Summary:  C/P, A/K;  KT's CPSG "Halloween" challenge.  Part Fifteen:  After Effects.
Author's Note: This is named as such because, unlike tptb, I believe there are some. Always. After every away mission.  Thanks to "my beta my love" for all the help;  my friend Shayenne for all her support; and to the wonderful people in CPSG for their support, too.
Copyright November 2001 Cassatt

Tom, at the replicator, watched his best friend get settled on the couch. Saw Harry actually snuggle into Greg's neck. He turned back to the machine and tried to hide his grin.

"What's so funny?" Chakotay whispered to him.

"I think Harry's lost his shyness around you," he whispered back. He thought he'd probably lost something else, too, but wasn't about to mention it.

Chakotay glanced over Tom's shoulder and chuckled. "Seems so. Good. How are you doing?"

"Okay I guess. Very ready to go to bed."

"Me, too." The older man gave him a soft smile before going to their guests. Tom stood a minute more, looking at the replicator, the face of the Chosen One never far from his consciousness.

"Tom?" Harry pulled gently on his shoulder.

"Hey, Har." His friend was smiling, no, beaming again. He felt a smile light on his face, too.

"Can we have breakfast tomorrow? Just you and me?"

"Sure, that'd be great. Give us a chance to talk."

Harry's beam got brighter. "Yeah. Thanks, Tom."

They both turned back to the room, just as the door chimed. Tom put his arm around Harry's shoulders and gave him a squeeze, walking back to the couches.

"You mean," Greg said, "the children were trying to help us? That's why the one led us to that door?"

"Sort of," Chakotay answered. "That one was trying to get you to go to the basement, where Medrich's room was. Where they cast the spells. Hoping we'd stop them somehow, if we'd even been able to figure out what in the world was going on down there. Remember, these were children, so they thought like children. Very black and white. Irrelevant of what they'd been through."

"He kept giggling..." Harry muttered.

"That's some comfort, actually," Neelix said. "I mean, he, and the others, could still act like children. Think things were like a game." The unspoken words were loud. Even though they'd all burned to death.

"Tell them the rest, Chak," Tom said quietly.

Chakotay put his other hand on their clenched ones, rubbing absently for a moment. "The Chosen One wanted me, needed me, to somehow help his friends cross over. They really had been stuck there for one hundred years. Waiting for the deliverance."

"Oh my God, how sad," Harry said.

"Well, they're fine now. Actually, my Father helped them, with the Chosen One. They're free."

Silence descended on the group. It was Tuvok who broke it. He spoke of the unknown consequences of any actions they'd taken on their journey. How the history of any civilization can be affected by one choice. One decision. And what the six of them had, logically, received in return from their experience on Umbra. Plans were made for another dinner, a few days hence.

Harry was, once more, lying in his new favorite position. Sprawled across Greg's chest, face buried in his neck, being held closely and gently. He could feel the tension in the other man, however, and moved away so he could speak. He asked him what he was thinking about.

Greg took a few really deep breaths, and Harry's heart started to beat rapidly. Please, don't want out. He breathed, too.

"Just wondering how my kids are doing, that's all. Well, I know they're doing fine, Alice would see to that. But... they're so grown up by now..." Greg's voice wavered.

Harry kicked himself for being self-absorbed. He pulled close again and kissed Greg's neck. And though he knew quite a bit about Greg's sons, he asked the man he loved to tell him more, then settled in to listen.

"Mr. Neelix, would you feel better if you stayed here tonight?" Tuvok looked at his Talaxian friend, still wringing his hands together, though they'd completed one fairly lengthy meditation session.

"That would be all right with you? You've done quite a lot for me already, today, and tonight..."

"Yes, I would not have offered it otherwise. You may stay here."

Neelix gave him a long look. "Thank you, Mr. Tuvok. I'll just go and get a few things, when I get back I'll get the couch ready. Do I need to bring a blanket?"

"That is not necessary. You will share the bed with me. I believe it will bring you some comfort?"

