First place in Purple Comet;  Second in Batleth Episode

This was all very new, well not exactly new--it was new to be admitting it publicly--not quite publicly-and if she were honest the admitting part was only on her side.  OK-OK so everyone knew how they felt about each other and he had never made it a secret--no matter how adamantly she denied it. To be perfectly honest, what was new was that she wasn't fighting it anymore.  They were moving into a different kind of personal relationship and, while not broadcasting it, she was not hiding it either.

Kathryn smiled as she thought about it. Hell, he usually made her smile.  He was her first officer, her almost constant companion, her confidante and her best friend; soon he would be more.   He would be off duty shortly and she better be out of this tub, by the time he got here.   Discovering her here, just might move this along a little faster than she was prepared for; as if four years wasn't taking it slow enough.

She wrapped herself in a towel, set the replicator and went off to get dressed.  There was a small get-together on the holodeck tonight and they were going, together as usual.  The crew was accustom to their arriving together to these functions and usually leaving together, but always clearly as friends and colleagues--tonight was different.  Tonight they were, more or less, an official couple and even without announcement she felt certain there were members of the crew wouldn't miss the signs.

Shift ended and Chakotay couldn't hand the bridge off fast enough.  He felt like a kid going on his first date.  Tonight would, in fact, be the first time they attended a public function as a couple.  His haste earned him a raised eyebrow from Tuvok, but he didn't care.  He hurried to his quarters to shower and change before dinner.  He tried to reason with himself, after all this was just Kathryn, the same woman he lived next door to, sat to the left of, supported and fought with for four years. The woman he spent a miraculously chaste three months with on an otherwise uninhabited planet --gods how had he done that!  He chuckled at himself and jumped into the shower.

It was a little odd, how she had come around, nothing big happened, she just drifted toward him.  It started probably a month or so ago and it was so subtle he didn't notice it at first.  They had developed an easy friendship, inspite of their repressed feelings; they often flirted even on the bridge, sort of a little game they played.  She grew just a bit bolder in her flirting not only on the bridge, but also in private.

Chakotay thought about it and smiled.  They had been in her quarters, having dinner and going over reports, a normal activity.  He didn't remember how it started, but she had tickled him and so he had to get her back; she ran.  He chased her around the couch, the table and they wound up out of breath and laughing by the time he caught her.  He actually had to tackle her to stop her and they tumbled to the floor, he tickled her, she fought him, they laughed and rolled around and then-- he was on top of her, holding her down, their faces were less then an inch apart and --it just happened--he kissed her.  To his great surprise she didn't push him away, she returned the kiss.  He lifted his head and looked at her and she looked back with steamy blue eyes, reaching behind his head to bring his mouth back to hers.  It was a long time before they got up off that floor.  He could have kept kissing her all night, but he didn't want to push the limits.  Kathryn had further surprised him when she didn't protest, make excuses, give him the protocol speech.  She just straightened her clothing and handed him a glass of wine.

He stepped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and went to dress.  His dress was casual, yet a little dressier than he would have normally worn, but he knew she would be dressing differently tonight also.

Kathryn didn't want her appearance to be a dead give away, but she wanted it to be special.  She chose a simple dress in a deep blue.  Chakotay always like her in blue, besides it brought out the color of her eyes. It was cinched at the waist and fell in soft folds to just above her knee, the neck was open, but not low and when she slipped on the heels, she like what she saw.  She touched up her make up one more time and put on a dab of perfume, just as the chime sounded.

"Come in."  She called and she enter the living area just as he did.  "Hi."

"Hello."  He looked her over and gave a soft whistle  "You are beautiful."

"Thank you."  She ran her hands up his chest and around his neck giving him a soft kiss.  "You look pretty good yourself."  She stepped back "Wine, before dinner?"

"Sure."  He followed her to he sitting area, watched her pour the wine.  "Do you feel strange?  Sorta like a kid on a first date?  I sure do."

"Yea, I didn't expect facing our crew to make me nervous--but --yea, that about says it."  She laughed and took a seat next to him. "Getting cold feet?"

"No--I'm not backing out---you?"

"Ready as I'm ever gonna be."

They enjoyed a quiet dinner and eventually made their way to the holodeck.  They might as well have been wearing a flashing neon sign when they walked in.  Neither of them thought they were that obvious, but they were the only ones holding that opinion, although only Tom voiced what every one was thinking.

"Well, doesn't our "Command Couple" look good--no not just good-may be great..." He turned and dragged B'Elanna over.  "B'E what would you say?  They look -- great -- look--what---HOT?"  He grinned and nodded.  "Yep, that's a good word for it--Hot." 

"Hello, Tom, B'Elanna"  Kathryn smiled, trying unsuccessfully to hold down her blush.  She glanced at Chakotay for support, but that wide dimpled grin did more harm than good.  "Did we miss anything?"

