Kindred Spirits

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DISCLAIMER: The Wonderful World of Star Trek Voyager, the ship, the crew and most of what is spectacular about that world belongs to Paramount. Unfortunately they rarely let their characters behave like the fans want them to. Therefore it is the sworn duty of all faithful and loyal fans to give these characters a life and let them have some feelings and some fun. I hope you enjoy this story.

Special thanks go to my friend, Irye, who has given me priceless encouragement and who has given me the courage to let others read my stories.

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An ice planet is never Captain Kathryn Janeway’s first choice of a place to visit, but the distress call they received three days ago seemed extremely urgent, and she and Commander Chakotay discovered that they were both greatly moved by the pleas of Jarndril.

Jarndril and his tribe are inhabitants of the planet Itron, an ice world orbiting ancient binary suns in a large solar system in the Delta quadrant. Voyager has been trying to get home from the Delta quadrant for what is starting to seem like forever, and they discovered early in their journey that the Delta quadrant was not especially friendly to natives of the Alpha quadrant. Making friends whenever possible is definitely a good thing to do.

Itron is an ancient world in an ancient system whose suns are dying. It is sparsely inhabited by scattered tribes of people who live their lives like the Eskimos of Earth. The tribes are mostly located around the planet’s equator where the summer weather, which still remains around freezing even in the dead of summer, allows them to grow a few crops to see them through the long winters. Life on Itron is not easy, but the people who live there know nothing else and do manage to live well. Since their fight to survive consumes most of their summers and the winters are intense filled with blizzards and howling winds, there is no war or fighting of any kind among the tribes of this world. In fact, their spirit of cooperation is unique because of their circumstances of life.

The people of Itron have been contacted in the past by other space-faring species who wish to trade, mostly for water which Itron has in great quantities. Their solar system is located in a part of space which has few systems and even fewer planets containing water, so they do well in their trading whenever a ship passes by. They have sub-space communication devices, but they do not travel off-world themselves and have no interest in doing so.

Jarndril explained to Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay when they answered his distress call that a disease has recently struck his tribe, and only his tribe. None of the other tribes on the planet are affected. They have not been able to find a cure for this disease which manifests itself with a fever, extremely severe headache, inability to eat, weakness of the limbs, delusions, and finally death. Many of his people have become ill and some have died from this disease, so far all children. The adults seem resistant to the disease. The other tribes of this world are afraid to help Jarndril’s tribe because of their own fear of getting the disease.

Jarndril’s only son, Seeko, has become sick with this disease, and like any father Jarndril is frantically trying to save him. His pleas on behalf of his son and the other children of his tribe greatly move Captain Kathryn Janeway.

"They live like Earth’s Eskimos, and except for their appearance which includes smooth reddish-yellow fur instead of skin, a bright red tuft of feathery hair growing from the top of their heads, and a bony protrusion below each eye, their customs are more like those of my people," Chakotay observes as he and Captain Janeway discuss this situation in her Ready Room. "I can relate to them and what they are feeling as my people have suffered similar crises throughout the centuries. I would really like to help them."

"I only hope we can help them," Captain Janeway replies. "We’ll certainly give it our best shot. I have already alerted the Doctor who will beam down first. If he determines that it is safe for us to help then you, Neelix and I will beam down. With so many children sick, he will certainly need assistance. I know you want to help, Neelix has always been helpful in situations like this, and I love children so I can help too. I won’t expose any of the younger members of my crew to this disease unless absolutely necessary since it appears that so far it has only affected children. Perhaps the older the person the less the risk. Until we know for sure, I’m not taking any chances with my crew’s safety."

"Since it is late summer where they live, you, Nelix and I should be able to tolerate the climate, although we will have to dress warmly as there is snow on the ground and the high daytime temperature is only in the 10-20 degree F. range," the Captain continues. "They travel by dog sled, so we probably will not be traveling very far to treat these children. I’ll have warm clothing prepared for us once the Doctor gives us clearance to come down."

"Thank you, Captain," Chakotay responds warmly as he gives her his special smile. "I really would like to help these people."

Several hours later Voyager enters orbit around Itron and they are greeted by Jarndril. The Doctor has prepared himself, and beams down immediately to formulate a plan and treatment to help these people and their sick children. It only takes him a short time to determine that a form of germ that thrived millions of years ago on this planet when the planet was still young and much warmer, has reappeared and is causing this disease.

