Chapter Six
Kathryn felt a bit confused waking up. Wrong quarters, scratchy gown,
hard bed and someone breathing
in her ear. Then she remembered and instantly felt depressed. Damn
it Kathryn, don't let them do this to
you. Life is really quite good at the moment... So she stretched
out and tried to get the kinks out of her neck,
moaning slightly as her muscles complained.
"Kathryn... what are you doing..." A very sleepy and wonderful voice said in her ear.
"Good morning, Chakotay... I'm trying to get my sore neck to cooperate, that's all. Why? What did you think I was doing?"
"The moaning... I thought you were trying to drive me crazy in my sleep..."
"Oh-h-h. Well did I succeed anyway?"
"Maybe... Just a sec, let me check... Yep, looks like it..." His voice was drifting off back to sleep.
Kathryn was truly bothered herself now. She loved sex first thing in the morning and the prospects ahead of her with the man she loved suddenly looked very bright in this regard. Damn, what the hell am I doing down here? Pent up with energy, she got up and headed for the tiny and sparse bathroom. There was no bath tub or shower but at least there was hot water. After washing her body, her teeth and trying to fix her hair she got dressed.
Getting the guard to come to the door was easy, but getting him to talk was another matter. She asked him for the time. Translated into her time frame, it was about 0700 hours. She asked him for some food and drink as she was starving. He ignored her. She asked to see the high praetor's wife. Again she was ignored.
She wished she could see Tuvok at least. But tapping her comm badge would end the open line.
"Chakotay... Chakotay... Wake up, please?"
"Hm-m-m?"
"I need your help, I'm sorry."
"Whas up?"
She had to stifle a laugh at that. "I need to see Tuvok and I can't call him. Can you ask the computer to relay a message to him for me?"
"Ok, just a minute..." She heard him rustling the covers and give a few moans of his own. Then footsteps receding away from the comm and some faint beeps. Footsteps coming back and the thud of a large body hitting the bed. "Done."
"Thank you."
"I love you Kathryn..." He was fading again.
"I love you too. Sweet dreams."
"Gotta get up... Bridge duty ... Come down and see you..."
"Can I help you wake up?"
"Only if you were here..."
"Well then, if I was there I would wrap my body around yours, kiss you with abandon, touch you everywhere I could and make mad love to you..."
"Oh, God, Kathryn... Can I call the transporter room now?"
"Are you awake?"
"Yes, and parts of me are more awake than others..."
"Chakotay... Now you are the one bothering me... I just need to warn you, I really like making love in the mornings."
"That does it. Kathryn Janeway, you get your butt up here, now. That's an order."
"I don't think you can give me an order."
"Please?"
"Soon. And before you know it, it will be tonight and we can play all night if we want."
Chakotay moaned for real now. "Okay, I can't take any more. I'm heading off to the shower. Wanna join me?"
"You probably don't know just how tempting you are... But no, I'll wait here. You taking the comm in there?"
"No, too noisy."
"Okay, I'll talk to you soon. Have fun in the hot water. Can I have a rain check for tomorrow morning?"
"Absolutely. Bye."
The door to her cell was opening. She turned to see Tuvok coming in, bearing a tray with dishes on it. Breakfast, finally.
"Good morning, Captain. I was on my way when I received your message. Is there something wrong?"
"No, Tuvok, I was just hungry and the guard was ignoring my requests. And I'm damned tired of being cooped up in here. Have you seen the high praetor or his wife this morning?" She decided to forgoe telling him of Sidri's visit for a little while yet, just to give the woman time to talk to her husband. Tuvok handed the tray to her. Lifting the cloth cover she saw with dissapointment Kadi food, boring and bland. But food, and she was starving. She sat on the bed and dug in. Tuvok sat quietly until she was finished.
"I did speak with the high praetor for a few minutes. He directed me to the kitchen so that his cook could prepare your tray. He informed me that your appearance before the council will be required at 1000 hours. So I suggest that the Commander speak with the ambassador prior to that time."
"Good idea. He's in the shower but should be out soon." Tuvok raised his eyebrow at her. "Open comm link, remember?"
"Indeed. Did this open link give you comfort last night?"
"Actually, it did. And it was even sort of fun... We had a briefing with the rest of the senior staff last night so they're up to speed. The ambassador apparently got drunk and man-handled Seven then passed out. So now we have Seven as a witness." She suddenly heard some humming coming from Chakotay's quarters and drawers opening. "Chakotay, you there?"
"At your service my love." Tuvok raised his eyebrow again.
"Tuvok is with me at the moment."
"Well, my apologies Mr. Tuvok. Yes, Captain, I am here." He did not sound the least bit apologetic and Kathryn stifled a huge smile. More sounds of fabric rustling and zippers amidst the humming of some song Kathryn was unfamiliar with. It had a lilting melody. "So was there something you particularly wanted or did you just miss my voice?" He was grinning, she was sure of it.
Tuvok jumped in. "Commander, the Captain is to appear before the council at 1000 hours. I think a talk with the ambassador prior to that would be advisable. Do you have the time to take care of that?"
"Well, I guess that would depend upon whether the ambassador has re-joined the ranks of the living around here. I'll find out. And Tuvok, I trust you are going to stay by the Captain's side this morning?"
"That was my intention."
"Thank you."
"Now, wait a minute, you two. I can take care of myself as you both well know..."
"Kathryn, this is not cave-man stuff, believe me. I just don't trust those people down there, not after last night. And since I can't be there to stand by you, Tuvok will, in his function as your Chief of Security and your friend. Please don't argue with me, I feel too happy at the moment." His voice had gotten muffled, then she heard the stomp of his feet in his boots.
"All right, no argument. Thank you Chakotay. I'm pleased you're happy..."
"Yes, well, we'll discuss that later. Tuvok? Do not trust them and especially do not trust what they say. I'm leaving to find the ambassador and Neelix. Kathryn, do you still want the open comm link?"
She was completely torn. "Tuvok, could you step outside for just a few minutes?"
"Of course, Captain. Knock on the door when you are ready."
"Chakotay, I just wanted to thank you for the open link, for the suggestion of it and for being there for me last night. And this morning. It was very nice to have you so close."
"I love you, Kathryn. I liked it, too. It was very very nice. Not teraquads nice, but very nice nonetheless. And don't worry, we're going to bring you home this morning no matter what. You will be in my arms tonight and maybe even before then. So the open link is going to close, as it probably should. I'll call you after I talk to the ambassador, okay?"
"I love you, Chakotay. Good luck this morning - and don't forget to eat some breakfast."
"Don't worry, I'm starving. I'll talk to you soon, and see you soon after that."
"I don't want to hit this badge..."
"Kathryn, whether the comm is open or not, you can always feel me with you just like I can always feel you with me. Even before yesterday. Trust that."
"You're right. I'll talk to you soon. I love you."
"I love you. Ready?"
"Yes."
"Chakotay out." Brrp. The computer answered. She tapped hers as well.
Nonetheless, Kathryn felt an ache in her heart as the link closed.
Sidri was trying to talk to Ramlu. He was pacing around the main room having marched in there from the breakfast table. Sidri followed him at a discreet distance and perched herself on the edge of the couch, cup and saucer in her hands.
"Why did you go and talk with Captain Janeway last night? After I expressed my displeasure with that decision?"
"Because... I wanted to." There, she said it.
He stared at her. "You wanted to? That's your answer?"
"Yes."
"Well then, did you achieve what you set out to do?" His voice had taken on the edge of the praetor, professional confidant and holder of the moral code for society. It made Sidri's teeth grate.
"I believe I did. The Captain and I had quite an enlightening discussion. But Ramlu, the only important thing is that I no longer feel offended by the Captain's actions of yesterday afternoon. I understand why she did what she did. And since you are doing this because of my feelings, you should stop it."