"Maybe I should ask you that.  Hey, why were you so late?"  Tom groaned as B'Elanna's elbow smashed into his ribs.  "Hey--easy."

"You look very nice tonight Captain--Commander."  B'Elanna grabbed Tom's hand. "See you later--we gotta go now--bye."  She dragged him away.

"Well, so much for subtlety.  That didn't take long.  I didn't think we.." She turned and caught the look on his face. "Forget it--remind me never to be your partner in a poker game."  She laughed.

"Wine?"

"Yea, I need something, after that."

No one else spoke up, but everyone noticed. They danced and all eyes were on them, even more so than usual.  If one of them was alone, someone might stop to talk, but as soon as the other returned they made an excuse and left them alone again.  It was getting a little stressful, so they called it a night quietly slipping out; which in the end caused more talk.

"Come in for a night cap"  She keyed the door.  "If we get caught outside my door, we'll never hear the end of it.

"And if I get caught leaving?"  He followed her inside.

"You won't."

"Leave or get caught?"  He wiggled his eyebrows and she pushed him laughing.

"Get caught."

"Darn."

"Another drink or tea?"  She ignored the sad, pouting face he made.

"Tea is good."  He sat on the couch.  "Funny--when they thought we were sneaking around, we just went about our business--now that we are trying to be open--they are making us sneak around."

"No wonder we feel like teenagers."  She put the tea on the table and he grabbed her hips pulling her onto his lap.

"This is why I feel like a kid."

He brought their lips together softly, then pulled her closer gently prodding her lips apart deepening the kiss.  She eagerly returned the kiss, tracing his lips with her tongue, before exploring deeper.  He laid  her back on the couch, her legs still draped across his lap.  Her hands tangled in his hair not allowing him to break the kiss.  His one hand trapped between them, the other ran the length of her body, caressing from shoulder to toes, touching exploring.  Her fingers released their grip on his hair, as she shifted his hand was freed and he used it to push himself up until he was kneeling beside her.  He broke the kiss and sat back on his heels drinking in the sight of her.

Chakotay traced the outline of her face with his fingers, using his thumb to trace her lips.  The sweet sensation caused her to sigh, closing her eyes to concentrate only on his gentle touch.  His hands lightly stroked  her neck and slowly worked down to her finger tips and up again to caress her shoulders and fondle  her breast.  He gently squeezed an erect nipple, causing her to suck in her breath and open her eyes. He held still, until a smile turned the corner of her mouth and she reached to draw him closer. As she kissed him, Kathryn's hands worked the fasteners on his shirt, one of his still cupped her breast while the other slipped beneath the hem of her dress caressing her thigh.  He raised up to watch her, her breathing was every bit as ragged as his own and the eyes the looked back at him were smoky with desire.
 
"Chakotay."  She reached for him, but he held himself away from her.

"Kathryn, I --I don't think..ahhhh--Kathrrynn"  Her fingers traced the outline of his desire as it pressed against his trousers-- he grabbed her hand before she could do it again.  "What happened to slowly?"

"Gone."  Her laugh was husky. "Make love with me, Chakotay"

"Are you sure?"

"Four years is slow enough." She smiled  and he lifted her off the couch.

Chakotay carried her to her bedroom, setting her back on her feet next to the bed.  He kissed her as his hand sought the zipper on her dress and she pushed his shirt off his shoulders. His hand caressed her bare back and when he slid the dress off her shoulders she stepped back letting it fall in a puddle around her feet.  Dressed now in only the skimpiest of panties, she reached to unfastened his trousers, then slid trousers and boxes his legs. As he stepped out of his clothes, her hands ran up his legs, fingers caressing every muscle, he could feel her warm breath closer and he gasped as her tongue reached out to taste him.

"Kath..ahhh godd"  He reached for her, but only grasped at her hair as her lips joined her tongue in a delicious assault. Her hands were every where, stroking, caressing, her tongue flicked and licked. She was sucking him and he couldn't help but thrust against her. "Ohhhh" he gasped, thrusting as she worked to encompass all of him. "godds Kath..ohh"  He needed to stop her,-- he couldn't--grasping her head --all coherent thought gone---he thrust deep into her throat bursting into her. "AHHHH"  He collapsed on the bed, as she drank in all that he gave her, swallowing and milking every drop from him.

Kathryn nudged him over and joined him on the bed.  He opened his eyes and she was smiling down at him.  He reached up bring her mouth to his, tasting himself on her lips.

"Gods, woman are you trying to kill me?"

"You didn't seem to mind at the time."

"OH-- I didn't--you might regret it however."  He idly ran his hands over her body as she lay next to him.
 