The drinking water used by this tribe comes mostly from an ancient glacier located several hundred miles north of their settlement. Apparently this past summer was exceptionally warm for summers on this planet, and some of the ice which melted from this glacier is millions of years old and harbors the germs. When the people ingest the water, they ingest the germs which then makes the young children sick. Since none of the older tribe members has gotten sick, they assume their bodies are immune, although the Doctor has his doubts. For the adults, it may only be a matter of time.

The Doctor then beams back to Voyager to work on an antibiotic to kill the germs and cure the children.

"I have formulated the antibiotic," the Doctor announces proudly to the Captain and Chakotay, "and we can now beam down to start treating the sick. I am replicating enough to cure all who are sick, so once you are ready we can get started. Thank you for offering to help me," the Doctor continues.

"Acknowledged. We’ll be ready in ten minutes and will meet you in Transporter Room 1," she replies as she hands Chakotay the warm jacket, hat and gloves she has replicated for him. He’s already dressed in the thermal pants and boots. They each have a backpack filled with a few toiletries and several changes of clothing.

"Welcome to Itron," Jarndril warmly greets the Voyager crew as they arrive at his village. "Please come with me. You will be staying in my lodge with me and my family for as long as you care to stay. Thank you again for helping us."

"Thank you for your welcome," Captain Janeway replies for them all. "I’m glad we can help."

Jarndril’s lodge is very large and sturdy and it is built of wood and heavy animal skins to withstand the fierce winters of this planet. Inside it is roomy and warm and a fire is burning in an open fireplace in the middle of the lodge. Several people are gathered around the fire waiting for the Voyager crew to arrive, and Seeko, Jarndril’s young son, is lying on a child’s bed beside the fire wrapped warmly in blankets.

"Welcome," they all sincerely respond as Janeway, Chakotay, Neelix and the Doctor enter with Jarndril. "Please make yourselves comfortable."

Suddenly a large white fur ball bursts with a joyful "woof" from the corner of the lodge and throws itself at the unprepared Captain Janeway. After knocking her to the ground, it then proceeds to enthusiastically rub itself against her and lick her face. When the Captain realizes that a large fluffy white dog-like creature is trying to greet her, she laughs joyfully and hugs this furry lovable creature as she truly loves dogs.

"Sayja, sit," Jarndril orders. "Is this any way to greet our guests? Where are your manners?" As Sayja obediently sits staring raptly at the Captain, four small white puppies toddle out from the corner and sit beside her looking up at Kathryn who is still sitting on the floor looking longingly at the beautiful dogs.

"It’s OK," Captain Janeway replies. "I love dogs and yours are beautiful."

"Sayja is my wharoongai - my kindred spirit," Jarndril explains. These animals not only serve as our means of transportation by pulling our sleds, but they also bond with us and serve as our kindred spirits. They would willingly die for us since once they choose us our spirits are entwined, and the choice is theirs. In fact, legend states that through the ages it has been their purpose in life to bond with one person and then lay down their life for that person. When they die they freely give their spirit to their bonded partner which then enhances the partner’s life. They continue to watch over their partner from the spirit realm, and their spirits live together forever."

"Sayja has never taken to anyone like she has to you," Jarndril explains to the Captain. "I have never seen her act like this. If she were not my kindred spirit, I would think she had chosen you for herself."

The Voyager crew are then all shown to a private corner of the lodge which will be theirs to use for as long as they can stay. There are four cots with warm blankets, and they settle in as they plan to be here for about three days. The Captain ordered the Doctor not to tell that he is a hologram. He is to act like a real human since she doesn’t want to frighten Jarndril and his people who wouldn’t understand this level of technology.

After removing their coats and outerwear, they proceed to join the family sitting by the fire. Jarndril presents them all with a warm mug of something that smells and tastes like herbal tea, and they settle on the floor to discuss their plan for curing the children.

Something small, warm and fuzzy suddenly starts rubbing itself against the Captain’s hand. A small blue-eyed, white-furred version of Sayja is trying to work itself into her lap as Sayja sits close by watching the puppy’s progress. As Kathryn smiles in delight at the puppy, then at Sayja, she could swear that she sees Sayja smiling back at her. As she continues to look at Sayja, she gets the distinct impression that Sayja is very happy with her and wants her to like her daughter. She also gets the impression that Sayja can see into her very soul. Smiling and hugging the puppy close to her breast, the Captain endures warm wet licks and whimpers of joy from this adorable being.

