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 TWO
This story is a sequel to "You can't go home again" found here
RATED NC 17
"Kathryn you are awake. Welcome to my ship." Uttan sat on the side of the bed.
"What is this all about --why have you done this?" Kathryn tried to raise her head, the pain caused her to close her eyes.
"You needn't concern yourself now. Your head hurts, let me get you something." He left her alone for only a few minutes, returning with a hypospray. Don't worry this will not harm you, it should relieve the effects of the drugs." He pressed the spray to her neck. "It should only take a minute."
"Uttan, please, release me. We can talk about this." She struggled to keep her voice level and calm.
"I regret, I can no do that, yet." Once we have reached Celeroan space, I will be able to free you of these uncomfortable bonds." He lightly touched her wrist.
"This could endanger the negotiations..."
"I don't care about the negotiations." His voice was loud, but he lowered it and sat again on the bed, "Our governments will find their own solution---without us. No need to worry about that." He placed his hand on her calf and she realized her stockings had been removed. "Try to relax, Kathryn you need to learn to relax." He lightly stroked her leg.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shortly after Phoebe arrived, the five of them left for San Francisco. Tom and Harry set out to make contacts and put the contingency plan into place. B'Elanna and Chakotay accompanied Gretchen to headquarters. Gretchen's credentials admitted them, without incident, all the way to the Admiral's outer office.
"I'm Gretchen Janeway, I must see Admiral Paris---immediately." Gretchen sternly addressed the young Ensign in the outer office.
"Do you have an appointment with the Admiral?"
"Owen and I go way back ---he'll see me. Please inform him I'm here." She gave the young woman a smile, accompanied by the Janeway death glare, the others knew so well.
"Yes, Ma'am." The Ensign got up and disappeared into the other office. When Gretchen turned to face the others, they both smiled.
"Like mother, like daughter----I should have known." Chakotay shook his head.
"I may not have held rank, but I've been dealing with Starfleet all my life."
"Effectively -- I'm sure. You..." B'Elanna was cut short by the return of the Ensign.
"The Admiral will see you now, Ma'am."
"Thank you, Ensign." She motioned the others to follow her, into Owen's office.
"Owen."
"Gretchen, I wish we could..." He turned from the window and hesitated when he saw the others. "Sorry this isn't under better circumstances."
"So am I, Owen --- I believe you know Chakotay and B'Elanna." He nodded, signaled them to take a seat. "Good than we won't waste time. We need to get her back. We want a ship."
"Gretchen, This is a very delicate situation. These things must be handled carefully. We are doing everything we can...."
"Hog wash, Owen. We both know better than that." She waved her hand at him. "This in my daughter we're talking about--- she has given most of her life to fleet, she was in your service when this happened --now, I want her back."
"Gretchen I..."
"Owen-please don't. I am more than familiar with what kind of pull an Admiral does and doesn't have. I understand the politics involved here---with the cooperation of a few, much can be done."
"The others may not be as hospitable as me."
"We already have the support of one-- and none of us expect Admiral Nechayev to go along, willingly--but she can be persuaded. Now, if authorized by four Admirals, we should have no trouble attaining Voyager."
"Voyager?! Gretchen --Voyager isn't.."
"Owen-- Voyager is refitted and awaiting assignment; we have an assignment for her."
"And a Crew?"
"Yes, for the most part."
"I'm sorry - I know you understand these things, but you must also understand Admiral Nechayev won't go along willingly and without her.."
"She'll agree."
"And if she doesn't?"
"Owen, dear." She placed her hand on his arm. "This is much too important to leave to chance. We do have other --options. You do understand --don't you, dear?"
"I believe so." He hit the intercom on his desk. "Tel'Sar, please ask Admiral Forsythe to join us." He cut the link. "We will start here."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kathryn was alone, Uttan had been gone for more than an hour. Her wrists were sore and her arms felt numb from being stretched above her head, she was uncomfortable from lack of movement and her bladder was urgently calling for relief. She had no real idea of how long she had been here, it had been hours since she woke, but how long before that she wasn't sure.
