Unbeknownst to Tom, when his message finally reached her, Kathryn Janeway was still mediating the peace talks on Paltor Prime. For hours on end, she had sat patiently, listening to each side, interjecting a suggestion now and then, but for the most part, letting the two parties air their grievances. All done by the book, in this case the Federation handbook on diplomacy.
Now, staring at the PADD, Kathryn decided she’d had enough. Her crew needed her. Chakotay needed her. It was time to try different methods, to do things her way – Janeway style.
Rising to her feet, she strode back into the conference room to stand at the head of the table, feet spread, chin up – a stance which any of Voyager’s crew would have recognized instantly.
“All right,” she declared, her voice ringing with an authority no one assembled there had yet heard. “For days now, I’ve listened to all of you arguing about who did what to whom. Enough! You will sort out your differences here and now and sign the damn treaty! I have to return to Earth immediately and I can’t leave until these negotiations are completed. So I’m telling you now – do it!”
“Or what?” sneered a delegate from Paltor Minor.
The admiral marched around the table, her glare ramped up to full. The delegate actually cringed back into his seat as his face visibly paled.
“Or,” growled Janeway, “I will make sure that every person on both your planets as well as in the entire Federation is aware of who is holding up the process. Your populations are all sick of this war. I think you’ll find if you don’t settle your differences right now, you’ll have a full-scale rebellion on your hands.”
Her words fell into dead silence. Every person present knew this was no empty threat.
Suddenly, obstacles that had seemed insurmountable melted away; within two hours, both sides had agreed to terms.
Breathing a mighty sigh of relief, Janeway contacted Headquarters to report her success and request immediate transport to Earth. Fortunately for her, the Vanguard was nearby and with only a short detour, was able to pick her up.
Within an hour of completing negotiations, Kathryn was on her way home, comfortably ensconced in guest quarters, rereading Tom’s message and contemplating Starfleet’s current intransigence.
In the past year since her return to Earth, Kathryn had gradually become aware that there had been a fundamental shift in Starfleet’s way of thinking.
At first, she had put it down to changes she herself had undergone as a result of seven years of continual first contacts in the Delta Quadrant. Constant exposure to different cultures and alien societies had broadened her outlook exponentially. As well, once she’d gotten to know the Maquis members of her crew and heard their individual stories, she couldn’t help but sympathize with their cause. Nearly all of them had undergone horrific experiences – they’d had good reason to take matters into their own hands once the Federation abandoned them.
However, after Voyager got home, and she’d started her new job, she slowly realized it wasn’t only her – the atmosphere at Headquarters had changed. It was very nebulous, nothing she could put her finger on or really define, but there was no doubt that the sense of anticipation, of exploration, the ‘boldly go where no man had gone before’ attitude which had always characterized Starfleet, had disappeared.
Was it the result of the war with the Dominion? She didn’t know and when she tried to question various friends and colleagues, for the most part, she was met with indifference. It had been a very tough time for the Federation, she was told repeatedly, she should be glad she’d missed it – as if her journey through the Delta Quadrant had been a picnic by comparison.
One or two individuals, in particular her old friend, Admiral Paris, tried to describe in more depth the severe trials which the Federation had undergone – the occupation of Betazed by the Dominion forces, the attacks on Earth itself by the Breen, the uncounted billions of dead, the unceasing drain on resources. “We barely won,” he told her, “and at best, it was a Pyrrhic victory. It will take at least a generation, maybe two, before we can fully recover. People are weary, especially those in Starfleet who saw our ranks absolutely decimated. We lost so many, so very many….” He shook his head sadly. “These days, it’s a little difficult to have the same confident outlook we used to feel as a matter of course.”
“I can understand what you’re saying, Owen,” Kathryn had replied thoughtfully “but what I’m seeing here nowadays is not just weariness but cynicism, a loss of spirit as well as a suspicion of anything or anyone different, who doesn’t fit the mold. The sort of attitudes that characterized parts of Earth in past centuries, but which I’d thought we’d outgrown long ago.”
Paris had shrugged. “It’s possible. Certainly, with the infiltration of shapeshifters into the highest level of Command, we had good cause to be suspicious. And once it becomes prevalent, it’s an attitude that can be very difficult to diffuse.”
Realizing she was apparently alone in her concerns about Starfleet, she began to wonder if perhaps she was overreacting. ‘Be realistic,’ she told herself, ‘of course, things are different nowadays. I’m different.’
As a result, she’d made a conscious effort to put aside her doubts and buckle down to work. And for the most part, she had been successful despite the occasional nagging doubt. Until, that is, she received Tom’s message.
Now, relaxed in the guest quarters of the Vanguard as she hurtled towards Earth, she remembered her fears and began to seriously consider her options. She could request permission to take the EMH to attend Chakotay, and with her standing at Headquarters, there should be no problem having it granted. However, seven years in the Delta Quadrant had taught her to never rely on assumptions and always have a plan B.
Therefore, when she arrived back in the Sol system, even before reporting to the Admiralty, she made a hasty visit to Jupiter Station to talk to the EMH. As soon as she’d explained Chakotay’s situation, the doctor was quick to assure her that, using methods he’d developed during their time in the Delta Quadrant, he could quite possibly devise a treatment if she could figure out a way to get him and several essential tools to Deep Space Nine.
“I’m going to make a formal request that I be allowed to take the mobile emitter,” she told him, “but in case I’m refused, we need a backup plan. Be prepared. The code word will be….” She paused to think, then smiled grimly, “Scorpion”.
Well aware of the significance of that particular word, the EMH nodded solemnly. “I’ll be ready, Admiral.” Turning, he led the way across the room to a storage cabinet, adding as he unlocked it, “Under the circumstances, perhaps you better take these with you now. However,” he continued as he handed her a tiny sealed container, “I wouldn’t let it be known that you have them.”
“I’ll keep them safe,” she promised.
Quickly, Janeway left the doctor and went in search of Lieutenant Reg Barclay. After a hasty conversation with him and several others, she hurriedly returned to San Francisco, well satisfied with her efforts.
Plan B was in place.
*********
The following day, Janeway attended a meeting of senior admirals to report on her success at Paltor Prime. However, when she had finished, instead of taking her seat, she remained standing.
“There is another matter I would like to discuss, Admiral,” she declared, her eyes firmly fixed on the C-in-C, Admiral Hayes.
Thinking she was referring to the next item on the agenda, Hayes nodded his permission.
“Several days ago, I received a communication from an old friend telling me that my first officer from Voyager, Commander Chakotay, has been severely injured as a result of being tortured by Cardassians.”
There was a general gasp of surprise and raising of eyebrows. “Cardassians!” echoed around the table.