"Weren't you just telling me you felt like a kid again?"  She gave him that crooked smile.

"I don't know if I can perform like one."  He laughed, rolling on his side allowing him better access to her.

"A chance I'm willing to take."  She closed her eyes and tossed her head back as his lips caressed her neck his tongue finding that sensitive spot behind her ear, his hands exploring with feather light touches. "Mmmm" Her gentle sigh turning to a moan as his lips closed around a tightly knotted nipple, his hand stroking the soft muscled surface of her inner thigh.  Instinctively, Kathryn spread her thighs, arching her back, as his mouth paid homage to one breast and then the other.  Chakotay's fingers teased with light touches, tracing the a line from inner thigh to her hip and across her lower belly and his tongue move lower, stopping to toy with her navel.  His hands press open her thighs, she felt his hot breath blow across her, she arched toward him.  Slowly, his fingers spread her moist lips, lightly tracing a line that his tongue quickly followed.  "Ahhhh"  She reached her fingers into his hair trying to force him closer, he resisted. "Godd, pleeasse"  She pushed toward him, but he maintained his slow pace.  His tongue lapping her juices, nipping, sucking on her lips, carefully avoiding where she wanted him most.  "Chakotay."  Her husky voice pleaded and he rewarded her with one finger then two as they gently entered her. "OOH--Pleeeaseee."  She thrust against his fingers raising her hips, tightening the grip on his hair.  Chakotay freed his hair and raised up to see her.  His fingers thrusting gently, he used his thumb to make the contact she craved.  "Yessss goddd....ahhhh" She writhed and bucked- cried out in frustration as he eased up. "Don't--pleeasss....goddd.."  He lowered his mouth to her, closing around her swollen bundle of nerves.  Yessssss.....ahhhhh.. Chaaaaa.."  She bucked her hips. He thrust three finger inside and she exploded with a scream as her body convulsed under him..  "AhHHHHH."  He continued lapping, sucking, thrusting and she responded again and again, until she begged him to stop.  He moved up to hold her, brushing the damp hair from her face.

"Who's trying to kill who?" She rolled and buried her face in his neck.

"I didn't hear you complain."  He rubbed her back, holding her so close he could feel her heart beat.

"Hell, no."  He could feel her laughter on his neck.

Chakotay held her close and just as he began to drift off, he felt her hand move to caress him, her hips gently sway against him.  She was kissing his neck, sucking on his ear pressing even closer.

"Kat.."

"I love you."  She raised her head and capture his lips.

Slowly, gently, mutually, they explored, touched, tasted, learned each other.  He couldn't help but respond, as her gentle touch became more urgent, her body begging him for completion, his own responding  with a fervor he hadn't known possible.

"Now, Chakotay please---"  She rolled back, bring him with her.  "I need you."  She gasped out the words, her eyes pleading with desire.

Chakotay positioned himself between her legs, barely gliding against her, watching her face.  She opened her eyes locking with his.  She sucked in her breath as he entered her slowly, withdrew and entered a little deeper.  Her finger nails gripped his shoulders, she locked her feet behind him drawing him deeper and cried out as he thrust his full length into her.  He stilled as she stretched to accommodate him, then she moved against him. The easy rhythm he established was quickly forgotten, as she bucked beneath him clawing his back crying out as her inner muscles gripped and released him.  He thrust against her convulsing body and called out as he spasmed deep with in her.

He collapsed on her and she made no effort to move him.  They were panting and sweating, fighting to regain control.  Kathryn's hands stroked his back, her legs still wrapped around him.

"Am I dead yet?'" He grunted and she laughed.

"No, but I will be if you don't move, so I can breathe."  She laughed as he rolled the over on their sides.  "I would like to see you explain that to Tuvok."  She made a stern face and raised one eyebrow.  "And how, exactly, Commander did you crush the Captain?"

"Keep this up and you may have to explain a dead Commander in your bed."

"I think not! I'm the Captain, I'll just transport you to Samantha's quarters and let her try to explain."

"Ouch."  He chuckled and sneaked a peak at her.  She had never before mentioned the brief time he had dated Sam.

"Ouch, indeed."  She snuggled up to his chest.  "Now you better let me sleep; the Captain is on duty early tomorrow."

"Me?  I didn't think that was my idea,  I was ready to sleep an hour ago."

"Oh sure blame everything on me; I'm the Captain, I can take it."

He could feel her laugh against his chest.  He pulled her close and drifted off to sleep. 

"CAPTAIN THE TIME IS 0500, CAPTAIN THE TIME IS 0500."

"Computer reset 24 hours"  She placed her head back on his chest.  "Gods what have we done-- now?"

"Regrets so soon?"  He tried to make it sound light, but there was a tinge of fear evident.