The low light suddenly brightened and she blinked, squinting her eyes. Uttan was back, she could hear him in the other room.
"Kathryn, are you awake?"
"Yes." She squinted up at him and he smiled.
"Lights 1/2 --- is that better?" He began to unfasten her legs. "I'm going to release you, so that we may eat --- you must not try to escape. It is futile anyway --there is no where for you to go." He rubbed the red marks on her ankle. "You bruise easily, I will remember that." He unfastened her wrists and helped her to sit up.
She sat up rubbing her wrists. She felt weak and empty, except for the pressing need to empty her bladder. He sat very close to her, but she wasn't sure she had the strength to move away. Her muscles were tired and heavy, probably a side effect of whatever he had given her.
"How are you feeling?" His voice was warm and concerned.
"I'm OK." She felt like shit, didn't know if she could stand on her own, but wasn't ready to admit that to him. "I need to use your bathroom."
"Certainly, let me help you." He lifted her to her feet and held her in an upright position, until she managed to balance.
"I'll be alright." She stepped away on shaky legs. "Where?" He nodded toward the doorway and she slowly stumbled in that direction.
He stared close, allowing her to attempt the distance, but never out of reach. She made it to the bathroom, but to her dismay came in with her. She held tight to the sink waiting for him to leave her---he did not.
"Could I have a little privacy?"
"I'm sorry Kathryn, but you are far too resourceful to be left alone--even in here. I would be a gentleman and face the other way, but to turn my back on you would not be safe." He leaned against the door and smiled at her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Their meeting with Admiral Forsythe, went pretty much as expected. He wasn't opposed to helping them, he had a great respect for Kathryn Janeway--even more so since she stood her ground with Nechayev. Like the others, he would not stand against her alone, but with backing he could be counted on to help. They had spoken with Admiral Bullark and so they had three Admirals on their side, only Alynna Nechayev stood in the way and she would not be easy.
They had hit upon a plan and surprisingly it had been Admiral Forsythe who suggested it. At first Owen Paris was opposed to it and Chakotay was just plain shocked, but B'Elanna loved it from the beginning and began to flesh it out so clearly the others couldn't help but agree. First they needed Voyager and they knew where she was and that she was ready. Then they needed a way to have the Admirals back them without officially putting their careers on the line and in the process they had to get Alynna Nechayev to agree.
Admiral Nechayev would leading an inspection team to Voyager in the morning. She was due to arrive at 0800 and it would be a tight maneuver, but they intended to be ready. When they left Head quarters, it was with a solid plan and the covert backing of three of Starfleet's top Admirals--the support of the forth would come at 0815 tomorrow morning, when they intended to take Voyager back into space.
Tom and Harry had lined up a crew, it included Voyagers regulars, such as Sam Wildman, Joe Carey and Annika Hansen, as well as some new recruits. It was a skeleton staff to be sure, including B'Elanna and Chakotay they numbered fifty-seven. Kathryn always insisted she needed at least one hundred to run the ship properly, well this time she would run with less. They had a risky flight ahead but the cause was just and their hearts were in it. Voyager would lift off at 0815 and not return without her Captain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kathryn sat across from Uttan, mostly toyed with her food. Uttan said very little and Kathryn said even less. She tried to evaluated her situation. She was his prisoner on a ship headed for Celeroan space, these were the only facts she was certain of. He would answer no questions as to why he brought her here or what his intentions were once they reached his homeworld. He smiled and told her not to concern herself, since in reality she had no say and absolutely no control over anything anymore.
After dinner he returned her to the bed and once again shackled her to the four posts. He put the lights out and left her, saying he had business to attend to and he would return later. She tested each bond, there was not way out of them. She lay in the dark for hours trying to imagine a way out, wondering if fleet would even attempt to rescue her. After what seemed like years she drifted off to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At 2400 hours the shift change was complete. The security team responsible for keeping Voyager secure, in light of the Admiral's, visit had been quietly replaced by those deemed 'loyal to the cause'. At 2430 the first of Voyagers new crew began to arrive and the remainder came aboard in small groups throughout the night. B'Elanna had been among the first to arrive and immediately ran diagnostics on every system on board, she checked and rechecked until she was secure in the knowledge that Voyager was in top form and would have no trouble doing her part.