"She’s so beautiful," Kathryn enthuses as she continues to hug and pet the wiggley puppy. "What is her name?"

"Rakka," Jarndril answers, "and she seems to want desperately to be with you. I hope that won’t be a problem. If you would prefer, I could confine her so she won’t bother you."

"No, please let her stay with me," Kathryn answers as she smilingly endures yet another licking.

Chakotay is watching Kathryn and the puppy and is glad to see her smiling. She has been so tired lately. He knows the strain of command sometimes gets to her and makes her feel isolated, but he doesn’t always know how to lift her spirits. Not that she thinks anyone notices, but he has gotten to know her well and can see the strain that the pressures of command have placed on her. He knows her better than anyone else on Voyager does, and he is famous among the crew for his diligence in watching out for her health and well being.

Being the Captain, she feels she must endure most of the pressure alone. He wishes she would turn to him even more for comfort and support, but he knows she doesn’t want to burden him with her problems even though he has repeatedly offered. Lately she has started to share more with him over their cozy dinners in either his or her quarters, but she still holds a lot in and he knows part of it is her fear of her feelings for him. On several occasions when she has been most vulnerable she has left her feelings slip. Time has taught him that she really does love him and on occasion there has been a gentle embrace or soft kiss, but her fear of being hurt again has made her much too cautious. She is so very afraid of losing someone she loves yet again. Seeing her smile and laugh does them both good because he has come to truly love her.

As the day progresses the Voyager team and Jarndril have set up a program to treat the sick children. Seeko has been treated and is showing signs of improvement. Since there are a large number of children, they divide into teams and Jarndril has provided them with a list of which lodges they are to visit. He has contacted each lodge via their communication system, so they are expected and welcomed wherever they go.

Kathryn teams with Neelix, Chakotay with Jarndril, and the Doctor teams with Jarndril’s brother, Jeemar. For the rest of the day, and all of the following day the teams visit their designated lodges dispensing the antibiotic to the children on their list. It is slow and difficult work, especially since seeing the little children so sick breaks their hearts, but they all feel good about helping. Kathryn and Neelix have been given the lodges closest to Jarndril’s home, so they are able to travel on foot, while the others are using the dog sleds.

Voyager is still producing the antibiotic and beaming it down to Jarndril’s lodge, so their supply is becoming quite adequate. The Doctor has finally decided to dispense the antibiotic to the adults as well. By the third day Jarndril, Jeemar and Chakotay are finally inoculated as a precaution since they are being exposed so directly to the disease. The Captain and Neelix are not present when he inoculates the others, so the Doctor makes a mental note to take care of them as soon as they return.

As the day progresses and noontime is approaching, Kathryn and Neelix have at last finished visiting the lodges on their list. As they return to Jarndril’s lodge to get some food and rest, they notice that the air has turned colder and snowflakes are starting to gently fall, not uncommon weather for late summer on this planet. It is peaceful and quiet, but cold and deadly if you are not accustomed to the climate. As they make their way to Jarndril’s lodge, they wonder how the other teams are doing. Kathryn is looking forward to playing with Rakka.

"I hope we were able to prevent any more deaths from this disease," the Captain wishes out loud. "The children should be well on their way to recovering by now."

"It must be getting warm," Kathryn notices as she unzips her jacket partway, "and I’m getting a headache. I guess seeing all these sick children has taken its toll. It’s hard not to get emotionally involved when you see the little ones so helpless."

"You’re right, Captain" Neelix agrees. "I, too, feel for the children as well as their parents. It has to be a horrible feeling to watch your child die."

Two joyous bundles of white fur greet Kathryn as she and Neelix enter Jarndril’s lodge. Sayja and Rakka rush to greet her and she welcomes them with open arms. Hugging and playing with them takes her mind off the children, if only for a short while. Jarndril’s wife has a warm meal waiting for them, which they truly appreciate. After eating only a little, Kathryn finds that she cannot eat any more, but Neelix does them both proud by having a second portion.

Chakotay and Jarndril have already finished visiting those on their list and had their meal. Word has come from the Doctor and Jeemar that they will be finished with their visits within the next hour. Their work is almost done.

"Commander Chakotay was exhausted once we were finished," Jarndril informs Kathryn, "so I suggested he rest. He is sleeping, and perhaps you and Neelix should do the same."

