Summary:  Part 9 of "Home".
Copyright February 2001 Cassatt

"....You've been together .....Trial next week..... How are..... When will.... Who.... Admiral Paris...." Came the shouts of the reporters, assaulting their ears as Chakotay, Kathryn, Gretchen and Phoebe walked quickly through the throng. They held their heads up and made no eye contact.

"No comment!" Were the only two words out of Chakotay's mouth, and he repeated them over and over again. The lights in their eyes were the worst part. Neither Kathryn nor Chakotay could see well, but assumed that if they just kept moving in a straight line the reporters would back away. Gretchen and Phoebe kept their eyes glued in front of them, occasionally reaching out to touch Kathryn, just to let her know they were still there.

Within five minutes it was over. For some reason the reporters did not follow them past a block. They weren't about to try and figure out why not, just listened to the mutterings of the group and saw the lights of the vidcameras go out. Within another ten minutes they were at the hotel, not a whole lot worse for wear, but tired from the adrenaline drop. In the lift finally, they made eye contact and started to laugh. At the absurdity, at the B'omar and most of all at their own nervousness. Kathryn's heart was still pounding, a fact she kept to herself.

"Mom, did you take your medication?" Kathryn sat down on the bed next to her mother. Gretchen stopped the hairbrush in mid stroke.

"Yes, I did, now stop fussing! You're as bad as your sister..." The brush was handed over and Kathryn put it on the dresser, then came back and helped Gretchen get into bed.

"No, I'm not." Kathryn sat again, smoothing the blanket around her mother. "Besides, I have seven years of fussing to make up for. So just let me, okay?"

"Since you put it like that, I'll agree to it." She reached out and touched her daughter's face. "How are you doing honey? You look very different tonight."

"I do? I guess I feel different tonight. Chakotay and I ... we had a good day today. We had a long talk on the beach about some hard things. It was another part of the tribal engagement tradition. And you know me, I really didn't want to do it. But Mom, it made such a difference. Cleared the air. I feel extremely lucky tonight." It seemed to Kathryn her mother had touched her more in the past few days than in the month before she left for the Badlands.

Gretchen smiled. "Well, I'm very proud of you for following through. And from my perspective it looks as though you are blessed. Uniquely blessed." Gretchen paused and took her daughter's hands in hers. "Don't take this the wrong way, but Chakotay, he's very different from Mark, isn't he? The more time I spend with him, the more I can see it. I'll be so proud to have him as my son-in-law. And I can die happy now, Kathy, because I know that you're going to be okay. Don't look at me like that - not because you have a man in your life, but because you've found the right person. A person who is your equal. Who compliments you."

"He is extraordinary, isn't he. But what's with the dying talk? I don't want to hear you say that...." Kathryn looked at her mother and noticed again how much she had aged in just seven years. Six years of grief and worry translated into at least fifteen years of aging for Gretchen.

"When you're my age, and have seen what I have, you begin to accept your mortality. I know people live well into their nineties with little consequence, but my side of the family isn't known for their longevity. Don't worry, I'm not planning on checking out any time soon, honey." Her mother stroked Kathryn's hand. "I just got you back, I'm not going anywhere."

"You'd better not..." Kathryn paused, suddenly nervous to give her mother the news of her possible grandchildren, news that Chakotay had agreed could be shared one on one. She took a deep breath and plunged ahead. "You need to stick around for awhile, Mom. We've, well, we've decided to go ahead and have children. There's a slim chance I'm conceiving right now." She watched her mother's face light up, her eyes widening.

"Oh, Kathy... I'm so glad! But how? I thought Starfleet regs meant inoculations are always kept up to date..."

"If you ask him," she thumbed the closed bedroom door, "he'll tell you it was fate. It was just some coincidences that's all. His inoculation was due the week before we got home, and with our relationship a mess, he didn't see the point so he skipped it. Then earlier this week I was due for mine and I forgot the appointment. So here we are. He's completely fertile by now but there's only a small chance that I am."

Gretchen laughed softly at her daughter. "Honey, you just try and listen to Chakotay. That sounds like fate to me, but I won't argue with you. I'm just so so happy, you two will make wonderful parents..."

Chakotay and Phoebe were sitting on the floor, cushions from the furniture put down between the small table and the couch and chair. Their heads were together, talking in voices too low to understand, with laughter punctuating the conversation. Kathryn stood at the doorway with her hands on her hips, studying them, sure they were talking about her. She had a momentary wish that he didn't get along quite so well with her family, as she was certain he was blasting a hole in the image of her as the perfect Starfleet captain. She closed the bedroom door quietly and approached the happy duo.

Her irritation dissipated entirely when he looked up and saw her, giving her one of his two dimple smiles.

"Okay," she said to him, "I just want you to know that those dimples of yours have got to stop, they distract me from all my well thought out irritation with you." She plopped herself down on her knees and took his face in her hands. He continued to smile at her, the smile changing subtly in ways that only she knew. His hands moved to her waist and a familiar tingling sensation traveled from his point of contact throughout her body. She began to aim for his mouth with hers but at the last second moved and kissed his nose instead, laughing to herself.

The next thing she knew he had pulled her down onto one arm with the other hand tickling and his face looming over hers while she squirmed, laughing, and tried to get away. "Now listen here, Captain," he said forcefully with a laugh, "you're stuck looking at these dimples for the rest of your life so learn to live with them..."

"You listen," she got one arm free and tried to hit him on the chest, "Commander..." He got in a good one which caused her to squeal, then laugh hard. In desperation she tipped her head back, "Phoebes! Help me - hit him over the head with a pillow..." She returned to her flailing, Chakotay laughing deeply.

"I don't know, Kath, looks like you're in control to me!" Phoebe taunted, rewarded with another squeal from her older sister.

"Phoebe!"

"Let me think about it....okay I'm done," Phoebe started laughing as she watched Kathryn lose it more and more. "Answer me this - am I going to be your maid of honor?"

"Chakotay, stop! Oh God..." Kathryn tried to stop laughing enough to answer, "Yes, Phoebe...stop!...of course you're standing for m-eeeek! Chakotay! Now help me!"

"I don't know, he's awfully cute...."

Chakotay stopped his attack momentarily to look up and smile at Phoebe. "Thank you, Phoebe," he said sincerely.

"You're welcome Chakotay. But she is my sister.... I'll go think about it while I pee. Be careful Kathryn!" Phoebe laughed hard on the way to the bathroom.

"I'll kill her...." Kathryn muttered in between laughter. She suddenly felt the tickles turning into caresses as she was lifted upright. She opened her eyes in time to see the blur of Chakotay's face the nanosecond before he took her mouth in a searing, deep, silent kiss that went straight to her toes.

"Do you give in..." he said into her mouth.

"Mm-hm, dimples can stay," she replied.

"I love you Kathryn," he whispered in her ear, holding her tightly to him.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt the pounding of his heart against her own. "I love you, too, Chakotay..." She kissed his cheek, inhaling his scent, unbelievably happy.

They heard the bathroom door open and had one more deep kiss before pulling apart, rearranging themselves as Phoebe sat down. Kathryn looked at her from beneath her eyebrows with a grin, "You are so dead, sister."

"Does that mean I don't get to hear about the raft? Chakotay wouldn't tell me much, just that he seduced you, finally..."

"Oh, I'll tell you - now more than ever - details and all!"

Chakotay interrupted. "Let's get back to the business we're supposed to be doing? Kath. Phoebe and I started a list of questions for the interview..."

"You were not talking about the interview! You were telling tales about me, both of you, don't try and deny it." She leaned over and slid her hand under Chakotay's jacket. He grabbed it deftly.

"What exactly are you doing? Revenge, perhaps?"

"Whatever do you mean," she asked him innocently. "I just want the mini-padd with vidphone numbers on it. I want to call Tom and B'Elanna, see if they've got clearance yet."

He took the padd out and handed it to her then released her hand, never losing eye contact with her. He saw the wheels turning. She saw he saw. She leaned in to give him a truce kiss, then quickly slipped her hand to his lower back and under his waistband before he could stop her. She was rewarded with a squirm or two on his part before he got her hand out.

"I think maybe triplets..." He grinned evilly.

She chuckled just as evilly. "Dream on, mister." She took the padd, got herself up, and went to the vidphone throwing a grin over her shoulder at him.

"What the hell happened to my sister out there? Who is this person," Phoebe asked Chakotay with the same grin Kathryn had just given him. "Do you have any idea how different she is?"

