No longer did guilt assail their time together. In fact, the open admission of their togetherness enhanced and intensified their feelings. Passions unfolded, opening up their love into full flower.

Released from her self-imposed restraint, her desire flamed as he tended it.

Hectic days became heated nights. Explorations of the space through which they traveled could not begin to compare with the discoveries they still made about each other, the hidden stars within each other's galaxy.

Together they played timeless lovers' games, creating their own world within the perimeters allotted to them. Two lonely lives became one vibrant one; two stark living areas transformed into a welcoming retreat.

Worries on the bridge, anxiety of the ready rooms, troubles in engineering - all concerns melted away in their moments together. If an anxious moment from the workaday world did overflow into their tranquility, their intimacy would call up resources to resolve the problems.

Flesh to flesh, soul to soul, one completing the other...

Filling and fulfilling, giving as well as taking - loving wholly, without reservation.

Sleepless nights now became nights without sleep, as their bodies clamored for lost time. But their actions seemed to energize them, make them more eager for the rigors that faced them outside of their sanctuary.

Burdens became less so when shared together; problems, although no less demanding, seemed to have quicker solutions.

Daily comfort and consolation eased the devils of their pasts, bringing light and hope out of dark desolation.

No longer were loving embraces forbidden...

Nor welcomed touches to be feared or frowned upon.

Whether within the softened lights of their quarters...

Or in the bright halls of the ship,

The captain and her first officer still set the example for their crew.

Together, their love brought new life and hope to their fellow Voyagers.

Although fears of the unknown still lay ahead of them, their love brought new hope into the journey; rejuvenation spread throughout their crew... and courage arose to see them through the darkest times.