Based loosely (very!!) upon Alfred Noyes Poem: The Highwayman. My apologies to Loreena McKennitt for mangling her lovely song about this poem...remember this is a LOOSE adaptation. The poem is wonderful, what I've done with it in my twisted imagination is my fault...and my twin sisters for loaning me a bodice ripper!

The Highwayman

By Autopilot

Disclaimer: Paramount owns everything.

Rated R

Kathryn Janeway jerked against her bonds and looked helplessly over at Ensign Harry Kim as she saw him being dragged back into their cell. His head was hanging down and though he bore no marks of abuse, she saw that he was in pain. The guards attached manacles to Harry’s left ankle and wrist with chains that connected to the bed. They threw him down on it and left the room without saying a word.

Harry lay without moving for a moment but he slowly curled up into a fetal position on the cot, as much as his shackles would allow.

Kathryn drew in a soft breath and stretched out as far as the cuffs on her right wrist and ankle would allow. She could almost reach him if she….yes, she could at least touch his head! "Harry! Harry, are you okay?" That was when she saw him start to shake, then he started to sob quietly into his fists. "Harry, what did they do?" When she still couldn’t get a response, she switched to her command voice. "Ensign Kim, report."

Harry stiffened up for a second and Kathryn reached out to stroke his hair. "Harry, we’ve got to fight until Voyager realizes that our shuttle is missing. I need you to tell me what is going on Harry. Why did they take us? Did they question you? Did they harm you physically, Harry?"

Harry took a deep breath and slowly pushed himself upright on his bed. He wiped his eyes and said in a hoarse voice. "They never asked me anything Captain. No one ever said a word around me or to me." He turned his haunted eyes to her. "They didn’t harm me physically Captain. They didn’t have to. They got inside my mind and tortured me there instead."

Kathryn swallowed hard at the look in his eyes. He looked so vulnerable and just so damned young. "Don’t worry Harry. Chakotay will come, or we’ll find a way to get out of here together. Fight it, Harry. Remember who you are, and remember…we’re in this thing together. We’ll have to be strong for each other to get through this."

Harry nodded, and straightened. "Yes ma’am." He tried to smile for her, which only broke Kathryn’s heart more.

Suddenly the door to their cell opened and the guards silently removed Kathryn’s cuffs and escorted her from the cell. "I’ll be back Harry!"

Harry had stood and watched all of this knowing what the Captain would be facing. "Yes, Ma’am. I’ll be waiting."

Kathryn fought the guards for a few steps before she realized that her struggles were not fazing the guards at all. She shot questions at them, but was ignored. At the end of that hallway, a door opened on a bank of consoles and computers and a single clamshell chair with restraints in the center of a room. There was a complex attachment at the top of the chair, shaped like a helmet. When the guards forced Kathryn down into the chair and secured her hands and feet, one of them brought the headpiece down onto her head. Kathryn found her vision and hearing were obstructed. She then felt the top of the chair lowered down on to her, so that all her senses were constrained.

How long she floated there in sensory deprivation, she didn’t know. When she thought she’d scream, just to remind herself she was alive, she felt an injection into her arm and the world dissolved away.

Kathryn Janeway, the innkeepers blue eyed daughter, finished brushing her waist length auburn hair, and sighed at her reflection. Though she was courted for her fair skin and shapely figure, Kathryn had high standards. She wanted someone with the lionhearted courage her father had always displayed. All of the village boys were so desperately boring. They would try to steal kisses and more, but she was adept at quashing their advances, and if they wouldn’t take no, then she resorted to the more forceful methods her dear mother had taught her. So she waited, longing for adventure and love.

"Kathryn!" Her sister, Phoebe’s voice broke her reverie. Phoebe burst through the door like a tornado of energy! "Kathryn, you’ll never believe what’s happened!" Her sister laughed and jumped up and down. She grabbed Kathryn’s shoulders and whirled her around the room.

"Phoebe! What? What is it?!" Kathryn couldn’t help laughing at her sister’s glee. Though they fought often, she wouldn’t trade her sister for anything in the world.

"Oh Kathryn, the Highwayman struck again last night! He stole the jewels of the General’s wife and daughters. Why the silly creatures were returning from a party without outriders I’ll never understand." Phoebe shrugged off the vagaries of the English; after all who could understand their ways. "He told them, as he took their jewels and pin money that he thanked them for their generous contribution to the revolution. They say that General Wallace almost had an apoplexy when he heard the news!"

Kathryn covered her mouth laughing at the cheek of the Highwayman. Now there was a man! After a moment she sobered, "Phoebe, you know that the English will not stand for it. This will mean more redcoats, though where they’ll be quartered, I don’t know."

Phoebe’s glee changed to somberness. "They’ve already taken over the rooms at the mansion. The O’Shay family had no choice of course, and Mr. O’Shay sent his wife and daughter to live with relatives down south in Virginia."

Kathryn nodded, "It’s for the best, though I’ll miss Cress very much. Mrs. O’Shay must be worried sick about what her sons—or rather her son, Tom—will be up to while those men are stationed here. Chakotay is useless! He probably welcomed those damned soldiers with open arms." Kathryn’s face showed her disgust with Mr. O’Shay’s eldest son. His foppishness was the joke of the county, and he positively fawned over General Wallace and his cronies. "How Mr. O’Shay had such a son is amazing to me!" Kathryn’s last words were muffled as she pulled a dress on over her head, trying to smooth it down over her petticoats.

Phoebe came over to help lace up the back, while Kathryn held her hair aside. "You two were certainly good friends before his father sent him to Oxford to finish his education." Kathryn avoided her eyes.

They’d been more than good friends…she’d thought that they would even…! "That was then." She sighed. "He came back from England a different man, and I don’t want anything to do with that useless, overdressed mannequin! I think his father learned better, though. He won’t be sending Tom away to school."

Phoebe snorted, "Tom wouldn’t leave, either way. He’s involved with the Federalist’s cause." Seeing Kathryn’s sharp look, Phoebe quickly added, "At least that’s what I heard."

Kathryn didn’t believe it for a moment. "Phoebe. You know what will happen to all of the families if any of those ‘federalists’ are discovered! They will face arrest, deportation and certainly confiscation of all their property."

