Rated NC17
 
 

They were low on supplies but for once not desperate, so when the negotiations went bad and the Byzants, not so politely, asked the Captain and her crew to leave their planet, they beamed up and prepared to break orbit.  She still didn’t understand what had gone wrong and no one seemed able to tell her.

“Mr. Tuvok, have all away teams returned to the ship?”  She sighed and almost flopped into her command chair.

“We are bringing up the last few now, Captain.”

“Let me know when we have them all.”  She settled back to wait.

“Aye, Captain.”

“Kathryn.”  Chakotay leaned in close and whispered.  “It’s OK, even the best lose one now and then.”  His wide dimpled grin and the twinkle in his eyes, told her he wasn’t referring to just the failed trade agreement.

“Just what is that supposed to mean, Mr. Chakotay?”  Her whisper was more like a low growl and he chuckled in response.

“Captain, all away teams have returned.”  Tuvok spoke before she could force an answer from her first officer.

“Thank you, Mr. Tuvok.”  She shot Chakotay a look that said ‘this is not over’.  “Mr. Paris, take us out of orbit.  Set a course for the Teutonie system, warp three.”

“Aye, Captain.”  Tom tapped his console.  “Breaking orbit. Laying in course.”
 
Waiting only long enough to be sure Voyager was safely away from the planet, she rose and headed for her ready room.

“You have the bridge Commander, I’ll be in my ready room.”  She didn’t wait for him to acknowledge.
 
She replicated coffee and took a seat on the couch.  She had a feeling she knew what Chakotay was referring to, he had hinted at it before.  He thought she was flirting with the Premier in order to close the deal, she thought he was crazy.  She hadn’t done that—at least she didn’t think she had.  He did back out rather fast and his expression was almost sorrowful, when he told her she had to leave.  She wondered if Chakotay had heard something, she hadn’t.

“Janeway to Chakotay.”  She tapped her badge.

“Yes, Captain?”  She didn’t need to see him; she could hear the grin in his voice.

“Commander, may I see you in my ready room—please.”

“On my way, Captain.”  He barely finished speaking, before the door chime sounded.

“Come in, Commander.”  She got up and replicated more coffee and some tea for him.  “Have a seat, Chakotay.”  She motioned him to join her.

“Thank you.”  He sat, taking the tea she offered.  “So have you figured it out yet?”

“No.”  She sat next to him, raising an eyebrow at his chuckle.  “What?”

“Kathryn, it’s very simple.”  He laughed.  “His wife came back from that trip he mentioned.”

“What would that have to do with our trade?”

“Oh, Kathryn.”  He couldn’t help laughing; she really looked like she didn’t know.  “You two were worse than a couple of teenagers.”

“Oh please.”  She shook her head.  “A little harmless banter, nothing to be upset about.”

“Obviously, she didn’t think it was harmless.”  He continued to laugh at her serious expression.

“Chakotay, this isn’t funny.”  She sat up straighter to consider this.  “If something I did, and I really don’t think I did—but, if I caused these negotiations to go bad by my behavior, it isn’t funny.”

“It usually works quite well for you, just that this time the jealous wife was stronger than the flirting husband.”
 
“You seriously think that’s what happened?”

“I know it is.”

“How?”

“I was there, outside the building with Tom, when she told him.”  He tried not to laugh.  He knew she was concerned.

“You heard them?  Yourself?!”   She stopped and covered her mouth.  “Tom heard this?!”

“Yes.”  He stopped grinning; he still found it funny but he knew she didn’t.  “Look Kathryn, it isn’t your fault.  I was only teasing you.”

“How is that?  Either we have an irate, jealous wife or not.  Which is it?”

“Well, yes but you didn’t do anything wrong.  He apparently has a bad habit of including certain favors in his deals and she knows him all too well.  So when she saw you were the Captain he was dealing with….”

“What did she say?”

“I didn’t hear it all, they were walking in the garden, but she threatened to tell the council something if he didn’t send you away, immediately.”

“Oh god—this isn’t good.”

“Kathryn, it’s not your fault.  She said that herself, you can’t be held accountable for what the man has done in the past.”

