Disclaimer: Paramount owns these characters and the ship they're on. I just spawned the story.
This is the sequel to "Suicide Mission." If you haven't read it, you may be lost in the beginning. It picks up where "Suicide Mission" ended. Kathryn leaves a stunned Chakotay in the lift after basically admitting she liked his kiss.
Rated:NC-17 If you're under 18, you don't belong here!
By Orion
June 1998
By the time Chakotay walked out of the lift and sat in his chair, Kathryn had already heard the report and was studying the padd in her hand. As other Bridge officers were coming in for the shift change, Chakotay called softly to her.
"Kathryn."
She brought her head up, a questioning look in her eyes.
"Ready room?" he asked almost inaudibly, so the others wouldn't hear.
Knowing what he wanted, she allowed a small smile to curve her lips. "I don't think this is the appropriate time, Commander," she answered quietly. She picked up a second padd. "Here," she said, handing it to him, "keep yourself busy."
She felt his finger brush over hers when he took the padd, in what seemed to be a deliberate action.
"Aye, Captain," he said with a smile.
Oh Kathryn, what have you started now? He's not going to rest until you talk to him. The only reason she had kept her distance for this long was because she hadn't been sure she could devote her full attention to being Captain if she was preoccupied with thoughts of her first officer. But ever since that one time he had kissed her a few months ago it seemed to be a losing battle. They had been on a picnic on the holodeck and had such a good time, it had felt only natural he kiss her at the door to her quarters. He had never mentioned it after that. She knew he had been interested, but maybe he had sensed her indecision and thought it best to hold off. But when she was lying in bed at night, she had thought back to that simple kiss again and again. She had thought about it then, and still did.
Kathryn knew her behavior toward him the past week had been dreadful. And yet he had still wanted to help her. Was she prepared to let this incredible man possibly slip away from her? Would being with Chakotay really interfere with her command presence?
"Captain," Chakotay said, interrupting her thoughts, "could I see you in your ready room, please? I think there's something we need to discuss." He held up a padd intimating that was to be the topic of discussion. He had trapped her by asking in front of the crew, knowing she wouldn't have a legitimate reason to refuse him.
"All right, Commander," she said, her look telling him she knew what he had done. "Tuvok, you have the Bridge," she said while crossing to her ready room, with Chakotay following behind her.
As the doors closed, Kathryn turned and leaned back against the front of her desk, folding her arms across her chest. "What's so important, Commander?" she asked, feigning ignorance.
"I thought we could continue the discussion we started in the turbolift."
"We were having a discussion?"
"Well, since you're being deliberately obtuse, I'll come right to the point." He began walking toward her slowly. "I wanted to make sure I heard you correctly."
Kathryn moved her arms from across her chest to her sides, her fingers curling around the edge of the desk. She didn't say anything, but watched him get closer.
"Captain, did you, or did you not, say that my kiss wasn't unwanted?" Chakotay asked.
She could see him staring at her mouth. His leg brushed hers and she licked suddenly dry lips, hearing Chakotay's soft inward hiss of breath.
"I believe I did, Commander," she said in anticipation.
"I thought so." Chakotay reached his hand up and gently took a hold of her chin. His head came down, closing the gap between their mouths, their breath intermingling.
"Kim to Captain Janeway," suddenly blared through her commbadge breaking the spell.
Chakotay straightened up and took a small step backward. "You're being paged," he said smiling.
"Go ahead, Ensign."
"Captain, scanners have picked up a distress call about 0.7 lightyears away. It appears to be from a small vessel."
"I'm on my way."
They looked at each other for a few seconds. "We'll pick this up later," Chakotay said. "Right now, duty calls."
"So it does," Kathryn said with a sigh.
"After you," Chakotay said, putting his arm out for her to precede him.
When they reentered the Bridge Kathryn said, "Set a course for that ship, Mr. Paris. When we get close enough, slow to impulse."
"Will do , Captain."
Within a short while Harry said, "Captain, we're in range."
"Hail them."
"No response."
"Lifesigns?"
"Just one, Captain. I'm also detecting a plasma leak. It's becoming unstable."
"Can you get a lock on the occupant?"
"Aye, Captain. I have a lock."
"Transport him to Voyager."
"He's on board. Transporter room two," Harry said as the small ship started to explode.
"Get us out of here, warp five, Mr. Paris." Kathryn turned to Tuvok. "Tuvok, would you go greet our guest and escort him to the Bridge, please?"