Phoebe took both of Kathryn’s hands in hers and said with passionate certainty, "You know father would approve Kathy. Mother too, for that matter. They always told us to follow our own beliefs, even if they took us against the stream. If father hadn’t been killed in that ship accident off the coast of New York, he would have been at the forefront of this fight." Phoebe’s eyes lit with an idea. "Kathryn, come with me! There’s a meeting tonight, out at the Hansen’s farm. Just come and listen, Kathryn, please. If you still disapprove after hearing them, then we can talk about it again."

Kathryn hesitated. She knew it was her responsibility to look after her baby sister, and she was sympathetic to the revolutionary cause. "All right. I’ll go with you, but not a word to mother. She has enough to worry about. You know that the redcoats always scare away regular customers, and they never pay for the ale they swill down."

Phoebe’s only reply was to pull Kathryn close in an ecstatic hug.

Kathryn looked around her in the pale moonlight. One hand held her cloak close and the other was grasping Phoebe’s hand. Phoebe slowed to a stop at a challenge from the darkness of the trees. "Liberty!" she hissed back softly. The unseen watcher was satisfied apparently, because he stepped from the hiding place and took her hand. He pushed back his hood to reveal Harry Kim. His smile as he looked at her sister, made Kathryn frown sternly at him. He saw this and dropped Phoebe’s hand, but beckoned them forward.

"I wasn’t sure if you were coming tonight. You two are the last to arrive. Go on in, I’m keeping watch, in case we’re discovered here. Tom’s waiting to get started." Harry smiled and tipped his hat at the girls. Kathryn as Phoebe quickly strode past him towards the dimly lit cabin.

Kathryn said softly in Phoebe’s ear. "Apparently you and Mr. Kim are better acquainted than I knew."

Phoebe laughed softly and stopped; "Harry has been coming to this area from Philadelphia since last year. He ‘officially’ moved here two months ago, but we keep our contact in public to a minimum. Harry thinks that it’s too dangerous to have the redcoats see us together. They could use us against each other if they discover our activities."

Kathryn growled out, "Well at least that’s sensible, but I think I’m going to have to get to know Mr. Kim better if he’s courting my sister."

Phoebe looked at her closely, "I thought you’d approve." She grinned and Kathryn relenting, gave her a lopsided smile in return.

"Well let’s get on with this, shall we." Kathryn pulled Phoebe onward again.

Inside a brightly lit room stood representatives from most of the families in their county, and a few strangers. She spotted Tom immediately, talking earnestly to a petite brunette foreigner. Phoebe led Kathryn over to Tom and introduced the brunette as B’Elanna Picard.

B’Elanna held out her hand, "It is my pleasure to meet you. Thomas has spoken of you and your sister frequently." She had a strong French accent and a good grip. Her smile was genuinely welcoming. "I have wanted to meet little Phoebe’s formidable sister for a while, but my presence here is a secret. I’m afraid a misunderstanding with a Lieutenant under General Wallace’s command, and his subsequent demise has led to a warrant for my arrest. I accepted Tom’s kind invitation to stay with his family, but now, I’m afraid I must find a new home, no?" Her smile was glowing as she looked fondly at Tom.

Tom smiled back and looked back at Kathryn and Phoebe. "You must congratulate us, we were wed last night secretly, though the honeymoon will have to wait."

Phoebe and Kathryn both hugged Tom and B’Elanna and offered their hearty well wishes.

Tom looked down at B’Elanna and suggested they call this meeting to order.

The wind was picking up as clouds moved across of the face of the moon. A storm was fast approaching.

Kathryn had just entered the kitchen of the inn when she heard a soft tapping at the window. She froze and her blood ran cold. Good lord, what if she had been seen. Even the idea of her sneaking back from meeting a lover would lead to trouble, but better trouble for her, than for all of her family and friends. She would protect them any way possible.

She peeked out over the windowsill, but with the moon obscured by clouds she could see little. "Who is it?" she whispered.

"Lo, innkeeper’s daughter! Open the window for me. Quickly, if you please." The soft voice offered no clues to the man’s identity, though the deepness of the voice made it clear it was a man.

Kathryn thought quickly. It wasn’t a village lout, she would have recognized any of them, but maybe it was one of the strangers at the meeting tonight. She reached out to open the window and stepped aside as the dark form of a man—a big man—pulled himself through the opening. She stepped back and put the kitchen table between them and asked, "Who are you sir?"

The man straightened and gave a soft husky laugh. "Just call me Highwayman, dear lady." He tipped his hat to her. The moon came from behind the clouds to shine down upon him. Kathryn saw then a French cocked hat upon his head and a froth of lace at his throat. His wide shoulders were encased in dark velvet and a stretch of dark skin shone under the mask obscuring the top of his face. He had doeskin trousers and thigh high boots that reflected the moonlight like a mirror. He was aware of her scrutiny, and his dark eyes twinkled at her. "Searching for someone you know, sweet lass?" His accent had changed, with the singsong of her dear Irish father. "Perhaps we have met before, mon cherie." Now he had a French accent like B’Elanna O’Shay. The stranger seemed to be very adept at disguising his voice.

Kathryn decided she liked this man. Something about him tugged at her. "Perhaps, sir…though I’d like to think I’d remember someone like you." She said this with a cheeky smile.

His smile flashed in the moonlight. He pulled a chair out from the table and sat down. "Will you offer me your hospitality tonight, innkeeper’s daughter, or will you at least offer me your name?"

Kathryn returned his smile and pulled a seat out across from him. "What would you like, Sir Highwayman? I can only offer you food and drink, and my name, Kathryn. It would perhaps not be wise to offer you more!"

"Kathryn." His whisper was a caress.

She caught her breath, only one other had ever said her name like this, but he had disappeared under the tutelage of an English school. To cover her discomfort, she rose and bustled into the pantry. She rested her head upon an ale cask and fought her sudden tears. Remembering Chakotay as he was, should not still affect her so. What was gone was gone! She pulled him a draft of ale and collected some bread and cheese. Returning to the kitchen she set the wooden platter before him with the tankard. His hand caught her hand. "Join me?"

She felt the electricity of the contact of their hands, and nodded silently.

"You went to the meeting tonight?" His voice was soft.

