Disclaimer: Voyager belongs to CBS/Paramount, mores the pity.

Thanks to Vulcanprincess for her advice when story first submitted.

White Dream.

by Lizzy74656. October 2000.

Takes place sometime after the episodes Bliss & The Fight. Year is 2375 - Autumn.

Episodes alluded to: Paradise Syndrome – TOS & Inner Light – TNG.

The sun was warm on his lithe body, the sand shifting a little beneath him as he moved, lying full-stretched on the sun-soaked beach; hearing the waves pound the shore in a pulsing rhythm. It was good to be here, he reflected, feeling the peace of the place fill his whole being, renewing his inner spirit. Sighing deeply, eyes half closed against the sun's glare, he dozed, ears alert to the sounds around him.

Childish shrieks of delight reached those alert ears, which at first puzzled him, causing his semi-relaxed face to frown. An adult voice called, then he understood; they were Freya's young charges playing further up the wooded shore.

Suddenly scorched air screamed, shattering the natural silence; the sky darkened and a wind started to blow, cold and forbidding. Shuddering he sat up and gazed up at the new grey leaden sky above the moving sea.

'What had happened?' he wondered, looking for the tranquil blue – he'd always known – to return. But the sky remained leaden, if anything it darkened threateningly. A very human scream sounded startling him, causing his heart to pound. Then there was nothing.

Darkness surrounded him. For a moment he wasn't sure who he was, much less where. A voice called a name, his name, he realised, taking in the familiar surroundings of his quarters; stars streaking past the viewports. The female called again, as he shook the last shreds of the dream – if that is what it was – from his tired mind. Sitting up straighter in his chair, he answered her call:

"Chakotay here, Captain."

"You alright?" her tone concerned.

"Yes," pausing thoughtfully. "I must have dozed off," he admitted, not really wanting to discuss the dream with anyone just yet.

"Well, if you're awake enough, you can talk about it over dinner. Or had you forgotten!" sounding amused at his startled exclamation.

"Give me a minute and I'll be right there, Kathryn. Chakotay out." He sat there a moment letting the soft familiar sights and sounds banish the screams from his dream to the back of his mind. Frowning puzzled by the dreams reality; he stood and stretched his strong solid frame, feeling joints softly crack. Sighing deeply, he straightened his uniform and left his quarters for his 'date' – for want of a better word – with Kathryn Janeway.

/\/\

He leaned back into his chair satisfied; the meal had been tasty and the company just fine. They'd not had much time over the last month or two to relax, let alone share it with others. It had been one tense situation after another. He sighed audibly.

"That bad?" she teased softly, handing him a cup of coffee. "The meal," she added, noting his rather puzzled frown.

"No, Kathryn. The meal was just fine as always," he smiled, yet it didn't remain.

"What is it, Chakotay?" gently probing. For a moment she wondered if he'd heard her, as he remained silent just staring into space; then he spoke warily as if testing out what was on his mind. Janeway sat quietly, knowing not to push.

"We've all been under a lot of emotional strain recently." She nodded, looking at him over the rim of her own cup of coffee, the first she'd allowed herself in weeks. "Now that things seem a little more………settled. Maybe we should be looking for a quiet place to take some shore leave. And I wasn't thinking of the holo-decks," taking a quick sip of his coffee, hoping she wouldn't ask any awkward questions. He wasn't sure if he could answer or voice them for himself, let alone Kathryn – his friend.

Janeway silently watched him, taking in his calm face; the tattoo over his left eye wasn't totally smooth tonight, yet she knew he'd open up about things, when he was ready. His idea about shore-leave had merits and said as much, tapping her com-badge.

"Captain to Ops. Any interesting planets within sensor range?" she asked, noting the release of tension in the male's broad shoulders.

"None in normal range, Captain."

"Well start looking for a vacation site. Janeway out." Hearing an 'Aye, Captain', before the link closed. "Anything else?" her tone casual.

"No," his tone equally as casual; eying her over the rim of his raised coffee cup; feeling his shoulders tense up again. Janeway sighed and suggested that he got an early night. Smiling he stood to leave.

"No burning the midnight oil, Commander. That's an order," she said firmly. He acknowledged that and left. She frowned puzzled at the closed doors, sensing something wasn't right with her First Officer. "Janeway to Sickbay." It took awhile before the EMH responded. "I want you to keep a discreet eye on Cmdr. Chakotay."

"Any particular reason, Captain?"

"Nothing that I can put my finger on, at this moment. Yet…," leaving the sentence hanging.

"I understand. He's due a medical check-up in a few days. I can always bring that forward!"

"Please do, Doctor. Keep me informed." The medic acknowledged her request and signed off. Draining her coffee, she contemplated whether to have another or take her own advice and get an early night. Leaving the cluttered table she retired to bed with a cup of herbal tea.