"Aye, Captain," Tuvok said, and walked out.
Fifteen minutes later Tuvok entered the Bridge followed by the alien. He looked basically human except for a few small ridges across his temples.
"Hello, I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway. Welcome to Voyager," Kathryn said.
"Hello, I'm Tayden. It's nice to meet you, Kathryn. Oh, may I call you Kathryn?" he said, smiling at her.
The Bridge crew all looked at her and she heard Chakotay chuckle softly behind her.
"Of course you may, Tayden. Shall we go to the briefing room to talk?" Kathryn looked at Chakotay. "Commander, would you care to join us?"
"I'd love to," he said.
"Tuvok, you have the bridge," she said, and the three of them entered the briefing room and sat down. Kathryn at the head of the table and Chakotay and Tayden on either side of her.
Tayden began speaking as soon as they sat down. "I'm so grateful you came along, Kathryn. You saved my life."
"What happened out there?" she asked.
"I'm not sure. I was on my way to my home planet, Rannock, and having engine trouble. Then I heard an explosion and received a warning of a plasma leak. It went so fast I couldn't stop it. I put out the distress call thinking my life was over. And here I am." He looked at Kathryn with admiration.
"We're glad we were able to help you. I'm sorry we couldn't save your ship. Where is your home planet?" she asked.
"I had almost reached it. It's in the Kaladon System."
"Well, under the circumstances, I think we'll be able to take you home." She looked at Chakotay. "Will you take Tayden to stellar cartography so he can show you exactly where Rannock lies? Then find vacant quarters for him and replicate anything he needs for his stay with us."
"Yes, Captain."
All three of them stood. "Thank you so much, Kathryn. How will I ever be able to repay you?" Tayden asked.
"There's no need, Tayden. It's our pleasure," she said, smiling as they walked out of the door.
*******************************
Sometime later Chakotay entered the Bridge and sat down. "Tom, did you receive those coordinates for Rannock from stellar cartography?"
"Yes I did, Commander, and we've laid in a course."
"I estimated about three weeks to get there," Kathryn said. "Is our guest settled in O.K?"
"He's just fine," Chakotay said with an enigmatic grin.
"Commander?" Kathryn asked, wondering why he was grinning.
"I don't think this is the appropriate time, Captain," He said quietly, mimicking her earlier words.
She looked at him curiously, but let it go.
They hadn't been able to eat lunch together, but at the end of their shift Chakotay asked, "Join me for dinner, Captain?"
"I'd love to, Commander."
They entered the turbolift. "Deck two," Kathryn said. "So Chakotay, what was so amusing earlier?"
"I think you have an admirer," he said.
"What do you mean?"
"While I was showing Tayden to his quarters he couldn't stop talking about you."
"We saved his life. It's only natural he'd be gracious."
"He asked if you were...involved with anyone."
She looked somewhat shocked, but decided it most likely meant nothing. "He was probably just making conversation."
Chakotay shrugged. "Maybe."
The lift stopped, and they walked down the corridor. "What did you tell him?" Kathryn asked.
"I told him I wasn't sure, you were very discreet."
"What?" She looked at him as they entered the mess hall.
He raised his eyebrows. "Who am I to make assumptions about the Captain's personal life?"
When they had gotten their food and were about to sit down he said, "How about coffee in my quarters after dinner?"
"I'd like that."
Shortly after they sat down, Taydon entered the mess hall and spotted them immediately. Kathryn waved him over, and, after getting his food, he sat down aside of her.
"Kathryn," Tayden said, "you're looking lovely this evening."
She wasn't sure how 'lovely' she looked after being on the Bridge practically all day, but she smiled and said, "Thank you, Tayden." She heard Chakotay clear his throat and gave him a warning look. He took a bite of food to hide his smile.
As they talked through dinner, Tayden smiled at Kathryn and even touched her arm twice. They all walked out together, and when they passed Tayden's quarters Kathryn said, "I hope you enjoy yourself while you're on board Voyager, Tayden."
"Thank you. I'm sure I will. Good night," he said to both of them.
"Good night," Kathryn said.
"Good night, Tayden," Chakotay echoed.
Kathryn and Chakotay continued walking.
"I told you," Chakotay said.
"Told me what?"
"He likes you."
"Don't be ridiculous, Chakotay. He's just grateful to us all. Are you going to be suspicious of everyone now?" she asked, not wanting to mention Taleron.