"Perhaps you’re right," Neelix replies, "I am very tired and the Captain has a headache. Rest would do us both good. This was a very emotional experience for both of us, especially for the Captain as she loves children. She lost someone she really cared for, and even though Kes wasn’t a child, she loved her as one."

The buzz of the communication device interrupts Neelix’s conversation with Jarndril. After a few minutes, Jarndril returns and informs the Captain and Neelix, "Apparently I neglected to include Oovril’s name on the list of those with sick children. I forgot him because he lives farther from the village than any of the others. Commander Chakotay is sleeping and I must wait here for three people to bring their children in for treatment since they were not at their lodge when we were there. Could the two of you take medicine to him and his family? You’ll have to go by dog sled, but Sayja will take you there as she knows the way. Oovril’s son and my son are good friends, so she has been there often."

"Of course," Kathryn immediately responds regretting for only an instant the nap she was looking forward to. "I’ll get my coat and the doses and be right with you. Neelix, get your things, we’re going dog sledding."

By the time Kathryn has shrugged back into her coat and outerwear and packed doses of medicine into a medkit, Jarndril has hitched Sayja and a team of dogs to one of his larger, but very lightweight sleds. He quickly shows Kathryn and Neelix how to guide the team and steady the sled, which is very easy since the dogs do most of the work on their own. Jarndril tells Sayja where to go, and apparently she knows exactly what to do. So Kathryn settles herself into the front of the sled along with the medkit, Neelix stands on the back of the sled, and off they go.

It is truly exhilarating to ride through the very cold air with the snowflakes falling and the cold wind starting to blow harder. Jarndril informed them that the ride would take about thirty minutes, so they settle themselves determined to make the most of this probably once in a lifetime experience. Kathryn still has her headache and her arms and legs are starting to ache, but since she hasn’t had much rest in the last few days she figures it must be fatigue.

After about fifteen minutes of riding on relatively flat snow-covered terrain, they start up a series of rocky hills following what vaguely appears to be a trail. In places the trail takes them close to the edge where it then falls away. But the dogs appear confident in their mission and seem to know what they are doing, so Kathryn and Neelix are able to relax and enjoy the ride.

Smoothly negotiating a smooth wide curve in the trail, the dogs and sled suddenly and without warning encounter several large rocks which must have fallen onto the trail very recently. The dogs are able to swerve to avoid the rocks, but the sled is moving fast and cannot avoid hitting some of them. Because the sled is sturdy but very light in weight, it bounces high off the ground with each rock it encounters.

Caught totally unprepared, Kathryn is thrown forward from the sled on the second bounce. She lands in the soft snow, but as the sled falls back to the ground, one of the sharp metal runners is dragged over her left thigh, cutting through her clothing and deep into her skin and muscles, almost to the bone. As the tail end of the sled bounces back onto the ground, it pushes her over the ledge at the side of the trail. She realizes she is rolling downward through the snow, but the pain in her leg is excruciating and she doesn’t even realize it when she lands on some flat ground and blackness quiets the pain.

When he sees the Captain pitch forward out of the sled, Neelix frantically tries to grab for her. He is able to see the sled pass over her, but he, too, is pitched off the sled and hits his head on the ground. Even though he does not lose consciousness, he is dazed and it takes him a few minutes to regain his senses. When he is finally able to sit up, there is no sign of the Captain.

"Captain," he calls frantically trying to get to his feet to find her. His head is hurting and his legs are unsteady, but he is able to locate blood in the snow and find the spot where the Captain went over the ledge. The snowfall and the wind increased in velocity during the time they were traveling and visibility is now limited to about ten feet, so Neelix cannot see the Captain. Sayja managed to turn the sled around and has come back, pushing her nose into Neelix’ hand and whimpering in sympathy. She seems to want to go over the ledge, but is still hitched to the sled and the rest of the team.

Neelix tries to lower himself over the ledge to find his Captain, but his legs are unsteady and he is very dizzy. Deeming it a danger to both of them if he should fall or get lost in this snowstorm, he looks to Sayja. "Sayja, can you take me back home so I can get help?" he says not really expecting an answer. But Sayja seems to understand him, and from the look in her eyes he knows what he must do. Dragging himself onto the sled he orders, "Home, Sayja, quickly."

Most of the ride back to Jarndril’s lodge remains a haze in Neelix’ mind, but he knows they made it in record time. Jarndril comes running when the sled pulls up to the lodge, and as he helps Neelix inside, his family quickly unhitches Sayja and her team, and the dogs follow them into the lodge.