“Chakotay, was I really flirting with him?—I mean - I didn’t mean to”

“Kathryn, you were just being you, polite, friendly and competent---it just happens to be appealing.”  He smiled at her rising color.  “Stop worrying.”

“What does Tom think of this?”

“Tom?-- Oh he thinks the guy’s a jerk, but that’s what he thinks of most authority figures.---present company excluded-- of course.”

“Oh, of course.”  Even she had to smile now.  “Well, let’s hope we have better luck on Teuton.”

“Let’s hope the Teutonie leader doesn’t have a jealous wife.”

“Perhaps their trade officials will be women and the problem won’t come up.”  She rolled her eyes at him.

“Or perhaps SHE will find you attractive too.”  The comment earned him a playful punch and he knew she was feeling better.

It took them only two days to reach Teuton.  The Captain had been able to put the failed Byzant trade out of her mind with surprisingly no comments from Tom.  She wondered if Chakotay had spoken to him—warned him not to mention it, but such things had never stopped him before.  She couldn’t worry about it now; they had already been in contact with Teutonie officials and the situation looked promising.

“Captain, we are being hailed.”

“On screen, Harry.”  The view screen lit up to reveal a humanoid woman, Kathryn judged to be just slightly younger than herself.  She was tall, blonde and quite attractive; the captain couldn’t resist a quick glance at her first officer before she spoke.  “I’m Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager.”

“Captain.”  The smooth soft voice replied.  “I’m Selanda Ippolito, First Minister of Trade.  Welcome to our planet.”

“Thank you, First Minister.”  The Captain saw the young woman’s eyes drift to her left. “This is Commander Chakotay, my First Officer.”

“Commander, I hope your stay is an enjoyable one.”  She smiled but quickly returned her attention to the Captain.  “Captain, once you have established orbit, please contact me.  We will arrange trade negotiations and discuss the possibility of shore leave for your crew.  You will find we have quite a hospitable planet.”

“Thank you, First Minister.”  The Captain replied but realized she had already lost the minister’s attention.

“Commander, I do hope you will be paying us a visit.”

“Thank you First Minister, I do hope to see this lovely planet of yours.”

“I look forward to your visit.”  She nodded and turned back to the Captain.  “I’ll await your call.”

The screen went blank and after a moment of silence there was a shrill whistle.

“Whoa Big Guy, that was some invitation.”  Tom spun around to face the command team.

“Mr. Paris.”  The Captain gave him a look just short of the death glare.  “Take us in and assume a standard orbit.”

“Aye, Captain.”  He quickly turned back to face the helm.

“Mr. Kim, advise me when we have established orbit.”  She stood, and walked toward the ready room  “Mr. Tuvok, you have the bridge.”  She didn’t look back.  “Commander, my ready room.”

“Aye, Captain.”  He got up to follow her, just shaking his head and smiling behind her back, at Tom’s unspoken question.

 Inside the ready room she crossed directly to the replicator.

“I’m having coffee; can I get you something, Commander?”  She made her way to the replicator; he stood just inside the door.

“Nothing, thank you, Captain.”

“Coffee black.”  She picked it up and turned toward him.  “Are you coming in, Commander or are you going to stand by the door?”

“I’m in, Captain.”  He risked a smile.  “I’m just not sure it’s safe to be too far in.”

“Come and sit down, Chakotay.”  She motioned him toward the couch.  “I won’t bite you.”  She put the coffee down and got comfortable on the couch.  “THAT only happens in your dreams.”  She smiled at him and he relaxed.

“And yours?”

“My what?”

“Dreams, Kathryn.”  He leaned a little closer to her.  “As if you didn’t know what I was talking about.”

“My dreams are a private matter.”  She tilted her head and gave him a crooked smile.  “Besides I have a question for you.”

“Oh and why should I answer your question?  You didn’t answer mine.”

“I’m the Captain, remember?”

“So this is a professional question?”

“Well—yes it could have an effect on the ship.”

“OK, so what’s the question?”  She didn’t answer, just studied his face for a few minutes.  “Kathryn, the question?”

“Yes—well. ..”  She got a serious look on her face.  “What the hell is this thing you have for blondes?”

“I don’t have a thing for blondes.”

“Yes you do.”

