First
place in waves in the ocean
Rated NC17
“How about dinner, Chakotay?” The Captain stepped into the lift beside her First Officer and Ensign Kim.
“Sorry, Captain. I already have plans.” He felt guilty as he watched her try to cover her surprise. He knew he should have talked to her about this before now, after all she was his best friend. “Maybe tomorrow?”
“Sure, another time then.”
The Captain smiled; Chakotay nodded. It looked normal enough but for Harry the uncomfortable silence of the two-deck ride lasted forever. When the doors finally opened, the Captain proceeded to her quarters without another word. To the untrained eye, the exchange of pleasantries as the Commander passed behind her was gracious enough; Harry could see the storm brewing.
~~~^^^~~~
“So, it has come to this!” Kathryn stripped off her uniform as she stomped around her quarters. “You knew that sooner or later they would all get lives!” She stopped in front of the mirror to berate herself. “Well, did you expect he would be your pet monkey forever?” Even Chakotay was dating; he hadn’t said so directly but this wasn’t the first time he was ‘busy’ without explanation.
~~~^^^~~~
The whirl of the transporter beam caught Chakotay off guard. He spun around to find Seven holding a large bouquet of flowers.
"Am I early?" Seven was a little worried by his startled expression.
"No, you're right on time,” Chakotay smiled as he approached her. "Something wrong with the door?"
"I didn't think it would be discreet to be seen carrying flowers to the first officer's quarters."
“Did you get this from your research?” Chakotay took the flowers, deeply inhaling their sweet fragrance.
Seven nodded, smiling almost shyly as she watched him.
"I should put these in water.”
Chakotay started to turn away but Seven held his arm stopping him. She pulled him closer and with only a brief hesitation she pressed their lips together. The kiss was a soft, tentative, exploration of new territory that neither of them was anxious to end.
"I've been told that anticipation of the first kiss is often uncomfortable," Seven slowly eased out of the kiss without moving away, her words blowing hotly against his mouth. "I wanted to...alleviate the tension."
"That was very considerate of you." Chakotay’s lips nearly brushed hers as he spoke "What about the second kiss?"
"I'd have to check the database. It may indicate--"
Chakotay swallowed the rest of her words as his lips touched hers and the kiss quickly deepened with no sighs of their earlier trepidation. Seven felt her whole body respond to the gentle but demanding movement of his mouth against hers.
Chakotay felt her sigh against his mouth. Seven’s arms tightened around him, his hands pulled her closer, their hearts pounded as their bodies melted together.
"Senior officers to the bridge." The harsh sound of the Captain’s voice as it blared over the comm system, tore them apart.
"Next time we deactivate the comm system." Chakotay reluctantly moved a step back, smiling as Seven blushed and nodded her agreement.
~~~^^^~~~
The Captain was already on the bridge when Chakotay and Seven arrived together. She glanced in the direction of the lift, noting their arrival, then turned her attention to her console.
"What is it?" Chakotay asked as he took his seat beside her.
"Judging from the tachyon emissions, some sort of temporal rift." The Captain checked the reading on her console again, without looking at him.
"How is it being generated?" Seven had taken her place at the science station behind them.
"That's what we're trying to figure out." There was a hint of irritation in the Captain’s voice.
“Captain, I'm detecting nadion discharges on the other side of the rift." Tuvok’s calm voice reported.
"Weapons fire?" Chakotay eyed the Captain as he asked.
"It's possible." Tuvok studied his console further. "The signature appears to be Klingon."
"Red alert." As the reading indicated a widening rift, the Captain resigned herself to yet another fight.
"There's a vessel coming through the rift," Tuvok broke the tense silence that had settled on the bridge.
"Klingon?" Chakotay straightened up keeping a close eye on the Captain.
"No. Federation."
For the first time, the Captain shared a look with her First Officer.
"We're being hailed," Ensign Kim reported.
After a moments hesitation the Captain tore her eyes from Chakotay’s. She stood and walked toward the helm “On screen."
The screen lit up revealing the slightly different but very familiar face. The Captain silently stared at a much older version of herself.
“Recalibrate your deflector to emit an anti-tachyon pulse. You have to seal that rift."
The voice was also a familiar sound of authority on Voyager. It was a voice used to being obeyed and clearly expecting it. The eyes held steel and the Captain matched their intensity with a glare of her own.
"It's usually considered polite to introduce yourself before you start giving orders."
"Captain, a Klingon vessel is coming through.” Tuvok reported from behind her.
"Close the rift!" The Admiral ordered. "In case you didn't notice, I outrank you, Captain. Now do it!”