/\/\

The following morning – ship time – one person was rather conspicuous by his absence, yet Janeway said nothing as she strode onto the bridge from her ready-room and took her command chair. Ten minutes later she felt uneasy; it wasn't like him to be late; feeling the emptiness of the seat beside her. About to ask the computer; for his whereabouts; when the turbo-lift doors opened behind her.

Schooling her features, she waited, but no dark-haired male came to take his seat; so the turbo-lift had only deposited others to their duty posts, not him. Sensing the crew's growing unease, she quietly stood, looked to Tuvok; who nodded, as she returned to her ready-room.

Once the door had closed behind her, she asked the computer to locate the erstwhile missing member of her crew.

#Commander Chakotay is in his quarters,#. She was politely told. Anger rising, she called him via the visual com-system. For many minutes there was no reply and then his tired dishevelled face looked out of the view-screen at her. The dark, almost haunted eyes made her bite back her angry retort.

"Commander; report to Sickbay," her tone, calm. "I'll meet you there." He looked hesitant. "As you are, Chakotay," tone quiet and understanding, her anger all but gone. Still looking rather disorientated, he nodded and closed the channel. "Captain to Sickbay. The Commander will be reporting in. I'll be there myself, shortly." The EMH's response was brisk and curt. Re-entering the bridge she enquired about the search for a suitable vacation site.

"Nothing, so far, Captain," Kim informed her, trying to mask his worry. "I could recalibrate the sensors to widen our search. It will probably take us away from out present course though."

"Do it, Mr. Kim. Get Seven to help you." He acknowledged her order and left his post for Astrometrics. "Commander; I'll be with the Doctor," she said. Tuvok said nothing, yet she knew he was puzzled by Chakotay's absence. Her soft smile reassured him as she left.

/\/\

In the flesh, he looked even more haggard than he had over the visual link. The Doctor worked around him as he sat on the edge of the bio-bed, still dressed in his sleepwear. Janeway stood back and waited until the Doctor had finished his scans, before moving closer. The Medic's brow furrowed at the test results, gently urging his male patient to lie down.

"Just relax, Commander. I'll soon be finished," looking worriedly at Janeway as he passed her to fully assess the test results in his lab. The female stood looking down at him as he struggled to open his eyes in response to her calling his name and gave her a hesitant smile.

"Being late for duty; isn't my style," he joked, with a voice that sounded as tired as he appeared to be. She felt herself wince at that, but he didn't see as he'd closed his eyes again with a deep sigh.

"Captain," the Doctor called gently, forcing her to leave the sleeping male's side. "I'm not sure as to the why, he's in the state he is," leading her into the privacy of his office. "He is not just physically tired, but mentally also. I know he's been over doing things of late, yet nothing to account for his current condition," worry creasing his brow.

"What do you intend to do?"

"The only thing I can do, for now. Just monitor his condition, until I find a cause." The silence lengthened between them each lost in thought. Janeway spoke, tone decisive:

"Do what you can, Doctor. Will you require Mr. Paris' assistance?"

"Not at present, Captain. Thank you." She patted his shoulder, before leaving his office and exits the area, giving the now sleeping male a quick glance as she walked through the opening main doors. The Doctor stood close to bio-bed two, checking the readings. Something there triggered a memory, thus he set about re-checking his findings as well as taking a new set of scans and readings.

Chakotay slept; or did he?!

/\/\

The landscape had certainly changed, yet he knew he was on the same stretch of beach he'd visited earlier. Now the waves were muted, everything grey, leaden, stark and covered in this cold white stuff – which for reasons that escaped him – was called snow. The trees lining the wooded shore stood bare limbs, dark against the grey sky. He shivered as the wind blew bitingly cold through his clothing. Dark eyes sad, he turned away from the white silent shore and disappeared into the dark wooded forest. Freya joined him, her amber eyes worried, her body – like his – wrapped in thick silver/white fur garments.

"You alright?" she asked. The words startled him, remembering someone else who'd asked that question, yet where and when eluded him. He nodded his reply, drawing his thick hooded jacket tighter around him.

A sound caught their alert attention, causing them both to automatically crouch down into the thick undergrowth cover close to them. They waited listening. The sound came again, an alien sound, one that was becoming all too familiar now, feeling a deep sense of fear course through them, yet he physically held her.

"We must stay quiet," he softly urged, hearing his own heart hammering with fear, every fibre of his being telling him to flee from the strange sounds that came closer. Soon the source of the sounds became visible in the form of four upright beings, clad in thick dark clothing their breathe steaming in front of their hidden faces. A shout came from one as it pointed at something in the snow on the beach. The four stood huddled together, a deep murmuring sound coming from them, at the forest's edge.