“He is in desperate need of medical assistance, which can only be provided by Voyager’s EMH. Therefore, I am requesting permission to take the EMH to Deep Space Nine to advise the CMO there, Doctor Bashir, on the best method of treatment. Because of the lack of holo-projectors in the station’s infirmary, it will be necessary to download his program into the mobile holo-emitter.”
At once, the head of Starfleet Intelligence, Admiral K’orandt, was on his feet. “But the EMH’s mobile emitter is classified!” he protested. “It is one-of-a-kind, a singular piece of technology that is much too valuable to be removed from its current secure location.”
Janeway retorted. “I don’t think you quite understand, Admiral. My first officer’s life is at stake here!”
“Former first officer,” interjected K’orandt.
Ignoring his interruption, she held out her hands. “Admirals, please! This is a man who, time and again, put Voyager’s, and thereby Starfleet’s, interests before his own. Without him, I would not be standing here today, and there would be no mobile emitter in your secure location! He needs our help!”
Hayes gazed at her dispassionately. “I must agree with Admiral K’orandt. The mobile emitter is unique.”
Janeway started to protest but he waved her silent and continued. “There are far more important considerations here than one man’s well-being, Admiral Janeway. If something were to happen to the mobile emitter, that would be an unmitigated disaster. Doctor Bashir is a very competent man. I’m sure he’ll be able to manage on his own.” He glanced at the PADD in front of him. “Now, the next item concerns –”
She stared at him in disbelief. “Is that it?! You’re just dismissing a man’s life?!”
“You’re out of line, Admiral!” snapped Hayes.
“No, Admiral,” she retorted, “you are!” Without another word, she spun on her heel and stalked out of the room, leaving the remaining admirals to stare at one another in shocked silence.
Once in the corridor, Kathryn hurried to her office then contacted the EMH. “Scorpion!”
Shortly after, now dressed in civilian clothes, she went to the office of Admiral Paris. As an old and valued friend of the admiral, she was admitted immediately.
Smiling warmly, Paris welcomed her. “Katie, what a pleasant surprise! What can I do for you?”
Although she returned his smile, she couldn’t hide the worry in her eyes and he picked up on it immediately, his expression changing to concern.
“What is it, Katie? What’s wrong?”
Taking a deep breath, she began. “I’m resigning my commission, Owen, and I need your help.”
For several seconds, he stared at her as if she’d grown two heads before finding his tongue. “You’re what?! Are you out of your mind?! Katie, what’s happened?!”
Quickly, she gave him a condensed version of Tom’s message as well as Hayes’ outright refusal to allow her to take the EMH to DS9.
“I won’t stand by and let one of my people be sacrificed on the altar of expediency. Chakotay has suffered too much already for the sins of the Federation. It’s wrong!”
Pausing, she gathered her thoughts and continued. “I’ll tell you something else, Owen. I was so overwhelmed by our homecoming that I conveniently overlooked how much things have changed. But the blinders are now off, and let me tell you this organization is not the one I joined nearly thirty years ago. Everything that made Starfleet such a wonderful place to be, the enthusiasm for exploration, for learning, for making new discoveries, is gone.
“Nowadays, it’s permeated with distrust and suspicion. The people here have lost the ideals and principles that used to be an integral part of a Starfleet officer. I suppose it’s a result of the war with the Dominion, but it didn’t have to happen, Owen. It shouldn’t have been allowed to happen! And I want no part of it. I’m leaving.” She paused before continuing in a softer tone. “You know, with Mom’s passing last fall and Phoebe’s gallivanting around the Federation on her perennial art tour, there’s nothing here for me now, anyway. This is simply the last straw.” Pulling a PADD from her bag, she laid it on his desk.
From where he sat, he could see the heading: ‘To Personnel re Resignation of Admiral Kathryn Janeway’.
Her gaze focused on him piercingly. “So, will you help me?”
For a moment, he stared at her before slumping into his chair. “What do you want me to do?”
“Find a way for me to get to Deep Space Nine as quickly and unobtrusively as possible.”
Frowning, he contemplated his options before abruptly reaching to activate his comm terminal and hail Captain Picard on the Enterprise.
“Admiral!” exclaimed Picard, clearly surprised to be paged by someone with whom he didn’t normally have much contact. “What can I do for you?”
“Captain,” Paris stated quickly, “I need to ask you a favour. And it’s a big one.”
Without hesitating, Picard replied. “Name it.”
“I have an individual here who needs to leave Earth immediately. If I remember correctly, the Enterprise is about to depart on a mission to the Tzenkethi Coalition, which is not too far from Deep Space Nine, is that right?”
“Indeed, Admiral, we are in departure sequence now.” He hesitated before stating the obvious. “May I assume you’re asking if I can take this individual to DS9?”
“Got it in one, Captain.”
“If the individual in question can beam aboard immediately. We are receiving final clearance now.”
Paris glanced over at Kathryn who nodded her head vigorously.
“She will be there momentarily.” He paused to stare hard at Picard. “I would appreciate it if her presence can be kept as quiet and unofficial as possible. She’ll brief you on her destination. And Captain, thank you. I am in your debt. Paris out.”
Getting to her feet, Kathryn hugged the admiral tightly. “Owen, thank you, I am most grateful. I hope you won’t lose your commission over this.”
“Well, I’m about ready to retire anyway,” he grinned at her before gripping her hands in farewell. “Take care of yourself, Katie, I hope everything works out for you. I’ll let Tom know you’re on the way.” He gestured to his personal transporter in the corner. “Off you go now.”
With a last grateful smile, she stepped up on the pad. A moment later, Paris activated the controls to beam her to the Enterprise.
For nearly a minute he stood motionless, staring at the space where she’d been, wondering if he’d ever see her again. Then with a heavy sigh, he returned to his chair and set about sending a priority message to his son.
**********
Some time later, on Deep Space Nine, Colonel Kira received a dispatch encoded for Tom Paris. Assuming this was the message he’d told her to expect, she paged him, telling him she was transporting him to her office. On his arrival, she explained that there was a message for him, apparently from Starfleet Headquarters, but it was encrypted for his eyes only.
Tom was surprised, but Kira merely shrugged, then got up and left him alone.
Intrigued, he activated the message and was even more surprised to see his father, his face lined with worry, on the viewscreen.
“Tom,” the admiral began abruptly, “I don’t have much time so I’ll make this quick. I hope you’re alone; if not, please ask whoever is there to leave at once. This is very important.” He paused, obviously gathering his thoughts. “Kathryn Janeway has managed to cause a hell of an uproar here and I don’t know what the repercussions are going to be. I may well lose my commission, not that it means as much these days as it once did. However, I’m not the only one. Admiral Hayes refused Janeway’s request to take the EMH to DS9. As a result, she tore a strip off him then walked out of a very high-level meeting, which, as I don’t need to tell you, is not a very wise career move. The shit is just now starting to hit the fan. What Command doesn’t know is that she’s on her way to you now, but you have to keep this secret until she arrives. I don’t want to ruin other careers if I can avoid it, so it’s all very much on a ‘need to know’ basis.” He paused to give Tom a tired smile. “I miss you and B’Elanna and Miral. Maybe when this is all over, I’ll come out for a visit. Meanwhile, take care, son. Paris out.”