"I should stop it? What has gotten into you, Sidri?! Since when do you tell me what I should and shouldn't do?!"
"I'm sorry, husband. I didn't mean to anger you. I merely wish that the Captain be allowed to return to her ship and her friends. And as I understand it, the Kadi were going to get some needed things from Voyager, too when these negotiations started. Don't you want that to still happen?"
"The Captain is a wicked woman, Sidri. She will be made to atone for her sins..."
"Ramlu, just because you say it to be true, doesn't mean it is. She is not wicked. She is just ... in love." Sidri turned and walked out of the room, ascending the stairs to her sanctuary on the top most floor where she sat herself down with a sad sigh. She is also very blessed...
In the mess hall Neelix told Chakotay that the ambassador was still asleep. Chakotay wolfed down some breakfast and tea and headed to the guest quarters. He gave the override code for the door and walked in. Sure enough, the Kadi man was sprawled out still in his clothes, snoring loudly. Chakotay walked into the bathroom and got a cold wet cloth in preparation then headed back to the bed. He shook the man a bit roughly on the shoulder until the snoring stopped and movement happened. Slowly the ambassador opened his eyes.
"Good morning ambassador. It's Commander Chakotay, remember me?"
Incoherent mumbling was all Chakotay could hear.
"Ambassador, you need to wake up. If you don't sit up in one minute, I will take this wet and very cold cloth and put it on your face. Do you understand?"
"Think...so..." He tried to raise himself. Then moaned loudly and held his head. "Room .. Spinning..."
"I'm sure it is. Computer, dim lights 30%." Chakotay walked over to the replicator and got a glass of tomato juice with a splash of gin. "Here, drink this. What they used to call 'hair of the dog' many centuries ago on Earth."
After gulping the juice down with pursed lips, the ambassador shook his head in disgust. But his eyes were opened and he was beginning to focus on the world around him. "Thanks, that's better. Hair of the dog, huh?"
"Yes. It had gin in it. So ambassador, we need to talk. It is very important. Would you like to take a shower first?"
"Talk about?"
"Your high praetor, our Captain, and the moral code of the Kadi. Captain Janeway was put into custody last evening on your planet for doing nothing more than speaking to me in a personal way over our comm system. She is due to appear before your council this morning at 1000 hours. We need to talk...."
"Commander Chakotay to Captain Janeway."
"I'm here, Chakotay. How did it go?"
"The ambassador in our corner. Neelix is trying to put some nourishment in him as we speak."
"Good work, Commander."
"Thank you, Captain. So what's happening on your end?"
"Not too much. Tuvok got them to allow me a walk which was wonderful. I haven't seen Sidri or the praetor. Tuvok and I have just been sitting around, talking. Are you coming down soon?"
"Yes, as soon as the ambassador is done eating. I think I'll bring Neelix, too, just to help the man stand upright. He is really badly hung over... We'll be beaming down outside the council house, which I believe is about a block away from you?"
"That's correct."
"I'll leave Neelix there and head over to you. Tom is taking the bridge and B'Elanna will be up here as well manning the transporter system with Harry."
"It sounds as though you have everything under control up there, Chakotay. Thank you."
"I don't think we've forgotten anything, do you? Tuvok, do you?"
"No, Commander, I believe all bases are covered. I concur with the Captain's assessment of your abilities."
"Thank you, Tuvok. See you both soon. Chakotay out."
At 0940, Kathryn walked into the council chambers with Chakotay and Tuvok one step behind her. They had been able to have a brief meeting to discuss what the ambassador was planning. To both Kathryn and Tuvok's surprise it sounded as though he was taking a big risk which they really didn't understand. Chakotay didn't enlighten them further.
Sidri approached the Captain unexpectedly and requested an audience back outside. Kathryn agreed immediately but as the two women turned to leave, Tuvok stepped in front of them.
Kathryn held up her hand. "Mr. Tuvok, I'll be fine. She and I need to talk privately."
"Captain, I will be just inside the door, watching. Commander you will join me."
"I'm right behind you, Tuvok." He nodded to Sidri politely. "No offense intended, madam."
She nodded shyly back at him. "None taken, Commander. I know you only have the Captain's best interests in mind."
Kathryn gave him a grateful smile over her shoulder as they went back the way they came. Sidri led her to a bench a few meters away from the door.
"Captain, I'm sorry to say I got nowhere with my husband. He and I had a disagreement over visiting you last night. I'm afraid that I made it more difficult for him to drop this silly thing. Rather than staying angry at me, he is more angy at you than he was before. I'm very sorry."
"Thank you for trying. I hope things aren't too irrevocably damaged between the two of you. I don't want you to suffer on my account."
"I find just a touch of irony there, don't you? You are the one suffering on my account, I believe. And to answer your question, I have really no idea if we are damaged or not. Maybe we always were..." She stared down at her hands in her lap. "I thought I understood everything. Now it all seems upside-down. You are a blessed woman, Captain, to have someone in your life who really cares about you. You must have known right from the start he was going to be special."
"Oh, Sidri, Commander Chakotay and I have such a complicated history. Up until quite recently, I took him very much for granted. I was a fool. I had good reasons, but ultimately foolish ones. I should have trusted what I felt with Chakotay a long time ago. I've wasted a lot of years..."
"It is sometimes very difficult to trust one's own feelings, is it not? Particularly when the outcome looks frightening."
Kathryn nodded her head slowly. "Chakotay calls it 'taking a leap of faith.'"
Sidri looked out across the grass and trees. "Yes, I can understand that. A leap of faith..."
"Captain?" Tuvok interrupted. "I believe it is time for you to return to the chamber."
"Very well, Tuvok. Sidri? Thank you for trying. And please accept my best wishes. For you on your journey."
"Thank you Captain, and may I say the same to you? I know that you can leave at any time and likely will be doing so soon. I am happy that you are no longer foolish." She grinned slightly and Kathryn chuckled in response.
"Me, too."
Chakotay opened the door for her. "Well? Did she get anywhere?"
"No, I'm afraid not. One route to sanity down. Where's Neelix and friend?"
The three of them began walking back up the aisle. "Neelix is waiting for the ambassador to finish... throwing up. I guess my hair of the dog trick didn't work as well as I hoped."
"Which hair of the dog did you give him?"
"Tomato juice with a shot of gin. It worked fine until now..."
"I think you forgot the egg. There's supposed to be a raw egg in it."
Chakotay grimaced. "I am a vegetarian. I don't put dead baby chickens in drinks, not even replicated ones..."
Kathryn slapped him on the arm. "Chakotay! They're not dead baby chickens, don't even say that, it's disgusting!"
"They are too."
"They are not."
"They are too."
"They are not!"
Tuvok interrupted them. "Excuse me, Captain, Commander. I fail to see the point of this conversation. Whether the eggs are dead baby chickens or not is irrelevant to our present circumstances. It might be advisable to maintain a sense of decorum."
"You are absolutely right, Mr. Tuvok. I apologize, I just want this morning to be the hell over, excuse my language. And Commander, can I expect a report from you on the nature of eggs when we get home? Maybe you can convince me of your stance."
Chakotay looked down at her with a gleam in his eye. "If you feel the need for some convincing, I would be more than happy to oblige."
"Thank you, Commander."
"Anytime, Captain."
They sat in some chairs near the front of the room. The Ambassador and Neelix came in and sat behind them. The high praetor also arrived and sat to their left. The seven men who made up the council sat behind a large table in front of them. Chakotay muttered under his breath in Kathryn's ear "Let the games begin..."
"Council, as I informed you last night Captain Janeway here, of the Federation Starship Voyager, engaged in lewd and lascivious acts yesterday afternoon in my residence. This is in direct violation of Kadi Moral Code 27 section 5."
The Ambassador stood up. "Council, High Praetor Ramlu, I would like to speak."
A council member in the middle of the panel addressed him. "Do you have information relevant to this situation?"
