Title: Truth's Revealed

Author's Note: This is a follow on story to my story 'Hidden Truths' but can stand alone. 'Hidden Truths' shows how Kathryn and Chakotay began their relationship after New Earth, and this story is following the relationship throughout the 'Basics' episodes, with my little twists and turns. Some of the original dialogue is used.

Disclaimer: No, unfortunately I don't own anything. I just like to play with the characters and make them do things TPTB were too stupid to do (*cough* JC *cough*). I'll put them back…eventually *laughs evilly*.

Chapter One - A Cry for Help

Kathryn's mind slowly began to acknowledge her surroundings, fighting the always present haziness that occupied the void between sleep and consciousness. Her eyelids preferred to ignore the battle and instead chose to remain closed blocking out any images which would complement what her other senses were suggesting. Her mouth let out an involuntary moan as her muscles protested at being used to turn her body to face the other person occupying her bed.

As more of her senses reawakened she could feel the full effect of the cool air circulating her bedroom, causing goose bumps to form on her pale skin and a shiver to run up her spine and explode throughout her body. To try and warm up she snuggled further into the mans embrace, allowing her face to burry in the crook of his neck and his scent to fill her nose. As if sensing her need for warmth the arm that rested across her waist pulled her body closer, the action causing an immediate smile to form on Kathryn's face.

Chakotay felt Kathryn's smile on his shoulder causing a small smile of his own to form on his features, his eyes fluttered open to gaze upon the small body pressed tightly against his side and the owner of the lips that grazed his skin. His smile widened at the sight and without conscious thought he lowered his face into her hair and lightly kissed her temple, whilst his other arm wrapped itself around her back and lifted her so that she laid on top of his chest. He gave her a slight squeeze before he broke the early morning silence.

"Good morning," he whispered whilst nuzzling her hair. In response he got an incoherent mumble which was smothered by his neck, before he felt tiny kisses being placed along his jaw which were leaving a searing trail of heat across his skin. He chuckled silently to himself and was about to speak when soft fingers found their way to his lips, he kissed them in retaliation which caused Kathryn's body to shudder in response. He grinned at her reaction and started to caress her back with his hand. After only moments Kathryn's lips finally found his own. She tenderly massaged his lips with hers and teasingly ran her tongue across his bottom lip, causing a groan to escape his throat. His lips began to return the favour, opening in a silent invitation…

"The time is 0600. The time is 0600."

Kathryn's head snapped up, her eyes shooting daggers at the mood wrecking computer.

"Computer reset alarm for twenty four hours," she growled. Quickly, she lowered her head and gave his lips another quick kiss before she threw the covers away from her body and leapt off of the bed, marching purposely into her bathroom.

Chakotay watched the whole scene in amusement. Kathryn's mood on a morning - especially without her morning coffee - was quite a show, that is of course, only if that said mood wasn't aimed at him which was precisely why he quickly made his way towards the replicator to order her favourite beverage, along with his special blend of herbal tea . He set the two cups on the dinning table and turned towards the bedroom door in time to see Kathryn step out, looking every bit the 'prim and proper' Starfleet Captain.

Chakotay picked up a stray PADD and began to skim the content as he held out the cup of coffee. Within seconds the weight in his hand was gone; his eyes flickered to Kathryn and he smiled at the look of pleasure on her face as she inhaled the aroma of the drink.

Kathryn took a large gulp of the black liquid, savouring the bitter taste and the instant kick it gave her. She studied Chakotay over the rim of the cup, her thoughts now running at full speed, the early morning grogginess gone. As tempting as it was to wipe the look of amusement from his face, she resisted, instead she moved to peer at the padd from the side. Recognising it from her 'completed pile' she let her mind drift as she discreetly watched Chakotay from the corner of her eye.

Although they had only been together for a couple of weeks, Kathryn really couldn't remember a time when she was this happy or content. Yes, her job was stressful and time consuming, but she loved it and wouldn't want anyone else to have it. Yes, they were stranded in the Delta quadrant, alone, but none of that mattered. She had allowed Chakotay into her heart and had finally admitted that she loved him, just as much as he loved her, and the ship didn't explode, they worked even better together then they did before and she was still just as driven to get Voyager and her crew home. She was just happier doing it.

