[[ I don't own these characters, I just borrowed them, made them gay, and wrote about it. But I did give them back. ]]
Mystery Person
She was clearing out the databases again, getting rid of fragments and damaged entries. It was during this routine computer swipe the young crewman stumbled upon something inexplicable, something that would sweep Voyager with speculation. Going through the damaged data she found a letter in the deleted files, addressed to "Mystery Person". Struck by curiosity she downloaded the letter to a PADD and took it with her to her quarters. From on the other side of the wall she could hear Ensign Kim practicing his clarinet.
Pulling out the PADD she began to read aloud,
"Dear Mystery Person, somehow you've managed to stumble upon this letter of mine. Chances are I will press delete before sending this to it's recipient. I've fallen in love, quite by accident. It started small, passing each other in the corridor, exchanging ideas, and getting to know one another. This love of mine is untouchable, and unattainable. I wish things were very different, but they are not. I am and will remain alone. I just wanted someone to know about this weight I carry on my heart, and know that somewhere on this ship someone understands. Signed Mystery Person."
Crewman Cassandra Wilkes felt herself smile, and wondered who the people mentioned in her letter could be. Maybe it was Lt. Carey, from Engineering, maybe he couldn't confess his love because he's married. Or maybe it was some crewman playing a practical joke on her. Terry from the Science Lab had always been a bit prone to jokes. All the same, she was intrigued.
She found him sitting at his usual table, and he smiled as she walked over.
"Can I bother you Terry," she asked, taking the chair opposite to him.
Again he smiled, "Anytime Cassy."
Pulling out the PADD she pushed it towards him, and he read it.
"Cute," Terry replied, sliding it back to her, "but what is it?"
"Oh please, as if this isn't one of your jokes."
"Nope."
Cassy furrowed her brow in confusion, "But if not you, who?"
"You're in computer maintenance," Terry said, standing to leave, "run a trace."
It took an extra hour after her duty shift, but her trail had gone cold. The message was impossible to trace. Instead, she programmed the computer with an algorithm to find the phrase, "Dear Mystery Person". After an hour of searching she had the next letter. She downloaded it and waited until everyone in her room had retired before reading it.
"Dear Mystery Person. I don't know how to tell her I love her, and if I did we could never be together. I keep silent, until I crawl into bed and cry into my pillows. This love is painful. Some days I feel as if I cannot endure another moment, and somehow last the day. I hope whomever is reading this understands, and can understand why I write these letters and not speak my heart's truth. Signed, Mystery Person."
Again she was filed with curiosity as to the author of these sad letters. She sat and worked out several things about the author; it was a "he" as referenced by his attachment to "her", they had excellent knowledge of ship's systems and encryption, and most likely had access to a private terminal. This narrowed the list down to twenty of a possible one hundred forty-seven crewmen. She looked at her list, with names such as Tuvok and Carey on the list. Scratching Tuvok's name off the list, she thought maybe she'd ask Terry for help.
"Wow," Terry exclaimed after reading the second letter, "you're really onto something here. Any ideas as to who?"
"I did compose a list," Cassy replied, handing it to Terry. Though he was on Gamma shift they still found time to have a quick meal together before heading off to duty shifts.
"And you've tried a trace," he asked.
"There's some strong encryptions on this one," she explained.
Terry chuckled, "Maybe you're trying to go about this backwards. What if you could narrow down the search, try to isolate the signature. Engineering, Security, Command."
"Great idea," Cassy stood to leave, collected her PADD and headed to her computer junction.
She rushed to finish her duties before her shift ended, as she needed an excuse to do a search. Another letter was found, in the back up files, cleverly hidden, downloaded for reading later. The trace revealed the letters had a command signature, which greatly narrowed down her list. Firstly, it had to be an officer, with a high position. Secondly, the list had less than eight names now. Commander Chakotay, Tom Paris, Harry Kim, Lt. Carey, Lt. Andrews, Walter Baxter, Lt. Hargrove, or Lt. Russell. Some of the people on this list she had a hard time leaving on. Carey and Paris were married, and the others seemed unlikely. Except for Chakotay, after all, some of the crew had long suspected he had feelings for the Captain. It seemed likely, she just hoped the next letter held more clues. As her bunkmates crawled into bed she began to read.