"Is that a good thing?"

"Absolutely. And what's with the comment about triplets? Oh my God, is she pregnant?!"

"SH-H!" Kathryn's voice carried to them from the vidphone. She turned back to the screen.

Chakotay leaned over and whispered, "Well, it's a possibility, and yes, we're hoping to get pregnant. She told Gretchen in the bedroom. I told Kathryn I've got twins in my line and I want her to carry two, just to get under her skin. Keep her on her toes." He smiled at his sister-in-law. A certain understanding developed between them. She gave him the thumbs up sign.

"Hi Tom, how are you? Have you two had your interviews yet?"

Chakotay turned to the vidphone screen. He missed his friends, and really needed to see B'Elanna's face.

"Hi Captain! Yes, we did, so we can talk to the big guy if he's around. That damned tribunal, they were unbelievable the things they were saying about the Maquis, and Chakotay. They tried to trip both of us up..." Chakotay got up, excusing himself from Phoebe, and went to sit with Kathryn. "....I was pretty angry by the end, and B'El - I thought she was going to bust a vein...hey Chakotay! How are you? B'Elanna! Chakotay's here, on the phone! Man, it's good to see you..."

"Hi Tom, it's good to see you, too. And before we go any further here, I want to thank you for asking me to be your daughter's godparent. It means a lot to me, and Kathryn. I promise I'll take it very seriously."

"Well, there isn't anybody that we would want to take care of her if something happened to us. And with all the uncles and aunts from the crew, she's going to be one lucky girl."

B'Elanna joined Tom at the phone, beaming. "Chakotay, Kahless it's good to see you, you big lug," she said affectionately. "You, too, Captain. You folks look awfully happy..."

"Hi B'El," he answered, "we are, extremely happy, everything's fine with us, more than. I want to hear everything about how you're doing..."

Kathryn interrupted him, "Before the two of you get started, Tom, B'Elanna, do you have any plans for Saturday night? We'd like to get together at a tavern somewhere, maybe that same one? Just for some fun?"

"I think that'll be great, we're free, aren't we hon?" Tom asked his wife. She nodded.

"Good. We'll call you tomorrow night then..." Kathryn stood up and left after saying good-bye to both, giving Chakotay the time to talk alone.

Sitting down with Phoebe, she heard the voices continuing nonstop from the vidphone.

"Here's the list of questions, as far as we got," Phoebe handed her a piece of real paper from her sketchbook. Kathryn looked it over, realizing they had actually gotten fairly far and adding three questions of her own. She heard Tom say good-bye and B'Elanna continue talking with Chakotay. She smiled to herself.

"So Kathy, what's the story between Chakotay and B'Elanna, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I don't mind, and he won't either. They've known each other the longest of all of us, other than myself and Tuvok. They're best friends, like brother and sister, they have quite a history together...." Kathryn proceeded to tell her sister the details of how her fiancé and chief engineer met, the life they led as Maquis, their relationship on Voyager, the bond they shared. "Don't let the propaganda about the Maquis fool you, it's a very complicated situation."

Loud laughter was heard from the vicinity of the vidphone. "That," Kathryn pointed, "is not, however. That's family."

"And is that how you think of the crew, and you? Family?"

"Actually, yes. I mean not everyone, but certainly the senior staff. The crew all made close friendships of their own. They fought, made up, made alliances, just like family. And for me, those people I was closest to filled most of my needs within certain parameters rank forced upon us all. But, don't ever think that you and mom and everyone else were ever displaced. You weren't."

"You know what was the hardest part of the past seven years?" Phoebe looked at the table top rather than meet her sister's eyes. "It was the first few years, when everyone told us that you were lost and probably dead. I felt so devastated. I kept thinking about the future. I tried to marry each man I dated, wanting to have a family, to make something permanent, solid. Luckily that never happened, or I wouldn't have met Brian. But I missed you. So much..."

Kathryn was thunderstruck. Phoebe had never expressed such raw emotions about their relationship. She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. "I missed you, too, Phoebes. I could have really used you around. There was one period a few years ago, when I was having a tough time. A really tough time. Chakotay, bless his heart, kept trying to break through and snap me out of it, but it didn't work. I was too far down into it. About a week after that was over I was sitting in my quarters, drinking my coffee, when it suddenly occurred to me why I had such a hard time pulling myself up. It's because you weren't there to goad me into it, to yell at me, to slap me silly, to pull the covers off my head," she said, smiling. "I vowed right then that I would never ever let myself get that depressed again, that I'd pretend you were there screaming in my ear..."

Phoebe was quiet. "Well, you do know what I would have screamed, don't you?"

"What."

"Listen to Chakotay, woman!" She grinned at Kathryn.

"And that would have been excellent advice," Kathryn answered with an equal grin. "If he just hadn't been so damned .... reasonable. Irritating as hell. And those grins of his! I should have put him in the brig so many times."

"Yeah, right. The brig. I guess locking him away would have made it easier not to succumb to his charms, huh?"

"You have no idea. Charms isn't really the word."

"Sex appeal is." Phoebe laughed, the vision of her sister putting a man in the brig because he was too sexy would be hard to forget.

Kathryn joined her in laughing. "Yes, sex appeal is the word, all right. God, when I first saw him all I could think was - they want me to arrest him? His photo hadn't done him justice, at all..."

A small cough brought their attention upwards. The man in question stood with his hands on his hips, one of those grins gracing his features. "So. May I join you? Are you done dissecting my animal magnetism yet?"

Kathryn grabbed one of the pillows and threw it at his head, hard. It missed. He picked it up and sat down, ignoring the emotions radiating off both women, settling in, reading the additional questions. "B'El and Tom both think I should do this interview. So, you two ready for some rehearsal? I don't think any sex appeal is going to help me with this." He grinned at them again.

Phoebe jumped in, "I disagree, Chakotay, sex appeal is very definitely going to help you...."

They spent the next hour reviewing questions and possible answers, preparing for their conference with Mueller the following afternoon. By the end, Chakotay was still not convinced but felt a tiny bit more comfortable with the idea.

"Kathryn, love, what are you going to do in the morning..." Chakotay rubbed her back softly as she snuggled closer, drifting off he was certain.

"Don't know, why...."

"I forgot to tell you, Tom's taking me to his father's tailor in the city, so I can get some clothes. We're meeting at 10."

"Glad you agree with me... you need a new suit...have fun. Get two or three, and other things, too.... Don't let him get you something wild, 'kay?"

He chuckled quietly. "Don't worry, I think the tailor might balk at that. Admiral Paris uses him exclusively."

"Credits?"

"Tom's lending me some, we'll talk about that at breakfast. Go to sleep, love."

"Mine are yours, arrange it with Starfleet tomorrow...."

"Sh-h-h, sleep. I love you."

"I love you, too. Everything's gonna be fine...."

"Yes, Kathryn, everything's gonna be fine." He pulled her even more tightly to him, sighing with contentment, and peace. Sleep claimed them in the completely quiet house. No humming of ship engines, no sound of crew members in the corridor, no warm lights around the viewports. Just true night. And silence.

"I think the Captain'll like this one," Tom said, pulling a dark sable jacket off the rack.

"Why?"

"Matches your eyes," he replied. He felt the big guy's stare. "What?"

"Where did you learn that?" Chakotay had his suspicions.

"Well, B'El told me you look good in brown. That Maquis vest had all the women panting. Pissed me off at the time, that's for sure." Tom grinned as only he could.

"Jealous, were you? We'll ignore the topic, thank you. But I'll take B'Elanna's word for it." He added the jacket to his pile. "So, Tom. Now that I have you away from your wife, how does impending fatherhood look? Home...and close?"

Tom fiddled with the ring on his left hand. "Honestly? Scares me to death right now. It somehow seemed like a wonderful, fun thing while we were on Voyager. But here? With my parents? Man. I'm realizing I don't know the first thing about babies. Even after the Doc's parenting classes..."

"Classes aren't really the same as hands-on experience, Tom. Tell you what - consider me your practical teacher. I've had a lot of experience with babies in my village. I'll show you the ropes, as you go. How would that be?"

"You have baby experience?"

Chakotay chuckled. "The village was a cooperative system. Children, any sex, once they reached ten years were expected to help with childcare so the adults could work if they needed to. Lucky me, when I turned ten, three babies were born. And between you and me? I liked it. Babies can take your breath away..."