Softly at first, gentle flakes started to fall, cold flakes, drifting quietly down, making it hard to see; soon the falling white curtain was too thick to distinguish tree from tree or shadow. He and Freya stayed watching, listening, their senses tuned-in to what was happening amidst this alien group of beings.

"Please, we must go," she whispered, frightened eyes wide at the group's grumpy noises.

"No, Freya. We stay;" his voice strong, with deep conviction. "If we move, they will see. No! The snow will hide us. They will soon give up." She looked at him, yet didn't voice her thoughts or concerns, she just trusted him.

'Was he right?' he silently asked himself and if so, how did he know? There was so much he didn't understand; seeing the muted light glint dully on the fire-sticks the upright beings carried. Sticks that could bring death to all here; although as yet none of his kind had been killed or injured; there had been a few close calls. Given time who knew what could happen.

The heavy whine of a motor arrested his thoughts as something approached the upright beings, coming across the water. The group boarded the vehicle as it wound down beside them, then it revved up again and whined out of sight and hearing, leaving the snow covered beach empty. Both of them breathed relieved, their warm breathe steaming in the cold snow laden air.

"Now we can return home," getting fully to his feet; helping her up also. Worried amber eyes gazed up at him.

"Why have they come? Who are they? What do they want with our home? Why do they hunt us? We mean them no harm."

"So many questions, Freya; I have no answers."

"Oh, Chakotay!" her voice carried across the landscape, like that of a long howl.

/\/\

Astrometrics was a hive of quiet activity as its two occupants searched for answers to the perplexing questions the incoming data produced. Seven planets orbiting a G-type star, which the ship would pass close-by off the port bow. It was the third planet that held their attention at that moment. A little smaller than Earth with two orbiting satellites; its own orbit round the G-type star as near circular as was possible, with in the laws of physics; and at the same speed rate as Earth's. Calling up a visual of the new system and concentrating on the inner four planets, the two worked diligently. The female's comment caused her male companion to join her at the main console and stare at the image on the labs large view screen.

"Better send out a probe for a closer look and gather more data," watching as the blonde woman punched in the necessary instructions to launch a class 5 probe. "Kim to Janeway."

"Janeway here. Yes, Mr. Kim."

"I think you'd better see this, Captain." There was a puzzled pause. In his minds eye he knew she was frowning, and then her voice strong and sure told him she'd be there in five minutes. Whilst they waited her arrival, the probe started to transmit its data, thus Janeway's voice broke into Kim's concentration of the incoming information.

"What is the score?" she asked. Seven glanced at her puzzled by the phrasing, yet said nothing.

"A G-type star system with seven planets," pausing to bring up the whole system on visual. "It's the small earth-type third planet that's the mystery, Captain," homing in on it and its two satellites.

"According to all the available data collected so far, it should be a temperate, fertile M-class planet with variable seasons," Seven added briskly.

"So is it?" voice calm.

"This is what the probe telemetry sent back." A bleak white wind swept landscape stared back at her startled gaze. "It has been like that for over an earth standard year. One complete orbit of its sun," Kim informed quietly.

"Cause?" she asked.

"Unknown," Seven said. "There is a lot of static interference, plus strong E-band emissions."

"Life signs?" Janeway asked, still taking in the wild winter scene on the screen.

"Humanoid and animal," checking the console.

"There are several large groups of Lupine type creatures scattered across the larger land masses."

"Wolves?!" finally tearing her eyes away from the bleak moving whiteness. The simple affirmative from the blonde female, threw the Captain, a moment. Why did they always end up with a mystery on their hands, instead of a simple vacation site? One answer was that this wasn't the well charted Alpha Quadrant, but the unknown Delta Quadrant and their journey through it so far had been anything but simple or routine; she thought with a sigh. "Keep checking. Janeway to Bridge," tapping her com-badge. "Mr. Paris set a new course for the seven planet system. Mr. Kim will give you the co-ordinates. Standard cruising speed. We might as well take a closer look." An 'aye, Captain' acknowledged her request, before she closed the link. Noting Harry Kim's worried expression, she softly spoke his name.

"Cmdr Chakotay. Is he alright?" he asked hesitantly.

"Just rather tired. I'm on my way to Sickbay now. I'll tell him you enquired about him."

"Thank you, Captain," tone sincere.

"If the Doctor requires any assistance," pausing unsure. Janeway smiled reassuringly.

"I'm sure he'll appreciate your offer, Seven." With a brisk nod of her head to them both, she left for her next port of call, Sickbay.

/\/\

The main bio-bed within the surgical bay was now occupied, the clamshell structure arched over the dark males' prone body. Some how that sight didn't re-assure her as it should have done.

