DISCLAIMER: Most of the characters contained in this story belong to Paramount. The words on the paper are mine--but Paramount can use them if they want. (I wish) No infringement intendedFULL CIRCLE PART ONE
This story is a sequel to "You can't go home again" found here
RATED NC 17
It had taken eighteen months, after their return to the alpha quadrant, but finally the former crew of Voyager--Maquis and Starfleet alike were free. It had been a difficult time for everyone, but now it was over, or maybe it was just beginning. Although she and the entire starfleet crew had resigned upon the arrest of the Maquis, eighteen months later Kathryn made a deal with Fleet to lead a negotiation team, such was the price of their freedom.
Upon their release, B'Elanna, Tom and Chakotay returned with Kathryn to her house in Indiana, where Tom and B'Elanna were reunited with their daughter Lanna and Chakotay learned he and Kathryn had a nine-month-old son. It was a difficult and confused reunion, but they had finally settled down for the night.
It had been especially awkward for Chakotay. His mind was still whirling with lies he had been fed for the past year and a half, evil lies about Kathryn, the discovery of his son and his sudden release from prison. With some uncertainty, he agreed to spend the night in Kathryn's bed. He woke to his strange surroundings, took several minutes to orientate himself, then relaxed into the warm body next to him. She was snuggled up to his chest, wrapped around him, her head tucked down in such a way that he could breath in the soft scent of her hair. It was new and a bit odd, but definitely not a bad place to be. She stirred and lifted her head.
"Hi" Her voice was groggy and thick with sleep.
"Morning" He smiled, god she looked good---hair tossed, no make up, sleepy, warm and beautiful. He couldn't resist. He bent his head and softly kissed her lips.
"Now, that's the way to wake up." She was smiling, carefully studying his face.
He didn't speak, just gently brushed her lips, growing just a little more demanding. She responded in kind, wanting to be careful not to push beyond what he was ready for. His fingers slowly moved, gently stroking, caressing. He broke the kiss to watch her, as his fingers traced the line of her jaw, gliding down her neck to the hollow of her throat. Her eyes closed, head back she concentrated on the sensations he created. She arched slightly as his hand cupped her breast, fingers tracing the outline of an erect nipple through the silky nightgown.
His lips claimed hers again and she moaned softy as his slipped beneath the vee of her nightgown."Kay"
The small voice at the side of the bed startled them. Both sets of eyes flew open as they drew back from one another. She smiled and rolled her eyes, resting her forehead against his before turning toward the child.
"Kay"
"Good morning, Lanna." She leaned in the child's direction, smiling.
Lanna scampered up onto the bed, lifted his hand, which was still on Kathryn, crawling under it and wiggling into a space she created between them before placing the hand back where she found it. She giggled up at them, eyes sparkling and they laughed.
"Well, good morning, Lanna." He tapped her nose with one finger. She giggled again, looking from one to the other. "Does she do this often?" He raised an eyebrow, knowing he was asking a loaded question and wondering if she would answer.
"Usually, I'm up before her--but if not she just joins me." She smiled, raised her own eyebrow. "If you're asking if she has ever gotten between me and someone else---there was never an opportunity."
"Did I ask that?"
"No, but you wanted to." She leaned over Lanna and kissed him, which produced more giggles.
"You find this amusing, do you?" He tickled the little girl, who wiggled and giggled helplessly between them. "Hey Paris--is that you?" He yelled out at the sound of footsteps in the hallway.
"No, It's me Chak." B'Elanna's voice came back to them.
"Come here--will ya?"
"Morning." She eyed the scene before her and smiled. "Cozy"
"Yeah, this belong to you?" He tickled Lanna again.
"Mama" Lanna yelped out between giggles.
"Gee, she sure looks comfy there." She teased, coming over and extending her arms to Lanna. "Want to come with mama?"
"Mama." Lanna gave a quick look in Kathryn's direction then extended her arms allowing her mother to pick her up. "KO" Her eyes lit up at the sounds from the other room.
"I'll get him." B'Elanna grinned. "Least I can do."
