Veils and Daggers

 By Autopilot

Disclaimer: Paramount owns everything.

Rated PG-13

Harry Kim literally ran into Captain Janeway as she was leaving her quarters. He immediately said, "Captain, I’m sorry that I…" but stopped as he looked at the outfit she was wearing. Harry knew his face showed his astonishment and probably his admiration as well. Just wait until he told Tom Paris about this one. "Wow!" Realizing that he’d said that out loud, he blushed hotly. He determinedly stopped himself from staring by focusing on a point just above her head and stiffened to attention. "Sorry for the outburst, Captain, and for running into you."

Kathryn didn’t bother to hide her smile, as she put her hand on Harry’s shoulder. "At ease, Ensign. As for the outburst, well I’m flattered. This outfit is a bit shocking on a Starfleet Captain so an exclamation is acceptable. Where were you going in such a rush, Harry?"

Harry glanced at the Captain again, but blushed hotter before turning his eyes away again. "Captain, I was on my way to Commander Chakotay’s quarters to deliver my shift report before I took my shore leave."

Kathryn laughed, "Harry, if seeing me in this outfit bothers you, why don’t you imagine…say Captain Picard in it. That should be distracting enough."

Harry relaxed with a laugh. "Sorry, ma’am. I’ll try, though seeing you in it is incredible enough for me." He was at least able to look at her, as long as he kept his eyes fixed firmly on her twinkling blue eyes.

"Well, Harry, for that compliment I can do you the favor of delivering your report to Chakotay. I was going to take something over to him myself before I leave for my own shore leave."

Harry thanked her and handed over the padd. He thoughtfully watched her walk away…sometimes he forgot how beautiful she was. In uniform she was his Captain…his mentor even but dressed in that filmy outfit, it was hard to see anything but the woman. Once she was out of sight, he reminded himself to get moving, but first he had a story for Tom!

 

 

Kathryn rang the door chime at Chakotay’s quarters and the door opened to reveal his smiling face. Chakotay’s face froze as he surveyed her attire. "Wow!" he said in unwitting imitation of Harry.

Kathryn burst into laughter as she pushed him aside to enter his quarters. "I don’t want to shock any more ensigns with this outfit by standing out in the hall. Especially standing outside of your quarters, imagine what that would do to the betting pool!" She turned to grin at him.

Chakotay whistled as he saw the back of the outfit; it was even better. "Is that the gift the Chancellor sent you as a welcoming gift?" He grinned at her chagrin. "I wholeheartedly approve; you look beautiful Kathryn."

Kathryn nervously smoothed the diaphanous material over her hips…and Chakotay’s mouth went dry. Spirits! She was more than beautiful, she was stunning. He studied the halter-style top of pale blue silk that seemed to defy gravity as it crossed her breasts to fasten behind her neck, leaving her shoulders, belly and back bare. Kathryn had a sexy back. The skirt was just a collection of gauzy, pastel colored veils suspended from a wide and ornate golden belt.

He cleared his throat as he realized he’d been staring, "Do you think the crew can stand the shock of being reminded how sexy their Captain is?"

Kathryn blushed, "Well, protocol demands that I appear in the Chancellor’s gift, but I decided I wouldn’t be the only one in the Voyager crew who would appear in local dress." She gave him a mischievous grin, "I downloaded specifications for local garb for both sexes, and set that as the required shore leave attire for the entire crew!"

Chakotay’s eyebrows rose, "Everyone?" He laughed and said, "Kathryn are you serious? Don’t you think that it’s a bit unusual?"

Kathryn’s smile was gleeful, "Just wait until you see what you’re wearing. I replicated it for you!" She pulled a box from beneath the padd she was holding and held it out to Chakotay. He gulped. It was a very small box! "Kathryn, you’ve got to be joking! That can’t contain an entire outfit," he looked nervously up at her, "could it?"

Kathryn laughed, "Time to get dressed, Commander, and while you do that I’ll look over Ensign Kim’s report for you."

Chakotay took the package from her and said, "You’re all heart, Kathryn, but I think I’d rather have the report."

Kathryn pointed towards his bedroom, "Don’t keep me waiting, Chakotay! You are the one who forced me to take shore leave, now live up to your end and go get dressed." She activated the padd and sat casually down on his sofa ignoring him.