She paused, "You were there?" Her voice was surprised.

"No. Let’s just say that I have an interest in watching over you and your family."

"Then you already knew my name." She gave him a quizzical look.

"I wanted you to give me use of it, my sweetest Kathryn." His voice lingered on her name.

"You surprise me sir. I didn’t know what to expect from a declared outlaw, but to have you protecting my family is certainly startling. I’m not certain how to respond." She could feel her cheeks heating as her mind made a few suggestions that were all highly improper.

He held out a hand to her over the table, and she slowly put her hand in his. He laced her fingers together with his. "As long as I live, I will fight to protect you and the people here. Don’t be afraid, Kathryn, you will never be alone." His voice had deepened with emotion.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and squeezed his hand tighter. "Why?" Her voice was almost a plea.

"You know why, Kathryn. I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. The fire in your hair matches the fire in your heart. You are truly your father’s daughter."

Kathryn felt tears fall down her cheeks. "Why do I feel this way. I don’t even know you sir, and yet…" Her voice trailed off. She felt so off balance, so vulnerable.

"That’s because you’re trying to use your head instead of trusting your heart my love." The Highwayman paused, "There has always been that conflict within you." There was a hint of resignation and frustration in his voice.

Kathryn gave a laugh and brushed away the tears. "Now you sound like my mother. She’s the hopeless romantic in the family."

He reached across the table with his free hand to brush her cheek with a butterfly light caress. "She has known true love, so of course she puts her trust in it. Where sensibility and pragmatism fail, love never does."

Kathryn’s hand came up to capture his hand, holding it to her cheek for a moment. "You almost make me believe you. But love can’t stop the war that’s coming, and then no one will be safe."

He sighed and stood, pulling her up with him. "You bring me back to reality too soon, beloved." He led her around the edge of the table and pulled her closer. He reached up to her hair, which was piled up in a bun, and pulled a pin free. With quick fingers, he freed her hair and watched it tumble down across her shoulders. He brought her hair to his face to savor her perfume. She watched silently, with wide eyes. "My Kathryn." His hands lingered in her thick hair. He pulled another lock free and twined a lovers knot there. "May I have a lock of your hair to carry with me in my fight? It will remind me what I fight for, and keep you close to me on those dark roads."

Kathryn felt tears threatening again. With shaking fingers she pulled a pair of scissors from a drawer and handed them to him. "You will take care, won’t you? I will see you again?"

He gently cut the love knot from her hair and lifted it to his lips to kiss it, before tucking it into his belt purse. "I will and if you please, I will return to you tomorrow night at mid night. Today, at dawn I have another job to do. The army is transferring a shipment of guns to the O’Shay home. They plan on making the home their command center, and I plan on interfering in their campaign.

He pulled her closer then and she almost threw herself into his arms. He slowly lifted her chin to look down into her eyes. "I love you. I will come to you in the moonlight, though hell should bar my way. Don’t doubt that."

She pulled his head down for a passionate kiss, even as tears flowed down her cheeks. She kept her eyes closed, even as his fingers came up to caress her face.

She heard him leave and sagged down into his chair. When she opened her eyes, she wondered if it had all been a dream. Looking at his untouched tankard and food, she raised her fingers to touch her lips then up to touch her hair. She felt the shortened lock where he had cut away his love knot. She could not doubt it, though her response to him was certainly bewildering.

Kathryn heard the storm hit dimly through her fog. She had no idea how long she sat there.

A sudden gust of air blew the window open again with a bang. She rose slowly to secure the window sash even as the door opened quietly. She held herself still until she recognized the cloaked form of her sister.

"It is surely coming down out there, but it helped me avoid a patrol. I didn’t expect them to be out tonight. They must be searching for someone in particular, or they heard hints of the meeting tonight." She bustled in shaking water from her cloak. "I hope everyone got home safely." She seemed to only then realize her sister’s continued silence. "Kathryn?" She walked over and took her sister by her shoulders. "What is it? Did something happen?"

Kathryn gave a shaky laugh, "Yes. I…I had an unexpected visitor." Phoebe stiffened up and Kathryn drew herself together. "Not the English. It was…well, it was the Highwayman."

Phoebe stood there with her mouth open for a moment before questions began to tumble out of her.

Kathryn bubbled over with laughter and grabbed Phoebe close in a tight hug. "Oh Phoebe! I’m in love! If you could only meet him! Wait, he’s coming here tomorrow night. You can meet him then. He said he’d come to me by moonlight." Kathryn’s smile lit up the dim room. "He had a job to do first, but oh Phoebe, if he asks me, I will go with him tomorrow! I’d go with him anywhere, I don’t know what has come over me, but…do you know I wouldn’t change it for anything. I even gave him a lock of my hair, a lover’s knot. I am bound to him now. Oh, Phoebe, mid night will be so long in coming!"

Phoebe had never seen her sister glow like this. She was almost giddy, and certainly different than her usual cautious self. Since father had died, Kathryn had closed up, and Chakotay’s return from England had seemed to finish what was left of her sister’s joy in life. She was amazed and delighted. "Oh Kathryn! That’s wonderful, and so romantic! I can’t wait to meet the Highwayman, for not only has he thwarted the English, I believe that he’s also stolen your heart."

Kathryn got a soft smile on her face. "Stolen? No, Phoebe, I give it freely. Life is too short, and I don’t want to wait for happiness. I’m going to cast my fate in with my lover’s." She gave a laugh and almost collapsed into a chair. "I don’t even know his name, and I don’t want to live without him! Mother will love this!" She wrapped her arms around her stomach, and her laughter faded, "Dad wouldn’t know what to think."

Phoebe came over to kneel beside her sister’s chair and took Kathryn’s hands in hers. "Dad would be there, supporting you wholeheartedly, Kathryn. He and mother loved each other from the moment they met. He may have been levelheaded, but don’t doubt that Daddy put love first. Oh Kathryn, he would be so proud. Not only in your choice, but in the fact that you have the courage to love so wholeheartedly." Phoebe sighed and gave a little pout. "I’m afraid that though Mr. Kim is a darling man, I still have yet to find that kind of love. I admire him, and his cause, but…"

Kathryn laughed, "It’s like being caught in a current Phoebe. You couldn’t stop, even if you tried. I pray you too will find this kind of happiness. It’s worth any risk!" She suddenly looked self-conscious. "Now, we should get ourselves off to bed. Tomorrow will be a busy day and mother will need our help. We will need clear heads to face the soldiers, who will no doubt drink our ale and eat our food as if it is their right." She stood and pulled Phoebe up. She pulled her sister close for a hug. She whispered in her ear, "I will never forget tonight Phoebe."