Commander Chakotay is having a very strange but frightening dream. Sayja is running toward him through the snow frantically trying to tell him something about Kathryn. "What is it? What are you trying to tell me?" he projects to Sayja.

"Kathryn needs you, she is hurt," Sayja projects back to Chakotay. "You must help her!" she cries as she turns around and runs away.

"Wait!! Wait for me!" he cries to Sayja’s disappearing form, but she is gone and he is standing in the snow all alone. With a start he wakes up in his bed in Jarndril’s lodge as he realizes that something is happening. His dream felt so real!

"I couldn’t find her," Neelix cries as Chakotay comes rushing from his bed. "She’s hurt and I found some blood, but she went over the ledge and I couldn’t find her. Sayja brought me back here for help. We must hurry, the snow is falling faster and it’s so very cold out there. If we don’t hurry she might freeze to death!" a frantic Neelix implores as he prepares to lead them back to the trail where their accident occurred.

The Doctor, who had just returned to the lodge, is scanning Neelix for injuries and declares, "Mr. Neelix, you are in no condition to go out into the storm. I have healed your head, but you are still shaken from your accident and you have a slight concussion. I will go. You must stay here and you can help look after Seeko."

"Neelix, slow down and tell us what happened," Chakotay implores as he brushes the last vestiges of his dream from his mind. His stomach is churning and his mind is racing. Was it really a dream or was Sayja’s spirit talking to him? Is Kathryn really out in this blizzard, hurt and alone?

Out of the corner of his eye Chakotay spies Sayja slipping out the door of the lodge carrying Rakka in her mouth. Since Rakka is almost three months old, she is quite a load for Sayja, but as quickly as Chakotay can run to the door, Sayja is disappearing into the snowstorm.

"We have to follow her!" he desperately cries. "Hurry!!! She’s getting away!!"

Jarndril calls for Hammel, Sayja’s brother, who is also trained to be a lead dog on a sled team. "Hammel will know where Sayja has gone and can lead us there," Jarndril states as he prepares to hitch a fresh team to his sled. He quickly contacts three of his neighbors asking them to accompany them on this rescue mission and to bring their rescue gear.

Before they leave the lodge, Chakotay repeatedly tries to contact Voyager for help. Because of the severity of the storm and some unique atmospheric conditions associated with the storm, communications are impossible at their end. "Neelix, keep trying to contact Voyager. Tell them what happened and ask for help if you can get through," he orders as he shrugs into his coat and outerwear.

In very short order five sleds are ready to go. Chakotay will ride with Jarndril, and the Doctor will ride with Jeemar on two of Jarndril’s sleds. Three of his neighbors arrive with their sleds loaded with blankets and other equipment. Since Hammel is Sayja’s brother, their spirits are entwined and he seems to know exactly where to go. They head into the storm as quickly as the dogs can run.

As awareness slowly returns Kathryn Janeway wonders which is worse, the terrible pain in her leg or the bone chilling cold. Trying to pull herself up is painful and difficult, but she is finally able to accomplish this feat. Visibility is very limited because of the snow, but she is able to see that she has been lying on a large ledge about fifty feet down the hill from the trail and that there is an overhang about ten feet behind her which could offer some protection from the howling, snow-filled wind. Knowing that if she doesn’t soon get some protection she will freeze to death, she painfully drags herself under the overhang and back against the side of the hill. It’s still cold here and she’s still laying in some snow, but she is protected from the wind and most of the snow that is still falling.

She soon appears to be caught between the feeling of burning up and the feeling of freezing to death, and she isn’t sure which she prefers. Her thoughts are very fuzzy and disoriented. Realizing that she must do something about her leg, she pulls the fabric of her pants away from the badly bleeding wound to see what damage was done. Her leg is laying open and bleeding freely, and she knows she must do something to stop the bleeding or she will bleed to death. She has no medical kit, so she gathers some snow and presses it against the wound hoping the cold will stop the bleeding.

She aches all over, probably a result of her fall, and again she feels like she is burning up. The urge to sleep overcomes her, and as she lays her head back onto the blanket of snow the spirit of Sayja comes to her in a dream.

"Hold on, Kathryn," Sayja projects to her. "I’m coming and bringing your kindred spirit. Wait for us. Hold on....hold on."