"Not me, but my body seems to be in protest.  I'm not sure I can get up."

"You need more exercise and..."

"And you have a plan to help me with that?"  She laughed and sat up.  "I'll just bet you do!"

"Stay."

"Don't tempt me. I'm going to take a hot shower and see if I can convince my muscles to take me to the bridge."

Kathryn took her shower and when she came out he was gone.  A hot cup of coffee and a padd on her dressing table told her he would be back to take her to breakfast in half an hour--not much time.  They had breakfast in the messhall and received a few odd looks, which they chose to ignore. When they finished and entered the lift they were alone.  He spun her around carefully looking her over then turn himself.

"Well?"

"What the hell are you doing?"  She thought he had lost his mind.

"I'm looking for the sign--not on you--how about me?"  He grinned at her puzzled look.

"Care to explain?"

"You know the one that told them all what we did.  Didn't you see them?  God, are your quarters bugged?"

"I doubt it--maybe it's that stupid grin on your face--a dead give away."

"You look pretty content yourself."  He pulled her to him and gave her a quick kiss and released her..

"Well, snap out of it-- We need to be in command mode by the time we reach.."  The lift stopped and the door opened on the bridge.

The command team walked out, composed, nodded to the crew and took their seats without comment.  The morning progressed quietly and the Captain retired to her ready room, leaving the Commander with the bridge.  They were collecting deuterium and Harry complained about not being in sync with some changes Seven had made.  The Commander told him to work more closely with her and Tom was having some fun with that.  It was perfectly fine with Chakotay; it kept Tom out of his life.

The ship rocked and then rocked again; the Captain was instantly on the bridge.

"Report."  She made her way to Tuvok's station.

"I'm picking up proton surges just outside the ship.  The first just off the port beam and the second two off the starboard bow."

"On screen"  She turned to look and the screen was blank except for the passing stars. "There's nothing out there."  The ship rocked again.

"What ever it is it's getting closer."  Tom worked to steady the ship.

"Red Alert." She stepped away from Tactical and down to the railing.  "Janeway to Astrometrics."

"Yes, Captain."  Seven replied crisply.

"Use the astrometric sensors to scan for the disturbance."  She held the railing.

"I'm detecting close range weapons fire."

"Source?"

"Proton surges suggest two cloaked ships engaged in battle"

"With us caught in the middle."  Harry added to Seven's assessment.

"Evasive maneuvers."  She nodded to Tom and walked toward her command chair.

"Aye, Sir"

"There's a massive proton surge."  Chakotay checked his console.  "Like one of the ships is exploding."

They turned to the view screen in time to see the blinding flash of the explosion and the other ship appear on screen.

"Captain, there is one life sign aboard that vessel.."  The ship vanished again, before Tuvok could finish.  "It is no longer on the sensors."

"We're being hailed."  Harry looked up  "Audio only."

"Let's hear it."  The Captain walked back toward the screen.

"Chakotay, please I need your help.."  A woman's voice pleaded and he got up and came to stand next to the Captain. She gave him a questioning look and he shrugged slightly as he looked back.  They turned back toward the screen as the message continued.  "Chakotay are you reading me?  Please answer...."  The voice was becoming more desperate.  The Captain turned to the Commander but said nothing.

"This is Commander Chakotay."  He glanced at Kathryn.  "Who are you?"

"Please---anyone on Voyager---if you can hear me---I need your help."  The message ended.

"There has been an explosion on the Vessel."  Tuvok reported.

"The Hull is destabilizing."  Harry continued. "Life support is off line."

"Beam her directly to sick bay."  The Captain walked to Harry's station, with only a quick glance at the Commander.

"Targeting her coordinates. I've lost her! Trying again."  He shook  his head and looked up at the Captain.  "I don't understand, I get a clear lock and then it drops out."

The Captain turned and looked at him and the Commander walked to her position.

"If we can get an away team over there, we can stabilize her ship and tractor it in."

"Do it."  She nodded, their eyes locked and he turned away.

"Tom--Tuvok--let's find out what's going on."

The away team managed to stabilize her ship and Chakotay beamed directly to sickbay with the pilot.  The Captain joined him there, as the doctor examined their guest.

"How is she?"

"I'm not certain.  When I scan her, the readings won't stay in the data base."  He handed the tricorder to the Captain as proof and she showed it to Chakotay. "Luckily, I'm a master at visual diagnosis--"  The Captain rolled her eyes and Chakotay smiled. "She has a minor concussion and a compound fracture, nothing life threatening.  I can repair the damage."

"Did you find out how she knows you?"  The Captain walked to his other side, eyeing him.

"Not yet."  He avoided her look.

"Can't."  The patient mumbled

"She's coming around."  The doctor look down at her.  "Don't be frightened; you are quite safe here."