"Not strictly relevant, but important nonetheless."
"Very well, you may speak."
The Ambassador walked around the people in the front until he was standing directly before the Council table. "I would like to start by reminding the high praetor and yourselves that he appointed me to this position. My actions directly reflect his judgment, do they not? Yes, they do. Now last night while I was on the Starship Voyager, I confess I had quite a good time. I sampled many of the delicacies that Mr. Neelix prepares on a daily basis for the crew. No bland food do they eat! I had spicy food, aromatic food, sweet food, any type of flavor I wanted. It was delicious! Then I participated in their holographic program and had quite a number of alcoholic drinks. Two very lovely ladies gave me quite a lot of attention, and then I ended the evening by, apparently - because I have no memory of this - accosting a member of the Voyager crew with improper advances. I must say I have never enjoyed myself more thoroughly. And all of it I owe to my gracious sponsor, High Praetor Ramlu. It was he who encouraged me to partake in everything Voyager could offer me. I think his judgement should be viewed in the proper light, after all. Which is why I chose to speak up here this morning, irrevelant of what Earth species calls a 'hang-over'. Thank you, high praetor." He nodded in Ramlu's direction.
Ramlu for his part was staring at the ambassador with his mouth open and daggers coming from his eyes. He started to rise but the Council member raised his hand to stop him.
"Ambassador, are you speaking the truth to us now? You are not still under the influence of alcohol?"
"No, sir. I feel fine. And yes, it is all the truth."
"I see. High Praetor, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"For myself?! Nothing - I have done nothing wrong! It is Captain Janeway's fault. She is the wicked one."
"But you yourself have stated that the Captain was here on the planet the entire time, up until this morning, even though she could obviously leave at any time, given the nature of Voyager's technology. And how is she responsible for the actions of our own ambassador? If anything, you should apologize to her for the breach of conduct."
"Captain Janeway commited lewd acts in my own house Council!"
"Yes, and speaking of them. I have a statement here made by your wife this morning which completely contradicts your report."
At that Ramlu was speechless. He sat down, looking confused and disoriented.
The Council member addressed Kathryn. "Captain, we appreciate your willingness to subject yourself to this embarrassment. And we apologize. We hope your willingness extends to continuing with the trade agreement you and your staff so diligently attempted to forge yesterday?"
Kathryn herself was quite stunned at the sudden turn of events. She had underestimated the Ambassador and her lovely Commander. "Council, I confess I am a bit overwhelmed at the moment. I will consult with my senior staff and make a decision by early afternoon, if that is agreeable with you."
"Absolutely. I will handle the negotiations from now on with you. We can talk after this is over to make communication arrangements. High Praetor? I suggest you consider taking a break. And ambassador? You are hereby relieved from your post. You may return to whatever it was you were doing before being appointed."
The ambassador beamed. "Thank you Council, most sincerely!"
Kathryn turned to Chakotay with a questioning look. He smiled mischievously in return. "He hated his job..." He muttered.
Kathryn gleefully tapped her comm badge. "Janeway to Voyager."
"Yes, Captain?" Tom answered.
"Four to beam up. On my mark. Council member?"
"Yes, I will hail you in approximately two hours. Good luck, Captain."
"Thank you. Harry, B'Elanna? Do it."
Their last vision was the ambassador, waving gaily at them.
Part 5
Chapter Seven
The door to the ready room beeped. "Come in." The Captain called out.
Neelix bounded in and placed a tray down on her desk. "Captain, I've
taken the liberty of fixing you some lunch,
some real food. The Commander suggested you might be hungry. And as
you can see, I've also brought a caraffe
of freshly brewed coffee."
It smelled wonderful. "Thank you, Neelix. That was really sweet of you. You're right, I'm starving."
"Well, you just enjoy yourself and give me a call when you're done. I'll come pick up the remains." He turned to leave, smiling from ear to ear.
"Neelix? Send the Commander in here, would you?"
"Of course, Captain."
Another door beep. "Come in."
Chakotay walked in smiling and sat in one of the chairs facing her desk. "You wanted to see me, Kathryn?"
Kathryn gave him one of her more radiant smiles. "Yes. I understand I have you to thank for this lovely lunch? Thank you very much."
"Well, I didn't want you waiting too long to eat. You might have spoiled your appetite for dinner, and I've been working hard to make it very special."
"Would you like to share this with me?"
"No, thank you, I've already had mine a while ago."
Kathryn gave him a small frown. "You did? Why didn't you ask me?"
"Kathryn - I have a very special person coming to my quarters tonight. I had a lot of work to do in preparation - it took most of my lunch time."
She got up and came around her desk, leaning on the edge in front of him. "Could you do something for me?"
"Anything."
"Would you please kiss me? It's been too long..."
He put his hands on her waist and pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "Only a few hours..." He touched her lips with his, kissing her softly. As she responded with more pressure he pushed her lips open with his tongue and soon they were melting into each other. After a few minutes and with great effort, Chakotay pulled back. "Your lunch is getting cold and I am definitely getting a little too warm..." Kathryn put her head on his shoulder, kissing his neck languidly. Chakotay ran his hands up and down her side. She forced herself upright.
"You're right. I love you..."
"I love you, too, Kathryn. How are your knees?"
"I'm not too sure, but I'd bet they are a bit rubbery." She pulled herself to her feet. "Yep, rubbery. Thank God I only have to sit, eat, and read more padds." She reached over and touched Chakotay's face. "I'm going to leave the bridge a bit early tonight, that sonic shower earlier just didn't cut it after the cell. Will you take command for me?"
"What time?"
"I'm going to my quarters at 1700 hours."
"My pleasure, Kathryn. Well, I have a lot of work yet to do this afternoon." He rose reluctantly, reached for her and they embraced tightly. "See you later?"
"You're welcome back here any time."
Beaming both dimples at her, he walked back onto the bridge and gratefully sank in his command chair. Kathryn ate a delicious lunch.
In the middle of the afternoon, Harry happened to look over Chakotay's shoulder at the console he was concentrating on so intently. Surprised, he saw the replicator program running. Chakotay appeared to be designing some sort of jewelry. About an hour later, he tapped his comm.
"Commander Chakotay to Engineering."
"B'Elanna here, Chakotay."
"It's ready."
"Okay, just give me a minute ...... Got it."
"Thanks, B'Elanna. I'll talk to you later."
"You're welcome big guy. Torres out."
At 1700 hours, Kathryn left the bridge with a smile to Chakotay and a round of 'good night's to her crew. He beamed back at her. Five minutes later, Chakotay stood up to leave as well.
"Thank you, Mr. Tuvok. I owe you one."
"Indeed. I hope the Captain enjoys her surprise."
"I think she will. Good night everyone."
Everyone waved as he got in the turbolift. After the doors closed he laughed out loud, thinking about the surprise in store for the love of his life.
Kathryn was enjoying her hot water shower. No sonic waves this time, she allowed the hot water to work on her still tight neck and shoulder muscles. She put her head under the stream and lathered her hair up, washing every bit of grunge from that awful planet off her scalp. It felt wonderful as she rinsed and rinsed, enjoying the scent of her shampoo, remembering Chakotay's almost shy wondering about it. The second he touched her hair so sweetly, Kathryn knew that the moment had come, even if it was only subconsciously. She knew that was why she gave him the opening she did. And now tonight she would finally be in bed with him. Her knees almost got weak just thinking about it. "I love you, Chakotay" she whispered to herself.
She got out of the shower and after drying herself slowly, she put on her short robe and started working on her hair. Rubbing it, gently putting her comb through it and drying it with a towel again, she walked out of the bathroom with her head upside down, working her hand through the back of her hair, shaking it and just enjoying the luxury of time and her own quarters. She raised her head finally to see Chakotay sitting on her bed a huge grin on his face. She smiled fully looking at his dimples flashing at her.