“Do it.” The Captain ordered never lifting her eyes from the Admiral’s.
With a quick recalibration of the deflector, Tuvok fired a beam that sealed the rift before the Klingon vessel could pass through. The bridge crew relaxed only slightly as they watched the Captain and the newcomer glare at one another.
"I did what you asked. Now, tell me what the hell is going on." The Captain gripped the railing as she waited for the Admiral to answer.
The Admiral settled back in her chair and smiled. She had forgotten just how passionate, forceful and determined her younger self could be. It amused her now to see it and her smile only served to harden the glare she received.
"I've come to bring Voyager home."
~~~^^^~~~
Kathryn paced her ready room. So much had happened, it was difficult to believe it had only been a few days since the Admiral’s arrival. Where was the life she had come to depend on? Kathryn laughed to herself. Prior to this, she had spent seven lonely, isolated years but in the upheaval of the past week she found she wanted those years back.
At least in all that time, she had had the loyal companionship of her best friend. Now it seemed even he had betrayed her. Chakotay was dating, of all people, Seven! Oh, he hadn’t told her that exactly, not in so many words, but the Admiral hadn’t wasted any time setting her straight. What was it she had said? “Three years from now. Seven will be injured on an away mission. She'll make it back to Voyager, and die in the arms of her husband - Chakotay." The words still hit Kathryn as hard now as they had the day the Admiral had spoken them.
Kathryn groped for the arm of the sofa and eased herself down. The words themselves had been like a physical blow one she hadn’t had time to deal with when she received the second. “Tuvok has a degenerative neurological condition that he hasn't told you about. There is a cure in the Alpha Quadrant." The Admiral knew her younger self well and had continued to push all the right buttons until Kathryn had almost given in and agreed to try her plan. If the Admiral hadn’t keep the existence of the hub to herself, they might have been home by now. They needed to find a way home. And more importantly, she needed to put an end to this romance, even the idea of which turned her stomach.
The slight hiss of the ready room door startled the Captain; she looked up to see the Admiral smirking at her.
“I didn’t hear you ring.”
“I didn’t need to. This was my ready room too, you can’t lock me out.” The Admiral walked over to the replicator. “Coffee. Black.”
"I thought you gave that up?"
"I've decided to revive a few of my old habits." The Admiral grasped the cup with both hands and took a healthy swig.
"Oh? What else, besides the coffee?"
"Oh, well..." The Admiral sighed. "I used to be much more idealistic. I took a lot of risks." She smiled affectionately at the Captain. "I'd been so determined to get this crew home for so many years...That I think I forgot how much they loved being together--and how loyal they were to you." The Admiral sat beside her. “And there is the little matter of your First Officer.”
“Chakotay? What about him?”
"It's taken me a few days to realize it...this is your ship, your crew--not mine. I was wrong to lie to you about the hub and I’m sorry.”
"You were only trying to do what you thought was right for all of us."
“Yes, but what is right for me isn’t necessarily right for you.”
“No, maybe it isn’t.”
"And I'd like to help you carry out your mission. Maybe together we can increase our odds."
"Maybe we can do more than that," Kathryn leaned closer and smiled. "There's got to be a way to have our cake and eat it, too!"
"And are we still talking about the ship?”
“That too, Admiral.” Kathryn retreated to the replicator and got them both fresh coffees.
"I don't know why I ever gave this up." The Admiral closed her eyes and breathed in the rich aroma of the coffee.
“And are you still talking about coffee, Admiral?”
“Kathryn, we know each other a little too well. There are differences between us but we can make them work to our advantage.”
“How do you suggest we proceed?”
“By establishing the ground rules. First, off duty, I’ll call you Kathryn and you can call me Kate. That way we establish the difference and work together without tripping over names and titles.”
“Agreed.”
“Good, now on to the important things.”
“The Borg?”
“We’ll get around to them, Kathryn.” Kate waved off the idea as they shared a knowing crooked smile.
~~~^^^~~~
Over dinner and two bottles of wine that they had easily commandeered from Tom, Kate and Kathryn clarified their positions and set a course for their futures; the Borg could wait another day.
“Well, I probably should go home.” Kate laughed. She rolled her eyes as she placed her empty glass carefully on the table next to the equally empty bottles.
“Are you sure you can?” Kathryn hoisted herself off the couch.
“Are you doubting me so soon?” Kate gave Kathryn an ineffective death glare.
“I just wasn’t aware that sheer determination could counteract the effects of alcohol.”
“Watch and learn.” Kate wobbled a little as she stood but she steadied herself quickly.
“I’m impressed.”