At precisely 0800, Admiral Nechayev and her party boarded Voyager. Their mission, although officially called inspection was really nothing more than a tour and a chance for Admiral Nechayev to impress the world with her importance. There were two engineers on her team, both of whom had been reassigned late last night and replaced with hand picked volunteers, the Admiral never even acknowledged them, so the change in personnel went unnoticed. Also accompanying her were several reporters, two of whom were last minute replacements. They were left to contend with one reporter, The Admiral and her aid.
The Admiral started her inspection on the bridge and intended to work her way down to engineering. She was a little surprised to find the bridge fully staffed and completely thrown off guard when the door to the ready room closed behind her, leaving the rest of her party on the bridge. She stepped back to reopen the doors, but they didn't move, the voice behind her caused her to jump and spin to face it.
"Admiral, welcome aboard the Starship Voyager." Chakotay smiled at her from behind the desk. "I'm sorry the Captain isn't here to greet you, but she is ---indisposed at the moment. I'm...."
"I know who you are. What is the meaning of this!? What are you doing here?!" She stalked over to where he sat smiling. "I demand you open those doors and get off this ship."
"You Admiral, are in no position to demand anything. Please have a seat." He gestured toward the chair, then tapped his comm. badge. "Chakotay to the bridge. Mr. Paris take us out."
"Aye Sir."
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" She stood in front of him, barely able to control her rage.
"Please, Admiral have a seat and I will explain." Chakotay remained calm, smiling at her discomfort.
"I order you to stop this and release me."
"Sorry to disappoint you--I don't take orders from fleet." He flashed the dimples. "I'm a Maquis--a criminal--remember?"
"What do you want?" The color drained from her face, her hand clutched at her throat. "What do you intend to do with me?"
"Rest assured Admiral, I have no interest in you---personally." He chuckled quietly and she squirmed slightly in her chair. "Our mission is to rescue Kathryn Janeway and we intend to do it with your authorization."
"I will never authorize a band of criminals to steal a starship and ..."
"Oh, but Admiral --you already have." He showed her the view screen in front of him. "You see, right here, when you came aboard Voyager you affixed your thumb print on the order authorizing this mission."
"I did no such thing." She leaned in to examine the screen. "I was merely authorizing the presence of my inspection team."
"Yes, I'm afraid you did--perhaps in the future you should read the orders before you sign them."
"This will never work---I alone can not authorize such a mission--it would take..."
"Several Starfleet officers of your rank---yes, I know. Since you were so kind as to place your thumbprint on the order we now have the backing of four Top Admirals. That is enough power to start an intergalactic war."
"You won't get away with this..."
"I beg your pardon, but we already have and before you think about revealing to the press that you were tricked or somehow coerced--consider the effects of such an admission on your career. Consider also that three Admirals signed off on this --after you, I believe it might be said, at your direct request." He laughed out loud. "Why Admiral, I never knew you were so fond of Kathryn."
She didn't answer, just sat fuming as she stared across the desk at him.
"Alynna, relax, when we are successful, you will be a hero, and your innovation in devising such a plan will honored. You'll come out smelling like a rose as they say."
"And if this renegade raid of yours fails----what then?"
"Then my dear Alynna, we will probably all be dead--no need to concern yourself."
"Are you crazy?!! You may be willing to die for her---I am not!"
"That's too bad---She was willing to die for you--almost did many times" He tapped his comm. badge again. "Security to the ready room. Alynna willing or not, you have no choice." Two security guards appeared at the door. "Please escort the Admiral to the VIP suit and see she isn't disturbed." He turned to Alynna. "It is the most comfortable place on the ship--out side of Kathryn's quarters--you will be comfortable there, I suggest you make the best of it."