Chakotay shrugged as he retreated to his bedroom to change. How bad could it be?

After opening the box and reading the note Kathryn had written explaining how to wear the native costume, Chakotay had to suppress the desire to curse. He held up the scrap of fabric some sadist considered clothing and consoled himself with the thought of Kathryn’s outfit. He’d wear even less in public if he could watch her move about in that sexy costume.

 

Chakotay cleared his throat.

Kathryn looked up from the padd and surged to her feet, dropping the padd in the process. "Wow!" She said before she could stop herself. She laughed even as she felt her cheeks blushing.

Chakotay tugged at his earlobe self-consciously. "Is it too much?" He smiled as he saw the awareness in her eyes.

Kathryn grinned and said, "Don’t you mean too little?" She shook her head, "It’s even more revealing than I’d imagined! I’m glad we don’t have any negotiations, Chakotay. I’m not sure that any of the female crewmen, and some of the men for that matter, would get anything accomplished." Kathryn tried to ignore her own physical response as she looked at Chakotay dressed in the cream silk loincloth and heavy gold belt. "Oh, here," she said, fumbling out a small rectangular box. "This is also part of your outfit."

Chakotay sighed, "That wouldn’t contain a robe or at least a pair of trousers, by chance?"

Kathryn shook her head, "No such luck." She opened the box to show him a ceremonial golden dagger with a matching sheath.

He took the blade, testing its edge. "Not much use if I have to defend your honor, but thank you." He looked at the sheath before asking, "Do you know if it attaches to my belt, or am I supposed to carry it in my hand all evening?"

Kathryn smiled as she took a long gold chain from the box as well. She threaded the chain through a loop on the sheath before she looked up at him. "The knife is to go on your right side, but the chain is to wrap around you twice, connecting at the back, leaving the ends to hang behind you."

Chakotay gave her a small smile, "I think you are going to have to help me with this one."

She nodded and swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. She said, "If you’ll hold the knife against your side, I’ll wrap the chain as the Chancellor instructions directed."

He nodded and held the dagger at his waist.

Kathryn took the free end of the chain, circling Chakotay once before stopping to link the chain to another loop on the sheath. She glanced up quickly at him as her hands fumbled ineptly at the task. She had trouble believing something so simple could make her so nervous.

Chakotay breathed of her perfume, trying to imprint this moment into his memory. Feeling her hands brushing his skin and seeing the blush on her cheeks, he fought against his physical reaction. His clothing would do nothing to disguise his rising desire for her.

Kathryn circled Chakotay once more, this time her eyes locked with his. Her attraction for Chakotay had never been more difficult to fight, but then she’d never been half undressed with him before either. She stepped behind him to loop the chain into a complex knot at the small of his back causing her knuckles to lightly graze his skin. She took a deep breath trying to collect her poise.

When she finished, Chakotay turned to look down into her eyes. Dressed in soft embroidered slippers instead of her Starfleet heels, Kathryn seemed even daintier than usual. He stared at her not bothering to hide his love for her.

Kathryn said, "Well, Chakotay, we should…." She lost her train of thought as she looked up and lost herself in his eyes. "We should go now, Commander," she said in a husky voice. She took a few steps away from him to retrieve the padd she’d dropped. "I’ll just initial this and we can be on our way."

Chakotay let go of his frustration and said lightly, "Kathryn, are we supposed to walk all the way to the transporter dressed like this?"

Kathryn grinned over her shoulder at him as she put the padd down. "Good point. We can’t have our crew hyperventilating in the halls over the shock. I’m sure the Doctor would disapprove." She laughed, "I think we can pull some strings and get a site to site transport."

He grinned at her as he attached his commbadge to his belt. Chakotay then walked over to stand close to her again. Close enough that he could feel her body heat. "I don’t know, Kathryn. Maybe the crew needs to see you dressed like this to be reminded that there is an incredible woman inside their Captain."

Kathryn gave a wry laugh, "Tonight the crew is going to see an incredible amount of their Captain, and her first officer as well, but I’d rather it be only off the ship."

Chakotay smiled but he saw a flare of desire in Kathryn’s eyes. Maybe it was wishful thinking on his part so he shrugged it off. "Shall we go then, Kathryn?"