“You should be.” Kate grabbed Kathryn’s arm. “This isn’t easy.”
“Maybe I should walk you home.”
“Oh? You can walk?”
“Better than you.”
“Well, let’s see.”
Kate placed shaky hands on her hips and watched as Kathryn freed herself and made an unsteady trip around the table, knocking one of the empty wine bottles to the floor. Both women reached for it at the same time, sending them tumbling to the floor, in a fit of laughter.
“Ohmygod.” Kathryn clutched at her side and laughed harder.
“Maybe you should let me go alone.” Kate tried to sit up and catch her breath.
“Maybe we should both stay right here.”
“Probably, but if I don’t walk some of this off I’ll be in no shape to take on Naomi never mind the Borg!” Kate struggled to her feet and shook her head as she stared down at Kathryn. “You better go to bed.”
“No way!” Kathryn scrambled to her feet. “If you can walk, I can walk.” She took Kate by the arm and led her into the corridor.
Fortunately, no one was in the corridor on deck three and the slightly off center duo made it safety into the lift. Kate groaned and leaned against the wall; Kathryn laughed.
“Deck six.” Kathryn ordered
“Why? What’s so special there?” Kate lifted her head and tried to focus on Kathryn.
“Sandrine’s. I think we need a drink.”
“We have had far too much already.”
“Aren’t you the one who just finished lecturing me on loosening up? Telling me to let go and live a little?”
“Absolutely. But that doesn’t include making asses out of our selves in front of the crew.” Kate shook her head when Kathryn pouted. “We can only do that privately.” Kate laughed. “Deck seven.”
“HER CARGO BAY!”
“Hydroponics. It will be a nice place to walk.”
They strolled through the hydroponics bay only knocking over a few plants as they went. Kathryn picked a rose, quickly dropping it on the bench as she pulled a thorn from her finger.
“Sit, let me see what you did.” Kate plopped on the bench and held out her hand.
“Just a scratch.” Kathryn sucked the blood off her finger as she sat down. “You’re me for god’s sake; not my mother.” She reluctantly allowed the older woman to examine the wound.
“Yes, I certainly am.” Kate carefully examined the finger. “And you’ll live.” Kate picked up the rose and carefully tucked it behind Kathryn’s ear. “They’re beautiful, but they always have thorns.”
“They still remind you of him, don’t they?” Kathryn watched the far away look in Kate’s eyes.
“Of course.” Kate smiled sadly. “Angry warriors and peace roses; a quiet irony.”
“We’re going to make it right.”
“Yes, I suppose we will. However, it won’t give me back all those lost years. Don’t waste any more of your years, Kathryn, promise me.”
“I won’t; I promise.”
“Good.” Kate stood. “Now, I could use a cup of coffee.”
“Sounds good.” Kathryn took the older woman’s arm. “Shall we raid Neelix’s kitchen?”
“Do you suppose he has coffee ice-cream?”
“Of course he does! And we both know where he hides it just so we can find it!”
Laughing they strolled around deck seven before stopping in cargo bay two just to check on the empty regeneration chamber.
"It doesn't mean anything." Kate moved Kathryn back into the corridor. "It just says she isn't here; it doesn't tell us where she is.'
"Like hell it doesn't!" Kathryn pulled away.
"Kathryn, if we are going to make this right we need to take action and letting your temper take control won’t help."
"OK, OK. You're right." Kathryn fought to contain her anger. "First we need to think clearly and that requires absorbing some of this alcohol."
"Think ice-cream absorbs alcohol?"
"Let's find out."
As they rounded the corner, they all but collided with a couple strolling in the opposite direction. Giving quick nods, the senior officers struggled to maintain some form of dignity in the eyes of the curious crewmen they passed. It wasn’t until the lift doors closed behind them that they broke into fits of laughter.
~~~^^^~~~
The mess hall was dark
at this hour. Kathryn put her finger to her lips to hush Kate as
they prepared to raid the empty kitchen. Kate stifled a giggle as
they stole into the quiet room.
No need to turn on the
lights, the ice cream was exactly where it should be and Kathryn had not
trouble finding it.
“Ummmm.” Kate sat on the floor with her back resting against the counter eating her ice cream without waiting for Kathryn to finish dishing out her own.
“Why is it, this always tastes better when you sneak it in the middle of the night?” Kathryn sat beside her older self.
“Forbidden fruit.” Kate laughed as she spooned in another generous helping of the ice cream.
“Maybe that’s what makes it so inviting.” Kathryn slumped back against the counter.
“I doubt it, but it will serve to make it all the sweeter when…’
A noise from the other side of the counter caught their attention interrupting their conversation. Wide-eyed they turned to each other.