Phoebe just closed her eyes and hugged her sister tighter.

Chakotay O’Shay ran into Phoebe Janeway when he stopped by the tavern for his afternoon luncheon. Phoebe, who didn’t share her sister’s repugnance for this man, welcomed him warmly. She led him back into the kitchen and bade him to sit with her.

"You have been away for a while, Chakotay, though Tommy was very mysterious about it all. I thought you must be in Philadelphia enjoying some entertainment, or attending a few balls. She laughed, "you simply must tell me what the latest fashions are now! I am dying to have a new dress to entice all the gentlemen to fall desperately in love with me." She gave him an impudent grin.

Chakotay laughed and his dimples flashed. Phoebe sighed, he was simply too handsome for words. It was too bad that he and Kathryn had parted company on such ill terms.

Chakotay looked around, "How are your mother and sister doing? I didn’t see Kathryn in the common room when I passed through."

Phoebe’s face lost its smile. "Well Mother sent Kathryn to visit the parish priest, he’s ill you see. Mother said she could handle the common room alone. She has restricted me to the kitchen." She forced a small smile; "There were too many boisterous soldiers who have no idea of how a lady should be treated."

Chakotay’s face sobered, and Phoebe could have sworn she saw a flare of anger in his dark eyes. "If Mistress Janeway should require any assistance, please feel free to send for me or my brother. I know the officers in this area and I’m sure I could speak to them about the soldiers behavior to young ladies in the area."

Phoebe patted his hand, "Well Mr. O’Shay that would be greatly appreciated. But I should return to work. Mother has her hands full and I don’t want to fall to far behind with my work."

Chakotay rose full of apologies and pulled out his purse. When he opened it to pay for his untouched luncheon, Phoebe saw it! A lover’s knot of auburn hair shone like fire in the afternoon sunlight.

He heard her gasp and met her startled gaze. "Well Phoebe." He nodded. "Yes, it was me. Will you keep my secret? This sham has been hard enough to keep up since I returned from England, but only Tom is aware of my…activities. I’m afraid my curious young brother caught me upon my return from one of my…outings. My father remains ignorant, as does Kathryn. Their reactions had to be genuine for my ‘transformation’ to be believed. It has cost me dearly." His voice grew harsh, though it remained soft. "My father bears my behavior with shame, and Kathryn…Kathryn treats me as a stranger, instead of the man she had promised to marry before my travels."

Phoebe gasped again. This was why Kathryn treated him with such repugnance. Foppishness would normally be treated with disdain and laughter, but not this harshness. Kathryn had felt betrayed and foolish. Chakotay’s price was a high one.

She reached out to close his purse. "She has missed the man who went away. Especially when father died. Her pride and her desire for you to be as you were have driven her to this rejection of you. Your secret is still your own. I will welcome you as my brother as I always have and I will love you all the more for the sacrifices you are making." She hugged him and gave him a sisterly kiss on his cheek. Phoebe looked up into his vulnerable eyes, "I will watch over her for you, and if there are any problems I will send a message to you or Tom She is living for the moment you return for her tonight."

Chakotay felt his heart pound harder, "As do I Phoebe. Every minute is agony."

Phoebe smiled, "You have to tell her Chakotay. She deserves the truth now."

He nodded, "I was planning on it. Though where we will go from there, I don’t know."

"You’ll start a new life together, obviously, and starting out with total honesty will set the course you intend to follow together." She pushed him away gently. "Now go, it pains her to see you now."

He hesitated, then nodded and left the inn.

Phoebe set down and laughed softly to herself. Oh life was so good. Kathryn had found true love, with the man she had loved then spurned! Daddy would have approved. He had left life, assuming that Kathryn would marry Chakotay upon his return. Of course, Daddy would never have believed the transformation Chakotay had created. If necessary he would have bullied the truth from him, just to protect Kathryn from hurt.

As dusk neared Phoebe became aware that the sounds from the common room were becoming more raucous. At a sudden scream, she ran out to find that two common soldiers were trying to corner Kathryn in the hall. She knew her mother probably hadn’t heard a thing with all the noise, so she pushed her way to her sister’s side. "What’s the meaning of this?" She shouted then for her mother.

Her mother came running, Gretchen Janeway was a small woman, but she was accompanied by two local farmers who glowered at the sight of Kathryn’s disarrayed hair and flushed cheeks. Gretchen’s voice was serene, "Gentlemen, unless you take yourselves away from my inn, I will have you removed." The soldiers turned angrily to face her, before one of the pair pulled the other away.

Gretchen moved forward to hug Kathryn and Phoebe close to her. The two farmers followed the soldiers to make sure they left. "Oh my girls, I’m sorry that this is happening." She straightened and held them away from her so she could look into their faces. "I will go to the commanding officers and file a complaint, and I will speak to Mr. O’Shay about having his sons stop by periodically." Kathryn stirred restlessly, but Gretchen’s look quelled any protest. "Now, I must get back to the common room, Phoebe, help your sister, I’ll manage for a while without you."

Kathryn shook off Phoebe’s helping hands. "I’m all right Phoebe. They just caught me by surprise." She snorted softly, "In reality, my thoughts were only on tonight. I can think of little else."

Phoebe thought of her promise to Chakotay. "Kathryn, I need you to deliver a message to Tom for me. It’s urgent. There’s not a moment to waste!"

Kathryn looked surprised but nodded, "I’ll have to hurry though, it’s getting late, and the ride to the O’Shay’s will take over an hour."

"It’s best if you get started immediately then. You go prepare your horse, while I write a message." Kathryn nodded, retrieved her heavy cloak and left for the stable.

Phoebe sighed, and said softly as she watched her sister’s retreating form. "Oh Kathryn! What are we going to do? This is all happening too fast."