Kathryn nodded. She then reached down to her communicator, which she also wore at her belt, and called for transport. Chakotay’s quarters faded away.

 

Tom, Harry and B’Elanna were among the last crewmen to beam down…only because Harry had balked at wearing the required clothing. B’Elanna had finally threatened to dress him herself if he delayed them any longer. Tom had never seen Harry move so fast! Tom hadn’t really had a problem wearing the blue loincloth B’Elanna had chosen for him since on Risa he had often appeared in less…and B’Elanna looked stunning in the blood red silk halter and deep red filmy skirt. When Harry had reluctantly appeared in the black loincloth, B’Elanna had tied his dagger on before dragging both men away to the transporters.

The first thing that hit you when you arrived on surface was the dry heat of the planet. But that was soon forgotten as a smiling native girl approached to offer them all drinks.

Harry’s eye’s widened, and Tom opened his mouth but B’Elanna stepped on his foot.

"Just close your mouth, Tom; and, Harry, stop staring—it’s rude." B’Elanna said even as she smiled and accepted a drink.

Harry sputtered as the girl moved off, "She is wearing even less than you are B’Elanna!"

B’Elanna gave Harry a sardonic look, "Thanks, Harry, I would have never noticed." She looked at Tom, "Keep your eyes where they belong Helmboy, or I’ll remind you why you should follow my suggestion."

Tom grinned down at her and slipped his arm around her waist. "As if I could look at another woman when you’re wearing this concoction, B’Ella."

B’Elanna’s face softened for a moment. "Keep it that way, Tom; you’ll live longer." She grinned then.

Harry rolled his eyes, "I’m not sure where to look! I still can’t believe the Captain would require the crew to dress like this!"

Tom dragged his eyes away from B’Elanna’s face. "Well Harry, it does make sense. If the Captain has to dress like this, it will be less remarkable if the whole crew does as well." He looked around, "Where is the Captain by the way."

B’Elanna stood on tiptoes to scan the room. "I’d like to see her outfit as well, especially with the effect that it had on Harry!" She grinned at the embarrassed look on Harry’s face.

Tom suddenly said, "There she is, over by Chakotay and the Chancellor." He paused for a moment. His face suddenly blushed, "Wow!" He looked down at B’Elanna and saw her arched brow. "Just wait until you see the Captain and Chakotay, B’Elanna. Let’s see if you don’t react!" Tom and Harry exchanged amused looks and each man took one of B’Elanna’s arms to guide her in the right direction through the crowded room.

B’Elanna forced her face not to show her reaction, though she muttered a Klingon exclamation softly. Chakotay was always sexy but the contrast of the loincloth against his skin was delicious. The Captain looked incredibly feminine and alluring in the pastel shades, and from the look on Chakotay’s face, he agreed with B’Elanna’s assessment. She touched the Captain on the shoulder, "You look beautiful Kathryn." She threw Chakotay a wicked grin, "Not bad, Chakotay. It’s a wonder that you didn’t try that approach for recruiting in the Maquis. We would never have lacked for volunteers!"

Kathryn chuckled as she saw the harassed look on Chakotay’s face. "She’s right, Chakotay; I might have signed up myself under those circumstances." Seeing Chakotay’s embarrassment, she added, "Half of Starfleet would have defected just for the chance…to serve under you." Her voice was droll as she said the last.

B’Elanna’s grin grew wider, "Just imagine Chakotay, that outfit could have won our war with Cardassia!" She looked at Kathryn. "Maybe we should have tried it out on the Borg or Species 8472? This could be our new secret weapon. It certainly makes more of an impression than a torpedo!"

"Enough, B’Elanna; behave yourself." Chakotay said even as he laughed. "Kathryn, stop encouraging B’Elanna’s outrageous ideas."

The two women exchanged looks.

Kathryn said, "Surrender first, Chakotay, then we’ll consider peace."

B’Elanna stood at her shoulder and added, "Out of pity for the weaker sex, of course."

Chakotay looked at both of them and grinned. "Never surrender, that’s the first rule of the Maquis…but we can consider a cease fire until we return to the ship or at least until I have more clothes on."

"Whichever comes first." Kathryn gave him a lopsided smile. "What do you think B’Elanna? We could use Chakotay in this outfit as a moral booster. Maybe we should suggest the idea to Neelix."