“OK, so maybe there have been a couple of blondes, but –but…”

“But, what?”

“Well, what does whether or not I have a preference for blondes have to do with the ship?

“Just about everything.”  She snapped surprising him with her sudden sharpness.  “I mean –well there was Kellin and we nearly got killed trying to protect her and Riley –that was a good one.  Activated a damned Borg cube on us.”

“And so a blonde smiled at me and you think it means trouble?”  He couldn’t hide his smirk.

“Oh, it wasn’t just a smile and it means trouble, no doubt about that.”

“Why, Kathryn, I believe you’re jealous.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”  She got up and replicated another cup of coffee.  “I have no reason to be jealous…”

“No, you don’t.”  He had followed her, his unexpected closeness caused her to jump.

“That’s not what I mean.”  She ducked past him.  “I have no claim on you—you can do what ever you please--- providing it doesn’t endanger the ship.”

“OK, let’s pretend that’s true--  so does that mean I’ll be a part of the away team?”  She seemed to consider it a bit too long, so he pushed her a bit.  “Or will you bring Tuvok for the First Minister to smile at?”

“Do you think you can be a productive member of the team?”  She challenged. “Can you concentrate on the trade mission with her smiling at you?”

“I certainly think I can do my job, with or with out a little ‘harmless banter.”

“Kim to Janeway.”  Harry’s voice saved him from all but her glare.

“Yes, Mr. Kim.”

“We have established orbit.”

“On my way, Janeway out.”

She motioned for him to precede her to the bridge and followed to the quietest bridge crew she could ever remember.  Not even Tom raised his eyes from his station when they entered and took their places.

“Mr. Kim, open a channel.”  He silently acknowledged her and the screen lit up.

“Captain Janeway, Commander nice to see you again.”  The sultry voice greeted them.  “I am sending the coordinates to your bridge, as we speak.  When you and your team arrive we can discuss your needs.”

“Thank you, First Minister.”  She glanced at Harry and he nodded; coordinates received.  “You may expect us with in the hour.”

 “Very well, Captain.”  She smiled to the Captain’s left.  “And can I expect to see you also, Commander?”

“The Captain has not yet named the away team.”  He tried to suppress his grin and he carefully avoided looking in the Captain’s direction.

“Your Captain appears to be a wise woman; I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.”

The screen went black and no one dared to speak.  The steam rising from the Captain was almost visible.  She sat perfectly still staring at the blank screen for a very long minute.

“Commander, go over the list of supplies with Neelix.  I’ll double check with B’Elanna and meet you in transporter room one in thirty minutes.”  Without looking directly at anyone, she stood and headed for the lift.  “Mr. Tuvok, you have the bridge.”
 

The lift ride was quiet.  She stood staring straight ahead, her fists clenched at her side.  He knew she was unhappy with the way the First Minister treated him, but what really riled her was the woman’s audacity to dictate whom would be on the away team.  With the last trade mission coming to an abrupt end before they secured any supplies, he knew she didn’t want to take any chances with this one.  Two decks never passed so slowly before and he was never happier at the prospect of seeing Neelix than he was right now, yet he knew in thirty minutes when they beamed to the surface she would be the consummate professional.  All personal concerns would be set aside and the welfare of Voyager and her crew would once again be primary.  So he remained quiet and let her steam, she deserved at least this small outlet.
 

“Captain.”  He met her just outside the transporter room  “How are you?”

“Ready to go, Commander.”  She walked past him toward the transporter pad.  “You verified Neelix’s list?”

“Yes.  And I wasn’t asking if you were prepared.”  He stopped short of the pad.  “I was asking how you were.”

“I’m fine, thank you.”  She stepped up on the pad and he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

“I have no doubt that the Captain is prepared and ready for this mission.”  She turned to look at him.  “I’m asking if you are alright, Kathryn.”

Kathryn’s eyes flicked toward the operator, then she looked up and smiled.  “Yes, Chakotay, I’m fine.”  She took the step to the pad.  “I just needed to clear my head a bit.  B’Elanna is always excellent for that.”  They laughed together, stepping up next to the two security officers; she nodded to the operator.  “Energize.”

