Beth6787
August 2018
Delta Pioneers - Episode 8. Fishing
It's one year since Kathryn & Chakotay were first stranded on New Earth and he has plans to mark the occasion...
Riverbank hideaway, three miles from Hope Town...
It would be exactly one New (and old ) Earth calendar year since they had emerged from the stasis pods, next Sunday - and he wanted to mark it by completing his last promise to her before...before Tuvok had made that fateful call and everything had changed. Not that he begrudged the others living here with them. Far from it. During the eight months since Voyager had crash landed they had built a real home. With the help of friends they had made during their previous lives they had resolved the Vidian threat, eliminated Seska and the Nistrim and Kathryn - in her infinite wisdom and compassion - had healed the wounds between the Fleeters and former Maquis. Everything was starting to come together except...except them.
There was so much left unsaid. He had pieced together the full story of Maxwell Burke from snippets he had gleaned from B'Elanna, Marla and even Tuvok, the latter in a very roundabout manner : though the stoic old Vulcan never let anything slip 'by accident'. He understood her motives, bearing in mind the general situation at that time : but it still hurt that she had felt the need to let the matter go without ever confiding in him. It was also very apparent to him that she had shared something profound with Fitz that he was not privy to either. If anything, old cynical, Fleet hating Fitzpatrick was even more protective of Kathryn than himself : if such a thing was possible.
At the very least, he hoped that Sunday's surprise would allow them sufficient time away from the others to rekindle their old, easy friendship. Though, if he was truly honest with himself, he hoped for more : the playful banter ; the briefest of 'inappropriate' touches ; those meaningful glances ; a long overdue response to his "Angry Warrior" tale...
Slow down, Old Boy, he mentally reprimanded himself. One step at a time. As long as Kathryn has fun and relaxes on her rare day off, that's all that truly matters.
He stood back to survey his handiwork. He'd decided to be much more ambitious than was his original plan for the boat. So he had spent every spare waking moment for the last six weeks building them a fully fledged yacht. There was a proper 'below decks' duly kitted out with a small kitchen area, washroom, seating and sleeping facilities two. She was twin sailed and very much based on the craft Kathryn had recreated in her Lake George holo-program.
Although she had never taken him there - preferring to run the program in solitude - he was aware if it from encountering Harry and B'Elanna running that particular program when they were repairing the holo-emitters in Holodeck 2 after one of the Vidian attacks. He had been immediately impressed with the whole setting and, hoping it was a general use program, enquired about it. He had felt a mixture of disappointment and ...yes, anticipation ...when B'Elanna had informed him it was for the Captain's personal use only. He'd never let on that he was aware of it, but hoped she would take his plagiarism in the spirit he intended.
Picking up the teak coloured yacht varnish he had created using B'Elanna's newly minted replicators, he set back to work protecting the underside of the hull. Tomorrow he would take her for her first test voyage through the rapids of the early springtime river.
—
Meanwhile back at Hope Town...
"What if she doesn't agree to come?" Neelix asked B'Elanna. She looked over at Tom who replied "I'm sure she will. She used to go sailing a lot during her Academy days, I remember my older sisters joined her sometimes."
"Yes, but we promised Chakotay that we wouldn't ruin the surprise and all we 'officially' have is that silly inflatable dingy of yours. I can't see her wanting to squeeze in there with you to go 'fishing'."
B'Elanna emphasised that last word as she knew Tom had been busy fishing away at Chakotay for the last fortnight. Ever since he had followed him down the riverbank and seen his - as far as Chakotay knew - secret workshop. Of course, Tom had made sure The Big Guy had not realised he was there, but hadn't been able to resist filling her and Neelix in on his discovery as soon as he got back. Tom had been less than subtle with his hint dropping too and Chakotay had smelt a rat. Worried that Tom was about to ruin everything with his big mouth, Chakotay had come to her and admitted his plan to surprise Kathryn this coming weekend and she had promised to reign Tom in.