"I'll be right there, thanks." Kathryn called after her, as she rushed out, closing the door behind her.
"That's B'E as subtle as ever." Suddenly more uncomfortable than before.
"Somethings never change." Seeing uncertainty again, she sat up. "We are having a lot of company today-- I think----I'm not even sure who said they were coming."
"Kathryn.."
"It's OK --don't push." She climbed out of bed, he grabbed her hand and she turned toward him. "It's up to us now, Chakotay ---we have all the time we need." She bent and kissed him. "Come on --someone has to cook breakfast."
"I hope you mean me."
"Hey, we didn't work this hard to get you all out just to poison you." She tossed a pillow at him. "Of course I meant you."
They joined the others in the kitchen, Tom was surprised to see them, but glad to have someone else to do the cooking. Over breakfast they tried to plan for whatever company they were having--unfortunately none of them knew who or how many were coming. Everyone was pretty sure Harry and Marlea would show up but beyond that was anyone's guess.
"This has been nice, but I think we should all get dressed before ---whoever shows up." Kathryn picked up Kole and headed upstairs. "There's a sonic shower in your room and a water one in the hall bathroom, which ever you prefer. I have my own bathroom."
"I'll change him, you shower." Chakotay followed her upstairs, taking Kole.
"OK" She laughed and shook her head.
"What? Don't you think I can do it?"
"Stop that, I know you can take care of him, I--I'm just surprised you are so eager to."
"Me too---guess he's got me hooked already."
When she came out of the bathroom, they were on the bed together. Kole was clean and dressed and pulling Chakotay's hair with one hand and his nose with the other. She stood laughing at them.
"Hey, don't laugh---help me."
"Thought you could handle him."
"Guess-- I could use some practice." He lifted Kole in her direction. "Here, take him, so I can get up."
"Come here." She lifted the baby and he immediately grabbed for the towel she was wrapped in. "No, leave that alone." She caught his hand before he could undress her. "Typical man."
Chakotay just laughed, slipping into the bathroom. By the time he finished his shower, she was dressed and on her way down stairs. She stopped in the doorway and turned back, inspecting his towel clad body, with her eyes.
"Nice outfit." She closed the door and was gone.
It didn't take him long to dress. He was just finishing when someone knocked on the bedroom door.
"Yeah?"
"Are you decent?" Kathryn called through the door. "Can I come in?"
"It's your room. I suppose you can." He sat on the bed chuckling, as he reached for his shoes.
"I just wanted to warn you." She looked disappointed to find him dressed. "My mother and sister are here."
"And they have shotguns---or what?"
"Very funny--no shotguns--no phaser compression rifles --only their mouths as weapons---that may be enough."
"And I'm their target?"
"Well, they are anxious to meet you ---more than a little curious."
"Why would that be? Just because she sent off her straight shooting, by the book, starfleet disciplined daughter to capture the federations most wanted criminal and she returned seven years later, carrying his child, throws away the career she worked her whole life for and then makes a pact with the devil to set him free---gee what's to be curious about?"
"Sounds a little---sordid when you put it like that." She sat down next to him. "I know you're joking, but I don't think I had anything to throw away---not that I wouldn't do that for you---just that I don't want you to feel guilty or pressured---I make my own decisions---just remember that."
"If anyone knows you have a mind of your own ---it's me--believe me." He placed his hand over hers. "After all you are still my best friend."
"And I always will be." She stood up, keeping hold of his hand. "Right now, my mother would like to meet my best friend ----who also happens to be the father of her grandson."
"Should I be worried?"
"My mother won't make rash judgments--- she'll weight the situation, nothing to fear from her except nosy questions --today----my sister on the other hand, has always been drawn to any man who interested me---not to mention this obsession she has developed for finding the source of the killer dimples your son has--be afraid of that one."
"So I interest you---do I?"
"Gods, there's an epiphany!"
The house was beginning to fill up by the time they got down stairs. Harry and Marian, Tuvok and T'Pel, Gretchen and Phoebe, Phoebe's two kids, all chatting in the living room, as they came down the stars. He worked his way across the room, ending up in front of Gretchen. Kathryn introduced them, leaving them with a warning look---they weren't sure who it was intended for.