B’Elanna grinned, "I do believe he’s right over there, Kathryn." B’Elanna’s gave her a droll look, "He’s the only one in the room with spots to go with his loincloth!" She laughed, "I do believe he’s wearing a leopard print!"

Chakotay’s face lit up, "There’s my secret weapon, Kathryn; if I wear a loincloth, so does Neelix!"

Kathryn peered in the direction B’Elanna was looking and started laughing until tears were running down her cheeks. Chakotay grinned down at her, delighted with how relaxed she was.

The Chancellor approached their group at that moment smiling broadly at them all. "I am so grateful that you are having a good experience here on our planet. I would like you and all of your people to join us in a toast. This is a celebration of friends." He lifted his hand and at the signal the serving women circulated through the crowd with trays holding cups of a fragrant liquid.

The Doctor approached the Captain with Seven in tow as Kathryn accepted a cup of the new beverage. The Doctor accepted a glass for a moment, scanning it discreetly. "It appears to be a fruit liqueur Captain. It’s relatively harmless, and low in alcohol content. Enjoy." He then handed the cup to Seven. "Join in the toast Seven, since I’m unable."

Seven gave him an annoyed look but accepted the glass; she was the only crewman who was exempt from the native dress restriction. Even the Doctor had modified his parameters to meet the requirements. Seven looked at the beverage with disdain, "I will comply, Doctor, but I must return to the ship soon. I have work in Astrometrics that I must complete."

The Doctor rolled his eyes and nodded.

The Chancellor raised his glass and silence fell. "To our new friends, may their path be full of interest and contentment, and their time with us be fruitful."

Everyone raised their glasses and repeated his words before joining him in a drink.

Kathryn smiled at the Chancellor, "I just want to express my thanks once again Chancellor for your hospitality and for allowing my crew some much needed rest. She sipped again at the liqueur. "This is delicious; is it of produced locally or is it brought in from another system?"

The Chancellor looked down at Kathryn and waved a serving woman over to refill their glasses. "It is produced here on our planet, but in limited quantities, so it is set aside for special ceremonies or the meeting of peoples. Please drink freely…it is a bond between our two peoples now that we have shared this drink with you."

Kathryn looked perplexed but thanked the Chancellor before he walked away to speak to more of her crew.

Chakotay leaned in close to whisper, "What do you make of it?"

Kathryn looked up at him and shook her head, "I’m not sure, but the Doctor didn’t find anything so…" She shrugged. Behind them music began.

Chakotay raised an eyebrow, "Would you like to dance, Kathryn?"

Kathryn hesitated only briefly before she nodded. She placed her empty glass on a nearby table and held out her hand. Chakotay put his glass down and led her out onto the dance floor.

Soon other couples joined them on the dance floor. Chakotay and Kathryn danced with other people, but stopped often to share a drink of the ceremonial liqueur together.

Tom and B’Elanna broke up one such encounter. Tom held out his hand to Kathryn, "Captain, I believe you owe me a dance."

Kathryn gave him a lopsided smile, "I don’t believe I promised you a dance, Tom."

Tom grinned unrepentantly, "Well, it’s one way of maneuvering you into dancing with your star pilot."

Kathryn took his hand, "In that case, how can I resist?" She smiled over her shoulder at Chakotay as Tom led her away.

Chakotay grinned at her before he looked down at B’Elanna. "You look beautiful tonight, B’Elanna."

B’Elanna gave a snort of derision, "Not that you’ve noticed anyone else when Kathryn is within your sight."

Chakotay shrugged and smiled, "You have to admit, B’Ella, it is quite a dress!" He laid an arm around B’Elanna’s shoulders, "Would you like to dance?"

B’Elanna gave him a roguish smile, "Only if I get to lead. I know how well you maneuver a shuttle, and I don’t intend to end up in a heap out there."

Chakotay grinned at her audacity and guided her out onto the floor.

  

Tom smiled down at Kathryn throwing out one outrageous comment after another, just to get the chance to make her laugh. Sometimes he felt that nothing was more important than seeing Kathryn throw off her command shell. "You have a wonderful laugh."

Kathryn smiled up at him, embarrassed for a moment. "And you always know just how to make me laugh, don’t you, Tom?"

