Rated NC17
 

“Stand down red alert” The Captain flopped down into her command chair.  “Damage report”

“Warp drive still off line, no impulse, minimal thrusters, all off which doesn’t matter because we just lost helm control.”  Tom raised his hands and let them drop to the console in defeat.

“Power down decks 12 through 14. Transporters, lifts, long range sensors off line. A new hull breach on deck 10 to go with the existing ones on 5 and 7—at least the force fields are holding.”  Harry shook his head.  “Inertial dampers are holding but not for much longer and we just lost gravity on deck 13, so we now have people floating around in the dark.”

“Environmental control is off line all decks.”  It was about 110 degrees in here already, he really didn’t need to tell her this, but Chakotay ran through his report.  ”No new casualties reported.  Life support is stable and the comm. system is down.”

“Shields are down and forward phasers are off line.”  Tuvok picked up where the Commander stopped.

“Well gentlemen, does anyone have any good news?”  After two weeks of intermittent attacks she already knew they were all but dead in the water, she needed something positive.

“Captain.” 

“Yes, Mr. Kim?”

“Replicators are functioning.”  He smiled and she had to smile back.

“Thank you, Mr. Kim, I needed that.” She looked around at the sparking wires and the falling bulkheads. They needed to find a place to hide and make repairs, without long range sensors that wouldn’t be easy.  “Mr. Paris, check in with the doctor, if you're not needed there, get to engineering and see where B’Elanna needs you.  Mr. Kim let's see if we can get deck 13 back on their feet, Commander check the status on our hull breaches, Mr. Tuvok the bridge, such as it is---is yours.  I’m heading to engineering to see if we can bring the environmental controls back up.”  She rolled her eyes at the Commander and he laughed, as she dragged herself up from her chair.

“After you, Captain.”  Chakotay opened the hatch to the jefferies tube.  With the lifts off line they would all need to climb to their destinations and in this heat it wasn’t going to be fun.

     The Captain preceded them down two levels before she removed her jacket and encouraged them to do the same, another two decks and the turtleneck was off.

“Gentlemen, Let’s hope it doesn’t get much hotter than this.”  She wiped her face with her discarded shirt.

“I don’t know, Captain---it could be interesting.”  Paris smirked at her.

“Yes, Mr. Paris it could at that, but there are those on board I would prefer not to witness naked.”  She smiled at Harry’s blush, stared down Tom’s smirk and ignored Chakotay’s snicker, as she continued her decent.
 
      Tom left them at deck five to check in at sickbay, the others continued their climb to deck 11.  After conferring with B’Elanna, each took a tool kit and a different direction.  Repairs were slow, parts of everything need to be fixed.  What started out to be minor, gradually became severe and what was severe eventually got attention.  They worked in shifts, except for the senior staff, who remained on duty round the clock or until exhaustion claimed them
 
    Power was restored to all decks, the hull breaches were repaired at least to the extent possible out here, forward phasers were functional and the shields were back to 80%. Deck 13 had gravity and the some of the lifts were operational, they had accomplished much, but there was still a long way to go.  To spite the best efforts of both the Captain and B’Elanna environmental controls were still off line and the warp drive was a long way from functional. Long range sensors and the comm system also remained off line.

   The Captain eased herself out of a jeffries tube in engineering, to find her chief engineer staring hopelessly around her department.

“B’Elanna, How you doing here?”

“Captain, I’m not sure I know any more.”   She threw her hands up.

“Me either, When was the last time you took a break—got some rest—ate something?”

“Don’t know, but we got get this going..”

“OK, go grab a shower and some shorts.”  She wiped the sweat from her face. “Meet me in my quarters, we’ll go over this and get something to eat—maybe even some rest.”

“I don’t..”

“That wasn’t a request, Lieutenant.”  She smiled and put a hand on her shoulder.  “That’s an order.  I’ll meet you there in half an hour.”

“Aye Captain.”  She laughed and left the Captain to wrap things up.

  The Captain collected reports from repair teams, before heading back to her quarters.  She was just finished dressing when the door chimed.

“Come” 

“Captain?”  B’Elanna entered dressed in shorts and a tee shirt with another pile of pads.

“Right here, B’Elanna.”  The Captain came into the room still toweling her damp hair, dressed similarly to B’Elanna in shorts and a cropped tank.  “We gotta get environmental back on.”  She laughed and headed for the replicator.  “What can I get you?”

“Something cold.”

   They went over the padds as they ate.  Environmental had to be a priority; their functioning was severely curtailed by the heat.  Next would be sensors, they needed to find a safe haven for repairs, a space dock, an M Class they could land on, they had restored thrusters, impulse and helm control— the warp drive could wait.  The Comm system would be the next priority, communication was essential and extremely difficult at this point.  They were wrapping up their session and about to get some much needed rest when the chime sounded.