"You will pay for this---I sent you to prison once, I will..."
"Alynna, you have no power here." He smiled ."How does it feel to have the tables turned?" She just stared and he nodded for security to take her.
The security officer lightly touched her arm, which she jerked away. Raising her head, he thought much in the way Kathryn would have, she proceeded them out the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kathryn didn't know what time it was or how long she slept, but she woke to the fell of her bonds being released. He body ached from the stretched position she was forced to remain in. She opened her eyes and her was watching her---godd she hated the way he looked at her. He helped her to sit up and handed her a cup, which she held in shaky hands.
"Here, I am told this is your favorite beverage." He laughed. "I must admit I don't see why--I find I find it bitter and disgusting."
She sipped it, it tasted good to her. She didn't speak, tried not to look at him, she still hadn't determined an effective way to deal with him.
"When you finish you --coffee?" He looked at her for conformation, she didn't respond. "Yes, I believe that's what it's called -when you are finished you will have a bath--another indulgence of yours, they tell me."
She didn't answer and his slight chuckle made her very uncomfortable. He walked across the room and brought back a short dress type garment.
"I have taken the liberty of replicating this for you, you will feel much better after your bath." Seeing that it was empty he took the cup from her hand. "Here, let me help you. We will eat after your bath."
Having no choice she let him lead her into the bathroom. The tub was large, she wondered why she hadn't noticed it before, it was filled with warm bubbly water. He began to unbutton her dress. She used all her strength to stand still and not fight what she was powerless to stop. He slid the dress off her shoulders, letting it slip to the floor. She wore no panties, she knew that last night, she still had on her white lace bra, which he quickly unclasped and removed. He stood back smiling at her and she fought the urge to run, slap him, it even crossed her mind to spit at him, but she just stood before him, feeling the color rise in her face. Finally he touched her arm and guided her toward the tub. She gratefully sank below the warm bubbles, resting her head back on the tub and closing her eyes. She tried to shut out the look on his face as he watched her, tried to forget that he sat only inches away, still watching her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Voyager proceeded to DS12, being a fully authorized mission, they had no trouble docking and taking on necessary supplies, Tuvok and all the available information on Uttan, his ship and destination. They only spent two hours in dock, Uttan had a two-day lead and they needed to shorten the distance between them quickly. Voyager was far more powerful than the much smaller yacht and at least twice as fast, they were confident they would catch it before it entered Celeroan space, just in case Admiral Bullark was still in negotiations with the Celeroan government.
Voyager left DS12, jumped to warp and maintained warp 9.75 for the next ten hours. Most of the senior staff were asleep when the klaxtons blared, lights flashed and the ship went to yellow alert.
"Chakotay to the bridge, report"
"The Celeroan Yacht is on long range sensors, Sir. Instituted yellow alert as per your orders."
"Acknowledged, on my way. Maintain course drop to warp three."
"Aye Sir."
Chakotay jumped out of bed and pulled on his pants. Kathryn was within reach and he could feel the adrenaline pump through his veins. It would take many hours yet before they were close enough to actually have a chance to get her back, but he would be ready. He ran his fingers through his hair, gulped a cup of coffee--stopping to chuckle at the thought that this is exactly what she would have done--than left for the bridge.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kathryn was once again bound to the bed, she had fallen asleep--wondered if he continued to use some drug on her--she was awake now, but he didn't know it yet. He was in the other room and someone was with him. Their voices were low and agitated, she strained to hear them. Sensors, Voyager, closing, hours, weapons all words she picked out and tried to make sense of. Was there a rescue mission? Had the federation sent Voyager to get her--or was she only deceiving herself with wishful thoughts? She listened but the second person had gone, she heard him coming in her direction and closed her eyes.
He sat on the bed and she involuntarily opened her eyes. He smiled, but it wasn't a pleasant smile. He ran his hand up her calf, resting his fingers on her knee.