They materialized in a walled garden, greeted by the sweet fresh smell of the vegetation and warm sunshine.  A young woman came up to them; another tall blonde, the Captain noted.

“Captain Janeway.”  She extended her hand in greeting.  “I’m Catrine, assistant to the First Minister.”

“Nice to meet you, Catrine.  This is my first officer, Commander Chakotay.”  She watched the young woman eye Chakotay; another one Kathryn thought.

“Commander.”  The same smile was there as she greeted him, then turned back to the Captain.  “The First Minister is waiting, if you will follow me.”

The young woman turned toward the same door she had just exited.  The Captain raised one eyebrow as she glanced up at her first officer, his grin barely concealed, then followed Catrine through the door.  The building seemed as open and fresh as the garden they had just left.  The rooms they passed through were large and airy with tall windows allowing the bright sunshine to follow them in.  It was truly a beautiful place, the planet, the architecture and certainly the people.

“Captain.”  The First Minister came around her desk to greet Kathryn as they entered a spacious room.  It was designed on one side to be an office while the other was a sitting area with large over stuffed chairs arranged in a circular pattern. “Welcome to Teuton.” She shook the Captain’s hand then smiled at Chakotay.  “So glad you could make it, Commander.”

“Thank you.”

“Shall we take a seat by the windows?”  She gestured toward the circle of chairs.  “It’s much more comfortable over here.”

Once seated they were joined by Griffen Standlin the Premier of Teuton and Connley Papadia his assistant. Kathryn couldn’t help but notice that both the older Standlin and his younger counterpart were strikingly handsome men.  Both men were blond and blue eyed, the younger having a slightly darker complexion; both were tall with well-developed physiques, which were apparent through their light clothing.  She wondered for a second it there were any short ugly people on this planet.

Their business was conducted swiftly.  All things considered, the meeting went well.  Most of the needed supplies were readily available and arrangements were made for their immediate transfer.  Dilithium was also available, in the mountainous areas of Teuton which held large rich veins.  Since the local population had no use for it, they were welcome to take all they wanted, but that would take of few days to mine.  In return they were sharing a few cultural items from the database, some spare parts and some easily replicated ‘treasures’.  The Captain suspected First Minister Ippolito was more interested in keeping them there a few days, than in any material acquisitions.  Before she had realized it or had time to protest, Kathryn was on her way to tour the gardens, escorted by both gentlemen, while Chakotay and the First Minister made sure all the supplies they requested were available.  It was three hours before she saw him again and then only when it was time to beam back to the ship.
 

The Captain called a senior staff meeting as soon as they were aboard Voyager.  Neelix was to receive the first supplies in the morning.  B’Elanna needed to assign several teams to mine the dilithium and all departments were to arrange shore leave in the next few days.  This may well turn out to be one of their easiest and quickest trade missions yet.  It certainly more successful than the previous.  Their business concluded for the day the command team retired to the Captains quarters for dinner.

“So did you enjoy our little mission today, Commander?” Kathryn teased as she finished clearing the table and joined him on the couch.

“I think Captain, it was a good beginning to a potentially successful mission.”  He tired to keep his expression serious.

“Yes, I think you’re right, but that’s not what I asked.”  She leaded back against the arm of the couch.  “Did you find it enjoyable?”

“It was a very inviting planet, the climate was well suited to my taste.”  Her eyes twinkled with amusement and he couldn’t resist smiling. “I found the surroundings very – attractive.”

“I see.  So you were attracted to the – the – what exactly?  The shrubs maybe?”

“Yes, the plant life is very abundant and quite beautiful.”

“And this climate that is so well suited to you?

“What about it?”  It was getting more difficult to control the smirk.

“It’s one of the planets best features, is it?”

“Yes.”

“And that’s it? That’s what you noticed about the place?”

“Yes.”  He couldn’t hold in the chuckle.  “What else was there?”

“Ahhhh, well, how about the … BLONDES!”  She punched him. “The whole damned planet is full of tall, well endowed Blondes.!”

“Oh, really,  I ..” He laughed and tried to duck her next blow. “I didn’t notice.”

“MY ASS you didn’t.”  She threw a pillow at him.