"Hi" she said. "I thought our date started at 1800 hours..."
"Well, I seem to remember someone telling me she wanted to be pushed" he stood up and came toward her... "You look quite beautiful you know" and he scooped her up in his arms, kissing her deeply then gently put her down on her bed, still kissing her. Kathryn was in sensory overload with Chakotay lying down next to her, his mouth traveling over her chin and down her neck. He ran his hands under her robe, both of them holding their breath as he touched her skin for the first time. He raised his head to meet her eyes.
"This is just for you, Kathryn. I want you to relax and and let me show you how much I love you." He bent his head over her and lovingly devoured her mouth again. Kathryn moaned into his mouth as his hands traveled around the front of her, reaching for her breast, rubbing his fingers over her nipple. After opening her robe, he pulled away from the softness of her mouth and ran his tongue over to the spot just below her ear. Kathryn felt electric sparks running down to her belly. She was sinking into the bed and floating above it at the same time.
Chakotay continued moving his lips and tongue down her body, taking her nipple in his mouth, gently sucking and teasing her with his tongue. Under his touch, he felt Kathryn quivering and moving her hips against his arm. He was overwhelmed momentarily, knowing that he was the one bringing out this response in her. He moved his mouth further down to her belly, kissing her navel, finger tips running up and down her legs spending just a moment longer at the uppermost part of the inside of her thigh.
"Oh, God, Cha-ko-tay..." She breathed out his name. He restrained himself from the impulse to rip his own clothes off and fully make love to her, taking a deep breath and running his tongue further down her front. Kathryn's hips were rocking against his face and hands.
He softly brushed her hairs with his fingers and felt her shiver. "I love you, Kathryn" he whispered. He gently parted her with his hands and put his mouth on her, running his tongue inside, teasing and stroking her, feeling her movements more pronounced, her breaths short, her sounds a bit more noticeable. His tongue swirled hard, then soft, then hard again. Kathryn was panting and saying his name over and over. Then suddenly she pushed hard against him, groaning and he felt her contractions in his mouth. He moved up and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her neck as she held him tightly, one leg around his thigh, pulling him toward her.
He was having difficulty controlling himself again and took a few more deep breaths. Then he moved his head so that he could kiss her deeply, letting her taste her own juice, her mouth opening to him without resistance, their tongues wrapping around each other. He forced himself to stop and waited for her to open her eyes. The blue he saw there was electric. She gave him a radiant smile.
"Thank you, Chakotay. I love you..." She said his name like no one else ever had, almost like a mantra. He loved to hear it.
"You're welcome, Kathryn. And don't forget, our date hasn't officially started. I haven't even begun to really push you yet." He beamed a smile at her, his dimples lighting up his face.
"I don't know if I should confess this, but I can never ever resist those dimples of yours."
"That's a good thing. Now, I am going to go back to my quarters and finish getting dinner ready. You come over whenever you can, but just make it by 1800 hours."
"Which is how much time?"
"Where's your chronometer?"
"Don't have one. Computer, give me the time."
"The time is 1750 hours"
"Chakotay, how bout 1815?"
"Okay, just don't be late." He touched her cheek tenderly. "I love you." He hit his comm badge. "Commander Chakotay to Lt. Torres."
"I'm here Chakotay."
"Site to site, on my mark." He whispered in Kathryn's ear, "Don't worry, she doesn't know anything, only that she's to get me home. See you soon."
"I'll hurry."
"Please. B'Elanna? Do it." And Chakotay de-materialized. Kathryn lay there for a minute or two, trying to absorb what she had just experienced. God, he is amazing, she thought. Her body and soul felt full of life, and her climax had done nothing to relieve her sexual tension and desire. She longed for him with an ache that he had awakened from somewhere deep inside of her. She quickly sat up to get herself dressed. That's when she saw the roses.
On her dresser was a vase with one dozen yellow roses. She went to them and found another gift hidden. Draped over the roses was a gold necklace with an intricately carved heart attached. Overwhelmed and awed, tears rolled down her cheeks as her throat closed. She picked up the necklace almost gingerly, afraid it would disappear if she touched it. She went to her mirror and put it on. It was beautiful. She had never felt so loved.
She hurried.
By the time Chakotay opened the door to Kathryn his body, though still tingling, had reclaimed some sense of calmness. When he saw her looking so beautiful he was fighting the internal battel again. Take her immediately to bed because he just couldn't wait any longer or make it linger over dinner. Kathryn was wearing a lovely dress with his gift around her neck. It looked wonderful on her. She also carried a small pile of clothing, her uniform, and the bag she had on the planet. Linger, definitely linger.
"I brought some things over for the morning, so I can get ready for work here. I trust you don't mind..."
"Mind? Are you kidding? There's a few extra hangers in the closet, help yourself. Dinner's just ready."
Kathryn looked around his quarters at the candles, the seating he arranged on the floor, and the incredibly peaceful ambiance of the place. The lights were low and the food smelled terrific. Chakotay, of course, looked very handsome. She went into the bedroom to hang up her uniform, stealing a few minutes to poke through his closet to look at and touch his clothes. Let me touch everything you own, Chakotay... She was surprised at her emotions as she saw his old Maquis clothing hanging in the back. Part of her felt pride, which she found absurd, and another part fear. She wondered not for the first time how he felt about the Maquis now. She touched the leather vest, remembering him standing defiantly on the bridge, his eyes boring a hole right through her. The sheer force of his personality had so impressed her from the very first. God, what a road we've walked together all these years. She hung her uniform next to his and smiled.
Chakotay came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck. Kathryn held onto his forearms and willingly gave into the kisses, sighing and leaning back into him, safe, relaxed and excited. "Hungry?" He whispered.
"Famished." She turned around and placed her hands on his chest. He felt his skin burning where she touched and his soul falling into hers, meeting her eyes. "Chakotay, thank you so much for this beautiful necklace. I truly love it... I'm going to wear it every day, even under my uniform. It is such a wonderful gift..."
"You really like it?" His heart was bursting.
"I love it. Where in the world did you get it?"
"I replicated it."
"I didn't think we had jewelry in the replicator program.."
"We don't. I designed it this afternoon and B'Elanna helped me with the program."
"You designed this?" She picked up the heart and studied it yet again. She had almost been late from doing just that over and over. "I'm very impressed."
"Thank you, Kathryn. I had the most extraordinary inspiration." He smiled deeply as he tipped her chin and kissed her tenderly. Then took her hand and led her back into the living area, to the cushions on the floor around his low table. She got herself arranged with her back against the small couch and poured the wine while Chakotay went to get the food.
As usual, he had outdone himself with his cooking. They were eating some vegetable stew served over rice. The stew had a wonderful flavor but cinnamon was all Kathryn could distinguish. The salad was good, filled with greens from the airponics bay. They ate snuggled up next to each other, enjoying the closeness as much as the food and drink.
"Chakotay, what is the other spice in this stew? I can taste cinnamon..."
"I don't think you're familiar with the others. Cumin and coriander. Obscure spices that somehow are in the replicator. Do you like the flavor?"
"Oh, absolutely. It is sort of a sultry taste, isn't it?
Chakotay chuckled. "I think you're right. Sultry. And for dessert we have sweetness..."
Kathryn, feeling overwhelmed with it all, turned to face him. She reached up and cupped his cheek, putting her lips softly on his, the flavor of wine only partially responsible for her sense of intoxication. Pulling herself up on her knees she gave Chakotay a close embrace, kissing anywhere she could reach, his neck, his tatoo, his cheeks, his mouth.
"God, Chakotay, do you have any idea how much I love you?" She kissed him deeply and he was suddenly very sure he could drown in her and die happy. He held her tightly then began to run his hands up and down her back, longing to make love to her right there. Reluctantly he stopped, gently pulling himself back from her mouth, trying to breathe.
"Kathryn, I want you so much I can hardly control myself..."