Tom shrugged and pulled her slightly closer to him. He wanted to breathe the perfume of her hair. He disregarded that he was holding her so close with his hands resting on the skin of her waist. He felt his hands go clammy as he struggled with his overwhelming reaction to her. This was certainly unexpected. He loved B’Elanna and he’d never really thought of Kathryn in this manner. Well, not seriously thought of her in this way, at least.

Kathryn leaned her head on Tom’s chest for a moment, breathing deeply of his scent. She felt her muscles relaxing as she enjoyed the feel of his muscular arms holding her. She forgot that they were in the middle of a dance floor surrounded by her crew. She moved her hands from Tom’s shoulders, to loop her hands together behind his neck. She lightly caressed the muscles of his neck.

Tom took a deep breath, feeling his head spinning at the rush of desire he was feeling. He knew he hadn’t drank that much and he wasn’t feeling any of the usual affects of alcohol, but feeling this way towards Kathryn was out of the blue!

"May I cut in, Tom?" said a voice at his elbow.

Tom drew back to glare into Harry’s surprised eyes before he was able to collect his thoughts. He just knew he didn’t want to let Kathryn go. His arms tightened around her for a moment before he was able to release her supple body…although he did it reluctantly.

Kathryn was almost dazed as she looked up at Tom. The affect he was having on her was fading as the space between their bodies widened. She saw the confusion on his face and wondered at it. She turned to find Harry standing hesitantly next to her.

"Captain, may I?" He said as he held out his hand to her.

Kathryn smiled at him and said, "Harry, I think it’s okay for you to call me Kathryn when we’re off the ship…especially when we are dancing together." She moved into his arms.

Harry moved slowly away with her, but looked back to see Tom watching them intently. "What’s up with Tom? For a second there he looked like he wanted to hit me."

Kathryn laughed, "I’m sure you misunderstood, Harry. Tom was just caught off guard."

Chakotay watched Tom dancing with Kathryn for a while before he turned his attention back to the woman dancing in his arms.

"It’s a wonder you could let her out of your sight for that long, big guy!" B’Elanna gave him a knowing smile.

Chakotay grinned, "Can you blame me? She looks incredible in that dress."

B’Elanna glanced over at Kathryn and Tom dancing. "Tommy boy had better behave himself then."

"I don’t think you have to worry about that, B’Ella…you look pretty sexy yourself." He mockingly leered at her well-toned body. He swallowed as he realized how damned beautiful she really was. This wasn’t right; B’Elanna was like a sister to him…but she wasn’t his sister was she?

B’Elanna saw the awareness spark in him and felt her blood start to smolder. Damn the man! If he kept looking at her like that, she would bite him just to satisfy her hunger for contact with him. She gave a low growl of frustration. Chakotay ground his hands into her shoulders as B’Elanna’s hands came up to scratch lightly at his throat.

Seven of Nine and the Doctor jostled the pair of them at that point. Chakotay turned almost savagely on them. The Doctor looked at him curiously as he apologized. Seven had actually caused the collision. She was acting in a manner that was most unusual for her. She had released her hair to hang loosely around her shoulders and she had been gazing hungrily at every man who came close to her, everyone but at the hologram. The Doctor had been afraid it was simple intoxication, but a quick scan had disproved that theory. Seven had startled him when she suddenly attempted to leap at Commander Chakotay. The Doctor tried to stop the collision but instead caused them both to crash into the other couple. The Doctor noticed the dilation of Chakotay and B’Elanna’s eyes and was surprised. "Commander, are you and Lieutenant Torres feeling well?"

Chakotay dropped his arms from B’Elanna and glanced around embarrassed. "We’re fine, Doctor. You just surprised us." He looked at B’Elanna and murmured "Excuse me," before hurrying away.

B’Elanna saw Tom and stalked off in his direction.

"That was most odd, don’t you think, Seven?" Receiving no answer the Doctor turned to look at Seven again. "Seven? Are you well?"

Seven gave him a brilliant smile. "Yes, Doctor. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy dancing."

The Doctor gave her a smug smile. "I believe we dance quite well together, Seven, so let us continue. Without further mishaps this time"

Seven moved smoothly back to him and they waltzed off. The Doctor promptly forgot in his enjoyment all about his curiosity over the Commander’s reactions.