"I was right the last time, wasn't I?" he said, punching in his door code.
When they entered his quarters Chakotay went to the replicator, brought back two steaming cups, and set them on the coffee table in front of the sofa.
"You don't think he's harmful, do you?" she asked, trying to hide her concern.
"No. He doesn't give me that impression," he said, allaying her fears. "But I do think he has a crush on a certain Captain." He sat down on the floor and leaned his back against the front of the sofa.
Kathryn sat on the sofa, her legs aside of his shoulder. "I think you're wrong, Chakotay. They may all be that friendly. And, like I said before, he's grateful."
"You're sure about that?" he asked, looking over his shoulder at her.
"I'm positive. Don't argue with the Captain."
Chakotay took a sip of coffee. "Would you like to make a wager perhaps?"
"What?"
"A bet. Would you care to bet on this?" he asked, his look challenging her.
"The Captain doesn't bet," she said.
"I'll keep it between us. No one will know." He paused. She set her cup on the table but didn't say anything. "You're not afraid you'll lose, are you?" Chakotay taunted.
"What did you have in mind for this bet?" she asked, giving in to his goading.
He turned sideways so he could look at her. "I'll bet you that by the end of these three weeks, Tayden makes some sort of pass at you."
"What kind of bet is that?"
"If you're so sure you're right, what does it matter? I think he'll try something. Whether it's a kiss," he looked at her lips, "a grope," his eyes scanned her body, "or a proposition," his eyes met hers.
She stared at him for what seemed like an eternity. "What'll it be, Captain?" he asked.
"You're on, Commander," she said, unable to resist a challenge. "What do I get when I win?" She was not planning on losing.
Chakotay smiled. "Anything you want," he said enticingly.
"That's very generous of you, but I think I'll take two month's worth of your rations."
"Two months? What are you planning on doing with all that coffee," he asked, knowing her so well, "bathe in it?"
"Since I'll have all those extra rations, I just might," she said, raising her chin a fraction. "And, to make it even, I suppose you'll have to pick something, even though you'll never get to see those winnings. What do you want?"
He gazed down her body again. His eyes burning her wherever they touched. Her breath seemed to stick in her throat.
"I didn't say anything, Commander."
"Oh. My mistake," he said innocently.
"Why don't you take two months rations, too. You're not going to get them anyway."
"I beg to differ. And I don't want your rations. I want...," he said thinking, "you...to sing a song of my choosing at the next Talent Night."
"No. I don't sing, Chakotay. I can't sing, I'm horrible. Therefore I don't sing. Especially in front of people. It would be too embarrassing."
"That's the whole point," he said with a wicked grin. "You picked what you wanted. You could have said anything. I want you to sing on Talent Night. Besides," he added, "I thought you were going to win?"
"I am," she said defiantly. O.K, Kathryn, you can do this. All you have to do is avoid Tayden for the next three weeks. Not that he's going to try anything anyway. She looked at Chakotay. "It's a bet."
"Shall we shake on it?" he asked, putting out his hand and shaking it with hers. He didn't let go of her hand, but rested them in her lap together, his forearm trailed across her thigh as he set his elbow on the sofa aside of her.
"That reminds me," Chakotay said, adding his other hand to her lap." "There's a conversation we still have yet to finish."
"Oh? Which conversation was that?" she asked, teasing him.
He reached his hand up and placed it behind her neck, slowly bringing her head closer. "You...are such...a witch," he said softly.
"Watch you mouth, Comm...," she got out before his lips were on hers, tentatively touching and tasting. She squeezed his hand that remained entwined with hers and he parted his lips, flicking the corner of her mouth with his tongue. Kathryn opened her mouth and allowed it entrance, their tongues meeting and spiraling around each other, enjoying their dance. She moaned softly into Chakotay's mouth, and her hand crept up his arm to his shoulder. His other hand released hers and he placed it on her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Kathryn," Chakotay said, breaking the kiss and then giving her a small one on the side of her mouth.
"Yes?" she said, amazed at the affect one kiss could have on her whole being.
He slowly released her and let her sit up. Both of them were breathing faster. "What made you decide to...pursue this?" he asked.
She leaned forward resting her elbows on her knees and clasping her hands together. "I haven't really decided to pursue this yet. I wasn't sure you'd even want me near you after the past week."
Chakotay moved to sit aside of her on the sofa. "How could you think that? I'll admit you had me pretty angry, but I knew in time you'd be able to deal with what happened."
