Chapter 1

When the aroma invaded her senses Kathryn Janeway's nose began to twitch. Instantly, her subconscious recognized the source – coffee! With the information dispersing throughout her now conscious mind sleep quickly evaporated. Leaning on one elbow her other hand left the comforting warmth of the blanket, quickly reaching for the beckoning cup.

This was the fourth morning since the rescue of the Cardassians and, as on the other three previous days, the beverage was waiting in exactly the same spot on the small end table at the head of the couch. Zeroing in on its target the hand grasped the object, lifting it to anxious lips. Taking a small sip of the hot liquid, a soft chuckle from across the living room area caught Kathryn's attention. As the last bit of sleep disappeared her eyes sought out the source of the sound. "What is so amusing?"

Sitting at his desk, Chakotay lifted his gaze from the computer screen. "You and your coffee. I've been moving around for the last fifteen minutes, not making any attempt to be quiet. Did I wake you…. no. But….. the second I placed coffee on the table you're wide awake."

Tossing her head Kathryn quickly retort. "Well…. You moving around the living area is not as interesting as a cup of good coffee."

Laughing, Chakotay knew better than to contest that point. "If you would like to digest something other than caffeine, I'll be starting breakfast in a couple of minutes."

Placing the cup back on the table, Kathryn gave a leisurely stretch. No way would she give Chakotay the pleasure of knowing she was indeed looking forward to breakfast. Reaching for her blue dressing grown on the back of the couch, Kathryn quickly slipped the robe over her pajamaed shoulders. Standing up she threw back the blanket before regain her seat.

Reclaiming the cherish beverage pure mischief danced in her deep blue eyes. "I don't feel like making the daily dash to my quarters, while at the same time attempting to avoid the spying eyes of the crew. Mind if I use your shower?"

Amused Chakotay reached for his cup of tea. It had not escaped his notice that as Kathryn Janeway's comfort level had increased, so to had her gradual takeover of his quarters. He was enjoying this game, it would be too bad when it ended. "Of course not, feel free to replicate anything you need."

This time Chakotay's dark eyes reflected his sense of devilment. "Just in case the same situation repeats tomorrow, if you require storage space, the three drawers on the left hand side of the bureau are empty."

Not revealing satisfaction at today's coup, Kathryn stretched out her bare feet. At the same time making sure the cup hid her face. "Thanks, it will save time not having to jog back and forth. The spy teams will be disappointed this morning, nothing new for the rumor mill."

Pretending to be shocked Chakotay took a drink before replying. "It's just your imagination Kathryn. I'm sure no one in our crew would spy on their captains."

Reaching for her uniform, carefully placed over the arm of a nearby chair the previous night, Janeway looked over at her co-captain. "I'm not so sure of that, I have overheard the occasional word from certain members of this crew. After all…. This is a Maquis ship, with more than one skilled intelligence operative onboard. From what I heard about Maquis audacity, I'm sure the small matter about our ranks would not deter a spy mission."

Heaving a sigh Chakotay remained silent. Especially since he knew Kathryn spoke the truth.

Understanding why Chakotay made no response, Kathryn couldn't help turning the screw a little tighter. "Now let's see… there's Seska, a Cardassian, who was spying on you for both Cardassia and Starfleet. Then there's Evans, a human, who was spying for you. Javis, from Sarous, did a little spying for both you and me on Seska, and of course Tuvok, a Vulcan, who spied on you for me."

After a slight pause for affect she rose to her feet, at the same time looking over at her friend. "Did I miss anyone?"

Trying hard not to show his amusement, Chakotay managed one word. "Nope!"

Laughing to herself, Kathryn headed in the direction of the replicator. After placing the empty cup on the pad she obtained a few needed items. Keeping her eyes straight ahead, Janeway made a point of not looking at Chakotay as she walked back across the room, moving past the desk to quickly disappear into the adjoining room.