Annika showed up with a new friend, Preston and Ayala brought his sons with him. Sam and Naomi came with Joe Carey, it was a busy house most of the day. By early evening almost everyone had gone, except Harry and Marian, who planned on staying a few days and Gretchen, who was on her way out. She was waiting to say goodnight to Kathryn, who was upstairs putting the kids to bed.
"You do well with my grandson; he likes you." There was a little challenge in the way she said it and a look that dared him to respond.
"I should think so---he is my son."
"And my daughter----what is she?"
"Kathryn, is my son's mother and my best friend." He looked down into the piercing blue eyes. "She is my soulmate and the most stubborn woman I ever met----- before today."
Kathryn came down the stairs just in time to hear her mother burst into laughter. She watched as her mother grabbed hold of Chakotay and hugged him.
"You win -- You may be the only man I've ever met who could handle that woman--- good luck."
"What is this? --- I think I've missed something." Kathryn joined them, as they enjoyed their shared laughter.
"Nothing at all ---I have to go, dear." She kissed them both goodbye. "Take care of each other."
As they stood watching her go, he put his arm around her shoulder, she slipped hers around his waist.
"You're not going to tell me either--are you?"
"It's nothing, I just think we understand each other."
"Understand --what?" She tilted her head back to see his face.
"We both love you." He bent and kissed the tip of her nose. "Too bad we still have company."
"That's not company ---it's Harry for gods sakes." They laughed and joined the others in the living area.
It had been another long and eventful day and it didn't take long for the rest of the group to head upstairs. Kathryn finished up in the kitchen and turned out the lights, she was the last to climb the stairs. She found him just where she expected to, standing over Kole. She stood next to them, watching as he adjusted the blanket, lightly running a finger across a soft cheek. He put his arm around her and led her out of the baby's room.
As they got ready for bed, she tried to pretend that she wasn't conscious of him watching her. He sat on the bed and removed his shoes, then just sat back and watched her. She kicked her shoes off and removed her slacks, hanging them in the closet. She felt ridiculous, she had a child with this man and she could feel the color rising in her cheeks, as he watched her.
"Mom wanted to know what I'm doing with the baby when I go away next week." She tried to sound casual, stepping inside the bathroom to wash off her makeup.
"I told her I would take care of him---is that alright?" He called to her.
"You're sure?---full time is a lot." She came out drying her face.
"B'Ella and Tom will be here. Gretchen won't be far, if I need her." He was undressing, but still watching her.
"Gretchen is it?" She pulled her tunic over her head and hung it on the back of a chair.
"I told you---we understand each other." He smiled, standing at the foot of the bed wearing only his boxers.
"I see." She looked up at him, wondered if he could heat her heart pound.
Eyes locked as she unclasped her bra, letting it slide off her shoulders, she could feel his eyes move over her. She wanted to say something, but her mouth went dry. She reached for her nightgown and he took it from her and tossed it on the bed. Her breath caught as he reached out, his touch sending shivers up her spine. He was still watching, she knew even with her eyes closed, as his hands cupped her breasts, thumbs brushing across taunt nipples. Her fingers found there way into his hair, drawing his lips down to meet hers. Lips parting lips, tongues
dueling, tasting, hands touching, exploring, learning. His fingers slipped beneath the band, sliding her panties over her hips, down her thighs until she stepped out of them. He nipped a path along her jaw, tongue lingering on the sensitive spot behind her ear. She arched, a gasp escaping as he bent to take the tight dimpled nipple in his mouth. He lifted her, gently placing her on the bed and stepping out of his boxers as he joined her. He knelt between her
legs, placing his hands on either side of her, he captured her mouth kissing her breathless, before licking a path down to suckle one breast then the other. He nipped and sucked her belly and she moaned as his hot breath blew through her damp auburn curls. Her finger entwined in his hair, gasping as he gently probed her moist lips with his tongue. Pressing her thighs wider, his fingers opened her to his probing tongue, she cried out thrusting her hips, ashe lapped at her ample juices."OOohhhhh" She gasped gripping his head and grinding her hips. "Goddddd---chaaaaahhh"
He slid two finger into her, she sucked in a sharp breath, bucking against his thrusting fingers. His tongue drew teasing circles around her throbbing bundle of nerves as she writhed beneath him, clutching, gasping.