Kathryn dug her heels into her horse’s flanks. "Come on Red. He’ll get to the inn before I do at this rate." The horse’s answering burst of speed brought a smile to her lips. The day had passed at a snails pace, and it seemed an eternity still until she would be back with him. "Yah!" She shouted, as she leaned forward to urge more speed.

Phoebe heard voices raised again, and rushed out into the common room to see a group of soldiers entering. "What’s the meaning of this?" Gretchen’s voice rang above the clamor.

A Lieutenant stepped forward. He looked around him disdainfully before replying. "We have information that you have harbored an enemy of England. In the name of King George, we are seizing this property and you are under arrest Madam for aiding the criminal who goes by the name of the Highwayman."

Phoebe’s breath caught in her throat. Oh God, Chakotay was coming here tonight! "No! Mother!" Phoebe rushed to her mother’s side. Gretchen clasped her hands tightly.

The officer sneered, "I see. This must be part of the attraction." He turned to one of his soldiers. "Bind them all, and put all but this little trollop upstairs in the rooms." He moved forward to touch Phoebe’s face with caressing fingers. "Keep her downstairs. Let this villain hear his lover’s voice before he dies. We will give him this last gift." Phoebe started to fight immediately until one of the soldiers took a musket to her head, and she knew no more.

 When Phoebe awoke, at first she was only aware of the painful throbbing of her head. Then she realized her hands were bound behind her, and she was tied upright in a chair. There was a musket beside her, with it’s barrel lying pressed underneath her breasts. She stiffened and heard a small laugh. The haughty Lieutenant was watching her, enjoying her reactions. How much time had passed? She didn’t think she could ever face her sister if Chakotay—the Highwayman—was killed tonight. She twisted her hands desperately, trying to free herself.

"Don’t worry, my dear, your lover hasn’t arrived yet." Phoebe stiffened at the sound of that dreadful Lieutenant’s voice. She searched the room’s darkness to find him.

He continued to speak from the darkness. "But I have no doubt that he will return. After all, who could stay away from such a succulent little morsel? I must applaud his taste. As whores go, you are quite superb." He stood then and came over to stand before her. He let his fingers trail across the neckline of her dress. Phoebe gave a sob, partly anger, but mostly fright.

"You filthy swine. Get your hands off me!"

When she started to twist, he held her tightly. "Easy my little chick. If you move too much, this musket will go off. After all, we can’t have you warning your lover. If you shout, he won’t hear you unless he’s close enough for my men to capture him. You see sweetling, we will execute your lover tonight, but if you play your cards right, well I may let you go free, for a price." He then grabbed Phoebe’s head and kissed her.

She turned her head spitting. "You disgust me. I would rather die."

His laugh was chilling. "That can be arranged. But first, I must really have another tankard of your ale. It is quite good, considering some of the swill I’ve been served in this barbaric land." He then strolled out of the room leaving the door ajar. Phoebe heard faintly the sound of the clock. Oh no! It was only an hour until midnight. Think, Phoebe, think! She strained at the bonds on her hands until she felt her hot blood dripping down over her fingers.

Kathryn drew rein near the side entrance in a clatter of hooves on the flagstones. Tom and Mr. O’Shay came running out with guns in hand. "Kathy!" Mr. O’Shay called out. He hurried to help her from her horse. "What is it girl? Is there trouble?"

Tom said something softly in his father’s ear before saying aloud. "Here Miss Janeway. Let me help you with your horse."

Kathryn took his hand and palmed the note into it. Tom nodded to her but said nothing. He just led her horse to the stable, leaving her with his father.

"Thank you Mr. O’Shay. We are having some trouble with soldiers, and mother has sent me to you for advice. They are clearing the larder, and becoming more than the three of us can handle."

Mr. O’Shay looked shrewdly at her and watched her blush. "I see. Well my dear. I have a suggestion to make. Perhaps Tom and Chakotay could move into one of the guestrooms until things quiet down here? They will be more than happy to be of service to your mother."

Kathryn who had been shifting impatiently from foot to foot, suddenly had to say, "Well Mr. O’Shay, I really think I should be getting back. Your sons can follow, but I don’t like leaving mother and Phoebe to handle everything alone right now!"

Mr. O’Shay laid a firm hand on her shoulder. "Now girl, you know you need to come in an sit down for a moment. Tom will ride back with you; there is no other way. What if you should be stopped by a patrol alone at night? No." Seeing her mutinous look he chuckled as he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. "No, my dear. Even that formidable stubborn streak you Janeways have will not move me. It’s the least I can do in your dear father’s stead."

Kathryn softened and managed to give an almost gracious nod.

Tom had a funny look on his face as he came back in to find Kathryn having a glass of sherry with his father. "Well Kathryn, I have our horses saddled and waiting. So anytime you want to leave…"

Kathryn leapt to her feet, barely remembering to put down the sherry glass. She thanked Mr. O’Shay sincerely and gave him a peck on his cheek. He gave her a knowing smile.

"If I didn’t know any better my girl, I’d say you were rushing away to meet a lover." Seeing her telltale blush his eyebrows rose. "I see. Well away with you then. Take good care of her Tommy, my boy, and God bless you both." He followed them out to wave vigorously until they were thundering away.

After they had covered a few miles, Tom rode along side Kathryn and slowed them both to a stop. "Kathryn, did you read Phoebe’s note?" His look was cautious.

Kathryn looked surprised. "Of course not, Tom. That note was for you, I just assumed that Phoebe was sending warning to you, B’Elanna, and Mr. Kim. It is obvious that with the soldiers activities here, that it will be too dangerous for your group to continue."

Tom nodded thoughtfully, "Well that’s part of it Kathryn." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I’m not sure how to tell you this, so maybe I should just let you read the note." He handed her the letter.

Kathryn moved her horse sideways until she was in a patch of moonlight. Holding the letter up she scanned the contents and gasped. She reread it aloud; "I am sending Kathryn to you to fulfill a promise I made to your brother to protect her from the soldiers. He revealed his secret to me today, though Kathryn is unaware that he is the Highwayman. He wishes to tell her all tonight at midnight, but I have an ill feeling about all of this. Please Tom, take her to Chakotay immediately instead of letting her return to the inn. Tell them to leave the area and to send word of their whereabouts when they are safe. Give her all of my love, and leave explanations to mother to me. Thank you Tom. P." Kathryn raised dazed and pain filled eyes to Tom’s. "Is it true Tom?" She watched Tom closely and saw from his face that it was. "Oh God, what have I done? I must have hurt him so much over the last year!" In a twinkle, her remorse turned to anger. "How dare he play me false. Did he think I would not support him? Did he think to play me the fool?"