"Thanks to you," she said.
"And," he said, pulling her back against the sofa with him and wrapping his arm around her, "if this is undecided, I'd like to see what 'decided' is."
"Is there a problem?" Chakotay asked when she didn't say anything.
"I wasn't sure if it would be wise."
"Because...?"
She started smiling. "I thought maybe I'd be too preoccupied to fully perform my duties as Captain."
"I'm flattered you're giving me that much credit," he laughed. "But, you won't know unless you try it. And I promise, if you get starry-eyed on the Bridge, I'll give you a nudge."
Kathryn laughed too, and looked up at him. "The extent of your duties are forever expanding, Commander."
"Only where you're concerned."
"Chakotay?"
"Hmmm?"
"I don't want the crew to know. At least not yet."
"I understand. I'll let you lead."
"Thanks."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Then Kathryn got up. "I'd better go. I have some reports to look over tonight."
Chakotay stood too. "No rest for the weary."
They walked to the door and he turned her around to face him. Putting his hands on her waist, Chakotay started to pull her toward him. She put her hands on his chest to stop him. "I thought you said you were letting me lead?" she asked.
"Then by all means, lead."
Kathryn slid her hands up his chest and over his shoulders to the back of his head. As her fingers embedded themselves in his hair, she pulled his head down to hers. When their lips met, she gave him a couple of soft kisses before invading his mouth with her tongue. She explored his tongue and teeth briefly and then backed away.
"Good night, Chakotay," she said huskily.
"Good night, Kathryn."
The door opened and she stepped out into the corridor.
"Oh, Kathryn," Chakotay called.
"Yes?" she turned and looked at him.
"You haven't forgotten about our bet, have you?"
"I wouldn't forget something that would leave you rationless for two months, Commander," she said with a devilish grin, and walked away.
***************************************
Over the next few days Kathryn did a good job of avoiding Tayden. Not that she needed to, she just wanted to be on the safe side. Unfortunately she hadn't seen much of Chakotay either. One of them had always seemed to be busy with one minor crisis or another.
And much to her amazement, she found her concentration on her duties to be as strong as ever. When something or someone needed her attention, she gave it. But when it was slow on the Bridge, or when she was alone in her quarters, that's when her mind drifted to Chakotay. Ever since they had kissed in his quarters the other night, she had been dying for some time alone with him.
Four nights after Tayden's arrival, Kathryn carried her dinner tray across the mess hall to a table where B'Elanna was sitting.
"Mind if I join you, B'Elanna?" she asked.
"Sure, Captain, have a seat. I'm afraid I can't keep you company, though," B'Elanna said, ready to take her last bite. "I have to get back to engineering and finish working on those power couplings.
B'Elanna began to explain the problem, but Kathryn was no longer paying attention. Her eyes were on Chakotay, who had entered the mess hall. She watched him stop and talk to Neelix. He laughed, revealing even, white teeth. Kathryn wondered how it would feel to have them grazing along her body. He turned toward her and her eyes landed on his chest. She was reminded of the dream she had the night before. She had peeled away his clothing layer by layer until she had found his hard, bronze chest. Raking her fingernails over him, she then followed their path with her lips....
"...so if you'd like to stop by engineering later, I'd be happy to show you what we've done," B'Elanna was saying. "Captain? Were you listening?" she asked.
Kathryn snapped out of her daze to notice Chakotay standing at their table. "I'd like that, B'Elanna," she said, not sure what she was agreeing to.
"Well, I have to go," B'Elanna said standing. "Captain, Chakotay," she said her good-byes.
Kathryn was still feeling the affects of her thoughts when Chakotay sat down aside of her.
He leaned over and whispered, "You'd better stop undressing me in public. I'm beginning to feel naked."
Kathryn looked at him and saw the humor in his eyes. Humor, and something else. Desire? He had read her thoughts exactly. She blushed slightly and returned her attention to her food. "How...?" she said in wonder.
"It was in your eyes."
"Am I that transparent?" she asked, confirming his assumptions.
"Only to me. I've been thinking about you, too," he said quietly. "I've been aching to kiss you again. And touch you," he said, resting his hand on her thigh under the table.
"Chakotay, not now please," she said, looking around to see if anyone was watching them. She didn't want to go where her thoughts were being led by that hand on her leg. Not now.
"O.K," he agreed, easily removing his hand. Then he asked, "How's Tayden?"
"I wouldn't know. I haven't seen him lately."