For several minutes after the message ended, Tom sat staring at the screen before a big smile slowly filled his face. Help was on the way. The captain – he corrected himself – the admiral was coming through for them, just as she always did.
Filled with a new sense of hope, he tapped his commbadge to tell the colonel she could have her office back. “I can’t say much but you should expect a special visitor within the next few days,” he told her. “However, it’s all very unofficial.”
“Like you and your friends,” she smiled at him, understanding what he wasn’t saying.
“Yeah, like us,” he grinned back at her.
“I’ll be ready,” she promised as she prepared to return him to the infirmary.
When Tom rematerialized near Chakotay’s biobed, the others crowded around him, asking where he’d been. But all he would say was that help was on the way. For the rest, they would just have to wait and see.
=^= =^= =^= =^= =^= =^=
For three long days, Doctor Bashir continued to try every treatment he could think of to improve Chakotay’s condition, but his success was limited.
Although Chakotay became calmer and less prone to panic, his overall mental condition didn’t improve.
“I’m grasping at straws here,” Bashir told Tom and the others. “For some reason, he isn’t getting any better. And he should be! The only thing I can think of is that this gene you spoke of is mutating. Every treatment I try seems to be successful initially but then he slips right back to square one.” He gazed helplessly at his patient before turning to face Tom. “You said help was on the way. Well, all I can say is, it better get here soon.”
*********
By the morning of the third day, everyone was slipping into despair. The constant worry over Chakotay as well as the lack of anything to do was rapidly wearing down their spirits.
For half a day, B’Elanna had managed to keep herself occupied figuring out a way to disguise the shuttle’s transporter signal so they didn’t have to rely on Colonel Kira to move around the station undetected. However, once that project was successfully completed, she found herself once again at loose ends, a situation which was guaranteed to leave her frustrated and increasingly short-tempered.
Twice, she and Dalby got into yelling matches, causing havoc and nearly coming to blows.
After the second spat, Tom came to a decision. Nodding to Ayala and Dalby, he indicated he wanted a private conversation.
Once they were huddled in a corner, he said bluntly, “I think you two should go back to Dorvan. There’s a transport leaving tonight.”
At their immediate protest, he held up his hands. “Think about it. We don’t all need to be here. We’re just sitting around getting on each other’s nerves while everyone on Dorvan is worrying and wondering what’s happened. Also, the Cardassians don’t know where Chakotay is. If you go back, it will allay suspicion that he’s anywhere near here. And,” he continued, “it’s not likely to happen but on the off-chance that Cardie shuttle came back to attack the settlement, our people would need everyone there to defend against them. I don’t think it will but…well… with Miral there….” He shrugged and held out his hands deprecatingly. “It would ease my mind a lot if I knew you were there, too.”
Ayala glanced at Dalby. “He’s right, Ken. We might be able to do more good by going home than waiting here.”
“But you said help is on the way,” argued Dalby, not yet willing to give in. “Shouldn’t we be here when it arrives? What if we’re needed?”
“B’Elanna and I will be here,” replied Tom, “we won’t be going anywhere.” His mouth tightened. “There’s something else, too. B’Elanna is feeling very guilty about leaving Miral for so long. I think she’ll feel a lot better if she knows you’re returning to Dorvan and will keep an eye on Miral. Don’t get me wrong,” he hastened to add, “I’m sure she’s fine, in fact, I expect by the time we get back, she’ll be spoiled rotten!”
“Couldn’t B’Elanna go back with Mike?” asked Dalby, “and I could stay with you?”
“Actually, I suggested that but she’s very worried about Chakotay. She’s always been closer to him than anyone else – well, besides the captain. She thinks he’s more likely to recognize her than one of us. If he recognizes anyone, that is. At this point, who knows? The truth is, Ken, she’s really torn between her responsibility for Miral and her loyalty to Chakotay, which isn’t doing much for her temper, as you may have noticed. If you and Mike can go home, I think she’ll feel a little less divided. Do you see what I mean?”
The two thought over his words before nodding in agreement.
“You’ll let us know?” urged Dalby, “As soon as there’s any change?”
“You bet I will. In fact, if we hurry, I believe we might be able to finagle a subspace transmitter out of the colonel. Unofficially, of course.”
Both men grinned. “Let’s do it.”
When she heard their request, Kira simply shook her head. “You realize I don’t know you, I’ve never seen you, I’ve had absolutely nothing to do with any of you!”
“Of course not, Colonel, we’re complete strangers to you,” answered Tom smoothly, even as he reached for the transmitter she was handing him. Turning to Ayala, he passed it over. “There you go, Mike. You’re carrying an illusion. Remember that.”
“Absolutely, Tom.” Ayala turned to Kira with a warm smile. “Colonel, you have a good heart.”
“Oh, get away with you,” she told them, moving to activate the transporter.
“Ma’am, you’ve been around Chief O’Brien too long,” retorted Dalby cheekily as the three dematerialized.
Chuckling, Kira sat down behind her desk and got back to work.
*********
Meanwhile, the four were saying goodbye.
“We’ll let you know as soon as we can,” promised Tom for what he was sure was the tenth time.
“Give Miral lots of hugs, please,” begged B’Elanna. “Tell her we love her, we haven’t forgotten her and we miss her a lot. Oh, and we’ll be home soon. I hope.”
Ayala held her hands. “I’ll tell her, B’Elanna. Don’t worry. As Tom says, she’s probably having the time of her life and is spoiled to bits.”
“That’s what I’m worried about!” retorted B’Elanna.
“Ken, Mike, it’s time,” intervened Bashir. “I’m beaming you to an empty room near the docking port for the transport. The colonel has arranged for your passage, indirectly of course. Once you materialize in the room, just walk out the door and turn left. It’s the next port – B 10.”
“Thanks, Doc, for all you’ve done.” Ayala gripped Bashir’s hand firmly. “We’ll always be grateful.”
“Same goes for me,” said Dalby, also shaking the doctor’s hand. “Chakotay couldn’t be in better hands.”
Automatically, their eyes all went to Chakotay, sitting cross-legged on the biobed, staring blankly at something only he could see.
“Don’t worry,” reassured Bashir. “We’ll get to the bottom of this, I assure you.” He stepped to the control panel. “Ready?”
At their nod, he activated the transporter.
Tom stood staring at the spot where they’d been, then glanced at B’Elanna and gave her a reassuring smile. “Guess we go back to waiting.”