Though in the end, they had allowed Tom to create the diversion in the form of an invitation of his own to their former Captain. He was to tell her to meet him at a pre-planned spot along the river bank around 0700 on Sunday (so nice and private) where Tom would set up the fishing lines. To make the idea more enticing, he was to say he had discovered a form of New Earth trout which he planned to cook for breakfast once they'd caught enough. Once the fire was going and the fish ready to cook he would call Neelix and Kes to join them. This last B'Elanna had insisted on, so Kathryn didn't assume Tom was trying to chat her up!
Of course, the idea was that when Kathryn arrived there, she would see Chakotay sailing into view and the two if them could then do whatever Chakotay had planned. She very much doubted it would be sitting around waiting for the fish to bite!
So now, all that was needed was for Tom to make the invitation, and soon - before Kathryn had organised plans of her own! Just then, B'Elanna spotted her, accompanied by Harry , Fitz and Joe entering the Mess Hall for their lunch break. That was her cue to get back to Engineering and Kes was due back at sickbay to relieve Celes for second lunch. "Go hustle, Pool Shark". B'Elanna virtually threw him out of his chair. Very subtle!
Kathryn tried to pretend she hadn't noticed but Harry winced and remarked to the group "Uh oh! Looks as though those two are fighting again. I'd been hoping that Tom could get it to work with B'Elanna, but I guess she's too much even for him to handle."
Joe laughed "Rather Tom than me. Did you know she calls him Pool Shark when she forgets herself. And she's sweet on him. I hate to think what she calls me when my back's turned."
"If you ask me Paris is always aiming out of his league. He needs a girl who'll be easily impressed by his infantile behaviour." This from Fitzpatrick who had never warmed to the young helmsman.
Kathryn thought the misogynistic male banter of her colleagues more purile and infantile than anything she'd heard from Tom, but kept her counsel. After all, it was a sign of how far they had all come recently that she was included in this informal male chest thumping at all.
It was just at that moment Tom chose to 'chat her up'. "Hi Kathryn, I hear you have Sunday off for once this weekend?"
"That's right. I'm looking forward to a nice peaceful day to please myself."
Gee ! Not a great opening line Paris, Tom mentally kicked himself. "How do you fancy a freshly cooked breakfast to start?"
"Excuse me!" Kathryn couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was Tom Paris suggesting she spend Saturday night with him and then he would make her breakfast?! In front of Joe, Fitz and Harry no less and in the middle of the Mess Hall!
You idiot Paris he scolded himself. Chakotay's going to kill me for this. "That came out all wrong. What I meant to say is that I've done quite a bit of fishing lately" he could feel his face beginning to flush, "...and...um, I've discovered these really great New Earth trout and I thought maybe you'd like to join me along the river early on Sunday morning. There's this great secluded spot..."
He got no further before Fitz had him by the collar. "Show some respect Paris. She's way out of your league."
"Thank you gentlemen but I can speak for myself !" Fitz hastily put him down and the others hurried off to join the lunch queue leaving a very flustered Tom to try and dig himself out of the hole he'd created.
Kathryn felt sorry for him. Obviously he'd had a fight with B'Elanna and no doubt it was a date he had planned to spend with her. She decided to let him down gently. Smiling she patted him on the back. "It sounds lovely Tom. Don't worry, it's only Tuesday, I'm sure you'll have thought of a way to get back into B'Elanna's good books before Sunday. There's no need to resort to fishing around for a substitute just yet, especially your old captain." At that she laughed conspiratorially, trying to diffuse the situation.
Realising that he was about to blow the whole plan he tried again. "That's not what I was doing. I really meant to invite you all along. As a research scientist I think you'll be fascinated by some of the interesting fish I've caught recently and it's such a lovely spot early in the morning.."
She felt her heart sink. Fitz had been right, Tom seemed to have developed a crush on her - how embarrassing! Obviously she was going to have to knock it on the head : right away.
Gripping him firmly by the shoulders she spoke quietly but with authority "Tom. I'm flattered, truly. But and it's a very big but, I have never for an instant thought of you in that way and I never will. You are like a kid brother to me. Now, if I were you, I'd be thinking of ways to clear the air with B'Elanna in time for your fishing trip on Sunday. Excuse me."
At that Kathryn hurried to catch up with the others who had saved her place in the lunch queue. Feeling mortified, Tom hurried out heading for the shuttle bay. Thank goodness he was running systems diagnostics with Mortimer Harren all afternoon. Harren wouldn't even notice he existed and, for once, that suited him just fine!