“Ohmyg..”
“Shhh.” Kate placed her hand gently over Kathryn’s mouth to silence her.
Kate signaled Kathryn to remain in place as she inched her way up to peek over the counter. It was very dark in the outer room but passing stars provided her with a telling silhouette of the couple embracing in front of the viewport. Kate dropped to her knees and waved Kathryn to follow her toward the doors, which fortunately were in an open position.
“Who is it?” Kathryn whispered.
“Just follow me.”
Kathryn followed somewhat shakily until they were safely in the corridor.
“Let’s go, time for bed.” Kate brushed off her knees as she stood.
“Not so fast!” Kathryn crawled back toward the doors.
“Don’t.”
Kathryn glanced back at Kate before peeking around the door. She knew what to expect, after all Kate would have told her if it were anyone else. What she wasn’t prepared for was the full impact of what she saw.
Chakotay had one arm wrapped around Seven’s waist, the other brushed back the long blond hair from her face. Their faces were almost touching and although she couldn’t see their expressions in the dark, she could imagine them. Kathryn felt the knot in her stomach tighten. Seven’s hand brushed the side of his face as he leaned in placing light delicate kisses on her mouth, cheeks, and forehead; Seven sighed. Kathryn didn’t want to see this but she couldn’t tear herself away; the knot in her stomach started to churn. Seven slipped the fingers of her right hand through his short hair guiding his lips to hers. Chakotay surrendered easily, kissing her with a passion she eagerly returned. At the sound of Seven’s low moan, Kathryn couldn’t watch any longer; she rested her head on the deck.
“Hey.” Kate drew her away from the doorway and pulled her into her arms. “When will you stop doing this to yourself?”
Kathryn offered no resistance, allowing the older woman to hold her in a comforting embrace.
“We better go.” Kathryn finally lifted her tear stained face and gave Kate a weak smile. “What would the crew think if they found us like this?”
“Indeed!” Kate raised her eyebrow in Tuvok fashion. “Let’s go home. We need some sleep. In the morning we will correct this evil.” Kate laughed as they climbed to their feet She put her arm around the younger woman’s shoulder, guiding her into the lift. “And we’ll take care of the Borg too!”
~~~^^^~~~
The Admiral took most of the morning meeting to brief the senior staff on the technology she had brought with her. It would mean major modifications to the ship but most of it could be adapted for use on Voyager. The armor used in conjunction with the transphasic weapons meant Voyager had a real chance to use the hub to get home and still deal a crippling blow to the Borg.
B’Elanna estimated, and Seven concurred, that it would take them at least ten days to make the upgrades. The Captain ordered Voyager held a “safe” distance from the nebula, while the crew set about the task of installing the new technological enhancements.
~~~^^^~~~
“I’ve spent some ‘quality time’ in astrometrics.” Kate gave her younger self a twisted smile as they stood at the railing observing the buzz of activity on engineering’s lower level.
“And?” The Captain kept her eyes on the work below.
“Seems to be a bit of confusion there.”
“Seven is a very competent astrometrics officer, I assume you are not referring to her work?”
“Very astute of you, Captain. Might I suggest that you take advantage...umm assist in clearing up that confusion?”
“We’re busy here.”
“Not that busy. B’Elanna has it well in hand.” The Admiral glared. “I know it scares you..” She held up her hand to starve off protests. “Yes, it does. The Borg you are prepared to handle—this frightens you. Remember I’ve been you- I know. Just go and talk to her, it can’t be that hard.”
“Easy for you to say.” Kathryn turned looking back over her shoulder. “And just what will you be doing?”
“Me?” The crooked smile surfaced. “I have a meeting with your First Officer.”
“Oh, a tactical strategy session I’m sure.”
“Of course. It wouldn’t do it attack without a plan would it now?”
Kathryn shook her head as she left for astrometrics. She hated to admit it, even to herself but Kate was right, this scared the hell out of her.
~~~^^^~~~
As the week progressed and the upgrades took shape, the mood on Voyager was one of optimism. The only dark spot, if you could call it that, was the premature end to the budding romance between a certain first officer and the resident ex-Borg.
Kate had spent a good portion of her free time rekindling the friendship she once had with Chakotay, a surprisingly easy task. Kathryn concentrated on Seven.
~~~^^^~~~
Chakotay and Kate had slowly regained the comfortable level they used to have in their relationship. They began eating lunches together and finally he cooked her dinner in his quarters.
“Now that was wonderful, I’d forgotten how good a cook you are.” Kate helped Chakotay clear away their dinner dishes.