With a resigned shrug, she plopped into a chair. “Guess so.”
=^= =^= =^= =^= =^= =^=
Three days later, the Enterprise appeared, blasting in at high warp.
Captain Picard personally contacted Colonel Kira on an encrypted frequency, telling her he had a very special passenger for her and not to ask any questions. “The less you know, the better,” he finished up, “for all of us. So far, we seem to have covered our tracks but if we’re not careful, the fallout could wreck a lot of careers.”
At his blunt tone, Kira smiled grimly. “Thank you for the warning. I do have some idea of what’s going on but I’ll take your advice, anyway. Why don’t you beam your passenger directly to my office? I’m sending you the coordinates now.”
“Thank you, I’ll look after it myself. See you soon. Picard out.”
A moment later, Kathryn Janeway materialized in front of Kira.
“Colonel,” she began, “thank you for your discretion.” She held out her hand. “I’m Kathryn Janeway. I understand you’ve been looking after several of my crew from Voyager.”
Taking her hand, Kira smiled warmly. “I remember you, Admiral, although you may not remember me. I was here eight years ago when Voyager left on that fateful trip to the Badlands to catch some Maquis.”
Kathryn’s grin widened. “Fateful, indeed. And – it’s not ‘admiral’ anymore. I’ve resigned my commission and now I’m just plain Kathryn Janeway.” Her smile faded a bit. “I think that’s going to take some getting used to….” She murmured, half to herself.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware of that,” Kira apologized, “although considering the circumstances, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“It was necessary,” replied Janeway gruffly, then abruptly changed the subject. “Could I see Chakotay now, please?”
“You certainly can. I’ll beam you to the infirmary myself.” She turned to the control panel. “I expect you’ll find the Parises there as well. They’ve been spending their days with Chakotay, trying to help him recover his memory.”
“Thank you again,” replied Janeway as she disappeared in the transporter beam.
A moment later, she appeared at the foot of Chakotay’s biobed.
“Captain!” exclaimed Tom and B’Elanna simultaneously as they leaped up. “You’re here!”
“Boy, am I glad to see you!” added Tom. “After the message from my dad, I wasn’t sure if you’d make it.”
Kathryn rolled her eyes. “You should know me better than that, Tom,” she retorted, then looked around as Doctor Bashir appeared from behind the privacy screen.
“Hello,” she greeted him warmly, “you must be Doctor Bashir. I’m Kathryn Janeway.”
“Indeed I am,” he replied with a smile, “it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I have something for you,” she continued mysteriously, reaching into her pocket and pulling out two small objects, one of which she handed to B’Elanna.
“You brought him!” gasped B’Elanna in delighted astonishment, echoed by Tom, as Bashir stared at them, his smile changing to a puzzled frown.
“What are you…?” His voice trailed off as the EMH suddenly appeared before them. “How did you manage to get him here?!” he exclaimed in amazement.
“Believe me, Doctor, you really don’t want to know,” responded Janeway dryly.
“Ah,” declared the EMH as he took in his surroundings, “I see you were successful. Not that I ever doubted you would be,” he added, as he stepped forward. “Do you have those special tools I gave you for safekeeping?”
Kathryn handed over the second object.
“Excellent.” He tucked it into his own pocket before glancing around. “Now, where’s the patient?”
His words made them all turn towards Chakotay, who had been sitting quietly, although his eyes were watchful.
Her heart nearly broke at the wary expression on his face. This wasn’t Chakotay, her best friend, the man who had remained faithfully at her side for seven years.
This was a stranger with Chakotay’s features.
Or was it?
His eyes narrowed with a spark of seeming recognition, and for a moment she thought they had all been mistaken, it was her Chakotay, he was fine after all, but then he looked away again, his gaze focused on something only he could see.
Slowly, Kathryn moved forward to his side. “Chakotay?” she murmured softly, “do you know who I am?”
Looking around, he considered her face before he nodded. “You’re Kathryn,” he answered matter-of-factly.
“That’s right,” she smiled in relief, “I’m so glad you remember me.” Noticing the drawing of Voyager, she picked it up. “Did you do this?”
“Yes.”
“That’s very good. Do you remember the name of the ship?”
But at her words, his face closed down and he shook his head.
“Do you remember where you saw it?” she persisted but again, he shook his head.
A moment later, his face was blank once more.
Knowing Chakotay would only become upset if she continued to question him, Tom stepped forward to lay a hand on her arm. “Let him be for now, Captain, he gets frightened if you keep asking him questions he can’t answer.”
Nodding her understanding, Kathryn stepped back to where the two doctors were standing together. She could hear Bashir bringing the EMH up to date on his diagnosis of the patient as well as the various methods of treatment he’d used. His face fell into lines of frustration as he finished. “I’m at my wits’ end, Doctor, I simply don’t know what else to try.”
“Don’t worry,” replied the EMH confidently, “I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that aren’t available to most physicians.” He moved to the biobed, a cheerful smile in place. “Let’s have a look at our patient, shall we? Well, Chakotay, it’s good to see you again, although I could wish it were under happier circumstances. However, not to worry….”
As he and Bashir continued their examination of Chakotay, who was cooperating although obviously leery of the newcomer, Tom spoke to Kathryn in a low voice.
“So how did you get the mobile emitter? Dad only had time for a short message but he said all hell was breaking loose at Command.”
Kathryn stared at him steadily for a moment before replying, “I wasn’t exaggerating when I said you don’t want to know. All I can say is that there are people who have put their careers on the line to help us. Sorry, but if the worst happens and you’re taken in for questioning, the less you know, the better.” She hesitated briefly before adding, “Although I can tell you that I’ve resigned my commission and left Starfleet.” Her face broke into a slight smile. “So perhaps you better call me Kathryn.”
“Ah – excuse me??” exclaimed B’Elanna even as Tom interrupted.
“What do you mean – you’ve left Starfleet?!”
“It’s a long story but for the moment, suffice to say, Starfleet isn’t what it used to be, and I don’t want to be a part of it any longer.”
The Parises glanced at each other in some surprise then shrugged in acceptance.
At that moment, the two physicians came up to them, which allowed Kathryn to change the subject.
“Can you restore his mind and his memories, Doctors?” she demanded bluntly.
“I think so,” replied the EMH, “but we need to do some research first.”
“I don’t want to rush you, but time is limited. Inevitably, I will be traced here and I don’t want you to be around when that happens. For the sake of a lot of people’s careers, I can’t be caught with the mobile emitter. So, the sooner you can come up with a successful treatment, the better.”
Bashir nodded. “Then let’s get started.” Turning away, he led the EMH to the lab.