"I’m trying," she projects back to Sayja. But the urge to sleep is overwhelming and she sinks into the soft blackness of oblivion. Her last fleeting thought is, "Chakotay, I need you, I love you. Please find me."

Something warm and furry is trying to get into her clothes. She can’t quite get her thoughts to identify what is happening, but something warm and wet is also brushing against her cheek. She had partially unzipped her jacket during one of her burning spells, and the warm furry thing is crawling under her chin and into her clothing, wiggling close against her chest. After a few minutes it settles against her breast, giving her warmth and some measure of comfort. Something is still brushing against her cheek, and she finally manages to pry open her eyes trying to see what is happening.

"Sayja," she whispers as she recognizes the beautiful dog licking her face. "You came for me."

"Hold on Kathryn," Sayja projects back to her. "I am here and will take care of you."

"Thanks," Kathryn whispers softly as she again starts to lose her hold on consciousness. Before the blackness completely envelopes her again, she can feel Sayja lay her furry warm body on top of her and lay her soft furry face against her cheek. Rakka has snuggled against her breast and is projecting warmth and comfort to Kathryn. Unconsciously Kathryn’s arm embraces Rakka, holding the puppy close to her body and opening her heart and spirit for Rakka to enter.

"Here’s where she went over the ledge," Jarndril states as Hammel refuses to go any further. The newly fallen snow has obliterated any sign of the accident, but once Jarndril pushes some of the snow around near the ledge, they are able to find signs of blood and the medkit which Kathryn had been carrying.

Giving the medkit to one of his neighbors, Jarndril sends him to finish Neelix and Kathryn’s mission - to deliver the medicine to Oovril’s family.

Through the wind and snow Jarndril is able to glimpse the large ledge about fifty feet down and determines that Kathryn must be on that ledge. "If we backtrack about 200 yards, we can move parallel to the ledge and come to it using a lower trail," he states to the worried Chakotay and the rest of the group. "I have been here many times and am familiar with this hillside."

So they backtrack and are able to make their way to the ledge. Chakotay can’t believe his eyes when they finally locate Kathryn’s body lying under the overhang against the hillside. Sayja is lying on top of Kathryn protecting her from the worst of the snow and cold, and Rakka is peeking out from inside Kathryn’s jacket where she has been snuggling against Kathryn’s body to help keep her warm.

Sayja moves off of Kathryn as Chakotay and the Doctor rush to her side, but Rakka seems determined to stay with her. The Doctor quickly scans her to determine her condition, and the news is grim.

"Her leg is cut clear through to the bone and she has lost an alarming amount of blood," he somberly informs Chakotay. "She is also very sick with the disease that has infected these people. I never had a chance to immunize her or Neelix. She probably caught it from one of the children she has been helping. Her condition is very bad, I don’t think we should move her."

"We can erect a shelter right here on the ledge," Jarndril informs the Doctor. "We brought food, fuel, shelter and blankets with us, and you brought your medical kit. We will stay right here until it is safe to move her," he offers.

So they quickly erect the shelter and carefully move Kathryn into it with Rakka still inside her coat. They place her on a low cot beside the warm fire which is burning in the shelter. The dogs have been unhitched and the sleds unloaded. Jarndril sends one of his neighbors home to keep the others informed about what is happening.

As the Doctor prepares to treat Kathryn he is still amazed at what Sayja and Rakka did for her. "I wonder why these dogs risked their lives to save the Captain," he musses to Chakotay. "They just met her, and even though she obviously adores them, they hardly know her."

"They must have kindred spirits," Chakotay states in awe and sudden understanding. "These dogs are more than just dogs. My people would call them kindred spirits, just as Jarndril’s people do. Kathryn managed to connect spiritually with Sayja and Rakka, and if she survives without any major help from Rakka, I believe Voyager will have a new passenger. If not, Rakka will give up her life to save Kathryn. Kathryn would be devastated by the death of Rakka, especially after the loss of Kes. Please do your best, Doctor," Chakotay pleads as he suddenly clearly understands the implications of what he has just said about the woman he loves.

The Doctor has started Kathryn on a blood transfusion to replace some of what she lost. Her blood pressure is very low. Chakotay is horrified as he finally sees how badly Kathryn’s leg is cut, but the Doctor is very gifted and he soon has the cut cleaned and is in the process of healing the leg from the inside out. Once they get back to Voyager she will definitely need surgery to repair the severed muscles and nerves. The injection he gave her has already started to help her fight the disease, but her body is weak from the disease, shock, loss of blood and hypothermia. There is a real reason for concern.