"Ahhhhh--pleeeeassse." She arched swinging her hips, digging her fingers into his head, directing him, begging him. "Chaaakoota pleeassse." He raised he head to watch her, she moaned in frustration. "OOHhh godd don't stop." She bucked against him and he lower him self, taking her pulsating nerves into his mouth. "Yeesss godddd yeessss" She writhed beneath his skillful manipulations. "Aahhhh." crying out as her body convulsed around him.
When she stilled, he moved beside her, watching as she fought to regain control of her breathing, a small sigh escaped, she opened her eyes and smiled at him. He brushed back the damp strands of hair from her face, gently kissing her lips. She pulled him closer, deepening the kiss and rolling him on his back. Breaking the kiss, she trailed a line of moist open kisses across his chest, pausing to suckle an erect nipple. She felt the muscles of his stomach ripple as her tongue followed the path her hands blazed, down his body. He sucked in a sharp breath as her fingers closed around him and her tongue tracing maddenly slow wet circles, licking at the salty droplets. He groaned deeply as her lips sought to immerse him in their velvety moisture. He thrust against her, losing himself in the sensations, fingers tightening in her hair.
Ahhhhh goddd---Katt" He tugged at her. "Pleeasse Kat."
At his insistence, she released him and allowed him to roll her back to the mattress. He kissed her as he positioned himself above her, one hand supporting him the other parting her wet folds, stroking until she bucked against him, pleading. She moaned and whimpered as he slowly played his length along her folds, watching her toss her head, fingers gripping the sheets.
"Chakotay--pleeasse--ohhh godd" She clutched at him, wrapping her legs around him, trying to force the joining she so desperately needed.
They both gasped, as he suddenly plunged into her, thrusting wildly as her body convulsed and clenched around him. She gasped, then screamed out his name just seconds before he grasped her hips, crying out as he spasmed deep within her. They collapsed in a sweaty mass of tangled body parts, gasping and panting.
He rolled to his side and she came with him, burying her face in his chest. He wrapped her in his arms, running his hands down her back. When breath and coherent thought returned, he rolled her away from him, touching the moisture on her cheeks, brushing aside the tears.
"Hey---what's this?"
"Nothing."
"Kat --what's wrong?"
"Nothing---really. I was----I was afraid I would lose you."
"God---I'm sorry--there are things I'm not sure of---stuff--- I'll just have to work through, but..." He lifted her chin so she was looking in his eyes. "You are not one of them. I love you, Kathryn." He pulled her close, kissing her hair, holding her tight.
She mumbled her response against his chest, then he felt her make short gaspy sounds and she shook slightly against him.
"Kathryn what is it?" He moved her away, expecting to see her crying again---instead she laughed. "What?"
"God, Chakotay----it just occurred to me-how old this house is."
"So?" He was laughing with her, he couldn't help it.
"It's not like the ship---no sound proofing. We probably woke the entire house."
"Whose fault is that?"
"Yours"
"Mine? I wasn't the one screaming."
"No---but you caused it."
"Is that a complaint?"
"Oh --Hell no---let 'em go somewhere else if they wanna sleep." She laughed and snuggled back down against his chest. "Sleep would be a good thing now, though---Lanna will be in here before we know it."
True to her prediction, Lanna crawled into bed with them, bright and early in the morning. She snuggled down between them and almost got crushed when he rolled over and reached for Kathryn. The little yelp startled him.
"Kat?" His eyes flew open and he was met not with sleepy blue, but big and bright brown.
"Kotay." She giggled at him.
"Lanna, good morning---you scared me." He smiled, as she touched the lines on his head.