She felt the EMH quietly stand at her side, as she stood near the bio-bed.

"Any good news, Doctor?"

"Not really," turning to the main monitor, encouraging her to join him. "His body is more or less in a coma, yet note his brain patterns." The graph before them was a hive of activity on the top line – representing his brain waves – whilst all the others were almost at zero level. "According to these brain patterns;" pointing to the top line on the screen. "He is wide awake and fully conscious. But not here."

"What do you mean?" expression and tone troubled. The male medic called up a stored file, which showed a similar brain pattern and lowered body functions.

"These are the tricorder readings taken of Captain Jean-Luc Picard when he experienced an entire lifetime in just under twenty-five minutes."

"I remember reading about that," her tone thoughtful. "These people's sun went nova. To preserve their culture and the last century of their existence, they built a probe that when contacted would transmit their memories to one man. Picard." The EMH seemed impressed. "What's the connection here? We've not come across any alien probes, yet."

"I believe he is experiencing a life somewhere, but in real time. It is almost as if he's on a vision quest, yet he is not," he sighed perplexed, looking at his patient.

"Is it like the time with the aliens from chaotic space?"

"No, Captain. That gene is still very much dormant. Nor is it the sleeping aliens or the whole crew would be asleep." They stood in silence at the foot of the bio-bed each lost in thought, contemplating the comatose male. When he spoke again it was in measured tones. "The Commander has been under a lot of emotional strain, lately, as well as being over tired. Not that he's officially said anything to me. If someone or something has taken over his mind, he would not have been in the best of positions to detect the intruder and resist its influence. All I can do for now is to keep him comfortable, until I do know exactly what we're dealing with." Janeway nodded acceptance, eyes worried, she took her leave.

/\/\

In her ready-room, she studied the data file of the duty rosta for the last three months, prompted by the Doctor's comments about Chakotay. What she found there surprised her. Opening the com-link she made a call:

"Lieutenant Torres. Please report to my ready-room." When the half-Klingon female arrived some minutes later, she was still reading the reports logged over the same time period.

"You wanted to see me, Captain?" her tone a little sharp, manner agitated.

"Busy, Lieutenant?!" she enquired mildly, looking up at her Chief Engineer.

"I'm always busy, Captain," implying she'd rather be elsewhere.

"Please take a seat," indicating the chair in front of her desk. Neither female spoke each contemplating the other. "B'Elanna. How has Chakotay seemed to you over the last few months?"

The usage of first names without the rank startled the female engineer as her mind had been going over the niggling problem with the plasma injectors at that moment.

"Chakotay, fine!" still startled.

"I meant….," pausing as if searching for the right words. "Emotionally, spiritually?"

"You should ask him, not me, Captain," wondering where this line of questioning would lead.

"I'm asking you, B'Elanna, because according to his own reports, he's been doing extra duty time in engineering at the same time as you were on scheduled duty," checking the data readout before her. The dark-haired ridged brow dropped down to look at her lap.

"He wouldn't discuss it with me, Captain," her tone quiet, looking up added. "All he did say was that he needed not to think for awhile. I'm sorry; I can't be more helpful," shrugging her shoulders.

"So you would agree he's been pensive, rather quiet of late. More so than is usual?" B'Elanna Torres nodded and then frowned. "Chakotay is in sickbay. Coma," Janeway said calmly, watching the others eyes widen in worried surprise. "The Doctor says he's stable." The woman before her visibly controlled herself.

"May I see him?" the tightly held emotions coming through her voice. Janeway nodded quietly dismissing her Chief Engineer.

Lieutenant Torres held herself together, forcing herself not to run out of the Captain Janeway's office. Absconded in the turbo-lift however, soft Klingon curses exploded from her lips, pacing the confined space until it stopped on Deck 5. Anger, worry, fear and intense concern warred in her as she strode down the corridor to Sickbay; ignoring the concerned looks of her fellow crewmates as she passed them, still swearing softly. She stopped dead just inside the door.

The Doctor turned from checking his patient and enquired as to her presence, but she just stared at him.

"You may stay a short while, Lieutenant," he said quietly, gently guiding her physically across sickbay to sit on a stool at the male's bedside. "Computer, deactivate the EMH," he said, leaving the pair alone. Torres reached out and laid her hand hesitantly on his broad bare shoulder and whispered his name.

/\/\

The pair walked with a measured pace, side-by-side through the bare treed forest, each lost in thought. Freya kept turning her fair head to look at him, frowning puzzled, and then turn away concentrating on the way ahead. Under the wide spreading bare branches of the old oak tree, its thick girthed gnarled trunk encrusted with frost and snow; he halted and softly called her name. Schooling her features she faced him.