"Hello Kathryn, are we feeling more cooperative yet?" She didn't answer him, just closed her eyes. "It is not polite to close your eyes and try to ignore me." He slowly moved his hand up her inner thigh, she cringed inwardly, unable to move in her restraints. "Open your eyes!" He spoke in a loud voice as his fingers dug into the tender skin of her inner thigh. Her eyes flew open and he laughed. "That's better." He lightly stroked her bruised skin. "I think I have been very patient with you, however you don't seem to be any more cooperative---perhaps it is time for a different tactic." He moved up higher on the bed and began to unfasten the garment she wore, holding her eyes the whole time. "You belong to me now, Kathryn, I will have you--there is nothing you can do."
He smiled at her, then dropped his eyes, his tongue running across his lips as he studied her exposed breasts. He ran his hand across her chest, fingers lightly squeezing her nipples before continuing down her stomach and thighs to her knees and back up her inner thighs. She closed her eyes, holding down the bile in her throat. She wanted to fight him, she wanted to throw up--there was nothing she could do but endure. He bent to kiss her, she twisted her head, which was the only movement she could make. He brought his hands up to either side of her face and held her still, forcing his mouth on her's. She couldn't move as he worked to force his way into her mouth, his tongue slipping inside her lips tracing a path along her clenched teeth. Suddenly she could stand no more and she unclamped her teeth and allowed his tongue to enter. No sooner did he relax into this submission than she clamped her teeth shut trapping his tongue between them. He jerked back unable to remove his tongue, frantically her grabbed her hair, yanking back her head with one hand as the other fist pounded into her stomach forcing her to release her grip. He jumped up holding his mouth, his eyes blazing. He came back grabbed her hair and roughly turned her face toward him.
"You will pay for this Bitch." He had trouble getting the words past his rapidly swelling tongue. He smacked her face, several times with his free hand. His slaps were hard enough to split her lip, she could feel a trickle of blood. "You want rough--OK by me."
He stepped back and dropped his pants on the floor, he climbed on the bed between her outstretched legs, grinning at her. He grabbed hold of her hips, lifting them off the bed. He bent over her taking her nipple in his mouth, he bit down hard, tightened his grip on her hips. She bit her own tongue, to keep from screaming as he forcefully took her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As they approached the smaller ship tried to make a run for it, they were no match for Voyagers speed. Swiftly, but carefully Voyager over took them. They raised their shields and powered their weapons, Voyager did the same. Tom brought Voyager about to face them, now squarely place between Uttan and his home space. The two ships hung in space, face to face, silent and threatening.
"Hail them Harry." Chakotay prayed for a peaceful solution, after all Kathryn was still on that ship.
"No response."
"Firing weapons." Tuvok warned just seconds before the bridge rocked.
"What have they got?" Chakotay glanced in his direction
"Nothing we can't handle." Tom quipped.
"He is correct, they possess no weapons which would be a threat to Voyager."
"Fire a warning shot across their bow--as close as you can without damaging them."
"Aye."
"Harry can you find her?"
"Negative, they are blocking out signal."
"B'Elanna can we transport through their shields?"
"I think I can disrupt them long enough to transport." Her hands flew across the console, they fired again.
"Harry open a broad channel."
"Open" Harry nodded.
"Celeroan vessel--this is the starship Voyager. We don't wish to engage you, standdown your weapons and surrender our Captain." The Celeroan fired again. "Stand down your weapons or be destroyed."
"Receiving a Hail"
"On screen." Chakotay steadied himself.
"Commander--do not bluff. You will not destroy us. Our cargo is to precious to you." Uttan smiled through the view screen. His was speech was slow, deliberate, and slightly slurred. "Get out of my way, I'm taking my Kathryn home."
"Uttan, release Kathryn and we will let you go." He watched the alien laugh as the bridge shook again and the smaller ship dropped and jumped to warp.
"Tom, Catch 'em." He turned to the engineering station. "Can we transport her?"