Tom was stunned. He never imagined this man having a weakness for tiny babies, but as he let the picture form, it made sense to him. Chakotay had a large and very warm heart and they all knew it. Warrior or mean bad Maquis terrorist, it didn't matter. "Thanks," Tom replied sincerely, "I'll take you up on that." He smiled at his former nemesis, now brother-in-law and recently, friend. "And Chakotay, you are going to be acquitted. If we have anything to say about it, you will."

They both knew the fallacy in the second statement but Chakotay was nonetheless grateful for the sentiment. "Thank you, Tom." The trial was three very long and very short days away. The cold of his hands as he thought about it was reminder enough for him.

The tailor approached and took the clothing from their arms, leading them to the back room where measurements were taken, choices discussed and finally new clothes replicated.

Chakotay met Kathryn at the hotel where he dropped off his packages with relief. Then embarrassment as the three women pulled out the bounty, assessing all the choices, even holding things up against him until he stopped them with a small glare, hands on his hips. Kathryn recognized the stance and diffused the situation without too much teasing, tempting as it was. After warm embraces and promises for that evening were made, the two left for their appointment with Lt. Com. Mueller.

"Congratulations to you both, really, I think it's wonderful news," Mueller, like Owen Paris, stepped around from behind the desk to shake their hands. "Personally, I couldn't be happier for you. And professionally, well, this is terrific for Chakotay's case. Just terrific. Gives him respectibility, family."

"That's not why we're doing it," Kathryn said somewhat defensively. She wasn't convinced that it was good, since it would give Starfleet more ammunition to discredit both of their log entries as biased.

"No, of course not, Captain. But believe me, Starfleet and the Federation take public opinion into account, no matter how they try to deny it. The old treaty with the Cardassians was a public relations disaster. Part of the reason they're prosecuting. So let the public see that he is no different from them, he wants to be in love, he wants a family, he wants to settle down."

Chakotay suddenly realized what having the bracelets meant. "Commander, I need to tell you about the tradition we're going to be following. It could have an effect..." He explained that the bracelets could not be removed, so they would be worn during the trial, with their uniforms, for the tribunal authorities to see. "...I guess I'm concerned that it would appear as though we're shoving it in their faces. That we're engaged. They could use it against Kathryn, couldn't they?"

"They could, yes, and likely they will. Don't worry about that, we'll cover testimony in a little while. That's my job, to make sure the truth is told. Now, I think this leads us to the interview. I'm fully behind it. I've contacted an acquaintance of mine, a reporter, and she will be here within the half hour, just to give you a chance to talk. See how it could go. See if you feel more comfortable with it. Would give us the opportunity to explain about the bracelets, the tradition. You'll have them by tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" Chakotay's heart took a flying leap into his throat.

"Yes, her broadcast station has a Saturday morning one-on-one show, she's gotten clearance to schedule you two on it, with her, if we choose."

"We're hoping to pick them up this afternoon, when we leave," Kathryn jumped in, seeing her fiancé staring at his shoes. She dug into her bag once more and pulled out their list of questions, explaining their reasoning for each, pleased to see Mueller agreed with them, adding some of his own.

Near the end of this the reporter was shown in. To Kathryn and Chakotay's surprise it was Lisa Landry whose report on the arraignment they'd watched. After introductions were made they were again surprised.

"Commander, Captain," Landry met their eyes with intensity, "I'm not going to pull any punches here. I want this interview. This could be the biggest exclusive of the year. But I promise you, I'll be fair and I'll play it completely by your rules. No hidden agenda, no trick questions. You have my word. So. Ask me anything you want. Interview me."

Chakotay looked at Kathryn. He saw she was impressed with the woman's forthrightness and smiled to himself. The reporter reminded him of B'Elanna. No bullshit. He took the initiative and asked her a number of questions, personal and professional, as he had done on so many trade missions.

Kathryn watched Lisa, as she preferred to be called, being charmed by Chakotay. He drew her out with ease. Kathryn enjoyed every minute of it, letting herself fall deliciously in love with him all over again. She herself had only a few questions, finishing their interview.

Lisa's eyes sparkled at them both. "Well, I can certainly see how you managed to survive in a hostile quadrant for seven years. Commander, would you like a job?"

He chuckled. "No, thank you."

Mueller sat forward in his chair and gave a slight cough to get everyone's attention. "So, shall we talk details with Lisa? Discuss the questions? The engagement?"

Kathryn's eyes locked with Chakotay's. He nodded, as did she. He silently told her he loved her. She returned it. They broke the spell and gave their consent. The interview would be broadcast, live, the following morning, worldwide, to whomever wanted it. It would also be advertised extensively.

After Lisa left, and over lunch in the office, attention was focused on Kathryn's testimony and on her interview with the tribunal authorities. Mueller received a much more potent picture of what happened in the first few days after Voyager and the Liberty were pulled into the Delta Quadrant. The stories the crew had told him were one thing, the log entries another. Here was Captain Janeway describing with passion why she made her prisoner the First Officer on Voyager. Why she felt she could trust him. The sacrifice he made to save the lives of her crew, his enemies. Mueller realized this was one key to understanding Chakotay the Maquis. If, as the Federation was wanting to prove, Chakotay and his cell targeted Starfleet ships, he had the perfect opportunity to merely step back and let these Kazon take Voyager out. Instead he saved the ship and the lives of the remaining crew members.

The Captain's testimony had a number of inherent problems, the least being her current relationship with Chakotay. The reasons he was given a field commission were of paramount importance to both his freedom and her future with Starfleet. Mueller knew the tribune needed to understand, on almost a gut level, why she did what she did. He could see her passion might just sway them. If they didn't turn it around against her, that is. He knew, however, that she would be an excellent witness. They continued going over testimony, Mueller attacking her every way he could think of to try and find her weak points. He didn't succeed.

He allowed a break, to give them time for a short walk. He watched them leave the office hand in hand, tired, stressed, but still with the bearing of commanding officers.

"How do you think it went, with Lisa?" Chakotay leaned close to her so they could talk with relative privacy while walking around the block.

"Well. On the whole. But I admit, I feel nervous about appearing on the broadcast. We're deliberately putting ourself into a highly stressful situation, so that our stress level will decrease. Find that ironic?"

"Not any more than this entire thing, frankly. Wanna run away?"

"Don't tempt me, Chakotay. I'm thinking that perhaps the Flyer could take us fairly far..."

They walked the next block in silence.

Chakotay broke it first. "So whose turn will it be today to need some reassurance?" He pulled her closer to him as they walked, wishing they were anywhere but there.

Kathryn looked up at him. "That is how it's going, isn't it. I have to convince you that we're in this together, then you have to convince me of the same thing.... So, I guess it's going to be your turn. Or perhaps I won't follow the rules, and I'll need it again...." She hadn't thought about it before then.

"And if we both need it at the same time, I think we might be in trouble." They turned the last corner and headed to the doorway.

"No, I don't think we will. We'll figure out a way to handle it. We have to. I'm not going to lose you. Not after all this." Kathryn squeezed his waist as they waited for the lift. They were lucky to find one empty and took the opportunity to kiss slowly as they ascended to the thirty-sixth floor.

Once they were settled again with coffee and tea distributed, Mueller got right to the most important point, in his mind. The image of the Commander they wanted to put forth. It was clear to him that Chakotay would have to testify in the defense portion. The contrast between his calm, grounded personality and the malicious Maquis Captain that the Federation described was just too great, and too important. And after talking with Chakotay in the brig Mueller knew it was his spirituality that made the difference. He knew all about the want for revenge, the fury, the need to direct his anger that had turned Chakotay to the Maquis. He also knew that with any other man, these passions would have easily molded Chakotay into a ruthless killer. His spiritual beliefs kept him on the path of freedom fighter, man with a cause, instead.

"No, Commander Mueller, I won't do it. I won't talk about my practices on the stand." Chakotay was emphatic. "They're sacred."

"But we have to. Ignoring the topic is like slitting your throat. They're a part of you, we can't separate them. They are why you retained your honor, if I can be so blunt."

Chakotay glanced at Kathryn before continuing, to guage whether she was following. He couldn't tell. "I can't do it. It would be disrespectful of the spiritual practices themselves, of my ancestors, to use them in that manner just to obtain freedom for myself. They're not about me. They belong to the tribe. Not the world. I can't do it. I'm sorry."