“Oh that I noticed.”  He caught the pillow but wasn’t fast enough to duck the blow she dealt him with the second one.  “Ouch.” He grabbed the pillow out of her hand.  “You know not all of those well endowed blonds were women.”

“True, but…”  She stopped and just shook her head.

“Yeah, you never have been attracted to blonds.”  She rolled her eyes and took another swing at him, but he grabbed her hands before she could hit him. “Have you, Kathryn?”  She struggled against him, but couldn’t break away.  “Kathryn?”  He started to tickle her.  “Better answer me.”

“Ohhh stop.”  She fought a losing battle.  “What – what do you want?”

“I want to know how you like your men?”  He held her down with one hand and continued to tickle her with the other.

“OK! OK! Stop!”  She wiggled beneath him.  “Stop and I’ll tell you.”

“OK.” He stopped but didn’t release her.  “Tell me and I’ll let you up.”
 
“ If you must know-- I like my men tall, dark and…”

“Tattooed?”

“I was going to say obnoxious, but I guess that would be the same – wouldn’t it.”  She squealed as he started tickling her again.  “You said… ohhh stop, please –you promised.”

“All right.”  He stopped tickling her and leaned in closer.  “But, first..” His voice trailed off as he saw his own love reflected in her eyes.  He kissed her softly then moved away so she could sit up. “That’s what you get for calling me obnoxious.”

“Oh, really?! Well I wonder ..”  She moved toward the replicator mumbled something he couldn’t hear.

“You wonder what?”  He watched her carefully, hoping the kiss hadn’t destroyed the playful mood.

“One coffee black, one Vulcan spice tea.”  She requested, not turning around until it was ready.  “Nothing.” Her eyes still sparkled with merriment as she spoke; she came to sit beside him.

“You said something.”  He waited till she put the drinks on the table then he pinned her down to the couch again.  “Tell me.”

“No.”

“Kathryn don’t make me tickle you.”

“Bully.”

“Tell me.”

“No”

“OK.”  He began tickling her; she squirmed and squealed but he wouldn’t let up.

“Stop….. pleeasssse”

“Tell me what you said.”  He paused and she shook her head so he started again.

“OK, OK I’ll tell”

“Go ahead.”  He was straddling her, pinning her arms to her sides.

“OK, I said- I wonder what you would do to me if I called you arrogant, pig headed and stubborn.”

“I see.”  He moved so that he was laying over her their faces only inches apart. “What is it you would like me to do?”  He could feel her heart beating against his chest and the flush on her face deepened.  “Kathryn?”

“Well, you could start by kissing me again but..”

“But what?”

“This time do it like you mean it.”

Chakotay held her eyes for a moment just to be sure, but he really needed no further invitation.  He pressed their lips together in a lingering kiss soft and gentle, and full of promise.  His tongue snaked out to trace her lips; her arms reached around him, the fingers of one hand tangling in his hair.  Opening her lips to his, she raised her hips pressing their lower bodies tightly together.  He kissed her hard and she returned it, tongues dueling, hips rocking, panting, sucking in each other’s hot breath.

“Chakotay.”  Her voice was deep and husky as she pushed at his shoulders.  He raised up; his eyes asking what he couldn’t bear to say.  She smiled.  “Not here.”

He moved back a little uncertain, allowing her to slip out from under him; she stood and offered him a hand.  He followed her silently into the bedroom; when she reached the bed she dropped his hand and turned to face him. Pulling both turtleneck and tank over her head, she unfastened the pants and let them drop; her jacket and boots had long ago been discarded, so she easily stepped out of her clothes.  Stopping there she reached for the waistband of his trousers, opening them as he yanked his turtleneck off.  He toed off his boots; holding his eyes, she lowered both pants and boxers sliding her hands down his thighs and back up as she did.