"No--best I can do is disrupt the shielding long enough to transport one--maybe two people over to their ship. No time to scan for her and we can't do anything at warp"
"Tuvok can you collapse their warp field."
"I believe so--Mr. Paris, prepare to drop out of warp on my mark."
"Aye"
"Now." Tuvok fired a phaser volley collapsing their warp field and Voyager dropped out of warp along side them.
"Harry you're with me. Tuvok get ready to transport. " Chakotay stood and walked back to the engineering station. "Tom once we are aboard--do a little dance with them--keep them entertained. Tuvok a few close shots. OK, B'Ella let's do it."
"Alright, Tuvok on my mark." Her hands flew across the panel. "Now." Harry and Chakotay disappeared from the bridge.
Harry and Chakotay materialized in a lower deck corridor, no one was around. They scanned for Kathryn, she wasn't on this deck. They climbed to the next, nothing -so they moved up one more. It couldn't take long the small ship only had four decks and have of the top deck was the bridge, they already knew she wasn't there. They could feel the ship tumble against the force of Voyager's volleys, they tried the third deck.
"Hey, I've got something." Harry tried to define the reading on his tricorder. "Yeah, this way."
Chakotay followed Harry down the hall toward the stronger signal. Two Celeroan security officers were standing outside a cabin door, this must be the place. Before they could formulate a plan one of the guards spotted them. Chakotay quickly stunned them both, but not before one was able to signal for help. Harry rushed over to the door, scanning the locking mechanism.
"Got it" The door slid back just as two more security rounded the corner.
Harry fired stunning them and jumped inside the cabin, Chakotay followed. The room was dark, with an eerie silent.
"Lights 1/4" Chakotay searched one room, Harry the next.
"Chak" Harry's voice was a strained whisper. "In here."
When Chakotay stepped into the room, Harry was covering Kathryn's body with the panels of her dress. He moved to unfasten her wrists and Chakotay freed her legs. She didn't move, or make a sound, just lay limply on the bed. A sound in the other room caught his attention, he signaled Harry behind the bed and stepped back against the wall. Chakotay stepped out phaser drawn and came face to face with Uttan. They stood in the semi darkness, phasers at the ready.
"She's mine now. You can't take her back." Uttan spoke calmly as if he really believed he had a right to what he was doing.
"She will never be yours. I'm taking her home." Chakotay watched the man smile.
"You will not get off my ship alive, if you try to take her. Is this whore so important that you would risk your life?"
Chakotay dropped his phaser, grabbing Uttan before he could fire. They crashed to the floor. Chakotay was a big man and the much smaller Celeroan was no match. Chakotay straddled him.
"You bastard." His fist smashed into Uttan's face again and again. "I could kill you for this." He grabbed the man's head and slammed it against the floor repeatedly.
"Chak." Harry grabbed him "We gotta get out of here before more show up."
Chakotay let the man's head drop, he was barely conscious and certainly not coherent. He got up, looked down at Uttan, kicked him out of the doorway and nodded to Harry. Harry checked the hallway and Chakotay picked up Kathryn. Harry watched him from the corner of his eye, this man who only moments ago almost brutally killed a man with his bare hands, was suddenly gentle and loving as he cradled her in his arms.
"Come on--it's clear." Harry called and stepped into the hall, Chakotay just a step behind.
They worked their way back to the lower deck, where they had beamed in. Harry tried to contact B'Elanna, the comm. signal was too weak. He looked around.
"Stay here." He motioned to Chakotay. "There is a communication junction around this corner, I'm gonna tap into it and signal Voyager." Chakotay nodded, looking back at the woman in his arms, Harry saw the tears.
"They are right behind me, but B'Elanna should have us in....." Harry ran around the corner, the blue shimmer of the transporter grabbed them before he could finish.
They materialized in sickbay. Harry signaled the bridge and Voyager went to warp.
"Put her over here, Commander." The familiar voice of Voyager's own EMH directed, and Chakotay did as he was told.
Chakotay stepped back and the Doctor took his place. The first two people to reach sickbay were B'Elanna and Gretchen. They found Chakotay sitting in the doctor's office, head in hands.