At that moment, Colonel Kira appeared and was quickly brought up to date by Tom. Once he’d finished, she nodded then remarked to Kathryn, “I’ve been wondering where you can stay. You’ll need somewhere to rest and get a bite to eat occasionally but you shouldn’t be seen anywhere on the station.”
“Can she stay on the shuttle with us?” asked B’Elanna. “As you know, I’ve devised a way of disguising the shuttle’s transporter signal so we can beam back and forth on our own.”
Kira’s face broke into a smile. “I think that would indeed be the best solution.” She produced a commbadge. “Ms. Janeway, this is programmed to respond only to my personal comm frequency. Tom here has one like it. If you need anything at all, please let me know.”
“Thank you, Colonel,” replied Janeway. “And I would feel more comfortable if you call me Kathryn. Ms. Janeway sounds…a little old-fashioned, don’t you think?”
“Then, Kathryn it is,” replied Kira. “I need to get back but please don’t hesitate to contact me if there’s anything else I can do.”
“You’re very kind,” answered Kathryn. She glanced at the Parises and suggested, “Why don’t you two go back to the shuttle for a break? I’d like to stay here for a while.”
Recognizing that she wanted some time by herself with Chakotay, Tom and B’Elanna were quick to agree.
A few minutes later, now alone with Chakotay, Kathryn moved to sit beside his biobed.
Bearing Tom’s warning in mind, nevertheless she began to question him once more, trying to find out how much he knew. Very soon, however, she realized that beyond the odd fragment, he remembered almost nothing.
His voice grew querulous as he told her the others talked to him a lot but he couldn’t understand them; he didn’t know what they wanted.
“What others, Chakotay?” she queried him, “Do you mean the doctor? Tom? B’Elanna? What are they saying that you don’t understand?”
But Chakotay was shaking his head vigorously. “No!” he exclaimed, clearly frustrated at her obtuseness. “Not them! The others!”
His words reminded her of the time on Voyager when the ship had been stuck in chaotic space, when Chakotay’s ‘crazy’ gene had been activated. Was that what he meant?
“You mean voices in your head? Is that what you’re hearing?”
“Yes!”
Speaking in as calm a tone as possible, she asked, “What are they saying?”
“I don’t know! I can’t understand them! They don’t make any sense!” Scrunching his hands into fists, he pounded the bed in frustration before looking up at her, despair on his face. “Do you know what they want?”
Reaching to cover his hands with her own, she tried to calm his agitation. “No, I don’t know either.” Her eyes fell on his drawing and a distraction occurred to her. “Instead, why don’t I tell you about the ship in your picture? Would you like that?”
At once, he nodded, then settled back on the pillow expectantly.
In a gentle voice, Kathryn began to relay one of Voyager’s adventures, keeping her tone soothing.
After a few minutes, Chakotay yawned then stretched out on the biobed; shortly after, he drifted off to sleep.
Watching him closely, Kathryn waited a little longer to make sure he was sound asleep, then got up to go in search of the doctors.
She found them in the lab next door, dissecting the Cardassian implant.
“Kathryn!” The EMH greeted her cheerfully. “We’re making progress.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” she answered, glancing at Bashir who was frowning. “Doctor Bashir?” she questioned.
“I am certainly more optimistic now that we’ll find a way to restore the damaged areas of Chakotay’s mind, but even if we’re successful, he will still need a lot of assistance. He isn’t going to make a complete recovery immediately.”
“I see,” she replied thoughtfully, then shrugged. “Well, as I’ve resigned my commission, I won’t have anything else to do anyway. Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
But Bashir remained cautious. “One step at a time, Ms. Janeway. First, we have to devise a treatment. We’re still working on that.”
With a nod, she turned to head back to Chakotay’s side. Settling once more into the chair next to the biobed, eventually, exhaustion caught up with her and she fell into a doze.
*********
An hour later, Bashir roused her. “We’ve found a way,” he told her excitedly. “And we should start as soon as possible, especially with your deadline hovering over us.”
His words of hope brought an instant smile to her face. “That’s wonderful news, Doctor. Now, what can I do to help?”
“Nothing right now. Why don’t you go to the shuttle and get some proper rest? I don’t imagine that chair is too comfortable.”
She began to protest that she was fine right where she was, but the arrival of the EMH, who obviously had overheard her, cut her off.
“Good luck trying to pry her away from the commander while he’s on that biobed,” he rolled his eyes at Bashir. “In seven years, I could never do it.”
His words made her bristle although she had to admit there was more than a grain of truth to them.
“All right,” she told them both, very much on her dignity, “I will join Tom and B’Elanna.”
“My, my, wonders will never cease!” The EMH couldn’t resist tossing the barb at her, which earned him her best captain’s glare.
Deciding a distraction was in order before the argument escalated, Bashir interjected. “The doctor was just showing me these Borg nanoprobes you brought.”
His ploy was successful.
“I’d always kept some aside in case of emergency,” explained the EMH, staring down at the tiny container. His voice softened with remembered sorrow. “Of course, in the end, Seven’s massive physical injuries made them useless. The plasma overload effectively destroyed every Borg implant in her body and with her spine shattered as it was, there wasn’t time to utilize them.”
Stepping up beside him, Kathryn laid a comforting hand on his arm. “You did your best, Doctor, we all knew that. Sometimes, best simply isn’t enough.”
He gave her a grateful smile. “I know.” For a moment he paused before straightening up and changing the subject. “However, in this case, those nanoprobes will serve as the catalyst in Chakotay’s recovery. I’m reprogramming them right now.”
“I think Seven would be glad,” she told him before turning to Bashir. “You’ll keep us informed….”
“Absolutely,” he promised.
“Good. Can you contact B’Elanna then beam me to the shuttle?”
A moment later she was gone, and the two doctors got down to work.
*********
Tom and B’Elanna were delighted to welcome Kathryn aboard. “Our home away from home,” Tom called it, as she looked around in obvious admiration.
“This is most impressive,” she told them. “I knew you’d gotten it but I didn’t realize how much you’d remodeled.”
B’Elanna chuckled. “This is what you can see. Then there are all the parts you can’t see.”
Kathryn’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh? Well, can this wonder ship produce a cup of coffee? Then I’d love a tour.”
Chuckling appreciatively, Tom stepped across to the replicator, a moment later turning around to hand over a steaming mug. “There you go, Kathryn. I’m glad to know there are some constants in the universe!”
Between his smile and the coffee, Kathryn was already feeling better than she had in days. As B’Elanna showed off her pride and joy, she thought to herself once again how well-matched these two were. And how at the beginning of their journey through the Delta Quadrant, she would never in a million years have expected them to end up together.
By the time she had admired all the upgrades, classified and otherwise, Tom was announcing that it was time for dinner.
As the three settled down for a meal, Kathryn related to the others what the EMH had told her. She added, “I’ve been considering what to do once Chakotay is ready to leave here, and I think I’d like to go back to Dorvan with you. But I don’t know if it would be a good idea or not. What do you think?”