"Dear Mystery Person. I guess I should give you a name, after all, I know someone is reading these letters of mine. I almost thought I wouldn't write another one. Yet here I am, watching the stars go by, glad at least someone is listening. I would ask you not pursue my identity, but a strong part of me wants you to continue. I need to be more than the cold unfeeling thing I have become. Everyday I go number, until one day I won't feel anything, not even the pain of unrequited love. I discovered she loves someone else, and I didn't know how to take the news, so I'm writing another letter I'll never send. Signed Mystery Person."
Cassandra bolted into from her bed and into her uniform. She knew if someone were alerted to her presence in reading the letters the alert could be traced to a station, which could lead to the writer. A part of her wanted to skip gleefully to her station, but she contained herself. When she got to her station she made sure nobody saw her. Her shift wasn't for another twelve hours, but the detective in her couldn't wait. The trace was successful, it revealed the alert went to the control panel at the main junction on Deck Two. This perturbed her, it was a very public access point. She went to the terminal, and saw in the very bottom of the panel the word 'Mystery' flashing. Whoever was writing these letters hadn't yet deactivated the alert.
"Computer," she ordered, "please keep a detailed account of the people who access this terminal, and transfer record to my personal database."
The computer beeped in reply, now all she had to do was wait.
At the very second her shift ended she ran to her quarters and activated the list of people to access the terminal, it was a surprisingly short list; Crewman Chell, Ensign Micheal Parsons, Tom Paris, and Captain Janeway. Instantly she knew it couldn't be the first two - they didn't have the command signature - and the last two were equally puzzling. Tom was married to B'Elanna and - according to Deck Nine Section Twelve - they were still very passionate. And, well, the idea that Captain Janeway would be in love with a women, come on, impossible. It did intrigue her though. She would have to do more research. From her personal console she ran another search for the key words, and was surprised to get another letter. Her lips silently read it.
"Dear Mystery Person. I couldn't bear to look at her today, or any day since I found out her heart was wondering. If we had to work together I avoided it, when she called I made excuses. I wonder if she knows I'm lying. Every time her eyes find mine I think she sees my pain. Last night I cried myself to sleep, and no amount of coffee could perk me up. I hope you don't judge me too harshly, Mystery Person, and try to understand this heart in turmoil. Signed, Mystery Person."
Her tears were hot on her cheeks, and she knew this could only be written by a woman in pain. The Captain, their Captain, suffered. Had she not accidentally stumbled on these letters, she would have suffered silently. Cassandra sat at her desk and wrote;
"Dear Mystery Person. Love cannot be judged, and nor do I judge you. I hope healing for you, because nobody deserves to suffer. I wish I could hold you in my arms, take away your pain, and thank you for all you've done. Sometimes when you feel broken inside remember I am hoping for your happiness. You deserve to be loved. I am here for you. You've touched my heart, my soul, and changed my life. Signed Mystery Person."
"Computer," she said, "when some accesses the alert on researched panel display data file with urgent status."
A part of her expected to be hauled in Janeway's Ready Room, and berated for violating her privacy. It's strange, but she felt very saddened by her Captain's pain, it stirred something within her. Something more than sympathy. Every second of her duty shift was a second in torment. Did she violate some unspoken agreement by writing back? But she kept her head down, and went about her day.
"Did you ever solve that letter mystery," Terry asked as he took a bite of his dinner.
"No," I lied, "I think those two letters were it."
"Too bad," he replied, "would've been interesting to know who."
"Maybe we should just forget about it," Cassandra felt she had betrayed her a bit by sharing the letters, "it was nothing after all."
"True."
When she got to her quarters she ran the search again, having had no reply for two days now. She felt perhaps the Captain felt she'd been discovered.