Smiling, Chakotay glanced at the closing door. Yes….. things were definitely progressing in the right direction. However, this game would soon have to end, before it became uncomfortable for the two of them. Finishing his tea the captain walked over to the replicator, there he began the task of preparing breakfast.

Less than twenty minutes later he heard the door leading to the sleeping area slide open. Turning around he grinned at his companion. "That didn't take long, usually you require at least forty minutes. Evidently, not running down to your quarters is more efficient in the area of time management. However….. Since I didn't realize extra time would not be required, you will have to wait a few minutes longer for breakfast."

Glaring at her co-captain, Kathryn walked over to the desk. Sitting down she picked up one of the padds that Chakotay had been working on. "Perfect, it will give me enough time to read over the crew reports from yesterday. It was the second full day for the Cardassians and from what I saw everything appeared to be going well, especially with Oyal."

Moving over to the table Chakotay placed knives and forks in, what had become their usual spots, facing each other along the sides of the oblong surface. "There were a few minor difficulties, nothing more than the common problems occurring with new crew members. Mostly due to a lack of understanding of what was required, all easily cleared up. None of the section heads had any complaints, and though the Cardassians are keeping a low profile, they do appear to be mixing a bit with the crew."

Walking back to the replicator Chakotay continuing talking. "The latter thanks to extra effort by, of all people, our two Bajorian resistance fighters, Jarlin and Ery. They are making sure this crew is aware of Oyal's secret actions on Bajor, which will help all the Cardassians in the area of acceptance."

Slowly Janeway scrolled through the padd. "I'm sure the crew will be in a state of shock, I know I am…. The Cardassian Commander in charge of the occupation secretly helping the Bajorians. Well…. Evek certainly appears to be settling in better than I anticipated, you didn't witness our first meeting."

Uttering a small laugh, Chakotay turned his head. "No, but don't forget…. Evek pulled a phaser on me when transported up to Voyager."

Amused, Janeway looked up. "True, but that was only due to Oyal still being planet-side. Upon learning of the situation and plan Evek did work with you. Considering everything he kept his distrust, and probably his hatred of humans, under control, showing good sense. Something I never attributed to Cardassians."

Returning her attention to the report Kathryn quickly finished. Placing the padd beside the computer she pushed her chair away from the desk. Leaning back Janeway stretched out her legs. "Both Evans and Tuvok are pleased, with not only Evek's eagerness to learn, but also the manner in which he carries out his duties. Tuvok usually reserves judgment of new crew members but it appears this young Cardassian is the exception."

Carrying a full tray, Chakotay moved over to the table. "Come….. breakfast is ready… and here's a cup of fresh, hot coffee."

Kathryn leaped to her feet. "Fresh coffee….. to that…. I'll never say no."

Joining her friend Kathryn managed to keep a straight face. "I see that breakfast didn't take as long as usual to prepare. Lucky, I was ready earlier than you expected."

Slowly shaking his head, Chakotay looked over at Kathryn as she sat down, however, he didn't dare reply. Placing the tray on the table he quietly took his seat. When a cup of steaming coffee moved in her direction, Kathryn, her blue eyes throwing laughter in Chakotay's direction, reached out to take the offering. Once free of the cup, Chakotay placed plate-wide blueberry pancakes before both of them, then a bottle containing syrup plus a small bowl with extra butter in the middle of the table. After setting a cup of tea near his plate Chakotay glanced over at his companion. "Eat!"

Smiling at her second victory of the day, Kathryn poured a generous amount of syrup over her stack. Picking up her fork the utensil easily sliced through the soft, fork-tender pancakes. Eagerly placing her acquisition into her mouth she savored the delicious flavor. "Excellent as usual."

Chakotay dipped his head. "Anything to please."

Though busy with her meal Kathryn took the time to flash Chakotay an eyebrow raised look. "Really!"

Chakotay became intent on his own breakfast.