She looked up at the doctor trying to focus.  Glancing at Chakotay, she visibly relaxed and smiled, then looked at the Captain.

"Captain, Please, I need asylum.  You must let me stay on your ship and you've got to get away from here.  They will be coming after me."

"Slow down a minute."  The Captain looked down and spoke softly.  "I have a few questions first.  Who are you?"  She looked up at Chakotay and noticed the woman did also.  "How do you know my first officer?"

"It's a complicated story. -I'm not sure quite how to begin."  She glanced in his direction again.  "But if you don't give me asylum---they are going  to track me down and  they are going to take me back---and  I don't want to go."

"We won't turn you over to anyone without knowing the whole story."  Janeway assured her.

"Thank You." She closed her eyes.

The Captain took the Commander aside.

"I want you to stay with her. She seems to trust you; maybe you can find out what this is all about...'

"I hope so."

"Keep me informed."  With one more questioning look she left them in sickbay.

Later at a meeting of the senior staff, Chakotay filled them in on most of what he had learned about Kellin and her closed society.  He explained that she claimed to be a tracer for her people--one who caught and returned runaways--and that she had been on Voyager for several weeks and left about a month ago.  The Commander assigned Tuvok and Harry to go over the sensor and computer logs to detect any signs of Kellin or the virus she planted to wipe the computer and Tom to check her ship.  The Captain dismissed them and waited until they had gone and then approached Chakotay.

"I agree we should take precautions, but you seem very suspicious of her."

"I want to make sure we're not being manipulated."

"I agree."  She  watched his reactions; he wasn't looking at her.  "If we grant her asylum, we're gonna be in the position of having to protect her. If we're going to commit to that, we should certainly find out if she's telling the truth."  She waited but he still looked down and said nothing.  "I would appreciate your thoughts on that."

"Aye, Captain."  He turned and walked to the door.

"Chakotay, is something wrong?"

"No, Captain."  He didn't turn around.

"Chakotay, what's bothering you?"  She tried again, but he refused to look at her.

"Nothing, Captain."

"All right."  She watched his back disappear through the door.  *An interesting turn of events--not the reaction I expected today.*

They verified that both ships had traveled together in the manner and the time frame that Kellin had described. And to add to Chakotay's discomfort, she had explained not only had she fallen in love with him, but that he had returned her feelings. Something he found very hard to believe.  They were together in the mess hall when the Ship was attached and the Captain called both he and Kellin to the bridge.   The Commander took his seat, Kellin standing on the level above him.  The Captain  approached her to explain.

"We don't detect any ships.  I'm assuming these are your people in cloaked ships."

"They came to take me back."

"Harry, hail them"

"They won't answer."

"She's right Captain."  Harry confirmed. "No response."

The bridge again rocked under their weapons fire.

"There weapons are going through our shields as if they weren't there."  Harry looked up shocked.

"Match our shields to the frequency of their particle beam."

"No effect."

"Shields strength down to 29%"  Tuvok reported.

"They'll keep this up until you surrender or until I contact them and agree to come back."

"Do you still want to say with us?"

"Yes."

"Alright, Tom." She turned to him. "Get us out of here."

"That last volley damaged our propulsion systems, we have thrusters only."

"Captain, if you'll let me have access to your sensor systems, I can modify them to detect the ships."

"Do it."  She pointed to the station Kellin should access. Turning to look at Chakotay they locked eyes for one disturbing moment, then she nodded for him to join her.  "It's the moment, Chakotay."  She spoke quietly.  "Either we give her up or we fire back."  She placed her hands on her hips and raised her chin as she watched him.  "Which one is it?"

Chakotay look at her then glanced at Kellin and back to Kathryn.  "Fire."   She held his gaze then nodded.

"I think you might be able to detect them now, but only for a minute or two."  Kellin drew her attention.

"Harry?"

"Affirmative.  Two heavily armed ships off the port bow."

"Can we get them on screen?"  She looked once more at the Commander and walked to the view screen

"That's the best I can do."

The Captian nodded at Harry and watched the two hazy ships on the screen.

"Tuvok, target their weapon systems"  .

"Firing."

She watched the screen, their fire hit directly and the ships went to warp.

"Well done. Stand down Red alert."  She walked over to Kellin.  "Well, it seems we've granted you asylum. Now, you have to decide what to do."

"I prefer to remain onboard."

"Consider that carefully, we're headed for the alpha quadrant, before long we will be so far from your world, if you change your mind you won't be able to get back."

"I won't change my mind, but I must warn you ---the tracers won't give up that easily, your ship is still at risk."

"Nothing we haven't face before."  She glanced at the Commander, he smiled and looked down.

"I was only able to make a temporary change to your sensors. If you'll let me access your astrometric processor, I can make that permanent.

