Disclaimer: If I
owned Janeway and Chakotay
(etc…) I would – a- be rolling in money
–b- be happy with the "relationships" and –c- make Chakotay
have more screen time. He's so cute… Yeah well… their Paramount's so sue me; I took some liberties
J (Evil laugh)
Summary: A first meeting
Rated PG
She could see the stars if she closed her eyes. Billions of
little specks calling to her, beckoning her to join them on the journey of a
lifetime. It was her first time on a real starship. Sure, Starfleet had
had simulation upon simulation, but never had she set foot on a federation
ship. The doors hissed as she walked though. It was time for role call, and the
captain's speech. They would recognize her, acknowledge her presence, and for a
moment she would be famous.
"Ensign David Florence"
She was next her name was next, her knees knocked. This was it; there was no
turning back now.
"Ensign Kathryn Janeway"
There, that was it. It was over, she was a member of the crew, and she was a
true member of the Federation.
The days passed slowly in space, and she was lonely. Justin was on the ground,
as was the rest of her family. It may have been a month long exploration
mission, but it sure as hell was dragging out to lengths beyond what she had
dreamed. She walked aimlessly through the halls of the USS Washington, reading
her padd on the warp core diagnostic she had to run
when she went on duty again at 0600. God it was late, and she had to be up
early. She quickened her pace, and as she turned the corner, another body
collided with hers. "Damn it. Watch where you're going."
Kathryn's words had escaped from her mouth before she could control her
thoughts.
"I seem to recall, Ensign" the man's gentle voice emphasized her rank, "that
you were the one not watching, but rather reading."
She looked up to see who addressed her. He was no better than she, just
outranked her by a hollow pip. Lieutenant… she didn't remember seeing him
before. He must have been on the bridge. "Sorry sir" she muttered, rather
defeated.
"I think that we got off on the wrong foot, allow me to introduce my self." He
was not any older than she, maybe a year older, if that. 'He must be a good
worker' she thought. She caught herself staring at him. He was incredibly
handsome, and his black eyes, they were beautiful, as was the strange tattoo on
his forehead.
"I'm Lieutenant Chakotay." She looked up at him.
"I'm Ensign Kathryn Janeway."
They shook hands, and Kathryn knew that this wasn't the last time they would
meet. Her hand seared from his, his warm hand releasing her frigid one. His
eyes glancing at her as he walked around the corner back to his post.
They landed two days later. She saw him as they exited the ship. His eyes
lingered on her, hers on him. The tension was insurmountable, if only the
mission had been longer, if only they had more time.
They would get time.
Twenty years later…
"We will be one crew, Starfleet, and Chakotay, I would be honored if you would be my first officer."
Their eyes locked again. "Kathryn" he whispered under his breath. She turned
and spoke " Mr. Paris, set a course for home." The
clock of their journey was wound. They had seven years, and then Earth would
reappear on the screen. Seven years was plenty of time.
Just not enough.