“Thank you. I think I’d forgotten how good it was just to sit and talk with you. No ship, no business, just us.” Chakotay smiled, moving quickly away from her toward the recycler.
“So how are you doing?” Kate carried the remainder of the wine to the coffee table. “You haven’t mentioned Seven at all.”
“Fine.” He sat beside her on the couch and laughed at her skeptical expression. “I’m serious. Seven was experimenting with her humanity, exploring the unknown and I was a pretty safe target. Oh it was fun and immensely flattering, but I knew it wasn’t real.”
“Something to pass the time? That doesn’t sound like you.”
“It doesn’t does it? I guess the loneliness got to me. I care about Seven, but I could never love her.”
“And Kathryn?” Kate asked boldly, sitting back to observe his reaction.
“I loved Kathryn once.” He looked at her but couldn’t hold her gaze.
“But? You think she didn’t share those feeling?
“At one time she did or at least she thought she did. Then…” He gave an uncomfortable little chuckle. “Her interests changed.”
Kate leaned in, moving closer as she refilled their wine glasses. “And yours?”
“I tried.” He looked down into the deep pools of blue that studied him so closely.
“You said you ‘loved’ her once. Do you still?”
“I don’t know… It’s hard to explain.”
“Try.”
“I … I guess the answer has to be yes. Yes, I still love Kathryn. Kathryn the woman I fell in love with so many years ago, the woman I shared a life with for three short months on a distant planet, that Kathryn I have never stopped loving.”
“And the Captain?”
“The Captain is not that Kathryn any longer, she hasn’t been for years.” Chakotay looked up to see her watching him. The tilt of her head the slightly crooked smile, he felt a long lost stirring. Was it longing he saw in those soft blue eyes? “You’re not exactly the same, the two of you. Are you?”
“No. Although our DNA is the same, we really are two different women.” Kate traced the lines of his tattoo with her finger tip, carefully holding his eyes as she continued. “We have both always loved you, Chakotay, in our own ways. The difference is that I have never stopped wanting you.” Kate leaned in and brushed her lips to his. Her voice grew even husker than normal as she spoke the words softly against his lips. “I love you, Chakotay.”
Her lips moved against his, gentle, undemanding as they coaxed his apart. Lips so soft, her tongue slipping between them to make contact with his, her breasts pushing against his chest; his mind was swirling, fighting to make sense of this. His body was reacting to the warm soft body pressed tightly to him, the hands moving, gently caressing his neck, his shoulders, one moving over the taut muscles of his back. The kiss deepened; Chakotay felt his control slip, he was losing himself in the wonderful essence that was Kathryn. His mind could no long function, he wanted nothing more than to rip their clothes off and make love with her.
“Kathryn.” Chakotay pulled back, trying to focus on her face. “Kate?” He shook his head.
“It doesn’t matter which name you use.” Kate cupped his face in her hands. “What matters is who I am and whether you still want that me.”
Chakotay could feel his heart pounding as he silently watched the woman before him. A thousand thoughts collided in his brain. Was this really his Kathryn? What was she doing? What had she said? Did she really think he didn’t want her?
“It’s OK, Chakotay.”
She was speaking but he couldn’t answer; he couldn’t tear himself away from the sadness that suddenly clouded the crystal blue eyes.
“I am that Kathryn, the one you fell in love with.” She smiled. “It could be hard to see from where you sit. I’m much older and hopefully a bit wiser. I understand if you don’t feel the same about me as you did her.” Kate brushed a light kiss across his cheek and turned away. “I better be going.”
Chakotay reached out to stop her; his silence had obviously given her the wrong impression. He pulled her into a tight embrace, while he tried to clear his mind and regain his speech. Both proved impossible while he held her body so close to his. He eased his hold, moving back from her just enough to fit his mouth to hers; she hesitated only a moment before giving herself completely to the kiss.
Kate’s hands traveled over his body, stroking his back, his hips, wanting to touch him everywhere she could, needing him more than even she thought possible. Their tongues engaged in a sensuous dance, their bodies pressed tightly together, she moaned as his hands explored her, the wet heat spreading between her thighs.
Kate slipped one hand beneath his shirt. Her fingers slid over his smooth, almost hairless skin feeling how it stretched tightly over rippled muscle, only intensified the need throbbing at her center; she needed more of him.