"You'll need a command officer with you to over ride the security lock outs."

"I can do that."  Chakotay volunteered.

She looked at him then at Kellin and nodded.  "Go ahead."  She closed her eyes as they left the bridge.

They were out of danger for the moment or so it seemed, so when her shift ended Kathryn headed for her quarters.  She showered and changed, it seemed like a long day and last night a life time away.  She scolded herself for these negative feelings. She couldn't let them interfere with her job--she hadn't --yet.  Chakotay wasn't letting it interfere with his--or was he?  *Stop it Kathryn you're acting like a school girl.*  She replicated a glass of wine and checked the chronometer--was already past dinner time -she wondered where he was--surly she wasn't out of line in thinking she would see him before now.

"Computer, locate Commander Chakotay."

"COMMANDER CHAKOTAY IS IN HIS QUARTERS--DECK THREE SECTION 3002"

"Janeway to Chakotay"

"Yes, Captain."  His response smacked her in the face; she didn't respond.  "Captain?"

"Yes, Commander. I'm here. I was just checking on the scanner modifications." *Captain?--he was in his quarters--a little formal--maybe he...*  She heard the voice in the background.

"They are almost complete, Captain. Kellin gave all the remaining specifications to Seven.  Would you like me to check with her and update you?"

"That won't be necessary, Commander. I will do it. Janeway out."  She threw her wine glass against the bulkhead. "Damn you, I should have know better."  She slammed her hand down on the desk.  "Now, Kathryn--"  She spoke out loud to herself.  "Get a grip here--you assigned the man to work with her--she knows no one else on the ship-or maybe everyone--I don't know--but don't lose your perspective here.  He could very well be just trying to make her more comfortable--he is a very nice man and he would want to--- Oh god -now I'm talking to my self---this is truly silly." She slapped her badge again.  "Janeway to Seven"

"Yes, Captain."

"Seven, how are the modifications coming along?"

"I should have them complete with in the hour."

"Good--keep me informed--Janeway out."  She sat on the couch "Well, Kathryn --now what?"  She threw her head back and growled, through gritted teeth.. "Grrrrr"

After a while she left her quarters, walked the ship a while, making people nervous and some people suspicious.  This was making matters worse, she passed Sandrine's then went back and sat at the bar.  A wine to replace the one she threw and a little peace and quiet.  She was absorbed in her thoughts and didn't notice him, his voice startled her.

"Been looking for you."

"Just ask the computer, it tells all."  She didn't turn to face him.  "Where's Kellin?"

"I left her in the mess hall.  Can I sit down?"
 
"You're off duty Commander; do what ever you like."  She downed her wine, setting the glass back just a little too hard.  "Gotta go."  She got off the stool, without ever looking at him.

"Kathryn."  He grabbed her arm to stop her and she looked up and glared at him.

"Take you hand off me."  She hissed it softly through gritted teeth.

"Kathryn, talk to me." His voice was a little loud and it raised a few heads.

"Nothing."  She shook her arm loose. "to say."  She noticed several people staring at them. "Now look what you've done."  She whispered, nodding her head toward the crewmembers watching.

"I've done nothing.  I only want to talk to you."  He lowered his voice now, but returned her glare.

"Not here."  She gave him what the others might have thought was a smile, he knew better, then she turned and walked out.

"Hey." He called as he exited the holodeck behind her.

"What?"  She glanced sideways at him as he caught up.

"Can we talk?"

"In my quarters."  She punched open the lift and stepped in.  "Deck three."  She looked at him, opened her mouth to say something--then stopped.

"What?"

"Nothing, it would only prove to provoke an argument."  The door opened and she exited before he could ask again. She nodded to crewmen they passed trying to look less than murderous. unsuccessfully.  She punched in her code and walked in, he followed.  Half way across the room she turned to him.

"OK, what is it you have to say?"

"Being a little childish aren't we?  God I've spoken to a lot of women in my quarters--it never bothered you before."

"They were not-- her."

"What?  You know Kellin for one day and ---what?  I don't get it."

"Don't you?"  She walked to the viewport.  "Chakotay, a lot of what I do out here, many of my decisions--important decisions--are made by my gut.   With no real information. I sometimes have to make life and death decisions and this is the best indicator I have, it is usually right."

"And your gut says--what? Kellin is bad--she's using us --she's lying?"  He came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.  "Tell me what it's telling you."

"She's in love with you."  He said nothing, so she turned to look at him.

"I know."  He took a deep breath "She told me."

"Kellin to Chakotay"

They stood staring into each other's eyes. His hands still resting on her shoulders.

"Kellin to Chakotay"

Kathryn turned away.

"Chakotay here. What is it Kellin?"

"They're here. Chakotay, someone is here. I know it."  She truly sounded frightened.