“Come.”  The Captain called from her position on the couch.

“Ladies.”  Chakotay came in eyeing their attire.  “Nice outfits, does this mean you have been unable to repair the environmental system?” 

“You don’t need to look at us to know that, Chak.”  B’Elanna stood.  “Soon we may even take Tom’s advice.”

“Don’t hesitate on my account.”  He gave them a dimpled grin.

“Did you come here for a reason or just to ogle us?” 

“Well Captain, I’m sure there was a reason, but the sight of your bodies glistening  with sweat completely erased it from my mind.” 

“Men.”  B’Elanna smacked his arm, then let her hand trace the sweat drenched muscles. “oohh”

“B’Elanna?”  He moved her hand and laughed.

“Yeah—I was just leaving.”  She laughed and swatted his butt as she left.

“B’Elanna –get some rest—remember the computer can still locate you.”

“Yes, Ma’am.  See you in engineering in about six hours.”

“Night, B’Elanna”

“Bye, B’Ella”

“Night.”  She called back as the door cut her off from them.

“So, no environmental—what else?”  He knelt on the floor in front of her placing his hands on her hips.

“You know about the hull breaches and since you got here I assume you know some of the lifts are working.”  He lowered his head and lapped at the sweat trickling down her stomach.  “Ahh—the phasers are on line and----What are you doing?”

“Me?”  He looked up and gave her grin.  Then returned his attention to her stomach, his tongue tracing the trickle of sweat down to her waistband, his hands sliding up her sides under the short top.

“Yes, you.”  Two fingers expertly unfastened her bra and both hands cupped her breasts.  “I don’t---ahhh, hell” She dropped her head back to the couch.  “You are not nice.”

“Mmm.”  He lifted his head.  “You hate every minute of it- I can tell.”  He pushed her tank up and licked the valley between her breasts, she arched her back and he chuckled   “You were saying?”

“Bout what?”  She ran her fingers through his hair.

“The ship.”  His mouth closed over her nipple.

“What ship?”  She gripped his head.  His one hand slipped under the leg of her shorts, fingers sneaking beneath the elastic of her panties testing the moisture pooled there.  “Ahhh goddd.”

     Both hands gripped the waistband on her shorts and she raised her hips to allow their removal.  His hands worked up the inside of her legs spreading her wider.  He sat back on his heals, watching her as he ran hands up her inner thighs, fingers just grazing through her damp curls.  Head thrown back on the couch, eyes closed mouth slightly open, damp hair, body glistening with salty moisture, she was a beautiful sight.  He watched her chest heave as he spread her lips, groaning when gentle fingers explored her and crying out as his tongue lapped at her moisture.  She writhed beneath his torturously slow movements, as his tongue traced her inner lips and his fingers probed her depth.

“Please.”  Hands clutching at him. 

“What do you want, Kathryn?”  Two fingers penetrated her, his thumb stroking her nerve center.  "What?”  His lips sought a taunt nipple.

“You…ahhh.”  She clutched at him.  “Please now—I—need you.”

      His one hand unfastened his pants, she groaned when he needed both to remove them. 

“This what you want, Kath?”  He positioned him self between her open thighs, dragging his throbbing member through her folds.

“Yess, godd.”  She bucked up toward him, wrapping her legs around, trying to force their joining.  His one hand stroked her hot center as the other guided him into her, slowly.  She thrust her hips, her legs forcing him closer. “Oohhh Cha kkotaay.”  Her body bucked and writhed beneath him, she sucked in her breath and dug her nails into his shoulders, crying out as her body convulsed.  Grabbing her hips he pounded into her as her inner muscles clenched and released him forcing him to burst forth deep within her and collapse.

“Hey.”  He raised his head.  “You still with me?”

“Yeah—that didn’t do anything to improve the temperature.”  She smiled.

“Complaining?”

“Only about the lack of environmental controls.”

“Hey, whose department was that?”  He chuckled.

“OK—mine, but if you can do better you are welcome to lend a hand.”  She pushed at his shoulders.  “Get off me you big lug.” 

“That’s not what you wanted a few minutes ago.” 

“That was then and this is now.”  She laughed.  “And now I need another shower and some rest.”
 

     By the time he was out of the shower she was sprawled across the bed naked and sound asleep.  He moved her aside and laid down next to her, falling asleep almost before he rested his head on the pillow. A few short hours later the computer woke them.  There was more work to be done.

Another shower being as pointless as the last two, she pulled on shorts and a tee shirt and pinned her shorter hair to the top of her head.