—
Later that evening...
Neelix and Kes were both in fits of laughter, but B'Elanna was too mad at Tom to join in.
"You stupid P'tak ! Now how are we going to get Kathryn there for The Big Guy?"
Kes tried to suppress her laughter and think straight. "Perhaps you could ask Kathryn's opinion on a second supply for the hydroelectric dam? You know how she loves to work, to be at the centre of every major project. Well, perhaps you could suggest she comes and checks out the site early Sunday morning?"
B'Elanna mulled it over and was just about to take Kes up on her idea when Neelix butted in, "I actually think Tom should come clean to Chakotay about his little fiasco at lunchtime and let him decide what to do. Personally I think he should just ask her outright to spend the day with him. After all, they had four months here alone to get to know each other before the rest if us gatecrashed. I'm sure she would say yes."
B'Elanna was not so sure. Lately they seemed to have been...not exactly avoiding each other more...interacting just enough to work together professionally : but nothing more. She couldn't remember the last time Kathryn and Chakotay had attended the same social event that Tom had organised. Actually, she could : it had been Neelix and Kes's engagement party but as Kathryn was due to officiate at the wedding, it was sort of work related for her anyway. Sunday would be purely social and just the two of them.
"No Neelix, I think Kes is right. Kathryn hasn't really seen much of Chakotay recently. To be honest, Harry tells me she sees quite a lot of Fitzpatrick socially these days. If Chakotay was to ask her outright and she turned him down..." B'Elanna left the implication unspoken. They all knew how Chakotay still felt about his former captain. Looking at Kes she said "I'll leave it until Saturday evening then ask her as a last minute thing. Make it difficult to say no. I can always suggest we go early morning to have the rest of the day free."
Even Kes was now looking uncomfortable but no one could think of a better plan - except honesty. And that could spectacularly backfire!
Neelix looked at Kes and then pointedly at his chronometer. "Well it's getting late, we'll leave you two to it. Goodnight."
Tom and B'Elanna wished them goodnight then as soon as they were out of earshot he spoke. "I'm really sorry B'El , I know I stuffed up but believe me, I'm sure I was more embarrassed than her. And I'm positive Harry and the others heard what she said to me. I'll never live it down. Kid brother, that's how she said she thought of me."
It worked, taking the mickey out of himself brought out her protective side. "Well, you are a kid next to her. She's what, fifteen ? twenty? years older than you? Never mind, I'm sure she's had to deal with kiddie crushes on her before." She ruffled his hair. "Lucky for you I'm only six months your senior, that's more than enough of a challenge for you, Tommy boy."
"Oh really? Perhaps I should show you just how grown up I really am." He pulled himself up to his full height and gave her a very suggestive look.
Smirking back she matched his pose "Hmmm...perhaps you should."
Well you win some and you lose some he thought as he went in for the kill. At least the day looks to be ending on a high. Thereafter all thoughts of Kathryn and Chakotay were wiped from his mind.
—
Saturday evening, 2130 hours. Hope Town power plant...
All the others had finished work over an hour ago and headed off to make the most of what was left of their evening. Kathryn, as usual had volunteered for a double shift so was still there with her. Now was the only opportunity she would have. In the end it had been decided to let Chakotay think it was all set for tomorrow and Kathryn had said yes. Luckily Harry, Fitz and Joe were not in on the secret, so Tom had just had to suck up the teasing about his 'pathetic' attempt to get a date with Kathryn Janeway! Tom had suffered enough and she was blowed if she was going to screw thing up for Chakotay too.
"Kathryn, could I ask you a massive favour? I know it's your day off tomorrow but I'd really like your opinion on something before I suggest it to full council. I've found a second possible surge site where the river current is consistently vigorous and was hoping you could help me analyse it early tomorrow morning? It shouldn't take long. If we leave here about 0630 we could be there by 0700. It should only take a few minutes to assess, then you would have the rest of the day free."
Kathryn considered. She actually had a date later this evening, her first since the colony had been established. Heck! The first since she had left Mark back on old Earth. True it was only dinner with a friend, but if things went well...then she may not want to spring out of bed before sun up on her one morning off! "I'd be happy to B'Elanna, only not tomorrow. Let's do it Monday. We can still be back in time for the start if our shift at 0900 from what you say."