Chakotay felt himself rock hard, straining against the tight confines of his trousers. The movement of their bodies as they pressed against each other, the tiny hands exploring his naked flesh deepened the need. Trailing his lips along her face Chakotay moved lower to nip at the tender flesh of her neck. With a deep moan, Kate tossed her head back to allow him complete access. Moving back slightly, Chakotay brought his hand to the collar of her blouse and the small buttons fell open easily beneath his fingers. His mouth trailed down, his lips sucking on the swell of ivory as practiced fingers taunted the tightened nipples through the confining lace.
Quick to take advantage of the space between them, Kate made short work of the fasteners on his trousers freeing him to her touch. She wrapped her hand around his hard shaft, stroking it, savoring the feel of it pulsating against her palm as he groaned against her breast. When her thumb slowly spread the escaping drops of moisture around the tip, he suddenly pulled away.
“Chakotay?”
“We can’t stay here.” He quickly reassured her with a kiss as he stood and offered her his hand.
“Not into groping like hormone crazed teenagers?” She teased as she stood to join him, allowing her blouse to drop back on the couch.
“Very into groping you, any way you would like.” He kissed her neck as he unfastened her bra sending it to join the blouse. “Just not into falling off the couch and winding up in sick bay.” He moved back and watched as his dark hands cupped her freckled white breasts.
“That could dampen the mood.” Kate arched pressing her hardened nipples into his hands. “You have too many clothes on.”
Kate stepped closer lifting his shirt over his head and dropping it to the floor. She had forgotten how beautiful the golden expanse of his chest truly was. Mesmerized, she watched herself caress the ripple of each muscle with her palms. Chakotay move her hands, pulling her closer until her breasts brushed against his chest, the sensation caused twin groans. She lifted her mouth and he met her halfway, their lips melting together as their tongues joined in a tangled caress.
Without breaking the kiss Chakotay lifted her, carried her into the other room and laid her gently on his bed. Toeing off his shoes he quickly shed his trousers then unfastened hers and slowly peeled them down her legs.
Kate watched him through hooded eyes. His beautiful body completely exposed, his golden fingers gently trailing their slightly callused tips along the tender skin of her thighs. The ache between her legs throbbed; she needed to touch him. Discarding her slacks, he moved up beside her lowering himself into her outstretched arms.
Their mouths connected, their hands explored, learning each other’s pleasure by the sounds each touch produced. Feeling him hard against her belly she reached down wrapping her hand around the hot swell of him. Chakotay groaned, she could feel his warm breath against her neck. Her fingers stroked him and he thrust against her, sucking in his breath as her thumb spread the tiny drops moisture, teasing him with his own fluid. Chakotay grabbed her hands and rolling her on her back he pressed them above her head.
“Let me.” His voice deep his eyes burning into hers with undisguised lust.
Kate nodded, leaving her arm stretched out where he had placed them. His hands were moving slowly down the front of her, toying with her, teasing her nipples until she thought she would jump out of her skin. She gripped the headboard above her to keep her hands still. His mouth covered her aching nipple as his hands journeyed down her belly at a maddeningly slow pace.
“Chakotay, please.” She could feel his chuckle as his mouth slowly cross the soft skin of her belly.
She was gasping by the time his hot breath blew across the tight gray curls; her legs spread wide in invitation. Gentle fingers explored, spreading the abundant moisture, each tender stroke forcing her hips to buck involuntarily off the bed.
“Ohgodd… please..”
The coil tightened in her belly as his fingers parted her lips holding her open to his heated gaze. His tongue reached out, slowly lapping at the freely flowing juices. Her body writhed, her hands reached out for him, she moaned, begging him as her body bucked against his mouth. Chakotay plunged two fingers deep inside as he his mouth closed around her aching nerves in reply to her husky pleas for completion; She cried out his name as her universe shattered around her again and again.
When he finally moved up beside her, she wrapped herself around him in unable to draw him close enough. He kissed her and she greedily drew his tongue deeply into her mouth. He was hot and rigid against her belly and the need swelled up in her once more. Spreading her legs around him, she drew him to her, guiding him, watching his eyes as he slowly entered her.
Stilling he held her gaze until she moved against him. He moved in and out, setting a rhythm she met thrust for thrust. His mouth claimed hers their tongues mimicking their bodies as the pressure built to overwhelming force. He was groaning, pounding into her with a demanding force. She could feel his groan as she tightened around him her body shuddering in orgasm, dragging him over the edge with her. He collapsed into the soothing warmth of her loving embrace, cradled safely in her arms as he drifted off to sleep.
~~~^^^~~~
The Captain replicated two coffees, placing them carefully next to the pile of padds on the desk. The upgrades had been successfully completed earlier in the week and thoroughly tested for the last two days; it was time. The Captain was expecting the Admiral for a final run through before presenting the complete plan to the rest of the senior staff. It was precisely 0800 hours when the door opened admitting her older very smug looking self.