“Well, that should raise a few eyebrows.”  He smiled at her appearance.

“This is it –they can take it or leave it—but I’m not putting on anything more in this heat.”  She tied on her running shoes.

“Oh I agree, infact I ordered most of the crew to dress that way—and to spread the word to the others.  It’s just..”  He chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. 

“What?  Not captainly?” She put her hands on her hips with a mock glare.

“Well, now that you mention it—probably not—but definitely cute.”

“Cute?  Please—no makeup my hair knotted on my head—hardly cute.”

“Oh definitely cute.”  He finished dressing and slapped her butt.  “Come on let’s go meet B’Ella.”
 

      They got more than one double take as they made their way to engineering.   B’Elanna was barking orders as they came in, only stopping when Joe Carey’s mouth dropped open.   She spun around to see what the distraction was.

“Captain, welcome to my hell.”  She smiled, thinking she was wearing more than the last time she saw her.

“Lieutenant.  Do you have another assignment for me or should I return to my investigation of the lack of environmental controls?”  The Captain teased, enjoying the shock that registered on the faces around her.

“No, Captain---cooling it down in here should be your first priority.”

“Commander, grab a tool bag and come with me.”  She headed for the jeffries tube that would take her to the central controls for environmental.  As she lifted herself into the tube, she heard a chuckle rise behind her and could only imagine what Chakotay was doing behind her back.

  As he watched her host herself into the tube, her butt barely covered with the shorts, he knew half of engineering was watching her and the others were watching his reaction.  He raised his eyebrows as he eyed her, then turned to the expectant faces grinning, shrugging his shoulders, and licking his lips, before he followed her in.

“What was that?”  She questioned him about the rising laughter in engineering as they crawled through the tube.

“Nothing, much.”  He reached one hand up to caress her cheek.  “You have a lovely ass.”

“Commander.”  She tried to sound threatening, but she couldn’t stop the laughter.  “So that’s what’s so funny--my crew is laughing at my backside?”

“No—they are laughing at me—I think they were quite taken with your ass.”  He laughed again and ducked the foot she pushed back at him.

“I see and exactly what sort of very professional action on your part are they laughing at?”

“Hey, I was good—I just looked.  You put it in my face, be glad I didn’t bite it.”

“Oh, now, that would have been interesting.—so much for desecration.”   They had reached the junction and she was removing the access panel.  “Here take this.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”  He set the panel aside and opened the tool bag, as she examined her tricorder readings.   “Do you really think they would mind if they knew?”

“No.  I  just would like some privacy.  Hand me the hyperspanner.”  She began working on the controls.  “Besides, think how much fun they have now trying to catch us—we wouldn’t want to spoil it.”

“NO –or the fun we have dropping just the slightest of hints and they running away.”  He laughed at her mock shock.  “You know you enjoy it too.’

“True---it is fun to tease them—especially Harry and Joe Carey—they are so easy.  Have a new relay in there?”  She reached back and took it from him.  She positioned the new relay and sparks flew, the lights flickered and smoke poured out at them.  “Damn.”

“Nice work Kathryn—now it’s hot and dark.”

“Funny.”  She swatted him and the emergency lights came on.  She scanned the tricorder again.  “There was a power surge—what the hell is going on here?”  She wiped at the sweat running down her face and smeared black soot across her cheek.  “If we had a comm system this would be a lot easier.”  She got back down and crawled into the next tube, following some sort of reading on the tricorder.  “Come on, we go deeper.”

“OK.”  He grabbed the tools and followed her. 

    The lights went out again and the ship tossed, from in here they couldn’t be sure, but she was betting they were under attack again.

“Damn, let’s find the closest hatch.”  They located the hatch and scrambled out racing to the nearest lift and hoping it was operational.  Without a comm system, getting to the bridge was the only way to find out what was going on.  The lift worked, swiftly bringing them up ten decks to the bridge.  “Report” She barked as she exited.

“Captain the Bentelli have returned.”  Tuvok had already taken over tactical.  “They refuse to answer hails and are continuing to fire.  Shields at 75% and holding, phasers operational.”

“Return fire, Mr. Tuvok.  Evasive maneuvers, Ensign.”  She took her seat, most of the senior staff had not made it to the bridge.  If this followed their earlier pattern the Bentelli would inflict some damage but never move in for the kill.  None of her earlier efforts had been successful, so she held little hope of either disabling or destroying the other ship and she certainly couldn’t out run them at impulse.  The bridge rocked with another round and she found herself wishing Tom was at the helm.

“Shields at 60%.  Our phasers are having no effect.”

“Ready photon torpedoes, Mr. Tuvok” She gripped the chair as they took another hit.  “Target their weapons and fire.”