Tom’s hands were suddenly covering hers where they clutched at the bridle. He wondered if she was imagining his brother’s throat? No matter. "Kathryn, he only thought to protect you. He wanted to fight for what he believed in, but knew that it would be impossible for anyone to believe you would love such a coward as he’s behaved. He has been working under General Washington’s staff for the entire time he’s been home. And thanks to his pretense, he’s been allowed to garner information for us to use in our fight. You would no doubt be surprised what the officer’s wives have revealed to him." Tom seemed to catch himself then and with a slight cough, he continued. "There is a trapper’s cabin that Chakotay has established as his quarters when he’s supposedly away traveling."

Kathryn had a sudden thought. "Tom, some of those Highwayman attacks occurred while Chakotay was at parties. I remember the one last September at Colonel Foster’s…"

Tom smiled and said, "Well after I discovered Chakotay’s role, I suggested that it would be in his interest to be seen at some of the robberies, to divert suspicion, so I got my chance to be the audacious Highwayman. I enjoyed holding a gun on those bastards, and I must say, my plan was more successful than even I imagined. The officers, on that occasion, asked Chakotay to help them narrow down the identity of the dastardly villain!" Tom’s grinned audaciously.

Kathryn allowed herself a small smile before she brought herself back to the situation at hand. "You said you would take me to him. Is there time to reach the cabin before he leaves for the inn?"

Tom sobered, "I honestly don’t know Kathryn. He has been taking even more chances lately. I think he wanted this ended, and it’s too likely if he had you in mind."

Kathryn looked grim. "Enough talking, let’s ride!" Tom nodded and they set off on a new direction at a gallop.

Phoebe’s face was pale; both with the pain in her wrists and with her fear for her loved ones. She knew that she was running out of time, and she could not free herself. The Lieutenant entered at that point. He inspected her face. "Still trying to free yourself my little turtledove? Well, no doubt you’ve found you’re trussed up like a Christmas goose." He ran his hands up her bare arms to cup her face. "Why don’t you just relax. Soon your lover will be dead, and I will be only too happy to stand in his stead." He leaned in to kiss her and Phoebe felt tears start to roll down her cheeks.

Suddenly he stopped, lifting his head, like a dog scenting the wind. Phoebe heard then what his ears had already picked up…the soft clop of horse’s hooves. Fear clawed at her throat like a wild beast. The Lieutenant felt her draw a breath, so he quickly drew a knife and held it to her throat. "One scream," he whispered, "and I’ll slit your lovely throat." Phoebe felt the brand of the knife against her throat, and nodded carefully. He smiled triumphantly.

Phoebe stood up straighter, swallowing hard. She twisted her hands again, still no luck. She thought of her dear parents, and her sister Kathryn. She remembered of all of her friends, and all the things she was fighting for. She recalled all of her plans for the future.

She twisted hard and dimly heard the click of the musket trigger.

Chakotay heard the roar of a musket and jerked to a stop, before he wheeled his horse and galloped away into the night. His heart was ice in his chest.

The Lieutenant cursed as he looked down at the shattered breasts of the girl slumped limply in the chair in front of him. Her blood shone in the moonlight.

Tom and Kathryn met B’Elanna at the cabin. She told them Chakotay hadn’t been there. Tom insisted that they stay and wait for him. "Kathryn, you know Phoebe will warn him away and he’ll return here. It’s best if you stay out of sight. I’d know it’s what he would want of you."

Kathryn gave an angry nod. "Only on the condition that you go to the inn at first light and let my mother and Phoebe know that I’m safe. I don’t want them to worry for me."

Tom smiled gratefully. "I’ll be there before breakfast. Don’t worry Kathryn. True love always wins the day." He bent a loving look at his bride. She returned his smile and pulled them both closer to the fire.

Chakotay didn’t return to the cabin that night. Instead he stayed at the Hansen’s until first light before he returned home to his. When he dismounted from his horse, and entered the front hall, his father and brother were not to be found. Recognizing one young lieutenant, Chakotay sauntered over to the man. "This place is like a tomb. Perhaps you could tell me where my father is, my good man."

Lieutenant Davis relaxed a trifle and smiled as he said that he believed that Mr. O’Shay had gone into the village to speak to the Colonel. The Lieutenant then glanced around carefully before whispering; "You may have not heard sir. There was quite a to-do in the village last night. It seems that Lieutenant Bassinger was put in charge of an attempt to trap the Highwayman that has been plaguing this vicinity. He took over the inn, using the innkeeper’s daughter as bait. He’d heard that she was the sweetheart of the rogue."

Chakotay pretended surprise and struggled to not let his fear for Kathryn show on his face. "You don’t say! The innkeeper’s daughter, well she is quite lovely. But to associate with that outlaw. Was the lieutenant successful then?"

Davis was already shaking his head. "No I’m afraid not sir, and there’ll be hell to pay for this one, sir. You see the young lady…" Chakotay held his breath. "Well sir, the young lady was shot in the encounter. She died instantly, a shot to her heart." Chakotay felt his heart die in his chest. He wanted to howl. He wanted to kill Lieutenant Bassinger. Davis suddenly noticed his pallor, "I’m sorry if you knew the girl, sir."

Chakotay nodded and turned blindly back to the door. He mumbled, "I must go to my father…"

Davis nodded, "Good day sir."

Chakotay made his way to his horse in a haze of pain. His mind kept imagining Kathryn’s broken body. He couldn’t imagine her fire ever being quenched. He had only one purpose left in his life, to avenge his love.

 Mr. O’Shay was speaking heatedly to the Colonel when Chakotay rode up. He handed his reins to the inn stableboy, not noticing the boy’s tears. He searched all of the faces until he saw Bassinger’s. He walked towards the man, like grim death personified. He saw, in a detached fashion, Bassinger’s eyes widen in fear. He drew his saber, waiting for the bastard to pull his own before he ran the man through. "For my Kathryn," were the only words he spoke.