Mueller exhaled forcefully in frustration. "Look, Chakotay. I understand, or I think I do. It's just... this aspect of who you are is compelling. Maybe the most compelling. The authorities aren't really interested in showing it. We have to be." He had begun tapping a small padd on the surface of his desk. The noise was getting louder.

For his part, Chakotay's anxiety was increasing at an alarming rate. He could feel his life spinning out of control, slowly, building speed. He didn't know how to make it any clearer. He was willing to take his chances, to stand on his record before the Maquis, during, and after, on Voyager. He wasn't ashamed of what he had done as Maquis. He was ashamed of killing the Cardassian with his bare hands, not that the man was dead, but how he thought it would make a difference in his own life. The Cardassian lost his because Chakotay wanted to feel better. It was his father, and his vision quests, that showed him the truth. How could he betray that trust?

Kathryn assessed the impasse. She understood Chakotay's point of view completely. She also saw Mueller's. And she was desperate to keep her lover by her side. Like three parts of a starship, she thought, trying to figure out a way to co-exist and survive. "Commander, if you were to question Chakotay just about his beliefs, and keep the practices out of it, the meditations, the vision quests, the spirit guides, would the prosecution be able to bring them up? How does the law read in that instance?"

Both men looked at her for the first time. Mueller's tapping of the padd stopped and he seemed to consider her point. "Well, technically, no, they wouldn't be able to bring them up. But only barely technically. It would depend upon the judge. And if they were the ones to bring the topics up, they would have the upper hand in discrediting Chakotay about them. Make him look a little crazy without my having had the chance to lay the groundwork. It would be risky."

"Well, how would you feel about taking that risk, Chakotay?" She asked him directly.

Chakotay stood, needing to pace, which he did for a minute or so. "I don't like it. I'd prefer to keep the entire topic out of this."

"Sir, I just don't see how we're going to be able to do that," Mueller responded.

Kathryn watched the man she loved. He was standing behind his chair, staring out the window, tugging on his ear. She recognized that action. Sure enough, there he went.

"Commander Mueller, Kathryn, I have to go. Think. I'll be back in fifteen minutes or so. I'm sorry." He turned and walked out without waiting for their answer.

Mueller looked at Kathryn who was giving him a small smile. "Is he going to be okay?"

"Yes, don't worry. He needs to go meditate. Make sure he's doing the right thing. He'll be back and he'll be fine..."

"What do you think he'll say when he comes back?"

"He won't change his mind. He just needs his father to reassure him that by doing so, things will still work out."

"His father?"

"Yes. Kolopak still talks to him occasionally without the Akoonah. I believe him."

"What can I do? I have to think of a way to show those people who he really is."

Kathryn had been thinking the very same thing.

In the lift Chakotay had noticed a registry pad on the wall. He tapped it and saw that there was a roof garden on this building. He ordered the lift up. Stepping through the doorway he was astounded by the sight. This garden was lush. Trees in tubs were everywhere. Benches, flowers, a few fountains even. Being mid-afternoon it was mostly deserted as well as a bit chilly. He found a bench in the sun, the surface warm as he sat. He closed his eyes to the glare, enjoying the heat of the sun on his face, taking some deep breaths, just letting his mind empty.

He slowly brought images forth. Of his father, and mother. Other elders in the tribe. The sky spirits he met in the Delta Quadrant. His village. The next one down the river. Then he put himself in the trial. People judging him. His fate hanging in the balance. His breathing started to get shallow and he slowed it down, deepened it. He tried to picture explaining a vision quest to the tribune, to the prosecutor, as they sneered at him. He tried to picture just explaining what his tribe believed. About the ancestral spirits that guided them all, regularly. Again people sneered. This was not scientific. This was not law. This was not even of the planet Earth. He returned to his village. He saw his parents smiling at him, nodding.

"Yes, Chakotay, you are right," Kolopak whispered.

"All will work out, my lovely son," his mother agreed.

After another minute of simply looking at them, he opened eyes, adjusting to the brightness, seeing the colors slowly return from the grey of first sight. He knew what he had to do and slowly stood, taking in the beauty of some yellow primroses next to the bench before heading back to the lift.

After sitting in his chair and taking Kathryn's offered hand in his, he met his attorney's eyes. "I'm sorry, Commander Mueller, but I'm certain this is the correct decision. I'll stand on my record."

To his surprise, Mueller only smiled. "I sort of assumed that's what you'd say. So I have a counter proposal. How about we take it out of the courtroom entirely. Talk about it during the interview. Lisa wouldn't attack you. You could explain as much or as little as you want. Allow the public to form their own opinion. With a few exceptions, I believe they will not judge you harshly, if it's presented right."

Chakotay looked at the woman he loved. She was smiling, too, though he assumed from the look of it she was completely behind him no matter what he decided. Mueller, he understood, was his advocate. His agenda was clear. "Kathryn, do you think it could work?"

"Yes, honey, I do. You wouldn't have to mention a vision quest or even an animal guide. Just talk about how your belief system affected your decisions. How it kept you grounded. Nothing more. You're a good man. With a big heart. Showing that can only be a positive thing."

He considered it. And agreed, finally. They came up with a few questions and answers and Mueller promised to deliver them to Lisa. The next couple of hours were spent going over details of Chakotay's testimony, his perspective on the first few days in the Delta Quadrant, of his time on the Liberty, missions taken and accomplished.

Eventually the work was finished. Arrangements were made for the morning at the studio, not only for Mueller to be there, but for him to get clearance for their family to accompany them. And anyone else who wanted to do so.

"Now, you two, don't you have some bracelets to pick up?" Mueller asked them with a glint in his eye.

They stole a quick intense glance and smiled together. Shaking his hand, they grabbed their things quickly and left, both hearts lifting, beating a bit stronger as they hit the sidewalk. By the time they reached Mr. Chilton's shop the pounding was loud in their ears.

Again the interior was dark.

"What if we missed him..." Kathryn swore under her breath as she hit the door pad. There was no answer. They looked at each other. She hit the pad again. After what seemed forever, the lights finally came on and the door opened.

Mr. Chilton came out from the rooms behind the counter. "Captain, Commander, I'm so happy you're here. I was just upstairs calling you," he greeted them with a smile.

Chakotay shook his hand. "We apologize, we were at my attorney's office all afternoon..."

"Of course, of course. Terrible business. Anyway, they're done, just let me go get them," he said, beaming a smile at the end.

Kathryn's heart started to thud again in her chest. She clutched Chakotay's hand so tightly he gently flexed his fingers to loosen hers up. "Relax, Kathryn..." He said softly in her ear.

She growled softly in return. "I can't...."

He nibbled on her earlobe, then moving his mouth down he kissed her neck a few times, smiling.

"M-m-m,' she sighed, "that's better."

He found her mouth with his and they melted together for a moment.

A coughing sound broke them apart, she blushed, he grinned.

Mr. Chilton, taking a deep breath, brought the blue velvet covered tray forward into the circle of light on the counter. Kathryn gasped, covered her mouth and felt her eyes fill. She glanced at Chakotay. He was staring down with a look of such bliss on his face that the tears rolled out of her eyes.

The bracelets were as beautiful as they had imagined. The highly polished silver shone in the light, contrasting with the oxidized engraving of the tattoo symbol. There was a hint of a vee at the center of the band giving the bracelet a graceful look. The engraving had been done on one side of the vee, reminiscent of the placement of the tattoo on Chakotay's forehead. They were stunning.

Chakotay tried to clear away the tightness in his throat. He suddenly remembered the ceremony, details he had been told by his father at his own turning, in the sweat lodge. Before they could put on the bracelets the ceremony needed to be performed. "Mr. Chilton, I have a very big favor to ask. There's something we have to do, before we can put these on, and I have a feeling my fiancé here isn't going to want to wait any longer. I don't. Do you have some place in the back that we could use?"

"Yes, why don't you two just step around and follow me...is there anything in particular you need? Can I help?" He picked up the tray. Kathryn wanted to grab it back from him.

"Well, do you have some candles? I need two. And a lighter. And I'll need you to hold the tray for us, if you would."

"Oh my, I would be honored. I understand rituals, being Catholic.... Come on, through here..."

Chakotay took Kathryn's elbow and nudged her forward, their eyes locking, deep brown meeting grey-blue, the shop fading around them. "Chakotay...I..." The words wouldn't come. He waited patiently, his eyes sparkling. "Chakotay, I love you," she said.

"I love you. Now, are you ready to get engaged?" His dimples were deep. She nodded and they continued to the back room.