Tom was immediately enthusiastic. “It’s a wonderful idea. I know Chakotay would love to have you there. He’s not been unhappy or discontented but…it’s hard to describe…maybe ‘wistful’ now and then, as if he was missing something. And since we arrived a year ago, a number of the crew have followed us and settled there. You’d feel at home right away.”
“It’s a good place, Kathryn,” put in B’Elanna. “Although it isn’t much to look at yet, when you think of the progress we’ve made in the year we’ve been there, well….” She leaned forward to emphasize her words. “It has become our home; we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else now.”
Looking at their earnest faces, Kathryn nodded thoughtfully. “Can I ask you something?”
At their nods, she continued. “After we came back from the Delta Quadrant, did you find yourselves feeling out of place on Earth?”
“That’s why we left,” answered B’Elanna, “we felt like outsiders, like we didn’t belong there. People would talk about events that had no meaning for us.”
“Sometimes, it seemed as if the Delta Quadrant was more like home than Earth,” added Tom. “We tried to fit in but in the end, we realized it was best to leave and make a fresh start somewhere else. Dorvan is ideal because everyone there is rebuilding their lives. We’re all part of the community, contributing our talents and resources; there’s a real sense of belonging.” He stared at her. “Can I assume from your question that you’ve felt like a stranger on Earth, too?”
Kathryn nodded. “More and more, especially recently. At first, I was so glad to get back to my family and friends, to pick up my life and career that I didn’t notice how much everyone had changed, and not always for the better. They’d gone on with their lives, just as we did, but…it’s hard to describe.... What I’m trying to say is that now, wherever you go, there’s an attitude of suspicion and distrust, particularly within Starfleet, which I simply haven’t been able to reconcile with the organization I remembered. Everyone is so cynical, so skeptical of others’ motives, there’s always a hidden agenda. And I know what you mean about people discussing events which don’t resonate with us. But I’ve also found that when I’ve tried to describe some of our experiences, all I get are blank looks and disinterest. Despite all the celebrating when we arrived home, very quickly, we became yesterday’s news.” She paused, gathering her thoughts. “It seems so ironic, doesn’t it? When you think how hard we struggled for seven years to get home and now, less than two years later, not many of the crew are still on Earth. I’ve kept in touch with most of them; they’re scattered all over the Alpha Quadrant. I think nearly everyone in the crew has experienced the same thing – a disconnect from the Federation, and certainly from Starfleet.”
Lifting her head, she smiled. “And then, of course, I found I missed all of you, much more than I expected to, actually. We became a family in the Delta Quadrant.” She looked down at her hands. “I miss Voyager, too,” she added softly. “She was as much a part of our family as any crewmember.”
“And Chakotay?” asked B’Elanna slyly, “Did you miss him as well?”
“Especially Chakotay,” Kathryn sighed.
For a moment, they remained silent before Tom asked, “And how do you feel now?”
His answer was her trademark crooked smile. “Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
Unexpectedly, she yawned. “Would there be somewhere I could lie down for a bit? All of a sudden, I’m really tired.”
At once, B’Elanna was on her feet. “We have a spare bunk back here.”
“You’ll wake me if Bashir or the EMH contacts you?”
“Don’t worry,” B’Elanna was quick to reassure. “We’ll come get you right away.”
Within minutes, Kathryn had fallen fast asleep.
B’Elanna made her way back to the eating area. “She’s exhausted,” she told Tom, “which I guess isn’t surprising.” Moving around, she tidied up the table. “You know,” she remarked as she worked, “I’d be very glad to have Kathryn come to Dorvan. I think she’d make a valuable addition to the community.”
“She has a lot of experience and expertise to contribute,” Tom agreed before falling silent.
Stretching out a hand, he reached for B’Elanna. “Come and sit for a while,” he told her, pulling her down close to him as they settled in once more to wait for news of Chakotay.
=^= =^= =^= =^= =^= =^=
It was nearly midnight when Doctor Bashir finally contacted them, asking them to come to the infirmary.
While B’Elanna set to work to disguise the transporter signal once more, Tom moved to the rear of the shuttle to wake Kathryn. However, as he reached the bunk, she sat up.
“What is it? What’s happened?” From force of habit, she nearly snapped ‘Report!’ before remembering where she was.
“Doctor Bashir wants to talk to us,” he told her. “B’Elanna’s getting the transporter ready now.”
Swiftly, Kathryn swung her legs to the floor and stood up. “Let me use the head and I’ll be right there,” she told him as she slipped past him.
Within minutes, the transporter had beamed them to Chakotay’s bedside.
There, the three found both doctors standing over their patient, who lay very still on the biobed.
This time, Kathryn did say “Report.”
“Good news!” beamed the EMH. “We have injected Chakotay with the modified nanoprobes and so far, the results are positive. We wanted to be sure of the readings before calling you but it all looks very promising.”
All three visibly relaxed as their faces broke into matching smiles.
“That’s wonderful, Doctor, both of you,” replied Kathryn happily.
“However,” interjected Bashir, “I should add a note of caution that it will be twelve to twenty-four hours before we can be sure this is going to work.” He glanced at the EMH. “Meanwhile, my colleague here must prepare to return to Earth. Colonel Kira has just told me that the Enterprise will be passing the station very shortly and will slow down only long enough to beam the mobile emitter aboard.”
Tom’s eyebrows went up at that particular tidbit. “The Enterprise!” he murmured, with a hard look at Kathryn. “How did you ever manage to get Picard – ”
He got no further.
“I told you before, Tom, you don’t want to know.” Kathryn’s tone was firm. “Suffice to say, we have received assistance from several people who shall remain nameless.”
“Yes, ma’am!” he muttered.
Meanwhile, Kathryn had already turned away to hold out her hands to the EMH. “Thank you,” she told him, “for…oh…everything!”
He smiled down at her warmly. “You know you can always count on me.”
“Indeed I do, Doctor.” Quickly, she hugged him then stepped back as Tom moved forward.
“Good to see you, Doc, I wish we’d had more time. Maybe someday, if they ever let you out, you can come and visit us.”
“I’d like that, Mr. Paris.”
As B’Elanna moved to his side, she reached up to kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks from me, too,” she whispered, then with a few deft touches downloaded him into the mobile emitter.
“Bashir to Kira, he’s ready.”
A minute later, the emitter disappeared in a transporter beam.
For a moment longer, Kathryn gazed at the spot before turning around to move over to the biobed. Gazing down at Chakotay, she stroked his face gently, then looked up at Bashir. “Will it really work?”
“I believe so. If you look at the monitor here,” he indicated the console now installed at the foot of the bed, “you can see that the damaged areas of his brain are gradually returning to normal.”