Standing again she placed both hands on his chest, a gesture she had done a thousand times, but this time there were no barriers.  Her warm hands gently caressed the smooth almost hairless skin, his breath caught as her palms slid upward reaching around his neck to draw his lips to hers.  Pressing the full length of their bodies together, her hands softly caressing his shoulders and around to his well muscled back.  Her lips parted his, exploring him with her tongue, hands roaming his body- igniting the deep passion contained there.  Two fingers released the clasp on her back; big hands slid the straps off her shoulders, down her arms, allowing it to fall away.  She worked her mouth down his neck slowly spreading a line of moist open kisses, caressing him with hungry hands, fondling him with an eager tongue.  His hands brushed the sides of her breasts, reaching between their bodies to stroke the soft underside, feeling the nipple pebble as he rolled it between thumb and finger.  He felt the rush of warm air against the hollow of his throat, as she arched slightly, pushing her breast into his hand.  Her mouth blazed a trail across his chest.  It was his turn to moan as she sucked and teased his nipples, her hands running down his sides and across his hips to tangle in his short course hairs.  He could feel her warm breath move lower, her tongue playfully lapping at his navel.  He laced his finger through her hair as delicate fingers wrapped around him; he gasped as her mouth encompassed him-her tongue circling the tip savoring the warm salty taste of him.  His eyes closed, his hips unconsciously rocked, thrusting with increasing intensity; he was losing himself in the rich hot velvet of her mouth.  He wanted it to go on forever; some where he knew he couldn’t last.  He opened his eyes; looking down, the reality crept in.  This was Kathryn, his Kathryn and as wonderful as it felt, it was not how he pictured it – not how he wanted it.

“Kathryn.”  A horse grunt as he moved himself away, raising her to his level, covering her face with light kisses.  “I need to slow down.”

He pulled her into a tight hug then settled them on the bed, raising himself on one elbow to watch her.  They spoke no words; their eyes conveying all they needed to know.  He watched her face as his free hand traced her lips and drew a line alone her jaw; she held his eyes as his fingers trailed down her neck and a cross her chest.  He traced the outline of her breasts; her chest rose and fell as he learned the shape and weight of each breast.  She closed her eyes concentrating on the sensation as he circled slowly approaching her dusky nipples.  She drew in a deep breath and he looked down to watch her nipples harden in anticipation.  He bent and drew one tightly knotted nipple into his mouth and was rewarded with a deep moan.  The fingers of one hand snaked through his hair, the other stretched out to touch him wherever she could reach.  He lifted his head to recapture her mouth, their hands resuming gentle explorations, learning, seeking out the necessary knowledge of each other.

Her hands were running over his back, down to his buttocks, pulling him towards her, her hips raised up and he took the opportunity to slip off the silk panties.  His fingers trailedg along her thighs; his tongue lapped at the sensitive skin behind her ear.  She arched as his tongue circled her breast, spreading her legs as his hand slowly climbing up her inner thigh.  He kissed her belly, licking her navel, stroking the inside of her thighs as he lowered himself between her legs.  Moaning she writhed beneath deep open kisses; he nibbled, licking her most sensitive nerves; she cried out as he explored the depth of her.  Kathryn arched toward him, more moans, hips thrusting, gasping, clasping her legs around him to draw him into her. He increased his tempo--stroking--sucking-circling stroking faster and faster.  She thrashed -bucking her hips toward him—soft moans became cries-cries turned to gasps--clutching at him -her thighs convulsed around him. Her body stiffened, he heard her sharp intake of breath--stroking -until her cries became screams -fingers entwined in his hair, shouting his name.  He could feel her pulsing under his mouth, he continued as waves of orgasm washed over her.  He moved over her, kissing her face as she maneuvered beneath him.

“So beautiful.” He was looking down at her flushed face, the slightly bruised lips, her hair splayed across the pillow.  “I love you.”  Swallowing her response, he paused then eased himself into her allowing her time to accommodate his size.

She pressed herself to him, rocking gently, till he joined her movement.  He established a rhythm and she matched him.  Long slow steady thrusts disintegrated swiftly, becoming fast and erratic.  Suddenly, she
bucked against him gasping and he could feel her start to convulse and clench around him--with several powerful thrusts he gasped her name--an animal-like sound coming from the back of his throat, as he gave himself up to her filling her with his warmth. He collapsed over her and she held him there not wanting to separate.

“I’ll crush you.”  He rolled them onto their sides, gathering her closer; they fit together so perfectly.

“Chakotay..”  She tilted her head back to see him, one finger reaching to trace the blue lines as she spoke. “I never said it, but I have loved you almost since the first time I saw you.”