Tom, who was coming around the corner of the inn cautiously, saw his brother ride up with a face consumed by grief and rage. He saw Chakotay pull his saber and without any apparent effort brush aside Bassinger’s defenses, before impaling the man on his blade. He heard Chakotay’s quiet words ring out on the shocked silence of the bystanders. Tom watched as several of the soldiers brought up their muskets to fire upon his brother, who stood there looking upon the man he had killed with tears streaming down his cheeks. He heard the crash of the musket fire and saw blossoms of blood upon his brother’s velvet coat. He pulled himself back around the corner, knowing it was too late. He didn’t know how he would be able to bring himself to tell Kathryn.

 

Kathryn screamed. She screamed until her throat was raw. She quieted into sobs as she came back to herself. She was Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager. None of it was real. She repeated this as if the words could keep away the pain. Phoebe was safe on Earth. Chakotay was on the ship, and he would come for her. None of it was real.

The clamshell chair opened, and the helmet was removed. Kathryn was lifted briskly from the chair and hustled back down the hall to the cell where Harry waited. Kathryn could not see her way for the tears that she could not stop. Now she understood Harry’s pain. There was little defense while in that device, and afterwards your mind battled with your emotional overload. She gulped down her tears as the guards led her back to her cot…to her shackles. She sat down heavily on the cot, her face buried in her hands.

She felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. "Captain? Will you be all right ma’am?"

"Oh Harry." Her voice was hoarse. "I don’t want to ever go back in that chair. Ever!"

"Yes ma’am, Captain." He hesitated a moment before asking, "Do you need some time alone Captain?"

Kathryn looked up and gave him a weak smile, "No, Ensign. I think it’s time we got the hell out of this place."

Harry smiled. "Yes ma’am!" His voice was admiring and he grasped her outstretched hand tightly.

Chakotay and Tuvok had traced the shuttle and the missing crewmembers to the fifth planet in a heavily populated system. Information they had purchased said that there was a research center on the main continent that frequently waylaid travelers to use them as test subjects. This was of course only a rumor, but it fit with the clues they had gathered.

In the staff meeting, Chakotay asked for suggestions.

Tom said, "Perhaps we could send in the Doctor as a visiting researcher?"

Neelix cleared his throat, "Commander I think I could go to the clinic posing as a trader, who could, shall we say, get them more of the items they want. If the rumors are true, I could perhaps bring in a few security people, and have Tuvok pose as my second in command." He saw Tuvok’s face go flat with icy disapproval, and hastened to add, "Of course Commander Tuvok would be the perfect person to lead the rescue mission. Since his species is different than the Captain’s and Mr. Kim’s, he won’t fall under any suspicion."

Chakotay considered this, looking around at the faces of the remaining senior staff members. "Tuvok, I think it’s a good idea. We know we can’t get a transporter lock through their security grid, so we need to get inside the place. If there are any problems, you and Neelix can handle it. We can have a second security team standing by to go in as a hostage removal team if your attempt should fail."

Tuvok nodded, "I would suggest we take Mr. Paris along as one of the ‘trade items’, since his piloting skills as well as his medic experience may prove helpful."

Tom grinned, "Ah Tuvok, I didn’t know you cared!"

B’Elanna elbowed Tom in the side. "Commander, I would suggest you send Seven along as well. Since I can’t go," She grimaced as she touched her protruding stomach. "She’ll be able to handle any technical surprises you might run into."

Chakotay nodded, hiding his surprise at B’Elanna suggestion. He didn’t think she even liked Seven, but maybe pregnancy was mellowing her.

Tom started to make a comment, but B’Elanna’s glare made him close his mouth with a snap.

Maybe not, thought Chakotay.

He cleared his throat, suppressing a smile. "Okay, let’s get on this people. We can send in Tuvok and Neelix’s team in four hours. I don’t want to put it off any longer than that. We’ve got some friends to collect." He smiled at them. "Dismissed."

Everyone filed out except B’Elanna, who waved Tom on. "Chakotay, how are you doing?" her voice showed her concern.

Chakotay knew he should have expected this. "I’m sure I’m in better shape than they are right now, B’Elanna. I’m just worried about Harry and Kathryn."

B’Elanna gave him a shrewd look. "She’ll be okay Chakotay. We’ll get to them in time."

Chakotay met her eyes. "Spirits help the ones who abducted them if we don’t."

She gave him a feral smile. "They’ll need it."

Kathryn and Harry had been separated briefly during the night for examinations, though they had not been returned to the room with the clamshell chair. Kathryn knew they would both be having nightmares about that chair at the end of the long hall for many nights to come. She shuddered and looked over at Harry, he seemed to read her thoughts with a look.

"I don’t think I can go back there either."

Kathryn nodded and said as they heard footsteps in the hall. "We’ll fight them every step Harry."

He straightened his back, and they both stood to face their tormentor’s on their feet.

The door opened to reveal Tuvok who stood there momentarily with a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. His face of course, showed little. "Captain. Ensign Kim. It is good to see you both."

He was abruptly pushed aside by a very excited Talaxian. Neelix burst into their room hurrying over to grasp Kathryn and Harry’s free hands. He turned and called, "Seven, your assistance please."

Kathryn smiled as she saw Tuvok’s annoyance. Why people believed Vulcan’s didn’t show emotions, she couldn’t understand. With Neelix, annoyance and irritation were usually present on Tuvok’s face.

Seven entered coolly and surveyed the room before approaching the Captain to release her manacles. Tom had entered and was freeing Harry as she did so. Tuvok stood watch at the door.

"Captain it is good to see you well." Seven’s voice showed as much pleasure as she allowed herself.

"It’s good to see familiar faces for us also, Seven." She rubbed her wrist and walked stiffly over to Tuvok. "Report."

Tuvok handed the Captain a phaser from his belt. "We infiltrated this facility using Mr. Neelix as a cover. Voyager is hiding in the corona of the local primary. If we do not report by 0900, Commander Chakotay will be sending in an extraction team."