They had both decided to keep their relationship to themselves for now. They were by no means hiding it but they weren't advertising it either, there was already a lot of speculation on the status of their relationship by the crew since they returned from New Earth. Of course there wouldn't even have been a relationship if Chakotay had stopped fighting and followed her silent order. For once she was glad he didn't.

Kathryn placed the now empty coffee mug back on the table and smiled tenderly at Chakotay, who returned it immediately.

"Thank you," she said softly the words having more meaning then they suggested. She placed her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"You're welcome," he replied warmly. "Breakfast?"

"I can't…I have a meeting with B'Elanna at 0700. Speaking of which…" she dropped his hand before asking the computer for the time.

"The time is 0645."

Kathryn looked up at him regretfully.

"Duty calls. I'll see you on the bridge," she quickly stood on her toes and kissed his cheek before turning on her heel and marching out into the corridor.

-----

Sudor carefully lifted the glass jar from the shelf it was presented on. The newly formed, and completely unique, Orchid stood proudly in the centre waiting to be viewed. Bringing the small flower up to eye level Sudor made one last study of his creation before turning confidently towards Tuvok to present his accomplishment.

"Look…" Sudor paused to wait for Tuvok to turn in his direction. "And you said that they were incompatible."

Tuvok raised an eyebrow in curiosity as he took the observation jar from Sudor's hands.

"You have confirmed the genetic structure," Tuvok asked.

"An entirely new species," Sudor stated proudly with a hint of excitement present in his voice and on his face. "I am going to name it after you; The Tuvok Orchid."

"That is an honour you should reserve for yourself, My Sudor. You gave this species life," Tuvok said in a voice devoid of emotion, eyebrow raised, although being secretly honoured at the thought.

"And you gave me life. All of this…" He gestured towards a stack of shelves displaying a variety of different types of plants, in the corner of his relatively small quarters, "is because of you…because of the meld." He returned his gaze back to Tuvok meeting his Vulcan eyes steadily.

"The meld may have introduced you to my interest in flora culture but you have embraced it entirely on your own and discovered a unique talent within yourself in the process."

"I used to think the only talent I had was a talent for killing," Sudor replied in a voice filled with passion as well as regret. "Please, it's my way of saying thank you."

Tuvok continued to study the tiny Orchid for a moment before returning his attention to Sudor's face and replying.

"Very well, I accept." He handed the jar back to its rightful owner who put it back on the shelf. Sudor placed his palms on the shelves cool surface and lowered his face towards his hands whilst speaking.

"Tuvok…I want to do something for the ship. I'm not asking you to let me out of confinement, I accept my punishment, but if I could just…" He spun around to face his companion, "just contribute somehow."

"What contribution do you feel you could make from you're quarters?" Tuvok questioned.

"I was thinking I might adapt some of the genetic engineering techniques I've developed for the orchids to make the airponic vegetable garden more productive."

"You're attitude is admirable. I will discuss it with the Captain."

"Do you think she will agree?" Sudor questioned hopefully.

"We'll see…Now shall we begin?" Tuvok knelt across from Sudor as they both took their places for meditation. "Notice you're mind working…how I plans for the future, visit's the past. Notice those thoughts and set them aside. Turn your attention to the white light that is your breath."

-----

The bridge had been relatively quiet since alpha shift had started, making the way for what seemed to be a good day. Kathryn sat comfortably in her seat at the centre of the bridge, quietly observing those around her. As per usual everyone was in their assigned stations, apart from Chakotay who was working with Lt. Holby at the science console. Her mind began wondering, visualizing the stack of PADD's on her desk in her ready room, that seemed to multiply every hour. Thankfully a beep brought her focus back to the present stopping that line of thought.

"Captain we are being hailed on a subspace frequency," Harry announced enthusiastically.