“Direct hit.”

“Captain, they are retreating.”  Ensign Rogue reported from ops.

“Damage”

“No significant changes in weapons or shields.” Tuvok reported.

“Minor power outages on sections of deck 11.”  Rogue reported

“Take us out of here at full impulse Ensign.”  She glanced at Chakotay, who gave her a knowing smile—the power outages on deck 11 were not the fault of the Bentelli and they both knew it.  “Commander, my ready room.”

   He got up and followed her in, he didn’t miss the sidelong glances from the bridge crew—think they never saw a woman in shorts before.  He chuckled as he entered.

“Glad you find these continuing attacks amusing, Commander.”

“Oh, it’s not the attacks.” 

"Want a cold drink?”  She crossed to the replicator.  “So, the smirk was for the power—which we will temporally let the Bentelli take the blame for—and the chuckle?”  She came back and handed him a tall glass. 

“The crew—you would think they never saw a woman in shorts before.”

“I know, it’s not like I’m the only person dressed this way—god everyone is.”

“Ahh—but, everyone is not the Captain.”

“I know and I can’t believe I just sat on the bridge like this.”  She held out her arms and shook her head.

“I rather like it.”

“Yes –but you –well let’s just say your easy.”  She sat on the couch.  “God we have to get the sensors up and the damn comm system.”

“I have to agree, we should go see what B’Elanna is up too.”

“I know, thanks the spirits the lifts run, I’m too old to keep climbing 11 decks.”  She laughed and leaned her head on his shoulder.

“Especially in this heat.”

“Yeah, we need to find a place to hide so we can get some repairs done.”  She got up and recycled their glasses.  “OK, back to work.”

“OK, you go to engineering and I’ll go to astrometrics and see how Seven is doing with sensors.”

“Agreed.”  She turned just before the door opened.  “Back in my quarters in three hours?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” 

       It was more than five hours later when Chakotay showed up in engineering. 

“What can I do for you, Commander?”  Joe Carey popped up from behind a console.

“Have you seen the Captain, Joe?”

“Sure have and I must say- I like those shorts.”  He laughed.

“Yeah, me too.  Where is she?”

“Her and B’Elanna, have been crawling ---and might I add that is a pretty picture –the pair of them..”

“Joe—Where?” 

“Oh, sorry Commander, I got side tracked.  They have been everywhere, but right now I believe they are at junction beta 74, through there.”  He pointed at the tube they started with this morning.

“Thanks, Joe.”  He climbed into the tube and began the long crawl.  Before long he heard them—they were laughing—good sign, and getting closer—an even better sign.  He waited.
 

“Chak, what are you doing here?”  B’Elanna approached first.

“Looking for her—we had an appointment two hours ago.”

“Oh, B’Elanna, when the comm system comes up, tell the Commander I’m gonna be late.”

“Aye, Captain.” Both women started to laugh.

“Nice ladies, does this jovial mood mean progress or that you have completely lost your minds?”

“Hey, we’re good.”  B’Elanna scoffed

“No doubt.”  He snickered.  “But what about the environmental system.”

“It’s fixed.”  B’Elanna pushed him.

“Finally.”  The Captain muttered behind her. 

“But it will take 10 to 14 hours to get the temperature back to normal.”  B’Elanna sat up and stared at him   “Well?”

“Well what?”

“Are you gonna turn around and let us out of here?”

“Oh, I prefer one of you lead, but since we can’t trade places I guess I will.”  He turned around and B’Elanna winked at the Captain, then ran her hand over his butt. “Hey!”

“What’s the matter, Commander—not funny when it’s you?” 

“Captain, I would appreciate it if you would ask the Lieutenant to keep her hands to herself—that’s the second time she touched me like that.”

“You put it in her face Commander, I would say you are lucky she didn’t bite it.”  Both women laughed out loud as they followed him out.
 

    Once in engineering, they assessed the remaining repairs.  The warp drive was down and the hull needed some repairs, the comm system was the next priority though.  Chakotay informed them long range sensors had been restored and Seven was currently looking for a suitable hiding or landing place.

“OK. We can’t finish these repairs until we can safely go outside, so it’s time to get some rest.  B’Elanna get as many of these people off duty as possible and be sure that includes you.  We need to be alert if the Bantelli come back and rested when we finally can finish these repairs.”

“Yes, Captain—a cool drink and some sleep sounds good to me.”

“B’Ella –you have been on duty too long if you aren’t even arguing with her.” 

“Yeah, must be over tired if I found you butt interesting.”  B’Elanna smacked his butt and headed toward a smirking Joe Carey.  "Joe let’s see who gets to go home.”