Even when they remove Kathryn’s coat, Rakka refuses to leave her and has positioned herself on Kathryn’s chest with her face resting on Kathryn’s cheek. She has stretched her furry little body as far as she can to contact as much of Kathryn’s body as is possible for someone so little. Sayja is sitting on the floor beside Kathryn’s head, much to the Doctor’s dismay. She puts her head on the pillow beside Kathryn, laying her furry head on Kathryn’s auburn hair and just lightly touching her cheek. Chakotay also insists on sitting beside Kathryn, holding her cold hand and gently stroking her hair and check. The Doctor is almost beside himself stating "How do you expect me to treat her if I can’t even move around?"

He finally gives up on getting anyone to move and proceeds with his treatment. But it is soon apparent that her condition is deteriorating. Her breathing has become shallow and very labored. She is so pale that her usually slightly rosy cheeks are snow white, as is the rest of her, due to her loss of blood. Her fever has escalated even though she already received the antibiotic, and her leg has again started to bleed. "I don’t know what else to do for her unless we can get her back to Voyager," he frantically states as he moves to increase the rate of the blood transfusion. "I’m losing her!"

Chakotay also is getting frantic and tears are starting to creep down his cheeks when he spies Hammel and several of the other dogs move to stand beside Sayja at Kathryn’s head, their bodies lightly touching. Still keeping hold of her cold hand and moving onto his knees to be closer to her, he suddenly feels strength radiating from the dogs and channeling through Rakka into Kathryn. Rakka seems to be glowing with this energy, and as she stretches her small puppy’s body over as much of Kathryn as she can, this energy dissipates into Kathryn’s dying body. Chakotay grips her hand tighter trying desperately to help Sayja, Rakka and the others in their efforts to save Kathryn’s life, and to offer some of his strength as well. He can feel their considerable strength embracing and aiding him as he gives of himself to this effort.

After long minutes have passed, Kathryn suddenly gasps and coughs, breaking the transfer and finally breathing a little easier again. The rattling in her lungs has started to diminish. Rakka stiffens on Kathryn’s chest and then goes limp, having given her life and her spirit to help keep Kathryn alive. This was her life’s purpose, the reason for her being, and Chakotay is able to feel the joy in the spirits of Sayja and the other dogs even though in his heart he is crying for Rakka. He knows how Kathryn feels about her and how much Rakka’s death will hurt her.

Sayja projects her feelings of joy and contentment to Chakotay and he knows that this is how it should be. Trying to convince Kathryn that this is what Rakka was born for will be difficult. He knows she will blame herself. She was starting to really love Rakka and the puppy made her very happy.

"She’s breathing better and her fever has started to fall," the Doctor states as he stares in awe at his medical scanner, then at Kathryn. Color is slowly returning to her face, and the bleeding from her leg has slowed. "I think she’s going to make it, but Rakka will not," he sadly states as he lifts the puppy’s limp body off Kathryn’s chest. Jarndril reverently takes the puppy from the Doctor preparing to give her to Sayja.

"The dogs take care of their own dead," he informs the Doctor and Chakotay as Sayja and the other dogs leave the tent. Sayja is carrying Rakka’s body in her mouth. "Rakka’s spirit is now free, and she will live in Kathryn’s spirit and look after her forever," Jarndril proudly states.

After a few more hours have passed Kathryn is getting a little stronger, although she is still unconscious, definitely not out of danger, and very weak. The Doctor encases her injured leg in a portable medical forcefield as they prepare to move her back to Jarndril’s lodge. Chakotay insists on carefully carrying her to the sled and on holding her all the way back, and Sayja projects her approval to him as she, too, joins them in the sled. Sayja pushes her warm, furry body against Kathryn’s side to help keep her warm and to offer her support and comfort.

The blizzard is still raging, but they break their camp, load the sleds and return to the lodge without incident.

Two days later the blizzard has finally blown itself out and Seeko is now fully recovered, as are most of the other children of this tribe. After being unconscious for a day and a half, Kathryn is now awake and is recovering from the disease and her injuries, although she is still very weak and her leg needs surgery which the Doctor will perform once they are able to return to Voyager. Jarndril and his family have made them all as comfortable as possible, and Sayja has planted herself beside Kathryn’s bed refusing to leave.

