future."

Mueller stood up, also taking his time to begin asking questions. He needed to get her to give an explanation of their demeanor when they returned to Voyager after New Earth. Though he and the Captain had not discussed this in depth. The prosecution had kept this little theory under wraps fairly effectively, he was only partially prepared for it. He pretended to look at the PADD in front of him, then looked at another.

The judge spoke up. "Commander Mueller, are you ready to cross examine the Captain?"

He looked up. "Yes, your honor. Captain Janeway, I have just one question about Lieutenant Paris' undercover job. You and Mr. Tuvok have told the tribunal that you didn't feel Commander Chakotay would be able to act his part in the drama effectively and that's why he was kept in the dark about it. Why did the two of you make that assessment of the first officer?"

Kathryn gave a small smile. "The Commander's emotions are sometimes written across his face quite clearly. Not that he isn't good at hiding them as well. We just wanted to count on the rest of the crew reading his face, that's all. His disciplining of Tom would seem authentic, because it was. The crew looked to the Commander very often to gauge their own responses. His opinion mattered a great deal to the crew."

"Now back to the topic of the field training class. The Commander presented the problem to you and Mr. Tuvok, correct?"

"Correct."

"And you've stated that it wasn't all that usual for him to present a problem but not a solution. Did something happen around this time that would have made it more likely he would not offer a solution to this situation?" He trusted the Captain would remember their conversation.

"Yes. The week before, on the planet Napinne, there was a problem with crewman Henley and crewman Jackson, they got into a fight. The Commander put Henley on report. She was a member of his Liberty crew. Henley complained. I disagreed with Chakotay's decision and felt both should be put on report. We got into an argument about it. I took Chakotay's reluctance to offer a solution to the problem we were having with the former Maquis as merely his way of mending fences with me. It was a sensitive topic for both of us. I didn't think anything of it at the time, I still don't."

"And were both crew members put on report over the fight on Napinne?"

"No, just Henley." Kathryn smiled.

"Even though you could have filed a report as well?"

"Yes, well, I thought I'd let Chakotay win that one."

"Now, I'd like to ask you a question about when you returned to the ship from the planet you called New Earth." He met Kathryn's eyes directly. She nodded.

"There has been testimony this morning from Mr. Tuvok and Mr. Paris, both of whom stated that you and the Commander appeared tense and unhappy when you re-took command of Voyager. Can you explain what you were feeling at the time that could have been misinterpreted as unhappiness?"

Kathryn thought quickly, clearly understanding the opening Mueller was offering. "At the time I came back to the ship I hadn't been a Captain for three months. It wasn't a vacation. I had accepted the fact that I would never be a Captain again. No regulations, no responsibilities other than to myself and to Chakotay, to grow food, to stay healthy, to explore. Suddenly I was faced with the entire package again. 143 people waiting for me to get them home. Aliens, anomalies, responsibilities. I was overwhelmed. The transition was more difficult than I was prepared for." This last sentence was the closest to the truth of how she was feeling. Overlaid with incredibly strong disappointment, a feeling she also was not prepared for.

"Thank you Captain. I have nothing further." Mueller sat down.

The judge looked to the tribunal prosecutor. "Do you wish to re-direct?"

The two conferred again. Williams turned to the judge and stood. "Just one more question. Captain Janeway, you've stated that Mr. Chakotay's emotions are easily read by looking at his face. What emotion did you read on his face when you re-took command of Voyager, the day you left your home on the planet you called New Earth?"

Kathryn decided she could answer honestly. "I saw very little emotion on his face that day."

"So he was hiding his emotions from you?"

"I cannot answer that question for him." She gathered herself and sent Williams her strongest stare. Her most intimidating. She willed him to sit down and shut up.

"Nothing further, with the afore-mentioned proviso." Williams sat, talking with his colleague in low tones once more.

The judge hit the pad in front of him again. The noise sounded. "This tribunal is adjourned until 0900 tomorrow morning."

There was almost an unnatural quiet to the room as the judge left, the admirals left, and Kathryn Janeway slowly picked up her bag, rose and walked toward the man she loved.

Chakotay pushed the button under the down spout to release some of the water, then added more hot to the tub. "We're gonna turn into prunes soon..." he said with a chuckle as he moved back to lay with Kathryn again.

"True, and we have enough wrinkles already." She curled herself around him, entwining her legs in his, pulling her face into his neck, kissing it languorously.

"Hey," he said softly, "we do not, woman of my dreams..."

"Your dreams, huh? Even though I committed perjury not once but twice today?"

He trailed his hand down her side and across her thigh, ending at her knee. He traced circles around her kneecap while she moved it around his groin. "Who else but the woman of my dreams would lie for me, hm-m-m? And besides, wasn't it three times?"

She moved until she was laying on top of him, kissing him deeply. Pulling back she tried to think. "One, I lied about not being attracted to you when I first met you. Two, I lied when he asked me if you fell in love with me on New Earth. And three, I lied when I said I couldn't read your emotions when we were back on the bridge. So you're right, three times."

"So you did see what I was feeling on the bridge.  I thought you were skirting the truth there.  But I was sure I was hiding my emotions that day."

"Tom and Tuvok had it only part right. Those rare moments when I allowed myself to meet your eyes, my heart actually hurt from the pain I saw there. I don't know that anyone else would've been able to feel it. I did..." She met his mouth with hers again, kissing more deeply this time, urgent in their need to feel things in the here and now. They were succeeding and before they sent too much water over the edge of the tub they got out, hitting the drain button on their way out the door, down the hall with their towels, to the mattress and the fireplace.

Chakotay lit the fire and Kathryn turned out the lights. They made an agreement to forego any more discussion of the day, the trial, the theories, Mueller, the press, the dinner with their family, all of it. Ignored. Put on the back burner for the rest of the night. They heard the beep of the computer downloading the news broadcast for their personal archives as they pulled each other into a tight embrace and the fire crackled. They kissed, they massaged, they ran silver up and down each other's bodies. The insides of wrists received just enough attention, more than once. The love making was as intense as the night before.  The difference was that at times tears replaced smiles as unbidden fear born of this day showed itself.  The tribunal had accomplished one thing, ever so slightly pushing optimism away.  Only every once in awhile.  Enough for both of them.  They would come together almost fiercely after they'd notice it, their bodies joining to reconnect them.  Just as they had done the first night together on Earth.

Finally he put his face against her abdomen and spoke in low tones to her uterus. Tribal prayers of conception, he claimed. She had a sneaking suspicion they were pointless by now but reveled in the attention, keeping quiet. When he was finished he moved up and wrapped her in his arms, pulling the covers up around them. They fell into a deep sleep, keeping the fears at bay in a different way, at least until the early hours of the next morning.
 
 

End Part 11

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