 

Harry was enjoying dancing with the Captain…Kathryn. Using her name rather than her title wasn’t as difficult as he’d imagined. Holding her pliant body made it difficult to remember that she was the Captain at all. She was so petite and feminine, especially dancing. He sighed contentedly.

Kathryn smiled and relaxed further against Harry’s firm muscular chest. Mmmmm…Harry was a delightful dance partner. He led with a strong yet gentle touch.

Harry stroked her back gently. Kathryn gave a slight moan of pleasure and Harry groaned in response. She was so responsive to his lightest of touches!

Kathryn felt as if her body was afire with the tension Harry’s delicate caress was creating. She stared up into his eyes. "Harry?" Her voice was tentative.

Harry stared down at this mesmerizing woman. "Kathryn." He said her name softly as he leaned down to kiss her.

"Kathryn." Chakotay’s voice was cold as the two jumped apart almost guiltily.

"Chakotay." She knew she was blushing. What was she doing? Harry had almost kissed her and she had been holding her breath in anticipation. She was mortified. She couldn’t even glance at Harry’s face.

Harry saw the stark anger on Chakotay’s face and for a moment he had felt like defying it, but when Kathryn moved away from them in embarrassment he reconsidered. "If you’ll pardon me, Commander." He moved off to get a drink and to cool off.

 

Chakotay turned and stalked after Kathryn. "What the hell was that, Kathryn?" His hand fell like iron on her shoulder as he whirled her around to face him.

Kathryn looked up at him and her eyes were shiny with tears. "Chakotay, I don’t…" she shook her head.

Chakotay took her arm and hustled her away from the crowd. He marched her away, unresisting until they reached the suite where he was staying during shore leave. He pushed her into the room roughly. "First Tom, then Harry?" He glared at her. "I saw the way Tom was looking at you, and you and Harry were practically kissing there on the dance floor."

Kathryn felt anger replacing her shame as she turned on him venomously. "It’s none of your business what I do in my private life Chakotay!"

Chakotay strode over suddenly and caught her arms in a brutal grasp. He shook her as he ground out, "Damn it, Kathryn, I’ll make it my business! You are mine. I will kill anyone who touches you, when I cannot!"

Kathryn kicked him in the shin and moved away when he released her. She put a low table between them. "Go to hell, Chakotay! It’s my life. I…don’t…belong…to…you!" She emphasized the words, punishing him.

Chakotay glared at her before he grabbed the edge of the table hurling it out of his way, ignoring the crash. "You belong to me, Kathryn." He stalked her as she backed away from him.

Kathryn saw him look over her shoulder and risked a glance behind her. Damn the man, he was maneuvering her towards the bedroom!

Chakotay pounced when she looked away. He pulled her to him forcefully. One arm encircled her waist, pinning her arms to her side. His other hand came up to grasp her chin. He looked down at her angry eyes. "You are mine, Kathryn, and you know you want to be mine completely." His mouth came down on hers, forcing her lips apart ruthlessly.

Kathryn struggled against him. His kiss became less harsh and his lips moved over hers persuasively. Kathryn allowed herself to soften against him. Her resistance was melting, but when Chakotay freed her arms to thread his fingers through her hair, Kathryn doubled up her fist and punched him.

Chakotay was caught off guard, and he released her to clutch his abdomen. He glared up at Kathryn as she moved away to pick up one of the legs from the table that he had just destroyed. She held it like a club, threatening him. "Try that again, Chakotay, and you won’t be able to walk for a week." She struggled to catch her breath.

Chakotay grinned at her. He straightened up and moved slowly towards her. "How long are you going to draw this out, Kathryn? This dance we do. It is entertaining, but I want the prize, Kathryn. What do you want?"

Kathryn allowed him to approach her, but she didn’t relinquish the club. Chakotay stood so close to her that she felt the brush of his hips against hers as she stared up at him.

Chakotay grinned as he saw her desire blaze higher to meet his own. He wasn’t trying to disguise how much he wanted her anymore. He slowly reached out one hand to stroke her cheek. He stroked her lips, letting his hand trail down her throat.

Kathryn let the club fall as she reached up to pull him down into a passionate kiss.

Chakotay picked Kathryn up and carried her to the bedroom. Kathryn kept touching him even as they shed their clothing. She quickly abandoned her reservations and her inhibitions as they fell into his bed.