As Kathryn replied she placed her hands on the arms of her chair and pushed herself into standing position, moving closer to the helm.

"Are there ships in the vicinity?"

"Negative," Paris answered. "Tracking the source…Seems like its coming from an un-manned buoy…co-ordinates 140 mark 317."

"It looks like a Kazon signal Captain," Kim warned his face displaying worry. Kathryn quickly glanced up to the young Ensign before turning back to the view screen.

"Take us out of warp. Open a channel."

The view screen shimmered into life, eventually clearing to display a baby held in someone's hands. The mother's identity was revealed as a very familiar voice echoed on the now silent bridge.

"Chakotay…" Chakotay's head snapped around, his eyes immediately focusing on the message. Seska's panic filled voice continued. "They're going to take your son…When Cullah saw the baby…" Chakotay marched to the centre of the bridge his gaze practically burning a hole in the view screen. "I hear them coming, I don't have much time. When he saw the baby wasn't his…" Seska took a shuddering breath and quickly glanced backwards before her pleading eyes again faced forward as she begged for help. "Please Chakotay, help us, not for me for your son!"

The image became distorted allowing only the voices to be heard.

"I told you to stay out of here!" A stern, harsh voice growled.

"No…please don't, don't take him, I beg you. No please…no!" The last shout continued to sound on the bridge even when the view screen went blank.

Kathryn turned toward Chakotay desperately trying to offer reassurance with her eyes. Chakotay met her gaze, his emotions clearly visible in his eyes. When he realized he was showing too much he lowered his gaze to the floor and hardened himself against the turbulent emotions warring inside of him before turning back to the view screen.

Tension levels seemed to increase as the silence stretched on, nobody knowing what to do or to say. Kathryn placed her hand on Chakotay's forearm; he turned towards the contact, leaning into her touch, just before Kathryn spoke.

"Commander, my ready room," She ordered, removing her hand from his arm and marching into her sanctuary - Chakotay followed her every step.

The doors to the ready room closed slowly behind them, as if trying to purposefully emphasize the tension emanating from Chakotay who began to pace - like a caged animal - in front of Kathryn's desk. She called his name but he appeared to be oblivious to anything but his inner turmoil. After her second attempt at getting his attention failed she made her way around her desk and placed herself in his path, so that when he next turned he would have to notice her.

Chakotay turned again his eyes focused intently on the floor and not paying any attention to his surroundings, he took a few small steps forward but stopped as his troubled eyes fell on a pair of black boots. His eyes scanned the boots, slowly but surely making their way upwards until he came into direct eye contact with Kathryn. He inwardly cursed himself for being so selfish.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled regretfully, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. A look of confusion crossed Kathryn's face before she grasped one of his hands in hers and placed her left hand on his cheek, her thumb tenderly caressing his cheek bone.

"You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for Chakotay." He placed one of his hands over hers and brought it to his lips before replying.

"But…"

"No buts," she commanded. "You have absolutely nothing to apologise for…understood!"

A smile formed on his face at her use of her command tone before she tugged on his hand and forced him to sit in the chair in front of her desk. She gave his hand another squeeze before heading towards her replicator.

"Would you like something to drink?"

Chakotay looked towards the replicator and shook his head.

"No thanks."

Kathryn studied him over her shoulder as she ordered a coffee. His body was rigid and he was sat ramrod straight, every muscle tense with what appeared to be a mixture of anger and frustration. Knowing that this conversation was probably going to upset him even more she braced her self and leaned on the bulkhead next to the replicator.

"The question is what are we going to do about it?" she asked, emphasizing the word 'we'.

Chakotay jumped out of his seat and began pacing again as he snapped his answer at Kathryn.

"This is not my responsibility!" He ran a trembling hand through his hair. "She has no right to expect me to just…"

"She knows you Chakotay," Kathryn stated. Pushing herself off the wall she walked towards the railing and rested both hands on it, leaning into it for support. "She knew how you would react when you saw your son in danger."

Chakotay marched determinedly towards Kathryn so that he was almost stood toe to toe with her, his expression frustrated, tired and determined.