"Where are you?"

"In my quarters.  Will you come?"

"On my way. Chakotay out." He stepped toward her.  "Kathryn."

"Go. Find out what she means."  She still faced the viewport and she watched his reflection as he left.

Kellin was convinced there was a tracer on board, but he could detect nothing.  She was very upset-both with the idea of a tracer and with his refusal to believe that only a month ago, he was in love with her.  She couldn't sleep and didn't want to be left alone, so he stayed and tried to keep her calm.  Some time in the night he dosed off and she covered him and watched him sleep.

Kathryn checked the chronometer--0300--she tossed and turned, finally got up and made a cup of coffee.

"Computer located Commander Chakotay"

"COMMANDER CHAKOTAY IS IN THE VIP SUITE --DECK THREE SECTION 3011"

"Computer Status"

"COMMANDER CHAKOTAY IS ASLEEP."

"Well, now Kathryn, aren't you sorry you asked."  She chastised herself, recycled her coffee and went back to bed.
 

"CAPTAIN THE TIME IS 0500, CAPTAIN THE TIME IS 0500"

"Computer reset 24 hours"  She sat up on the side of the bed, wondered why she felt so lousy.  Then she remembered.  "Computer locate Commander Chakotay."

"COMMANDER CHAKOTAY IS IN THE VIP SUTIE-- DECK THREE SECTION3011"

"Grrrrr--you asked, stupid."  She started for the shower.  "Computer, blow the damned VIP suite out the nearest air lock"

"UNABLE TO COMPLY--PLEASE RESTATE YOUR REQUEST."

"I know that! Godds Computer,  do you think I would tell you to do it if you really could!"

"UNABLE TO COMPLY--PLEASE RESTATE YOUR REQUEST."

"Forget it!"
 

She showered and dressed quickly, hoping to be in her ready room before he was even out of -----before he woke up. She had one rushed cup of coffee and was on her way to the lift by 0545"

"Good morning."  She handed him a cup of tea.

"What time is it?"  He sat running his hand through his hair.

"0530"

"I have to get out of here."  He got up spilling the tea.  "Damn"  He took a few minutes to clean it up, then walked toward the door.

"Chakotay, don't be so nervous."  She was standing in front of him.

"I have to go. I have bridge duty."

"No breakfast?"

"No"  He tried to go, but she stood in his way.  "Kellin, I have to go."

"Relax."  She ran her hands up his chest and into his hair, her lips were soft and warm on his and he hesitated a moment.

Chakotay twisted to free himself, now facing back into the room, Kellin still kissing him, he stepped back and accidentally triggered the door and it opened.  The time was 0545.

Just as Kathryn was hurrying past, the door to the VIP Suite opened, she hadn't wanted to --it was a reflex action--she looked in.  Kellin was wrapped around him, their lips locked together--if he hiccuped he would have swallowed her. She stopped dead, a sharp gasp escaped, then she hurried to the lift. As the doors were closing, he came running toward her; she let them close.

She reached the bridge and cross to the safety of her ready room.  She flopped on the couch wondering if her eyes were playing tricks on her.  He wasn't due on the bridge until 0800; she hoped to compose herself by then.

"Trouble in paradise?"  Tom's voice startled him, as he turned to face him, Tom's smirk faded.  "Hey you OK?---I was just kidding--but you look like hell-are you..."

"I'm fine Tom, thanks."  He gave Tom a pat on the shoulder and went back to his quarters.

It was 1100 and in the two hours he had been here he had not seen or heard from the Captain.  Gamma shift told him she was in the ready room and had been for hours.  Finally the door opened and  she walked out.  She looked ---like the Captain--calm and in control she nodded to the crew and took her seat.

"Report."  She said it quietly and looked directly into his eyes as she did.

"All system functioning normally, scanner modifications complete."  He looked back but he could feel the hairs on his neck stand up at her look.

"Thank you, Commander."  She flipped up the console between and busied herself with --something.

"Kellin to Commander Chakotay."  The bridge got deathly quiet when Kathryn audibly sighed.

"Chakotay here."  He avoided Kathryn's look.

"Commander, I need to speak with you. I have evidence of..."

"Kellin?"

"Hurry."

Nothing moved on the bridge at all.  No one made a sound and everyone could feel the tension in the air.

"Computer, locate Kellin"  Kathryn was the first to speak.

'KELLIN IS IN THE VIP SUITE  --  DECK THREE SECTION 3011"

"Tuvok get a security team to the VIP Suit"  She turned to Chakotay.  "You better go."  Her face betrayed nothing; the Captain was firmly in place.

The security team checked the suite; they found nothing.  Chakotay tried to reason with her, but she was insistent--someone was here.  He stationed Security out side her door and was about to leave, when the intruder lost his cloak and appeared before them.