Hours later, Kathryn heard the chirp of her commbadge. She stirred in her sleep at the Doctor’s insistent voice. She struggled out of Chakotay’s embrace to find the belt she’d been wearing. She activated the badge, "Yes, Doctor. What is it?"

The Doctor’s voice was annoyed and concerned. "Captain, I’ve discovered a side effect of the liqueur."

Kathryn glanced at Chakotay’s nude body sprawled out on the bed. A side effect.

His hand reached out searching for her. When Chakotay discovered her missing, he sat up looking around the room. When he saw her standing there holding her commbadge he frowned. "What is it Kathryn? Trouble?"

Kathryn shook her head. "What did you find, Doctor? Does the liqueur affect a person’s actions?"

"No, Captain, the liqueur acts like a pheromone intensifier. These pheromones subconsciously stimulate physiological and behavioral responses from individuals of the same species, but any choices or actions were not the result of the beverage. When the crew began displaying unusual behavior, I took samples of the beverage back to the ship for a more thorough analysis." His tone suddenly became discomforted, "Seven attempted to aid me in my study of the liqueur’s effects."

Kathryn looked at Chakotay watching for his response. "Understood, Doctor. Do you have an antidote to the liqueur’s effect?"

His voice was smug, "Of course, Captain. I will be beaming down a hypospray to you. I’ll see that all of the senior staff are inoculated as well. I’m calling the crew back to the ship in shifts so that they can be treated. I’ll keep you advised if there are any difficulties."

Kathryn said, "Thank you, Doctor, and good work. Janeway out." She put the commbadge down slowly and began to gather her clothes.

Chakotay’s hands covered hers as she reached for her skirt. "Kathryn, we need to talk about this."

Kathryn shook her head stubbornly and did not look at him.

Chakotay sighed. "Kathryn, what happened between us…it is what I wanted. I know the liqueur didn’t make this decision for me. I’ve loved you for a long time."

Kathryn looked up at him, hearing the sincerity in his voice. "It’s a mistake for a Captain and her First Officer to become romantically involved, Chakotay. You know this; look at what happened to you and Seska."

Chakotay winced at Seska’s name but met her eyes with his own stubbornness. "Kathryn, on an ordinary ship I would agree with you, but not on Voyager." He searched her face for a sign of understanding. "Kathryn, the relationships among the senior staff are not ordinary command associations. We have become a family. Can you honestly imagine a day without any of them?"

Kathryn shook her head, but she avoided his eyes now.

"Kathryn listen to me. If your former First Officer Cavitt had survived, forcing me to take some other role on Voyager, do you think that we would have stayed apart this long? Do you love me, Kathryn? Because I love you, and I always will. Even if you push me away after tonight, I won’t give up. I will show you how right it is for us to be together!" His voice was impassioned and persuasive.

Kathryn stood up moving away from where he had crouched down near her. She walked over to sit on the edge of the bed. "Chakotay, what will happen when we disagree? How will that affect our crew, our ship…or us?"

Chakotay moved over to kneel in front of her. "We will fight, Kathryn, but we’ll continue to work for the good of our ship and our crew. Just like we’ve done time and again. Haven’t we proven that to each other many times?"

Kathryn gave him a lopsided smile. "Yes. Yes, we have. But, Chakotay, let me ask you, how am I supposed to let the man I love put himself at risk? How am I supposed to send you on away missions, knowingly putting you in jeopardy? Especially considering your history of flying shuttlecraft!"

Chakotay gave a wry laugh as he captured her hands in his. "Kathryn, we both knew that life in space is dangerous, and that there are no guarantees of safety. So we accept that fact and make a life together in the time we have. I don’t want to waste another day, Kathryn."

Kathryn smiled gently, "Have I ever told you that you are the most patient and romantic man I’ve ever met? I do love you, Chakotay."

Chakotay moved to embrace her. "That is all I need, Kathryn." He kissed her and whispered, "It’s all I’ve wanted since the day I realized I was in love with you."

Kathryn heard the shimmer of the transporter and saw a hypospray appear next to her commbadge. "The antidote the Doctor ordered."

Chakotay kissed her softly. "I think it can wait, don’t you?"

Kathryn smiled and pulled him down on the bed, "Yes, Chakotay, it can wait."

 

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