Chakotay took it upon himself to inform Kathryn of Rakka’s death and the reason she died. It was one of the most difficult things he ever had to do, and the hurt and pain in Kathryn’s eyes was almost his undoing. "Her spirit now lives in you," he told her while holding her in his arms and trying to ease the hurt. "She fulfilled her purpose in life, and gave herself to you. You released her spirit to be free forever," he told her, "and she was very happy. I felt it." As Kathryn’s tears flood forth, he holds her even tighter trying to take some of her hurt away and ease the heaviness of her heart.

Finally Sayja pushes her furry body against Kathryn and Chakotay seeming to understand what Kathryn is enduring and that Chakotay is trying to help her. With her head gently placed in Kathryn’s lap and being careful to avoid the injured leg, Sayja projects her feelings of joy and happiness for her daughter’s purpose in life and freedom in death, thus helping both of the humans toward understanding. Still holding Kathryn tightly in his arms and including Sayja in their embrace, they all feel their spirits briefly unite for Rakka’s sake. Kathryn’s heart is still heavy for Rakka, but at least she has some understanding of how free she now is, and in time this will help her deal with her own sadness and sense of loss.

Chakotay quietly enters sickbay holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand. With any luck Kathryn will still be asleep and he can put them by her side as a surprise. Her surgery had been three hours ago, and by the Doctor’s own estimation had been completely successful. Kathryn’s leg will now heal completely and she will have no scar and no limp. It’s almost a miracle considering how close she had come to losing her leg completely.

Luck is with him and Kathryn is sleeping peacefully, the color almost back in her cheeks and signs of the disease gone. He carefully lays the flowers by her right hand so she will find them when she wakes, and he sits beside her bed just to be with her for a little while. He doesn’t want her to be alone - she faces too much alone as it is because she is the Captain. He prays for the day when she will share everything with him – especially herself – but he’s willing to wait because he loves her so much. Deep down he knows she loves him too.

The lights have been dimmed and Kathryn is the only patient in sickbay. As he sits there he suddenly notices a shimmering above her, and as he looks closer he can see the ghostly image of Rakka. He gets the feeling that she is smiling down at him and at Kathryn. He can feel the warm loving thoughts and feeling of joy radiating from Rakka who is being joined by Sayja. Apparently even though Sayja was bonded to Jarndril, Kathryn had managed to reach out and touch something in her spirit and part of her spirit will now always reside within Kathryn. Since Sayja had already bonded to Jarndril, she had offered her daughter, Rakka, to Kathryn, who had embraced them both.

Chakotay always knew Kathryn had a big heart and a nurturing spirit, but Sayja and Rakka just proved it to him beyond any doubt. The spiritual realm is a large part of the beliefs of Chakotay’s people, and he is truly moved by Sayja’s gift.

"The Doctor has given me a clean bill of health so I can now return to light duty," Kathryn informs Chakotay as he smilingly offers to escort her from sickbay to the bridge. She is almost recovered from her surgery and can now walk with only a slight limp. She is still a little sore and stiff and she still has to endure another two weeks of the Doctor’s therapy, but she will be as good as new and the Doctor has released her allowing very limited duty.

"Tell me, Chakotay," she sadly asks, "do you really believe Rakka and Sayja are still with me in spirit? I miss them so much."

"They will always be with you, as will Kes and every crewmember we have lost along the way," Chakotay replies putting his hands on her shoulders and turning her to face him. "They will forever be a part of who you are because you truly loved each of them and they will live here forever," he solemnly states as he places his hand gently over her heart. I know this is true because Rakka and Sayja showed this to me."

"How?" Kathryn asks looking up at him with her clear gray eyes.

"When you were still sleeping after your surgery, the spirits of Rakka and Sayja came to you. I saw them because I was sitting there with you," Chakotay continues. "They were watching over you and protecting you. By means of thoughts or projections they promised me that they would never leave you, and if you ever need their strength, they will be there. You can always call on them for strength as they are your kindred spirits. I hope you know you can call on me, too," he offers as he gently pulls her into an embrace. As he slowly lowers his head to brush his lips over hers, he can feel her passion matching his as she wraps her arms around him and draws him closer.

"Thanks," she whispers as the turbolift delivers them to the bridge to face whatever new adventures the new day will bring. He knows they will face them together and that their future is very bright.

The End

December 1999

~~~~ a Y a ~~~~

 

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