“Hey, nothing wrong with my butt…”  He sounded wounded.

“Yes, Commander, it’s just fine.”  The Captain replied in a patronizing voice, as she leaned behind and gave him an appraising look.  Then she smiled at Joe, winked and patted Chakotay.  There was a roar of laughter behind her as she left engineering.

“Nice, Kathryn.”  He trotted to catch up with her.  “Really subtle.”

“Oh you think you are the only one who can play that game?”  She smiled.

“I don’t go grabbing your ass in public.”

“Oh for gods sake I didn’t grab your ass—I just..”  She looked up to see several interested crewmen, she knew she was blushing.  “Look.”  She patted him again.  “Did I grab him?”

“No, Ma’am.”  They replied together and scurried down the hall.

     The lift opened and the command team stepped inside and waited for the door to close, before bursting into laughter.

“Oh, you are bad, Kathryn.”

“What else could I do—they had me.”  She laughed until tears formed in her eyes.  “God we all need some rest –anyone would think we lost our minds.”

“Well, we should get some unless Seven finds something soon.”

“We need to find something, but tomorrow would be fine with me.”  She leaned up against the wall.  “God I can’t wait for it to cool down.  The lift deposited them on deck three and she followed him out, stopping at her door as he continued on to his.  “Aren’t you coming in?”

“I thought I’d shower first.”  He keyed in his code.

“So did I.”  She smiled and disappeared into her quarters. 

She ran the shower and pulled out some fresh clothes—not much it was still hot and she wasn’t leaving so, back to cropped top and short shorts.  Getting a fresh towel she headed for the bathroom, she could hear his shower running.  She switched hers off and let herself into his quarters.  Depositing her things in his bedroom, she stripped off her clothes and joined him in the bathroom. 

      He was happily allowing the water to flow over his head, humming to himself and never even hear her come in.  She slipped in behind him and reached her hands around to his chest.  When she touched him he jumped sending her down on her butt and him on top of her. 

“Spirits, Kathryn.”  He yelled when he opened his soapy eyes.  “Are you trying to kill me?”  The shock on his face caused her to laugh so hard he thought she might drown.  “Are you OK?”  Her laughter was contagious.

“I would be if you’d get off me.”  She choked out, between laughs and gulps for air.

“What the hell are you thinking sneaking up on me?”  He got up pulling her with him.  “Woman one way or another you are determined to kill us both.” 

“Yes, probably, but isn’t this much better than phasers and photon torpedoes?”  She ran her hand up his chest, reaching behind his head to bring his lips down to hers.

 As she pressed closer to him she could feel him stiffen against her belly, god she couldn’t get enough of this man.  What had she been thinking all those years?  His tongue probed her mouth and she countered it with her own, hungrily devouring his kisses.  His soapy hands caressed down her back tracing circles, pulling her even closer as they moved to cup her cheeks.  He broke the kiss and bent his lips to her breast, capturing one erect nub and drawing it into his mouth.  She dropped her head back and arched toward him as her hands ran across his broad shoulders, up and down his muscular arms, delighting in his bare flesh beneath her touch.  She forced her hand down between them and closed around him, rock hard and throbbing with desire. She began to stroke him, slowly at first, running her fingers from the base, and playing them around the sensitive head.

   She slowly sank to her knees, running her fingers up inside his thighs and down the length of him.  Her mouth worked it's way down his stomach licking, nipping, seeking to feel and taste all of him.  He tangled his fingers in her hair, arching his back, offering himself to her.  She lapped at the small drops of fluid, swirling her tongue around the tip.   As her tongue fondled him, gentle fingers reached between to cradle him, and when she came back to take him fully into her mouth a deep groan escaped him. Lips, tongue and teeth all working in unison, inflicting exquisite torture, driving him gasping to the brink. 

“Kathryn…”  His voice was thick and deep, as he reached for her and she reluctantly released him.

He lifted her and she wrapped her legs around him, he covered her mouth with his, swallowing her cries as he entered her.  Resting her back against the wall, he grasped her hips thrusting deep and slow, as she ground herself against him, her hips arching rhythmically meeting each thrust.  Their breathing became quick ragged pants, she was moaning his name, as the pace quickened, thrusts becoming short and erratic. He cried out shoving her hard against the wall as her body convulsed around him forcing him to spill himself deep within her. 

As they caught their breath, she slowly lowered her legs, holding his shoulders to steady herself.  The stood quietly wrapped together as the warm water caressed them. 

“Much better than phasers.”  He spoke into her hair and he felt her chuckle against his chest.  “Hey”

“Humm?”

“Gonna stand here all night?”

