"... any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with." - Douglas Adams The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

1. Deer in the Headlights

"Do you need more time?" A gentle baritone voice called from the bathroom.

Kathryn Janeway gasped and almost dropped the bundle she held. "Commander! I'm sorry to intrude. I thought you were still in deflector control."

Chakotay emerged from the bathroom, a worn cotton towel slung over his hips and a puzzled expression on his face. "Captain? I thought you were Ensign Kaplan."

"I wanted to make sure they hadn't missed any of Cavit's belongings. And I... brought you a uniform. The replicators are down." She handed him the bundle and tried to look anywhere but the expanse of clean male skin in front of her face. Her eyes caught the edge of a Starfleet emblem on his towel. "Nice towel. Do they give those out in the Maquis?"

"It's a lucky one from my teaching days. I'm grateful it was rescued."

"I hope you're right. We could use all the luck we can get."

They smiled at one another and were still for a moment.

"I should dress -"

"I should let you go. See you on the bridge, Commander." She turned smartly and exited his quarters.

As the doors closed, a wolfish smile spread over his face.