"But it's time for dessert first?"
Chakotay grinned. "Yes. Let's see if I can stand before you get your hopes up."
"I'll get it if you want."
"I don't think so, I'm the host here..." He somehow stood and headed to the replicator. Kathryn was right behind him with the dinner dishes, taking the opportunity to stay in close proximity. She almost felt like the cliche'd iron to magnet - unwilling to be apart given the choice. She touched the small of his back and he turned. She saw such love in his eyes her breath caught in her throat.
"I love you, too." Kathryn said. Chakotay touched her cheek tenderly then carried the dessert tray back to the table with her close behind.
Settling themselves back on the floor, they dug into dishes of ice cream and fresh fruit while talking about the very strange experiences of the past 24 hours, the crew and other things Voyager. With unspoken agreement, they were trying to distract themselves. It worked for a little while. Then Chakotay pushed. As he put one arm around her shoulders, he picked up a piece of fruit and put it in Kathryn's mouth, softly trailing his fingertip across her lips. They grinned at each other. She placed one against his lips and as he opened his mouth she slid it onto his tongue. He slowly licked her finger and her body responded instantly. A few more pieces of fruit and Kathryn could stand it no longer.
She rolled over, straddled him and as she leaned in to kiss lowered herself down on his lap. Their kiss deepened and she rocked her hips almost imperceptibly. She moaned softly as she felt him harden against her. Chakotay worked his tongue around hers and she increased her movements on his lap, hearing noises coming from the back of his throat which sent a rush of heat through her body down to their point of contact. Kathryn unbuttoned his shirt slowly and pulled it out of his pants as they continued to tease each other with their tongues and lips. She pulled it down his shoulders and took it off. She was intent on giving him pleasure as he had done for her earlier, wanting to see and experience him lose control.
She relished the feel of his skin under her fingers, warm and smooth. Her hands travelled down his chest, lightly stroking circles with her fingernails, stopping to tease his nipples. She was rewarded with a groan from him which went straight to her crotch. Kathryn moved her kisses from his mouth to his chin then down his neck. She felt Chakotay's hands push her dress up, massaging her thighs, letting his thumbs brush the silk between her legs as his pelvis was rocking against her.
"Kathryn..." He said huskily in her ear "I want you ... in my bed ... not here"
"All right" she said between kisses to his tatoo and mouth. "How are we going to get there..."
He wrapped his arms around her as his mouth opened to hers, thoughts of getting up fading away momentarily. Again, he tried to stop. "I could call B'Elanna..."
Kathryn giggled against his cheek. She pushed herself away and breathed deeply. "Come on then, I want you too much... bed is better ... we can do this..." But as she tried to stand her legs gave way and she fell back down, laughing. Chakotay's eyes were almost black with desire as he laughed with her. She tried again and was successful. She tugged at his hand, "come on Chakotay, let me make love to you, please..."
"Gods above, Kathryn, how can I resist what I've waited years to hear..." He stood up slowly and walked her to the bedroom.
They took the time to undress each other slowly, savoring the anticipation. Kathryn did not feel at all self-conscious as Chakotay studied her with his eyes and his hands, a revelation that both surprised and elated her. Looking at him all she could think was how beautiful he really was. She was smiling to herself as he pulled her down to the bed to lay with him.
That first sensation of their bodies touching as their arms and legs wrapped around each other was so exquisite that they almost stopped breathing. Their mouths came together again, tongues moving in and out, lips working urgently and then tenderly.
"You feel so good, Chakotay" Kathryn breathed into his mouth.
"As good as you feel to me?" He was grinning as he kissed her.
"Better..."
"Impossible..."
"No it's not..."
"Yes, it is..."
They laughed together as their mouths met in a deep kiss which led to another, and another. They rolled back and forth with hands and legs moving in an attempt to touch every way they could. Chakotay was still trying to hold back, afraid he wouldn't be able to keep things slow enough to give her pleasure, he wanted her so intensely. He trailed his fingers down Kathryn's stomach while she was pulling his mouth back to hers. Her body was so electrified that as his finger tips found their mark and his tongue touched hers she climaxed, softly, with a gasp. This again did nothing to relieve her desire for him. She rolled him on his side to spread her legs and brought him back, still kissing him.
"Please, Chakotay ... don't hold back... Let me take you in ... make love to you ... I want you..." She was panting in his ear, licking his neck, wrapping her legs around him.
"Oh, Gods... Kathryn ... I want the night to last ... it won't ... I want you so much"
She slowed down and looked into his eyes. "We still have all night...we get to do this over and over. And then again tomorrow night, and the night after that ... I'm not going anywhere..." She lifted her head just a bit to kiss him and trailed her fingers down his back, tickling the base of his spine and down to the backs of his thighs. He finally let himself go at that, a deep groan coming from the back of his throat and into her mouth.
Chakotay reached down and placed himself at her opening, then slowly entered her, Kathryn moving her hips to let him all the way in, relishing the feel of him and the emotions surging through her. Chakotay was transported, the love of his life under him, surrounding him, loving and wanting him. They groaned together, softly, just staying that way, kissing deeply and languidly, smiling. He began to rock her slowly at first, but he was soon losing control and as he moved in and out of her she was right with him, feeling her long building climax approaching.
"Push me, Chakotay... my love..." She whispered, panting.
He thrust into her harder and harder, a few more times until she came, lifting her hips off the bed into his, legs shuddering. As he felt her contract around him, he exploded, groaning loudly, calling her name over and over until his voice trailed off to a breath in her mouth, which he devoured with her complete cooperation, collapsing on top of her. Eventually he moved off, but they stayed entwined for some time, not wanting to separate.
Chakotay placed his hand over her necklace and gently picked up the heart in his fingers.
"Would you like to know what I meant this to symbolize?"
Kathryn continued to caress his back, her legs rubbing up and down the backs of his.
"Do you know how beautiful you are?"
"Well, I heard that earlier today and I certainly appreciate the compliment. You are the only person I would let call me beautiful. It doesn't really go along with my image."
"It does with my image of you. I'm sorry, tell me about the necklace ... Please."
"You notice how some of the carvings go all the way through the gold? I did that to show you that I see our love as open, complete by its own definition, allowing air and light to always pass through it. So that it will never be stagnant..."
Kathryn was overwhelmed and allowing her tears to flow freely traced the lines of his tatoo. "That is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard, Chakotay. I agree with it ... Completely. I think you just proved my point though."
He chuckled, that deep chuckle that drove her to distraction. "I concede. You may call me beautiful and I will agree with you, but only because I love you." He wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Are you okay?"
"More than, or should I say teraquads okay?"
"Teraquads, huh? I'd agree with that. Definitely teraquads." His voice was husky.
"That's a good thing."
"Yes it is."
"Mm-m-m..."
"Kathryn, did you get any sleep last night?"
"Some. I had the comm badge right next to my ear, and I eventually fell asleep listening to you breathe. The bed was horrible and that nightgown was so uncomfortable - God, if you'd seen me in it you probably would've cancelled tonight in a heartbeat..."
"I don't think so! I would've just imagined it to be that silky thing you were talking about."
"Well, I'll wear that one for you some time...."
"You want to get some sleep?"
"Don't know..."
"Come on, roll over, let me hold you." he pulled her onto his shoulder and held her tightly, her leg and arm curled around him. She listened to his heart beating.
"I love you Chakotay..." She said quietly. He kissed her head and soon felt her drift off. He was overwhelmed with pure bliss.
"Bridge to Captain Janeway." Chakotay woke with a start, not sure what he just heard.
"Bridge to Captain Janeway." Damn. Kathryn was stirring. Chakotay looked at his chronometer which read 2245. He tried to wake her up without success. Pulling himself out from under her he started looking for her comm badge. It wasn't on her uniform so he poked through her bag.
"Bridge to Captain Janeway." The hell with propriety. He reached for his badge.