"Please no--I don't want to go--Please."  Kellin cried

"Kellin, you know better then to ask that."  Before Chakotay could even react, he lifted his weapon and shot Kellin with the ray.

"Security, intruder alert."  Chakotay slapped his badge and they were inside in a second.

"Too late, she is already starting to forget."

"Emergency medical beam out."  He waved security on just as he and Kellin shimmered away.

By the time Kathryn reached sick bay, the doctor had already determined there was no was to reverse the effects.  Kellin lay on a biobed, clutching desperately to Chakotay.  Kathryn watched from across the room.

"Please, Chakotay--I don't want to go."

"I'll try to help you."

"Don't let me forget--remind me-- tell me how we loved each other--just the way I reminded you."  She was trying to hold back her tears.  "Please --promise me--please."

"I promise-- I will tell you everything you told me."  He watched her drift off into a sleep like state, then looked up just in time to see Kathryn leave.

He pried his fingers from Kellin's and followed Kathryn into the hall; she was gone.

"Computer located Captain Janeway."

"CAPTAIN JANEWAY IS IN THE HYDROPONICS BAY  DECK  7  CARGO BAY TWO"

He took the lift to deck seven, entering slowly and quietly,scanning for her.  He found her, on a bench near the peace roses.  He should have known.

"Kathryn."

"How is she?"  She looked up.

"OK, physically --The Doctor said there is nothing he could do--she will forget."

"Sorry."

"Are you--really?"

"Yes, about a lot of things."

"Such as?"

"It really doesn't matter--we will forget this ever happened by tomorrow."

"I know that but it matters--"

"You promised her. What are you going to say?"

"I--I'm gonna..."

"No don't tell me. I don't really want to know ; I just had to ask."

"There are things we should talk about--her visit--this one-the last one..."

"It doesn't matter---it will all be gone tomorrow."  She got up "I'll see you tomorrow."  She walked out leaving him standing alone among the roses.

He returned to sick bay, but she had been released, so he went to her quarters.  She didn't know him and didn't want to listen to his story.  She wanted to go home and so he let her.   He brought her and the tracer to the transporter room and said his good byes.  They told him again about the computer virus and how they would not remember tomorrow, he smiled as she shimmered away.

"CAPTAIN THE TIME IS 0500, CAPTAIN THE TIME IS 0500"

"Computer reset 24 hours"

She sat up--she felt strange--like she was missing something.  She shrugged it off and replicated coffee.  On her desk was a pad of paper and a pen--old fashion recording implements--something was written on it. She took it to the couch and settled down with her coffee.  It was a letter--to her.

Dear Kathryn,

     When we wake this morning, we won't remember this, so I'm writing down the important parts..  We had a visit from a woman named Kellin.  It was her second visit with us, or so she said.  She  came from a closed society that tracked down anyone who left and brought them home--these people wiped our memories of their visits. Their technology and reasoning are unimportant to us now--the only important thing is what her visit did for us, and the rest is best forgotten.

      Kellin said she loved me and claimed I fell in  love her too --when she visited us the first time.  She came back to try to make me love her again. I didn't know her then any more, than I will this morning and I certainly never loved her.  I know that when you saw us together, you thought I might feel something for her--it was never so.  What I felt, when she was here, was the terrible searing pain you carried inside you--you tried so hard to hide.   I promise you, now--I will never cause you such pain--You are my love, my best friend, my soulmate---my life.  Never fear that I will leave you.  I love you.

    If I am right, Kellin has given us a wonderful gift.  Our relationship began to change, to blossom and grow during the period of time Kellin claims to have made her first visit.   I believe she provided the catalyst that finally brought us together.  If this is so, I am eternally grateful to her.  Do not mistake my gratitude for more than it is.

     When you read this, it will be morning and everyone else will have forgotten her.  You and I will not. We will have this written word to remind us of Kellin and of the precious gift she has bestowed on us.

                                                          All my love forever
                                                                 Chakotay

Kathryn set the paper down and wiped the tears from her eyes.  She grabbed her bathrobe and started for the door. It slid open and he was waiting.  She rushed up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him, passionately.

"Morning."  Tom's voice resounded along the corridor, as he stopped in front of the door, that they were preventing from closing.  They didn't answer,  "Well, lovely morning isn't it?"  He waited -they continued to kiss.  "Yes, OK I can take a hint--see you later."  He smirked as he headed for the lift.  It opened and an Ensign tried to exit, but Tom pushed back him inside.  "Deck three is off limits this morning"

"But I live here."

"Well, let me buy you breakfast and maybe it will be open by then"  The doors closed on the bewildered Ensign. "Deck two--- So- Ensign Ingles, how do you like your leola root?"
 

The End