"What is wrong?" voice quiet, expression open. The female eyed him warily, her amber eyes questioning, yet he only returned her gaze calmly.

"Where did you go?" she snapped out sharply; which drew a deeply puzzled expression from her male companion. "Yes go! Chakotay. Where did you disappear to, after this cold white stuff first came?" He stared; realising he didn't really know. Who was he? Why couldn't he remember? What was he? That seemed to be the most important question right now. But why?

"I….I don't know. I'm sorry," he said sincerely. Freya noted his total confusion, realising he'd spoken the truth. She gently approached him, feeling her own unease ebb, standing close to him. Coyly she reached up and traced the mark above his left eye, fascinated by the pattern.

"Grandpa will know," her voice distant. "Come," taking his hand. "We'll go to him now," her tone strong and sure. Hesitant for but a moment, he followed her lead, knowing that it was perhaps the only way he'd get any answers to his perplexing questions.

Unknown to them both, strange alien eyes watched as the two loped through the snow, their outline partly seen against the dark bare tree trunks, then lost in the whiteness of the snow. Their silver/white coats hiding them from the prying foreign eyes, that only felt a deep intense fear and hatred for the creatures it saw.

Inside the cave entrance they stood, gently dusting off the snow, that had come in with them, as they'd pushed through the snow covered Baca bushes that hid the entrance from casual view. Eyes adjusting to the semi-dark gloom, the female walked forward leading the male by the hand. Still deeply puzzled by his current predicament, he trustingly followed her.

"Grandpa?" her voice echoing off the cavern walls. Although there was no answer, she kept moving towards the soft amber glow, now visible just ahead. A shadow moved within the amber; there one minute gone the next. Large, at first with no discernable shape that he could see; yet as they drew closer, it diminished in size, the shadowy shape more solid looking. Before he could determine the shape however, it moved out of his line of sight. The warmth of the amber glow soon reached them as they fully entered the dry open space of the inner cavern in which a fire danced merrily.

Chakotay's first sight of the male was a fiery silver-haired, gnarled man; yet there was something that reminded him of a wise old wolf.

"Grandpa!" Freya exclaimed, enfolded into his welcoming embrace, his gnarled hands stroking her long fair hair in a gentle gesture. He felt like an intruder, until the old man smiled at him, his amber eyes sparkling with deep wisdom and understanding.

"Welcome, Chakotay," he said, his voice strong; startling both his visitors. "Come, sit," he invited; sitting or rather sinking down cross-legged, like a native Amerindian. Dazed the two followed his lead and sat cross-legged facing him around the fire. The silence stretched between them; then the female broke it.

"Grandpa?! How did you know his name? I hadn't…" stopping as he held up a commanding hand, silencing her.

"Lyulf knows many things, my child." Chakotay just stared at him. "Now you and I can talk unhindered," Lyulf said, causing his dazed guest to start with a jolt. He noted that Freya was sound asleep, curled up on the blanket beside him.

"Why?" he asked. It sounded lame and pleading, even to his ears, as if it had come out unbidden.

"That is a very broad question, Chakotay," pausing, his expression a soft knowing smile. "I will tell you what I can, in the time remaining to me. You must listen well," his voice taking on an almost threatening tone. The tattooed male blinked rapidly and then nodded. "Very well, I shall begin. Long before most here were born, The Wise Ones, led our people on a long lonely trek across the stars, to a safe place, using the Long Way to guide our chosen path…" The voice dropped into the gentle singsong story-telling mode that he remembered his father – Kolopak – using on many an occasion, when he was a child. As he'd grown older, he'd wearied of the style and the re-telling of the stories. Now he found his mind eagerly reaching out for the information that was being imparted to him, wondering what the next sentence would reveal. He listened with rapt attention. Freya slept sound and unknowing, whilst the tale unfolded before him, from Lyulf – the fiery wolf.

/\/\

The briefing room was strangely quiet as they sat around the table, trying to absorb what the Doctor had just told them about the Commander's condition. The EMH had spoken via the computer screen, deeming it unwise to leave his comatose patient at that moment.

Janeway quietly contemplated her senior officers, looking at each in turn.

Tuvok, the dark stoic Vulcan, calm as always, yet she knew him well enough to note the subtle signs, that he was concerned about the general welfare of the crew.

Tom Paris leaned on the table, eyes wary and concerned. He appeared a little on edge, uneasy; causing her to frown.

B'Elanna Torres sat back in her chair, just gazing into space, almost seemed unconcerned, yet Kathryn knew different. The Chief Engineer's emotions were a boiling maelstrom just waiting for an excuse to erupt from beneath her calm indifference. If the reports she'd been receiving from that department were anything to go by. The staff there had already been on the receiving end of the Klingon's famous temper over the last few hours. Not something she – Kathryn Janeway – wanted to face right now. That fleeting thought caused a ghost of a smile to pass over her face knowing it may come to that.