B'Elanna thought, furiously. "It's just that I set the survey equipment up at lunchtime and I don't want to leave it out there for two whole nights."
Kathryn was starting to feel impatient. "Well then, take Joe tomorrow. His day off is not until Tuesday and I'm sure he's more than competent to help you. Sorry, B'Elanna, I have to go. I've got somewhere I need to be in half an hour and I want to shower and change first. See you Monday." and with that she was off.
B'Elanna was stunned. This was bad! If she was meeting someone at 2200 hours on a Saturday night and she needed to spruce up first...it could only mean one thing. Kathryn had a date only not with Chakotay!
Worse, she didn't want to be disturbed early the following morning which meant it was possible...
Hurrying to close up she headed over to see Tom. They needed to put their heads together with Neelix and Kes fast ! Before Chakotay's heart was completely broken!
—-
2300 hours `Neelix & Kes quarters...
Kes was stunned. She knew that Kathryn had been keeping her 'professional distance' from everyone, as she had done of Voyager...so what had changed, and with whom? At this very moment she must be having dinner either in her house or his, whoever he was, and then...
She looked at Neelix with tears in her eyes. "What are we going to do?"
Neelix thought it highly likely it was either Fitzpatrick or Joe Carey she was seeing. His money was on Fitzpatrick. Although they all knew that they would never see their Alpha Quadrant families again, Joe was still married but Fitzpatrick's family had been lost to him way back. Before he had even joined Chakotay's Maquis crew. He also knew that Chakotay's relationship with Fitzpatrick had been very strained ever since the night of Dalby's death. No doubt he tolerated the man's friendship with Kathryn because he saw her need to play the Good Samaritan and help the man overcome his demons. If he thought that Fitzpatrick was making a romantic play for her...well it didn't bear thinking about!
Tom looked despondent "I don't see what we can do. We aren't even sure who she is with."
B'Elanna was adamant. "Well, they've only been together an hour at most so they are probably still eating. We have to do something - and quickly!"
"Such as?" Neelix was beginning to worry.
"Got it, I'll trip the shield grid alarm! Leave it just long enough to get everyone outside, then apologise and shut it down. At least we'll know who we are dealing with..."
Tom looked at her pointedly "and so will Chakotay!"
Damn! "Okay Pool Shark you've got fifteen minutes to get Chakotay out of town. I don't care how you do it, just do it! Then I'll trip the alarm."
Tom felt like a rabbit caught in headlights. "Why me? ! He's never going to drop everything and follow me off into the night - just like that. He's more likely to think it's a wind up and I'll wind up in sickbay."
"Sickbay! That's it! Kes fill the Doc in and get him to call Chakotay away to the sickbay on the pretext of some medical emergency..."
Kes was far from sure the Doctor was yet sufficiently emotionally evolved to play along but she couldn't think of a better idea this late at night.
"Alright, B'Elanna you call Chakotay in ten minutes anyway then set the alarm off five minutes later. I'll do my best to get the Doctor to play along."
—
Chakotay awoke with a start to see his monitor flashing red and beeping loudly at him. Feeling the old familiar surge of dread he threw his pants on and hurried to the desk. "Chakotay here."
He was even more worried when he got a split screen with B'Elanna and the Doctor. It was the Doctor that spoke first "Commander, I would appreciate your presence in sickbay as soon as possible.." B'Elanna interrupted, "You'd better make it snappy Chakotay. No time for questions."
Something had happened to Kathryn! He was sure of it. Rushing out and across town he was barely half way there when the general alarm sounded. Just when things had been staring to look up the Delta Quadrant was going to throw another spanner in the works, he thought bitterly. Would he ever get a chance of happiness with her?
—
They were just relaxing on the sofa with a last drink before calling it a night when the alarm sounded. Great! Her one night's R & R and now ...this...whatever this actually was. Her companion had already grabbed his phaser and was half way out of the door. She should really change into something more practical first : but there was no time. Grabbing her coat to throw over her evening attire she followed him outside.