"You will. I've been making a list of songs I think would be good for you to sing on Talent Night. I'll eventually narrow it down to one."
"Don't waste your time, Commander. Just enjoy those rations while you can."
They both gave each other a cunning smile and finished their meals in silence.
After dinner Kathryn asked, "Would you like to go to engineering with me to see how B'Elanna's doing with the power couplings?"
"Love to, captain."
Kathryn and Chakotay exited the mess hall and walked toward the turbolift. She could feel the underlying current of electricity building up again.
When they entered the lift they were alone. As soon as the lift doors closed Chakotay pulled her roughly against him almost knocking the breath from her. Before she could say anything his mouth descended upon hers, hot and hungry. Her gasp of shock and pleasure was absorbed by the passion of their clinging lips. Their tongues explored each other's mouths as if they were starving and this was the only way to sustain them. Kathryn wrapped her arms around Chakotay's waist, clutching the material of his uniform with her fingers. A fleeting thought popped into her head that they were in the turbolift, but just as quickly vanished. With Chakotay's body pressed against hers from chest to thigh she wasn't capable of rational thought.
Chakotay's hands roamed over her back and down to her hips, pulling her even closer. She could feel the heat of his excitement as it jutted against her abdomen, and the fire that had been smoldering inside her suddenly ignited. Chakotay's mouth left hers to move along her jawline toward her ear. Her breathing was becoming ragged and she moaned out loud when he brought his hand up her body and touched the side of her breast.
Without warning the lift came to a halt. Kathryn and Chakotay broke apart almost as forcefully as they had come together, both shaken from their unexpected burst of passion. With both of them facing the door, Chakotay backed up against the wall and pulled Kathryn partially in front of him to block any lingering evidence of their ardor.
She tried to calm her breathing as the doors opened, and reached up to tuck her hair behind her ears, busying her trembling hands. A few seconds later, Tayden stepped into the lift.
Looking like he couldn't believe his good fortune he said, "Kathryn, Commander, it's so good to see you." The last part directed mostly at Kathryn.
"H...hello, Tayden. Where are you headed this evening?" Kathryn heard herself ask. Her mind was still reeling from what had just happened.
"I'm on my way back to my quarters."
"We're going to engineering," Chakotay said. "Why don't you join us and we'll give you a tour?"
"I'd like that," he said, his eyes lighting up like a child's at Christmas.
"Great," Kathryn said smiling.
When the lift stopped again and the doors opened, Chakotay said to Tayden, "After you."
Tayden stepped out and Kathryn turned to Chakotay. "I know what you're trying to do, and it won't work. Besides, isn't that cheating?"
"No more than deliberately avoiding him is," he said smugly. "After you, Captain."
They left the lift and caught up with Tayden.
B'Elanna briefly explained the problem to Kathryn again and what was being done to rectify it. Then Chakotay and Kathryn showed Tayden the rest of engineering. Tayden showed genuine interest, and said they had many similarities on their own ships.
When the three of them reentered the lift, Kathryn was bombarded with the memory of the ride down. She glanced at Chakotay, who met her eyes with a knowing grin and they both stood apart with their hands behind their backs.
"Thank you for the tour. I enjoyed it," Tayden said when the doors closed.
"You're welcome, Tayden," Kathryn said.
"It was our pleasure." This from Chakotay.
"Maybe we could meet for lunch tomorrow, Kathryn," Tayden suggested.
"I won't be able to get away tomorrow. I have a very busy schedule with various meetings planned."
"O.K. Maybe another day before I leave," he said.
"I'd like that."
The lift stopped and they got out. Tayden went in one direction and Kathryn and Chakotay in the other.
"Good night," Tayden said.
"Good night," Kathryn and Chakotay said in unison.
When Tayden was out of earshot, Chakotay asked, "How long do you think you'll be able to avoid him?"
"I wasn't trying to avoid him. I do have a busy schedule tomorrow."
"Of course." They came to Chakotay's quarters. "Come in for a drink?" he asked.
"No thanks. I should get some sleep for tomorrow."
"Chicken?"
"Hardly, Commander. Good night," she said, and walked down the corridor. She wasn't afraid, was she? She had felt so overcome by her feelings in the turbolift. Never had she felt such raw passion before. It was unexpected. And disconcerting. But definitely not unpleasant. If she could get through the next two weeks until the bet was over, then maybe she could concentrate on her feelings for Chakotay.