He saw Neelix's eyes get misty, as the man nodded. He had an unaccountable feeling, just a small, leftover one. He was pleased. A small spot of warmth settled in his chest.

The candles were lit again, but now the lights had been turned completely off. There was only the muted, golden glow to see each other by. It was more than enough. It was everything they wanted, everything they needed. Chakotay was settled between Tom's legs, which wrapped around his hips as they gently moved together. Their kisses were long, slow, and very deep. The lovemaking was infinitely tender and almost soft, as they reminded each other that they were alive, that they had done a good thing and they were home.

Incrementally, things heated up, movements became stronger and more forceful, as they reminded each other that they loved unconditionally, deeply, and passionately. They let the lovemaking take them far away from Umbra, and permanently honor the time spent there as well. Chakotay eventually entered Tom, moving inside him, bringing them both exquisite, heart pounding pleasure, bringing them to the edge. In the stillness, he took them both over it. Falling. Floating. As they'd done in a bedroom, on an ornately carved four poster, surrounded by a plush quilt and watched by unseen others. On a planet they'd never visit again.

They fell asleep tightly entwined, after blowing out the candles, cleaning themselves off, and setting the alarm. They slept wrapped around each other. All night long.

Harry sat down, and Tom could see the light still shining in his eyes. Good, Harry, good for you. "Morning," he said.

"Good morning. You doin' better?" Harry dug into the orange sponge-like thing on his plate.

"Yeah, thanks. I am. I'm, um, a little more used to being back on board. And feeling better, all in all, about what happened on Umbra. We have to meet with the captain this morning, though. Can't really say I'm looking forward to that." Tom took another swallow of coffee.

Harry pointed across the mess hall with his fork. "Looks like Chakotay's already into something with her..."

Tom glanced over his shoulder. "First Officer's work is never done," he said, feeling a grin break out across his face. My First Officer. My mate. "So, what about you? Hm-m? How's Greg?"

Harry blushed. Tom could see what Greg found so appealing in this man, always could. Harry drank some juice and pushed his tray aside, leaning forward. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about..." Tom leaned forward, too, nodding. "He's, um, he's great. We, well, we..."

Tom couldn't help it, he started to laugh softly. "Harry, since when can't you say it, God, we've talked about this so many times. Say it. You... f-f-f...."

Harry slapped him on the arm, but started to laugh also. "We fucked," he hissed. "And it was, it was... it was beyond anything I've ever experienced."

Tom sobered. "See, it was right that you waited, and did that with someone that you really cared about, someone who loved you, in that way. Not me."

"I know, Tom, you're right. You always were. You think he loves me?"

"Of course he does, how could he not? It's written all over his face. Hasn't he told you that?"

Harry blushed again. "Yeah, he has. But that's partly why I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to tell you, and all, but I've got a couple of questions..."

Tom could see he'd have to keep encouraging his friend if he was ever going to get the real scoop. So he nodded. Again.

"Well, you know he's taller than me, and a little stronger, too, and, um, sometimes I like it that he sort of takes control, if you know what I mean. Don't get me wrong - it's not like he's tying me up or anything..."

Tom had a clear mental picture of Chakotay's description. Greg pressing Harry against the wall. He smiled. "And you're worried about that? That you like it? Because there's nothing wrong with liking that, giving control to someone else. It can be very, well, pleasurable. Relax. Really."

"I'm not used to it. Women I've dated have never been the strong type. Libby, for one, she was pretty passive."

"Harry, I think the only thing you need to worry about is if Greg takes advantage of it, and frankly, knowing him, I really cannot see that happening. He's too good a man. Chakotay thinks the world of him and I understand why. If Greg likes to take control, and you like him to do it, then what's the problem?"

"I guess there's none. But, do you think there something wrong with me - I don't think I want to do it to him. You know, fuck him. I like to do other things to him, but I don't seem to want to do that. Is that a problem?"