"Chak?" B'Elanna spoke softly, coming to place a hand on his shoulder.
"B'Ella." He looked up, with a tear stained face. "Gretchen" He looked from one to the other.
"How is she?" Gretchen looked frightened for the first time since this 'adventure' began
"I don't know.." He shook his head. "Probably be fine, just --she --didn't look good."
"Hey, that's our Doc. He's ---almost as good as me." B'Elanna tried to lighten the mood.
"What happened to her?" Gretchen questioned and he just looked up and studied her face without saying anything. "Chakotay, talk to me. I'm her mother for god sake."
"Well, I see you are all here." The Doctor entered, saving Chakotay from answering. "Please ladies have a seat." He ushered them to the chairs, before continuing. "She will be fine--nothing life threatening. A fractured jaw, several broken ribs, many abrasions, but nothing I can't fix---physically."
"Physically, Doc?" Chakotay looked up and the Doctor nodded confirming his fears.
"Doctor, what does that mean?" Gretchen watched Chakotay and B'Elanna drop their heads when the doctor nodded--they understood, she didn't.
"It means, Gretchen." He took her hand and spoke softly as if that would lessen the news. "It means she was raped." Gretchen too dropped her head and sobbed.
A short time later, Gretchen stood up and wiped her face. She straightened her dress, placed a hand on Chakotay's shoulder and cleared her throat.
"May we see her, Doctor?"
"Yes, but I sedated her, she won't be awake for hours."
Gretchen nodded, placing an arm around Chakotay and led him to her biobed, B'Elanna followed. Chakotay was relieved at her appearance. There was no blood, no bruises, she was clean and wearing a fresh nightgown. They watched silently, a few tears fighting their way out.
"Doctor, we will be in Kathryn's quarters please contact us there if she wakes." Gretchen ordered and Chakotay, B'Elanna and the Doctor shared a smile over her head, before they left.
"Yes, Ma'am"
They were in the Captain's quarters, Tom had and Harry had joined them. The door chimed and Chakotay automatically answered.
"Come"
"Chakotay, I'm sorry to disturb you." The security officer smiled and shrugged. "She wants to know what's happening--what should I tell her?"
"Tell her she's a hero...."
"Let me--Please." Gretchen got up and followed the security officer back to the VIP suite.
"She is something else--isn't she." Chakotay laughed as the door closed.
"Yeah, who would have figured--always looks like a sweet little old lady." Harry shook his head.
"Let me tell you---I wouldn't want to meet that sweet little old lady in a dark alley." B'Elanna laughed. "But I sure would like to be a fly on the wall when she talks to Nechayev."
"Doctor to Chakotay" Their laughter was interrupted by the comm.
"Yes, Doctor"
"The Cap---er--Kathryn is awake"
"I'm on my way" He started for the door "Some one let Gretchen know, but let her finish first." He laughed, as the door closed behind him. In the lift, however the fear of what he would find returned."
As he entered sickbay, he saw her. She was sitting up on the bed, already giving the doctor a bad time about staying.
"Hello." He got between her and the doctor.
"Thank god." The doctor mumbled. "Take her home --please." He retired to his office.
"Hi." She was suddenly quiet.
"Giving him a hard time as usual." He lifted her chin, there were tears in her eyes, he hugged her. "Come on let's go home." He helped her down off the bed. "The others are in your quarters, would you like me to ask them to leave?"
"I would like to know what is going on. Voyager? How?" She tried to smile. "Are we all fugitives now?"
"Fugitives?"
"Yeah, did you steal this thing?"
"Sort of and we kidnapped Nechayev--but it will be fine."
"Fine are you crazy?!!"
"Don't worry--your mother is taking care of her--in fact she got the ship in the first place."
"MY MOTHER?! My mother is here? My mother stole a starship?"
"Yes--well not exactly, she just requisitioned it." He was laughing and she laughed with him.
"OK, from the beginning."