"I don't suppose I can convince you to go to sleep?" He shook his head in answer to his own question, as he watched the bright eyes dance.
"KO, up."
"He's awake? She nodded her head. "OK, let's go get him."
He picked her up and left the room quietly closing the door behind them. Kole squealed when he saw them, bouncing with excitement. He quickly changed him and took the two down stairs for breakfast. B'Elanna was the first to join him.
"Mama" Lanna jumped up and wrapped her arms around her mother's legs.
"Morning, honey." She picked up the child. "She wake you up again? Sorry"
"It's OK, someone had to get up with Kole, anyway." He put two cups on the table. "Coffee?"
"Yeah, thanks ---so how you doing?" She sat Lanna back down. "Little strange isn't it ---being free, having kids--being together again---takes some getting used to."
"Oh it's different --not that I couldn't get used to it."
"I take it you've decided a few things ---cleared up some of that stuff you told me about---all that stuff about her betraying us?"
"I should have know better--I guess. It was sounding so real-after awhile--the way they said it---but I can't look at her and believe them. And Kole...." He just shook his head and smiled.
"Quite a shock, but god--look at him--you couldn't deny him if you wanted to."
"I think Kathryn had her doubts about my reaction--thought I might want a DNA test or something---offered to do it..."
"God, Chak---what do you say to that?"
"Not much--made me feel like shit. I know she didn't mean that, she just wanted to make it easier if I still had doubts---I don't have doubts about her--or Kole --spirits if he kept those eyes closed, I could paint on little blue lines and he would be a miniature me." He laughed as he watched Kole play with his breakfast. "How about you--you OK?"
"Yeah-- I still love that lug, if that's what you mean. We'll be alright ---just have to figure out where to go from here--what we want to do."
"You have time to work it out. You can stay here as long as you need to, you know that."
"I know, and Lanna's awful attached to Kathryn---don't know how she'd react if we moved into our own place."
"She'll adjust---she knows who you are, that's a big step and you can take your time making changes --it will make it easier.
"We can't just live here."
"No--not forever, but you can stay a while--how ever long it takes. Besides Kathryn has to go away, probably next week and I volunteered to keep Kole--I could use all the help I can get."
"What makes you think I'm any better at this than you? I see you with him, you do just fine."
"Funny isn't it--we can run a Starship, fight a war, take on any enemies and we're both scared of two little kids."
"She did it -- so can we."
"Yeah, Kathryn can't even boil water --- if she can handle them alone, we should be able to do it together."
"What is it you think you can do better than me now?" Kathryn came down the stairs.
"Nothing---that's the problem." He pulled out the chair as she brought her coffee to the table. "Here sit."
"Thanks."
"We were just talking about you going away-----wondering how the kids will be." He added the last part and she laughed.
"Them or you guys?"
"Well --to be honest, both. I've never done this before and these two aren't long on experience either "
"You'll be fine, I never had kids either 'till I brought Lanna home ---we did OK didn't we kido? Besides your pal Gretchen won't be far away" She smirked at him.
"Your pal--huh, Chak?" B'Elanna smiled but turned serious. "Kathryn--I haven't had a chance to thank you. We really appreciate you taking care of her. I don't want to think what would have happened to her if..."
"B'Elanna, we're family--there was nothing else I could have done."
"Yeah, but not everyone feels that way, she has grandparents and ----I don't know, I guess I should have expected this."
"None of us knew what to expect --obviously. You're home now, everything will work out."
"Yeah, thanks to you."
"Thanks to Uttan Neaua--I think. I'm a little nervous about him."
"Why --- don't you trust him?" Chakotay's gut tightened at the mention of the Celeroan leader.
"I don't think I ever did, just had to deal with him. I do wonder why he would want to deal primarily with me."
"Good thing he did or we would all still be in jail." B'Elanna didn't see a problem. "You handled him before, without federation back up."
"Oh, I know it will be fine---I just don't like it." She smiled trying to shake off the feeling. "Maybe I just don't want to leave. I'll miss the kids, you guys just got here and ....." She turned to Chakotay. "I've spent more than enough time away from you."