Mr. Chilton was standing next to a small table in an eating area. On it was a simple white tablecloth, two taper candles in short holders, a lighter, and the tray.

Kathryn's heartbeat, which had never slowed down completely, fluttered. Her hand found Chakotay's and again she gripped it tightly, feeling him squeeze back, massaging hers with his thumb.

"Now Mr. Chilton, we're going to light the candles together and I'll say something, it's after that I need you to simply lift the tray to us. You'll be a stand in for the tribal elder." Chakotay picked up the lighter and put it into both of their hands, smiling at Kathryn. He flicked it on and led them to the first candle.

"Akoochimoyah," he said as they lit the first one. "We are far away from the home of my grandfathers," he continued as they lit the second one, "from the bones and blood of my people. We ask for our spirit guides to come, to bless this union, to bless our love, as we bless each other." He felt a wind rush through his heart and he gasped. His father was near and he had the urge to turn around and search for him. Looking at Kathryn he saw her concern. "Kolopak," he said.

"Oh, Chakotay," she replied softly, and as another tear rolled out of her eyes she wiped it away, never losing eye contact with the man she loved. It instantly seemed as though time was slowing down around her, though his voice came to her normally.

She watched Mr. Chilton lift the tray. Chakotay's fingers gently grasped the slim silver band and picked it up. It seemed to take forever to happen. "Now, Kathryn, I'm going to say this blessing, but you can say whatever you want when it's your turn. Anything that comes to mind is fine, it doesn't matter, okay?"

She nodded. "I love you."

He smiled at her. "I love you, too." He took her left wrist in his left hand and poised the bracelet against her skin. "Kathryn Janeway, I put this bracelet on your wrist tonight as a symbol of our committment and love. May the spirits guide us to the day of our union in peace," he pushed the bracelet on, turning it until it was in place. "I ask that you wear this always until that day." He then lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the silver.

It felt like satin against her skin, like warm satin, the warmth surprising her. She tried to pull every ounce of self control and strength up from her belly and was mostly successful. Her heart was pounding loudly again as she picked up his bracelet from the tray, his left hand in hers and put the bracelet against his skin. Concerned her voice would shake, she took a breath. "Chakotay, my love, I put this bracelet on your wrist tonight as a symbol of our committment and love. May your father, and mother, and tribal elders guide and protect you, may the spirits guide us to the day of our wedding in peace," she pushed the bracelet on gently as he had done, turning it into place. "I ask that you wear this always until then." She lifted his hand to her mouth, kissed the bracelet and placed his hand against her cheek for a moment, savoring him.

When she released it Chakotay bent over and they embraced tightly, feeling their hearts beating against one another, feeling the tears rolling down their faces silently, and suddenly sensing the wind carry through them both. Kathryn gasped in his ear. She knew an older man was standing right next to them, a man whose essence reminded her of Chakotay, and she thought she caught him saying something in her ear.

Bless you my children, Chakotay heard Kolopak whisper to him. "Thank you, father," he said quietly.

Kathryn was stunned. And just as suddenly as he manifested, Kolopak was gone again. She pulled back enough to meet Chakotay's mouth with hers and they kissed deeply, then softly, then stopped, gazing at each other with slow smiles. Reality returned as they remembered where they were, pulling away enough to turn to the table but not letting go entirely.

Mr. Chilton was grinning from ear to ear. Chakotay put out a hand and shook his warmly.

"Thank you, sir. For my tribe, and for us, I thank you."

"It was my complete pleasure," he replied.

The bracelets were beautiful against their skin, they both agreed, speaking quietly to themselves, caressing each other's wrists. Mr. Chilton returned with the imager, they posed their hands on the velvet tray and after confirming the image was a good one they made arrangements to leave. They decided to come back later, after the trial, to pick out wedding bands. Perhaps an effort to hold on to a nebulous future, perhaps a bit of denial. They weren't certain. For now, they bid the jeweler good night.

And for his part, Mr. Chilton was thrilled at the outcome of his hard work. Participating in the ritual was something he would share with his grandchildren and hopefully great-grandchild. He had felt a presence in the room with them and though he didn't believe in visitations, he heard the Commander refer to his father. He supposed it was possible that the father had been there. Rivka's love he always felt, almost as though she never left him to live out the end of his life alone. He was positive either the Captain or the Commander would have the same experience, one day.

Walking to the hotel Chakotay and Kathryn were once again looking at the silver on their wrists, noticing the glint even in the twilight, amazed on some level this had happened to them. Entering the lobby completely wrapped up in each other, they were blissfully unaware of the stares, the whispers and even some pointing as they entered the lift.

Gretchen was speechless at the sight before her. She had pictured the bracelets at dinner the night before but what she saw in her mind didn't compare to the reality. Her daughter was right. The sheer simple equality of them was somehow overwhelming. She welcomed both Kathryn and Chakotay into her embrace with joy. And a small prayer whispered only to herself.

Phoebe was instantly jealous and vowed to not wear an engagement ring unless Brian did as well. And she was thrilled that Chakotay was now a more official member of the family. She'd always wanted a brother with some backbone to him, someone to stand up to her rigid sister.

They ordered dinner in that night and programmed the replicator after much discussion of food choices. Kathryn said she wanted to do the cooking, but Chakotay convinced her that probably wasn't the best idea since the meal was supposed to be celebratory. This prompted a lengthy series of questions from their mother and sister as to the Captain's inability to get cooking machinery to cooperate with her, and a lengthy list of anecdotes from the Commander, much to Kathryn's chagrine.

The visit with Mueller was rehashed, as were the decisions made over testimony. Chakotay's spiritual practices had not been talked about in the family before that evening. Rather than feeling uncomfortable with the topic, he found he was very willing to tell them everything, to explain about the Akoonah and even the vision quests. He and Kathryn had not talked between themselves about what happened in the jewelry shop and Chakotay was hoping she wouldn't bring it up. He wanted to talk to her privately first. Supposing she must feel the same, he noted with relief she didn't bring it up either.

Before tea and coffee could be prepared, they asked to be excused for a short while, to contact the senior staff and tell them about the engagement and the interview, assuming by now that Harry and Tuvok had seen the tribunal authorities. Kathryn admitted to her fiancé that she was a little nervous to let the news out to their friends, even though the Doctor had been so thrilled. Chakotay admitted he was nervous that B'Elanna would be miffed that he hadn't said anything to her the night before. "She'll likely call me a p'tak in front of everyone," he said, chuckling.

"Well, you're a very handsome p'tak..." Kathryn said as they sat themselves down in front of the vidphone. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thanks, I think." He looked at her askance. They programmed in the various codes and set it to conference. "Okay, Kath, here goes..." Chakotay tapped the call pad.

One by one their friends and colleagues appeared on screen, all talking at once, greeting each other and them until finally Kathryn interrupted the lively chat. Well, lively between Tom, B'Elanna, Harry and Chakotay that is. Tuvok and his wife, T'Pel were stoic, as usual, interjecting their own greetings and commentary during lulls.

"There is actually a reason we've called you tonight. More than just to say 'hi'. We wanted to tell you something important. The other day, well, Chakotay asked me to marry him." After a moment's silence the five faces on the screen began to talk at once, again. B'Elanna's voice was heard over the others.

"Captain! Wait a minute. You did say 'yes', didn't you?! You're not going to make him beg or anything...and make me come knock some sense into the two of you?!"

Kathryn laughed seeing the seriousness in her face. "Of course I said 'yes'!"

B'Elanna whooped, turned to her husband, and gave a beaming Tom the high five. Harry and Tuvok were now talking at once, eventually sorting that out, giving their congratulations. Harry looked ecstatic. Tuvok looked like Tuvok, but both Kathryn and Chakotay knew him well enough to see that he supported them fully. This made Kathryn cry for reasons she didn't want to think too deeply about.

Chakotay showed everyone the bracelets, explaining just enough about them without losing his and Kathryn's privacy. He also told them about the broadcast interview and everyone declared they were coming to the studio to lend support. Kathryn said her thanks and promised to arrange it with Mueller. Eventually just Tom and B'Elanna were left on screen.

"Chakotay, I have just one thing to say to you," B'Elanna said, "YOU are a p'tak for not telling me! You owe me big time..."

Kathryn started laughing. Tom was shaking his head and Chakotay replied, "Thank you B'El, at least for not calling me that in front of Tuvok! You're right, I should have told you last night. Mea culpa."