“Admiral, you look very self satisfied this morning.” The Captain waved toward the chair in front of her desk.
“You could say that, but I’m not sure about the self part.” Kate took her seat and sipped her coffee.
“Sounds intriguing, you will have to tell me about it. But first there is a small matter of the Borg.”
“Yes, the sooner we deal with them, the sooner we can get on with our lives.”
“All of the diagnostic reports are here.” Kathryn handed her a pile of padds. “You have read most of them and witnessed the tests.”
“Yes, it appears we are ready.”
“As we will ever be. Are you sure you want to risk this?”
“I’m ready to go ahead with one small change in the original plan.” Kate sipped her coffee. “You won’t be going with me.”
“We have been over this.” Kathryn made no effort to conceal her anger. “It’s too risky. We can’t ask anyone else to do this and going alone is suicide.”
“I won’t be going alone. Trust me, Kathryn, I have every intention of coming back.”
~~~^^^~~~
The Admiral moved about the shuttle finishing up her preparations. She recalibrated the refractive shielding around the aft compartment and took her seat just at the Captain arrived.
"It's about time, I'm not getting any younger, you know."
"You're sure you want to do this?" The Captain is held the hypospray up for inspection.
"No," The Admiral admitted. "But someone has to and it was my plan after all.”
"Good luck, Admiral." The Captain administered the hypospray.
"You, too.” The Admiral returned the Captain’s sad smile. "Kathryn, no matter how this turns out ... I'm glad I got to know you again."
~~~^^^~~~
The Borg Queen monitored Voyager’s course change with concern. Concentrating on the voices, the Queen was startled by the sudden appearance of the Admiral in her inner sanctum.
"I don't know how you do it. All those voices talking at once. You must get terrible headaches." The Admiral quipped, smiling at the Queen’s quick nod. "If you're calling drones to assimilate me, don't bother."
"I don't need drones to assimilate you." The Queen strolled toward her, hand extended. The twin tubules plunged into the Admiral's neck.
"I'm not actually here, Your Majesty." She smirked and dropped her voice to an evil whisper. "I'm in your mind. I'm using a synaptic interface," As the Admiral spoke, she noticed the Queen send a mental order. "If I were you, I wouldn't waste my time trying to trace the signal. For the moment, it's beyond your abilities."
"What do you want?" the Queen asked.
"To make a deal. Captain Janeway thinks I'm here to help her destroy your transwarp network."
"That's beyond your abilities," The Queen’s confidence returned.
"Oh, I know that. And I tried to explain it to my naive younger self, but she wouldn't listen. She's determined to bring down that hub."
"She'll fail."
"Yes. But she has weapons that I brought from the future. I believe you're familiar with them."
"Transphasic torpedoes." The Queen remembered. "We will adapt."
"Eventually, but not before Voyager does a great deal of damage." The Admiral circled around behind the Queen whispering in her ear. "I'm willing to tell you how to adapt to those weapons now."
"In exchange...for what?" The Queen turned to face her.
"Send a cube. To tractor Voyager...and drag them back to the Alpha Quadrant."
"You're asking me to believe that the incorruptible Kathryn Janeway would betray her own crew?"
"Not betray them. Save them, from themselves, from me. I brought technology to help Voyager get home. But the Captain's arrogant...self-righteous. And her officers are so blinded by loyalty that they're prepared to sacrifice their lives--just to deal a crippling blow to the Borg."
"But you'd never try to harm us." The Queen voice dripped with sarcasm.
"I've become a pragmatist in my old age. All I want is to get that crew back to their families."
"You wish to ensure the well-being of your Collective. I can appreciate that." The Queen nodded as she moved around the Admiral. “I'll help you. But it'll cost more than you're offering."
"What do you want?"
"Your vessel and its database." The Queen's tone was blunt.
"I told you, I'll show you how to adapt to their torpedoes."
"Insufficient."
"If I let you assimilate technology from the future, there's no telling how events would be altered."
"You're willing to alter the future by getting Voyager home now."
"Oh, yes--but there's a difference."
"Do what all good pragmatists do, Admiral. Compromise."
"All right. I'll give you the shuttle...after Voyager arrives safely in the Alpha Quadrant."
"You've already lied to your younger self. How do I know you're not lying to me?"
"I guess you'll just have to trust me,"
"That won't be necessary." The Queen smiled regally, knowing that finally she has the upper hand. "You underestimate me, Admiral. While we've been talking, my drones have triangulated your signal."
"Computer, deactivate the interface." The Admiral ripped off her interface "Deploy armor."