"I'll miss you, too---maybe we could come with you."
"I don't think that would be a good idea--You'd be stuck in a hotel room, with the baby and I would never concentrate on my work."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Kathryn heard from Admiral Nechayev, her meeting with President Dar'pal was set up and a schedule was devised for her trip. They were to meet on Deep Space 12. Her team would include herself, Tuvok, Admiral Bullark, Councilmen Moreng Nelco and Gavette Creston, an old friend and an expert on intergalactic relations.
Leaving wasn't easy, she had never left the kids before, for more than a few hours and though she knew they would be fine, she was worried. Leaving Chakotay was even more difficult, she had left Mark so many times it became routine, she hadn't pictured it this way, but when it came down to it, she cried.
She met Tuvok in San Francisco and they traveled together to DS12, the rest of the team arrived the following day. Their first meeting was over lunch and was weighted down with formalities, so nothing was accomplished by the time they broke for the evening. It was late in Indiana, but she knew he would be waiting.
"Hi." She reached out to touch the dimpled smile on her view screen.
"Hi---how is it going?"
"Slow---you know the formalities, rituals. Maybe we can get something done tomorrow. How are the kids?"
"Fine--Lanna asked for you and Kole jumps every time the door opens, but their OK--sleeping now."
"I know it's late there---I miss you."
"When are you coming home?"
"I just got here." She laughed. "I'm not that good."
"I think you are."
"You just might be a little bit biased." She looked away and spoke in the direction of the door. "Come in"
"Who's that?"
"My secret lover." She waved the person closer.
"I thought that was me."
"Can't I have more than one?" She laughed as Tuvok stepped into the picture, eyebrows raised.
"Tuvok, I hope you are taking good care of her."
"Indeed that is my intention, although I thought that would only entail feeding her and keeping her safe. I find now that I must reevaluate this situation."
"Never mind that. Kathryn go have dinner and get some rest. I'll talk to you tomorrow. I love you."
"I love you, too ---Good night."
The screen went dark and he stood alone in the dark living room. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach---he tried to ignore it. Tuvok was there, if anyone could be trusted to take care of her, it was Tuvok. He went to bed.
Kathryn called him every night before he went to sleep and twice she had called during a break so she could speak with the kids. She had been gone almost two weeks and was sorry to say she didn't see an end in sight. He suggested he come to meet her on the weekend, but she planned on working straight through---she wanted this done.
Harry came up on Friday night, so everyone was awake when she contacted him. With each of them wanting to say something, he didn't get to talk much, but he could see her the whole time and that made him happy. They got to say good night privately and then he joined the others in the kitchen.
"Strange not having her here, I got used to it."
"Just how used to it, Harry? You spent a lot of time here." Tom teased. "A little of the old crush?"
"No--not like that. We did need each other though--you guys were gone and we had Lanna, then Kole---I don't know, it just helped to have someone who understood."
"It would have been nice to have someone---I'm glad you were here for her---I owe you for that."
"You don't owe me--believe me, she helped me a lot and when Kole was born----that was just the most amazing experience." He looked at Chakotay, suddenly unsure of his reaction.
"I wish I could have been here--since I couldn't, I'm glad you were. I'm glad she didn't have to do this alone."
"You gotta get her to do that again." He shook his head at their laughter. "Really--it was the most amazing thing--well from where I was, it was amazing, she might not think so--didn't look like she was having much fun. Anyway talk her into it---it's great."
"I'll work on it." He turned to Tom and B'Elanna, "How about you guys--you're younger than us--you do it again and we'll watch."
"I don't think so!" B'Elanna glared at him.