"Mea culpa my..." Tom put his hand over her mouth, then pulled it away, yelling in pain.

"OW! B'El! That's my good hand."

"Well, watch where you put that thing, helmboy. Trying to shut me up.... I can swear and I can certainly call Chakotay a p'tak if I want, can't I?" She directed this to the man in question.

Chakotay guffawed. "Spirits, B'Elanna, how am I supposed to answer that? Yes, of course, you can call me names any time you'd like," he said sarcastically, "but only because I love you."

"You know what I mean. If I can't call you a p'tak, who can? Besides, last night I would have gotten details, big guy!" She turned to Tom. "You done?"

He looked at her with a grin then turned back to his commanding officers. "Congratulations, both of you. I'm very happy for you. And now, I think I hear my mother calling me... See you in the morning at the studio. Chakotay - you are a lucky man. Captain - you are a lucky woman. I'm just...I'm just so glad things worked out. Good night."

They returned the sentiment. Kathryn made B'Elanna promise to leave Chakotay in one piece before saying good night. She got a congratulations along with the promise. She left the two friends to themselves again, pleased to hear the intense talk and soft laughter as she sat with her mother and sister. She made a vow to herself, however, to get this "Captain" thing stopped, the next day. From now on, it was Kathryn who would be speaking to their friends.

A man approached them as they walked hand in hand through the hotel lobby, startling them both.

"Excuse me, Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay, I'm the night manager here. And I'm afraid that there are quite a number of reporters out front waiting to speak with you. I apologize, but I can't do anything since they're not on hotel premises. We have an exit out back if you'd like to use it."

They both exhaled forcefully. "This is getting predictible," Kathryn muttered under her breath. "Back?" She asked Chakotay.

He shook his head. "I'm not running. Mueller's still right. It's B'omar, part two." He turned to the manager. "We assume that no information has been given out about the Captain's family staying here?"

"No, sir, ma'am, absolutely not. Their privacy will be respected," the man paused, "Good luck."

They thanked him and left the hotel once more to be surrounded by reporters, vidcameras, shouting and bright lights. With heads held high they "No comment"ed their way through the throng. This time, however, the reporters followed. A block from the hotel as they walked quickly, with her heart in her throat, Kathryn whispered, "Time for evasive pattern Janeway gamma four, come on..." She grabbed his sleeve and trotted down the street, bags flapping against their legs, reporters left just enough behind.

She brought them to the transporter hub, which was filled with people. Contrary to her better judgement Kathryn began to ask the line if they could cut ahead. Chakotay noticed the reporters entering the hub and for once was grateful they were recognized, for the line stepped aside efficiently for them. And closed ranks behind as these same people saw the reporters following. As they stepped up to the operator Kathryn said, loud enough for some to hear, "Downtown Berkeley." They jumped on the pad and dematerialized.

At the Berkeley hub, Kathryn again grabbed Chakotay's sleeve and trotted off. He was laughing to himself as he followed her into the hub's restroom, about twenty meters from the street entrance. She cracked the door and they both watched. Within a few minutes the reporters appeared one by one, dashing to the street, looking around, splitting up and getting lost in the crowd which was Berkeley Friday night life. They waited another minute and seeing no more reporters, went quickly back to the pad asking the operator to send them to the number two Oakland hub.

Once there they immediately told the operator to transport them to their home hub. Stepping off the pad, in the quiet of the night, Kathryn spoke urgently with the operator, a young man who greeted them warmly.

"Please, we've got reporters following us, can you tell them we left again?"

He chuckled. "No problem, Captain, Commander, I'll let them in on the secret that you went on to Napa. The operator there doesn't have the best eyesight, if you know what I mean," he answered with a wink. "And I'll pass the word to anyone else I see that if reporters come snooping you don't live here. People here tend to close ranks. You're becoming the local celebrities, I have no doubt your privacy will be protected." His console beeped. "Uh oh, incoming from Oakland number two. Go!"

They ran out of the hub, calling thanks over their shoulders. The operator waved, laughing. Chakotay and Kathryn ran most of the way home in the peace and quiet of the town, scattering a few cats in their wake, slowing to a fast walk for the last block, finally getting inside their own door, dropping their bags and collapsing against the wall.

Chakotay started to laugh in earnest. "Spirits, Janeway gamma four...great job Captain!"

"Thank you Commander. High praise from a Maquis hero such as yourself!" She laughed along with him, grateful it had worked, but more grateful they were home, alone, together.

Chakotay spun around quickly and pinned her to the wall, his hands on either side of her head, their breathing still heavy from the run and the laughter. They gave each other a slow, langorous smile, their eyes alight with desire. Kathryn slowly brought her hands up his chest, behind his head, letting him know exactly what she wanted him to do as she moved herself against him. Being stuck between him and the wall was not an unpleasant experience, not in the least. He got the message clearly. Chakotay bent his head to hers and took her mouth passionately, thrusting his tongue past her lips as she pulled him ever deeper, their moans and hot breaths mingling, their hearts pounding, their knees getting weak.

They pulled back just enough to catch their breath. "Kath....shower, then bed....bed, then shower....couch....kitchen table...." Chakotay's mouth fell on the soft skin of her neck, causing Kathryn's mind to shut down for a moment.

She wondered in that brief nanosecond whatever had possessed her to keep this man at bay for so many years. With the level of intimacy they now shared she couldn't imagine ever getting enough of him, ever being tired of him, ever being out of love with him. She wanted hot water to cascade around them, to lather his body with soap and herself. "Shower..." she moaned as his tongue found its target just under her ear.

He stopped what he was doing and met her eyes. He kissed her once, deeply, then pulled away from her, took her hand and without another word led her down the hall.

They managed to undress each other in between deep kisses, leaving their clothing on the bedroom chairs as they almost stumbled into the shower stall and turned the water on. That was the only action that resembled a shower taken to get clean. They soaped each other slowly, erotically, while mouths met and tongues played together, over and over. They let the hot water take the soap away and followed the stream down their bodies with lips and hands.

Chakotay turned Kathryn to face the wall. As she rested her cheek against the tiles he kissed and licked down her back, running his hands up from her ankles along the inside of her legs, his mouth and hands meeting at the soft curve of her buttocks, traveling forward to tease her, feeling her clench around his fingers as her pelvis rocked and her moans intensified. He spun her around and, placing one leg over his shoulder, buried his face in her...

Kathryn tried to keep herself upright as he licked and caressed her clitoris with his amazing tongue, feeling herself succumb easily to him, the tingling start in the pit of her belly as he brought her to the edge of release. She was so close, so close. She opened her eyes just then and looked down at him, he tilted his head enough to make eye contact, one more move and her climax would be triggered. She was teetering on the precipice, staring at him. He nipped her gently and she went flying over the edge, stars exploding behind her eyes, her legs buckling as the shockwaves took hold.

Chakotay rested back on his feet and brought her down to him, entering her while her contractions were still passing through, thrusting up as she met his mouth with almost a growl, moving with him in the rhythm they had long ago established, tongues and lips working together. He knew she was heading back up to another orgasm but this time they'd go over the edge in tandem. He felt himself beginning to come and held back, almost painfully so, waiting for that moment when he could taste Kathryn close. She got there more quickly than he expected, and the familiar noise she made just before climax caused his own rapid ascent. Time stilled. Then he felt her contract around him, he cried out her name and thrust himself deeply against her womb, spilling himself, losing himself in her as their mouths met again, tasting each other as their aftershocks mixed together and the hot water still streamed over them.

They eventually made it under the covers after more lathering and rinsing and luxurious towelling off. Chakotay felt as though he couldn't get enough of Kathryn, as he looked around the room at the candles she had set out especially for that night, in celebration of their engagement. They had lit them quickly, laughingly before diving into bed. Kathryn instantly wrapped herself around him, the sweet scent of her skin assaulting Chakotay's senses. He was kissing her languidly, running his hands up and down her body, tasting her excitement there, just under the surface, ready to burst forth. He knew then sleep was still some time away.

Chakotay suddenly remembered something an older cousin had said to him when he was barely fourteen years old. About the bracelets. He reached for her left hand and placed the inside of her wrist in front of his mouth.

"Kathryn...my love....tell me if you feel anything...." Watching her face intently, he licked the skin of her wrist at the opening of the bracelet, slowly, twice. Kathryn gasped loudly and her eyes got wide. "Well," he asked, smiling deeply, sure of her response.