Tom felt like hugging the man. Really, he was just too sweet for words. He put his hands over Harry's, to stop their near frantic movements before he got poked in the shoulder with the fork. "That isn't a problem, either. Some men just prefer to always be on the bottom. Again - does Greg want you to fuck him?"

"Well, no, he says he doesn't like it very much, but if I want to try it, he's willing to do it for me."

"Harry. This sounds like a match made in heaven. You need to just calm down. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you..."

Harry interrupted him. "But, you, you always told me that you liked it both ways. That it was healthy to feel like that. And now you're with Chakotay."

Tom's stomach turned over. "First of all, I was an ass to say that. Secondly, I am never going to tell you, or anyone else, about Chakotay's and my sex life," he hissed. "You can take me to the Doc and have me checked out for that, but I'm keeping my mouth closed. He's the fucking First Officer and I will never do anything... anything to cause him to lose the respect of this crew!" He sat back, breathing heavily.

His friend leaned even further forward. "Tom, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry. He hasn't lost any respect from me. Hell, I'm more worried about it the other way around. I'd give my life for him. Damn, for you, too, if it came to that..."

Tom tried to calm down. He had the strongest urge to go back to the clearing and sit, where everything made sense, and talk to his falcon, his guide. Or crawl back into the embrace of his beloved. Fuck. "No, I'm sorry, Har. I guess this adjustment has been a little harder than I thought." He came back in tight to speak softly. "Look - just enjoy Greg. Take care of him the best way you can. Love him. Give him what he needs, and take care of yourself. But believe me, there's nothing wrong with you. Or him. Or your relationship. It sounds wonderful. And really, Harry, I couldn't be happier for you," he said sincerely.

"So we can still double date?" Harry teased.

Tom laughed. "I hope so. Chak sure wants to. I do, too. Let's think of some fun things to do, new programs to write for our boyfriends, okay?"

"Yeah, but boyfriend? I thought he was your husband."

"He's my mate. That's what the Chosen One called us. That's what we are," Tom answered softly.

On his way out of the mess hall, he kept his eye on a certain black haired man, sitting, talking animatedly with the captain. She waved him over. He had been trying to get to their quarters so he could take a moment to get his head together before shift started. He just felt so damned raw.

"Good morning, Captain," he said, standing next to the table. He glanced at Chakotay and gave him a smile, but the dark eyes were piercing into him.

"Good morning, Tom. Would 0930 hours be fine for the debriefing? I believe your replacement's been arranged." She smiled at him and sipped her coffee.

"Yes, ma'am, that would be fine. Was there anything else?"

Her eyes widened. "No, that was it. I'll see you on the bridge."

Chakotay stood. "If there's nothing else for me as well, Captain?"

She waved them both off. "No, no, just going to sit and have some more coffee, finish reading B'Elanna's fascinating report on the deuterium."

Tom nodded to her and started to walk out, with Chakotay right at his side.

"What's wrong, Tom?" he said quietly.

But he couldn't say, didn't know what to say. "Just need to stop at home before..." he choked out, and kept walking. Once he was inside the living area, he turned, and without a word, Chakotay took him into a very, very needed hug.

Captain Janeway slowly set her coffee mug down on the desk and stared at them, her expression blanking out for a moment. "They killed all of the children?" Her voice was so quiet. Neither man had ever heard her use this tone, had ever seen her react quite like this. To any situation.

"Yes, they felt there was no possibility that the children would grow to be anything but evil," Chakotay answered. He gripped Tom's hand, grateful that the younger man allowed it. Though this was supposed to be formal meeting, giving a report on their experiences of Umbra, he'd told both Kathryn and Tom, separately, it would be anything but. Too much of it was personal. Too much of it required his superior officer's understanding, and forgiveness, almost.

"And then?" she asked.

"Then, well, then the society went on a downward spiral and barely survived. We didn't know all of this, of course, not until ... until we met the Chosen One in preparation for the Deliverance. Since he died, there was no one to take over once the spiritual leader's life ended. The people didn't know which way to turn, what to do. Those that were on the other side retained their talents, passed them down generation to generation. There were just enough of them to make a difference."