"Yeah, Chakotay, maybe Kathryn is OK --but I was there when Lanna was born--this one could kill ya--infact I thought she would kill Doc and he isn't even alive!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kathryn had stopped by her room to check in with Chakotay, it was good to talk with the others as well. but she had taken too long and now didn't have time for more than a sonic shower, before dressing for dinner. She was dining with the Celeroan representative, she was regretting it already. She had never been overly found of him, but these last two weeks had deepened her dislike of him. Neaua was arrogant and self absorbed, it seemed he had little interest in the negotiation process, or it's outcome. She had only agreed to dinner, because he had hinted that a personal meeting between them might speed up the process and she wanted nothing more than to be able to go home
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
It was 1300 hours, Chakotay was putting Kole down for a nap, Tom and Harry were outside and B'Elanna was resting on the couch, waiting for Chakotay to Come back down. When the signal notified her of and incoming transmission from DS12, she assumed it was Kathryn---strange she would know the kids were napping. She taped the pad, surprised when the dark Vulcan face greeted her.
"B'Elanna, are the others there with you."
"Tuvok? No, Chak is upstairs and the guys are outside ---what's wrong?"
"Can you get him? It's the cap---Kathryn."
"CHAK--GET DOWN HERE!!! SOMETHING WENT WRONG." She yelled, not taking her eyes form the screen "Tuvok, what is it?" Tuvok didn't answer. "CHAK---NOW!!"
"I'm here, B'Ella what is it?" He stopped when he saw Tuvok on the screen. "Tuvok Where's Kathryn?"
"I don't know."
"What the HELL do you mean --- You don't know??!!"
"Chak -- let him talk." B'Elanna held his arm, he nodded.
"I went to her room to meet for breakfast, just a short time ago. She is not there ---has not been seen since she left for dinner last night."
"Dinner--with who?"
"Uttan Neaua---he wanted to discuss some things with her, led us to believe progress depended on this meeting."
"And no one has seen her? What about him?"
"No --- his delegation seemed quite embarrassed to be unable to locate him."
"Who knows about this?"
"Admiral Bullark and Captain Serra have been notified -- I do not know who the Celeroan delegation might have informed. The Admiral has been in touch with Fleet."
"I'm coming there."
"Chakotay -- I believe it best for you to stay there until we have further information --I will keep in constant contact."
"Chak -- Tuvok is good at this, let's give him a chance --we can get things set here, if we need to go get her --then we'll be ready." B'Elanna reasoned with him.
"I will check in --in two hours."
"Good news please --Tuvok." B'Elanna watched the screen go dark.
"Damn it!" Chakotay slammed his fist into the desk.
"Chak, let's try to remain calm. We don't know what happened --- maybe they left the station and had shuttle trouble or something."
"Yeah, sure." He keyed in a transmission.
"What are you doing?"
"Calling Gretchen -- we may need someone to take the kids." Kathryn's mother smiled from the screen.
"Hello---need help or just want to talk?"
"Gretchen -- I may need you to take the kids."
"What's wrong---what happened to Kathryn?" She had that same no nonsense look that Kathryn used.
"Right now we're not sure anything did go wrong. Tuvok had reported her missing, we're waiting for conformation."
"I'll be right over --- you can explain then." She didn't wait for an answer, the screen went black.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Her head hurt, a dull ache, groggy, her eyes wouldn't focus. What had she had to drink last night? Nothing--a wine with dinner, then.... Gods she couldn't remember, she was lying down, but she didn't remember going to bed. Her hair was in her face, she tried to brush it away ---she couldn't. Her wrists were fastened to the bed posts. She held her eyes closed and listened, trying to find a clue to what was happening, trying to remember where she was --or should be. She concentrated, she could feel the same binding on her ankles, she was firmly fastened to all four corners. She heard no movement in the room. She wondered if anyone was here with her. There was a dull rumble, a slight shimmy, the smallest of vibration --- a ship, she was on a ship. She remembered, she had been at DS12 --dinner --Uttan.
They had dinner at a small restaurant on the station. Just the two of them, she tried to discuss the business at hand, he wouldn't.
"Kathryn, you are still too Starfleet. I thought you resigned your commission. Relax a little."
"I am relaxed -- the sooner we finish this, the sooner we can go home. Don't you want to go home?"
"No -- there is nothing there for me. Who waits for you, that you are so anxious to get back?"
"I have ---family." She didn't want to discuss her personal life with him.