Seven stood opposite her, blue eyes watching, face devoid of any surface feelings; yet she was obviously taking in everyone else's reactions, as she was. Janeway wondered though, just what the blonde female felt for the one who'd broken her link to the Borg collective. She and the Commander had tended to avoid each other if at all possible and yet it was Seven who'd offered to assist the Doctor with the man's medical care. She realised she'd have to draw the female out on the subject later.

Neelix, was more nervous than usual, if that were possible; still one minute, about to speak the next, then obviously thought better of it and sit pensive again, alien eyes anxious. The alien trader got on well with most of the crew, yet there seemed to be something different between the Talaxian and the Amerindian. She knew he teased Tuvok about his lack of emotions, but with Chakotay; well she wouldn't have called it a rapport, but it was close to one.

Harry Kim just sat looking at the table, dark eyes distant and deep in thought. She was aware that the young ensign looked up to her First Officer, for guidance, reassurance, a role model; and the male gave it without being asked too.

All of them had grown close over their long enforced journey together, rallying round each other, giving encouragement and advice with Cmdr Chakotay often in the forefront as the main giver. Now he needed them. She only hoped they were up to the task; sighing deeply. Six pairs of eyes turned to her, awaiting her decision or words of wisdom. What to say?

"This mystery planet," she began slowly, sitting up straighter in her chair at the head of the table. "What do we really know about it?" her tone more sure, tackling a subject she could deal with head on. "Any theories as to why it's in perpetual winter?" No-one spoke surprised by her different track, yet she wondered was it? Tuvok seemed to pick up on her thought.

"You believe these two events are linked?" his tone calm. "The Commander's comatose condition and this planet's perpetual winter!" Before she could respond, the Klingon snapped:

"How can that help? We're supposed to be thinking of ways to awaken Chakotay." Her tirade would have continued and got louder in the process, had not Janeway called her by rank.

"Allowing our emotions to override our reason will not help. I suggest…"

"Tuvok!" stalling him also; "We're all emotionally distraught," noting the uneasy expressions of the others. "But yes; I do think the two events are connected in some way. How I'm not sure. Maybe it might be best to let Chakotay come out of it himself," giving Torres a pointed look, that effectively silenced the female; before she could utter an angry retort. "I suggest we all do some personal research. When we are in range of the planet, we'll take a shuttle down for a closer look. Clear?" no-one moved. "Good. Dismissed."

/\/\

Neelix stood uncertainly in the centre of sickbay, wondering why he'd come; looking at the main bio-bed and the male lying there. Muttering under his breath that he was a fool to come, he jumped when the Doctor spoke:

"You're more than welcome to stay, Mr. Neelix," the medic's tone calm and understanding. "In fact it may do some good. Just talk to him," ushering the Talaxian toward the bio-bed and the stool standing beside it. The Doctor politely left, so the alien male sat down.

For a while he just sat quietly studying the man's strong features, relaxed in sleep. Softly Neelix smiled and then spoke:

"It doesn't seem all that long ago, when you stood over me, here in sickbay," recalling the event. "Offering to help me, via a vision quest," chuckling softly. "Are you on one now?" he asked. The lack of response caused him to frown, yet he ploughed on; letting the comatose male know that he couldn't stay long as he'd dinner to prepare; adding hopefully: "I'll do your favourite!" his tone bright. Still there was no response. His happy face fell, head bowed. Determinedly he leaned forward and gently touched the male's exposed shoulder. "We….I miss you," he whispered; his alien eyes sad at the lack of response. Quietly he left. As the doors closed there was a slight change in the male's calm facial expression; the tattoo creased a little, then it smoothed out again.

/\/\

The settlement was a rather crude affair, a mismatch of different styles, put up in a random and hasty fashion, around a rough open square. They looked sturdy as if they'd been up a long time, weathered, but appearances could and - in this case - were deceptive. Amber glowed in the portals of the largest building; from which came human voices raised in something like song.

Inside the warm tavern, the dozen or so males that sat about the place, felt nothing like singing. Their voices low and grumbling huddled together in groups of two or three; burly lumberjack types, young and rugged. In the corner closest to the merry fire sat two who were a contrast to all present and to each other. The older male was grey-haired yet his eyes told you he was very much alert and sharp. The boy sat at the older male's feet, red/gold hair aglow with the fire, blue eyes bright and merry, fresh faced with youth. He looked up at the older man, his smile open and trusting. The only female in the place walked tiredly over to the contrasting pair, her dark chestnut hair coming astray from its bun; wiping her hands on her apron.