Joined by Tom and B’Elanna, they all stood around the console, staring at the readouts as Bashir indicated where he meant. “Here and here”, his finger brushed the screen, “is where the injuries were most severe. It may not look like much yet, but believe me, he is getting better. However, as I told you, it’s a slow process. You can go back to the shuttle and get some more rest, if you like.”
Kathryn started to protest even as Tom and B’Elanna shook their heads. She smiled at Bashir. “I think we would all like to stay with him, Doctor.”
“Very well,” he agreed. “Perhaps, since you’re here, I’ll go lie down myself. I’ve been up for nearly twenty-four hours.” He gestured to the console. “I’ll be in the next room. Call me if there’s a sudden increase or decrease in his rate of progress.”
“We’ll do that,” promised Kathryn. “And, Doctor? Thank you for all you’ve done for Chakotay. I know he’d be dead by now if it weren’t for you.” Her eyes were luminous.
Bashir’s eyes strayed to Chakotay. “I’m glad I was able to do something for him. What he suffered….” He paused momentarily, then straightened, obviously deciding it was a topic best left alone. “Well, I’ll see you in a few hours.”
After he’d gone, the three settled into their chairs.
“You know, I think this chair is becoming a permanent part of my anatomy,” muttered Tom, as he twisted about, trying to find the most comfortable position.
“You can say that again!” swore B’Elanna with feeling.
With a smile for her companions, Kathryn pulled her chair close to the biobed, where she could easily grasp Chakotay’s hand.
Despite their complaints, within half an hour, both the Parises had dozed off.
However, Kathryn, having slept for several hours earlier, remained wide awake, gently stroking Chakotay’s hand, a contemplative expression on her face.
She was still sitting there early in the morning when Bashir woke up, then rose to check on his patient. Her eyes focused inward, she was unaware of his presence until he spoke to her, making her jump.
“Doctor!” she exclaimed, startled. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
“I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he apologized, moving to the console.
Gently placing Chakotay’s hand on the bed, she rose stiffly to her feet. “I checked the readings several times, and from what I could see, he is improving steadily.”
As she joined him at the console, he nodded, clearly pleased. “Indeed he is. In fact, I would say the nanoprobes have done their job and the treatment is finished.”
“Can we wake him?” she asked, clearly impatient to know how much Chakotay had recovered.
“No, not yet,” replied Bashir. “I would rather give his brain more time to heal and let him wake up on his own.”
“Yes, I see,” agreed Kathryn. Stretching up as far as she could to ease stiff muscles, she added, “I don’t suppose there’d be a cup of coffee available, would there?”
“I think I could find one for you,” he smiled at her. “How do you like it?”
“Black and strong,” she declared firmly.
Nodding, he disappeared out the door only to return a minute later with a cup in each hand. “Here you are,” he told her as he handed over a steaming mug.
Taking it, Kathryn sniffed the contents as a rapturous expression settled on her face. “Ah, thank you, Doctor. You’re a lifesaver in more ways than one.”
“I hope it’s not too strong,” he ventured. “I prefer tea myself,” he added, indicating his own mug.
“It’s perfect,” she replied, sipping contentedly.
By common consent, they both moved to stand next to the biobed, staring down at Chakotay in silence.
After several minutes had passed, Bashir remarked, “Can I ask you something?”
She nodded then glanced at the two sleepers behind her. “Why don’t we go to the lab where we can talk without disturbing them?”
Bashir led the way out the door then continued with his question. “I hope you won’t think I’m impertinent but I must admit to a certain curiosity. Serving together as you did on Voyager, for so long and in such unusual circumstances, you and Chakotay must have grown very close.”
For a moment, he thought she wouldn’t answer, but then she murmured, “Yes, very close indeed. He was my best friend and I was his. Without him, we would never have made it home.”
“But after you came back?”
Her eyes fell and she bit her lip. “We didn’t part on very good terms. Well, in fact, we never said goodbye at all. Suddenly he was simply gone, leaving only a brief message saying he was returning to Dorvan and wishing me well. At first, I didn’t know what to make of it – I’ll admit I was hurt that he hadn’t tried to see me – then after a while, when I continued to hear nothing from him, I got angry.
“I decided I didn’t need him any more, that I’d moved beyond him. But I was wrong, terribly wrong! This last year, I’ve needed him more than I ever did in the Delta Quadrant. I’ve missed him so much and I didn’t even know it! I’ve been such a fool!”
Furiously, she rubbed at her face, trying to force back the sudden tears.
Taking her cup, Bashir set it aside, then slid his arm around her shoulders. “There’s no one here but us,” he told her gently, “so if you feel like crying, go ahead. I won’t say anything.”
His words coaxed a reluctant smile out of her. “Thanks, Doctor, but admirals don’t cry. It’s against the rules, you know.”
“Ah, but you’re not an admiral anymore, so it’s all right now.”
Slack-jawed in shock, she stared at him. Clearly, she’d forgotten. Then as her breath caught in a sudden sob, she turned her face into his shoulder.
Steadily, he stroked her back, comforting her until she stopped shuddering. For a few minutes, she continued to lean against him before pulling back with a tentative smile.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice still a little raw, “I’m fine now.”
Picking up their cups, he handed her the coffee before sipping his tea. Neither said anything – there was no need for words as both stood in companionable silence.
The sounds of someone entering the infirmary made Bashir hasten out of the room to deal with the latest arrival while Kathryn resumed her seat at Chakotay’s side.
********
Some time later, Tom and B’Elanna woke up, both complaining of sore backs although they refused to return to the shuttle, vowing to keep Kathryn company during her long watch. However, it was several hours later, around noon, before Chakotay finally began to awaken.
Not wanting to frighten him, they all tried not to hover over him as they watched his eyes slowly open.
Blinking repeatedly, he rubbed his eyes before focusing on the anxious faces surrounding the biobed. Their worried faces made him fear some dreadful calamity.
“What happened?” he whispered, “Where am I?”
Reaching for his hand, Kathryn asked the first question. “Do you know who I am?”
He stared at her. “Of course – Kathryn.” His tone made it clear that he didn’t understand why she would ask such a silly question. Glancing around, he saw the others and added, “And there are Tom and B’Elanna. Why? What’s going on?”
Before she could answer, he spotted Bashir and his eyes narrowed into a frown. “You’re sort of familiar but I don’t recall your name.”
“This is Doctor Bashir, the CMO of Deep Space Nine,” explained Kathryn.
“Deep Space Nine?!” exclaimed Chakotay. “How did I get here?! Kathryn, what’s going on?!”
She held up her hands to stem the flow of questions. “Let me finish. I need to know what you remember.”
At his nod, she continued. “Do you recall what happened to you on Dorvan?”