"Chakotay to the bridge. What's the problem?"
"Commander?"
"Ensign Meyer, the captain is unavailable. What is the problem?" Kathryn was waking up at last. He took his badge back to the bed.
"Commander, we're being hailed from the planet surface. It is the Kadi high praetor Ramlu."
"What the hell does he want now..." Kathryn said sleepily.
"Captain?"
Chakotay answered "Ensign, I will contact you in a few minutes. Chakotay out." He tapped the badge. "Kathryn, before you deal with the praetor I think you should be aware our cover is probably totally blown now. Meyer is one of the biggest gossips we have. He is going to run with this unless we stop it."
"How do you know?"
"Tom told me, and I've dealt with some of the fallout amongst crew members from Meyer's gossiping."
Kathryn sighed. "Well, you know what I say? Screw the praetor and screw the gossip."
"Kathryn! Please don't screw the praetor..."
She sat up and pulled him back down onto the bed before he could react. Laughing at his surprise, she rolled on top of him and kissed him soundly. He rolled her off and under him, returning the favor, kissing her deeply until her breathing became ragged and he was at the edge of losing control. He pulled back. "Kathryn, that damned praetor is waiting and you are very very wicked... And luscious... And sexy..." His dimples were flashing at her.
"Can you reach your badge?" Her leg was firmly planted on the back of his. He reached blindly behind him and found it, bringing it in front.
"What do you want me to do? Be the one to talk to him? And say what? Because I can tell you what I'd like to say to that smarmy little man..."
"Well, I'm definitely not getting out of this bed to go to the bridge and talk to him and frankly, neither are you and that's an order..."
"You can't order me when we're off duty, in my opinion it sets a bad precedent in our relationship."
Kathryn chuckled. "You're right, I apologize. I'll make that a request. Please do not get out of bed and cowtow to that man."
"I wasn't planning on it, I just wanted to make the point."
"We're not getting anywhere here, are we?"
"That depends upon where we're going, doesn't it?" His hand was beginning to travel up and down her front then around to her side...
"Chakotay! Eyes front. Tell Ensign Meyer to tell the praetor that I am unavailable until tomorrow at 1100 hours. He can call me then. And as I said before, screw the consequences..."
"Actually you said screw the praetor, which frankly made my blood go cold."
She smiled as she reached up and pulled his mouth back to hers. They resumed where they had left off. Again, Chakotay stopped it. "Kathryn, hold that thought." He tapped his badge which was now lying on the bed behind her shoulder. "Commander Chakotay to the bridge."
"Ensign Meyer here, Commander."
"Tell the high praetor that the captain is unavailable until tomorrow morning at 1100 hours. He is free to contact her at that time." Kathryn started to kiss his neck quietly, occasionally darting her tongue out to give a lick or two. He glared at her from beneath his brow.
"But Commander, he is fairly insistent. What if he doesn't accept that?"
Kathryn whispered in his ear "Tell him to screw himself Ensign..." Chakotay snorted a half laugh.
"Commander?"
Chakotay tried to think but Kathryn was now running her hands down his back to the base of his spine... He reached back, trying to grab her hand but she kept getting away... She was laughing silently with a gleam in her eye... He caught her wrist and firmly but gently brought it back to the front, holding it by her head, pinning her hand to the bed. He was a little out of breath for more than one reason.
"Ensign, be insistent but polite. I have complete faith that you can handle it. That's why you have bridge command for tonight's beta shift. I'm sure the captain will be pleased to hear of a positive outcome. She needs her rest at the moment after her .. ordeal on the planet .. and is .. relying on you .. to help her get it." To the contrary, Kathryn was moving her pelvis suggestively against Chakotay's erection, her leg holding him to her, a high beam gleam in her eyes. She was also threatening to laugh out loud and still trying to free her hand. He was beginning to seriously lose control. He let go of her wrist to tap the badge. "Chakotay out." He hit it. And she was all over him with her mouth and her hands. He grabbed the comm badge and threw it on the floor.
He quickly moved in between her legs which she was spreading widely for him. He took a moment to reach down between them to see if she was ready and found her wet and hot to the touch. He moved his finger around a bit, feeling the urge to give her a little taste of sweet torture and was rewarded with a rocking pelvis and moaning noises from her throat. Chakotay then removed his hand and met her eyes. A slow grin spread out over both their faces. He leaned his head over hers and devoured her mouth and slid himself easily into her. They rocked each other for a bit longer than the first time, but no less intensely. Climaxing one after the other, they collapsed together, panting out names and indistinguishable sounds.....
"Kathryn..."
"Hm-m-m?"
"What the hell ... Got into you ..."
She mumbled something into his neck that he couldn't understand, though he got her intention. Her tongue was sliding up and down, tasting the salt on his skin.
"Kathryn..." He pulled his neck away from her reach and tried to meet her eyes. When she finally consented, he saw they were extremely glittery. He was once again overwhelmed by the knowledge that he was the one in bed with her, making love with her, receiving extraordinary love from her. But he wanted to understand something so he tried again. "What got into you when I was trying to talk to Meyer? I've never known you to be so reckless in front of the crew..."
"It was fun though, wasn't it?"
"I can't say that I didn't enjoy myself..." He grinned mischeivously at her.
"But you want to know if this is something to worry about..."
"I don't know if 'worry' is the right word. Maybe just wondering."
"I don't know if I have a sufficient answer for you ... Maybe I'm just tired of being the Captain all the time, and maybe you just bring out some wild streak in me, and maybe I'm just too in love and lust with you to be able to keep my hands to myself when you're close..."
"It's not just your hands that concern me, you do pretty well with other parts of your body too..."
She grinned at him. "Well, Chakotay, don't worry, and don't wonder. Just enjoy it. And continue to fill in for me when I need some rest after my grueling days..."
"I can see I'm going to be requesting overtime pay in this relationship, Kathryn ... So you're in love and lust with me?"
"Oh yeah ... Just try and keep me away now."
"Wouldn't dream of it..." He put his mouth down on hers and kissed her deeply until she was melting into the bed again.
"Chakotay?" She whispered.
"Hm-m-m?"
"I'll be happy to compensate you for your overtime."
"Dare I ask you in what manner my compensation will be given?"
"You can ask, but I won't tell. It will be surprises. Good surprises."
"Teraquad good?"
"That will be for you to decide, won't it?"
"Hm-m-m..." He was on her again, kissing her senseless...
Part 6
Chapter Eight
"Commander, the time is 0700. Commander, the time is 0700."
"Computer, end alarm." Chakotay spoke automatically, though not fully awake. His eyes were still closed and he felt warm and too comfortable. Kathryn was curled on her side in front of him, settling back closer as she stirred. So he had died and he was right, he was very happy. But bridge duty started in just an hour and a half, whether he had the captain's permission to be late or not. He had the crew's respect to consider. But his captain felt just way too good. He was starting to see the complications inherent in this relationship. Duty or love? Maybe Kathryn was right all along... No, she wasn't, he chuckled to himself. He kissed her shoulders languidly and by sheer force of will rolled away and got up. After his shower and shave, he found Kathryn still fast asleep. He went to the replicator for some coffee which he brought back to the bed and waved under her nose. She stirred and opened her eyes.
"Good morning, Kathryn. You missed the shower, but you're in time for breakfast. Here's some coffee."
She sat up and smiled gratefully as she sipped. "Missed the shower? Damn."
"I've got to get on duty soon. So you want to take yours while I fix something to eat?"
"You can be late, you know. I'm not going to put you on report..."
"And I appreciate that," he grinned. "But I don't want to take advantage of it."
"Well since I want to be with you as much as possible, I'll take you up on your offer for breakfast while I get clean."
"Muffins? Juice? Fruit?"
"Yes. To all of them, especially the fruit..." She chuckled as she headed for the bathroom, throwing a grin over her shoulder.