—
B'Elanna waited with baited breath for Tom to report. He was watching Kathryn's house, hoping it was from there that she and her companion would emerge. He was in luck, sure enough the man bounded out first with Kathryn only seconds behind. Unfortunately, the man spotted him. Marching straight over he addressed him "Mr. Paris, perhaps you would be so kind as to explain what is going on." TUVOK !
She couldn't leave the alarm sounding much longer "Tom...TOM !" she bellowed when he didn't immediately respond "Who is it in there with her?"
Tuvok raised an enquiring eyebrow at him but Kathryn grabbed the communicator. So now that she'd rebuffed him the lad was stalking her?! This crush was getting way out of hand. "Miss Torres, you will report to the Mess Hall NOW! My companion and I would like to discuss this incident with you face to face."
B'Elanna was beyond caring. So, she'd probably interrupted them in the nick of time and now Kathryn was mad at her. Well so was she! Mad at Kathryn for cheating on Chakotay, even if they weren't officially dating. She was going to go in there and give her former captain a piece of her mind!
As B'Elanna cancelled the alarm then stormed out to challenge Kathryn, Tom hit his communicator.
"Kes, get Chakotay back here, now! It's all been a big mistake. Kathryn was having dinner with Tuvok! I'm going in there try and stop her saying things she will regret.."
Tom raced off hoping he would get there in time!
—
Meanwhile in sickbay...
Chakotay had charged in to find the place silent. No patients, no sign of anything happening at all. Just the Doctor sitting at his desk in his office and Kes analysing some samples.
Heading straight over to the office he stormed in "Doctor, what's wrong? Is it Kathryn? Do I need to mount a rescue mission?"
Before the Doctor had a chance to reply Kes's communicator cut in and Tom Paris's voice shouted through the line. Nothing made any sense, something about Kathryn and Tuvok...having dinner...so what? Had Kathryn fallen ill suddenly? Anyway, it was apparent that they were all needed in the Mess Hall. Now!
Instinctively he took command again. "Kes, grab a portable medkit and call Celes to join us. I've no idea what we'll face but the more hands on deck the better."
Chakotay rushed out with Kes only moments behind him. As soon as he was gone she made the call, but not to Celes. She just hoped that Neelix's 'morale officer' skills were still up to the job!
—
Midnight in the Mess Hall ...
Chakotay rushed through the door to find total pandemonium. No one seemed to know why the alarm had sounded and B'Elanna appeared to have been arrested by Tuvok! What in the name of the spirits was going on?! Sure enough Tom Paris appeared to be right in the middle of the debacle...
Neelix burst through the door, gasping for breath. It only took him a split second to assess the situation and deduce that Tom and Kes had not been fast enough to stop B'Elanna wrecking everything! He clapped his hands together as loudly as he could and spoke at the top of his voice. "Calm down everyone. There is no emergency, just a terrible misunderstanding. Tom, Kes and B'Elanna were trying to do a favour for a friend and everyone has gotten crossed wires. Please just go home to your beds. Kathryn and Chakotay, would the two of you please stay behind?"
The others started to mill out, complaining loudly under their breath about all the unnecessary upset. Only Neelix, Kes, Chakotay and Kathryn stayed behind. Tuvok had insisted on taking B'Elanna to the temporary detention centre until he heard back from Kathryn.
Kes felt guilty. This was all her fault. She had been the one to persuade B'Elanna to make up that silly ruse, she should have listened to Neelix in the first place. Now was the time for honesty! Before Neelix could implicate himself she piped up "I'm sorry. This mess is all my fault. Please let me explain..." then glancing at Chakotay she added, " and I'm sorry about ruining your surprise Commander.." before she recounted the whole sorry story.
When she had finished Chakotay just wanted to sink through the floor. If only Paris hadn't spotted his secret workshop all those weeks ago! Now Kathryn would think that there was something underhand about the whole operation : when all he had wanted to do was make her happy. As for B'Elanna's mortifying tirade about Kathryn cheating on him by sleeping with Fitzpatrick?! He didn't know where to begin. Before he had a chance to speak, Kathryn hit her communicator. "Tuvok, please release B'Elanna back to her quarters but ensure that she does not set foot outside her door before Monday morning. Tom, Neelix and Kes will be keeping her company for the duration. Janeway out!"