"But I'm still confused. Where do the Sky Spirits come in?"

Chakotay sighed. "To be perfectly honest, Kathryn, I don't know. I only know they made some contact with the spiritual leader, maybe it was on one of their journeys around the galaxy. I do know that they prophesied my appearance, when the three moons were once again in perfect alignment. It's overwhelming to consider..."

She interrupted him. "We almost didn't stop, Chakotay. You and I sat in this very room, and discussed the possibilities, our options. We almost didn't stop there," she said quietly.

He could feel Tom's eyes dart to him and he turned. "I'm sorry, Tom, I didn't tell you that part." He watched the man he loved start to lose the hold he had of his emotions. His heart ached for him. One of Tom's most endearing qualities, his passion, was the thing that was making this entire experience difficult for him. To trust in a power greater than himself - he was just learning to do that. But then, Tom's eyes changed.

"Excuse me, Captain, for a moment?" Tom looked calmly across the desk. She nodded. "Chak, I'd like to take a vision quest, tonight."

"I'll show you. It'll be fine."

"He..."

"I know."

"Thank you." Their eyes stayed locked for another moment. Tom broke away. "Okay, we can go back to the reporting. Thank you, Captain."

She nodded again, though this time a small smile accompanied it.

"Okay," Chakotay continued, as he tried not to wonder if there was anything else Tom was wanting from his falcon, "there is one other fact that we need to tell you. It's about Neelix." He explained what Neelix had run across, and how it connected to what had happened on Umbra. "I've asked him to make a drawing of the symbol that he saw on Stygian's pendant, the Umbran history, and that destroyed ship. So we can keep an eye out for it. The six of us have discussed how we'd prefer not to trade with a culture that follows this particular practice. Since it seems to be wider spread than just Umbra."

"I agree. Though how do we know there isn't some other place that requires your services?" She took a drink of coffee. "And how do we know that if we see that symbol, the culture actually still practices ritual child sacrifice? The Umbrans no longer do."

Chakotay sighed. His head was beginning to hurt. Lunchtime couldn't come quick enough. Even though Kathryn was being more than understanding, given everything, and hadn't even mentioned the term Prime Directive, he was tired of thinking about all of this. I'm sorry, Father. I am not that dedicated to the ways.

"It seems to me," Tom said, "that we won't."

"Point taken, Tom," the captain replied. "We'll just do the best we can. As always. By the way, congratulations on your bonding." She smiled serenely.

"Excuse me, Kathryn," Chakotay jumped in, "how did you know that? I haven't said anything yet."

"Oh, just another little gem of information from Seska. At least, I always assumed it came from her. After you helped me find my animal guide. I got an anonymous note, threatening me. I put it into her permanent record, with a notation. Just in case."

"Spirits..." He sighed more deeply this time. "We'll take your good wishes, but please, hold off on spreading the word? We just need some time..."

"Don't worry, Chakotay, I understand. But it will be fine. You'll see. Both of you," she said softly. "It'll be no big deal."

"It better be, because this is permanent," he said with fervor. He glanced at Tom and once again was caught by intense blue eyes, this time misting over. Forever, Tom.

Yes, forever, Chak. Tom smiled.

Tom sat at the console on Chakotay's desk, in their living quarters. His lover had programmed it to accept Tom's personal login before he even knew he was going to do it. He felt sort of foolish, but sitting there, alone on his lunch hour, his heart had swelled when he logged in. He poked around the desk, just a little, running across some crew evaluations that he didn't look at, and a future rotation schedule that he did. It struck him then, viscerally, the absolute and total level of trust the man had in him. He'd learned it on a personal level. But it was on a professional level as well. Given without question. He must have had it for a long time, and Tom just never realized it. Could never see it. He almost completely lost his composure. Instead, he sent an encrypted love note to the First Officer, that he'd get when he returned to his command chair after lunch. He smiled. It was even sort of poetic. Then openly sent him the encryption code. Only the captain would possibly see that, and he trusted she'd respect the man's privacy.