"I have a duty to this crew…to you," he stated his eyes intense. "I can't just leave and go looking for the child."

"And I would never consider letting you go into a Kazon Nistrum stronghold by yourself. If we do this we do it together," she announced passionately before sighing and voicing her concerns.

"That's something else Seska would know too."

"Do you think it's a trap?"

"Do I think Seska is capable of manipulating you and me with this?" She gestured with her hand, indicating the ship and referring to the situation. "Oh yes."

They shared eye contact again. Kathryn's expression filled with determination and the required amount of concern for her ship, crew and Chakotay. Chakotay was the first to break the connection resuming his earlier pacing.

"On the other hand, it was time for her to deliver…and that baby we saw did look part Cardassian and part human."

"And knowing Cullah…I'm sure his pride was wounded when he realized the child was not his,"

She quickly descended the steps to stand before him again, still gesturing with her hands. "It makes sense Chakotay. It might all be true."

"Still the safest thing would be to ignore this message and resume our course," he said determinedly.

Kathryn looked up at him, trying to judge what he was really feeling. She knew that if he ignored this message it would eat him up inside and she didn't want that to happen. She also knew that he was acting out of anger and wasn't thinking straight - he would regret leaving the child in the future and she wanted to make sure he didn't have to live with that type of regret.

"I'm not going to resume our course just yet," she announced as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "I want you to think about this Chakotay." Her eyes pleaded with him to understand and follow through with her silent order before she turned away from his penetrating gaze. "This has to be your decision. If you choose to go after him…I know I speak for the entire crew…Starfleet and Marquis alike…when I say we will stand behind you."

Chakotay met her gaze quickly giving a slight nod in acceptance and thanks. He stepped toward her and after a moments hesitation he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Her arms wrapped around his waist trying to offer as much comfort as she could. Chakotay kissed her temple before saying a whispered 'thank you' as Kathryn backed out of the embrace.

"You can have the rest of your duty shift off. You need to have time to think about this." Again Chakotay reluctantly nodded his acceptance and she gave him a small smile in response. He went to move past her and towards the door but stopped suddenly.

"Will you be coming to dinner tonight; my quarters 2000 hours?"

Kathryn's smile brightened, alleviating Chakotay's tension.

"I'll be there."

In answer Chakotay returned her smile before striding out of the doors and making his way to his quarters. After the doors had closed fully Kathryn moved towards her sofa, sinking into its comfort gratefully and letting out the breath she didn't realize she had held.

-----

Chakotay had no recollection of how he made it to his quarters, all he knew was that one minute he was in the ready room talking to Kathryn and the next the doors to his quarters hissing shut behind him. His thoughts and emotions refused to give him a moment's peace causing a headache to attack his temples. He knew that Kathryn was right; he needed to think the decision through properly without anger clouding his judgment. Only one question kept springing into his mind; should he accept the responsibility for this child?

Ever since his late twenties Chakotay had known that he wanted a family of his own at some point in his future and had even had dreams of his children which had followed him through to the present day. He had never known who the mother of his children would be, but he knew now without a shadow of a doubt that Seska was not the person. In fact he was fairly certain that the mother of his future children was sitting in the ready room, probably reading reports at this very moment.

He had absolutely no part in the conception of this child even though the child had been created using his DNA. Just because the child had been given life with his DNA did that make him responsible or did the fact that he had no part in the conception rid him of the responsibility of fatherhood?

The never ending list of question added to his already overwhelming sense of frustration, his throat let out a low growl before he forced his body to move into his bedroom. He yanked open the bottom drawer immediately spotting the object of his search. Reverently he lifted his medicine bundle and walked back out into the middle of the living room. He carefully spread out the contents and slowly knelt down on the floor whilst placing his hand on the akoona. Perhaps my own father has the answers, he thought.

He picked up a carved stone from his bundle and held it in-between his hands as he said the ancient chant which would allow him to speak to his father in the spirit realm.