'She'd be right,' Cassandra thought.
"File found," the computer stated simply, and Cassandra eagerly downloaded it into her PADD.
"Dear Mystery Person," she read, "I want to thank you for your kind words. I used them like a blanket and have slept soundly these past two nights. She loves someone else, but at least she's happy. I can live with that. Part of me didn't want to respond to your letter, and I almost didn't. But I feel like that you are closer to me than my own heart. I sense your presence on this ship, bright and warm. Maybe this journey home won't be so dark after all. Signed Mystery Person."
Cassandra did not write a response right away, instead she waited. She felt that instead of sending another letter she'd tell the Captain how she felt to her face. Before requesting a meeting she returned to her quarters and check her appearance. She had long black hair, bound in a bun at the base of her head, bright hazel eyes, and a pale complexion. Taking up pins she redid her hair, and was happy to hear she could see the Captain right away.
When the doors to her Ready Room opened it revealed young Crewman Cassandra Wilkes, a lovely woman from the Science department.
"Afternoon Crewman," she greeted, seated at her desk.
Cassandra approached the desk and stood at attention, "Hello Captain."
"At ease Cassandra," Kathryn ordered.
She asked hesitantly, "Permission to speak freely Captain?"
"Granted."
What Cassandra wanted to say was that she knew the other woman was in pain, that she was the Mystery Person, and she didn't have to suffer alone anymore. But something stopped her. Maybe it was the thought Kathryn might be very ashamed of her honesty, or the respectful distance everyone maintained. Maybe Kathryn wasn't ready for the truth.
"I just wanted to say that," Cassandra hesitated before continuing, "that I am thankful for all that you do Captain. Grateful for the sacrifices you have made for this crew. I just thought you should know."
Kathryn stood and put her hand on Cassandra's shoulder, and where the Captain touched her skin heated, "I appreciate that Cassandra."
"You're welcome," Cassandra answered softly, then turned and exited the Ready Room. Kathryn went back to her desk, and on her screen was Cassandra's profile. From Chakotay's former crew, though she had graduated from the Academy three years prior. Command track. Also a very attractive woman, Kathryn noted.
"Dear Mystery Person," she whispered, caressing her thumb along Cassandra's picture.
She practically hid over the next week, avoiding all public places, but still she was constantly running into the Captain, in hallways, the Mess Hall, and three awkward silent minutes in a Turbolift. Though Cassandra found it strange the Captain always wore a slight smirk. If Cassandra had been a suspicious person she would have thought the Captain was running into her intentionally, but it never occurred to her.
Then one night things changed.
Cassandra was laying on her bunk, unable to sleep. She went to her console and ran a search for "Dear Mystery Person". There was a letter waiting. Tapping her finger against the desk she looked about to make sure her roommates were sleeping and opened the message.
"Dear Mystery Person. A few days ago I had a meeting with a young crewman, and she thanked me. Thanked me when she had banished the darkness from my thoughts. I know who you are Mystery Person. Can't you hear my soul calling yours? You have stirred something in me I thought I'd lost. I am your Commanding Officer, but I am also a woman. If you can look past rank so can I. Though I don't know you very well I feel I do all the same. Signed Mystery Person."
Kathryn was not in bed when Cassandra chimed her door, she was sitting on her coach. Cassandra had not bothered to get dressed in uniform, and wore a white robe over her blue nightgown. Her hazel eyes zeroed in on Kathryn's blues, conveying interesting emotions.
"Cassandra," Kathryn greeted in a whisper, a bit husky.
She strode over to Kathryn and looked down at her Captain. Without saying a word she took Kathryn's hand and helped her to her feet. Cassandra stood an inch taller, she stooped as if to kiss Kathryn, but stop millimetres from her lips.
"Don't tease me," Kathryn whispered, "if you don't want to do this, stop."
Cassandra brushed her lips to Kathryn's and said in a seductive voice, "Can't you hear my body calling yours?"