He took a swig of his drink and got to his real business. Searched through the ship's database of facts about Earth's fauna. Within two seconds, he had it.

"Falco mexicanus. Fam: Falconidae Sp: Falconinae. Prairie Falcon. Spread 1.12 meters. Pointed-winged; much like Peregrine in size and cut of jib, but of paler, sandy color. Blackish patches in 'wingpits.' Resident from c. British Columbia, s. Alberta, s. Saskatchewan to s. Mexico. Habitat canyons, open mountains, plains, prairies, deserts..."

His heart stopped, cold.

Chakotay sat in the mess hall, fending off the captain's questions about his love life. They'd taken a slight turn toward the sexual, and he'd be damned if he'd betray Tom's confidences. Even if she was his friend. Confessing he was in love with the man for years was one thing. Describing what an amazingly incredible lover he was, that was quite another. His mind started to wander, back to the night before, the taste of Tom, the smell of him, waking up with him. He felt a twitch between his legs. He focused back on Kathryn but his attention was drawn to the doors. Tom came striding in, quickly, ignoring everyone around him, straight to an empty chair at his table. He was about to greet him.

"Captain, please excuse me," Tom said forcefully, his eyes blazing.

She waved her assent.

Tom turned to him and he could see how upset he really was. He was mystified. "Chak, he's extinct! "

He was stunned, but he had to get Tom out of there before he said too much. He stood, grabbing Tom's elbow, excused them from their commanding officer's presence and steered him quickly out of the mess hall. Tom didn't protest, but rather leaned slightly into him as they walked the corridor to their quarters. The doors swooshed shut behind them.

"It was in the Sixth Extinction of the twenty-first century - he's gone, persecuted, to extinction. What the hell does this mean?! I have a supposed spiritual guide and his species doesn't even exist any more?! Chakotay!?" Tom's arms were waving frantically and he was beginning to pace.

He took his arm again, gently, and led them to the couch. They sat, but Tom was breathing heavily, his cheeks were flushed and he kept looking to Chakotay for some sort of answer, an explanation. He, himself, was still a bit stunned. Then Tom threw his arms around Chakotay's neck and fell apart at the seams. He felt such a wave of love, and protectiveness, that he, too was overcome. He breathed deeply and held a crying Tom, murmuring words of comfort that he knew were meaningless. He waited for the flood to subside.

"He's extinct, Chak," Tom cried between sobs, "Gone. Forever. How could they do that?"

Chakotay had no response. He knew Tom was fully aware of the different periods of extinction in Earth's history. He also knew this break down was about so much more. Eventually, the sobs gave way to merely clutching, and he took the opportunity. "Can you imagine how amazing it is, that a spirit has hung around for a few centuries, just to guide those rare people who can hear him?"

"What do you mean," Tom said quietly, resting his head on Chakotay's shoulder.

"I mean that those who have guides that are from extinct species are truly exceptional. That's what my people believe. I do, too."

"So you're saying it's a good thing?"

Chakotay smiled to himself and held Tom more tightly. "It's an extraordinary thing." And that was the part that did not surprise him, in the least. That Tom Paris should have an extraordinary animal guide.

Chakotay called the captain, after getting Tom into bed, convincing him he was emotionally and physically exhausted. She'd stop by on the way back to the bridge. He paced, waiting for her.

"I don't believe I am showing him preferential treatment, but that's for you to determine," Chakotay said, as calmly as he could. "He needs to take the rest of the shift off. I would do the same for any crew member, particularly if their loved one came to me and told me that."

"I'm not oblivious, I saw how upset he was. I'm assuming he was talking about his animal guide? I guess I just don't see why that's affecting him so deeply." Kathryn shrugged her shoulders, but her eyes were kind.