“If I had the strength.” She nuzzled her face in his chest and he felt her laugh.  “Been in here forever and I haven’t even washed my hair.”

“Here.”  He eased her up.  “Let me.”  He gently massaged the shampoo into her hair and she slumped back against him.  “No sleeping, we need to eat first, then you can sleep—come on.”  He rinsed her hair and forced her to stand on her own.  He left her there to finish her shower, wrapping a towel around himself and setting off to prepare dinner.

  When she joined him in the other room she wore the short shorts and cropped tank she brought with her.  He hair was wet and brushed back away from her freshly scrubbed face. 

“Well good thing you got environmental working cause if this heat caused you to go out in that, we might have a riot on our hands.”

“There’s nothing wrong with it.”  She glared at him defensively.

“There’s nothing –that just about says it.”  He laughed and ran his finger down her stomach. “Not complaining—just don’t think the crew is ready for this.”

“AHH, I wear  less to the beach.”  She swatted his hand.  “Where’s my dinner?”

“Almost ready” 

“Ya know, this outfit could get you into big trouble.”  She ran her hand over his bare chest, eyeing the lose shorts he wore. “If B’Elanna had trouble keeping her hands off you, just imagine Jenny Delaney getting an eye full of this.

“I don’t plan on wearing it out.”  He stepped back to reach their drinks.  “I’ll be fine if you keep your hands to your self.”

“Be careful what you ask for.”  She raised an eyebrow in warning.

“Only until after dinner---then you can have your way with me.”  He handed her a drink and kissed her forehead.  “Come sit—relax a minute before dinner.”
 

                 They enjoyed their drink and about half their dinner, when the Klaxons sounded and they bounded out the door to the bridge.  The lift didn’t respond so they climbed the two decks to the bridge.

“Report” She wasn’t even out of the jeffries tube.

“They’re back.”  Harry called from ops.  “They’re coming at us and pulling away without firing a shot—like some kind of game.”

“Shields?”  She knew she sounded harsh, but she hated to have to ask for each report. She looked at the crop of ensigns and crewman thinking poor, Harry he always has to deal with this—thank god she usually worked with the senior staff.

“60 % and holding, phasers operational.”

“Captain, here they come again.” 

“Evasive maneuvers Ensign.  Lock on phasers and fire when they are in range.” 

“Captain, their warp core is over loading.”  There was urgency in Harry’s voice.

“Ensign back us off full impulse.”  She looked nervously at the helm, wishing Tom were here.

“Aye, Captain” Came the strong confident reply that made her guilty for her earlier thought.

“They are gonna blow in 47 seconds.”  Harry hung on.

“Brace for impact.”  She silently hoped the rest of the ship could read her mind.

    The view screen lit up with a blinding flash and Voyager was hurled backwards with the force.  A few seconds and it was all over.  The Bentelli were gone and Voyager remained in tact.

“Damage reports” 

“Power out on deck 7, minor damage reported on deck 11 and 15.”  Harry looked up and smiled.  “Not bad Captain and the replicators are still functional.”

“Small favors, Harry.”  She smiled at him.  “Weapons, shields?”

“Shields are weak, Captain, but I think I can reinitialize them.  All weapons remain functional.”

“We still have impulse thrusters and full helm control Captain.” 

“Well, not much worse for out last encounter.”  She stood up.  “Mr. Kim, I’ll be in my quarters, the bridge is yours.”  She turned to Chakotay.  “Commander, shall we finish dinner?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”  He followed her to the tube and they climbed back to deck three.

“You did tell Harry you would be in your quarters.”  He keyed in his access code.

“So I did.”  She laughed and ducked around him.  “Please they were too busy staring to know who’s quarters I said I would be in.”

“Dressed like that, it’s no wonder.”

“I wasn’t the only one they were staring at---good thing we didn’t have to fight, I would have hated to ask that young woman at tactical to ready a torpeo.”  She knew from the grin he notice too. “For my part, I don’t think I’ll will ever look at young Mr. Kim the same again.”

“Thought you said Harry was just a baby?”  He teased. 

“Well, I did—but I’ve just noticed how well that baby has grown up.”   She took the drink he offered as he sat beside her on the couch.   “Don’t give me that look—I saw the sudden interest you developed in tactical----tell me you weren’t eyeing that child.”

“Child?—Kathryn, Naomi is the only child on this ship.” He smiled.  “And that was no child.---believe me.”

“Thank god we will all be in uniform tomorrow—this could get way out of hand.”   She laughed and pushed at his shoulder.  “And you better keep your eyes on you station MR.” 

“It could—I remember when I was young and we were experiencing terrible power problems.  Every time the power relay station went down---you could be sure nine months latter we would have another baby boom.”