They ate their meal quietly, the silence sitting easily in the air around them, two enemies now trusted, respected friends. A friendship forged out of facing hardship and tragedy together.

Finishing her meal Kathryn settled back with her prized coffee between her hands. "I'm glad I managed to retrieve the Cardassian items stolen by the Kazon. Oyal mentioned how much having these physical mementoes, even the smallest of trinkets, are helping the group recover from their ordeal…. and being stranded so far from home. It certainly appears to be making a difference for Evek, that timepiece is the only item he has from Talnir. You should have seen his face when I handed it to him. Between reuniting Seska with her family and helping Evek, it makes the whole ordeal down on that Kazon planet worthwhile."

Still concerned over Kathryn's recent experience, Chakotay looked over at his companion. "I understand the Maje gave you a rough time."

Kathryn shrugged. For a moment she remained silent, running a finger up and down her cup. The memory the Maje left would not be easy to forget. "Not as hard as I gave him. When he first came for me, I could feel Seska's support, adding her strength to mine, helping me to do what had to be done."

Janeway took a deep breath before managing a small smile. "When the Maje had me alone, though neither of you were actually there, I could still feel both of you with me, helping to overcome the ugliness of the situation."

She hesitated before continuing. "There was a moment, a few seconds, when I almost did panic. He was advancing towards me, as I was backing away luring him into a position where he would grow careless. I suddenly felt weak, my vision clouded, memory of the Cardassian prison suddenly rose up. Then it vanished. The training you had given me came through. That was the moment I conquered and took command of the past."

Studying the face of his friend he stood up, reaching out his hand. "Here, give me your cup, I'll get two fresh cups."

Draining what remained in her cup, Kathryn handed it to Chakotay. Without a word he walked over to the replicator, quickly returning with refilled cups.

Handing Kathryn her coffee Chakotay sat down. Hesitating before voicing what was on his mind, he took a sip of his tea. "I was concerned the memory of being a prisoner of the Cardassians would resurface at the wrong moment. To be honest Kathryn….. I'm still worried about how both events are affecting you. No one is capable of completely forgetting such terrifying circumstances."

Not quite sure of how to reply she leaned forward. Placing both arms on the table Kathryn toyed with the cup, slowly bringing order to confused thoughts. Finally she looked over at Chakotay and smiled. "You're right, something like that can never be forgotten. However, forgetting is one thing, living with and accepting what happened is another. For twenty years I carried around those memories. Dreaded ever meeting Oyal again, I even had the occasional nightmares."

Leaning back she quietly reduced the coffee in her cup down to half, carefully putting her feelings into words. "Over the past couple of days I've had time to think, to analyze and clarify my thoughts and feelings. I now understand my mind had been allowed to remember, I never really tried to completely recover from that ordeal. Meeting Oyal now, a different person, not the young aggressive soldier whose face I had remembered, has helped me to not only close the door, but also lock it. I meant what I said to Oyal, about the past should stay where it belongs….in the past."

Smiling Kathryn looked at her companion. "And in a way the Maje helped. He forced me to meet my demons and conquer them. When I think of the events with the Kazon, all I see is a brute and a bully who got what he deserved. Allowing him any potion of my thoughts, will be granting him victory…. And that will not happen, he does not deserve even the smallest place in my life."

Intent on Kathryn's face Chakotay sensed he could put his fears aside. He knew Kathryn Janeway well enough to read her facial expression. All was well! Finishing his coffee he stood up. Looking down he held out his hand. "Well Captain, ready to begin the day. Our bridge awaits us."

Taking the extended hand Kathryn rose to her feet. "Yes Sir! It's about time this ship had her captains on the job. Especially as Tom Paris would have some pointed comments should we be late for duty."

Releasing Kathryn's hand Chakotay pointed in the direction of the door. "After you Captain."

Kathryn Janeway angled her head. "Thank you Captain."

Laughing the Command Team of Voyager left for the bridge.