Their lips met passionately, and hands began exploring the body of the other. Kathryn found the knot to Cassandra's robe, and helped her out of it as the young woman's lips found her neck. Without breaking their embrace they managed to stumble over to Kathryn's bedroom. Cassandra was on top of Kathryn, and gently slid her lover's pink negligee over her head. She had one leg between Kathryn's, her mouth making a snack of Kathryn's nipples. Slender fingers entwined in Cassandra's hair, and maintained their hold as the mouth moved lower on her body.
"Cassandra," she moaned, but as her lover continued to explore her body her name was moaned, "Cass", and as Kathryn was closer to her orgasm it was inaudible moans.
Kathryn was spent, and curled easily in Cassandra's arms. The young woman wrapped her arms about Kathryn, smiling. Together they laid, neither one speaking of what had transpired, not wanting to break the reverie. Too many questions hung in the hot air around them, like an after sex smoke. Kathryn good feel Cassandra's breathing becoming steadier, and slower. If Cassandra spent the night what would it mean to Kathryn?
She whispered, "Are you asleep?"
"No," came the reply, as Cassandra stirred, and they both sat up.
"Cassandra, I-" Kathryn began, but Cassandra put a finger on her lips. She watched as her young lover slipped back into her night clothes, totally silent. Before turning to leave Cassandra bent over Kathryn, as she gave Kathryn a gently kiss she said, "Goodnight Mystery Woman."
Kathryn's lips eagerly accepted a kiss, and never formed a word as Cassandra walked into the corridor. Instead she sighed deeply- though not sadly- as she slipped back into her negligee.
"Computer, lights on," and saw the disarray her quarters where in. Somehow her coffee table had ended up on it's side and sheets had come off the mattress. Did she feel any regret, yes, a little. There was a lot of risk in taking a lover. But did she want it to stop here, just one night to remember for the cold nights to come, that she couldn't answer.
Four days passed, and they had managed to completely avoid each other until Cassandra showed up for her Holodeck time as Kathryn exited the same Holodeck she'd booked. Immediately she stood at attention, eyes unreadable.
"Captain," she greeted.
Kathryn looked away, "Hello Crewman. Done for the day?"
"Yes, just headed for some kayaking."
"Careful you don't get hurt," Kathryn cautioned, "it could be dangerous."
"It could be," Cassandra agreed, "but it's more fulfilling that way. Tests my limits."
Kathryn's eyes moved appreciatively over Cassandra's bathing suit, as the crewman's cheeks flushed.
"I'm sure you can handle yourself."
"I can."
Cassandra was sure she saw the hint of a smirk on Kathryn's lips as she walked away. She leaned against the bulkhead, and could now comprehend her desire to see her Mystery Woman again.
When Kathryn entered her quarters she released the breath she'd been holding in since meeting Cassandra. Her eyes drunk of the sight of her body. She went over to her computer and sent a message to Cassandra's, "A Mystery Woman awaits."
A few hours later she opened her doors to reveal Cassandra, still in uniform. Kathryn guided her into a passionate embrace and a deep kiss, full of longing. Jackets, pants, and boots came flying off, in a trail towards the bedroom. Tonight, however, Kathryn pinned Cassandra down and began discovering her body. Again they made passionate love, but never said a word afterwards, as if speech would destroy the magic. Again Kathryn slept alone.
Another three days go by, and Cassandra enters a Turbolift with Chakotay and Kathryn. They say nothing to one another, though as Kathryn leaves with Chakotay her fingertips graze along Cassandra's hip bone, she has been summoned by her Mystery Woman.
Night after night they are consumed by sexual desire for one another, and neither pushes it further. Kathryn's moods improve and Cassandra is caught humming to herself at times. Even the most astute observer would never guess that these people, worlds apart, would be tearing each other's clothes off later. Which is why keeping things a secret was a success for so long. But eventually their luck ran out.