"Let's get home first--I'll explain, you'll see everyone--and your mother...."
"Chakotay I.."
"Just long enough for them to know you're OK and you to get an idea of what happened --then I'll chase them all..." He made a face "Except Gretchen---I think I'm afraid of her."
"OK." She laughed "I'll take care of her."
Tuvok had joined the others and Gretchen was back by the time they got home. It didn't take very long to run down the events of the last few days. And as crazy and implausible as it sounded ---it had worked and she was grateful and proud of each of them. Once she new the basics of their situation, the others left her alone with Gretchen and Chakotay.
"Mom.."
"I know dear--I'll be leaving." She hugged her and took a good look. "You gotta stop scaring me--I'm an old lady ya know." She laughed.
"Mom, thank you---I still can't believe you came here--did this--you hate space travel-it always frightened you.."
"Shhh, Katie, you'll ruin my tough guy image." She hugged her again and looked up at Chakotay. "Take care of her, good night."
"Good night" They answered together.
"I can't believe you got my mother here." Kathryn started to clear away the glasses.
"I think maybe she got us here."
"My father tried many times to get her to travel --she wouldn't leave earth."
"She's something, you should have seen her handle Paris." He helped her clear the table.
"I can imagine." She was still clearing, cleaning, fussing with things that didn't need fussing with.
"Kath----stop." He took hold of both her hands.
"What? I'm just going to recycle these..." She looked away from him, trying to pull free, he held fast.
"Kathryn, stop--they're gone now." When she tried to pull away again, he let go of her hands and held her in place by holding her upper arms. "It's just us---you don't have to be the hero, anymore."
"Chakotay, please --- I can't do this now." She still refused to look at him.
"Yes, you can----Kath." He turned her head so she had to look at him, "I was there -- I saw --you can't just pretend it didn't happen."
"Yes I can.." It was determined, but only a whisper, she dropped her head, taking a deep gulp of air.
"Your safe with me--let go, Kath." She started to shake, he pulled her close, wrapping her quaking body in his arms, holding her as she began to sob. "Let it out, let me help you." He lifted her, bringing her to the couch and sitting her on his lap.
"Oh --god--Chakotay--he--he.." She raised her head up. "I tried -- I wanted to stop him --I couldn't" She was gasping for air, trying to talk between sobs. "Couldn't move ---god ---I --couldn't..."
"I know--it wasn't your fault." She rested her head on his chest again and began shaking anew.
"I bit him." She smiled, through the tears. "God --- I thought he would kill me." She laughed as she cried. " I couldn't do any thing else -- I was tied--tied like---tied..."
"I know- I saw--I untied you."
"He punched me, to make me let go...." Tears continued to roll down her face. "I'm sorry-I tried--I - so sorry." She was sobbing again and he held her.
"Kath. No ---you didn't do anything to be sorry for." He held her close, rocking slightly, running his hands down her back, soothing, quieting. "What he did was horrendous --- but--Kath it was not your fault."
It was a long while, before they spoke again. He held her and she cried. He soothed and rocked her, until she stilled again. She tried several times to tell him about what happened, but each time she stammered and broke down--sometimes he cried with her. Then she would calm herself and try again. Eventually, he had a pretty clear picture of exactly what happened, in more detail than was probably good for him, but she needed to share it. She needed to get it out and he needed to hear it, it was the only way they could begin to recover.
"Who?" She asked, speaking into his chest. "Who went with you?"
"Harry --- He found you first." Just one more humiliation, he thought.
"I see." She sat up. "Poor Harry --- seems to see the worst of me lately."
"Don't worry about Harry --- he'll be fine."
"How about you? Will you be fine?"
"Yes, in time---in time, we will all be fine."
In the Captain's quarters, on the Starship Voyager, two lost and frightened souls, held each other and hoped for the future---a future that always seem to elude them. In a few short years they had come full circle --they would begin life a new --right here where they had started before. They would put the bad behind them, hang on to the good, and move forward into their future -- together.
The End.