Chakotay’s frown deepened. “Kathryn, I haven’t been on Dorvan for many years. You know that.”
There was complete silence as they all mulled over that statement.
“It’s only reasonable to expect there will be gaps,” began Bashir slowly, his forehead creased in concern. “Hopefully, with time, they’ll fill in.”
Kathryn focused once more on Chakotay. “Tell me, what is the last thing you remember before today?” she demanded.
“I was trying to say goodbye to you in a message, right after our last debriefing,” he began, his face contorted as he concentrated on the memory. “Only I couldn’t find the right words for what I wanted to say. Your aide was so abrupt – she’d already refused to let me speak to you, even for a minute.”
It was Kathryn’s turn to scowl, as she remembered wondering why Chakotay had left a message rather than trying to contact her directly. Now she knew.
He continued, “I remember sitting in the departure lounge of the spaceport and seeing you in a newsvid, and realizing I didn’t know you at all anymore. You had become some remote figure of power and authority, with no resemblance to the woman I’d known on Voyager. I remember thinking it was probably just as well I hadn’t been able to talk to you – I wouldn’t have known what to say.”
Appalled by his words, she stared at him, horrified that she had allowed herself to be so transformed by an admiral’s bars as to be unrecognizable to her dearest friend. “That’s all over with,” she finally managed to get out through a throat thick with regrets, “that woman is gone and you won’t see her again.”
Chakotay smiled warmly, making her heart turn over. “I’m glad to know that Kathryn was still there, even if hidden under the uniform.”
The doctor chose that moment to interrupt. “I need to run some more tests, Chakotay, and,” he glanced at his visitors, “I want all of you to go back to the shuttle, eat a decent meal and get some rest. You may return here after dinner.”
Recognizing the wisdom of his words, they agreed, although Tom and B’Elanna each took a few moments to tell Chakotay how glad they were to have him back.
Their words left him more puzzled than ever but, realizing that their relieved expressions were a good sign, he decided he could wait for a while to learn what was going on. Besides, he was starting to feel quite tired. Lying back on the bed, he closed his eyes to rest.
**********
Later that evening, the Parises and Kathryn returned to the infirmary, all three feeling much refreshed. The relief of knowing Chakotay was on the mend had done as much to revive their spirits, they agreed, as food and sleep.
When they arrived, Chakotay was awake, reading a PADD. His face lit up when they appeared and he greeted them delightedly.
“I’m catching up with the galaxy,” he chuckled, indicating the PADD, which he explained contained a condensed version of news for the last year.
As he spoke, Doctor Bashir came in. “Hello there, I thought I heard voices,” he welcomed them with a smile. “And before you ask, let me say that I’m very pleased with Chakotay’s progress. The nanoprobes have worked even better than I hoped, and as well,” he directed his comment to Chakotay, “I have successfully deactivated your mutated gene. All being well, this time, it should stay dormant, although you will need to be alert in case it reactivates again.”
At that point, Kathryn intervened. “I’ll keep a close eye on him, Doctor. At the first sign of trouble, we’ll find the nearest medical facility, or get him to Earth if we have to.”
Her words made Chakotay grin. “And may I ask when you appointed yourself my nursemaid?”
“When I found out what happened to you,” she answered, her solemn tone a contrast to his teasing. “At that moment, I knew you were more important to me than anything or anyone else.” Pausing, she licked her lips nervously before adding hesitantly, “I hope you’ll allow me in your life again.” Her eyes, usually so full of confidence, now were filled with anxiety.
Astonished at her words as well as her demeanour, he stared at her in wonder. Could it be that after so many years, they had finally reached the pivotal point in their relationship? Was she really willing to take that next step with him? He had to make sure before they went any further.
“Let me be very clear about this,” he told her firmly. “You want to stay with me?”
Her reply was a nod.
“For how long?” he pressed her.
“The rest of my life, if you’ll have me,” she replied steadily.
Hope leaped into his face but he held back, determined to be absolutely sure of her intentions.
“And where are you going to live?” he demanded.
Kathryn looked down at her hands, suddenly thinking maybe she had jumped to a wrong conclusion. His questions were unnerving her, but – she’d come this far, she might as well finish. Lifting her head, she squared her shoulders and faced him full on.
“Hopefully with you, but if you’d rather I didn’t, I’ll find a bed somewhere.”
Reaching for her hands, he tugged her close to him. “I think you better be with me; I’m already used to you.”
Her heart was thumping with anticipation. Inching nearer, her eyes focused intently on him, she slid her hands onto his chest. “That was a long time ago. Maybe I’ve changed.”
“Still like coffee first thing out of bed?”
Wordlessly, she nodded.
He chuckled. “You haven’t changed.”
Tugging her forward the last few inches into his arms, he pulled her down to kiss her, his lips full of promise as they moved over hers.
She responded at once, pressing as close to him as she could, her hands around his neck to hold him in place as she kissed him back.
Watching from behind, Tom and B’Elanna nudged each other then backed away, their faces wreathed in identical grins. Once out of sight, they high-fived one another in unrestrained glee, “Yes!!!” before turning around to find Bashir talking to Colonel Kira , who was looking very worried.
As soon as Kira saw them, she came across the room. “We’ve got problems,” she began without preamble. “I’ve just learned that Starfleet is on the warpath hunting for Kathryn, and despite our precautions, the trail is leading here. She needs to leave, the sooner the better.”
Tom gazed at her, then began to pace slowly to the wall and back, obviously thinking hard.
Watching him nervously, B’Elanna finally demanded. “Tom, what are you plotting?”
But he didn’t answer her. Instead, after a moment, he looked at Bashir. “Could Chakotay be discharged sooner than you’d planned?” he asked.
“How soon?” Bashir answered with a question.
“In an hour?”
Pursing his lips, now it was the doctor’s turn to pace as he thought through the ramifications of what Tom was asking. Finally, he sighed. “It’s possible, although it’s certainly not my first choice.”
“Nor mine,” agreed Tom, “but it is possible.”
“Yes. And under the circumstances, it’s a compromise I can live with. However,” he added firmly, “he must follow my instructions precisely and at the first sign of trouble, he has to come back here. He’s not out of the woods yet, not by a long shot.”
“Agreed. I’ll make sure he behaves and I know Kathryn will, too.” He chuckled. “In fact, she’ll probably drive him nuts.”
Picking up a PADD, Bashir started to enter instructions while B’Elanna turned back to tell Chakotay and Kathryn they were leaving.
********
Within half an hour, last minute instructions handed out and well wishes exchanged, Kira beamed them all to the shuttle.
As soon as Chakotay was strapped securely into the bunk, Tom ordered the docking clamps released.
For a minute, the shuttle drifted gently before he engaged thrusters. Once clear of the station, he went to maximum warp.
They were together and on their way home.
****