A/N: Greetings, okay so this is my very first Voyager fic so please be nice. Reviews, constructive criticism, etc are welcome.

Bad case of insomnia so I hope that doesn't effect what I was trying to create here and I have read and re-read this so if there's spelling/grammar mistakes, don't shoot me.

I own nothing, etc and the small speech near the end was inspired from 'The Dark Knight Rises'

Enjoy x

Chapter One - Alone

Slowly, Kathryn blinked open her exhausted eyes as her body protested, pulled from a dreamless sleep and back to harsh reality. She attempted to move but the mental order was greeted with an overwhelming fatigue that prevented even the slightest of movements.

Her eyes adjusted to the darkness which surrounded her, similar to that of 'the void' that the crew had nicknamed a region of space that they had encountered some years previously, the darkness which threatened to completely consume her. Her throat constricted tightly which prevent her voice from ordering light to dispel the taunting darkness although there was a small comfort as she observed the streaks of stars that provided a cushion of comfort as the ship continued on its journey home.

Kathryn licked her dry lips and frowned as the fog that clouded her mind began to dissipate and she realized that instead of resting in a comfortable bed that she was painfully and awkwardly lying on the carpeted floor of her quarters. In her mind, she searched for a memory or explanation but confusion engulfed her consciousness in strong nauseating waves.

Reluctantly, her body conceded to her venomous orders, determined to conquer the fatigue and get hell off the floor.

'Yes, Kathryn! An excellent plan...first, get off the floor and secondly, have a coffee.'

The internal voice that rationalized her sound plan, offered encouragement and she planned to do that exactly.

An intense, sharp pain emanating from her side and immediately rendered her immobile while a hand bravely inspected her body, trembling fingers felt over her uniform and she hissed as her fingers antagonized the sensitive nerves of an unknown injury.

'Okay, Kathryn. Keep calm; it's time for plan b!'

She fumbled blindly at her uniform jacket in search of her faithful com-badge but was unsuccessful and had inadvertently provoked her newly acquired injury, the pain began awaken and echoed perfectly in sync to her steady rhythm of her heart.

"Computer, contact...the doctor...medical emergency..." She ordered

There was silence that indicated that the computer did not follow the order and only increased her frustration.

"Computer, recognise voice command." She demanded

"Janeway to Sickbay," she continued desperately, "Janeway to Chakotay," she hoped and waited for a response, "Janeway to Bridge," She sighed, unsure of what to do, "Janeway to anyone...please, please respond." pleading, now deflated

She inhaled deeply to help settle her increasing anxiety and clear the lingering fog which partially clouded her ability to remember anything that would explain her unknown injury but also the computer malfunction, if it was a malfunction weighted heavily on her mind, in essence she was stranded within her own quarters.

Kathryn inhaled sharply through her teeth as her hand inadvertently caused further pain as she investigated the severity of the injury although while her limited medical knowledge and without a medical tricorder, she would have no idea the extent of the damage.

The material of her uniform jacket felt cold, she brought her hand close to her face and squinted against the darkness as her heart sank at the realisation that her hand was stained with her own blood.

"This is a reward for my patience...you see, it's the slow knife which takes its time."

His hushed voice sounded at her ear while his arm supported her weight. He admired the sight of the indestructible and fearless Captain Kathryn Janeway now that she had been knocked off her almighty pedestal, her body beginning to succumb to the shock as her mind attempted to comprehend what was happening.

The knife effortlessly forced into her side, under the ribcage. A small trickle of blood escaped and was evident on her uniform. His fingers tightened his grip on the knife handle, maintaining control as it was too easy to end her life.

"The knife that waits years without forgetting...and then slips quietly between the bones." He continued

Her eyes were wide with fear and confusion; she shook her head in denial at the entire predicament, willing herself to wake from the nightmare.

"That's the knife which cuts the deepest." He finished

He pulled the knife out of her and released his support grip from her which caused her to crash again the carpeted floor, both hands panicked to form a make shift pressure dressing to lessen the blood loss that seeped through her fingers.

He marveled at the sight before him, this was the reward for his patience.

Kathryn looked up at him with pleading eyes, "Why...why?" she gasped

Kathryn shivered as she remembered those cold, steely eyes and perhaps the unresponsive computer was also part of his plan too.