"Understood."
As soon as Tuvok cut the connection she glared at the other two. Neelix hastily pushed Kes towards the door, mumbling their apologies until they were out if sight.
So now it was just the two of them...
—
Kathryn and Chakotay stared silently at each other for what felt like an age, neither particularly wanting to make the first move. Chakotay because he was afraid that Kathryn would use tonight's total fiasco as justification for blowing his plans for the coming day right out of the water. Kathryn, because she was still furious at B'Elanna for her totally unjustified rant, yet acutely aware of just how awry her relationship with Chakotay had become. That he felt the need to hide behind their friends rather than just ask for her company directly.
It was Kathryn who broke the ice "Chakotay, what has happened to us?"
He looked away but she could still detect the flush of pink turning his cheeks more cherrywood than his usual caramel. "I...I don't know Kathryn...so much has happened in the last year...so much changed yet again eight months ago when the others returned. ..."
She moved to stand directly in front of him. Putting her hand on his chest, "Chakotay - look at me. Please!"
Gathering what courage and equanimity he could still just about summon up, he forced himself to look her in the eye. Fully expecting her to say that whatever had sparked between them all those months ago was long since extinguished, for her. What he did not expect was what came out if her mouth next.
"Chakotay. It's obvious that Neelix, Kes, B'Elanna ...and Tom ...have gone to a great deal of trouble to try and get me to a specific place at a set time tomorrow morning. I'm also almost certain that their plans for my day included you. So - PLEASE - just ask me."
Thinking that he had nothing left to lose he decided to cut to the chase. "Fine. Tom was supposed to bring you to the bend in the river bank a couple of miles south of town for 7am because at that exact moment you would spot a yacht sailing along with Yours Truly at the helm. I had planned to sail away with you for the day so that we would have time to just relax in each other's company. I built her for you. To fulfil that promise I made to you the day before Tuvok's fateful call. I promised you a boat to explore the river...and I upgraded my initial design now we have the salvaged materials from Voyager and B'Elanna's new generation of replicators to work with. I was hoping you would help me think up a name for her tomorrow?"
Kathryn was stunned. He had remembered after all these months and made good on his promise. No, better than that he had designed her a yacht!
"A yacht?! I'm...speechless...tha...thank you." she blurted out.
Not wanting her to have any more 'surprises' for a while he admitted, "I actually recreated the design I saw in a program Harry and B'Elanna were running when doing repairs to Voyager's holo-decks about eighteen months ago now. It was your Lake George sailing scenario. I hope you don't mind the blatant mimicry."
Kathryn just stared at him and started to cry. Oh no! What had he done! He was just about to blurt out another bumbling apology when her face broke into one of those 'light the entire star system up' smiles that he had seen on too few occasions before.
"You made a real life copy of the Golden Bird...for me? Oh Chakotay..." with that she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling face down to meet hers.
When she eventually let them come up for air, his knees felt as if they were about to give way beneath him. She looked at his expression and tried not to laugh. Putting him out of his obvious confusion she explained. "The Golden Bird. It was a gift from my father when I graduated from the Academy and received my first commission as an Ensign. Whenever I was home on leave, the first thing I did was transport out to the lake house and take her out for a few days. Golden Bird was my salvation after I lost my father and Justin and then, her virtual doppleganger when we became stranded out here ...and I lost Mark too. The only time I have been without her is this past year, here on New Earth. I should have known you would be my salvation and give her back to me."
He was beyond words. Had he known the significance Golden Bird would have been his first project for her. Not the head boards or even the bath tub. Smiling back at her he replied "So now she has her name, what do you say to the two of us christening her in the morning as originally planned?"
With a twinkle in her eye she laughed and in that deep, husky and utterly sexy voice of hers she countered "Oh no Chakotay ! You know what they say...there's no time like the present. If we head off now we should be aboard in time to watch the sunrise. Come on, let's hit the road." and with that she sprinted off in the direction of the river path, still in whatever evening attire she had worn for dinner with Tuvok.
As he sprinted after her he was so glad that he had thought to replicate that bottle of Dom Perignon. They would celebrate their new dawn in style.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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