He shook his head in amazement, grinning from ear to ear.
"Chakotay?" He heard from the bedroom. "You got a shirt I can wear? I don't have a robe here and I'm not ready for that uniform yet..."
"Take what you want."
"Don't tempt me..."
She came into the room in one of his undertunics. "You look great." He laughed.
"Why is that funny?"
"Just thinking - the juxtapostion - you wearing my regulation t-shirt and all... Sorry." He laughed again.
"Well, you look great too. Although I might be able to guarantee that we'll get to the bridge on time if you had something on..."
"Didn't feel like it yet. Come, sit, eat."
They actually ended up being 20 minutes late, something about her in that t-shirt just made the temptation too great. Kathryn and Chakotay had been laughing at themselves in the turbolift and stepping off onto the bridge hand in hand they were still chuckling. Kathryn gave his hand a squeeze before releasing it, greeting the smiling faces of the bridge crew who were all watching them.
"Good morning." Kathryn called out, walking down the steps to her chair
"Good morning, Captain, Commander." Tom replied.
"Morning, Tom." Chakotay nodded also heading for his command post.
The remainder of the crew sent them greetings and smiles to each other.
"Harry, is there anything to report this morning?" The Captain asked.
"All systems normal, Captain. I believe Ensign Meyer left you a report padd on your desk from the beta shift, he mentioned it to me."
Kathryn stole a glance at Chakotay, who was unsuccessfully trying to hide a small grin.
"Thank you Ensign. Mr. Tuvok, I believe we have a meeting with Mr. Drkaya this afternoon?"
"That is correct, captain. The councilmember will be here at 1400 hours."
"Meet me in my ready room at 1300 hours and we'll discuss some details."
"Very good, captain."
Kathryn had been shifting restlessly in her chair during these exchanges. Chakotay handed her a padd.
Are you all right?
She put in her answer and handed it back.
I'm just sore. Hurts to sit.
After a few seconds he returned it.
I'm sorry.
Don't be! It was all worth it trust me.
No remorse. Hard to think I hurt you.
My ready room, 5 minutes. I love you.
Kathryn left the bridge with a smile to her first officer. He sat pensively, waiting.
Chakotay joined Kathryn on her couches, where she was lounging, reading reports and drinking some coffee. As he sat down, Kathryn reached out and took his hand in hers and held it tightly. He gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Chakotay, what's wrong?" She asked him softly.
"I'm not entirely sure... At first I thought it was just feeling badly that you were in pain and that I did something to cause it. Even though I know I didn't hurt you deliberately, and I even know that I'm not at fault. I think I just might be upset at my own reaction if that makes any sense."
"Why be upset at something you can't control?"
"Because it shows me just how much more deeply I feel about you today. It's overwhelming, and a little frightening. I feel so...protective of you."
"But that's something you've felt for a long time."
"Yes, and it's stronger in me now than it's ever been. I mean, look what I did when Tuvok told me you were in custody. I immediately rushed down to the surface. You left this ship and its crew in my hands, and something happens to you and I abandon my post in a flash. I don't suppose Tuvok even told you how I acted when I first got to the surface?"
"No, he only said you dealt with the situation efficiently."
"Well, he won't admit it but he's being very kind. I was about to storm into your guest quarters, grab your comm badge, take it to you and have you beamed back up here. Tuvok in his infinite Vulcan wisdom calmed me down..."
"Chakotay, let's back up here a minute. I never once thought you abandoned your post rashly. The ship was not in imminent danger, nor even in imminent threat of possible danger. You made an assessment and saw there was no reason to stay away from a situation that you needed to be involved in."
"Did I? Need to be involved in it? Or is that Kathryn speaking and not the captain?"
"I freely admit that I needed you, Kathryn to Chakotay. And ultimately the situation involved both of us and our relationship. But as the Captain, I have absolutely no quarrel with your actions. You never forgot your responsibilities here on the ship and you handled things up here perfectly. I don't think anyone can fault you."
Chakotay pulled his hand away and rubbed his face. He leaned forward with his head in his hands. He heard and accepted what she was saying but there was more to talk about. He wasn't sure this was the time. Kathryn sat forward to caress his back and put her head against the back of his shoulder.
"Chakotay, I do know what you're saying. I feel extraordinarily protective of you this morning, too ... And I don't know what I would do if you were in danger. I hope that I would act as the captain first but who's to say? I think we just have to trust that we'll do the best we can and that will have to be good enough." She got up and squatted in front of him. "Chakotay, please look at me..." His hands clasped together in front of him and she finally saw his eyes, the brown looking deeper than she had ever seen it before. She put her hands on his.
"Chakotay, my love. There's one thing I really want you to hear from me face to face. You did not hurt me, not at any time. I never felt pain or discomfort - quite the contrary - I loved every sensation you gave me, and I plan to keep loving them for the rest of my life. Okay?"
He brought her hands to his mouth and kissed them tenderly. "Thank you. Yes, I'm okay. About that part anyway." Pulling her toward him, he took her hands and put them around his neck and they embraced tightly. "I love you, Kathryn, with all my heart ..." He nuzzled her. "So - every sensation?"
"Every one of them. You are amazing..."
"I could get a big ego here if you're not careful."
"Somehow I can't see that happening to you, it's not in your nature."
"No, I guess it's not..."
Kathryn pulled back just enough to look him in the eye. "I love you."
"Yes, I believe you do." She kissed him softly, then deeper, then stopped.
"We'll talk later, tonight. I know you have more on your mind."
"Later is fine, I could use some time to think about things, too."
"So ... interested in reading Meyer's report?"
Chakotay laughed out loud. "I don't know, am I?"
Kathryn grinned and got up. She handed him the padd.
A few minutes later he raised his head, a stunned look on his face.
"I find it hard to believe that this report came from our Ensign Meyer. He had the perfect opportunity to make some points with Starfleet and make a little trouble for me in the process. He's been a bit resentful for the number of times I've had to talk to him about his open mouth policy..."
"Maybe we should talk to Harry about this."
"I agree with you. And what do you think about Ramlu? It appears as though he is mighty upset with you and me."
"Indeed he is. I'll be interested to see what happens at 1100 hours, if he even contacts me again."
"He will."
Kathryn tapped her comm. "Janeway to Ensign Kim"
"Yes, Captain?"
"Harry, when you have a moment, please come to the ready room."
"I'm on my way."
Harry took a slight detour on the way to stop at the helm.
"Tom, I'll tell you about it at lunch. I'm fairly certain what they want to see me about. Maybe this will help me get lieutenant, huh?"
"Why Harry, I never realized your hidden agenda..."
"I didn't think it was hidden."
"Well, good luck my friend."
Smiling, Harry slapped him on the back and continued to the ready room.
Kathryn was behind her desk with Chakotay sitting in front when she admitted Harry.
"Have a seat, Harry. The Commander and I have a few questions for you."
"Thank you Captain, Commander."
"We've both had a look at Ensign Meyer's report from beta shift. The content came as a bit of a surprise to us, frankly. And since you mentioned that you had spoken with the ensign this morning, well, I was wondering if you and he had a discussion about it."
"Permission to speak freely?"
"Proceed."
"Captain, I don't know if you are aware of Meyer's habit of gossiping..."
Kathryn held up her hand. "Harry, the Commander has filled me in on it. And since Mr. Meyer appears to be well known for this, I can only assume his habit is worse than everyone else's." She had a grin playing on the edges of her mouth. Chakotay chuckled to himself.
"Yes, well, it is. Anyway, Captain, this morning I was pretty early for alpha and Meyer was coming out of your ready room with a suspicious grin on his face. Worried, I confronted him. He willingly showed me the report he left. Commander, I'm afraid it wasn't very flattering to you, with veiled references to what happened last night."
Chakotay smiled at him. "Harry, just tell us what it said. I promise we can take it, right Captain?"