"What the hell was that," she said huskily.

"You tell me. What did it feel like?"

"Like you just lit a fire between my legs..." She said forcefully, rolling him over, straddling him, falling on his chuckling mouth with heated passion. She wanted him with a burning desire that belied everything they had done in the shower. She pulled back, took his left hand and moved the inside of his wrist close to her own mouth. Kathryn met his dancing eyes, grinning seductively. "Ready to find out for yourself?"

Chakotay's heart began to pound and he nodded, giving her a grin in return. She did as he had, licking the skin at the opening of the bracelet, slowly. As an erogenous zone it beat out any other part of his body, hands down. He felt his groin respond instantly, the heat filling him, his erection growing rapidly as she continued to lick up and down, slowly, so slowly. He heard a moan come from deep in his throat as he thrust blindly into the air, Kathryn sitting too far up for him to get any contact. A climax was snaking its way up his body as she continued her assault on his wrist. He wanted in her, quickly. He pulled his wrist away from her and grabbed her hips, but she was already moving herself back, over him, taking him in her hand and pushing herself onto him with a loud groan. She was more than ready as he thrust hard, up, over and over.

Chakotay was as close as he'd ever been with Kathryn, almost passing out from the sheer sensations surrounding him. He wanted her to come just as hard. He grabbed her left hand, she saw what he was doing and gave in more than willingly, a high gleam in her eye as they rocked each other. He licked her wrist as slowly as he could and felt her shudder, heard her moans get louder, felt himself losing the fight as he tried to keep control over his own body. He watched her eyes roll upward as her back arched and with one last caress to her wrist she came, hard, and he followed, hard. She collapsed on his chest and they held each other tightly as again their aftershocks mingled and tears fell down their cheeks.

Chakotay woke early the next morning curled around the love of his life. He pulled her more tightly to him and tried to doze off but sleep would not come. He picked up her left hand in his and gazed at their bracelets, overwhelmed anew by their sheer existence. He couldn't imagine anything sexier than to see Kathryn wearing nothing but the silver on her wrist. He contemplated waking her for some early morning love-making, somewhat amazed that he even had it in him after the night before, knowing his arousal was not just the usual morning one nonetheless. Reluctantly he pulled himself away and got up, letting her sleep.

After a quick run through of his morning routine he donned some cotton draw-string pants and a sweater and went to the kitchen. Making some toast, jam and tea he took his breakfast out to the deck, the sunrise just beginning, the fog nowhere around that day. Chakotay relaxed with his feet up on the bench while he ate, looking at the soft pastel colors of the sky, smelling the ocean. He could live here, he thought. They could divide their time between here at Starfleet, somewhere in the southwest and Indiana. With Gretchen visiting them each place to be close to her grandchildren, and Aunt Phoebe, and maybe Uncle Brian, he hoped. It could work.

He felt hands on his shoulders that traveled down his chest and a seductive kiss on his earlobe, then his neck. Kathryn came around and sat on his lap, putting her arms around his neck and her head on his shoulder.

He thought he couldn't be luckier as he held her tightly. "Good morning, beautiful," he said softly to her.

"Good morning, handsome. I woke up," she kissed his neck, "and you were gone. I missed you."

"I had this intense urge to make love so I got up to let you sleep."

"Damn...you know how much I like making love in the morning..."

"Yes, I do. But we just did, not seven hours ago..." His words were stopped by her lips, kissing him deeply, slowly, intensely. His hand traveled inside her robe, finding soft skin to caress as she moved against him, moaning softly. He felt himself succumb. "Kathryn...I think you're about to win, we're going back to bed... now..."

She kissed him even deeper. "Now, Chakotay..." She said into his mouth as he stood with her in his arms, taking her back down the hall where robe, sweater and pants were dropped on the floor and they crawled into bed. The lovemaking was languid but no less intense as they rolled around the mattress, and eventually sated, lay together as their hearts returned to a normal beat. Kathryn traced Chakotay's tattoo reverently, their eyes reaching deep down inside each other, both knowing the final barrier had been taken down. Whether it was because of the commitment they had made or some strange blessing bestowed on their bracelets they weren't sure.

The chronometer read 08:30. They reluctantly got up and headed for the shower, the act of getting ready for the interview interspersed with a belated conversation about Kolopak, the bracelets, spirit guides, and the power of love.

At 10:55 pacific standard time, computer screens around the continent and around the world at various Starfleet divisions, in homes and bars, were making the connection with the broadcast station in San Francisco.

~~~~~~~~

In Indiana, Kathryn's relatives gathered in a number of homes, calling each other into the room to hurry, she and her fiancé were almost on.

In another house, Kathryn's former fiancé, Mark, and his wife Emily sat together on the couch waiting for the broadcast. Emily could tell her husband was very distracted, his hands moved together anxiously as he leaned forward in his seat. He was making her nervous, his emotions so clearly etched on his face. Suddenly he turned to her and smiled, taking her hand in his, and she relaxed. She had nothing to worry about.

~~~~~~~~

In California, more of Kathryn's relatives did as their Indiana counterparts had, gathering together in just a few homes, looking forward to seeing Chakotay, of whom Gretchen had been speaking so highly. Further north, at a resort on the coast, her cousin Erin and husband Bill sat in the lobby with others, anonymously, also waiting to see Kathryn and this man she brought home with her. Erin could hardly wait, questions already forming in her mind for her favorite cousin and confidante.

In a small apartment above a jewelry store, Mr. Chilton sat with a couple of his children who lived in the city.  He had shown them the image of the bracelets much to their surprise.  They had no idea their dad had such a brush with greatness and even though he tried to convince them otherwise,  they were impressed.  Mr. Chilton just hoped the interview went well for the two people he had come to admire on a personal basis.

Admiral Owen Paris and his wife Marie sat in their den, waiting. She had hoped Tom and B'Elanna would join them, seeing as how the two they were waiting to watch were, in a sense, extended family. Owen had been pleasantly surprised that his son went to the studio in support of his friends, his commanding officers. Tom of seven years previous would never have acted as unselfishly, so he thought.

In Starfleet HQ, thanks to Tom and B'Elanna, the Doctor was waiting with Annika, Roger, Emmaline and Anna. As he paced, Seven asked him if walking made the time pass more quickly, remarking on the inefficiency of his movements. He informed her his anxiety was due to a new personality subroutine that Lt. Torres had programmed. She raised her eyebrow. He sat. Anna laughed.

Samantha, her husband, Naomi, Neelix and Icheb were waiting as well. Neelix was the most nervous, wringing his hands, worrying aloud for the two people he admired most. Naomi put her arm around his shoulders, reassuring him that their Captain and Commander could handle anything. Icheb nodded in agreement.