The Admiral felt pull of the transporter beam just seconds before the armor deployed. Once the armor was secure the computer deactivated the refractive shielding; Chakotay took the pilot’s seat, just as the Admiral found herself in the Queen’s inner chamber.
"Very clever. Hiding right on my doorstep. Were you planning to attack us from inside the unicomplex?" The Queen smiled at the Admiral’s glare. “Not feeling talkative?"
Slowly, the Queen moved closer, her hand extended until the tubules dug painfully into the Admiral’s throat. "You and I don't need words to understand each other." The Queen stepped back as the other woman groaned and slumped to the floor.
The voice of the Collective rang in their ears as it tracked the ship’s progress "Voyager has entered Aperture 823. Access Transwarp Corridor Zero-Nine. Redirect vessels to intercept--"
Suddenly, the Queen staggered grabbing the railing for support. The room began to fill with smoke, conduits and panels exploded without warning. A second spasm shook the Queen and the whole Unicomplex reeled in response to her agony.
"Must be something you assimilated," The Admiral smiled.
"What--have you--done?" the Queen gasped
"I thought we didn't need words to understand each other."
"You've infected us...with a neurolytic pathogen." The Queen struggled with the effort of diagnosing the problem.
"Just enough...to bring chaos to order."
The Admiral pulled herself to her feet, standing over the crumpled body of the Queen for only a moment before the blue tingle of the transporter carried her back to the shuttle.
“Kathryn.” Chakotay lifted her gray, half-assimilated body onto the bunk.
“Go.” She waved him away. “Take us home.”
Chakotay kissed her forehead and returned to his seat snaking the shuttle through the growing destruction to where Voyager waited.
~~~^^^~~~
“Captain, we have them.” Harry reported.
“Take us home, Mr. Paris.”
Voyager raced the shock wave as the hub crumbled around them.
"Aft armor is down to six percent," Tuvok’s voice was a little less calm than usual.
"Hull breaches on decks six through 12!" Harry recounted.
"I can't stay ahead of them, Captain!" Tom’s voice bordered on panic.
"The armor is failing," Tuvok reported.
"Where's the nearest aperture?" The Captain asked as she stumbled from Tuvok's station to where Seven worked the science station.
"Approximately 30 seconds ahead--but it leads back to the Delta Quadrant."
"Mr. Paris, prepare to adjust your heading."
"Yes, Ma'am."
~~~^^^~~~
Kate wandered restlessly around the VIP quarters. It had been three days since she was released from sickbay and she had had all the rest she could stand.
The ship and the crew had survived their ordeal with less damage than she had expected, but the journey had been just short of a total success. Voyager had succeeded in dealing a crippling blow to the Borg. The Queen was gone and chaos reigned where order had been; the Borg would be decades recovering. Voyager had traveled as far as she could within the transwarp network then exited just before the collapsing hub would have crushed them. Although Voyager was still in the Delta Quadrant, her journey was considerably shortened. Their goal was now with reach, in less than two years they would be home. The door chime shook her from her thoughts.
“Come.” The sight of him forced her to smile; it always had.
“Hi.” Chakotay returned her smile as he handed her a rose. “Ready to go?”
“Yes, but I’d rather stay here with you.”
“We’ll come home early.” He bent to kiss her. “We promised to have dinner with them.”
“I know and I won’t disappoint them.” She took the arm he offered and walked to the lift for the one deck ride.
“It’s their first ‘public appearance’; they could both use our support.”
The lift deposited them on deck two and they walked arm-in-arm into the mess hall to meet their dinner companions.
“Who do you suppose is more nervous, Kathryn or Seven?” Kate whispered, then laughed as they gave each other a knowing nod. “Kathryn.” She spoke what they were both thinking as they joined the other couple who already shared one side of the table.
Dinner was quiet, the obvious affection between Kathryn and Seven drew only a few very curious but respectful glances from the crew. Both couples eventually relaxed and enjoyed their meals.
Across the room, at their usual table the new parents and their best friend evaluated the situation. Harry had finished eating and was quietly feeding the baby her bottle as the other two discussed the situation.
“As long as they are all happy.” Tom said.
“Yes, sure I want them to be happy, but come on.” B’Elanna wondered if it was only her.
“They look happy to me.” Harry concurred.
“Chakotay and the Admiral; the Captain and Seven?” B’Elanna laughed. “Is it only me or is this all a little sudden and a bit weird?”
Harry settled back in his
chair as he burped his new niece and smiled across at the laughing couples.
“Maquis, this is Starfleet- weird is part of the job.”
The End