“I know.”  He smiled and kissed her hair.  “It’s what keeps me going, but I’ve waited a long time to hear you say it.”

“Shall I say it again?”

“Please.”  He pulled her close to his chest.

“I love you.”  Her warm words blew across his skin.

“So nice to finally hear.  I think maybe, I’ll spend four hours with Selanda tomorrow.  Wonder what that will get me?”

“Killed.”  She mumbled into his chest; she snuggled closer feeling his soft chuckle as she drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~

 
The mission continued to go exactly as planned.  B’Elanna found the dilithium ore to be very high grade, almost pure. The mining went smoothly and with in three days they had more dilithium than they ever dreamed about.  Most of the crew had managed at least some leave time on the planet.  Neelix’s stores were over flowing and the First Minister had managed to get the Commander all to herself at least twice a day.  Chakotay had visited the remotest sections of the planet, deserted mining operations, fields of abundant vegetation and some of the most beautiful, and very isolated, orchards he had ever seen. At one point, remembering the old Terran religious myth, he almost expected a snake to come and tempt him with an apple.
 

On what was to be their last night, Premier Standlin gave a dinner in their honor.  Although the dinner was open to the entire crew, the invitation to the private reception afterwards had a specific guest list.  The Captain and Commander were invited along with Harry, Ayala, B’Elanna, Celes, Telfer, Gerron, Henley  and Chapman.  No one was exactly sure why these crewmen were selected but it was clear there was not a blonde among them.

It was an enjoyable evening, the dinner elegant and the reception simple and quite comfortable, but it had been another very long day and Kathryn‘s headache was taking its toll.  She wandered away from the light and music and into the garden.  It was a warm night, the stars were clear and bright and the two moons were full.  She breathed in the sweet warm fragrances of the many beautiful flowering plants the made up the luscious gardens of the Premier’s home.  They were even more beautiful and captivating by moonlight, than when she had first seen them in the bright sunshine.  She was only out there a short time before Chakotay found her.

“Are you alright, Kathryn?  You look pale.”

“Do I?” She smiled in spite of her pain.

“Yes, that is paler than normal.  Still have that headache?”  He touched her cheek, wishing he could relieve the pain.

“Yes, and it’s not getting any better, I think I’ll call it a night.”

“Does that mean you will be leaving also?”  Selanda walked up beside him, wrapping her arm around his as she asked.

“Chakotay, there is no reason for you to cut your evening short.”  Kathryn answered before Chakotay could.  “I’ll be fine with a little rest.”

“Are you sure, Kathryn?  If he belonged to me, I would be concerned about leaving him in the company of another woman on such a beautiful and intoxicating evening.”  Selanda moved closer to his side, wrapping one arm around his waist.

Chakotay said nothing; his smirk told Kathryn he was enjoying this little play.

“Chakotay does not belong to anyone but himself.”  Kathryn smiled glancing at Chakotay then turning her attention back to Selanda.  “He is also quite capable of taking care of himself.”  She paused slightly, giving Selanda a quick once over glance.  “ I see no reason to worry.  Goodnight, Selanda.  Chakotay enjoy the rest of your evening, I’ll see you in the morning.”  She smiled as she tapped her comm. badge  “Voyager, one to beam up.”  She was still smiling as she was caught in the blue shimmer of the transporter

The small group on the other side of the garden was just close enough to hear what was going on.  When the Captain beamed back to Voyager alone, the ladies stared in amazement.  They watched open-mouthed until the Captain disappeared, then turned questioning eyes on the guys.

“Your Captain is either a very confident woman ..”  Catrine smiled and the others nodded their heads. “or a very stupid one. Which is it?” They all laughed, waiting for Harry or Ayala to answer.

“I don’t think there’s any question.”  Harry looked over at Ayala.  “What do you think Mike?”

“Nope, not a doubt my mind.  One thing Kathryn Janeway is not, is stupid.”  It was their turn to laugh and the woman eyed them closely.
 

It was less than an hour later when her door chimed.  Kathryn had taken a bath and even requested a hypospray from the doctor, but still there remained a faint gnawing at her temples.