“Oh, that is all we need!”  She rolled her eyes.  “Hope everyone’s boosters are up to date.”

“Mine are.”  He pulled her onto his lap.  “How about yours?”

“If they weren’t it would be a little late to worry about it.”   She lowered her head and traced his lips with her tongue.  “Mmm, you have luscious lips.”  She nibbled on his lower lip. 

“Like this outfit.”  He mumbled, slipping his hands up her side and under the tank, cupping her breast. 

        She kissed him gently, slowly, her tongue tracing his lip before slipping past to tangle with his.  Their hands moving lightly to caress sweaty flesh, he’d released the clasp on her bra rolling a taunt nipple between thumb and forefinger.  She moaned into his mouth, then eased out of the kiss, pressing gentle open mouthed kisses on his lips, jaw, neck.

“I love you.” Came in a rush of warm air across his ear, followed by her inquisitive tongue, lips sucking teeth nibbling the lobe.  She returned to capture his mouth, hard and demanding, sucking his tongue into her mouth.

   He groaned, lifting her with him as he rose from the couch, never relinquishing her lips and he carried her to his bed.  He laid her on the bed and hovered over her, watching her face as her ran his hands firmly up her stomach, pushing the tank and bra up, exposing her breasts.  He bent his lips to her breast, kissing the soft ivory mounds, drawing the taunt dimpled nipple into his mouth grazing it with his teeth.   She arched a moan escaping, when he suckled her breast.  His hand rested at the junction of her legs cupped around her, as she pushed against his palm spreading her thighs wide. 

He moved off the bed, swiftly dropping his shorts and sliding hers over raised hips.  He positioned himself between her open legs and bent to recapture her breast, his hands tracing light patterns on her inner thighs.  He licked a path down her stomach, feeling the muscles strain and ripple beneath his mouth.

“Ahhh.”  She sucked in her breath as his mouth moved lower, his tongue darting into soft folds, sucking stroking. 
 
Hmmm..." He murmured as his tongue traced her lips with long steady strokes, lapping the abundant juices.  “Soo good.”  The force of his words causing her to shudder.

“Ohhh godd.”  She rocked her hips straining toward him.  His fingers spread her wide, his tongue was tracing circles around her carefully avoiding her aching nerves.  His hand probed deeper, fingers. rubbing stroking, finally penetrating. “Oohhhh, yesss.”  She thrust against him. Her fingers entwined in his hair, as she tried to force the attention she craved.  “Pleassse—Ohh.”  Her arousal built to a fevered pitch as she writhed beneath his exquisite torment, tossing her head, bucking her hips.   He closed his mouth around her aching desire sucking hard.  “Ohh Cha aaakoo taay.”  Her body convulsing, as she screamed out her release, clamping him to her with vice like legs. 
 

He moved up next to her, pulling her quacking body close, running his hands down her back, as she regained her breath.

“I love you.”   She raised her head smiling, as she licked her own juices from his lips.  Her hand reaching between them stroking, spreading the escaping fluid with gentle fingers.  He groaned deeply into her mouth as she raised one leg over his hip.

“Ahhhhhhh.”  His fingers clenched her bottom as she stroked her wet folds with his throbbing member.  “Godd Kath..”  He pushed her back thrusting hard and deep.  He stilled for a minute then began with slow deep strokes, thrusting and withdrawing with practice precision, until she was clutching at him, nails raking down his back.  Both panting, moaning, gasping, as she cried out and arched against him, her muscles spasming.  “Ohh Kathh” He cried out with one final thrust and collapsed over her as he climaxed, and emptied himself deep within her.

  He rolled them to their sides, holding her close as she snuggled to his chest.  He kissed her hair and stoked her back as they drifted to sleep.  The ship was finally cooling and somewhere in the night, he had maneuvered them beneath the covers.

   Seven discovered an M class not too far away.  All preliminary scans told her it was more than adequate for their needs. It had an uninhabited continent in the southern hemisphere, with the sort of balmy climate the crew seem to prefer.  They would be able to land Voyager and effect the necessary repairs and although she was still unsure of the relevance of it, the crew could take a shore leave, which should provide adequate rest.  The comm system still down, she set out for the bridge to inform them of her discovery.  The lift to that level being off line, it took longer than usual for Seven to make the journey.

“Ensign Kim.”  She addressed the senior bridge officer on duty.

“Seven.”  He was a little surprised to see her at 0300 hours.

“Ensign, I have located an M Class suitable for our needs.  You must change course immediately.”

“I’ll need to inform the Captain first.”  He knew there was only one way to do that.  “Simmons, you have the bridge.”

“Aye Sir”

“Seven, after you.”  He ushered her back to the same jeffries tube she just emerged from.
 