In the studio, the people sitting in direct support felt each other's anxiety acutely. Gretchen and Phoebe held hands and spoke quietly between themselves. They had both enjoyed meeting Kathryn and Chakotay's friends. Phoebe thought Harry was quite interesting, very different from Brian and very cute. Tuvok and T'Pel sat calmly. He stated unequivocally that the Captain and the Commander had dealt with much more difficult situations than this. B'Elanna looked at him and felt vaguely nauseous but attributed it to a rich breakfast. Tom and Harry just rolled their eyes at each other.
~~~~~~~~~~

Music feed. "One on One" logo fades to pan of studio showing one person sitting opposite two others in chairs. Camera moves in to close up of Lisa Landry, full screen.

Landry: Good morning. Welcome to a special broadcast of "One on One." Today, as you know, I'll be going one on two. My very special guests have been in the news this week in the most dramatic of ways. Their Federation Starship returned home after an unheard of seven year journey from the Delta Quadrant. One of them was arrested stepping onto Earth, the other has steadfastly supported him. Starfleet Captain Kathryn Janeway and Commander Chakotay have granted this one interview so that the public can get it's questions answered. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the show Captain, Commander.

Applause from studio heard in background. Camera pans back to midshot. Janeway and Chakotay on screen, sitting in chairs side by side, appearing relaxed. She wears a print dress and blue jacket. He wears dark brown suit and off white tunic shirt. They both smile at Landry.

Janeway: Thank you, Lisa.

Chakotay: Thank you, Lisa, it's our pleasure to be here.

Landry: I have to take this opportunity to welcome you home on behalf of the citizens of Earth and of the Federation. I realize this has been a difficult week for the two of you, an emotional week for the members of your crew and your families. I also know you've been hounded by reporters here in the city when you've ventured out of seclusion. Though I must commend you - I've been told that last night you evaded a group of vidreporters following you around the bay. I'm impressed.

Janeway and Chakotay laugh along with Landry.

Janeway: We accept the compliment. Still the situation is getting difficult. We haven't decided which is worse, reporters shoving cameras at us or people staring and whispering. It's actually quite stressful.

Landry: But you know how compelling, how romantic your story is. Surely you understand the interest.

Chakotay: We understand it. We just think the public doesn't understand our perspective. We spent six years without any real contact from Starfleet or the Federation. We were alone, on the same ship, day in and day out. So to finally be back home, among our people, and have to go into seclusion is very difficult. We've craved normalcy for seven years. We still don't have it.

Janeway: Not to be able to walk the streets in relative anonymity ...after what we've been through, feels particularly impossible at times.

Landry, smiling: Do you feel the public is another hostile species?

Janeway: No, not at all. We know people mean well and on the whole mean us no harm. And don't get us wrong - we love it when children approach us, we're always willing to talk to them.

Landry: I understand you've been thinking of a career change along those lines?

Chakotay, glancing at Janeway: Yes, we would like to visit schools and talk about our experiences, show images we have, bring crew members with us to share stories, that sort of thing. We know of one class that's waiting for us, we're hoping more will be interested.

Janeway: Yes, and perhaps we can start an outreach program between Starfleet and the schools, talk about careers in science. Give Voyager a long lasting legacy.

Landry: So if any teachers out there want to arrange a visit?

Janeway: They can contact me in care of Starfleet HQ here in San Francisco. We promise we'll respond as soon as possible given the situation the Commander is facing next week.

Landry: Yes, we'll get to the trial in a moment. But first I understand you'd like to end speculation about your personal relationship once and for all? Are congratulations in order?

[Janeway and Chakotay look at each other and take visible breaths. They reach out and clasp hands, resting them on the proximate arms of their chairs.]

Chakotay: Yes, we're engaged to be married.

Janeway: We made it official by the customs of Chakotay's tribe last evening.

[Loud clapping and a few whistles are heard off camera]

Landry, smiling: That unrehearsed outburst was made by members of Voyager's crew and the Captain's family who are with us this morning. So I take it your crew is happy with this news?

[Chakotay and Janeway chuckle.]

Chakotay: Suffice it to say.

Landry: And Captain Janeway, I notice you are not wearing an engagement ring but that you both have on lovely silver bracelets. If I'm not mistaken, they are engraved with a replica of the Commander's tattoo? Is this the custom you spoke of?

Janeway: Yes, but I think Chakotay should explain.

Chakotay: In my tribe, the period of engagement is sacred. Both people wear an outward symbol of their commitment. The bracelets are given as gifts to one another. That's all I can really say...

Landry: You had them made by a local jeweler?

[Janeway and Chakotay share a small shake of the head.]

Janeway: Yes, but we're sure he'd like to remain anonymous. We are more than thrilled with his work, the bracelets are beautiful. And wearing them has been an...extraordinary experience.

[Janeway and Chakotay smile enigmatically.]

Landry: My congratulations to you both. And I'd like to back up a bit and ask you about the crew. The joint Starfleet Maquis crew that you came home with. I can imagine at the beginning of your time together melding these groups was a challenge. Why do you think it worked?

Janeway: One reason and one reason only. This man here. Having him as the First Officer was the best thing that could've happened to Voyager. His Maquis crew was completely loyal. My Starfleet crew were disciplined enough to respect his position as being in charge of personnel matters, staff scheduling, dispute resolution, all the nuts and bolts of helping people work together. And after a very short while, the Starfleet people learned why he had the undying loyalty of the Maquis. He is fair, honest and decent. He had an exemplory Starfleet career before leaving to join the Maquis. He knew how to relate to both groups.

Landry: As I understand it, most long-term Starfleet missions have ship's counselors on board. How did you manage without one? Particularly given your situation.

Janeway: Well, Chakotay became the unofficial ship's counselor. Again, the role of First Officer expanded. Personnel problems drifted into personal problems. Ultimately, in our situation, they were the same thing. No one could get a transfer because they didn't get along, or they had a bad love affair. We couldn't afford the friction. That's why the entire crew is behind him right now. They love him. It's very simple.

Landry: Commander, would you agree with that assessment? About the crew merging, that is?

Chakotay: I think that it was everyone working together to survive that did it. I'll take some of the credit, I worked hard and it wasn't easy, being pulled in two different directions, actually, three if you count my job as the Captain's main support. But that's what a Starfleet crew does, they work together to the best of their abilities. I can't say enough good things about this group of people.

Landry: Do you think that your tribal beliefs had anything to do with your ability to do the job of First Officer, in these circumstances?

Chakotay: I suppose so... The belief in the here and now, certainly. The teachings I got as a child helped me remember to put my own needs aside, for the greater good, the good of the tribe, the good of the crew. A belief that all things work out, eventually, helped me resolve disputes.

Landry: How did they affect your decision to join the Maquis?

Chakotay: Well, after my home planet was abandoned by the Federation, my loyalty to Starfleet was still strong, even though I disagreed with the actions they took. My tribal identity was not. I thought the people should leave, even though some part of me understood why they wouldn't. This was their land, their culture, and had been for almost three hundred years.

Landry: This was the planet Dorvan Five, correct?

Chakotay: Yes, that's the Federation designation. My people called it Trebus. After the annihilation by the Cardassians I felt enraged enough to help those who remained in the Neutral Zone by joining the Maquis. In a way, this was a tribute to my tribe. They taught me to do whatever was necessary to protect those who needed protection. That distinctions between cultures was not as important as similarities between people of any race.

Landry: And is that why you sacrificed your ship to save Voyager? Maybe I should back up, for the many of you who do not know the story. Captain, could you explain?

Janeway: Of course, I can give a quick summary. Chakotay's ship, the Liberty, was deliberately driven into the side of a war vessel belonging to a hostile race, the Kazon, in order to destroy it and save Voyager and it's crew. This action was taken by Chakotay himself, after he ordered his crew to abandon ship, to Voyager. He only allowed his own transport a second or two before impact. He, in essence, gave up his freedom to save the lives of his captors. None of us would be here today if he hadn't done it.

Landry: Commander, why did you do it?

Chakotay: It seemed like a good idea at the time. [Janeway and Chakotay share a laugh along with some off camera people] No, seriously, it was the best thing to do. They needed help, we needed help. I couldn't let them all die. I didn't think twice about it, we'd just been through an ordeal together that I won't bore you with, and my own life had been saved. I thought very briefly that Captain Janeway had orders to arrest me. As I stepped off the transporter pad on Voyager, I said to myself, well, at least the ride home would be interesting.

Janeway to Chakotay: Interesting is one way to put it, isn't it? [Chakotay starts to laugh softly again]

Landry: And so now you are on trial for your decision to join the Maquis, for your actions as a Maquis Captain. What do you think your chances are for a pardon?

Chakotay: I couldn't begin to speculate. I hope, for the sake of the future I want with Kathryn, that the chances are good.

Landry: Captain, what about you?

Janeway: I stand behind my original request, submitted into my logs years ago. I believe in my heart that Chakotay deserves a pardon. From what I know of his actions in the Maquis, and certainly what I know of his loyalty and dedication to the people of Voyager he deserves one. Personally, of course, I don't want him to go to prison. But if he does, well, we will survive it. I have no idea what his chances are.

Landry: And is there anything else you want to say to the viewing public?

Janeway: Only this. My memories of Earth, of home, are what drove me to get Voyager back. We could have settled on a nice M-class planet in the Delta Quadrant, established a colony, the Maquis, our now friends and loved ones, would have been safe. We could have had families, children and grandchildren. But instead we came home. We trust that people will stop seeing us as oddities, if you will. And give us what we fought so hard to attain. And thank you, Lisa, from both of us.

[Chakotay places his other hand over their clasped ones. They smile at each other.]

Landry: Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay, thank you so much for being on the program this morning. Best of luck to you both. I will be covering the trial as it starts Monday morning.
[close up on Landry speaking into the camera] My trial reports will air daily on the six o'clock broadcast. Be sure to tune in next week when the regular host of "One on One", Dave Maxwell, returns with a yet unidentified guest. Good afternoon from San Francisco."

[Music cue with "One on One" logo. Fade. Feed cut.]
 
 

End Part 9