"A man? Is that what drives you to go home? Is he waiting for you?" He poured them another wine. She didn't answer. "So, do I know this man---someone from Voyager?"
"We are not here to discuss my life, can we get back to the territorial question?"
"Kathryn, you work too hard." He put his hand over hers and she strained not to jerk hers away.
"That's what we're here for." She sipped her wine. She felt light headed, but this was only her second wine and she had only sipped it. She shook it off.
"Right here-- right now, we are here to enjoy a good meal and good company. You are a beautiful woman Kathryn, relax and let me enjoy your company."
"Why did you insist on negotiating with me?" She was afraid she already knew the answer. Her head started to spin, she reached her hand up to hold it.
"Is something wrong ---are you ill?" He leaned over her appearing concerned. "Perhaps we better go." He signed for their meal and helped her up.
"I'll be alright, I'm sorry, I think I'd better go back to my room." She stood but was unable to maneuver without his help.
"Certainly, let me help you." He put his arm around her and walked her into the corridor. This way." He gently guided her.
"No this is not right." She tried to get her bearings, this area of the station was not familiar. "I'll call Tuvok, He'll..."She staggered and he caught her, knocking her comm badge to the floor.
She wanted to retrieve it, call Tuvok, she couldn't. She had trouble standing, couldn't think straight and then it went dark.
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They were all waiting, by the time Tuvok next contacted them. Gretchen, Tom and Harry had been told the little that Chakotay and B'Elanna knew and together they waited for word from Tuvok The kids were up and sensing the tension, were themselves a little cranky. When the transmission finally came in, Chakotay answered it.
"Tuvok." He knew from the look on Tuvok's face that the news wasn't good.
"We believe that Uttan has kidnapped Kathryn. They were last seen at dinner and it is reported that Kathryn was not feeling well. We have analyzed the glasses and utensils used last night and while we can't be certain which were Kathryn's we found traces of a powerful sedative on one of the wine glasses. As no one else reported being unwell, it is assumed that Uttan drugged Kathryn with the wine. He later made his escape in his own yacht, which has been traced and is on a course for Celeroan space. Starfleet is in pursuit and channels have been opened to
the Celeroan government. Unfortunately, while the government condemns Uttan's actions, they have told Admiral Bullark that federation ships will not be allowed to pursue Uttan across Celeroan space ""Once he reaches Celeroan space, we can't follow him?"
"Correct."
"Eventhough they admit he probably took her against her will?"
"By Celeroan law once he brings an unmated female into his home space ---she belongs to him, to do with as he wishes, regardless of how she came to be there."
"I'm going after her."
"I assumed you would. It will not be easy. Admiral Bullark is sympathetic, but not in a position to authorize such an operation. However, if you could gain the backing of say --Admirals Paris and Forsythe, then he would bewilling to join forces with us. The Admiral was kind enough to let it slip that Voyager, has been refitted and is awaiting a new crew. Contact me from San Francisco, I wish to accompany you on any rescue mission you deem fit.
"Right." He ended the transmission. "OK --do we waste time with the Admiralty or ----just..."
"Steal it?" B'Elanna smiled. "If Kathryn wasn't at risk here---this could be fun."
"We need to get to San Francisco."
"Wait." Gretchen was keying in a transmission. "I'm going with you." Phoebe's face appeared on the screen, "Phoebe, I'm at Kathryn's ---get over here, I need you to take the kids."
"Mom, what's going on?"
"No time now--hurry." She ended the transmission. "OK--let's think this through."
"Gretchen -- I appreciate your concern, but this isn't the place for you. It could get dangerous." Chakotay couldn't image bringing her with them.
"Listen, if we can do this with some kind of fleet support it will be easier --- better to fight on only one front--correct?"
"Yes, but what..?."
"I can still pull a few strings there--out of guilt maybe--but I don't care. We'll start with Owen -- he won't refuse to see me."
"We don't have time for all the red tape."
"No, we don't ---You plan your operation, while I try my way --if we can persuade them to help it may be faster, as well as safer. I'll get you in the door --- I'm afraid after that, it will be up to you."
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TBC