   They rang the Captain’s chime several times, no answer.  Harry decided the next best thing was to get the Commander so they tried his chime with the same result.  B’Elanna and Tom were just returning from a late night snack in the mess hall and were more than a little surprised to find Harry and Seven wandering deck three.

“What’s up, Starfleet?”

“B’Elanna, Tom, am I glad to see you.” 

“What’s the problem?”  Tom was more than curious.

“Seven found an M class and wants me to change course, but …” 

“You wanna check with the Captain.”  Harry nodded.  “So ring the chime.”

“We have done that many times—she does not answer.”  Seven informed them.

“So wake up Chak.” 

“We tried B’Elanna, but he won’t answer either.”

“That’s no problem, I’ll override the lock and let you in.”

“I’m not going in there.”  Harry shook his head. “Not with out asking.”

“Kahless, it only Chakotay.”  She was already over riding the lock.  The door slid open but Harry refused to enter.

“God, I’ll do it.”  Tom pushed past them into the darkened quarters. 

    He made his way quietly through the dark room.  He wanted to be careful, Chakotay was a big man and he did want to frighten him into action.  The light from the stars outside the view port cast enough light to see inside the bedroom.  What Tom saw surprised him.  As he entered, he saw milky white shoulders illuminated by the starlight, shoulders way too small to be the Commander.  The sheet was around her hips exposing the curve of her back to him.  Her body was pressed close to his and her head rested on his chest face hidden by auburn hair. ‘Jackpot’ Tom thought and chuckled. ‘for both of us big guy’.

“Who’s there.”  Chakotay had sensed his presence.

“Tom—Chakotay, sorry but Harry needed…”

“What does he need?”  He reached down and drew the blanket over her.

“Seven found an M class not far and wanted him to change course—he wanted to check with the Captain, but…”

“Yeah,  OK, check it out Tom, Seven is reliable if you both think it’s good, go for it.  I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Sure, listen Chak…”

“Mr. Paris.”  The familiar husky voice came from the hidden face.  “You are dismissed.”

“Yes, Ma’am—Thank you, Ma’am—Good night Ma’am…”

“Tom”

“ER yeah—sleep well.”  He spun and left them.

  Tom made his way through the living area, slid the door open and stood facing the others. 

“Well?”  Harry asked.   “What did he say?”

“ER.”  Tom considered his options quickly.  “We should look it over and go for it if it checks out.”  He didn’t move from the door.

“Tom?  Are you OK?”  Harry waited.

“Yep—Just fine—Let’s go.”  He led the little group back to astrometrics.
 

Epilogue
 

     Voyager reached the M class in a day and a half.  They were able to land and do all the major repairs, within two weeks, Voyager was once again space worthy  with all systems functioning at peak efficiency. From the crew’s reactions, the Captain surmised, much to her surprise, that Tom had told no one what he discovered that night.  This theory was confirmed by Chakotay, who had finally asked Tom point blank.

“Tom.”  The Commander caught him just as he was leaving to meet B’Elanna for dinner.

“Yes, Commander.” 

“Could I speak with you in my office?”

“Sure.”  Tom wondered what he had done now, but Chakotay didn‘t seem mad. 

“Have a seat, Tom.”  Chakotay sat on the side of his desk, wondering how to do this—only one way.  “Tom.  A few weeks ago, when you came into my quarters?”

“Yeah, I remember—what of it,  Harry needed to know.  I didn’t mean…”

“No-- It’s OK.”  Chakotay ran his hand through his hair.  “I gotta ask—or go crazy.  Did you tell anyone?”

“Oh I see—like waiting for the other shoe to drop?”

“It’s a little stressful—look I don’t care but…”

“She does?”

“Not exactly, she would just like to know—and so would I--that’s all.”

“No.”  He saw the surprise.  “No—I didn’t even tell B’E.”

“I ..”

“You don’t get it—well it’s like this.”  Tom stood up and ran his fingers through his own hair.  “If you tell anyone that I knew and didn’t say anything- I’ll deny it—Look this is your business.  I figure when you're ready you will tell people.”

“I’m surprised, Tom.”

“Yeah, me too.”  Tom laughed.  “But I didn’t want to take the chance—it took so long, I didn’t want her running away.  I don’t know –it just seem like the right thing---god I wanted to do the right thing—go figure.”

“Thanks, Tom.”  Chakotay stood and offer Tom his hand.

“Yeah.”  Tom shook his hand.  “Listen if you guys decide to go public..”

“I know—you will be the first to know."  They laughed and walked out together.

B’Elanna and Kathryn stood on the bridge waiting.

The End.
 
 

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