"Agreed. Spill it, Harry."
"Meyer put in the report, with a copy to his personal logs, that you, Captain, were sleeping in the Commander's quarters when he tried to contact you. That the Commander overstepped his authority by answering for you, and that both of you refused to come to the bridge to speak with a dignitary from a planet we were in crucial negotiations with. The inferences were pretty clear. I was fairly surprised at the harshness of it, to be frank, given that you've allowed him to get command experience during beta and all."
They both were surprised as well, and a little shocked. Then Kathryn, remembering last night, had the strong urge to laugh. Chakotay, seeing her trying to control her outburst, spoke up.
"But Harry, how did you manage to convince him to change that report? I'm assuming you did, of course."
Harry smiled. "Yes, I'll take credit for the change. You see, Mr. Meyer and I go way back as you may or may not know. He was a couple of years ahead of me at the Academy but we had mutual friends. I'm - privy - to some unflattering information about Meyer's academic background. I used this as leverage to talk to him about the report, about the senior staff's decision to protect you two, a little about your relationship -- sort of pushed him into the loop, so to speak. Convinced him it would be in his best interest to, how can I put this, assist the senior staff in their chosen mission."
Kathryn grinned at him. "You blackmailed him."
"I guess that is one way to look at it. I prefer to think I negotiated with him."
"Harry, I must say, I'm impressed." Chakotay said sincerely.
Harry, always happy to receive praise from the man he most admired, beamed. "Thank you, Commander."
"I should be thanking you. I owe you one, Harry. Collect anytime."
Kathryn had regained her composure. "I just want one thing to be clear here. I sincerely appreciate what you did, although I feel a little uncomfortable about the - negotiations. I don't want you, or anyone, to think that reports have to be falsified to protect the Commander and me."
"Captain, I don't believe the report was falsified, just the perspective was corrected. I mean, excuse me for being blunt, but you and the Commander are welcome to spend as much of your off-duty time in bed with each other as you like in my mind. It's none of my business, nor is it any of the crew's business. And from what you've told us about the high praetor Ramlu, it makes perfect sense to me that you wouldn't drag yourself up here to talk to him whether he wanted it or not. He is no longer a participant in the negotiations with the Kadi, so you are under no obligation to drop everything at his call. I dare say the rest of the senior staff would agree with me."
"Thank you, Harry. I appreciate your support."
"We just want you two to be happy. You deserve it. So if there's nothing else, I should get back to my work."
Kathryn smiled at him. "No nothing. Dismissed, Ensign."
Harry nodded to her and turned to leave. Chakotay stood and put out his hand, which Harry warmly shook then went back to Ops.
As the door swooshed shut, they just smiled at each other, shaking their heads.
Tom turned to look at his friend as Harry returned to his station. Harry gave him a grin and a thumbs up and though Tom wasn't sure what it meant, he could tell Harry was proud of himself which was never a bad thing. Tom smiled and returned the gesture. He was looking forward to lunch break.
After deciding they would jointly have a meeting with Meyer to settle him down, Chakotay left Kathryn to more of her report reading and took one of his weekly walks through the ship, checking in with the crew. He was also doing a little recon work, seeing if he caught anyone smirking or treating him with disrespect. Nothing at all out of the ordinary happened. It appeared that Meyer had kept his mouth shut, after all. He returned to the bridge a bit before 1100 hours and went right to the ready room to report on his tour.
"Captain to the bridge." Came Harry's voice.
"I guess you called it, he's right on time Chakotay. You'll stand with me?"
"Always, Kathryn." He squeezed her hand as they stood and she tapped her chest.
"I'm on my way."
The Captain stood on the bridge with her arms folded, the Commander right behind her to her left, hands behind his back.
"On screen."
The slightly florid face of the high praetor Ramlu appeared. They were somewhat shocked at his appearance, he looked almost disheveled if that is possible with someone bald. He definitely looked, off. Chakotay's hands instinctively clenched into fists behind his back, something not missed by Tuvok.
"Good morning, Captain. I see you are no longer indisposed. And Commander, ever by her side aren't you? It looks as though you are feeling fine this morning."
This little greeting now had everyone's attention on the bridge.
"Good morning, high praetor. Thank you for asking after the Commander's and my health. What can I do for you today?" Only Chakotay could see her jaw clenching.
"Well, Captain, I was just wanting to inform you of the consequences of your little talk with my wife while you were a guest on my planet. You had quite the effect on her, as did your Commander. I dare say he made an interesting impression on her, I've read about men like him I just had never encountered one myself..." His voice trailed off and his eyes drifted.
"High Praetor!" Kathryn's voice was harsh but not loud. She saw him return to the living. "I don't claim to understand what you mean by your inferences about our First Officer, nor am I particularly interested in them..."
He interrupted her "No, you wouldn't be, would you?! You are under his spell, too! Well in our belief system we know of the men from the netherworld and we are ever vigilant against them!" His voice was loud and suffused with hatred.
Kathryn couldn't help herself, she turned around to look at Chakotay. She imagined she saw the orange glow around the brown of his irises. She definitely recognized the steely glint of his anger. He met her eyes and she showed him how angry she was, too. They nodded slightly to each other and she returned her gaze to the viewscreen.
"I believe you wanted to tell me about your wife, praetor?"
"Yes, my wife, Sidri, mother of my son. Well after she saw your little display of ... of ... sinful behavior she had the nerve to question my decisions and now that she has talked with you she has taken my son and left the household!" He practically spit out this last sentence.
"Well, perhaps if your household had not listened in on my private conversation, and perhaps if you had not spied on me with your hidden camera, things might have been quite different?" Kathryn allowed herself this little vent, even though she knew this wasn't going to diffuse anything.
"Captain, you should understand the need to be vigilant against evil and sin. Guests to our planet who conduct themselves properly need not worry about what you call spying..."
"And praetor, I will not dignify your description of the room you locked me in as being guest quarters. But back to Sidri. Are you expecting me to do something about your personal situation?"
"You have already influenced my personal situation! You are the reason she left. And do you know what she plans to do now?! She is planning on spewing the venemous words she learned from you to other women she knows!" His voice was turning quite ominous.
Chakotay took a step forward but stopped himself with great effort from standing fully in front of Kathryn. He swore if this man ever hurt her he would do whatever was necessary to see him punished. For a split second, he almost regretted his decision to forego revenge in his life.
Kathryn felt the cold of her stomach. Prime Directive again flashed in front of her face.
"I see. And again, praetor, the reason you are telling me this?"
"I demand you speak to her again. I can tell you where to find her. You will tell her that everything you said was incorrect. If you do not, I will exert whatever influence I can with our allies -- some of whom are very powerful. And not nearly as nice as we are."
"I will consider your request and contact you in 24 hours."
"Four."
"Twenty four. Go ahead and contact your allies. We will take our chances. I suggest you consider that alternative carefully, for it will not get Sidri back or your son back."
"FINE."
The screen went dark.
In the stunned silence, Kathryn turned to Chakotay.
"Commander, assemble the senior staff in the briefing room. Show B'Elanna, Seven and Neelix a copy of this transmission. Contact me when everyone is assembled and ready."
Chakotay was still staring at the blank screen, fists clenched.
"Commander." No response. She reached out and touched his arm, he started and looked straight at her. His eyes still looked flinty. She spoke more softly. "Chakotay, I'll be fine and you will, too. Did you hear my orders?" He numbly shook his head. She repeated them, still speaking softly, her heart aching to see him. She completely understood how he was feeling. "I'll be in my ready room. I need some time to think alone. Are you okay now?" She reached down and took his hand in hers.
"Yes, Captain, thank you. I will contact you soon."
I love you was sent as they stared at each other for another
moment and squeezed their hands together. Kathryn let go and left the bridge.
Email me with comments at cassatt2222 [at] earthlink [dot] net