“Come in.”  She was dressed only in her bathrobe but at this hour her visitor could only be one person.

“Hope I didn’t wake you.”  He crossed over to where she lay on the couch.  “I just wanted to check on you before I turned in.”

“No, I wasn’t sleeping.”  She sat up,  “Come, have a seat.”

“How’s the head?”

“Better, I got a hypospray from the doctor and took a bath – it helped.”  She unconsciously rubbed her temple.  “How was the rest of your evening?”

“Interesting.”  He chuckled and she raised one eyebrow.  “The Premier missed you.”

“Yes, it seems the Premier does not prefer blondes.”

“Ummm.”  He reached over and turned her around, so that he could lay her head in his lap.  “Here let me help.”  She let him guide her down with out protest.  “So he likes redheads—is that all you noticed about him?”  He chuckled as he rubbed her head.

“Please, Chakotay, any one with eyes would have to acknowledge that beautiful body.”  She spoke with her eyes closed a slight smile crossing her lips.

“Oh, so you did notice.”

“God you couldn’t miss it the way they dress, besides it would be like looking at Seven and the first thing you notice is her intelligence!”

“I see what you mean.”  He laughed and she elbowed him.  “Ouch, I was just agreeing with you.”
 
“Sure now you agree with me.”  She snuggled down, making herself more comfortable in his lap.  “So how is the First Minister?  Is she satisfied with our trade agreement?”

“The government is quite happy with the arrangements…”  He laughed.  “The First Minister however, maybe a tad disappointed.”

“So when we leave here tomorrow, I will still have a first officer?”

“Oh, Kathryn please.”  He couldn’t help laughing.  “You really didn’t think I would ever stay here and you know it.”

“No, but at one point I did consider that I might have to kill you.”

“Not to worry, I barely noticed her--- except that she was blonde, of course and – er - beautiful and intelligent, powerful and well, she was built like…”   She jabbed her elbow into his side.  “Ouch—damn! Maybe I’d be better off with Selanda, at least she doesn’t hit me.”

“Give her time to see the true you.”  The crooked smile crept across her face.  “Obnoxious, stubborn pigheaded….”

“Whoa, Kathryn, slow down, I’m not sure I can live up to all of those at once.”   He chuckled continuing to massage her head.  “Besides, you have a headache.”

“Ummmm.”  She opened her eyes, hands reaching up to cup his face.  “I’ve heard of an interesting cure.” She drew him down to her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Voyagers morning dawned a good day.  The Captains headache was gone, their stores were overflowing and they were ready to resume their journey home.  The command team was on the bridge bright and early, relaxed and the mood of the ship followed suit.

“Prepare to break orbit Mr. Paris.”  The Captain settled in her chair.

“Aye, Captain”

“Captain, we are being hailed.”  Harry looked up a little uncertain.  “It’s the First Minister.”

“Is it?”  She raised one eyebrow, fighting the urge to smile she glanced at her first officer, then leaned in a whispered to him. “Misses you already.”  Out loud she said. “Open a channel, on screen, Mr. Kim.”

“Captain.”  Her eyes flickered to the Captain’s side, as she spoke.

“First Minister, this is a surprise.”  She resisted the urge to follow Selanda’s, eyes.  “What can we do for you?”

“I wanted to wish you well on your journey.”

“Thank you, your generosity will aid us greatly in our travels.”
 

“It was our pleasure.”  Her eyes drifted once again. “And Captain, I must say that I am very happy we are both of peaceful people.   You are a formidable opponent, one I would not want to engage on a field of battle.”

“Luckily it will never come to that.”

“I don’t think luck has anything to do with it.  At this point in our negotiations, I should be enjoying the spoils of my victory.”  She smiled and stared openly at Chakotay.  “Congratulations, Captain, today victory is yours.  Safe journey.”

The screen went black and the bridge remained quiet, except for the faint chuckle at the Captain’s side.

“Mr. Paris, take us home.”  The Captain finally ordered, then leaned over the console to whisper to Chakotay.  "What was that you told me?  Ahh yes ‘even the best lose one now and then’.”  Ignoring the curious glances from the bridge crew, she placed her hand on his and laughed.
 

The End.

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