"Well, you know I can't go into details about Tom's guide. But he... Kathryn when we were on Umbra, it was Tom who was never afraid, who helped everyone out, took care of Greg in the worst possible circumstances, calmly, professionally. Who stood by me, did things he'd probably never imagined he would, or could do. Saved Harry's sanity. Figured out how to save Neelix's. He's been very, very affected by his experience with the Chosen One. Meeting my father, and grandfather for that matter. And his guide, Kathryn, his guide is so Tom, you should have seen his face...," Chakotay shook his head.

"Add, on top of that, returning to his peers married to the First Officer," Kathryn said quietly. "I understand, Chakotay." She patted his knee. "I'll go have a word with him. I promise," she added with a smile, "I'll be nice. Why don't you go to your office and get some work and bring it back here. You have the rest of the day off, too."

He stood as she did. "Thank you," he said.

"That's what friends are for."

He left after watching her enter their bedroom, thinking about the blessings in his life. He greeted each crew member he passed by name, receiving many 'welcome home' wishes in response. He was glad to be there.

Tom was curled up on his side, facing the middle of the bed, but Kathryn didn't think he was asleep. As she approached, she glanced around the room. The closet door was open with Tom's uniform visible, along with some other clothing in colors she usually saw on her blond pilot, and a pair of Starfleet issue boots were sitting below them. He really had moved in here. She briefly wondered what was going to happen to his quarters, none of them had discussed details as yet. Did Tom take that as acceptance on her part, or denial?

"Tom? May I sit here?"

He rolled over and nodded, then propped himself up and ran his hand through his hair. "I apologize, Captain..."

She interrupted him with a raised hand as she perched on the edge of the bed. "No apologies are necessary. I understand from Chakotay that you're needing some rest, that you'll be flying Voyager again tomorrow. She'll miss you. No one can make this baby hum like you," she said, smiling broadly. She was pleased to see him smile in return.

"I'm sure Ensign Baytart will do fine."

"He will, he will." She noticed for the first time the candle holders next to the bed and on the ledge behind it. Picking one up, she was surprised at how lightweight it was. "This is beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen these before. Yours? Chakotay's?"

"Actually, they're Umbran. A gift. From the Chosen One."

She smiled to herself. "That he would have given you had he been corporeal." But she saw the change in Tom's eyes and was surprised, in spite of herself. She put the holder back and placed her hand on his shin. "Tom, I also understand that you did what you usually do when you were down there - you helped everyone out selflessly. Thank you."

"You're welcome, but, you know, they are my friends. I'd do anything for them."

"Even Mr. Tuvok?"

Tom smiled. "Even Mr. Tuvok."

"Will you make me a promise?"

"Sure."

"If you have any problems, any problems at all with people over your relationship with Chakotay, you tell me. Right away."

Tom looked at her intently. "Is that an order?"

"Not exactly. They won't be punished, but they may get a talking-to."

"All right, I promise, though you'll have to coordinate this with Tuvok - he's already said it could be a security concern and he wants to be notified immediately," he said, grinning.

She laughed, and enjoyed doing it.

"Vulcan humor," Tom added.

"Indeed," she said.

Tom's eyes drifted from hers. "May I ask you something, then?" She nodded. "Kolopak, Chakotay's dad, told me that all fathers have regrets, and that he was certain that mine was missing me. Do you think that's true?"

Kathryn was overwhelmed. Tom rarely wanted to talk about the Admiral, particularly with her. She thought the answer was easy, however. "Yes. Absolutely."

"Huh," he said, cocking his head. "you seem very sure. I'll think about that."

She let the silence last for a minute, but the temptation was too much. "So tell me, what was Chakotay's father like?"

Tom grinned again. "A lot like him, and not at all like him. Same dimples. Same eyes. Much less serious, but they have the same sense of humor. He was... amazing. Just as gentle. As loving. I'm sorry I'll never get to meet him in person. I'm sorry Chak's lost him," he said softly.

"I'm sorry, too. Chakotay's had more to deal with in his life than any man should. He deserves good things. I'm glad the two of you are together."