"I've never seen you so troubled Chakotay…" echoed a familiar voice in his mind before his eyes finally drifted shut and his mind travelled to where his father awaited him.

-----

The door chime sounded just as Chakotay placed the bottle of white wine on the table. He had prepared a meal of vegetable lasagne and coffee ice cream for dessert and all that was missing was the company, which has just arrived and was precisely on time as per usual. As Kathryn would say Starfleet Captains are never late.

"Come."

The doors parted to allow Kathryn to enter his dimly lit quarters; the smell of the food immediately hit her senses causing her mouth to water. Chakotay still had his back towards her but looked over his shoulder to give her a smile as he poured the wine. She casually took a few steps forward and ran her hand soothingly up his back to rest upon his shoulder, as she tried to sneak a peak at what lay on the table.

"Mmm…that smells good," she complemented. Chakotay lifted a glass of wine from the table and held it towards her; she took it gratefully and quickly took a sip of the sweet beverage.

"Vegetable Lasagne. I hope you like it, it was my mother's recipe," Chakotay stated pulling out her chair and gesturing for her to sit.

"Sounds delicious," She replied sitting in her chair and placing the glass back on the table.

Chakotay quickly sat across from her and began to eat his meal. Kathryn quickly followed suit. They shared some light banter and ship gossip before they fell into a slightly tense silence.

"Kathryn…"

"Chakotay…"

They both spoke simultaneously, forcing small grins to appear on their faces and completely destroying the tension in the room. Kathryn gestured that he could speak first and after a few deep breaths he broke the silence again.

"Thank you." Kathryn raised an eyebrow, silently questioning the need for thanks. "Thank you for giving me a choice." He reached over the table and grabbed hold of her hand, caressing the back of it with his thumb. She smiled reassuringly before replying.

"It's not necessary…" She paused momentarily. "I take it you've decided what you want to do."

"Yes…" he peered intently at their entwined hands, his thoughts travelling back to a small M-class planet, bringing a warm smile to his face. He forced his gaze back to Kathryn's face before he spoke. "I…I may not have had an active part in his creation, but…he is still my son. He had no part in his mother's manipulation. I want to save him…as long as the crew and this ship aren't put in danger." His eyes pleaded with her for understanding, as if he believed she would object.

Kathryn placed her fork down on the table and stood up, never loosening her grip on his hand. She gracefully moved around the table to kneel in front of him, placing her free hand on his cheek.

"Chakotay…he is a part of you, therefore is a part of this crew and a part of this family…" she hesitated briefly. "A part of my family. We do anything to protect our family members and we will find a way to protect your son." Chakotay's eyes misted slightly before he blinked away the excess moisture forming there. Without conscious thought his arms slid around Kathryn's slim frame and pulled her into his lap. She relaxed immediately, one resting light across his shoulders.

"I'll call a staff meeting tomorrow morning to discuss our options," she whispered in his ear. In reply he kissed her with all the tenderness he could muster before pulling away, both of them breathless, not just from lack of oxygen but from the emotional turmoil of the last few minutes.

The following morning all of the senior staff gathered together in the briefing room to discuss different plans and methods of defence against a possible Kazon trap. Several ideas had already been developed; assistance in the form of the Talaxian colony who had agreed to assist Voyager if necessary, echo displacement and the Doctor's ingenious idea of projecting holographic ships out into space to distract Kazon fire from Voyager.

Just as everyone was about to depart to begin their projects, Chakotay called them back.

"Uh…excuse me; there is one more thing - Thank you."

B'Elanna who was stood next to him mock punched him in the arm.

"No problem old man." She grinned reassuringly at him, mischief evident in her sparkling eyes, before following the others out of the room, leaving Chakotay and Kathryn alone in the briefing room.

Kathryn folded her arms across her chest and waited for him to join her. He quickly covered the distance and was stood in front of her within seconds. The corner of her mouth lifted displaying her famous half smirk that always made him melt inside. Placing her hand in his chest she gazed deeply into his eyes.

"Come on, let's go and get our family member back."

They shared a smile before marching onto the bridge.