Kathryn nodded, "Well then, I’d say it’s time we got out of here then." She turned and handed the phaser to Harry. "Mr. Kim, you and Tom have rear guard. Tuvok, you and Seven take point. Let’s move out."

The team moved out at a rapid pace. The only sign of life they found were two guards who were unconscious.

"Mr. Tuvok used his Vulcan nerve pinch on them, Captain. No one heard a thing!" Neelix’s voice was excited.

Kathryn signaled Harry and Tom up. "Take these two and secure them in the cell we were in." They nodded before dragging the men back down the hall. Kathryn took a tricorder from Tuvok. "Apparently, they haven’t had much luck abducting passerby’s lately. All of these cells are empty."

Tuvok nodded, "I believe that made them too eager to be prudent in dealing with Mr. Neelix. They were hoping he could secure more subjects for their tests."

Kathryn shuddered, and saw Tuvok’s raised eyebrow. "One session of their testing was enough." When Harry and Tom returned, Kathryn had a gleam in her eye. "Before we go, there’s one last thing to do." She put her hand on Harry’s shoulder and nodded to the door at the end of the hall.

Harry paled for a second before meeting her eyes. Seeing her intentions, he smiled. "With pleasure ma’am. Would you join me Captain?"

She grinned. "Right behind you Ensign."

Tuvok looked annoyed, but the Tom and Neelix were curious. "Is this necessary, Captain?" He asked, his voice was the only evidence of his asperity.

Kathryn gave him a level look before entering the room. "Yes Tuvok, it’s very necessary." She knew this would help to heal her and Harry more than any therapy.

Tuvok watched impassively as the Captain and Ensign Kim determinedly destroyed all of the equipment in the room. They used their phaser's proficiently at least, though he found the looks on their faces curious.

Seven stepped up to his shoulder, "What is the purpose of this activity, Commander?"

Tuvok shook his head. "I am uncertain; perhaps the Captain thinks it will discourage further research."

Seven continued to look perplexed, "It is inefficient."

 

Several days later, Kathryn was sitting sideways on the couch in her quarters with a book in her hand, but her eyes were watching the stars. At the chime of her door, she called, "Enter."

She smiled as Chakotay entered; she had known it could only be him. "Up for some company?" he asked.

She smiled and removed her feet from the couch, indicating he should set down. "If it’s you, anytime. How’s Harry?"

Chakotay frowned for a second, "Well he said the nightmares were subsiding. I think he’s handling the whole experience rather well, though he won’t talk about what he experienced in their test room." He saw her face tighten up. "Would you like to talk about what happened to you?" His voice and the warm hand he held out to her made her catch her breath.

She stood abruptly, walking over to the viewport. "I’m not sure I can, Chakotay." He waited, sensing she had more to say. Just when he thought he should suggest leaving, she spoke again, "Chakotay, do you remember when you were brainwashed into becoming a fighter against the Nemesis? Do you remember how real those memories they planted were to you?" She turned to watch his face.

Chakotay looked down. "Yes, it took me months before I could find away around that anger, and I’m not sure that I’ll ever forget how I felt finding out how I’d been manipulated." He stood up to walk over to her side. She stood looking solemnly up at him. "Did they do that to you Kathryn?"

She shook her head. She took a deep breath, "They took all the people I care about, and they manipulated me with my feelings for them." She turned her head to look at the stars. "I’ve thought about what I saw while I was in that chair, and I think I understand what they were doing." Her hand blindly groped for his. "They wanted to see what I valued, what I loved, how much pain I could tolerate. They wanted to see my deepest fears…" she gave a shaky laugh. "They were quite successful. They brought out things I had buried long ago."

Chakotay hated to hear her sound so hurt, "Let me help you Kathryn. I’m here."

Kathryn turned her face quickly to him, and gave him a tremulous smile. "Yes," her hand came up to cup his cheek, "You are always here for me. Aren’t you Chakotay?"

He smiled and waited. She would share what she could.

Kathryn held his eyes, studying his face, "They made you so real. The scent of your skin. The feel of your hands, the width of your shoulders." Her eyes were now brimming with tears.

Though her words surprised him, her pain was apparent. He slowly pulled her close so her head rested on his chest. He expected her to stiffen, but if anything, she leaned in closer. Her arms wrapped around him and with a sob, she clutched him tighter. He let her cry for a while knowing it would speed her healing, though his own tears fell to mingle with hers. "I’m here Kathryn."

When she quieted, she hugged him tight for a moment before leaning back to look up into his eyes. "I love you Chakotay."

He couldn’t have been more stunned if she had pulled out a phaser and shot him. "What? You….you love me. Kathryn, do you mean that?" His throat was tightening. Spirits help him if she meant only as a friend.

"I couldn’t tell you before Chakotay. Every day I face the possibility that you can be killed following my orders. I would shut down completely if anything happened to you because of me. I can’t lose anyone else. That’s my greatest vulnerability…you are my greatest vulnerability." She smiled, "and you are my greatest strength. Loving you has made this journey worth living. You’ve shared freely of your caring, your wisdom, your love. Your strength and hope has kept my heart and soul alive." She traced his tattoo. "I love your spirituality. I love your passionate nature. I love your devotion to those you give your loyalty to. I’ve never doubted that as long as you were with me, we were unbeatable. The most unbearable moments on this voyage have been when we are at odds with each other." She stood on tiptoe to kiss his mouth gently. "Thank you for every moment you’ve shared with me. You have made my life richer. I love you Chakotay, I always will."

Chakotay looked at her shining face and her expressive eyes and knew all of the barriers had been breached. He touched her face as if she were the most precious thing in the universe, and of course to him she was. "I love you too Kathryn." His face broke into a glorious smile. "Though Spirits know, I never in my wildest fantasies imagined hearing you say it first. After all, the great Kathryn Janeway always gets the last word."

She smiled and snuggled into his chest. "That’s right, but since I’m feeling generous, I’ll let you have that pleasure tonight."

He wrapped her closer into his arms, resting his cheek on the crown of her head. At length, Chakotay told her of all the feelings he had hidden away in his heart, and Kathryn held him tight. In loving him she found there wasn't any room for fear or pain as she let go of the last shreds of darkness from her time with the Highwayman.

Feedback? I know how smarmy that was...but go ahead. Give me both barrels! Autopilot