Tom's eyes filled. "Thank you, Captain. I don't..." he faltered.

"Tom, listen to me. You are a good thing for him. Just as much as he is for you. If people have a problem with it, that's their problem."

"But they all respect him, I don't want to mess that up for him!"

Kathryn sighed deeply. What to do when the ship's counselor was the man in question? "Just love him. Take care of him. That's all you can do."

Tom started to stare off into the distance again, deep in thought. He really did look exhausted. She got up. "Get some rest, Tom, things will be fine. I promise." Though she had no idea if it was a promise she could keep, she intended to try. It was the least she could do.

Tom curled up on his side and closed his eyes again. In the bed he now shared with the man he loved. The captain's words sounded too damned familiar. He should take the advice that he dished out to his best friend. The bed dipped as a very welcomed presence joined him. He dragged himself into the offered embrace and sank against the soft fabric of Chakotay's turtleneck. He inhaled and relaxed. "Love you," he said.

Arms tightened around him and a warm hand moved through his hair. "Love you, too," Chakotay answered. "Sleep." He did.

Harry was waiting for Tom to come onto the bridge after lunch. Not only Tom was late, but so were the commander and the captain. He hoped that didn't mean they were meeting about Umbra again. He wasn't sure his best friend was doing as well as he claimed, and suspected that damned planet was to blame. Tom was a sensitive guy, and he'd been through a lot. The turbolift doors opened and he turned expectantly toward them. But just the captain exited.

She ordered Baytart to stay on the helm and told Tuvok that Commander Chakotay would be available only by comm, that he was taking the rest of the day off. Now Harry really was worried. He sent a message to Greg, on brig duty that day. Boring brig duty. Greg said they should send one to Tom, or Chakotay, just to be sure they were okay. Harry did it.

"Mr. Kim," Tuvok called to him. He looked up. "You have the bridge, I will be in the captain's ready room."

He had the bridge? On alpha shift? He walked slowly to the command chairs, watching Tuvok leave. Baytart turned around and motioned him over.

"Harry - is Tom okay? He seemed fine earlier."

"I think so, I'll find out after shift."

He motioned him closer. Harry bent down to him. "Is it true what I heard about Tom and the commander?"

Harry's stomach clenched. "Why?"

"Well, cause I didn't want to congratulate him if it wasn't true, God, that would be so embarrassing," Baytart said sincerely.

He breathed again. He should've known. Baytart was loyal to his department leader, and to his XO. He clapped the man on the shoulder. "It's true."

The helmsman smiled broadly. "Good. Thanks."

"But, Captain, I am merely conveying my concern about Mr. Paris and the commander," Tuvok said.

"I understand, Tuvok, I just am not at liberty to say. Mr. Paris is, for the most part, fine. The commander is working from his quarters, catching up on his paperwork."

"Very well. Should you speak to either of them please tell them that I am here. If they need anything."

Kathryn tried not to grin outright. Goodness. Will wonders never cease. "I don't believe I will be talking with them. Perhaps you could send them a message to that effect. I know they'd love to hear it," she said.

Tuvok nodded.

Chakotay saw his message lights blinking. The first was encrypted, from Tom, followed by the code to open it. He did.

"By the light of three moons shining brightly..." His throat closed and he read the rest. The mysteries of existence, indeed. How had this beautiful man come to love him, of all people? He had no idea. It was truly extraordinary.

Neelix bustled through the corridor of deck two, having completed his mission between the airponics bay and the mess hall. He hit the door pad for the First Officer's quarters. Then wondered what the place should be called - First Officer and Chief Helmsman's quarters? The door swooshed open.

"Good afternoon, Commander," he said, handing forth the vase of flowers. "I don't want to disturb you, just thought you both might like these. A bright spot, a reminder."

"Thank you, Neelix, but don't you want to come in?" The commander was standing back to one side. He took the vase and smiled, sniffing the orange blooms.