"You look tired, my dear," the old man's tone concerned. "You sit here awhile. Brandon should manage. If not Kitto will collect the mugs, etc," giving the boy's shoulder a soft pat. Grinning he spoke:

"I'd like that, Aunt Rowena."

"Thank you," she said, grateful for their company and concern, sitting down beside the male with a sigh. She was so tired these days, finding it hard to complete her chores around the tavern. Brandon was not much help, always off at Magan's suggestion to hunt, with Jabez in tow.

"The little one will arrive soon," he whispered, startling her. She stared at him, taking in his knowing and wise expression.

"Phelan! Whatever do you mean?" He leaned closer and spoke in her ear. Her hand went to her mouth trying to hide her reaction to his news. Going to tell him not to be such so foolish, he spoke first:

"You can not deny your own body," he admonished softly.

"I know," sighing deeply, looking over to the bar, where Magan was talking in low animated tones to Brandon and Jabez. Phelan had followed her gaze, his sharp eyes narrowed; his voice quietly commanding ordered Kitto to collect the mugs.

"Yes, Grandpa," quickly getting to his feet, he scampered off to do as he'd been bid. Phelan took her hand in his gaining her attention.

"You are worried about Brandon?"

"Of course I am. This will only harden his resolve," her eyes worried. "Magan's no help." The old man said nothing, his face hardening. "Oh, Phelan! Why did we come here?" she asked her dismay colouring her tone of voice.

"Who knows? We lost so much. Don't worry; things will work out just fine. You'll see."

"Ever the optimist!" teasing him. "I hope you're right," sobering somewhat. He just patted her hand confidently.

/\/\

Tom Paris stared at the computer screen, yet his thoughts were far removed from the information presented there. Hearing a voice say:

"Mr. Chakotay mentioned something about his life belonging to you. He'll be taking responsibility for your safety," Janeway had told him and then added that the Amerindian would be her First Officer and that the Lieutenant at Conn would be answerable to him.

Paris smiled at the bitter-sweet memory as he'd recently thrown that field commission ranking away. Yet he knew he'd have done the same again in similar circumstances. Shaking the memories away he tried to concentrate on the data before him, but the screen kept blurring as words he'd spoken in jest to Chakotay came back to him.

"If I save you, your life becomes mine; right?"

"Wrong tribe," pain in the man's voice.

"Well, I know you'd rather it wasn't me saving your butt." Again shaking his head; trying to deny the words. "Your life becomes mine." It seemed to echo in his brain.

"No. He is my friend," his voice strong, defiant, trying to drown out the words in his mind. "He's my friend," he whispered, vaguely wondering why these words; of five years ago came back so clearly now. 'Your life is mine.'

"Ensign Paris. Report to sickbay," announced the Doctor's voice, breaking into his troubled thoughts. Gathering his resolve, he acknowledged the EMH as he left his quarters. The computer screen on his desk became filled with static and then cleared to reveal a tribal mark.

Janeway entered the area, whilst the EMH carried out a routine examination of the male's in residence.

"How is it coming?" she asked briskly, her stance very no-nonsense mode.

"Crewman's Markham and Dalby are fine," moving from the latter to the pilot. "I've only to do Mr. Paris, but they'll do," ignoring the angry glare from Dalby.

If Janeway noticed the three male's unease with each other, she chose to ignore it; knowing they had to work together on this important Away mission.

Kim entered and handed two data PADD's to the only female present and then exited. The Doctor finished his task of assessing Tom's physical health and gave him the required shots to combat any pathogens, for the upcoming trip. He left them to check on his main patient.

She called them to attention and explained their mission. To take a shuttle down to the planet surface close to the only human settlement and see what they could discover about the planet and its people.

"Mr. Paris, you'll be in charge." The reaction to this news was subtle, but noticeable. "These PADD's contain all the data we've gathered so far," handing them to the male pilot. "You'll need to kit up into casual warm attire. It is rather cold down there," her attempt at some light humour fell on somewhat deaf ears. She stood surveying the three males and their various expressions and moods. Tom Paris was subdued; Dalby angry, directing sidelong glances at Paris. The tall dark male, Markham just waited tense. Making a strange noise that got their rather startled attention, she commented:

"Good. I see you are awake! This is a serious mission. I know you will carry it out in your usual professional manner; that both Cmdr Chakotay and I have come to expect from you," she paused, her gaze stern. Each male schooled their features and nodded acknowledgement. "Dismissed." They filed out; Janeway sighed. "I just hope, I've done the right thing."