Believe it or not, it was Chakotay who first became suspicious. He still had his weekly dinners with her, but sometimes her quarters felt a little out of order. It happened innocently enough, they moved onto her couch and Chakotay felt like he was sitting on something. He made a face and reached out and pulled a pair of underwear from underneath himself.
Kathryn's jaw dropped at the sight, mostly because they weren't hers.
"My apologies Kathryn," he whispered.
"It's uh, okay," she stammered nervously a bit, "besides, it's not like they're mine."
"Who's else could they be?"
"Hmm?"
"The underwear," he let them fall to the floor, "you said they weren't yours."
"Well of course they're mine," she said simply, taking a long sip of wine.
He braved another ten minutes of awkward conversation before excusing himself. As he headed down the corridor he mildly noticed Crewman Wilkes was headed in the direction he'd come from and wondering what she was doing out and about at this hour.
When Cassandra entered she saw Kathryn with a pair of underwear in her hand.
"Forget something?"
"Yes, I believe I did," Cassandra replied, unzipping Kathryn's uniform.
Tonight was unlike any other night, because as Cassandra stood to gather her clothes Kathryn stopped her.
She stated, "I'd like you to spend the night."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," Kathryn pulled Cassandra into a passionate embrace, "stay with me."
They made love again, uniform pieces strewn about everywhere, and when the computer woke them in the morning they were groggy and not observant. Cassandra had an early duty shift so she left first, and Kathryn leisurely did her morning routine. As she grabbed her jacket Chakotay rang her door, and she invited him in.
"Good morning," he greeted. He usually met her to walk together to the Bridge.
"Morning Commander."
He chuckled to himself, "Planning on going back to the Science Division?"
"What do you mean?"
Chakotay pointed to her jacket, well, not her jacket, Cassandra's teal Science jacket.
"Oh, I see," she replied, "I had breakfast with a Crewman and clearly there's been a mix-up."
"Clearly."
"I'll catch up with you," she said, and made her way towards Cassandra's station. Kathryn had a good chuckle over the matter and managed to get to her station without running into anyone.
"Captain," Cassandra addressed her formally, "it seems there's been a mix-up."
"That seems to be the theme," she said as she removed her jacket. As she exited the corridor to Cassandra she didn't notice Chakotay see her slip back into her proper colours and when he looked down towards Cassandra's station he saw the young crewman zipping up her teal jacket.
'Two women,' he thought, 'worlds apart.'
Made perfect sense.
After intentionally avoiding one another for a week, so as to dismiss any inkling of rumour. But after seven passionless nights their bodies called out to one another through the decks of Voyager. Cassandra came without being invited into Kathryn's waiting bed. She had no duty shift the following day so they made love all night. This was consuming both of them, their bodies and minds. Cassandra was young, energetic, the perfect combination to awaken Kathryn's dormant passion, and Kathryn was the first to match Cassandra's ardour. A perfect match, except they were very different people.
This wasn't love, but it wasn't pointless either. This was comfort in satisfying each other's desires.
Eventually rumours would circulate about Crewman Wilkes being summoned to the Captain's quarters at all hours.
Chakotay would squash these rumours with truth and reminded the culprits of respecting privacy. Though after catching Wilkes sauntering out of Kathryn's quarters, headed for duty, he decided to ask.
"Kathryn," he began, "tell me, is there any merit to the rumours?'
"Which ones," Kathryn inquired back, "the one about Harry dating both Delany twins? Or that Seven secretly eats chocolate?"
"Come on, Kathryn, you know what I mean."
She shrugged.
"The one about a Mystery Person coming to your quarters."
"Oh," she remarked casually, "this one is new to me. What else?"
"They say it's a Mystery Woman."
In her mind she smirked, but outwardly kept a stern poker face.
"I swear, gossip travels faster than orders on this ship."
"It does," he agreed, "about this Mystery Woman, you can confide in me."
She thought of her nights with Cassandra and waking up with the young woman in the mornings. Even now her soul was entwined with hers, six decks away.
"Chakotay," she said carefully, "could we not just keep it a Mystery?"