"No, no, really, just give Tom my best, and let me know if you need anything." His heart was full just seeing the smile.

"I'll do that. I think we'll probably see you for dinner."

"Excellent! I look forward to it. Bye," he said, turning to leave. He whistled all the way back to the mess. Kes would've loved to know her beauties were still growing strong, he thought. Life was good.

Chakotay opened up more and more messages as the afternoon wore on. He downloaded them to a PADD for Tom to read later. He was astonished by many of them, and felt a little badly for having that reaction. He'd just never realized.

Tom did as he was taught. Touched the akoonah and thought about the clearing while trying to remain relaxed, and breathing. Without Chakotay it was a bit more intimidating, but if his lover believed he could do this, then he could. Opening his eyes, he was beyond happy to see he was back, sitting on the grass, with blue sky overhead and stands of trees surrounding him. He didn't have to wait very long before Falco mexicanus was swooping toward him.

"You do not need tears to greet me, Tom."

He wiped his eyes. "But falco, your species, it's gone. And you are so beautiful..."

"Remember. I am here. Always. Waiting. For you. Now, what questions do you have for me? What answers do I have for you?"

Tom laughed softly. "Am I supposed to know both of those?"

The bird flapped it's wings once and cocked it's head. "We start with the easy part. You ask. Then? Then we see."

Tom smiled, he felt the weight of his worries settle somewhere outside of himself. He looked at them, deciding.

"Start at the ending, Tom, and we work backwards from there."

So he did. "I love Chakotay..."

Harry left his friends and his boyfriend in Sandrine's, deep in a pool challenge. Greg grabbed the back of his head and dipped down, giving him a very deep kiss as a good bye. There were good-natured whoops and hollers from neighboring tables and he found he didn't mind in the least. Greg bowed dramatically and Tom chortled. Chakotay just leaned against the table, arms folded, holding his cue stick, grinning. When Harry met his eyes, the commander winked. Harry didn't know what got into him, but he winked back.

He hurried through the corridors and up to deck two. Entering the mess hall, he was surprised to see Mr. Tuvok sitting at a table in the deserted room, going through some PADDs.

"Hello, Mr. Kim."

"Hello, Mr. Tuvok."

Tuvok stood and gathered his work. "Mr. Neelix," he called. Neelix came hurrying out of the kitchen. "I will see you later."

"Yes, yes, thank you. I'll be there." As Tuvok left, Harry walked behind the counter.

"So, Neelix! Ready for me?"

"Oh, I most certainly am, Harry, I'll need your help with the apples. I actually replicated some this time. You'll never believe it, it was the captain's idea. I had to promise her a piece, though, if it turns out."

"I have a feeling this one's gonna be it," Harry said, smiling. "So tell me what to do."

They went back into the kitchen. "Start by peeling them. Then tell me all about you and Gregory," Neelix answered, beaming.

Harry had the unaccountable urge to give the Talaxian a big hug. Maybe when the pie was finished. He swallowed the lump down his throat, picked up the small knife, and started to talk.

On the planet Umbra, six men in flowing robes were walking the streets in one of the darker areas of the city. They consulted a hand-inked map repeatedly, taking turn after turn over the stone pavement. Finally, they found a yellow colored door. Without another word spoken between them, the oldest man knocked.

A woman answered, and seeing the men standing before her she lowered her head in deference.

"Madam, we have come to see your son, Loumien."

The woman hesitated, her eyes darting upward to them, then to the side.

The oldest council member spoke again. "We mean him no harm. We only wish to talk to him. To listen."

After another moment of consideration, she stepped aside, motioning them into her home. Her husband appeared immediately and showed them to their resting space, making room for the six to have seats. Again, the council elder repeated their desire.

But before the father could leave the room, a tall, young man stepped through the doorway. He met each stranger's eyes. Clearly. Calmly.

"I believe," he said, "you have come to meet me?"

"To listen," the elder corrected.

Loumien smiled warmly and sat with them.
 
 

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On to Epilogue, written by Shayenne

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