"What else could you do?" the EMH asked, walking toward her. "They are the only ones aboard, with both the experience for the current weather conditions and are similarly humanoid enough to pass the local inhabitants suspicions." Janeway smiled a little bemused and then asked about Chakotay; only to be told there was 'No change', after which she also left leaving the Doctor alone with his comatose patient. Eyes worried he returned to monitoring the unchanging readouts. Brain pattern active; rest of body still, even the face was smooth and calm. The medic's face creased with a frown, looking up at the main doors to the area, remembering her worried expression; thus he didn't see the change in the pattern on the screen; a tribal tattoo.

/\/\

Melvern stood tall his jet-black hair tied into two loose braids framing his face. His well-toned muscled body covered in the silver/white fur clothing of all his people, the N'de. His son, Elki stood beside him as tall as the bear whose name he bore. This council meeting was not going well, he thought, hearing the younger warriors calling for blood – the warpath – whilst the older ones spoke of the ancient tales. Realising things were getting out of hand, he decided to speak; but before he could utter a word, a shout came from the outskirts of their small settlement. Tora – female friend of Freya – ran up, eyes wide she stood panting a moment, head bowed. Then her amber eyes met his with deep sorrow.

"Freya comes mourning," she said sadly. A soft sigh whispered through the group, knowing what that meant. The Great Chief looked over Tora's head, seeking; his own amber eyes worried; then he saw the female coming and he realised she wasn't alone. The young warriors started to voice their thoughts on the intruders, angrily advocating fighting them; yet Melvern paid them little heed, moving to meet the young woman and her escort. The three met just within the outer limits of the settlement. The tall leader looked at the stranger, his face marked with the tribal tattoo over his left eye.

"Welcome, Kindred Spirit. I, Melvern welcomes you," his strong voice carrying across the snow covered village, which halted all vocal noise, including the arguing warriors, thus everyone took note of what was happening.

"I thank you, Great Chief for your welcome. Freya comes mourning for Lyulf," this male's tone equally strong, yet with a calmness that surprised all who heard it. "I called Chakotay."

This caused a murmur of excitement to ripple through the people, which ceased when Melvern held up a commanding hand. Not taking his eyes off this dark male's face he said:

"I was right to call you, Kindred Spirit," giving Chakotay a warm smile. Freya looked from one male to the other, noting her new companion's inner calm and strength, something she'd always admired in her Grandfather, Fiery Wolf. She smiled at them both; hearing Melvern call Harelda to bring food for the travellers. Soon the two of them were enfolded into these warm people.

Only Hakan and one or two others of the young vocal angry warriors scowled at the newcomer, from a distance; despite his supposed legendary name.

/\/\

The young female watched the scene below, from her hiding place, feeling cold; yet not from the weather, but from being so alone. She'd gone to the cave where the old one had always welcomed her, only to find it colder than the snow outside. Tears had coursed down her pale face, from her light hazel coloured eyes. Impatiently she pushed her silver hair out of her face, where the cold wind blew it, obscuring her vision. Now there was no one to comfort her; knowing that she didn't really belong to either peoples here, yet knowing not where else to go; for the planet had been her whole life. Feeling the tears well again, she pushed them and the negative emotions deep down inside her.

Night fell, yet still she did not move from her place near the N'de village. At full darkness, something disturbed the night stillness. Frightened she became very still, eyes wide trying to see in the swirling white blackness; as it had started to snow again. Then she saw him. Taller than the others in the village; coat more white too; with deep amber/brown eyes and the strange mark over the left one. A beautifully proportioned Lupine, stood proud before her, framed by the trees behind him. The two just gazed at each other over the short distance of a stone throw. The N'de took a cautious step forward, one paw raised and then he spoke:

"You are Tatiana – Silver-haired?" Blinking dazed the young female could only nod her reply. The warm voice spoke again: "Come, Tatiana," his call gentle, turning back into the trees. Slowly, stiffly she got to her feet and stumbled through the snow after his retreating body. He waited for her within the dense trees. Hesitantly she placed a small hand on his shoulder and then stepped back afraid, when he'd turned his head toward her; for she stood only a head taller than his fine muzzle.

"You have nothing to fear, Little one," his tone soft and understanding. Again she came close and put her hand on his shoulder. Together they moved through the trees toward the village; or so she thought at first, but he moved around it and took her toward a small shelter set away from the N'de settlement. There he urged her to lie down and sleep, curling his large warm bulk around her small frame.

"Do you have a name, N'de?" she asked softly.

"Chakotay," he replied. "Now sleep."

"Lyulf always called me, 'Little silver'," she murmured drowsily, warming herself against his silver/white fur coat.

"I know," he said softly, noting that she was sound asleep. He turned his head to look out of the shelter, knowing that both of them were outcasts; yet not fully understanding why.

/\