Time Standing Still , Part II

by Tracy Thurman
 

As I sat with my head lowered, my eyes stinging, something blocked the
light.  I looked up to see.....

"Chakotay," I stammered.

He looked very somber. "Kathryn," he said quietly.

"You....you're going to miss your flight," I pointed out.

He looked at me with that sad, sober expression in his eyes.  "So you did
see me.  You weren't going to come over and say hello?"

"Chakotay...."

He reached out and gently touched the outside corner of my eye.  His fingers
came back with moisture on them.  He didn't comment, just sighed and took
the seat next to me.

His gazed across the concourse, watching the attendant close the door that
led to his ship, effectively stranding him here with me.

Without looking at me he said softly, "I've missed you."

My throat suddenly decided to close up at that point, so I just nodded.  I
later wondered if my next words were ill-chosen.

"How's Seven?"

A smile that didn't hold much humor crossed his face for a moment.  "I
have no idea."

"What?"

"Seven and I are no longer together.  I wasn't being fair to her, and
she finally agreed with me."

"Oh."  It was the only comment I could make.

"Thank Borg technology for that."

"I beg your pardon?"

"She decided we should try a mind link since we both had that ability
thanks to the Borg.  She thought it would make us closer, if we could sort
of wander around in each other's minds.  If we had a link between us we
could be sort of our own little collective, you know?"

I nodded, interested.

"Well," he sighed heavily. "It backfired.  She decided to visit a
little corner of my mind labeled .'Kathryn Janeway' and, well...."

"Oh, Chakotay," I was appalled.  "I'm so sorry."  I put my hand
over his.

"Don't be."  He turned his hand and grasped mine.  It made me realize
my relationship with Seven wasn't genuine.  She wanted to explore a
romantic relationship, and I was willing to be her test subject.  I should
have known better."

"Chakotay...."

He interrupted me. "Enough about me.  How have you been, Admiral?"

I smiled.  "Oh, fine, really."  I squeezed his hand.  "I've missed
you, too."

He smiled and this time it was the smile I remembered.

"Where are you off to?"

"Triali.  If my flight ever gets here."

"Really?  I was on my way to Grakor to oversee a dig there."

"Grakor?  That's not far from Triali, is it?"

"No, it's not.  Maybe I'll hitch a ride with you.  I could take a
shuttle from Triali."

"I'd like that."

We fell into a companionable silence for a few moments.  I took a deep
breath and turned to him.  "Chakotay, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Do you....do you ever think about New Earth?"

The grip on my hand was suddenly crippling.  I winced. He immediately
released my hand and then I looked into his eyes and saw the expression
there.

Once again, time stood still.

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